Episode 15: The Celestial Oath

Jae-min clutched his chest as the golden energy inside him surged, overwhelming every nerve in his body. His vision blurred, and all he could see was light—blinding, all-consuming light. It burned, yet it felt oddly familiar.

Naabi held onto his trembling hands, trying to steady him. “Jae-min, look at me! You’re safe.”

His breath came in ragged gasps. He could barely register Naabi’s words over the deafening whispers echoing in his mind.

"You are the last heir."

"The celestial power cannot be contained."

"The gods are watching."

Then, just as suddenly as it came, the energy receded. Jae-min collapsed against Naabi, his body weak, his skin burning hot.

Greenforest placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “He needs time to recover, but we need to keep moving. This place is waking up.”

Naabi bit her lip. “Jae-min, can you walk?”

Jae-min exhaled shakily. “I… think so.”

But as he tried to stand, the walls of the temple shuddered.

The spirits weren’t done with them yet.

---

The Trials Begin

The carvings on the walls glowed once more, and an unseen force sealed the entrance.

Naabi spun around. “What’s happening?”

Greenforest’s jaw tightened. “We triggered something. A test, maybe.”

A voice, low and ancient, rumbled through the chamber.

"To claim the celestial throne, one must pass the three trials."

Jae-min, still weak, looked up with wide eyes. “Trials…?”

"Only the worthy may wield the power of the stars."

Before they could react, the floor beneath them shifted.

---

Trial One: The Shadows of Doubt

Naabi barely had time to scream before she and Jae-min were separated from Greenforest. A thick mist rose around them, cold and suffocating.

Jae-min tried to reach for Naabi, but his hands passed through her as if she were an illusion.

Then, a voice echoed.

"Do you truly know the one you love?"

Naabi’s heart pounded. “What—?”

The mist parted, revealing a scene from the past—Jae-min standing beside another woman. She was beautiful, regal, her hands gently cradling his face.

Naabi’s breath caught. Who is she?

Jae-min staggered back. “This—this isn’t real.”

But the woman’s voice was soft, filled with warmth. “Jae-min… have you forgotten your promise?”

Naabi clenched her fists. Was this his past? A love he left behind?

She felt a sharp sting in her chest, but then Jae-min turned to her, eyes fierce.

“Naabi, listen to me.” His voice was urgent. “This is a trick. The past may have shaped me, but you are my future.”

His words shattered the illusion. The mist dissolved, and the first trial was over.

But doubt still lingered in Naabi’s heart.

---

Trial Two: The Burden of Power

The next vision took them to a grand throne room. The air was heavy with tension.

Jae-min stood before a council of robed figures, their eyes burning with judgment.

“You are unworthy,” one spat.

“You do not deserve the celestial throne,” another sneered.

Jae-min clenched his fists. “I never asked for this power!”

The council leader stepped forward. “And yet, it is yours.” He raised his hand, and Jae-min felt an unbearable weight pressing down on him.

Pain tore through his chest, and for a moment, he truly believed he wasn’t enough.

But then, Naabi’s voice rang out, clear and strong.

“Jae-min, you are not defined by their judgment. You are more than your bloodline.”

Her words broke the spell.

Jae-min’s body felt lighter. The second trial was complete.

---

Trial Three: The Choice of the Heart

The mist returned, but this time, it wasn’t threatening. It carried warmth, like a gentle embrace.

Jae-min and Naabi stood together in a quiet garden. Stars twinkled above them, casting silver light on their faces.

A soft voice spoke.

"The power of the stars is a gift and a curse. Once claimed, it cannot be undone. You must choose: power or love."

Naabi’s breath hitched.

If Jae-min chose his celestial destiny, would he lose himself?

Jae-min turned to her, his golden eyes reflecting uncertainty. “Naabi…”

She reached for his hands. “What do you want, Jae-min?”

For a long moment, he was silent.

Then, he smiled softly. “I want you.”

The final trial shattered like glass, and suddenly—they were back in the real world.

Jae-min’s celestial mark gleamed on his wrist, proof of the trials.

Naabi exhaled shakily. “It’s over.”

But Greenforest’s expression was serious.

“No. This is just the beginning.”

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