Morning light filtered through the thin curtains of Kael’s quarters, but it did little to warm the cold stone walls. He sat on the edge of his cot, tightening the straps of his boots. The faint pulse of the Core within him felt stronger today, a quiet reminder of the power waiting to be fully understood.
[System Reminder: Daily Focus Training Recommended.]
* Suggestion: Practice Precision Strike to refine activation efficiency.
* Reward: Incremental skill improvement.
Kael exhaled, his fingers brushing the hilt of his sword. The Precision Strike skill had unlocked after the last training session, but he hadn’t had the opportunity to test it thoroughly.
"Guess today’s as good a day as any," he thought, standing and stretching.
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The training grounds were already bustling when Kael arrived. Garrick stood by a newly erected wooden platform, his booming voice cutting through the morning chatter.
“Today, we separate the dreamers from the real recruits,” Garrick announced, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “This is your first real trial—individually and as a team. Some of you might not make it back in one piece. If that scares you, there’s the gate.”
No one moved. Kael could feel the tension rippling through the group.
“Good,” Garrick growled. “The Rift calls, and you’re going to answer.”
[System Alert: Trial Initiated – Shadow Gauntlet.]
* Objective: Survive and neutralize threats within the Trial Arena.
* Solo Goals: Utilize unlocked skills and showcase adaptability.
* Team Goals: Complete synchronization within your assigned group.
[Rewards Vary by Performance.]
Kael’s eyes narrowed. The system’s interference was becoming routine, but the rewards tied to each task were often invaluable.
----------------------------------------
Dain and Lyra approached him as Garrick began organizing the groups.
“Looks like we’re working together,” Lyra said, her tone laced with mild amusement.
“Could be worse,” Dain replied, a faint smirk on his face.
Kael couldn’t help but chuckle. “Let’s not die today.”
Garrick motioned them forward. “You three, platform five. Step lively. The Rift waits for no one.”
The group climbed onto a circular platform etched with glowing runes. Kael’s stomach churned as the runes flared, and the platform shuddered before descending into darkness.
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The Trial Arena was an expanse of jagged rocks and shifting shadows. The air was thick, and faint whispers seemed to emanate from the darkness.
[System Warning: Shadow Anomalies Detected.]
* Enemy Types: Wraithlings, Rift Stalkers, and Greater Shade.
* Environmental Hazard: Reduced visibility and draining mana field.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
[Recommendation: Conserve energy and maintain close formation.]
“Stay sharp,” Kael murmured, unsheathing his sword.
Lyra, her daggers already in hand, nodded. “I don’t like this. The shadows are too... alive.”
Dain planted the butt of his spear into the ground. “We’ll handle it. Stay together.”
The first wave came quickly. Wraithlings—small, shadowy creatures with glowing eyes and needle-sharp claws—emerged from the darkness, their guttural screeches piercing the air.
Kael moved instinctively, stepping forward to engage. His sword glowed faintly as he activated Precision Strike, the blade slicing cleanly through the nearest Wraithling.
[System Alert: Precision Strike Activated – Effectiveness 78%. Skill Mastery Increased.]
“Behind you!” Lyra called, hurling a dagger past Kael’s shoulder. The weapon struck true, impaling another Wraithling mid-leap.
Dain spun his spear in a wide arc, clearing a space around them. “Stay in formation! They’ll pick us off if we spread out!”
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The shadows pressed closer, and the air grew heavier. Kael felt the draining effect of the mana field biting into his reserves, the Core within him humming in response.
[System Notification: Core Stability Enhanced. Mana Drain Counterbalanced by Internal Energy Source.]
Kael gritted his teeth. “The Core’s keeping me stable, but I don’t know how long it’ll last.”
Lyra glanced at him, her eyes sharp. “Then we finish this fast.”
The Rift Stalkers came next—larger, wolf-like creatures with jagged limbs and glowing fangs. They moved with predatory grace, circling the group before attacking in coordinated bursts.
Dain roared, thrusting his spear into one of the beasts. The weapon crackled with energy as it pierced the creature’s chest, the light briefly illuminating their surroundings.
Kael sidestepped another Rift Stalker, his sword finding its mark as he slashed across its flank. He activated Precision Strike again, driving his blade into the beast’s throat.
[System Alert: Rift Stalker Neutralized – Efficiency 82%. Core Energy Absorbed.]
The Core’s pulse grew stronger, its energy flowing through Kael’s limbs.
"This power... it’s intoxicating," he thought, shaking off the distraction.
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The final challenge came in the form of a Greater Shade, its towering form emerging from the darkness like a living nightmare. Its hollow eyes glowed crimson, and its shadowy tendrils lashed out, forcing the group to scatter.
[System Alert: Elite Enemy Detected – Greater Shade.]
* Threat Level: High.
* Weakness: Concentrated Light or Synchronized Assault.
[Strategy Recommended: Attack Tendrils to Create Openings.]
Kael regrouped with Dain and Lyra, the three of them quickly forming a plan.
“Go for its tendrils,” Kael said. “If we can pin it down, I’ll aim for the core.”
Dain nodded. “Lyra, you’re the fastest. Keep it distracted while we handle the limbs.”
Lyra smirked. “Piece of cake.”
She darted forward, her movements a blur as she slashed at the Shade’s tendrils. The creature roared, its attacks growing erratic.
Dain and Kael moved in tandem, their weapons carving through the shadowy appendages. When the creature faltered, Kael surged forward, the Core’s energy surging through him as he drove his sword into the Shade’s chest.
[System Alert: Greater Shade Neutralized. Trial Objective Complete.]
* Rewards Earned: +3 Strength, +2 Synergy Rating, Skill Upgrade: Precision Strike → Precision Cleave.
[Bonus Reward: Lesser Rift Shard Obtained.]
The Shade dissolved into shadow, leaving behind a faintly glowing shard. Kael picked it up, feeling its energy resonate with the Core.
“What’s that?” Lyra asked, her breathing heavy.
Kael shook his head. “I’m not sure, but it feels... important.”
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The platform rose, carrying the group back to the settlement. Garrick awaited them, his expression unreadable.
“You survived,” he said gruffly. “Barely.”
Kael couldn’t help but grin. “But we did.”
Garrick’s lips twitched in the faintest hint of approval. “Rest up. The next trial will make this one look like child’s play.”
As Kael lay in his cot that night, the shard resting on the table beside him, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.
"I’ve unlocked something," he thought, the Core pulsing faintly. "Now I just need to figure out what it means."