Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince

Chapter 3. Second test

Variant grinned, the stick sparkled in the air. "Alright, we continue. Your test has just begun."

The Sanctum room is again filled with increasingly intense light. Leon's decision to receive this training began to show results. But, he knew this was only the first step of the long journey he had to take. 

With the power of Arkana he had just obtained, Leon was ready to face the next exam. 

However, there is something darker lurking - something far bigger than what he can imagine. 

Leon felt his body staggered, even though Arkana's power had just flowed through his body. The energy feels unreal, as if there is another world that interacts with each other in its body. Each of his body fibers responded, every bloodstream is now filled with potentials that he never knew before. 

"You have started the journey that will change your life forever, Leon," said the variant, his voice was serious. "However, your training has just begun. To master Arkana, you need to be more than just physical strength. You need to master your mind."

The variant stepped back, leaving the distance between them. Behind him, a large stone board appeared, slowly removing golden light that began to form ancient patterns. "Now, you will face the second test."

Leon raised his eyebrows, alert. "What is the test?" he asked carefully, feeling there was something more than just a physical test awaiting. 

The variant of smiling faintly. "This is a mental and emotional test. You will be tested to see if you are ready to use the power that is in you. Can you control it without falling into the darkness?"

Leon felt something was wrong. However, he knew that refusing to take this exam could mean he would miss a great opportunity. Without saying anything else, he nodded, ready to accept the challenge. 

The variant waved his hand, and in an instant, the room around them changed again. The stone walls that had been sturdy now looked transparent, showing the night sky filled with stars. In the middle of the room, a calm pool of water appeared, sparkling with silver light that reflected Leon's face. However, when he stared closer, he saw his shadow in the pool - but not his current one. 

The shadow was himself in the past. 

"What's this?" Leon muttered, feeling the horror that infiltrated in him. The shadow looked at him with blank eyes, as if there was a part of him missing. 

The variant appears beside him. "This is a reflection of your past, the deepest and hidden. For this test, you will be faced with the most dark memories. Memories that make you now."

Leon felt his heart beat fast. The memories he wanted to forget slowly appeared one by one-a memory of his lost family, about the struggle of life he faced alone, and about the pain he brought into his heart. He wanted to close his eyes, avoid, but for some reason, he felt unable to escape from the shadow. 

The shadow of him began to move, approaching with slow but sure steps. His empty and empty face radiated a sense of sadness that was so deep. "You can't avoid, Leon. You always run away from reality. Now, you must face yourself."

Leon felt that feeling again haunted. All fear, regret, and hatred towards himself who he had long hidden appeared just like that. "I ... I can't," Leon's voice trembled. "I can't face this. Not now."

However, the variant just stood beside him, not saying anything. "The system that is in you, Arkana, gives the strength to change fate. However, if you want to use that power wisely, you must face it first. If not, that power will control you."

Leon looked at his closer shadow, and at that moment, he felt a new power rise from within him. A feeling that he had never felt before - a confession, that even though his past was full of pain and regret, he could choose to move forward, to change himself. 

With a deep breath, Leon reached out towards his shadow. "I don't run anymore. I accept my past, and I will change my future."

The shadow stopped in front of him. Slowly, the shadow disappeared, and the water in the pool was calm again, reflecting the sky full of stars. Leon felt a new force flowing in him - a greater strength than just Arkana. 

[Mission 'Second Test: Self -Reflection' was successfully completed. 

[Gift: Mental Attribute +2, New Skills: 'Mental Fortitude' - The ability to overcome trauma and emotional pressure. 

Leon was panting, but his heart now felt lighter. "I'm ready," he whispered, staring forward with a stronger determination. "Nobody can stop me now."

The variant nodded satisfied. "Good. You have passed your second test, and that is the first step to master Arkana. However, there are still many things you must learn."

Leon knows, this trip has just begun. A world full of mystery and danger to stretch before his eyes. But this time, he felt ready to face anything that came. 

With new strength and courage that burned in him, Leon went further into a world full of destiny that had not been revealed. 

** The door to destiny

Leon still felt a strange vibration in him. The second test has changed it - not only physically but also mentally. The fear that once shaken him slowly disappeared, replaced by a new determination. Now, he must go further, entering a more dangerous and challenging world. 

The variant stared at him with an expression full of pride. "Good, Leon. You have passed the first two tests. However, your journey is still long."

Leon nodded, even though he still felt tired after facing his own reflection. "What should I do now?"

The variant smiled faintly, then stepped to the side of the room filled with ancient carvings. With one hand movement, the stone wall shifted, showing a large door with the symbol of Arkana that shines blue. "This door is the gate to the third test - and maybe the most dangerous."

Leon looked at the door with mixed feelings. There was something that vibrated his bones just standing near him. The energy that came out of the symbol seemed to whisper, telling him to enter but also warned him of the dangers waiting behind it. 

[New Mission Received: Third Test - Destiny Door]

[Description: Enter the door and face the hidden challenges in it. Only those who dece

nt can come out safely.]

Leon swallowed hard. "What's behind this door?"