The Trial of Balance

Night falls over Altropolis. Kaldar dreams—but it’s no ordinary dream. He awakens in a vast, silent realm of shifting light and shadow. A single voice calls to him.The Realm Between RealitiesVoice: Kaldar Ryzone. You have walked the path of power. Now walk the path of truth.Kaldar stands in a circular chamber suspended in space. Seven cloaked figures surround him—the Celestial Order.Order Envoy: You seek mastery. But mastery begins with balance.Kaldar: What kind of test is this?Order Envoy: One of identity. You will face three versions of yourself. Only by understanding them can you move forward.The TyrantA version of Kaldar appears—taller, armored in obsidian, eyes cold.Tyrant Kaldar: Power is meant to be used. Mercy is weakness.Kaldar: That’s not who I am.Tyrant Kaldar: It’s who you could become. If you stop caring. If you stop trusting.They clash—brutal, fast. Kaldar wins not by overpowering, but by refusing to strike the final blow.Kaldar: I choose restraint.The MartyrA second version appears—wounded, weary, cloaked in guilt.Martyr Kaldar: You failed your parents. You failed Bismuth. You don’t deserve to lead.Kaldar: I carry that pain. But I keep going.Martyr Kaldar: Then carry me. Accept me.Kaldar embraces the Martyr. The figure dissolves into light.The WandererA third version appears—carefree, detached, drifting through stars.Wanderer Kaldar: Why fight? Why not escape? Let someone else save the world.Kaldar: Because I’m here. And I care.Wanderer Kaldar: Then walk with purpose.Kaldar steps forward. The Wanderer nods and vanishes.Return to the OrderOrder Envoy: You have faced your extremes. You have chosen balance.Kaldar: What now?Order Envoy: Now you begin to understand the Guardian’s true nature. Not as a weapon—but as a guide.Kaldar wakes up in his bed. The stars outside shimmer differently. Something has shifted.Orion Crest Academy – MorningKaldar walks into school, more grounded. Riko and Tess greet him with a smile.Riko: You look like you wrestled a philosophy textbook.Tess: Or had a dream that punched you in the soul.Kaldar: (Smiling) Something like that.To Be Continued…