In the grand courtyard, the battles against the supervisors come to a close.

  Team 117 stands, breathing heavily—clothes torn, but unyielding.

  A supervisor approaches them, lowers his weapon, and speaks calmly:

  “You’ve done enough… you are not weak.”

  Bells ring, marking the end.

  The teams are escorted off the field.

  The next day, all 12 remaining teams gather in the evaluation yard.

  A supervisor reads from his tablet:

  “Based on your performance in the ranked combat, the following ranks are awarded:”

  ?? Rank Distribution:

  Team New Rank

  Heir of the First Order’s Team Skilled Soldier

  Heir of the Third Order’s Team Skilled Soldier

  Team 117 (Levan & teammates) Advanced Soldier

  6 Other Teams Soldier or Advanced

  3 Teams No Rank (Clear Failures)

  The heirs stand in the front row, throwing disapproving glances at Team 117.

  Heir of the First Order (arrogantly):

  “Even without a Tendency… he gets a rank?”

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Heir of the Third Order (mocking):

  “The Abyss will return him to his place.”

  A supervisor steps onto the platform, raising his voice:

  “The fifth test: Descent into the Virtual Abyss.”

  “Comprising 30 levels… your goal is to reach level 20.”

  “But remember: this test is optional.”

  “No one will accompany you. No one will watch.

  We’ll send you in… and wait.”

  “Time inside the simulation will equal five years.”

  Teams are given the choice to withdraw and keep their current ranks.

  Suddenly, the Deputy Commander appears—his pressure is felt before he even speaks:

  “I only care about those who passed the fourth test.”

  “Those who failed… may try again in six months. One chance only.”

  A heavy silence falls.

  “The fifth test is not for those who want strength…

  But for those ready to face themselves.”

  The trainees are granted one day to make their decision.

  Supervisors inform them:

  “Tomorrow morning… give us your final answer.

  Who enters… and who walks away.”

  In their quarters, the trio gathers.

  Rumo polishes his wooden sword:

  “I want in. My father once carried the Flame Blade…

  I’ll start my path here.”

  “The virtual Abyss is long, lonely… not for everyone.”

  Ena (softly):

  “I want to know… if my will is enough.”

  Levan sits near the wall, drawing circles in a notebook:

  “Out there… I don’t find myself.

  Maybe in there… I’ll begin to understand who I am.”

  Teams begin arriving to submit their decisions.

  Many choose to withdraw.

  It’s announced that the heirs of the First and Third Orders will enter the simulation with their elite squads.

  Then Team 117 steps forward, calm and silent.

  A supervisor writes:

  “Team 117 – Confirmed Participants.”

  Only three teams proceed to the test:

  Heir of the First Order’s team

  Heir of the Third Order’s team

  Team 117

  The simulation facility doors shut slowly behind them.

  Final narration:

  “Out here… mere minutes.

  But inside… five years of facing the self.”

  End of Chapter 18