Rise of the Otherworld.

Everyone fell into deep thought, their inner struggle making their expressions extremely complicated.

Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly. It was his weapon of long-held pride, the very weapon he relied on in countless battles. The blade gleamed with a chilling coldness in the dim light, as if telling of past glories. "This sword has seen me through thick and thin, but if giving it up means peace for all, I am willing." His voice trembled slightly, but his eyes were unwavering. Every word seemed to exhaust all his strength, his fingers whitening from the exertion, yet he slowly loosened his grip on the sword.

The woman gently caressed the magical gem in her hand. This gem had once granted her immense power, allowing her to protect herself and others in times of danger. A mysterious light swirled within the gem, like a miniature universe. "Without this gem, I might be vulnerable, but for everyone else, I can give it up." Tears glistened in her eyes, a mixture of reluctance to part with the gem and a determination for the future. Her lips trembled slightly, and she finally dropped the gem from her palm.

The old man gazed at the ancient scroll in his hands. It was the fruit of a lifetime's research, its every page bearing witness to his wisdom and painstaking efforts. The scroll's paper had yellowed, exuding the scent of age. "This scroll bears the weight of my years of labor, but compared to everyone's future, it's nothing." He sighed deeply, slowly placing the scroll on the ground. That sigh seemed to encompass a lifetime of emotion and frustration.

The herbalist clutched his basket tightly, filled with precious herbs, each one potentially holding the promise of life. "These herbs of mine can save so many lives," he said, his face filled with reluctance, his eyes filled with pain and turmoil. His fingers left deep marks on the edge of the basket, but he finally gritted his teeth and gently set it down.

The black-robed figure gazed at the dark magic crystal in his hand. This crystal was the source of his power, granting him the ability to control everything in the darkness. The crystal emanated an eerie light, illuminating his volatile features. "If I lose this, I might lose my great power, but that's all right." With that, he loosened his grip, and the crystal fell. A momentary confusion flashed across his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

The little girl looked at her beloved doll, which had always been her companion in her lonely moments. The doll had a sweet smile on its face, as if comforting her. "Doll, I'm sorry." She kissed the doll and set it aside. Tears fell from her eyes, dripping onto the doll's body.

When everyone had made their decision, the core spoke again: "I am moved by your determination, but this is just the beginning."

Suddenly, the surrounding environment began to change and various illusions appeared.

Zhang Hao saw his defeated enemies, who mocked him, saying he was useless without his sword. Their faces were twisted and ferocious, their voices harsh and unpleasant. "What do you think you can do without that broken sword? You're a loser!"

The woman saw herself being spurned by everyone because she had lost the magic gem. Their eyes were filled with disgust and contempt, accusing her of becoming incompetent and useless. "Without the power of the gem, you are nothing. Get out of here!"

The old man saw his research results being disproven by later generations. Young scholars dismissed his scrolls, tossing them aside and mocking his life's futile efforts. "This outdated stuff should have been discarded long ago!"

The herbalist watched patients die in agony before him because they lacked herbs. The pained faces and desperate cries tore at his heart. "It's all because you don't have herbs that we're dying like this!"

The black-robed man saw himself being bullied by his former subordinates because he had lost his magic crystal. They beat him up, mocking his downfall. "You've come to this day, too! Where has your former prestige gone?"

The little girl realized that she was once again lonely and afraid because she had no doll. She was shivering alone in the dark corner, with no one to accompany her.

"This is the final test of your heart. If you can maintain your resolve, you will pass." The core's voice echoed in my ears.

Everyone struggled painfully in the illusion, but their faith never wavered.

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and shouted, "Your ridicule won't make me back down. I believe in my choice!"

The woman wiped away her tears and shouted, "I will not be defeated by your spitting. I know I am doing the right thing!"

The old man straightened his back and said, "My research will not lose its value just because of your denial!"

The herbalist clenched his fists and roared, "I won't regret your accusations. I believe we can get through this together!"

The man in black robes looked determined and said coldly, "You clowns, don't even think about making me change my mind!"

The little girl hugged herself tightly and sobbed, "I'm not afraid, I want to be brave!"

Their voices echoed in this illusory space, colliding with the power of the core...