Return of Tower's Phantom-Chapter 52 – Three Blades, One Heart

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Tower Floor 83 – Hidden Arena of Echoes

Beneath the ruins of the once-great fortress, a secret battlefield had long been sealed away—an arena designed by Rael's past self, known only to his clones and the Sovereigns. Now awakened, the Phantom Sovereign stood at its center, arms folded as three presences surrounded him.

Selene. Rika. Iris.

Each of them stood a few paces away, their weapons drawn—not in hostility, but in decision. The time had come to settle the question none of them dared ask aloud: Who was truly fighting for his heart?

Rael's black cloak fluttered in the windless chamber. His silver-black eyes met each of theirs.

"Say it," he whispered. "Say what you've been holding back... because after today, there may be no tomorrow."

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Selene – Blade of Stars

She stepped forward first.

Her voice trembled, but her resolve didn't.

"I was the first to find your third clone. I was the one who stitched it back together when even your soul rejected it. I don't care how many lives you've lived, Rael—I'll follow you again and again. Even if it kills me."

She tossed her sword to the ground, baring her heart.

"I'm not here to compete. I'm here to stay."

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Rika – The Crimson Edge

The war maiden who had once declared she hated Rael now met his gaze with a quiet storm.

"I was the one who betrayed you on Floor 99," she said. "I told myself it was strategy. That it was survival."

She stepped closer.

"But the moment you died... I realized I lost more than a leader. I lost you."

Rika pulled off her red scarf and let it fall.

"This time, I'll cut down anyone who tries to take you from me."

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Iris – The Silent Witch

She said nothing at first. Just stared at him.

Then, slowly, she opened the locket around her neck.

Inside was a faded drawing—a young boy holding a black sun.

"You gave me this when I had no name," she whispered. "And even if you don't remember... my magic has always responded to you."

She stepped forward, placing the locket in his palm.

"I don't need to win your heart. I just want to protect it."

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Rael – The Phantom Sovereign

For a long time, he stood silent.

Then he looked at them, each in turn.

"I don't know what the future holds," he said softly. "But I remember now—how each of you fought for me... and how I failed all of you."

He closed his fist around Iris's locket.

"So this time, I won't choose with words."

A flick of his hand. The arena lit up.

> [System Event: Soul Synch Test – Initiated]

[Only one can stand beside the Sovereign in the battle to come.]

Selene raised her blade. Rika cracked her knuckles. Iris summoned black flame to her fingertips.

And so the test began.

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Elsewhere – Tower Floor 89

Yvaine watched from a divine mirror, fury etched across her divine face.

"They're not just fighting for him..." she muttered. "They're stabilizing the anomaly."

A voice behind her whispered, "Shall I erase them, High Seraph?"

Yvaine turned, eyes glowing.

"No. Let them choose. It'll make breaking them later... even sweeter."

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