The golden light of the Nexus had long faded, leaving only the quiet sounds of waves lapping against the island’s shore. As Kei and Mia adjusted to their return to Earth, Kei leaned back on a patch of soft sand, the Resonant Mask resting in his lap. The trial was over, yet fragments of it still lingered in his mind—a flashback to the choices that shaped their futures.
He chuckled, glancing at Mia, who was perched on a nearby rock, polishing her scythe. “Remember when the System dumped fifteen options on us after the trial?”
Mia smiled faintly, her Balance Talisman glowing in the dim evening light. “How could I forget? You complained the entire time.”
Kei’s smirk widened as the memory overtook them both.
<hr>
Kei’s Trial Reward Selection
Kei had stood in a void of shimmering white, the System’s chime echoing in his ears. The evaluation of his performance had been swift and decisive.
Participant Kei,
Trial Performance ReviewI initiated. Analyzing...Analyzing...
Trial Performance: Exceptional.
<ul>
<li>Survival Rating: S</li>
<li>Adaptation Rating: S</li>
<li>Combat Efficiency: S</li>
<li>Law Progression: Unprecedented (20%)</li>
</ul>
Rewards Unlocked:
<ul>
<li>Access to Advanced Breathing Techniques (15 choices available).</li>
<li>Access to Advanced Cultivation Techniques (15 choices available).</li>
<li>Exclusive Elemental Resonance Integration Techniques.</li>
</ul>
Kei scratched the back of his head, the corners of his mouth quirking upward. “Fifteen choices? You’re trying to kill me, System. I’m not exactly great at homework.”
The shimmering list of Breathing Techniques unfurled before him, each option detailed with its unique effects.
<hr>
<h4>Breathing Techniques</h4>
<ul>
<li>
Pulse of the Ocean
Synchronizes breathing with the rhythm of water, enhancing endurance and Essence regeneration.
</li>
<li>
Skyward Flow
Aligns breathing with wind currents, boosting agility and precision.
</li>
<li>
Inferno Core
Mimics the breathing patterns of flames, increasing explosive power and short-term strength.
</li>
</ul>
Kei’s eyes stopped on one that seemed custom-made for him:
<ul>
<li>Rhythmic Cycle
Description: Aligns breathing with resonant frequencies in the environment, enhancing control over sound-based attacks and deepening Law comprehension.
Effect: Increases resonance efficiency and Law synchronization.</li>
</ul>
Kei grinned. “A breathing technique for sound? Yeah, I’ll take that.”
The moment he confirmed his choice, warmth surged through him, and the technique embedded itself into his mind, syncing perfectly with his essence.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
<hr>
<h4>Cultivation Techniques</h4>
The System wasn’t done. Another list unfolded, this time detailing Cultivation Techniques that promised to shape his growth.
<ul>
<li>
Crystalline Flow Method
A balanced technique enhancing steady Essence absorption and defense.
</li>
<li>
Torrent Ascension Path
A high-risk, high-reward technique focused on rapid growth.
</li>
<li>
Echoed Harmony Technique
Description: Specializes in resonance users, amplifying sound-based energy manipulation while stabilizing Essence flow.
Effect: Enhances Law alignment and resonance mastery.
</li>
</ul>
Kei laughed softly. “System, you really outdid yourself. I’ll take Echoed Harmony.”
As soon as he locked in the choice, resonance flowed through him, solidifying his connection to the Law of Sound.
<hr>
Mia’s Trial Reward Selection
Far across the expanse, Mia stood in her own shimmering void. The System’s voice addressed her with its usual formal tone.
Participant Mia, Trial Performance Review Initiated.
Analyzing...Analyzing...
TrialPerformance: Exceptional.
<ul>
<li>Survival Rating: S</li>
<li>Adaptation Rating: S</li>
<li>Combat Efficiency: A</li>
<li>Law Progression: Advanced (20%)</li>
</ul>
R
<ul>
<li>Access to Advanced Breathing Techniques (15 choices available).</li>
<li>Access to Advanced Cultivation Techniques (15 choices available).</li>
<li>Exclusive Balance Stabilization Techniques.</li>
</ul>
Mia’s sharp gaze swept over the options presented to her, calculating the best fit for her Law of Balance and her physical limitations.
<hr>
<h4>Breathing Techniques</h4>
<ul>
<li>
Equilibrium Breath
Balances Essence intake, enhancing control and efficiency.
</li>
<li>
Harmony Pulse Method
Aligns breathing with natural rhythms to stabilize chaotic environments.
</li>
<li>
Celestial Flow
Focuses on pure Essence absorption, granting unparalleled clarity and balance.
</li>
</ul>
Mia chose Equilibrium Breath, sensing its alignment with her abilities and Balance Talisman. A soft glow enveloped her as the breathing technique synchronized with her Essence, providing a newfound stability.
<hr>
<h4>Cultivation Techniques</h4>
The second list appeared, offering techniques that promised to refine her balance and amplify her precision.
<ul>
<li>
Balance Weaver Path
Harmonizes Essence flows for precise energy manipulation.
</li>
<li>
Celestial Core Method
Enhances energy purity, allowing for refined attacks and defenses.
</li>
<li>
Duality Focus Technique
Draws on opposing forces to create stability and amplify potential.
</li>
</ul>
Mia selected Celestial Core Method, feeling its potential to bolster her fragile form. As the choice finalized, her energy stabilized, and her connection to the Law of Balance deepened.
<hr>
Return to the Present
Kei shook his head, snapping back to the present as a cool breeze brushed against his face. “You know, for all the hassle, those choices worked out. I can already feel the difference.”
Mia nodded, her Balance Talisman glowing faintly in the evening light. “The System gave us what we needed. Now it’s up to us to use it.”
Kei stretched, adjusting the Wave Flowing Dagger at his side. “Guess that means it’s back to training. Let’s see what this Rhythmic Cycle can really do.”
Mia rose, her scythe resting lightly on her shoulder. “And we’ll need to push harder. The Fractured Zones won’t wait.”
As the two began their respective routines, the sun dipped below the horizon, its fiery hues painting the sky. The trials had ended, but the challenges ahead would demand everything they had gained—and more.
Above them, the first stars emerged, their light a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the untold trials still to come.