The crushing force grew heavier. Every breath felt like lifting a mountain. Every heartbeat thundered against an unseen weight. The warriors had faced countless battles, but this trial was something beyond mere combat.
This was a battle against existence itself.
The Struggle to Stand
Infinity God gritted his teeth, his body trembling under the unseen force. It wasn't just his physical strength being tested—it was his very being. He felt as if something was trying to erase him, to reduce him to nothingness.
"You are nothing but a fragment of infinity," the voice repeated. "Prove that you are more."
Shadow Fang collapsed, his arms barely holding him up. His vision blurred as memories flooded his mind—his past, his failures, the warriors who had fallen before him.
"Is this what they felt before they faded away?" he muttered.
Galaxy God clenched his fists, his power raging inside him, but the force continued to strip him of everything—his energy, his divine essence, even his thoughts. "This… isn't real."
Aurora Yoichi, still kneeling, exhaled slowly. Unlike the others, he did not fight the force—he studied it. His golden eyes flickered as he whispered, "This is a test of perception, not power."
Understanding the Trial
Infinity God's mind raced. If this was merely about strength, he would have already overcome it. But the voice's words echoed in his head.
"Prove that you are more."
More than power. More than just existence.
Infinity God's eyes widened. "I understand now."
Slowly, he forced himself to let go—not of his strength, but of the need to fight.
The weight began to lift.
Galaxy God saw this and followed. Instead of resisting, he allowed himself to simply be—and the crushing force eased.
Shadow Fang hesitated, but as he let go of his regrets, the pressure weakened.
Aurora Yoichi smirked. "Took you long enough."
Breaking the Trial
The warriors stood. The crushing weight vanished. The floating monoliths pulsed, shifting to reveal a new path—one leading into the heart of the Infinity Realm.
The voice spoke once more. "You have proven your existence. But will you survive the truth?"
A new gate appeared before them, shimmering with cosmic energy. Beyond it, something ancient and terrifying awaited.
To Be Continued…
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