As soon as Ethan stepped into the spirit realm, his entire body froze.

A breathtaking landscape stretched endlessly before him. Lush emerald forests sparkled with dew that shimmered like diamonds under twin suns. Waterfalls cascaded from floating islands, their streams of light-like water painting rainbows across the skies. Majestic beasts soared above—some with crystalline wings, others cloaked in flowing flames or mist. The air itself seemed alive, carrying warmth and purity that soothed his heart.

Ethan's eyes widened. 'This place… it's amazing. It feels… divine.'

But his awe quickly turned to panic when the ground trembled. From every direction, spirits of all shapes and sizes began racing toward him.

Wolves wreathed in lightning, unicorns glowing with starlight, serpents of flame, and even small bird-like sprites—all stampeding in his direction.

Ethan's face went pale. "W-what the hell?! I didn't even do anything to you guys!"

His legs moved instinctively, and he bolted through the glowing forest. Spirits chased after him relentlessly, their gazes fixed on him with burning intensity.

He ran and ran, his heart hammering, his voice echoing in desperation. "Why are you all chasing me?!"

For almost a full minute, he sprinted like his life depended on it—until suddenly, a blinding light appeared ahead, halting his steps.

The brilliance grew until it was almost unbearable, forcing him to shield his eyes. And then—she appeared.

The moment her form materialized, the very world seemed to kneel. Every spirit halted where they stood. Their bodies trembled, their heads bowed.

The air grew thick with reverence, as though even breathing too loudly would be an unforgivable sin.

A voice resonated in Ethan's mind. [It's the Spirit Queen.]

Ethan's breath caught. "The… Spirit Queen?"

And then he saw her.

She was ethereal. Her long hair flowed like liquid blue, tipped with strands of starlight that shimmered as though woven from the night sky itself.

Her eyes were a deep, radiant violet, glowing softly with endless wisdom and warmth. Her robes seemed spun from moonlight and dawn, embroidered with patterns of constellations that shifted as she moved.

An aura of serenity surrounded her, calming his pounding heart in an instant.

Ethan stood frozen, completely captivated. His lips parted unconsciously. 'She's… beautiful… otherworldly…'

The Spirit Queen's eyes softened at his expression, and she smiled gently. "Relax, Hero of Light. No one will harm you here. These children were merely trying to form a bond with you."

Ethan blinked rapidly. "All… all of them were trying to bond with me?"

She gave a small nod. "Yes. My name is Lyra, and I am the ruler of this realm—the Spirit Queen."

Gathering himself, Ethan quickly bowed his head, his voice respectful. "I greet the Queen of Spirits."

Lyra smile deepened. "You have a kind soul, young one. Your heart is pure, and your soul is strong enough to withstand bonds with multiple spirits."

Ethan straightened, still stunned. "Thank you."

Her gaze softened further as she tilted her head. "I see that Aurora has raised you well."

Ethan's body stiffened, his ears immediately perking up. "You… you know Aurora?"

Lyra's eyes glimmered with nostalgia. "Yes, I know her very well. I owe her many favors… along with a man who once aided me greatly."

Curiosity gnawed at Ethan. "May I ask… who was that man?"

Lyra's expression dimmed with sadness. "I wish I could tell you. But his name… his face… even his presence has been erased from my memory. It is a miracle I can recall that he even existed at all."

Ethan clenched his fists. 'Someone even the Spirit Queen can't remember? Just who was he?'

But he quickly composed himself and gave a small nod. "I understand. I was only curious."

Lyra smiled again. "It's fine. Don't worry about it. Now then…" Her gaze turned to him with purpose. "You came here to form a bond, didn't you?"

"Yes, Your Highness. Can you help me?"

"Of course," she said warmly.

With a flick of her fingers, the skies above flared crimson-gold. A massive phoenix appeared, its wings spanning across the heavens like burning constellations.

The very air rippled with its power, its feathers trailing sparks of divine flame. The sheer pressure of its existence made Ethan's knees tremble.

His breath hitched. 'This power… it's unreal…'

Lyra extended her hand. "It may appear collosal in size, but this phoenix is still a child I've raised myself. Take care of it well."

A glowing egg materialized in her palm, radiating warmth like a miniature sun. She gently handed it to Ethan. "Inside rests a very special spirit . Protect it. When the time is right, it will hatch and walk beside you."

Ethan carefully accepted the egg, holding it as though it were the most precious thing in the world. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'll treasure it."

Then, hesitating slightly, he looked up. "May I ask one more question? How do you know Aurora?"

Lyra's gaze softened, her eyes distant with memory. "A long time ago, there was a war for survival. She and I fought side by side during those dark days. That is all I can tell you."

Ethan bowed his head. "I understand. Thank you."

The Spirit Queen smiled, her voice etherial. "May the light guide you, Ethan."

Ethan's consciousness began to blur, fading like mist in the morning sun. The spirit realm dissolved around him, leaving Lyra alone in the vast, ethereal forest.

Her serene smile faltered, replaced by a distant sadness. "Looks like he also does not remember anything…" she whispered to herself, her voice trembling with secrets only she carried.

---

Ethan's eyes fluttered open inside the Whispering Forest.

Students gasped as they turned to him, eager to see the result. Professor Livana leaned forward slightly, her calm voice carrying through the clearing. "So, Ethan… what happened?"

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Of course, I managed to get one."

The words had barely left his mouth before a deafening cry shook the skies. Above them, a colossal phoenix blazed into existence, its golden-red feathers trailing streams of divine fire. Its wings spread wide, casting a radiant light that illuminated the entire forest.

