Stepping through the shimmering portal, Emile and Jin found themselves back on the familiar grassy plains just outside Oakhaven, the ancient archway of the Trial Grounds looming behind them. The virtual sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape. The sounds of the open world – the chirping of digital birds, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze – felt welcoming after the silent intensity of the trials.
A wide grin stretched across Jin's avatar's face as he swung his newly acquired iron sword. The movements felt different now, more fluid and responsive. "Warrior class, huh? Feels pretty good!" He executed a few practice swings, a determined look in his eyes. "Time to start putting those Quick Reflexes to good use!"
Emile, too, felt a profound difference. The Void energy thrummed within him, a tangible power waiting to be unleashed. He focused his intent, and a faint, dark aura enveloped his iron sword. He mentally commanded, "Abyssal Slash!" and with a swift motion, the blade sliced through the air, leaving a visible trail of swirling darkness. The power behind the strike felt significantly amplified compared to his previous attempts.
"Whoa, that looks… intense," Jin commented, watching the display of Void energy with awe. "Voidblade Ascendant (Ex) – definitely suits you, Void God."
"It feels… efficient," Emile replied, sheathing his sword, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He then focused again. "Void Step." In an instant, he teleported a short distance away, reappearing a few feet to Jin's side.
Jin's eyes widened. "Seriously? You can just… do that now? That's insane!"
"The trials awakened latent abilities and granted new skills," Emile explained calmly. "We should both take some time to familiarize ourselves with our new capabilities."
They spent a few minutes practicing their basic skills in the open field. Jin experimented with the Warrior's starting abilities – a powerful overhead strike called [Skill Used: Power Swing] and a defensive stance known as [Skill Used: Iron Guard]. His movements were still a bit clumsy, but the potential was clearly there.
"Feels like I could take on a whole pack of those Razor Boars now!" Jin exclaimed, a newfound confidence in his voice.
Emile, too, continued to explore his Voidblade skills. He found that [Void Shroud] created a tangible barrier of dark energy around him, briefly deflecting some of the ambient magical energy in the area. The passive skill, [Void Resonance], provided a steady trickle of Void energy regeneration, allowing him to use his active skills more frequently. [Sword Mastery] subtly enhanced his swordsmanship, making his movements feel more natural and precise.
After their initial experimentation, they gathered to discuss their next steps.
"So, now what?" Jin asked, sheathing his sword. "Time to go level up? I was thinking of heading back to the Whispering Woods. Heard there are some tougher monsters there now that we've got our classes."
"That is a logical approach," Emile agreed. "Gaining experience and improving our skills should be a priority." He then paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "However… I am also curious about the whispers we heard during the trials, the fragmented messages about the 'ark' and the impending convergence."
Jin nodded, his enthusiasm for leveling momentarily tempered by the weight of those revelations. "Yeah, that stuff was pretty creepy. You think there's more to this game than just grinding monsters and getting loot?"
"I believe so," Emile replied firmly. "The level of detail, the anomalies we've witnessed… it all suggests a deeper purpose. The trials themselves felt… significant, almost like an initiation."
"So, you think we should try to figure out what all that meant?" Jin asked.
"Perhaps not immediately," Emile conceded. "We are still low level and lack the power to confront any significant threats related to those mysteries. But it's something to keep in mind as we progress."
"Fair enough," Jin said. "Leveling up and getting stronger sounds like a good first step. Maybe we'll stumble upon some more clues along the way." He grinned. "Plus, I really want to try out some of the Warrior's heavier armor. That starting tunic isn't exactly intimidating."
"Before we head back to the Whispering Woods," Emile said, "I wanted to check something. During the Trial of Resourcefulness, I sensed a strong energy signature within a canyon. It felt… different."
"You think it could be related to the 'ark' stuff?" Jin asked, his interest piqued.
"It's a possibility," Emile replied. "It was located to the east, not too far from here. Perhaps a brief detour is in order?"
Jin shrugged. "Sure, why not? Adventure before the grind, I always say!"
They set off eastward, away from the well-trodden path leading towards the Whispering Woods. Emile focused his Void Sense, trying to lock onto the unique energy signature he had felt in the trial. It was faint but persistent, drawing him towards the rocky terrain that bordered the lush fields surrounding Oakhaven.
As they ventured further, they noticed a small, dilapidated shrine nestled amongst the rocks. It looked ancient and forgotten, its stone structure weathered by time and the elements. A faint shimmer of energy pulsed around it, similar to what Emile had sensed in the trial.
"This feels like it could be it," Emile murmured, approaching the shrine cautiously.
As they drew closer, a ghostly figure flickered into existence beside the shrine – a spectral woman with sorrowful eyes. She looked at them with a melancholic expression.
"You have awakened your power," she said, her voice a soft whisper. "But the path ahead is fraught with peril. The whispers of the fallen world grow louder."
[System]: You have discovered the Shrine of the Forgotten Echo. Quest: Seek the Lost Memories has been initiated.
A new quest notification appeared for both Emile and Jin. It seemed their journey beyond the threshold of the Awakening Trials had already begun to lead them towards the deeper mysteries of "Beginning Of The Universe END." The path to power and the path to understanding the truth were seemingly intertwined.