The figures were semi-humanoid with elongated limbs that appeared fragmented and constantly shifting.
Above their head, the blue-coloured screen was floating.
[Shadow Reavers-Pebble Rank.]
There was no visible face, just a gaping void where a face ought to be.
Their "heads" occasionally show fleeting, distorted glimpses of their victims' faces, as if consuming their identities. Their eyes were crimson-coloured.
As the Shadow reavers lunged, Arvian quickly opened the system inventory and picked up the sword.
With its guttural scream resonating through the confusion, one of the Reavers roared and abruptly swung its limb in Arvian's direction.
A sharp blade of the colour of obsidian emerged from its limb, glinting with deadly intent as it cut through the air in his direction.
Arvian swung his sword powerfully as adrenaline surged through him, the blade tearing through the Reaver and breaking it to pieces. His chest heaved as he breathed quickly and irregularly.
Astrea and Darius, meanwhile, were still engaged in a valiant battle and were just about protecting themselves from the reavers.
Arvian's eyes widened as he noticed the Reavers slowly regenerating. His voice sharpened as he yelled, "We have to run! This creature can regenerate, and we're running out of time!"
"Aghh! Regenerating, that's why it... it's so difficult—ahhh!" With pain and frustration straining his voice, Darius screamed as he fought to maintain his position.
"Mister Arvian, please help, I can not hold it any longer," Astrea mumbled, her voice filled with frustration.
Arvian swung his sword in the reaver's neck and pushed it with his full potential.
With all their might, they hurried through the path.
But all of a sudden, the ground shook violently beneath them, and tiny fissures started to appear along the walls, spreading outward like sharp veins.
"Holy Shitt!!" Arvian shouted.
They eventually found an open area ahead after navigating the path, and the safe zone was marked on the map at that exact location.
And all of a sudden, the screen popped in mid-air at the right side of them.
[SYSTEM ALERT: ENVIRONMENT COLLAPSE 91%]
Time Remaining: 00:30
Collapse Speed: Accelerating
Threat Level: Critical
[SYSTEM WARNING: HIGH-RANK SHADOW REAVERS DETECTED]
Number: 13
Location: Converging on Safe Zone
Threat Details:
Enhanced Strength and Speed
High Resistance to Physical Attacks
Special Attack: Void Surge (area-damaging shockwave)
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: COLLAPSE IMMINENT]
Environment Integrity: 9%
Distance to Beacon: 50 meters
[FINAL ALERT: SUCCESS OR ANNIHILATION AWAITS.]
They hurried over to the beacon.
As they got close to the beacon, the surrounding objects suddenly began to pull, threatening to sway them from their intended path.
"Aghh, what the hell is happening? Why are we being dragged?" Astrea yelled, her voice filled with fear, struggling to maintain her balance.
"Force yourself to move; we must hurry!" Arvian urged his voice sharp and determined as he moved forward.
The constant force that was pulling them stopped as they entered the beacon, which was the designated safe area. There was a brief moment of relief as the surroundings became quiet.
And time was up.
[00:00 - Time remaining.]
[Time is out.]
All of a sudden, the environment began to tremble violently, the ground quaking beneath their feet as the walls and structures around them collapsed, including the entrance to the beacon.
And The screen materialized in front of them.
Here's how the system panel can appear, showing the 4 unique abilities for the characters to choose from, with only 10 seconds left and a final note about the reward:
◇_______________◇
[System Notification: Ability Selection.]
[SYSTEM ALERT: TIME CRITICAL – 10 SECONDS REMAINING]
You have reached the Safe Zone.
Select One of the Following Abilities as Your Reward.
Note: This is NOT the trial reward.
Available Abilities
1. Ethereal Lash
Description: Unleash a whip-like tendril of dark energy, capable of restraining enemies or cutting through obstacles.
Effect: Deals moderate damage; can bind or incapacitate enemies for a short duration.
Activation Time: Immediate
2. Chrono Shield
Description: Create a temporal shield that briefly slows down time within a small radius, allowing you to evade attacks.
Effect: Slows all incoming projectiles and enemies within a 5-meter radius for 3 seconds.
Activation Time: 0.5 seconds
3. Voidstep
Description: Step into the void, briefly becoming intangible, allowing you to phase through objects and enemies.
Effect: Allows you to phase through one obstacle or enemy, avoiding damage and bypassing barriers.
Activation Time: 1 second
4. Fury Infusion
Description: Infuse yourself with raw energy, enhancing physical strength and speed for a short duration.
Effect: Increases damage output and movement speed by 50% for 10 seconds.
Activation Time: 2 seconds
"Arvian mumbled; we all should choose different abilities."
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: TIME'S UP – SELECT NOW!]
The ability must be chosen before the timer runs out.
Choose wisely, as this power will only be available for a limited time.
[Note: This is NOT the trial reward. Your true reward will come after completing the final trial stage.]
Countdown Timer:
10...
9...
8...
7...
6...
5...
4...
3...
2...
1...
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: SELECTION FINALIZED]
◇_______________◇
"I have chosen the Ethereal Lash," Arvian uttered to Astrea and Darius, his voice steady despite the chaos. "What did you two choose?"
"I have chosen Fury Infusion," Astrea said, her eyes burning with determination.
In a barely audible whisper, Darius said, "I went with Chrono Shield."
"Good, now our team is a bit stronger," Arvian nodded, a glimmer of assurance in his eyes.
The surroundings abruptly started to crumble even more quickly, the devastation making everything around them hazy.
The sound of crumbling walls and the reavers' thunderous roar blended together to create an overwhelming cacophony amidst the chaos.
◇_______________◇
[SYSTEM ALERT: NEW THREAT DETECTED]
[SYSTEM WARNING: EXTERNAL DIMENSIONAL DISTURBANCE]
Location: Beacon Zone – Safe Zone Compromised
Threat Level: S-Class (Unprecedented)
Estimated Time of Arrival: 00:05
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: UNKNOWN ENTITY APPROACHING]
Entity Type: ???
Description:
Energy Signature: Unfamiliar
Detection Radius: Indeterminate
Threat: Catastrophic Potential
◇_______________◇
"What the fu—," Arvian shouted.
The another panel of system appearer.
◇_______________◇
[SYSTEM ALERT: ALERT STATUS – FINAL WARNING]
Evacuation Protocols Active: Unable to initiate due to unknown interference.
Escape Time Remaining: 00:03
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: INITIATING TIME LOCK]
Time Freeze Activation: 00:02
[SYSTEM WARNING: HIGHER-THREAT ALERT – SEVERE INCOMING DAMAGE]
Urgency: Critical
◇_______________◇
"Stay alert, guys, and be ready with your abilities!" Arvian yelled, his voice sharp with urgency.
The figure abruptly disappeared, leaving only a tense silence in its wake. Arvian's eyes widened in shock. "Darius, use your shield ability!" he shouted, his heart racing.