Every student froze, their jaws dropping. The aura radiating from the bird was unlike anything they had ever felt—majestic, suffocating, and divine.

Slowly, the phoenix shrank, its form becoming smaller and gentler until it perched gracefully on Ethan's shoulder. Ethan bowed his head slightly, his hand resting over his chest in silent reverence.

The clearing fell silent, filled only by the faint crackle of ethereal flame.

The phoenix turned its head, its molten eyes falling upon Lily. With a soft cry, it leapt from Ethan's shoulder and soared toward her.

Lily blinked in surprise as the radiant creature landed lightly on her own shoulder, nuzzling against her cheek. "Wow… what a beautiful spirit," she whispered in awe, her hands gently stroking its shimmering feathers.

The phoenix cooed happily, enjoying her touch as if it had known her for years.

On the other hand, Seraphina smacked Ethan on the back of the head, startling him. "Why don't you go talk to her? She's a good kid."

Ethan's smile faded, his eyes lowering. "Talk to her? After what happened to her brother? I was… I was partly responsible for that… I don't have the right."

He sighed heavily. "I can't. Not after what happened. I don't have the courage to face her."

Seraphina's eyes softened, her voice quiet. "Ethan, not only you. We all share that responsibility."

But Ethan shook his head, his face heavy with guilt. "That's why… I'm sorry. I can't do it."

He turned, his cloak swaying as he walked away. The phoenix gave one last lingering glance at Lily before vanishing into sparks of flame, following Ethan.

Seraphina watched him disappear and released a long, heavy sigh.

Lily tilted her head, confused. She looked in the direction Ethan had left. "That was brother Ethan, wasn't it? My brother told me about him before… He said you're head over heels for him."

Seraphina's entire face turned crimson. "W-wha—?! Lily!"

Lily giggled, covering her mouth.

---

Next came Charlotte's turn.

Lily smiled brightly at her. "Good luck, Big sis Char."

Charlotte gave a small smile in return before stepping into the magic circle. Sitting cross-legged, she closed her eyes, focusing deeply.

Her consciousness drifted, and soon she opened her eyes inside the spirit realm. The breathtaking scenery surrounded her—the lush forests, the glowing rivers, and countless spirits watching her from afar.

Her heart pounded. 'So this is it… the spirit realm.'

Her gaze fell upon a majestic wolf spirit. Its fur shimmered like silver under moonlight, and its eyes glowed with calm intelligence. She felt a strange pull toward it. 'A wolf… loyal, strong, protective. That feels right for me.'

She reached out instinctively, but before she could even take a step, something strange happened.

The wolf looked at her—then turned away. Another spirit approached, only to reject her as well. And then another. And another.

Charlotte froze, her heart dropping. 'No… they're rejecting me?'

One by one, the spirits turned their backs, dispersing into the realm as if she didn't exist. The silence was deafening.

Her time ended, and the realm faded.

---

Back in the forest, Charlotte's eyes snapped open. Her breathing was heavy, her body trembling. Livana crouched down beside her. "Are you alright, child?"

Charlotte hesitated, her lips trembling. Then, mustering the courage, she spoke. "I… I didn't get to form the bond. All the spirits… rejected me."

The clearing fell silent. Shock rippled through the students.

Livana gently patted her head, her voice soft. "Don't worry. Sometimes it happens. Perhaps next time will be different. Do not lose heart."

Charlotte nodded weakly, forcing a small smile, then stood and quickly left the clearing.

Lily also ran towards Charlotte.

Seraphina and Ava immediately followed, their faces etched with concern.

Livana sighed, her eyes filled with pity. "Looks like she's taking it harder than I thought."

Selena watching lily run after Charlotte said "it looks like it ".

Her gaze turned toward the remaining students. "Lilith, you're the only one left."

Lilith folded her arms, her voice calm but distant. "Professor, I'm not feeling well. Can I try another time?"

Livana studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Your health comes first. Very well, we'll try again later."

Lilith turned away, her expression unreadable. Inside, a mocking voice echoed in her mind. [You just don't want to meet with Lyra, do you?]

Lilith clenched her teeth. 'Shut up.'

Livana clapped her hands lightly. "Alright then, let's wrap it up for today—"

But before she could finish, Kyle's voice cut through the air. "Miss Livana. Would you mind if I also tried forming a bond?"

Every eye turned toward him.

Livana tilted her head, then nodded. "Even if you're not a student, learning to summon a spirit is not limited to academy cadets. Why not? Step forward."

Kyle's lips curled into a smirk. "Gladly."

---

Meanwhile, in the Tower of Ascension…

The time limit ticked away. Only five minutes remained.

Alex sat cross-legged, his mask reflecting the dim glow of the massive field around him. All the other candidates were gathered in groups, whispering, strategizing. He was alone.

A deep sigh escaped his lips. 'Of course. Everyone has comrades. I'm the only one here like this.

But the most annoying things are these messages.'

the message windows have been popping up in front of his eyes, one after another:

{ 'The Draconic Lord' laughs at your misery. }

{ 'The Goddess of Judgement' shows pity for your miserable self. }

{ 'The Trickster' laughs at your dier situation. }

A vein bulged on Alex's forehead. 'These fucking gods… always watching, always mocking. Do they think I'm some clown for their entertainment?'

He clenched his fists, the glow of the mark on his hand flickering faintly. Then he took a long, deep breath and stood.

"Alright then," he muttered, his voice cold and sharp. "Let's do this. I'm ready."

-----

A/N:

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