<div>


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    The blank expanse stretched infinitely, each participant isolated in their own private space. Above them, glowing interfaces hovered, showcasing their hard-earned rewards. Each trial taker stood beneath their own constellation of choices, deliberating over the fruits of their efforts.


    Kei adjusted the plain white Resonant Mask that obscured his face. The mask''s lack of eye holes was unimportant—his echolocation allowed him to "see" the expanse in precise detail. Behind the mask, he grinned. It felt liberating to conceal his identity, to separate the sound-based abilities linked to his real self from the elemental techniques he''d started to explore under this new persona.


    [Trial Completed.]


    [Final Reward Selection Initiated.]


    [Due to exceptional performance and trial difficulty, additional rewards are available.]


    “Exceptional performance,” Kei muttered, spinning on his heels as he eyed the shimmering options. “Guess they do know how hard I’ve been working.”


    <hr>


    Kei’s Reward Options


    <ul>


    <li>Wave Flowing Dagger: A dagger with a ring at the end connected to a string for throwing and retrieval. Compatible with vibration-based abilities, particularly for manipulating water.</li>


    <li>Resonant Mask: A plain white mask enabling echolocation-based vision and anonymity, allowing for a separate identity.</li>


    <li>Harmonic Core: A crystal that increases resonance efficiency by 15% and reduces energy costs for abilities.</li>


    </ul>


    <hr>


    Kei tapped his chin dramatically, drawing out his indecision despite the solitude. “Alright, let’s start with the obvious.” He reached for the Wave Flowing Dagger, which materialized in his hand. The sleek design and convenient retrieval mechanism felt intuitive. He threw the dagger experimentally, watching the string extend before snapping it back with ease.


    “Perfect for my throwing skills. And if I add a little vibration control…” He smirked, imagining how he could manipulate water or even ice with this weapon in the future.


    Next, he selected the Harmonic Core, holding the pulsing crystal as it integrated seamlessly with his resonance abilities. The hum of energy settled into his chest, his body feeling lighter and more efficient.


    Finally, Kei adjusted the Resonant Mask, taking a moment to admire its functionality. "No holes. No face. Just pure mystery." He activated the echolocation, the blank expanse around him lighting up with vibrational imagery. With the mask, he could freely unleash elemental vibration techniques like fire, wind, earth, water, and ice without linking them to his true identity. This separation thrilled him.


    <hr>


    Mia’s Collapse


    In another part of the expanse, Mia stood beneath her reward interface, her Balance Talisman pulsing faintly. Her body trembled from the strain of her trial, her brittle bones crying out for rest. But her gaze remained fixed on one option: the Twin-Blade Scythe.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    <hr>


    [Twin-Blade Scythe Acquired.]


    Effect: Amplifies Balance Adept abilities, enhancing precision and increasing damage proportional to HP deficit.


    <hr>


    The weapon materialized in her hand, its opposing blades gleaming with energy. Despite her exhaustion, she tested its balance with a careful spin, marveling at its elegance.


    “Balance,” she murmured, the word a quiet mantra. But the effort of standing proved too much. Mia collapsed to her knees, the scythe clattering beside her as the Balance Talisman attempted to stabilize her. Even with its help, she was left defenseless.


    <hr>


    The Gathering


    When the rewards were selected, the blank expanse dissolved, and the trial participants were transported to a shared space—a vast, glowing arena where the System’s next phase awaited. Kei, true to form, was the last to arrive.


    Still wearing his Resonant Mask, he scanned the room through his echolocation. He immediately spotted Mia, collapsed on the ground, her scythe beside her. A group of participants circled her like predators sensing easy prey.


    “Too weak to fight back,” sneered a hulking man with a hammer. “Might as well take what’s hers.”


    Kei’s grip tightened on his Wave Flowing Dagger as the man raised his weapon. “Seriously?” he muttered. “They’re going after her?”


    <hr>


    Kei Intervenes


    The masked figure’s voice rang out, calm but carrying a cutting edge. “Hey, hammer guy. Why don’t you try someone who isn’t half-dead?”


    The man turned, his sneer faltering as he saw Kei’s masked figure standing tall. “Who the hell are you?”


    Kei spun the dagger on its string, the blade gleaming as it caught the glowing light of the arena. “Just someone who doesn’t like bullies.”


    The man snorted, stepping forward. “You think you’re a hero? That mask won’t save you.”


    Kei activated Adrenaline Surge, his movements blurring as he darted forward. He threw the dagger, the weapon arcing through the air and striking the hammer with a sharp, vibrating clang. The impact sent a jarring resonance through the man’s grip, forcing him to stumble back.


    Retrieving the dagger with a flick of the string, Kei tilted his head. “Come on. Show me what you’ve got.”


    The man lunged, but Kei’s mastery of resonance and rhythm turned the fight into a dance. Using Rhythm Break, he disrupted the man’s balance, landing precise strikes that forced him to retreat. The others hesitated, their confidence shaken.


    <hr>


    Mia’s Defense


    With the aggressors scattering, Kei knelt beside Mia, offering her a hand. “You okay?” he asked, his voice softened behind the mask.


    Mia’s eyes narrowed briefly before recognition set in. “Kei?” she asked weakly.


    He nodded. “It’s me.”


    Mia gripped his hand, using the scythe to steady herself as he helped her to her feet. “Thank you,” she murmured.


    Kei’s masked face turned toward the retreating figures. “Let’s stick together for now,” he said, his tone lighter. “Seems like some people need a reminder about playing fair.”


    Mia smiled faintly, her voice a whisper. “Balance… in all things.”


    <hr>


    The Next Phase


    The System’s voice resonated through the arena, its tone a blend of finality and anticipation.


    [Trial Phase Complete.]


    [Participants: Prepare for the next stage of integration.]


    Kei adjusted his mask, glancing at Mia. “Guess the fun’s just getting started.”


    Mia nodded, her grip tightening on the twin-blade scythe. “It always is.”


    <div>


    <div>