For the second trial, Leo and Aria traveled to a floating city made of glass towers and moving bridges.
Here, nothing stayed the same.
Doors led to different rooms each time you opened them. Stairs sometimes led nowhere.
At the center of the city was a mirror taller than a mountain.
The voice of the kingdom echoed:
"Only those who know themselves may rule."
Leo stepped toward the mirror.
Instead of his reflection, he saw different versions of himself.
A famous hero. A coward who ran away. A king ruling alone. A boy who never left Riverfall.
"Which one are you?" Aria asked quietly.
Leo thought deeply.
"I'm not a hero yet. And I'm not fearless."
He stepped closer.
"I'm someone who chooses to try."
The mirror shattered into light.
The city stopped shifting.
Aria smiled.
"Wisdom is knowing who you truly are."
The second trial was complete.