Kei’s training was relentless. His throws had become sharper, his movements quicker, and his understanding of resonance deeper. He felt more in control, but the faint sense of inadequacy lingered. Every jagged shadow in the fractured Zone reminded him of the dangers lurking just beyond his vision.
The System had been oddly quiet, though its notifications still blinked periodically in his peripheral vision, tracking his progress:
> Zone Survival Progress: 12% Skill Progression: [Resonance Detection] Proficiency: 35%
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A SUDDEN SHIFT
Kei had just lined up another row of stones for practice when the air around him shifted. The subtle hum of the fractured sky wavered, replaced by a guttural growl that seemed to vibrate in his chest. He froze, his hand hovering over a stone.
“That’s not good,” he muttered, standing slowly.
From the shadows of the jagged rocks emerged a creature. Unlike the crystalline constructs he had encountered before, this beast was unmistakably alive. It was a massive feline-like predator, its fur dark and matted with streaks of silver that shimmered faintly in the distorted light. Its eyes glowed a predatory yellow, fixed squarely on Kei.
> System Notification: Beast Encounter: Shard Panther Level: 4 Affinity: Unknown Recommended Strategy: Evade or Exploit Weaknesses
Kei swallowed hard. “Level 4? Could be worse… right?”
The Shard Panther growled again, lowering itself into a crouch. Kei’s muscles tensed as he slowly reached for a stone. The beast’s glowing eyes tracked his every movement.
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TAPPING INTO RESONANCE
Kei knew running wasn’t an option. The Panther’s sleek frame and powerful limbs were built for speed. He needed to think—to adapt. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, tapping into the familiar hum of resonance he had been training.
Focusing on the vibrations around him, Kei allowed the sound to guide him. He sent out a faint pulse, like an invisible ripple. The resonance bounced back, painting a mental image of the area. He could feel the Panther’s powerful muscles coiled and ready to spring, the uneven ground beneath its paws, the jagged rocks behind it.
A notification flickered into view:
> Skill Progression: [Resonance Detection] Proficiency: 40%
>
> This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Kei’s eyes snapped open. “Alright, big guy. Let’s dance.”
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THE FIRST MOVE
The Panther leapt, a blur of black and silver. Kei dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp claws. He rolled to his feet, gripping a stone tightly. With practiced precision, he hurled it at the beast. The rock struck the Panther’s flank, eliciting a snarl but no significant damage.
“Figures,” Kei muttered, backing toward a cluster of boulders.
The Panther circled him, its glowing eyes unblinking. Kei sent out another pulse of resonance, focusing on the beast. He could feel the rhythmic thrum of its heartbeat, the tension in its limbs, and the subtle shift of weight before each step.
A realization struck him.
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THE WEAK SPOT
Kei noticed a faint irregularity in the Panther’s movements. Its left hind leg trembled slightly as it moved, the vibrations revealing a weakness. It wasn’t much, but it was something.
“Gotcha,” Kei whispered.
He reached for another stone, this time aiming for the Panther’s hind leg. The rock flew true, striking the weakened limb. The beast hissed in pain, its movements faltering. Kei seized the opportunity, sending out another pulse of resonance to map the terrain.
Behind the Panther was a jagged outcrop of stone, its edges sharp and unforgiving. Kei formulated a plan.
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USING SOUND AS A WEAPON
The Panther lunged again, and Kei barely managed to sidestep. This time, instead of retreating, he stomped his foot hard against the ground, sending a concentrated vibration toward the outcrop. The sharp sound echoed loudly, startling the Panther and momentarily disorienting it.
A notification appeared:
> Skill Unlocked: [Resonant Echo]
> Description: Emit a focused sound wave to disorient enemies or interact with the environment.
Kei grinned. “Perfect timing.”
He activated [Resonant Echo], sending a sharp, focused pulse directly at the Panther. The sound struck the beast like an invisible force, causing it to stagger. Kei grabbed another rock and hurled it with all his strength, aiming for the Panther’s head.
The impact sent the beast reeling, its balance compromised. It stumbled backward, its hind leg giving out. With a final snarl, the Panther collapsed against the jagged outcrop, its body going still.
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THE AFTERMATH
Kei stood panting, his chest heaving as he stared at the fallen beast. His hands trembled, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. A new notification appeared:
> Beast Defeated: Shard Panther
> Reward: +50 Experience Points, +2 Agility
> Zone Survival Progress: 18%
Kei collapsed onto a nearby rock, wiping sweat from his brow. “Not bad for a beginner,” he muttered, a shaky smile tugging at his lips.
As the fractured sky above shifted colors, Kei allowed himself a moment of rest. The trial was far from over, but for the first time, he felt like he might actually have a chance.
> System Notification:
> Affinity Progress Detected: [Law of Sound]
> Your connection to the Law deepens as you explore resonance and its applications.
Kei blinked at the notification. “Law of Sound? That’s a thing?”
The revelation lingered in his mind as he stared up at the fractured sky. For now, he would rest, but the realization that he had an affinity for something as profound as a Law filled him with a new determination. The journey was only beginning.