Li Wei found himself standing in a serene garden, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of energy.
The voice that had spoken to him earlier was gone, but he felt a lingering presence, as if the garden itself was alive.
As he explored, he noticed a stone path leading to a pavilion. Inside the pavilion was a massive stone tablet, covered in glowing characters.
Unlike the Tablet of Ascension, this one seemed to radiate a calming energy.
Li Wei approached the tablet, and as he did, the characters began to shift and rearrange themselves, forming a new message:
"Welcome, Seeker of the Divine Characters. To ascend, you must understand the hierarchies of power."
The tablet explained that power in the Realm of the Divine Characters was measured in Ranks, each representing a different level of mastery over the Characters.
Initiate: The first level, where one begins to understand the basics of the Divine Characters.
Adept: A more advanced level, where one can channel the Characters' energy in combat.
Master: A high level of mastery, where one can create new Characters and manipulate reality.
Grandmaster: The highest level, reserved for those who have fully transcended the limitations of the Characters.
Li Wei realized he was still an Initiate, but the tablet hinted that he had the potential to ascend quickly.
The tablet also introduced the Class System, which determined how one could use the Divine Characters.
Each class had its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one was crucial for success.
Calligrapher: Focuses on precision and control, using the Characters to create intricate effects.
Warrior: Channels the Characters' energy into physical combat, enhancing strength and speed.
Mage: Uses the Characters to manipulate the elements, casting powerful spells.
Healer: Focuses on restoration and protection, using the Characters to heal and shield.
Li Wei felt drawn to the Calligrapher class, as it aligned with his natural talents. But the tablet warned that mastering a class required dedication and discipline.
As Li Wei absorbed the information, the garden began to shift. The serene landscape transformed into a battlefield, and he found himself facing a group of Shadow Cultists.
System Notification: Trial of the Hierarchies initiated. Defeat the Shadow Cultists to prove your worth.
Li Wei took a deep breath and focused on the First Character, Balance, channeling its energy into his brush. The cultists charged, their weapons glowing with dark energy.
Li Wei moved with precision, using the Character to create a shield that deflected the cultists' attacks. He then struck back, sending bursts of golden light that knocked them off their feet.
But the cultists were relentless. One of them, a Shadow Adept, stepped forward, his eyes glowing with malice.
"You think you can defeat us, Initiate?" the Adept sneered. "You're nothing but a beginner."
Li Wei gritted his teeth, determined to prove him wrong. He focused on the Character, channeling its energy into a powerful strike. The Adept was thrown backward, but he quickly recovered, his dark energy growing stronger.
Just as Li Wei was about to be overwhelmed, the garden shifted again. The battlefield dissolved, and he found himself back in the pavilion.
The tablet glowed brighter, and a new message appeared:
"You have passed the first trial. But the path ahead is fraught with danger. To ascend, you must choose your class and embrace its essence."
Li Wei approached the tablet, feeling its energy pulse through him. He knew he had to choose a class, and he felt drawn to the Calligrapher.
As he made his choice, the tablet glowed, and he felt a surge of energy. The Characters around him began to shift, forming new patterns and meanings.
System Notification: Class selected—Calligrapher. New abilities unlocked.
Li Wei's first ability as a Calligrapher was Ink Shield, a defensive technique that used the Characters to create a barrier of glowing ink. He practiced the ability, feeling its energy flow through him.
But as he did, he noticed something strange: the Characters on the tablet were beginning to darken, as if they were being corrupted.
Before Li Wei could react, the tablet shattered, and a dark figure emerged from the fragments. It was the Shadow Lord, his eyes glowing with malice.
"You cannot escape me, Calligrapher," the Shadow Lord said, his voice cold and menacing. "The power of the Divine Characters belongs to me."
Li Wei stepped back, his heart racing. He knew he wasn't strong enough to face the Shadow Lord alone.
But just as the Shadow Lord was about to strike, a blinding light filled the pavilion. When the light faded, Li Wei found himself standing in a completely different place—a vast, empty void.
A voice echoed in the void, calm and reassuring. "You are not alone, Li Wei. I will guide you."
But before Li Wei could respond, the voice faded, and he was left with more questions than answers.