Sitting inside the POD, Dave's mind raced after the revelations about the Transcendents and the Trials. The notion of fighting beings with control over reality itself unsettled him. He took a deep breath, pushing away the discomfort, and called out to the system once more.
"System," Dave began, trying to keep his voice steady, "you said the enemies I face in these Trials might have powers like time manipulation or control over reality itself. How is someone like me supposed to defeat them? You know I'm strong, but they sound completely overpowered. They could kill me before I even lift a finger, couldn't they?"
The silence that followed felt heavy, as if the system itself was weighing the enormity of Dave's question. Then, finally, the familiar voice of the system responded.
"Your concern is valid. Beings who possess control over time, space, and the fundamental laws of existence are incredibly powerful. However, Transcendents are not invincible. There are limitations to their powers, just as there are to yours."
Dave frowned, not entirely convinced. "Limitations? How can someone who can control time or alter matter have any meaningful weakness?"
"While Transcendents have mastery over certain aspects of reality, they are still bound by certain rules. For example, a being who manipulates time may not be able to affect individuals who have strong protection or resistance against temporal abilities. Similarly, a being who controls space might be vulnerable to attacks that disrupt their concentration or use of that power. Each entity has weaknesses, just as every superhuman has their strengths and limits."
Dave pondered that, but the idea of fighting such powerful opponents still felt impossible. "So, what you're saying is, I need to find their weaknesses and exploit them?"
"Correct," the system confirmed. "Your battles with the Transcendent entities will require not only strength but strategy. You will need to rely on more than brute force—you must outthink them. Your adaptability and resourcefulness will be key to your survival. Additionally, as you progress through the Trials, you will acquire new abilities and artifacts that will aid you in combating these powerful foes."
Dave's mind flashed back to his fight with Lukan. Even though he had barely survived, that battle had shown him the importance of strategy and quick thinking. Still, the stakes seemed so much higher now.
"And what about these abilities and artifacts? Are they specifically designed to help me beat the Transcendents? Will I have the power to counter time control or reality manipulation?" he asked, his tone urgent.
"Yes," the system replied. "Each Trial will grant you access to relics and abilities designed to help you overcome the specific challenges presented by the entities. Some of these relics will shield you from certain powers, while others will enhance your ability to fight back against their control over reality."
Dave sat back, his mind reeling with the possibilities. Relics that could protect him from time manipulation? Powers that would allow him to stand toe-to-toe with beings who could bend reality? It seemed like something out of a dream, yet he had already experienced so much that defied logic.
But there was still one question that gnawed at him. "System, if I'm going to face beings like that, what's stopping them from just killing me before I even start the fight? If they're so strong, can't they just erase me from existence?"
"While they possess immense power, the Trials are designed to test your growth and abilities in a controlled environment. You will not be sent to fight them unprepared. Each Trial is carefully structured so that you have a fighting chance, provided you learn and adapt. Your power will grow as you advance, and the relics will provide further protection against instant annihilation. However, the difficulty will increase with each step. The final Trials will push you beyond anything you have faced before."
Dave clenched his fists, feeling a mixture of fear and determination well up inside him. "So, basically, it's all or nothing. Either I survive and get stronger, or I fail and die?"
"Yes," the system confirmed without hesitation. "There will be no second chances once you begin. But remember, you have already surpassed many limits. You possess the potential to reach Transcendence if you are willing to take on the challenge."
Dave exhaled slowly, processing everything. The path ahead was clear, and despite the risks, there was no other option for him. If he wanted to protect his family, keep Aurora safe, and discover the true potential of his powers, he would have to face these Trials head-on. There was no turning back.
"Alright," he said, voice steady now. "Let's do it. How do I start searching for these ancient relics?"
The system's tone shifted, becoming more focused. "The relics are scattered across different locations, hidden in places of power and guarded by entities who protect them. The first relic you must seek lies within the hidden temple of Zephron, located deep within the mountains of Althoria."
A map appeared in front of Dave, displaying the location. He recognized the region—far beyond the boundaries of the country he had just been in, deep in the uncharted territories.
"The relic is an ancient amulet, imbued with the power of temporal resistance. It will shield you from time manipulation and allow you to withstand attacks from those who wield such powers."
Dave nodded, already gearing up for the journey. "Zephron's temple, huh? Guess I know where I'm headed next."
Without wasting another moment, he exited the POD, fully resolved to begin his next quest. The path to Transcendence had begun.