> [Battle Commenced: Trial of the Self – Phantom Hajun Ardyn Engaged]
[Warning: Enemy possesses 70% of your past life's power and instincts.]
[All copied skills restricted. Only original tactics allowed.]
---
[Legacy Floor – Crimson Battlefield]
The phantom raised its sword, the ground shaking with its aura alone. Black flames rippled with every step it took, burning away what was left of the dead world.
Lohan stood still.
Winter summoned a wall of ice between them. "That thing's stronger than any gate guardian I've ever seen. Are we fighting or running?"
Lohan smirked.
"I'm already running—from who I used to be."
He stepped past the wall, eyes locked on the phantom.
"But today… I stop."
---
Clash #1
Phantom Hajun moved first—disappearing into a burst of flame and reappearing behind Lohan with a downward cleave.
Clang!
Eidrasteel blocked it, but Lohan was thrown back, skidding across the dirt.
> [Defense Breach – Minor Rib Damage]
[Adrenaline Surge Triggered]
Lohan coughed blood and grinned. "Still hits like a bastard."
Winter fired a flurry of ice arrows from the ridge, but the phantom waved its hand—melting them with sheer aura.
"Don't bother," Lohan said. "This one's mine."
---
Clash #2
Lohan charged in again, sword low. He ducked a flaming slash, then delivered a spinning kick to the phantom's side—followed by a clean slash to its chest.
> [Successful Hit – 3% Integrity Loss]
But the phantom didn't flinch. It grabbed Lohan by the throat and slammed him into the dirt.
"Ggh—!"
> [Warning: Spinal pressure critical. System Override Engaged.]
[Skill Unlocked Temporarily: Instinct Echo – Ghost Step]
In a blink, Lohan phased out of the grip—reappearing behind the phantom and driving Eidrasteel into its back.
---
Flashback Sync Activated
Suddenly, visions flooded him.
> "You were the strongest, Hajun… but you never let anyone fight beside you."
> "Your power was worshipped. But your heart… was always alone."
> "You chose the Tower over yourself. And we betrayed you for it."
---
Lohan gritted his teeth and screamed.
"I'm not him anymore!!"
He slashed through the phantom's core—and Eidrasteel finally pulsed with full power.
> [Core Sync Complete – Godsmith's Legacy Awakens]
[Skill Awakened: Soulbrand Severance]
---
Final Strike
With one smooth motion, Lohan sliced through the phantom's torso. The world around them trembled as the echo of Hajun fell to one knee… then shattered like glass.
> [Trial Complete – Legacy Floor Cleared]
[Rewards Pending: ???]
[Gate Exit Opening]
---
Aftermath
Winter knelt beside him, grabbing his shoulder. "You good?"
"…Better than ever," he whispered.
> [Note: Tower now recognizes Lohan Ardyn as a Legacy Holder.]
[Status Updated: Unranked → Blacklisted by Divine Council.]
High above, in the Celestial Realm, Justine looked down from her palace.
"So… you still have some fight in you."
She smiled darkly.
"Good. Let's raise the stakes."