Kei leaned against the cavern wall, his body still trembling from the effort of stabilizing the Resonance Core. The harmonious hum of the core reverberated in the quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos it had exuded moments before. He exhaled deeply, exhaustion momentarily taking hold, but his attention snapped back as the System’s chime echoed in his mind.


    [Congratulations! You have reached Level 10 and unlocked class selection.]


    [Due to your unique progress and potential, you are presented with the following options.]


    Kei blinked, the fatigue melting into curiosity and excitement. “Finally,” he muttered. “Let’s see what kind of hero upgrades we’re working with.”


    The interface expanded in front of him, unveiling a dazzling array of options that left him momentarily stunned.


    <hr>


    The List of Class Options


    <ol>


    <li>Resonant Warden: Defensive techniques utilizing resonance to shield allies and counter attacks.</li>


    <li>Tempo Swordsman: Combines resonance with swordplay, emphasizing rhythm and precision.</li>


    <li>Harmonic Vanguard: Amplifies resonance for large-scale combat, excelling in offense and defense.</li>


    <li>Echo Blade: A stealth-focused class, using resonance to mask movements and strike undetected.</li>


    <li>Pulse Dancer: Enhances agility and rapid strikes, pairing resonance with acrobatics.</li>


    <li>Vibration Artificer: Crafts resonance-infused tools and weapons for combat and support.</li>


    <li>Resonant Conductor: Controls battlefield dynamics, harmonizing allies’ abilities and disrupting enemies.</li>


    <li>Rift Striker: Manipulates spatial distortions through resonance, enabling unpredictable attacks.</li>


    <li>Chorus Battlemage: Merges resonance with elemental magic for devastating hybrid techniques.</li>


    <li>Frequency Shaper: Alters resonance frequencies to disrupt enemies’ defenses and empower allies.</li>


    <li>Seismic Guardian: Uses resonance to manipulate terrain and control battlefield positioning.</li>


    <li>Mood Tempo (Hidden Class): A combat style dictated by music, where different songs produce unique effects.</li>


    </ol>


    Kei’s jaw slackened as he scrolled through the seemingly endless choices. “What the—how is anyone supposed to pick from all of this?!” His voice echoed through the cavern.


    He skimmed through the descriptions again, muttering to himself. “Resonant Warden’s solid… Echo Blade sounds sneaky, which could be fun… Seismic Guardian could be epic…” His voice trailed off, overwhelmed by the sheer variety.


    <hr>


    Mood Tempo: A Hidden Gem


    Kei’s eyes snagged on one option buried halfway down the list: Mood Tempo. The description was short but piqued his curiosity.


    [Mood Tempo (Hidden Class)]


    Effect: Uses music to dictate combat style. Different songs produce unique effects, enhancing combat efficiency, morale, or environmental control.


    Unique Trait: Synchronization with personal resonance amplifies class abilities.


    Kei’s eyes lit up as he read the details. “Wait, wait, wait. Music? I can fight with music?” He couldn’t suppress a laugh. “I’m already fighting with a soundtrack in my head—this is too perfect.”This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    He paused for a moment, scrolling back up to glance at a few other options. “Pulse Dancer could’ve paired well with Capoeira. And Tempo Swordsman might’ve been cooler in hindsight…” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “But… come on. Fighting with music? That’s legendary.”


    Kei selected the class.


    <hr>


    Mood Tempo Unlock


    [Class Selected: Mood Tempo.]


    [Abilities and Traits Unlocked.]


    A surge of energy coursed through Kei’s body as the System integrated the class. His headphones pulsed with resonance, a faint melody playing that seemed to align with the rhythm of his heartbeat. A menu appeared, detailing his new abilities.


    [Mood Tempo Abilities:]


    <ol>


    <li>Song Selection: Choose a song to dictate combat style. Different songs produce unique effects (e.g., speed boost, area-of-effect attacks, defensive enhancements).</li>


    <li>Bass Drop: Creates a powerful shockwave timed to a musical climax, dealing area-of-effect damage.</li>


    <li>Rhythm Break: Disrupts an opponent’s movements by interfering with their internal rhythm.</li>


    <li>Tempo Shift: Adjusts the pace of battle, increasing or decreasing speed for yourself and allies.</li>


    <li>Echo Harmony: Synchronizes with allies’ abilities, amplifying their effects through shared resonance.</li>


    </ol>


    Kei grinned as he scrolled through the abilities. “This… this is ridiculous. And I love it.”


    He paused, a faint pang of regret surfacing. “I mean, Pulse Dancer and Capoeira would’ve been a cool combo,” he muttered. “Guess I’ll just have to make this work.”


    As he activated Song Selection, a familiar track began playing in his headphones. The energy of the music synced perfectly with his movements, the resonance flowing effortlessly through him.


    <hr>


    Mia’s Progress


    In the grove, Mia continued her meticulous efforts to stabilize the volatile energy flows. The Balance Talisman glowed faintly at her side, amplifying her precision as she moved. Each step forward was deliberate, her mind calculating the intricate give-and-take of the chaotic forces around her.


    [Level: 9 – Trial Progress: 90%. Class Unlock Pending.]


    Ahead of her, the grove gave way to an open clearing, where an immense surge of energy awaited her. The final leg of her trial would test her limits like never before, but Mia remained undaunted.


    “Balance,” she whispered, steadying herself. “Always balance.”


    <hr>


    Earth: A World in Flux


    Outside the trials, Earth continued its rapid transformation. The Fractured Zone remained a focal point of chaos, its influence rippling outward in unpredictable ways.


    <ul>


    <li>Essence Beasts: The mutated creatures grew bolder, encroaching on human settlements and forcing local communities to adapt or flee.</li>


    <li>Rogue Factions: Groups like the Ember Lords and Shadow Fang began clashing over control of high-Essence zones, their battles leaving destruction in their wake.</li>


    <li>Civilian Adaptation: Ordinary people, armed with rudimentary cultivation techniques from failed participants, began forming small schools and factions to protect themselves.</li>


    </ul>


    Amidst the turmoil, whispers spread of trial participants nearing the end of their challenges, their progress a beacon of hope—or dread—for Earth’s uncertain future.


    <hr>


    The Path Ahead


    Kei adjusted his headphones, the faint beat of his new class’s resonance filling his ears. He felt lighter, more in tune with the energy around him. The System had given him the tools to shape his future, but the responsibility of what came next was his alone.


    “Alright,” he said, stepping forward with renewed determination. “Let’s see what this Mood Tempo can really do.”


    For Kei, Mia, and Earth itself, the trials were just the beginning. The paths they carved would determine not only their own fates but the course of humanity’s integration into the multiverse.