The voice of the Library seemed to emanate from everywhere and nowhere, resonating deep within their souls. The floating shelves shifted, glowing books hovering as if watching the intruders.

Kei, her frost blade still in hand, looked around warily. "What's with all the riddles? Just tell us what this 'price' is."

The voice, calm yet commanding, answered, "The price is what you hold closest to your heart. It will be tested. Should you falter, your resolve will shatter, and the knowledge you seek will be forever denied."

Ignis, flames flickering in her eyes, stepped forward. "We didn't come here for cryptic warnings. We're ready. Test us."

As if in response, a series of glowing orbs emerged from the depths of the Library, one for each of them. Each orb pulsed with a unique rhythm, resonating with the core of their being.

Kei's Trial: The Frost Within

Kei's orb expanded into a shimmering field of ice, enveloping her in a wintry realm. The air grew frigid, and a haunting figure materialized before her—a twisted version of herself, cloaked in darkness.

Dark Kei: "You call yourself a guardian, but you can barely protect yourself, let alone the realms. You've failed more times than you've succeeded."

Kei tightened her grip on her blade. "I'm not here to debate my past. I've learned from every failure."

The dark figure sneered. "Have you? Or are you just pretending to be strong because you're afraid of being forgotten?"

The icy landscape cracked beneath her feet as memories of her past struggles resurfaced. Faces of those she couldn't save haunted her vision. But Kei's resolve didn't waver.

"I fight because I care, not because I fear failure. And I won't let you—or anything else—use my past against me."

With a surge of energy, Kei unleashed her frost powers, shattering the dark figure and solidifying her determination.

Ignis's Trial: The Flame of Doubt

Ignis's orb ignited into a blazing inferno, transporting her to a molten wasteland. Before her stood a shadowy form of herself, the flames around it unnaturally dark.

Dark Ignis: "You burn so brightly, but for what? Your flames consume everything around you. How long before you destroy what you love most?"

Ignis clenched her fists, flames erupting around her. "My fire protects. It's a force of creation, not destruction."

The shadow laughed. "Keep telling yourself that. But you've seen what happens when you lose control. How many times have your flames hurt those you swore to protect?"

Images of scorched battlefields and frightened faces flashed before her eyes. For a moment, doubt flickered within her. But she quickly reignited her resolve.

"My flames are my choice. They burn for what I believe in. And I'll never let them control me."

With a defiant roar, Ignis unleashed a fiery vortex, consuming the shadow in a blaze of light.

Lucifer's Trial: The Light and the Shadow

Lucifer's orb enveloped him in a golden haze, revealing a radiant figure that mirrored his angelic form. But its wings were bound, its eyes accusing.

Dark Voice: "You call yourself a redeemer, but your pride betrays you. You crave control, not salvation."

Lucifer's expression darkened. "I've paid the price for my pride. I fight for redemption, not dominance."

The figure's voice grew harsher. "You hide behind grand words, but you fear the darkness within you. Admit it—you're no savior."

Lucifer's golden aura flared as he stepped closer. "I don't deny the darkness. I embrace it, because without it, the light has no meaning."

With a wave of his hand, the figure dissolved, leaving Lucifer alone in the glowing void, his resolve unshaken.

The Team Reunites

One by one, they returned to the central chamber, each visibly affected but standing stronger than before.

Flash, who had faced his own trial of accepting the burden of leadership, was the last to reappear. "Okay, that was... intense. Did anyone else have to argue with a really annoying version of themselves?"

Kei, still catching her breath, nodded. "It wasn't just you. But we made it through."

The voice of the Library returned, its tone softer but still commanding. "You have proven your resolve. The knowledge you seek is yours to claim. But beware: knowledge is both a weapon and a burden. Use it wisely."

The Revelation

The floating tomes began to rearrange themselves, forming a path to a central pedestal. Upon it rested a single book, its cover adorned with shifting celestial symbols.

Wonder Woman, her voice filled with reverence, said, "This must be it. The origin of the Rift, the Time Freezer, and perhaps the forces controlling him."

Lucifer, stepping forward cautiously, added, "And likely more than we bargained for."

Kei reached for the book, her hand trembling slightly. As she touched it, a wave of energy surged through the room, and visions filled their minds—visions of worlds collapsing, of ancient beings locked in battle, and of a dark force lurking beyond the edges of reality.

A New Threat Emerges

As the visions faded, the team looked at each other, their expressions grim.

Ignis: "That wasn't just history. It was a warning."

Kei, closing the book, said, "The Rift isn't the end. It's just the beginning. Something far worse is coming."

Lucifer, his voice steady but grave, added, "And we've just alerted it to our presence."

The Library began to tremble as the celestial tomes started to close themselves. The voice returned, filled with urgency. "Go, now. The knowledge you've claimed has awakened forces that should never have been stirred. Leave this place and prepare for what lies ahead."

To Be Continued...

See you guys tomorrow