The transition from the first trial to the second was almost instantaneous. Li Tian felt the sudden shift in his surroundings, his senses blurring for a moment as the sterile, mechanical atmosphere of the spaceship faded. The cold hum of the ship's systems grew distant, replaced by the sensation of weightlessness. He blinked, realizing that he was no longer standing on solid ground but floating in an environment that felt entirely foreign.
Before him, a vast expanse stretched into infinity—a digital sky filled with swirling constellations, nebulas, and galaxies beyond comprehension. The ground beneath him was made of translucent, glowing panels, shifting with each step he took. There was no horizon, no point of reference other than the infinity that surrounded him. It was an endless void, both alien and mesmerizing. Li Tian's instincts screamed that this was no ordinary trial.
A voice boomed through the emptiness, echoing in every corner of his mind, sharp and commanding.
"Welcome to the Mental Gauntlet, the second trial of your ascension. Here, you will face the depths of your mind, where your intellect, wit, and willpower will be tested. Survive the trials of thought, and you shall proceed."
Li Tian clenched his fists, feeling his pulse quicken. The mental test was something he knew would be far more dangerous than the physical one. This was where the stakes were higher—his mind would be pushed to its limits. He needed to stay focused, but he also knew he couldn't rely on brute force here. This was a trial for intellect, and it demanded strategy.
The system's voice appeared in his mind as if in response to his thoughts.
---
[System Notification]
Second Trial: Mental Acuity Initiated.
Objective: Solve the mental puzzles within the time limit.
Time Limit: 15 minutes.
Failure to Complete the Trial will result in elimination.
---
Li Tian nodded, the weight of the challenge setting in. A series of floating holographic panels appeared in front of him, each one displaying an intricate puzzle or series of questions. The first panel glowed faintly, a series of complex symbols that made no immediate sense to him. His eyes narrowed, analyzing the pattern. His heart rate slowed. This was a mental battle, but he could feel the system guiding him, urging him to solve it.
Puzzle 1: The Riddle of Memory
The first challenge appeared in the form of a riddle, projected before him in a myriad of complex symbols and cryptic phrases. His mind instantly recognized the puzzle for what it was—an ancient riddle designed to test his ability to think critically.
The symbols flickered, shifting in an almost hypnotic manner. Li Tian's thoughts raced as the answer began to materialize in his mind.
"To gain knowledge of the past, one must forget. To recall the future, one must embrace the unknown. What am I?"
Li Tian's gaze fixed on the symbols, narrowing his focus. Time seemed to stretch as he considered the answer. Then, the realization hit him like a lightning bolt.
"Memory," he muttered under his breath.
As soon as the word left his lips, the symbols morphed and rearranged themselves, revealing a new path forward. The first puzzle was solved. But before he could even feel a moment's satisfaction, a new challenge materialized before him.
Puzzle 2: The Puzzle of Logic
A massive, floating cube appeared, its sides displaying multiple geometric patterns, each one more complex than the last. As the puzzle rotated in front of him, Li Tian recognized the patterns as advanced logic sequences—problems designed to confuse and trap the unprepared.
He glanced at the time: only 10 minutes remained. His mind raced as he calculated the possible solutions, focusing on the most efficient way to align the patterns. He realized that the puzzle wasn't just about fitting the shapes together—it was a test of pattern recognition and mathematical precision.
His fingers twitched as he mentally worked through the solution, his brain processing at an accelerated rate. He could feel the system's influence subtly enhancing his cognitive abilities, guiding him toward the correct answer.
---
[System Notification]
Skill Unlocked:
Skill Name: Cognitive Efficiency
Description: Increases brain processing speed by 50%, enhances problem-solving abilities.
Current Level: 1/5
---
With a final click, the cube snapped into place, the intricate patterns aligning perfectly. The panel disappeared, and another question appeared in its place.
Puzzle 3: The Mind's Eye
Li Tian stood before a vast, endless labyrinth now. He could feel the pressure mounting as he realized the true nature of this puzzle. The maze stretched before him, its walls shifting and contorting as if alive. The objective was clear: find the exit.
He took a deep breath and stepped forward, trusting his instincts. The system had granted him enhanced physical abilities, but here, it was his mind that needed to guide him. The walls of the maze shifted as if testing his resolve, the path constantly changing. At times, he thought he had found the exit, only to have it collapse before his eyes.
The maze seemed endless, but Li Tian wasn't about to give up. Every turn he made felt like a calculated decision, testing both his memory and spatial awareness. His mind was a blur of calculations and projections, each one bringing him closer to his goal. His thoughts became sharp, his focus absolute.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spotted the exit—a shimmering doorway at the center of the maze. With a burst of determination, he raced toward it, the walls closing in behind him. The final test had been passed.
---
[System Notification]
Second Trial Completed: 150 XP Gained.
Mental Acuity Test Passed.
Next Trial: The Trial of Will.
---
Li Tian exhaled, his pulse still racing as the maze faded and he returned to the sterile observation deck. The digital void dissolved around him, and once again, he was back on the spaceship, surrounded by the other recruits. The scarred leader stood before them, his eyes scanning each one of them as if evaluating their every move.
"Most of you have passed," the leader said, his voice low. "The final trial will determine whether you truly have what it takes to serve the Galactic Human Empire. This will be a test of your willpower, your ability to endure hardship when all seems lost. Be ready."
Li Tian stood tall, his mind already preparing for the final trial. He knew it would push him to his limits, but he was determined to succeed. The journey ahead was long, but he was ready. No matter what the Empire or the trials threw at him, he would not falter.
---
To be continued...