As they stepped through the portal, Rohan and Aria found themselves in a room filled with a sea of ivory, the air thick with an oppressive stillness. They looked around, disoriented, but saw no one else except each other. The floor beneath their feet was cool marble.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the void. She had obsidian skin that seemed to absorb the light around her, hair like starlight that cascaded down her back like a river of silver, and eyes that burned with an inner fire, ancient and wise. Her features were delicate yet striking, with high cheekbones and a small nose. She wore a flowing white gown that seemed to shimmer and shine, and around her neck hung a pendant that pulsed with a soft, blue light.

"Who are you?" Rohan asked, his hand instinctively going to his sword.

"I am... an intermediary," she replied, her voice like a gentle breeze. "And you are?"

The scent of fresh linen filled the air, but Rohan detected a faint hint of incense from the intermediary's direction. The intermediary's silky gown rustled softly as she moved. Despite the soothing atmosphere, Rohan felt a sense of disorientation, as if the room was spinning around him.

Aria stepped forward. "We're Rohan and Aria. But where are we? What is this place?"

The intermediary's gaze pierced through them. "You are in a realm beyond your own. And I must ask... where are you from?"

Rohan hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "We're from... a world called Earth," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced at Aria, seeking reassurance, before looking back at the intermediary. "But I'm not sure how much that means to you. We're not even sure how we got here."

The intermediary's eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable. "Earth? I am not familiar with that name. It is... a new one to me."

The intermediary's expression turned serious. "You have entered a realm where millions of factions vie for supremacy across different dimensions. You are pioneers, the first from your world to undergo this trial."

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As the intermediary spoke, Rohan's eyes widened in awe, his mind struggling to comprehend the vastness of the multiverse. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he gazed at the intermediary's ethereal beauty, her words painting vivid images in his mind. Aria, on the other hand, looked pale, her eyes fixed on the intermediary with a mix of fascination and fear. She seemed to be holding her breath, as if afraid to break the spell of the moment.

Rohan's eyes locked onto her. "What trial? What are the rules?"

The intermediary's voice was measured. "You have a universal year of protection, after which you must fend for yourselves. You must find ways to empower yourselves, for if you fail, your race will perish."

Aria's eyes widened. "What do you mean? How do we empower ourselves?"

The intermediary's smile was enigmatic. "There are millions of factions, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. You can form alliances, trade resources, or conquer other realms to bolster your own. But be warned: every action has consequences, and the balance of power shifts constantly."

Rohan's mind raced. "And what's the ultimate goal?"

The intermediary's gaze seemed to bore into their souls. "Survival. Supremacy. The fate of your world hangs in the balance. You must navigate this complex web wisely, for the cost of failure is extinction."

As the intermediary explained the trial, Rohan's face set in determination, his jaw clenched in resolve. Aria, however, looked like she'd been punched in the gut, her eyes wide with horror. "What do you mean, our race will perish?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Rohan's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the weight of their task. "But how much time do we have to prepare for this? What is the scope of our trial?"

The intermediary's expression turned serious. "A universal year is your allotted time. But be warned, it is not a fixed measure..."

Rohan's confusion was evident. "What do you mean? How can a year not be fixed?"

The intermediary's smile turned enigmatic. "A universal year is not bound by your planet's rotation or traditional measures of time. It depends on the fabric of time you are sitting on. Nexus will update you on the specifics. Suffice it to say, you have a significant amount of time to prepare, but do not waste it."

Aria's curiosity got the better of her. "What can we expect in this new realm? What kind of power dynamics?"

The intermediary's smile grew wider. "Power comes in many forms: battle prowess, intellect, technology, resources, and more. You will encounter realms with mastery over the elements, others with technological advancements beyond your wildest dreams, and some with magical abilities that defy explanation. Be prepared to face challenges that will test your limits in every way."

With that, the intermediary gestured to the steps leading to the next portal. "Now, Rohan and Aria, follow the steps to the next portal. It will bring you to an unknown land, even for me. The possibilities are endless, and the power dynamics are complex. You will need to adapt and navigate this new realm with all your wits and strength."

Rohan and Aria exchanged a determined glance and began their ascent, ready to face the unknown and secure their place in the multiverse.

The intermediary's smile lingered, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "May the fabric of time guide you."