Realms..

The crimson gate pulsed like a living heart.

Its surface rippled with rivers of molten light, and ancient runes circled its massive frame. Heat radiated from it, warming the entire Sanctuary of Origins.

Ren stood before it in silence.

"So this is... the Fire Realm."

Lumi landed lightly on his shoulder, her fluffy tail swaying from side to side.

"Every Elemental Realm is alive," she explained. "They're not just places. They have wills of their own. If you enter, they'll test your heart before your strength."

Ren looked at the glowing gate.

"And if I fail?"

Lumi's cheerful expression faded.

"The realm will reject you."

"...Or it may kill you."

Ren took a deep breath. Fear settled in his chest, but he refused to step back.

"If becoming stronger means risking my life..."

"...then I'll accept it."

Aurelius watched quietly from behind.

"The Gate Walker is never forced to enter."

"This choice must be yours."

Ren nodded.

"I've already lost my home."

"I won't lose my future too."

Without another word, he stepped through the crimson gate.

The moment his feet touched the ground, a blast of scorching wind struck him.

He shielded his face with his arm.

The world around him was nothing like the Sanctuary.

An endless sea of volcanic mountains stretched toward the horizon.

Rivers of lava flowed beneath black cliffs.

Ash drifted through the sky like snow.

The air itself shimmered with unbearable heat.

A notification appeared before Ren.

《WORLD GATE SYSTEM》

World Entered: Realm of Flames

Mission: Earn the Blessing of Fire.

Difficulty: C-Rank.

Warning: The realm will not recognize cowards.

Reward: Elemental Affinity – Fire.

Bonus Reward: Hidden if completed without hatred.

Ren read the final sentence twice.

"...Without hatred?"

Before he could think further, the ground shook violently.

A roar echoed through the mountains.

A gigantic wolf made of black fire climbed onto a cliff overlooking the valley.

Its crimson eyes locked onto Ren.

The beast was nearly three times taller than a house.

Instead of attacking immediately, it spoke.

"Another human."

"They always come seeking power."

"They always leave as ash."

Ren slowly reached for a fallen branch instead of searching for a weapon.

"I didn't come here to conquer this realm."

The wolf narrowed its eyes.

"Then why are you here?"

Ren answered honestly.

"Because I was too weak to protect my own life."

Silence followed.

The wolf studied him carefully.

Then, without warning, it leaped.

Ren barely rolled aside as fiery claws shattered the ground where he had been standing.

The heat burned his sleeve.

His heart raced.

"I can't win this..."

Another slash came.

Ren ducked behind a boulder.

The rock exploded into glowing fragments.

His breathing became uneven.

The System suddenly flashed.

Skill Learned

Basic Mana Reinforcement.

Use mana to strengthen your body.

Instinctively, Ren focused the mana Aurelius had taught him to control.

Warm energy flowed through his arms and legs.

His movements became faster.

He narrowly dodged another attack.

Minutes passed.

Then an hour.

Ren never once struck back.

He only observed.

Every attack.

Every movement.

Every breath the wolf took.

Finally, he noticed something.

The beast's left front paw trembled each time it landed.

"It's injured..."

Realization spread across his face.

"This wasn't a trial of combat."

"It was a trial of understanding."

Instead of attacking, Ren slowly lowered the branch in his hand.

"I'm not your enemy."

The wolf growled.

Ren stepped closer despite the danger.

"You've been protecting this realm while carrying an old wound."

The wolf hesitated.

Ren carefully opened his Infinite Storage and removed healing herbs he had collected in the Sanctuary.

"I don't know if these will help..."

"...but let me try."

For several tense moments, nothing happened.

Then the wolf lowered its massive head.

Ren gently treated the injured paw.

The flames surrounding the beast slowly changed from black to brilliant crimson.

The volcanoes stopped rumbling.

The sky cleared.

A deep voice echoed across the realm.

"You have passed."

"You sought strength..."

"...yet chose compassion."

The wolf's body dissolved into countless sparks of light.

Those sparks gathered around Ren before flowing into his chest.

He felt warmth spread through every part of his body—not burning, but comforting.

《WORLD GATE SYSTEM》

Trial Complete!

Element Obtained: Fire Affinity – Beginner

New Skill: Flame Manipulation

Hidden Reward Unlocked!

Title Earned: Friend of the Flame Guardian

Bonus Gift: Fire Resistance increased.

Relationship with the Realm of Flames: Friendly.

Ren stared at the glowing screen.

"...I really did it."

Lumi laughed happily and jumped into his arms.

"I knew you would!"

High above the realm, unseen by Ren, dozens of ancient beings watched through enormous crystal mirrors.

One of them smiled.

"So... the new Gate Walker chooses mercy over violence."

Another frowned.

"That will either save every world..."

"...or doom them all."

The journey of the Forgotten Prince had only just begun.

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