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Tower Floor 83 – Within the Mindscape
The world around Rael shattered into fragments of memory.
He stood within a swirling void—dozens of echoes floating in the air. Fragments of battles, betrayal, loss, warmth… love. And across from him stood the shadow—his first self.
The Apex Soulwalker.
Dressed in dark armor laced with threads of starlight, the being's smile was both gentle and terrifying.
"You were never supposed to survive this long," the Apex said. "You were just a shell—a vessel meant to bring me back."
Rael's hand trembled. "I'm more than a shell."
The Apex's eyes narrowed. "Then prove it."
---
[Mind Battle Initiated]
[Rule: No System Interference. Soul vs. Soul]
The void lit up.
Swords made of memory clashed in midair. Spells crafted from past pain exploded in waves. Every time Rael struck, a memory flared:
—Rika punching a dungeon boss barehanded.
—Iris healing him while bleeding herself.
—Selene kneeling beside him in silence after a near-death trial.
They were his anchors.
But the Apex? He wielded the power of every floor cleared before betrayal. Every title Rael hadn't earned yet. He was perfect. Pure.
And utterly alone.
---
Outside – The Girls
Rael's body floated in the arena, surrounded by golden light.
Rika paced furiously. "We have to pull him out!"
"We can't," Iris said. "This is… a soul duel. If we interfere, he might lose everything."
Selene clenched her fists. "Then we wait. But if he loses… I'll destroy whatever comes out of that body."
---
Mindscape – Final Blow
Rael knelt, panting. His blade—cracked. His soul—bleeding.
The Apex stood tall, unharmed.
"Give up," he said. "You were always the weakest version."
Rael smiled faintly.
"You're right… I'm weak. I'm flawed. I get scared. I fall in love too easily."
He stood.
"But that's why I'm real. I'm not a perfect soul—I'm human."
And he raised one hand.
> [New Skill Awakened: Soul Chain Resonance]
[Linking… Selene, Rika, Iris]
Three lights flared in the void.
From beyond the mindscape, their voices reached him:
—"Get up, idiot." (Rika)
—"Don't leave me behind." (Iris)
—"I believe in you." (Selene)
The Soulwalker blinked.
Then Rael struck.
His final blow wasn't strength.
It was connection.
---
[Soul Duel Ended – Victory: Rael]
[Apex Soulwalker Class Assimilated – 17% Integration]
[New Title: Echo of Infinity]
Rael collapsed, breathless—but alive.
---
Back in the Arena
He opened his eyes.
Selene, Rika, and Iris stood above him. Each face carried worry… and hope.
Rael looked at them, then smiled weakly.
"I guess I'm still me."
---