Chapter 57

The remaining trainees, their breaths ragged and eyes unwavering, clung to the vestiges of their fighting spirit. Each inhalation echoed the trials they had just weathered, while their focused gazes lingered on the now-vanished illusionary world that had thrust them into a relentless struggle against their Alter egos. Despite their perseverance, a collective sense of failure hung in the air, as the surreal battleground dissolved, leaving them grappling with their better selves.

Little did all the participants, including those who had emerged victorious, know that neither of their two instructors harbored expectations for a successful completion of the test in under three hours. Such a feat was deemed extraordinary for ordinary trainees, yet Klaus, Nicholas, and Alex defied these preconceptions, surpassing the skill levels of even seasoned swordsmen.