The dimly lit cavern pulsed with a strange energy as Andy and Nia stepped cautiously forward. The stone walls shimmered faintly, etched with glowing runes of an ancient language neither could fully understand. At the end of the tunnel, a towering gate blocked their exit, covered in seals of binding magic.
A sudden chime rang in their minds.
[System Notification: Trial of Trust Initiated.]
Condition: Both participants must share mana flow. Physical contact required. Failure results in elimination.
Andy blinked. Share… mana?
Nia's face flushed, her slender fingers tightening around her staff. "It means… we'll have to hold hands. The System won't let us pass otherwise."
Andy's throat went dry. "You're kidding…"
Before he could protest further, another warning flashed:
[Warning: Failure to comply within 60 seconds will trigger guardian awakening.]
With a heavy sigh, Andy extended his hand. "No choice then… Let's just get this over with."
Nia hesitated only a moment before slipping her hand into his. Her palm was soft yet trembling slightly. As their fingers interlaced, a warm current surged between them, mingling their mana into one steady flow. Both gasped at the sensation—it was intimate, invasive, and strangely comforting.
"Your heart…" Nia whispered, cheeks crimson. "It's beating so fast."
Andy looked away quickly. "Y-Yeah, well, so is yours."
The gate's runes lit up, glowing brighter with their joined mana. But before the gate could fully open, the cavern shook violently. From the shadows emerged a hulking beast—a guardian forged from rock and fire, with molten cracks running across its stone body.
[Guardian of the Trial has Awakened.]
The monster roared, flames spilling from its jaws. Still bound by the System's demand, Andy and Nia had no choice but to keep holding hands.
"Stay with me!" Andy shouted, tightening his grip on her hand.
Nia nodded, channeling her magic through their bond. "I'll support your mana flow. Don't let go!"
Andy felt the surge of energy rushing into him—her magic intertwining with his own. In that instant, he knew what he had to do.
He drew both his blades, one shimmering with water's calm essence, the other flickering with fire's fierce power. His eyes narrowed.
"Elemental Flow—Activate!"
The swords pulsed, the flames and water streams spiraling around each other without clashing, forming a radiant vortex of power. Andy slashed forward, the combined elements roaring in unison. Steam and fire erupted, slamming into the guardian's chest.
The beast staggered, molten cracks widening under the strike. Nia quickly chanted a binding spell, her voice steady despite her pounding heart. "Lumen Chains!"
Brilliant chains of light snared the guardian, holding it just long enough. Andy, channeling every drop of mana they shared, leapt high and crossed his swords.
"Dual Break!"
The blades carved through the guardian in a blazing arc, splitting the stone giant apart. With a thunderous crash, the beast collapsed, its core dissolving into motes of light.
Silence followed, broken only by their ragged breathing. Andy realized he was still holding Nia's hand tightly, their fingers slick with sweat. Neither pulled away.
A chime echoed in their minds.
[Trial Completed.]
[Bond Level Increased: 20% → 30%.]
Reward Unlocked: Shared Skill — Mana Resonance.]
Nia glanced at him, her face still flushed. "We… we actually did it."
Andy smiled faintly, still feeling the warmth of her mana inside him. "Yeah… Together."
For a long moment, neither let go, as if afraid the magic—and the bond between them—would vanish if they did.
Bond Level: 30%
New Shared Skill: Mana Resonance – When in contact, their mana efficiency doubles, boosting both attack and defense