As Rishi stood victorious over the defeated dark entity, he felt an unusual energy coursing through his veins. The shadows around him seemed to pulse with an otherworldly power, as if sensing his growth.
Kaidō and Lyra approached him, their faces etched with a mix of pride and concern. "Rishi, your powers... they're changing," Kaidō said, his voice laced with a hint of trepidation.
Rishi nodded, his eyes fixed on the shadows. "I feel it too. It's like the darkness within me is awakening."
Lyra placed a reassuring hand on Rishi's shoulder. "We'll face whatever comes next together. You're not alone in this."
As they spoke, the air around them began to distort, like the fabric of reality was bending. A low hum filled the air, growing louder with each passing moment.
Suddenly, a portal materialized before them, its edges churning with dark energy. A message echoed in Rishi's mind:
"The next trial awaits. Step forward, Rishi, and claim your destiny."
With a deep breath, Rishi steeled himself and stepped through the portal, leaving Kaidō and Lyra behind. As he emerged on the other side
Rishi stood tall, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Before him lay a vast plain, teeming with life. A message echoed in his mind:
"100 Beginner-level monsters await. Defeat them to unlock the next challenge."
With a deep breath, Rishi charged forward. His shadows danced around him, striking down the creatures with ease. One by one, they fell, until only one remained.
As the last monster dissipated, a mighty roar shook the ground. A King-level monster emerged, its power radiating like a dark aura.
Rishi steeled himself, his heart pounding with excitement and fear. The battle began, the creature's attacks forcing Rishi to dodge and weave.
He unleashed his skills:
_Shadow Strike_: A swift, piercing attack.
_Shadow Bind_: Restricting the creature's movements.
_Shadow Vortex_: A swirling storm of darkness.
The King-level monster stumbled back, its strength waning. Rishi seized the opportunity, striking the final blow.
As the creature dissipated, the message returned:
"Akira (Rishi), accept the reward for proving your strength."
Rishi accepted, and a surge of energy coursed through him. His blue system color shifted to a dark red, and the name "Eternal Resonance" appeared.
Kaidō watched from afar, his eyes fixed on Rishi as he battled. A mix of emotions swirled within him - pride, concern, and a hint of fear.
As Rishi faced the King-level monster, Kaidō's grip on his sword tightened. He longed to aid his brother, but Rishi needed to prove his strength alone.
When the King-level monster fell, Kaidō approached Rishi, his expression cautious.
"Rishi, your powers... they're growing too fast," Kaidō said, his voice laced with worry. "You must learn to control them, or risk losing yourself to the shadows."
Rishi's gaze drifted, his eyes clouded by the Eternal Resonance system.
"I... I can handle it, Kaidō," Rishi replied, his voice distant.
Kaidō's concern deepened, but he said no more, knowing Rishi needed time to understand his newfound abilities.
And so, Kaidō stood watch, a silent guardian, as Rishi delved deeper into the mysteries of the Eternal Resonance.