Divinity's Trial

THE GRAND RESET

As the day came to a close, the people of Elarion celebrated, their hearts filled with hope as they gazed upon the rebirth of their world. The ancient cities of elves, dwarves, djinn, and humans had re-emerged from the mists of time, standing proud once more, and the flow of magic had been restored, stronger than ever before. A new era had officially begun. The citizens gathered in the streets, lighting lanterns and singing songs of praise for the heroes who had brought about this miraculous transformation.

But not everyone celebrated under the stars. In the darkened corridors beneath the surface, where the light of day could not reach, one man moved with purpose. **Tur**, his cloak wrapped tightly around him, made his way toward the **Core of Elarion**, his footsteps silent as shadows, his mind swirling with thoughts. His heart wasn't here. Though Elarion had been saved, though the world had been restored, his mind still lingered on the ruin he had left behind in **Ortuzar**. He couldn't forget. He had set all of this into motion, yet there was still something unresolved, something that gnawed at him.

"I can't leave it like this," he whispered to himself. "I must... refine the Core. I need to harness all the ancient artifacts—freely. Then... I will return to Ortuzar. I will fix the mess I made. I will make it right."

Tur's eyes glowed faintly in the dim light as he reached the hidden entrance to the Core's chamber, the same chamber where he had merged the **World Engine** earlier that day. Now, alone and in secret, he planned to unlock the Core's full potential. He wanted to be able to control the **Belt of Annihilation**, the **Monoliths**, the **Obelisks**, and all the other ancient artifacts. They would give him the power to restore Ortuzar, to undo the horrors he had wrought.

As he placed his hand on the chamber's door, the metal glowed softly, responding to his presence. He pushed it open and entered, but before the door could close behind him, a faint rustle caught his ear. His brow furrowed, and he paused.

"Who's there?" Tur demanded, his voice steady but sharp, his hand instinctively reaching for Valnyr, his magical pen-turned-hammer.

From the shadows of the corridor, a familiar figure stepped out. **Luminous**, the light of Elarion's revival, had followed him in silence, her face full of concern but tinged with suspicion.

**Luminous (softly):**

"Tur... what are you doing?"

Tur froze for a moment, caught off guard. He hadn't expected anyone, especially not Luminous. He turned slowly to face her, his expression unreadable, but the weight of his secrets was evident in the tension of his body.

**Tur (calmly, but evasive):**

"Luminous. You should be celebrating with the others. There's nothing for you here."

Luminous' eyes narrowed slightly, her ethereal presence filling the chamber with a soft glow, as if even in darkness she could not be hidden.

**Luminous (sternly):**

"Don't lie to me, Tur. I've seen the look in your eyes ever since we restored the Core. You've been... distant, troubled. What are you planning? Why are you here, alone?"

Tur clenched his jaw. He knew Luminous wouldn't simply walk away, and the truth, though difficult, was too heavy to carry alone anymore.

**Tur (sighing, with a weary resolve):**

"You wouldn't understand, Luminous. There are things I need to fix. In Ortuzar. My past... it's a mess, and this world engine... the artifacts—they're my only chance to make things right."

Luminous stepped closer, her glowing eyes searching his, seeing the conflict within him.

**Luminous (softly, but firm):**