The clearing in Etherion Forest opened up like an arena. Floating platforms hovered above a crystal river, glowing faintly with energy. Lin Feng's heart raced with anticipation.
"This is it," Lunaria said. "Your first official trial. It is not a battle against others yet, but a test of skill, strategy, and teamwork. Etherion measures everything, from reflexes to decision-making."
Lin Feng adjusted his stance. "I'm ready."
From the shadows, Nyx stepped forward. "Remember, this is a trial. No mercy will be shown if you hesitate." Her eyes flicked to him, a mix of challenge and curiosity shining through.
The system quietly activated in Lin Feng's mind.
Trial Objective: Survive and clear the Etherion obstacle arena.
Rewards: Skill points, experience, system unlock progress.
Suddenly, energy barriers rose around the clearing. Floating drones and magical constructs appeared, moving in unpredictable patterns. The first wave was swift and precise.
Lin Feng analyzed the pattern. Two lifetimes of battle experience flowed through his mind. He ducked, weaved, and struck with precise bursts of energy. Lunaria's drones supported him, blocking attacks and assisting with offensive strikes. Nyx moved like a shadow, disabling threats before they reached them.
Step by step, the team cleared the first wave. Lin Feng's movements became more instinctive, faster, and more precise. Every attack, every defense, every calculation honed him further.
"This is good," Lunaria said softly. "You are adapting quickly."
The next wave was harder. Larger drones fused with elemental magic, their attacks unpredictable. Lin Feng's shield barely blocked a massive fire-energy blast, and one drone broke through Lunaria's defense.
Nyx leapt forward, intercepting it with a shadow strike. "Keep moving! Don't stop!"
Lin Feng focused, combining speed, energy control, and strategic positioning. Slowly, they pushed through the second wave. The forest itself seemed to pulse with Etherion's evaluation system.
Finally, the last wave collapsed, and silence returned. Lin Feng breathed heavily but felt exhilarated.
"You passed," Lunaria said, a rare smile appearing. "Most rookies fail at the first trial. You and your team performed exceptionally."
Nyx nodded. "Not bad for a rookie. You're stronger than I expected. This team… might actually succeed."
Lin Feng looked around at his companions. The path ahead was dangerous, and trials would only grow harder. But for the first time, he felt the thrill of true progress.
Etherion was testing him—and he was ready to rise.