The air crackled with tension as Ling stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow awakened individuals, their eyes fixed on the monstrous creatures that had emerged from the dimensional gate. The reality of their situation sank in—their training was about to be put to the ultimate test.
"Stay calm!" Professor Armitage shouted, his voice cutting through the panic. "Remember your training! Focus on your abilities and work together!"
Ling felt a surge of adrenaline course through him. This was it—the moment he had been waiting for. He had awakened a power that could potentially turn the tide in their favor, but now he needed to learn how to wield it effectively.
The monstrous creatures—twisted amalgamations of limbs and claws—let out guttural growls as they advanced toward the crowd. Ling's heart raced as he took a step forward, feeling the warmth of energy pulsing at the base of his skull. He could feel the "Infinite Ascension System" stirring within him, eager to be unleashed.
"Mei Lin, stay close!" he called out, glancing back at her. She nodded, determination shining in her eyes.
"Let's do this!" she replied, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.
As the first creature lunged forward, a nearby awakened individual—a tall girl with fiery red hair—sprang into action. She conjured flames at her fingertips and hurled a fireball toward the creature. It exploded upon impact, sending sparks flying and momentarily stunning the beast.
"Now's our chance!" Ling shouted, feeling emboldened by her bravery. He focused on absorbing energy from the environment around him—the remnants of debris scattered on the ground and the lingering essence from the defeated monsters.
He could feel it—the energy flowing into him like a river, filling him with strength and clarity. As he raised his hands, a faint glow began to emanate from his palms once more.
"Ling! Watch out!" Mei Lin's voice broke through his concentration just as another creature charged at him from the side.
As Ling faced down one of the charging creatures, his holographic interface flickered into view automatically.
[Enemy Identified: Lesser Void Beast]
[Recommended Action: Absorb Energy Residue Post-Defeat]
Ling gritted his teeth as he focused on channeling energy into his hands. After unleashing a radiant burst of light that struck down the creature, another notification appeared on his screen.
[Energy Residue Detected. Absorbing…]
A warm sensation coursed through him as he felt stronger than before.
[XP Gained: +50]
[Skill Progression – Light Burst Level 1 → Level 2]
Ling stared at the screen in disbelief. "It… it leveled up?"
The monster recoiled, letting out a deafening roar as it staggered backward. Ling felt exhilarated; he had done it! He had used his power to defend himself!
"Great job!" Mei Lin cheered as she quickly moved to help another teammate who was struggling against a different creature.
Ling took a moment to catch his breath and assess the situation around him. The training hall had transformed into a battlefield; awakened individuals were working together to fend off waves of monsters emerging from the gate.
He noticed Kai Zhang engaging with one of the beasts, using his enhanced strength to grapple with it. With each blow he landed, Ling could see how Kai's confidence grew—he was thriving in this chaos.
But Ling also saw others struggling. A group of newly awakened individuals was cornered by two creatures that were closing in on them. Fear gripped him as he realized they needed help.
"Mei Lin! We have to assist them!" Ling called out, determination fueling his words.
"Right behind you!" she replied without hesitation.
They rushed toward the group in need, Ling focusing on channeling energy into another burst of light. As they reached their friends, he unleashed his power again—this time aiming for one of the creatures attacking them.
The radiant beam struck true, illuminating the area with its brilliance. The creature let out a pained howl as it staggered back, giving their friends a momentary reprieve.
"Thank you!" one of them gasped, relief flooding their features as they regrouped.
"We need to stick together!" Mei Lin urged as they formed a tight circle around each other. "We can't let them separate us!"
Ling nodded vigorously. He felt invigorated by their unity; together they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they continued to fight back against the monsters, Ling found himself absorbing energy more instinctively. Each time he tapped into that power within him, it grew stronger—more refined. He began to understand how to control it better with every attack and every burst of light he unleashed.
But amidst their victories came moments of fear and uncertainty. One creature managed to break through their defenses and lunged toward Mei Lin just as she turned to help another teammate.
"No!" Ling shouted instinctively as he lunged forward without thinking. In that split second, he felt an overwhelming surge of energy course through him—a powerful instinct guiding him.
With all his might, he thrust his hands forward again. Instead of just releasing light this time, he focused on absorbing energy from everything around him—the fear in Mei Lin's eyes, the determination in his heart—and unleashed it all at once.
A massive wave of radiant light erupted from him like a shockwave, engulfing everything in its path. The creature screeched as it was caught in the blast and disintegrated into shimmering particles before fading away completely.
Ling stood there breathless as silence fell over the battlefield for just a moment—a stunned hush that enveloped everyone present in awe.
"Ling! You did it!" Mei Lin exclaimed, rushing over to him with wide eyes filled with admiration and relief.
"I… I didn't mean to," Ling stammered, still processing what had just happened. "I just reacted."
"That's incredible!" she said excitedly. "You're learning how to harness your abilities!"
But before Ling could respond or celebrate their victory further, another roar echoed from behind them—a new wave of creatures surged forth from the gate once more.
Professor Armitage stepped forward with urgency etched on his face. "Everyone! We need to regroup and strategize! We can't let them overwhelm us!"
Ling felt a renewed sense of purpose ignite within him as they prepared for another round against their monstrous foes. He glanced at Mei Lin and then at Kai Zhang across the battlefield; they were all counting on each other now more than ever.
Together they would face whatever darkness awaited them beyond this moment—a darkness that would test not only their powers but also their resolve and unity as friends fighting for survival.