The trial arena dissolved into an endless expanse of white streaked with threads of radiant energy. The participants materialized one by one in the Central Nexus, a space that radiated power and finality. In the center floated a massive crystalline sphere, its surface pulsating with vibrant Essence.


    Kei stood apart from the others, his movements relaxed but his senses sharp beneath the Resonant Mask. The mask concealed his expression, but his focused gaze swept across the gathered participants. Nearby, Mia leaned against her twin-blade scythe, her exhaustion plain but her resolve steady.


    The System’s voice reverberated across the Nexus, commanding attention.


    [Congratulations, Trial Takers. You have reached the conclusion of the First Phase.]


    [Reward Allocation will now commence.]


    Kei adjusted the Wave Flowing Dagger on his belt, the familiar weight of the weapon grounding him. He glanced at Mia, her pale features illuminated by the crystal’s glow.


    “You hanging in there?” he asked, his tone light but genuine.


    Mia gave a faint nod. “I’ll manage.”


    Kei smirked behind the mask. “Never doubted it.”


    Reward Allocation


    Above each participant, glowing interfaces materialized, displaying their contributions and performance throughout the trials. Rewards floated into view—artifacts, weapons, and resources tailored to their abilities. The number of options varied, reflecting each participant’s success and trial difficulty.


    Kei’s interface shimmered, presenting an expansive array of options due to his exceptional performance and the sheer difficulty of his challenges.


    <h4>Kei’s Additional Rewards:</h4>


    <ul>


    <li>Resonant Mantle: A lightweight cloak that enhances agility and reduces detection by resonance-based entities.</li>


    <li>Elemental Capsule: A device that stores and amplifies elemental energy for devastating combination attacks.</li>


    <li>Vibrant Threads: A unique material for crafting resonance-enhanced armor.</li>


    </ul>


    Kei reached for the Elemental Capsule, its swirling energy immediately capturing his interest. As it materialized in his hand, he couldn’t help but grin.


    “Looks flashy,” he muttered, slipping it into his belt pouch. His gaze lingered on the Resonant Mantle for a moment before selecting it as well. The cloak materialized around his shoulders, its lightweight fabric seeming to hum in tune with his movements.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    “Not bad,” he murmured, adjusting the fit.


    Nearby, Mia’s reward interface displayed her own array of choices. Despite her exhaustion, her expression remained calm and focused. She selected a Healing Elixir to restore some of her strength, followed by Reinforced Armor Threads, designed to bolster her brittle frame without compromising agility.


    Finally, her eyes lingered on an Energy Crystal, its glow resonating faintly with her Balance Talisman. She reached out, the crystal merging with her scythe to enhance its abilities.


    Rising Tension


    As participants claimed their rewards, the tension in the Nexus thickened. Not all were satisfied with the results. A burly man with a massive axe—one of the same individuals who had targeted Mia earlier—glared in her direction.


    “She shouldn’t even be here,” he muttered, loud enough for others to hear. “People like her have no place in the next phase.”


    Several heads turned, the crowd murmuring uneasily. Mia’s grip tightened on her scythe, though she made no move to respond.


    Kei, however, stepped forward, his dagger spinning idly on its string. His voice cut through the tension, distorted slightly by the mask. “You’ve got a lot of opinions for someone who keeps losing fights.”


    The man’s sneer deepened, and he hefted his axe. “Why don’t you take off that mask and prove you’re not all talk?”


    Kei’s stance shifted, his movements casual but poised for action. “Maybe later,” he said coolly. “Right now, I’m enjoying watching you embarrass yourself.”


    The man took a step forward, but the System’s voice interrupted, its tone sharp and unyielding.


    [Conflict within the Nexus is prohibited.]


    [Violation will result in immediate disqualification.]


    The man cursed under his breath, his shoulders stiff with suppressed rage. He retreated reluctantly, though his glare remained fixed on Kei and Mia.


    Kei relaxed slightly, his tone light as he turned to Mia. “You really know how to make friends, huh?”


    Mia allowed herself a faint smile. “Guess I just have that kind of charm.”


    The Second Phase Awaits


    As the tension settled, the crystalline sphere at the center of the Nexus pulsed with a blinding light. Threads of energy extended outward, connecting to each participant and filling the space with a low hum. The System’s voice returned, calm yet commanding.


    [Trial Takers, prepare for the Second Phase of Integration.]


    [Your abilities, progress, and potential will determine your next challenges.]


    [May your strength guide you.]


    The ground beneath them began to dissolve, replaced by swirling motes of light. Kei felt the familiar pull of the System’s energy, the space around him shifting as he prepared for whatever came next.


    “Here we go again,” he muttered, the mask hiding his grin. He glanced at Mia one last time. “Try to keep up this time.”


    Mia straightened, the Balance Talisman glowing faintly. “I think you’ll find I’m always one step ahead.”


    With a final pulse of energy, the Nexus vanished, sending the trial takers hurtling toward the unknown.