> [Trial Instance – "Ashborn Echoes"]
Type: Solo Memory Flame Trial
Condition: Soul Flame Compatibility > 50%
Warning: Emotional Interference May Distort Combat Experience
---
Descent
The stairs curved down in silence, torchless and alive with pulsing flame-veins along the walls. The deeper Jiang Han walked, the heavier his footsteps felt—not physically, but spiritually.
Even Tempest, hovering quietly behind him, hissed low in discomfort.
> "It's not just heat," Jiang muttered.
"It's… regret."
He reached the bottom.
A circular arena awaited—blackstone floor, dim orange haze hanging low like fog. In the center: a sword embedded in obsidian.
A single name carved in molten gold above it:
> "Sovereign-Candidate Yulan – Flame Grade: Starshadow | Trial Year: 298 Before Collapse"
> [Do you wish to awaken the Ashborn Echo of Yulan?]
→ Yes
---
The Echo Speaks
The air shimmered.
From the sword, flame erupted—not violently, but as a slow dance. It coalesced into a figure: a woman with short hair, scarred cheek, and burning eyes. She wore old robes—tattered but once royal.
She looked at Jiang.
> "So… another dreamer comes."
> "What do you burn for?"
Jiang gripped Emberfang.
> "For legacy. For change. For people who never had the strength to fight back."
She smiled. Not cruelly—but with pity.
> "I said the same. And I died for it."
She raised her hand.
The arena sealed with a pulse.
> [Ashborn Echo Yulan has initiated soulbound combat.]
Combat Type: Emotional Layered Duel – Flame Resonance Level: Tier 6+ Required to Win]
> "Let's see if your flame survives your truth."
---
Layer One: The Pain
Yulan attacked with phantom flame swords—not aimed at the body, but at Jiang Han's memories.
Each slash triggered visions:
His father's body falling during the Clan Purge.
Tian Xue screaming his name, trapped behind collapsing walls.
The first time he truly feared death—age thirteen, awakening alone.
He staggered, breathing heavy.
> "Your pain is raw," Yulan whispered.
"But can you stand when it cuts deeper than wounds?"
Jiang growled, reigniting his Judgment Flame.
> "Yes. Because I carry their pain, not just mine."
---
Layer Two: The Doubt
Yulan vanished into smoke.
Then Long Chen's voice echoed across the arena.
> "You're not me."
"You're weaker."
"You'll burn out before you reach the gate."
Jiang's hand trembled.
Then another voice.
Tianxu's.
> "Your clan doesn't need a savior."
"It needs a martyr."
He fell to one knee.
The Phoenix Hatchling flared with panic—circling him, chirping with silver fire.
He remembered Yanxi's words:
> "You don't need to burn hotter. Just burn deeper."
Jiang closed his eyes.
Exhaled.
> "I'm not Long Chen."
"I'm not a martyr."
"I'm Jiang Han."
His flame surged—not out of rage, but resolve.
The arena shattered.
---
Layer Three: The Choice
Yulan stood once more, breathing heavy.
Her own flame flickered with age and memory.
> "I burned for peace… but I never asked myself what I wanted after."
She looked at him, eyes softer.
> "What do you want, Jiang Han?"
He lowered Emberfang.
> "To live. To laugh. To build something worth protecting."
> "And when the war comes, to be strong enough to face it without losing myself."
Yulan stepped back.
Her sword evaporated.
She knelt.
> "Then your flame is worthy."
> [Trial Complete – Emotional Resonance Achieved: 87.9%]
Reward Unlocked: Ashborn Flame Echo – Passive Skill Gained: "Resonant Core"
→ Resonant Core: When struck by mental/spiritual flame attacks, 25% chance to reflect emotional distortion back to attacker.
---
Exit
Jiang returned to the Ember Crossroads as the sun dipped below the second horizon.
He sat in silence beneath the flameleaf tree, Tempest curled nearby, the Phoenix Hatchling tucked into his lap.
A quiet wind rustled his clothes.
Then the system chimed again:
> [New Arrival Detected: Crimson Void Sky Trialist – Rank: ???]
Identity Unknown. Status: Hostile Intent Suppressed. Objective: Observe Jiang Han]
He looked to the ridge—
And saw a hooded figure watching.