The Skyglass Temple stood tall in the foggy distance. Its smooth walls reflected the sky like a mirror, shining blue and silver under the weak sunlight. Harvie followed Edna, walking past the thin, crystal-like trees. His heart beat fast, though he didn't show it.
Two groups. One goal.
Edna's squad.
Caelia Rimeborne's Phoenix Order.
They were not friends. Just temporary allies.
Inside the temple, the air felt strange. Cold. Heavy.
A glowing script appeared before them:
> [Trial of the Aetherial Reflection – Face the Truth Within.]
[Magic Null Zone Active. No Spells Allowed.]
"No spells?" Caelia hissed. "How stupid."
Harvie stayed quiet. He already knew this. He had died here once, maybe twice. The trial was not physical—it was mental. Worse than monsters.
One by one, they entered the mirrored chamber. The door closed behind each person.
Harvie went last.
The chamber was silent. The walls reflected not his body—but his past.
Suddenly, a cold voice whispered in the air.
"You again."
The mirror showed Edna dying. Again.
Again.
And again.
Her body crushed by falling stones.
Burned alive by her own magic.
Eyes empty, hands reaching for help.
Harvie stood frozen. His breath caught. His legs trembled.
"I saved her."
"I died for her."
"Again… and again…"
But every time, it wasn't enough.
He dropped to one knee. His fingers dug into the floor.
He wanted to scream.
To cry.
But he did neither.
Then the mirror changed.
It showed him.
Cold eyes.
Bloody hands.
A monster's grin.
"You are not a hero," the voice said. "You are a tool. A copycat. A coward who cheats time."
Harvie gritted his teeth. "Shut up…"
The voice laughed.
"Edna will never know who you really are. You will never tell her. You can't."
A red glow flashed in his vision.
> [Stability Dropping. Mental Strain: 82%]
[System Suggestion: Retreat.]
Harvie looked at his own reflection—eyes filled with pain.
"I know what I am," he whispered. "But I won't let her die."
The door opened behind him. Trial complete.
He stood, face pale, steps slow.
Outside, Edna waited. Her cheeks were wet with tears, though she wiped them quickly. Caelia looked shaken too, but said nothing.
Harvie looked at Edna. She didn't ask what he saw.
And he didn't ask her either.
They just walked.
Side by side.
Silent.
But for the first time… her fingers brushed against his, even just for a second.