The arena shifted again, its crystalline expanse giving way to a fragmented battlefield. Platforms representing the elements—fire, water, wind, ice, and earth—hovered over an endless void. Each one pulsed with distinct energy, their rhythms tangible to those who could feel the resonance.
Kei adjusted the Resonant Mask, the plain white surface smooth and featureless, concealing his identity completely. The mask had already proven its worth, granting him echolocation so precise that the ever-shifting platforms appeared as clear as day in his mind. Yet, to Kei, it served another purpose—it separated the identity of "Kei the Resonant Fighter" from the mysterious figure wielding elemental abilities.
“This is new,” Kei muttered, his voice slightly distorted by the mask as he observed the scene.
The System chimed, its tone commanding attention.
[Elemental Trial Unlocked.]
[Objective: Demonstrate mastery over elemental resonance to progress.]
[Warning: Incomplete synchronization will result in elimination.]
Kei tilted his head, his Wave Flowing Dagger spinning idly in his hand. “Demonstrate mastery, huh? Alright, let’s see what resonance can really do.”
The participants around him hesitated, some stepping cautiously onto platforms that resonated with their Laws. Others lingered, unsure which path to take. Kei, however, moved with purpose, leaping onto the water platform first.
<hr>
Water: Mastering Fluidity
The water platform rippled like a living tide, its energy cool and inviting but deceptively volatile. Kei landed lightly, the platform vibrating beneath his feet in a rhythm that reminded him of a calm yet powerful current. His echolocation painted the scene perfectly—streams of water swirling and coalescing in mid-air.
He extended his resonance outward, syncing with the platform’s rhythm. The water responded, surging upward and forming a sphere that hovered above his outstretched hand.
“Let’s see what you’ve got,” Kei murmured. He flicked his wrist, sending the sphere flying toward a target that materialized in the distance. The water struck with pinpoint precision, shattering the target and sending ripples across the platform.
The System chimed again.
[Water Resonance Mastery: 20%. Ability Unlocked – Aqua Surge.]
<ul>
<li>Effect: Creates high-pressure water jets for precise or wide-area attacks.</li>
</ul>
Kei chuckled, retrieving his Wave Flowing Dagger. “Alright, water’s done. What’s next?”
<hr>
Fire: Commanding Chaos
Kei jumped to the fire platform, its surface alive with flames that licked at the edges of his boots. The resonance here was wild and chaotic, its rhythm erratic and difficult to grasp. He steadied himself, extending his resonance to tame the roaring inferno.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
The flames coiled around him, forming a spiraling column. With a sharp motion, Kei directed the fire outward in a wide arc, incinerating a row of glowing targets that appeared mid-air.
The System’s notification followed quickly.
[Fire Resonance Mastery: 20%. Ability Unlocked – Flame Arc.]
<ul>
<li>Effect: Launches crescent-shaped flames in rapid succession.</li>
</ul>
Kei smirked beneath the mask, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. “Fiery, but manageable.”
<hr>
Wind: Harnessing Precision
The wind platform was a swirling tempest, its currents erratic and unpredictable. Kei landed, his echolocation mapping the invisible streams of air with perfect clarity. He extended his resonance, matching the platform’s rhythm to guide the flow of wind.
Sharp gusts swirled around him, forming invisible blades. Kei directed them with precision, cutting cleanly through distant targets with each strike.
[Wind Resonance Mastery: 20%. Ability Unlocked – Gale Cutter.]
<ul>
<li>Effect: Sends razor-sharp wind blades at high speed toward enemies.</li>
</ul>
Kei twirled his dagger idly. “Cutting-edge stuff,” he said, his voice light despite the effort.
<hr>
Ice: Mastering Stillness
The ice platform gleamed under a thin layer of frost, its resonance cold and deliberate. Kei’s echolocation revealed the sharp edges of forming icicles, their crystalline structure beautiful yet lethal. He extended his resonance carefully, syncing with the platform’s steady rhythm.
The ice responded, forming jagged spears that floated ominously around him. With a flick of his hand, Kei sent the spears flying toward a cluster of glowing targets. The icicles shattered on impact, leaving trails of frost in their wake.
[Ice Resonance Mastery: 20%. Ability Unlocked – Frost Spear.]
<ul>
<li>Effect: Creates and launches piercing icicles for precise attacks.</li>
</ul>
Kei exhaled, his breath visible in the frigid air. “Chill, but effective.”
<hr>
Earth: The Weight of Power
Finally, Kei landed on the earth platform, its surface solid and unyielding. The resonance here was deep and powerful, its rhythm steady and grounding. He stomped his foot, sending vibrations into the ground.
The earth responded with jagged spikes erupting upward, each one impaling the glowing targets that appeared in sequence.
[Earth Resonance Mastery: 20%. Ability Unlocked – Stone Spire.]
<ul>
<li>Effect: Summons earthen spikes to impale enemies or block paths.</li>
</ul>
Kei stepped back, his breathing steady. “Earth’s definitely got weight behind it.”
<hr>
The System’s Judgment
As the last target shattered, the platforms stabilized, their elemental energies dimming. The System’s voice echoed across the arena.
[Elemental Harmony Achieved.]
[Kei’s Trial Progress: 95%. Level: 10.]
Kei stepped off the final platform, adjusting the Resonant Mask as he moved toward the central area. The elemental resonance abilities hummed within him, their power adding new dimensions to his combat style.
“Avatar Kei,” he muttered with a grin hidden behind the mask. “Sounds about right.”
<hr>
Mia’s Quiet Observation
From a nearby platform, Mia watched Kei’s progress, her twin-blade scythe resting against her shoulder. She leaned heavily on the Balance Talisman, her body still weak but her spirit unyielding. A faint smile crossed her lips.
“He’s reckless,” she murmured, her voice soft. “But there’s balance in his chaos.”
Her exhaustion was evident, but the gleam in her eyes showed no sign of surrender. The next phase of the trial awaited them both.