The training arena of the Gaçe Nail Guild was silent. A wide stone arena stretched before them, surrounded by other students who watched the newcomer, Liven, with varying expressions—curiosity, awe, fear.
Coach Harven raised his hand.
"Today, we will witness Liven's power. The rules are simple: whoever stands wins."
Coach Seria nodded.
"The first test reaches the heart, Liven. You will not only show your strength, but your intent as well."
His opponent was one of the strongest students in the guild: Rayn. Muscular, stern, and scarred, he gripped his sword, eyes filled with disdain.
The duel began.
Rayn was fast. Before Liven could fully grasp his sword, a blow struck him. Then another. Blood ran from his hands as he fell to the ground. The spectators gasped, eyes wide with anticipation.
Inside him, a voice whispered: the Devil.
> "Liven… what are you doing? You weren't born with the curse. The curse chose you. In this world, everything is power… either you dominate, or you are crushed."
Suddenly, Liven's eyes flared. His left eye turned red. A dark aura exploded from him, filling the arena. Cold, oppressive, suffocating—a wave of raw power radiated outward.
Rayn froze. His eyes widened. His legs faltered, and a bead of sweat rolled down his cheek.
> "I… I cannot fight against this aura. I yield!"
Silence fell across the arena. Harven looked astonished; Seria, impressed. Other students approached Liven cautiously, fear in their eyes.
Harven muttered:
"This child… this is only the beginning."
Seria added quietly:
"Someone with this power becomes either an enemy… or a leader."
Liven closed his eyes and whispered to himself:
> "This power… is it mine… or his?"
Rayn had surrendered. The spectators were stunned, the coaches silent. Liven had won—but the emptiness inside him had only deepened.
As the crowd dispersed, Liven stepped away, leaning against a quiet stone wall at the back of the arena. His hands trembled. His eyes remained red. He buried his head in his knees.
"...What am I doing?" he murmured.
"This… this isn't me. This power… it's taking over."
As he closed his eyes, a vision appeared—his mother, gentle and kind, looking at him with love.
> "Please… no matter what happens, do not lose your heart, Riven… or now, Liven. The child within you is still there."
A single tear slid from Liven's eye.
"Mother… I don't know who I am anymore."
And the Devil's voice echoed once again:
> "Weakness will kill you, Liven… but I will make you strong. Choose."
Liven stood. His gaze wavered, uncertain, but one thing became clear:
This power was his destiny… yet he had to fight to keep his soul intact.
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