Training (6)

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Luke had faced challenges before—beasts, monsters, and entities of unimaginable power. But now, standing at the cusp of what seemed to be his final test in the pagoda, he felt an odd sense of calm. It wasn't the battle-worn exhaustion he had experienced earlier, nor the relentless drive to improve, but something else—confidence. Confidence in his own strength, a newfound understanding of his capabilities.

This place, the pagoda, had been his greatest decision yet. He had come here with the intention of honing his skills, preparing himself for the vast multiverse that awaited his travels. It had been a decision born out of caution, and now, after spending what felt like an eternity battling and growing, he was grateful he hadn't rushed headlong into the unknown without first testing his limits.

Now, as he prepared for the ninth and final level of the pagoda, a mix of anticipation and a strange sadness welled up within him. He had spent an entire year inside, battling through the eight previous levels. Each battle had been a step forward in his journey, each victory a testament to his growth. But it wasn't just the time spent that saddened him; it was the realization that this training ground, this forge of his power, would soon no longer challenge him.

But then again, it wasn't truly the end. He could return here once he reached the next grade of power, continue to test himself against its challenges until he ascended to the primordial level. The pagoda, after all, was a remarkable artifact, perfect for the future disciples of his sect. He would need to adjust its time dilation settings, of course. The current 1:100 ratio was perfect for personal disciples, but outer sect disciples? They'd need something more forgiving. Perhaps 1:5 for them, and 1:10 for inner sect disciples.

And then there was the matter of personal disciples. Luke mused over the number—thirteen seemed a fitting maximum. Thirteen disciples to train personally, to pass on his knowledge and power. They would be the pillars of his future sect, each one groomed to lead and protect.

Kanae's situation crossed his mind briefly. She was still in a coma, her body undergoing immense changes thanks to the Origin energy he had infused into her. He would need to be careful with that power. It was far too potent to be used on just anyone. If he wasn't cautious, it could lead to unforeseen consequences, or worse, it could fall into the wrong hands.

Steeling himself, Luke decided it was time to move on to the final level. He had discerned a pattern in the challenges—each one escalating in difficulty. The ninth level would undoubtedly involve a million EX-grade beasts. A grin tugged at his lips. Let them come. He was ready. With his infinite regeneration and energy, he could handle them all, no matter their number.

But as the voice of the artifact announced the final challenge, Luke felt a ripple of confusion.

{ Starting Level 9: Perfected Mirror }

"Eh?" Luke frowned, his excitement giving way to confusion. He had anticipated an overwhelming horde of enemies, but what stood before him now was a single figure—a perfect replica of himself.

The sight of his own reflection materializing before him was unsettling. The pressure it exerted was immense, far greater than anything he had faced before. It was as if he was staring into a mirror that reflected not just his image, but the full weight of his power and potential.

For a moment, the mirror image simply stood there, studying him with a faint, almost knowing smile. Then, in a blink, it vanished.

Before Luke could react, a sharp pain exploded in his neck. His world spun as he realized his head had been severed, his body collapsing to the ground.

The message appeared before his fading vision, mocking him with its finality.

{ Do you want to try again or move to the safe area?}

"Try again," Luke muttered, determination hardening his voice.

The world reset, placing him back in front of the mirror image. This time, he was prepared

—or so he thought. But once again, the figure vanished before he could react, and once again, his head was separated from his body.

{ You have died }

{Do you want to try again or move to the safe area? }

"Try again," Luke growled, his frustration mounting.

Over and over, he faced the mirror image, and over and over, he met the same fate.

Each time, the figure was taster, stronger, and more ruthless. It exploited every gap in his defenses, every hesitation in his attacks.

It was as though he was fighting a perfect version of himself, one that had no flaws, no weaknesses.

{ You have died }

{Do you want to try again or move to the safe area? }

"Try again!" Luke shouted, his anger boiling over.

It took him a thousand attempts just to match the speed of his opponent. A thousand deaths, each one more brutal than the last. But with each failure, Luke learned.

He began to adapt to the mirror image's speed, predicting its movements, countering its attacks. His body moved on instinct, honed by the countless battles he had fought within the pagoda.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he managed to block the mirror image's strike.

The blade clashed against his own, sending sparks flying as they locked in a deadly dance. Luke could feel the power behind the mirror image's blows, but he held firm, refusing to be overpowered.

As they clashed, Luke noticed something.

The mirror image, despite its overwhelming strength, was mirroring not just his power, but also his flaws. It was limited by the same weaknesses he had yet to overcome. This realization gave him hope, a flicker of determination that fueled his resolve.

But the mirror image wasn't done. Sensing Luke's newfound confidence, it changed its tactics. It stopped relying solely on speed and began using more advanced techniques

—attacks that Luke himself had mastered, but never faced from an opponent.

In a flash, the mirror image unleashed an ice technique—one that Luke knew all too well.

A freezing mist enveloped the battlefield, the temperature plummeting as ice began to form on every surface. The mirror image raised its hand, and the ice coalesced into massive blade, gleaming with deadly intent.

Luke's eyes widened as the ice blade slashed toward him. He barely had time to react, throwing up his own defenses as the attack bore down on him. The freezing cold bit into his flesh, numbing his movements.

He gritted his teeth, channeling his own energy to resist the freezing effects.

But the mirror image was relentless. It pressed the attack, pushing Luke to the brink. The ice spread across his body, slowing him down, restricting his movements. He could feel his energy reserves depleting, the cold sapping his strength with each passing second.

Desperation set in. Luke knew he couldn't win if he continued like this. He had to do something, anything, to break free from the mirror image's relentless assault.

Drawing upon every ounce of his power, Luke channeled his energy into a final, desperate move. He unleashed his own ice technique, pushing back against the mirror image's attack. The two forces clashed in a blinding flash of light and cold, the ground beneath them cracking and splintering under the strain.

For a moment, it seemed as though Luke might succeed. The mirror image faltered, its icy blade shattering under the force of Luke's attack. But then, in a final, brutal move, the mirror image surged forward, its hand encased in ice as it struck.

Luke felt the freezing cold bite into his neck.

He gasped, his vision blurring as he realized what was happening. The mirror image's hand sliced through his flesh, severing his head from his body.

{ You have died }

As the world faded to black, Luke understood the harsh truth. The mirror image was not just his equal—it was his superior, exploiting every weakness he had failed to address. It was a test, not of his He gasped, his vision blurring as he realized what was happening. The mirror image's hand sliced through his flesh, severing his head from his body.

{ You have died }

As the world faded to black, Luke understood the harsh truth. The mirror image was not just his equal—it was his superior, exploiting every weakness he had failed to address. It was a test, not of his strength, but of his ability to recognize and overcome his own flaws.

{Do you want to try again or move to the safe area? }

"Try again," Luke whispered, his voice tinged with both determination and the beginning of understanding. He was far from done.

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