"Sometimes betrayal isn't a knife to the back…
It's a hand you trusted letting go."
After claiming the Heart of Regret, Jiwoon, Mira, and Eri traveled to a forgotten district beneath the ruins of the central judgment hub. Grael's coordinates led them to a sealed vault labeled:
[System Layer: X-TRUTH_03 | Codename: The Algorithm of Betrayal]
The moment Jiwoon stepped into the zone, the System reacted.
[Warning: Emotional Synchronization Hazard]
[This challenge will pit ally against ally.]
[Recommended: Enter alone.]
Jiwoon hesitated—but nodded.
"I'll go alone."
Mira: "Don't trust what you see."
Eri: "Or what you feel."
Inside the Algorithm
The interior was like a shattered cathedral of data—glowing shards of past betrayals floating in silence. Jiwoon stepped on one… and was dragged into a simulation.
Not his betrayal.
Someone else's.
Flash Simulation: Mira's Hidden Past
Jiwoon stood in a distorted version of their hideout.
He saw Mira.
Younger. Alone.
Talking to a shadowy figure wearing a Celestial Warden's sigil.
"Just delay him… That's all we ask."
"Give us time to extract the fragment."
Mira: "And in return… you'll keep my brother alive?"
Jiwoon staggered.
"No way… This can't be real."
But the voice of the Algorithm boomed:
"Betrayal is not always born of malice.
Sometimes it's desperation.
Sometimes… it's love."
Trial of Forgiveness
Jiwoon was given a choice:
[Purge the memory: Gain strength and system purity]
[Accept the truth: Gain insight, but risk future trust]
He clenched his fists.
"If I want to break this cycle… I have to embrace the flaws."
[Key Two Acquired: Code of Betrayal]
[New Skill Unlocked: Soul Decoder – Read emotional 'truth signatures' in others.]
Return and Confrontation
Jiwoon emerged pale.
Mira approached.
"Did you… see anything?"
Jiwoon looked her in the eye.
"Yes. And I understand."
She looked down in shame, but he lifted her chin gently.
"We've all made mistakes. But you're still here."
"Let's keep moving."