The figure morphed into Sophia next. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of love and disappointment. "You always think you''re the hero, don''t you? But you''re just running away," she accused, her hands crackling with energy.

    Aiden blocked her attacks, the force of their clash creating sparks in the air. "I''m not running away. I''m facing my fears head-on," he shouted, his sword clashing with Sophia''s energy blasts, dispelling the illusion with a final, decisive strike.

    Sophia''s form then shifted into Chloe, her eyes filled with concern. "Aiden, please, just come back. You don''t have to fight anymore," she pleaded, stepping forward with open arms.

    Aiden hesitated for a moment, feeling the urge to embrace her, but he then bit his lower lip and clarity returned to his eyes, he reminded himself this is nothing but illusion "You''re not Chloe," he said, his voice resolute. "And I can''t stop fighting until I find the truth."

    Chloe''s form twisted back into his father''s. "You are a failure, Aiden. You''ll never be good enough," his father sneered, lunging at him with a fierce kick.

    Aiden dodged the attack and countered with a flurry of strikes, each one infused with his spirit energy. "I am not a failure," he shouted, his voice echoing through the void. "I am Aiden, The one whose Father was proud of him and you are not my father, watch me overcome this challenge! And beat the shit out of you! "

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    The figure of his father laughed, shifting rapidly between all the forms it had taken before—Emily, Mark, Jimmy, Dio, Melina, Tista, Sophia, Chloe, and finally his father again. Each transformation brought a barrage of attacks that Aiden skillfully deflected, his spirit sword glowing brighter with each successful block and counter.

    "Why do you fight so hard, Aiden?" the illusion taunted, its voice a cacophony of all the people it had impersonated. "You can''t escape your past. You can''t escape the truth."

    Aiden''s eyes burned with anger as he focused his energy. "The truth is, I am stronger than my past. I am stronger than my fears. I am stronger because I worked for it!" He channeled all his spirit energy into one final, devastating strike. His sword glowed with an intense, radiant light as he brought it down upon the illusion.

    "Absolute Sever!"

    The illusion screamed as the sword''s light engulfed it, tearing it apart piece by piece. The ocean and the dark sky around Aiden began to split in half and dissolve, replaced by a blinding white light.

    When the light faded, Aiden found himself standing back in a pure white space, his spirit sword still in hand.

    "What''s next?" Aiden panted, but his eyes shone with utmost focus. He looked around, trying to find what his next challenge was. But even after what seemed like an eternity, nothing happened.

    Aiden sat cross-legged and began to meditate to recover his energy. After some hours, feeling rejuvenated, he stood up and looked around. "I arrived here when I began to test the sword," he mused.

    Another elder, the female Elder named Amora, stepped closer, examining Aiden with a critical eye. "Sword Awakening at such a young age is unprecedented. Do you realize the responsibility that comes with this power?"

    Aiden met her gaze without flinching. "I understand, Elder Amora. But i am no Saint, nor Devil, I will only use this power whenever I feel this is necessary."

    Amora frowned hearing Aiden answer but didn''t said anything.

    Ray, the Elder from the Punishment Hall, unsheathed his sword and studied Aiden''s stance. "Show us your control, boy. Demonstrate that you can wield this power without causing unnecessary harm."

    Aiden nodded and took a deep breath, calming his mind. He raised his sword and performed a series of controlled slashes. The air crackled with energy, but the destructive intent was contained within each precise movement. The elders watched intently, noting the finesse and control in Aiden''s technique.

    When Aiden finished, he lowered his sword and looked at the elders. "Is that sufficient?"

    Ross nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Indeed, it is. You have shown remarkable control for someone who has just awakened such a powerful intent."

    " Very well, I think Aiden is no longer a danger to anyone" Ray said and others nodded.

    " Danger? " Aiden asked confused.

    " Well... " Ross began to explain.

    ******""

    A few hours earlier, as Aiden began to perform his sword slashes and dance, a black aura started to engulf him. The elders watching from the sidelines immediately recognized this as a sign of an inner demon trying to take hold of him. They exchanged worried glances but decided to observe for a moment longer, ready to intervene if necessary.

    Aiden continued his movements, the black aura intensifying around him. His swings grew more erratic, and his face contorted with the struggle against the darkness trying to consume him. The students, oblivious to the deeper struggle, with exception of Ramona and Ivan, watched in awe and confusion as the black aura pulsated around him.

    Ross and the other elders prepared to step in, but suddenly, something shifted. Aiden''s expression changed, his eyes filled with determination and anger. He took a deep breath, centering himself, and the black aura began to wane. Slowly, it dissipated, replaced by a radiant golden light that emanated from Aiden''s entire being.

    The golden light was the manifestation of his newly awakened intent of destruction, pure and powerful. As he continued his sword dance, the light grew brighter, overwhelming the arena. The students shielded their eyes from the blinding glow, and the elders and Ivan watched in astonishment as Aiden was successful in awakening of his Sword.