The morning dawned heavy with anticipation.
Maximilian Kriegswald stood atop the massive spire, the vast city of Universität der Ewigen Flamme sprawled beneath him. The wind cut across the obsidian towers and glass bridges, yet the chill did little to disturb the fire smoldering within his chest.
He had heard whispers in the halls—rumors of the upcoming trials, the clandestine meetings of the House Lords, and the shifting alliances that were fracturing like so many shattered pieces of glass. But today, none of that would matter. Today, Maximilian would face something far more dangerous than political intrigue or the plotting of power-hungry Houses.
Today, he would enter the Crucible of Truth.
He felt the familiar hum of his aura resonating deep within him. The flames around him seemed to bend and flicker as though reacting to his presence, eager to witness what was coming. His strength had grown in leaps and bounds, but it was not the same as before. His S+ rank had evolved, stretched to its very limits. A hidden power pulsed beneath his skin—SSS+ in potential, if not yet fully unleashed.
He turned toward the figure standing beside him—Alwin, his ever-watchful friend and ally. Alwin's sharp gaze flickered from the horizon to Maximilian, his expression a mix of concern and silent understanding.
"You sure about this?" Alwin's voice was low, barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of years of friendship.
Maximilian nodded, his eyes narrowing toward the distant horizon where the storm clouds were beginning to gather. The Crucible of Truth was not just another test of strength or skill—it was the trial that all candidates must endure to solidify their place among the most powerful and influential forces in the world. It would probe his very soul, testing his resolve, his fears, and his capacity for growth.
"I have no choice," Maximilian replied, his voice steady, though there was a hint of tension in the lines of his jaw. "I've hidden long enough. It's time to stop running from what I am."
Alwin hesitated for a moment, then clapped him on the shoulder. "Then may the flames burn bright, my friend."
Maximilian didn't respond. Instead, he turned toward the entrance to the Crucible—a massive, arching gateway wrought from molten stone. The air around it crackled with raw energy, as if the very fabric of reality was being torn apart to accommodate the trial within.
The Crucible was an ancient trial ground, one where the strongest souls in history had tested their worth. Legends spoke of those who entered and emerged either transformed or utterly broken. Many had died trying.
But Maximilian was not like most.
He walked into the Crucible, his aura flickering and expanding around him like a wildfire in full force. The walls of the chamber were lined with runes, ancient symbols that pulsed with dormant power. At the center of the room was a colossal stone altar, inscribed with more symbols, and flanked by statues of forgotten gods whose eyes glowed faintly.
Atop the altar was a single object: the Flame of Truth. It was said to be a fragment of the eternal fire itself, an unyielding, sacred flame that held the power to reveal the deepest truths of one's soul.
Maximilian stepped forward, his every movement measured, as the room seemed to grow colder, darker. His heartbeat echoed in the silence.
The voice came suddenly, like a whisper in the back of his mind, cutting through the tension.
"You seek to enter the Crucible, yet you are already more than most. What is it you truly desire?"
Maximilian's eyes flared, his instincts screaming at him to remain calm. The voice was a test—this was part of the trial. It sought to probe his deepest thoughts.
"I seek to uncover my true potential," he replied, his voice unwavering. "I seek the truth of what I am meant to become."
The room shuddered in response, the temperature dropping drastically. A sharp, crystalline light shot forth from the Flame of Truth, and a ripple of energy spread throughout the chamber.
"Then let the trial begin."
With a crack that split the air, the Flame of Truth ignited, casting everything in a pure, brilliant light. Maximilian's body jerked forward as though an invisible force had seized him. His vision blurred, and his consciousness began to fragment.
The test was not physical—it was mental and spiritual.
Flashes of memories, of past lives, of ancient battles, and forgotten powers assailed him. He saw faces—his parents, long gone from this world—then his mentors, and his friends, their expressions filled with worry, confusion, and doubt. But there were others, too—strangers who stared at him with knowing eyes, as though they were waiting for something from him.
His aura surged wildly, fighting against the oppressive force of the trial. His senses began to warp. He saw fragments of his future—visions of worlds torn asunder by forces he could not yet comprehend. But through it all, one image stood clear in his mind's eye: a great, celestial power, radiating from within himself.
The Flame of Truth was revealing his potential, pushing him toward his true form.
And yet, even as the vision faded and his body steadied, he knew that he was far from ready.
The trial had only just begun.
Lore Drop: The Crucible of Truth
The Crucible of Truth is an ancient trial ground used to test the worthiness of those who seek to ascend to higher ranks in both the magical and political spheres of the universe. It is said that only those who are truly ready to face the deepest truths of their soul can survive the trial.
The Crucible's primary function is not just to test strength, but to reveal hidden aspects of one's nature, powers, and potential. Many have entered and failed, driven mad by the revelations they encountered. Those who succeed, however, gain access to profound insights about their destiny, and often unlock abilities that were dormant within them.
The Flame of Truth is the heart of the Crucible, and it is said to be the last vestige of the primordial fire that birthed the universe. Its powers are beyond comprehension, and its flame burns brighter the closer one is to unlocking their full potential.
Item Profile: Flame of Truth
Category: Divine Artifact
Rarity: SSS+
Effect: The Flame of Truth is a powerful, sentient artifact that reveals the deepest truths about the person who seeks its judgment. It can unlock dormant abilities, catalyze class evolutions, and even show glimpses of future events. However, its power comes with a heavy price—those who fail the trial often lose their sanity or are consumed by the overwhelming knowledge they gain.
Bonding Requirement: Only those of the highest potential can withstand the trial of the Flame. Bonding with the Flame can unlock hidden aspects of one's soul, allowing them to access abilities beyond their current class evolution path.
Maximilian's breathing steadied as the chamber began to settle. His aura, still flickering, hummed with energy as he stared down at the Flame of Truth. He was no longer the same person who had entered moments before.
He was on the cusp of something far greater.
But for now, the trial was far from over.
End of Chapter 31: The Crucible of Truth