The barrier sealed them in.
Bihoo slammed his fist against the invisible wall.
"NISA!!"
Inside the glowing realm, Selis hovered with cold grace, silver hair trailing in the wind.
"I waited for you," she said softly. "Waited for both of you to remember."
Nisa stood firm, flames dancing around her fists. "Both?"
Selis's eyes turned sharp. "He always looked at you. Even back then."
The Fight Begins
Selis lunged—her sword glinting with moonlight fury.
Nisa countered, blasting her back with fire.
"You're angry at me because of Bihoo!?" Nisa shouted.
Selis's voice broke, emotion cracking through:
> "You had everything! His eyes, his loyalty—his love! And you didn't even know it! I was there too, but I was invisible. Always second."
Flash—memories returned.
Bihoo as a boy, training under moonlight.
Selis, watching from the shadows.
Nisa, laughing beside him.
> "I loved him first," Selis whispered. "But he only ever said your name."
Nisa's jade glowed violently. Her mana burst.
Mana Awakening: Phase II – Phoenix Scar
Fiery wings erupted from her back. The arena trembled.
Selis gasped. "You're losing control!"
But Nisa wanted to lose it.
"I've always held back. For others. For peace. But I'm done pretending!"
Flames engulfed the field.
Selis summoned illusions of Nisa's family leaving her. Of Bihoo saving her.
Of a future Selis never got.
> "Why did fate give everything to you!?
Nisa screamed:
> "Because I was alone! I never had friends—no love, no warmth! You were erased?! I was never remembered to begin with!"
The fire clashed with moonlight.
Bihoo watched helplessly. His eyes filled with tears.
Selis faltered. Her sword shattered.
Nisa's hand blazed with one final strike—then paused inches from Selis's heart.
> "You're not the villain, Selis. You were just hurting."
> "...And I hated you for it," Selis whispered.
> "But I remember now. I did love you. Like a sister. But Bihoo… he's not something to win."
Selis looked away.
> "But he was the only one who ever saw me. Until he saw you."
The two girls collapsed as their energy faded.
Selis fell unconscious into the lake.
Nisa dropped—straight into Bihoo's arms.
"I got you," he whispered, holding her tightly.
"I'll never let anyone erase you again."
The clouds cleared.
Moonlight shone on the battlefield.
Trial passed.
To be continued...