The battlefield lay silent, save for the faint hum of dissipating Essence. The oppressive weight of the corrupted Zone had lifted, leaving behind a strange, eerie calm. Kei and Mia stood amidst the wreckage, their bodies aching from the battle.
Kei groaned, stretching his arms as he glanced around the fading Zone. “Well, we didn’t die. I’d call that a win.”
Mia leaned on her scythe, her Balance Talisman dimmed to a faint flicker. “Barely. That Titan... that wasn’t normal, even for a Full Zone.”
Kei nodded, slipping the Wave Flowing Dagger back into its sheath. “Yeah, no kidding. But if we survived something that insane, the rewards better be worth it.”
As if on cue, the System’s voice echoed in their minds.
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SYSTEM NOTIFICATIONS
[Corrupted Full Zone Cleared.]
[Unique Achievement Unlocked: First to Clear a Corrupted Zone.]
[Hidden Rewards Unlocked.]
Kei raised an eyebrow. “Hidden rewards? Now we’re talking.”
The notifications continued:
[Experience Gained: 50,000.]
[Level Up: Levels 14 → 15.]
[Stat Points Awarded: +20.]
[Bonus Stat Points: +10 (Hidden Achievement).]
[Title Unlocked: Corruption Slayer.]
[Effect: +10% Damage to Corrupted Entities, +5% Resistance to Corruption.]
[Item Unlocked: Shard of the Broken Titan.]
[Effect: Contains residual energy from a corrupted Titan. Can be refined or used in crafting.]
[Hidden Reward Unlocked: Essence Node (Tier 3).]
[Effect: Permanently increases Essence regeneration by 15%.]
Kei blinked at the stream of notifications. “Okay, that’s... a lot.”
Mia studied her own screen, her expression contemplative. “The bonuses are significant. Especially the Essence Node. That’s not something you get from a regular Full Zone.”
Kei whistled, his grin returning. “Guess that fight wasn’t for nothing, huh? Let’s check the stat screens.”
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STAT SCREENS
The two opened their updated stat screens, comparing the results of their recent gains.
Kei's Stats
* Level: 15
* Class: Mood Tempo
* Health: 230/230
* Essence: 310/310
* Strength: 18
* Agility: 24
* Endurance: 20
* Intelligence: 22
* Perception: 26
* Stat Points Available: 30
* Skills Unlocked:
* Resonant Shield (Level 3): Creates a vibrating shield capable of deflecting attacks and rebounding enemies.
* Resonant Strike (Level 4): Enhances attacks with vibrations, increasing penetration and shattering capabilities.
* Mood Tempo (Level 2): Alters combat abilities based on the rhythm of music.
* Titles:
* First Trial Survivor: +2% Experience Gain.
* Corruption Slayer: +10% Damage to Corrupted Entities, +5% Resistance to Corruption.
Mia's Stats
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* Level: 15
* Class: Equilibrium Adept
* Health: 150/150
* Essence: 350/350
* Strength: 12
* Agility: 16
* Endurance: 14
* Intelligence: 30
* Perception: 28
* Stat Points Available: 30
* Skills Unlocked:
* Balance Reinforcement (Level 3): Stabilizes energy and strengthens physical structures, including reinforcing bones.
* Equilibrium Strike (Level 2): Weakens stronger attacks to balance power output, amplifying damage proportionally.
* Essence Flow (Passive): Increases efficiency of Essence-based abilities by 10%.
* Titles:
* First Trial Survivor: +2% Experience Gain.
* Corruption Slayer: +10% Damage to Corrupted Entities, +5% Resistance to Corruption.
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INSPECTING THE REWARDS
Kei pulled out the Shard of the Broken Titan, a jagged piece of dark crystal that pulsed faintly with corrupted energy. “What do you think this is good for?”
Mia examined it, her Balance Talisman reacting slightly to the shard’s energy. “It’s unstable, but powerful. If refined, it could be used to craft something unique.”
Kei grinned. “Unique, huh? Maybe a pair of wings.”
Mia rolled her eyes. “You’re not getting wings.”
He shrugged, tucking the shard into his inventory. “One can dream.”
Next, they turned their attention to the Essence Node, a small, glowing orb that radiated warmth. Mia held hers carefully, feeling the energy flow through her fingers. “This alone is worth the fight. A permanent increase in Essence regeneration? That’s rare.”
Kei nodded, his grin softening. “Yeah. Maybe the System knew we’d need it for what’s coming next.”
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AFTERMATH
As the corrupted Zone fully stabilized, the island returned to a strange semblance of peace. The fractured ground smoothed over, and the oppressive energy dissipated. But the experience left a mark on Kei and Mia, both in their stats and their resolve.
Kei stretched, his usual grin returning as he glanced at Mia. “So, what’s next? Another corrupted Titan? Maybe a dragon?”
Mia smirked faintly, shaking her head. “Let’s hope not. But whatever comes, we’ll be ready.”
As they sat together, watching the sun rise over the ocean, the System chimed in once more:
[Warning: Global Zone Activity Increasing.]
[Prepare for Incoming Challenges.]
Kei sighed, leaning back on the sand. “Of course. No rest for the wicked.”
Mia’s smirk widened slightly. “Or for us.”
And with that, they prepared themselves for the next trial, the rewards from the corrupted Zone a testament to their progress—and a reminder of the challenges yet to come.