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Chapter 14 - 14. System Trial

The silence, the calm before the storm

DING !

Unexpected notification appears.

[ System challenge ]

[ACCEPT] [REFUSE]

" It looks that there is more than just a mysterious place here, System challenge hah, Of course there is some power if i complet the mission .. "

' Let's face it '

[ACCEPT!]

I awoke from my stupor to find myself in a desolate land, where shadows danced around me as if they were living beings. The air was heavy, pressing against my chest with each breath. I recalled the challenges I had faced before and realized that this trial would be the greatest of all.

Challenge One: The Struggle of Will

As I walked, a vast hall appeared before me, surrounded by stone statues depicting mighty warriors. At the center of the hall stood a massive figure clad in black armor, holding a long spear. I felt an immense mental pressure, as if the being were attempting to invade my mind. I focused on maintaining my consciousness, ignoring the increasing psychological strain. Employing the breathing and concentration techniques I had previously learned, I resisted the being's attempts to penetrate my thoughts. After what seemed like an eternity, its influence waned, and the figure vanished, leaving behind a distorted black shield.

Challenge Two: The Trial of Silence

I continued my journey until I entered a narrow, dark corridor that absorbed every sound I made. Suddenly, ethereal beings appeared, moving silently and attempting to encircle me. I relied on my auditory and tactile senses to detect their positions, skillfully avoiding their silent traps. Thanks to my adaptability, I managed to navigate the corridor and reached its end, where a glowing gate awaited me.

Challenge Three: Confronting Fear

Passing through the gate, I entered a room filled with mirrors, each reflecting a different version of myself—some portrayed me as a great knight, others as a traitor or a weakling. Each image spoke, whispering my deepest fears and doubts. I gazed at each reflection, recalling my journey and the challenges I had overcome. I realized that each image represented a facet of my being, all contributing to who I was now. By accepting all parts of myself, the images faded, and a new door opened before me.

Challenge Four: The Test of Strength

While resting, I felt a slight tremor beneath me. Suddenly, the ground裂 open, and towering, monstrous beings armed with massive weapons emerged. I charged toward them, employing every combat technique I had mastered. The battle was fierce, each strike leaving me more exhausted than the last. After a prolonged fight, the giants fell one by one, and I could barely remain standing.

Challenge Five: The Trial of the Mind

Continuing my path, I entered a dimly lit room containing only a table with an ancient book upon it. Opening the book, I found complex riddles and questions requiring deep contemplation. I spent hours solving the puzzles, each answer leading to another, more intricate than the last. Finally, after immense effort, I solved the last riddle. The ground trembled, and a door leading outward swung open.

Rewards Earned:

• +100 Energy Points: Enhances both my physical and mental strength.

• New Ability: "Mind Shield": Reduces the impact of psychological attacks and bolsters my resistance to mental influences.

Having overcome these trials, I felt a new vigor coursing through my veins. This newfound strength was not merely physical but also mental and spiritual. I understood that this trial had tested every aspect of my being, and I emerged from it stronger.

I think that it was a gift more than challenge .

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