Kael and Mareth stood at the heart of the Earthen Vault, the glowing core pulsating with a steady rhythm. The air around them shimmered, heavy with a power they had come to recognize: the system, their constant companion since their first encounter with the Divide.
The core's light intensified, casting long shadows across the cavern walls. familiar voice echoed in their minds:
"Champions, your efforts have restored balance to this anchor. As a reward, your system has been enhanced. You have received the ★★ star skill."
Kael straightened, his eyes flickering with curiosity. "★★ star skill? So the system has finally recognized how far we've come."
Mareth stretched his shoulders with a grin. "Took it long enough. Let's see what new tricks it's giving us."
As the core pulsed again, a translucent interface materialized before each of them, displaying updated information.
Kael's Vital Stats:
Health (HP): 60%
Mana (MP): 25
Stamina (SP): 25
Combat Stats:
Strength (STR): 14
Agility (AGI): 16
Intelligence (INT): 20
Special Stats:
Abyssal Affinity (AA): 5
Bloodline Potential (BP): 0%
Corruption Level (CL): 1.3%
Skills :
Veilbreaker Slash (★★)
Mastery 1%
blade is imbued with a burst of mana, creating a devastating arc of energy .
Costs 10 MP per use.
Mareth's Vital Stats:
Health (HP): 57%
Mana (MP): 20
Stamina (SP): 30
Combat Stats:
Strength (STR): 17
Agility (AGI): 16
Intelligence (INT): 10
Special Stats:
Bloodline Potential (BP): 2%
Corruption Level (CL): 0%
Skills:
Earthshatter Impact (★★)
Mastery 1%
Mana channels the strength into the ground, causing a localized quake that stuns enemies and creates a shockwave of jagged rocks. Costs 11 per use.
Mareth whistled as he read over his stats. "Earthshatter Impact sounds badass. But, uh…" He glanced at the Mana (MP) section and groaned. "Fifteen mana? That's three-fourths of what I've got! I can barely use it twice before I'm out of juice!"
Kael's gaze lingered on his own stats, his expression dark. "Veilbreaker Slash costs twelve. I can't even use it three times without completely draining myself."
Mareth laughed bitterly. "So what, the system upgrades us, hands us flashy new skills, and doesn't bother to give us the mana to use them? Great deal."
Kael's lips pressed into a thin line. "It's deliberate. The system wants us to manage our resources carefully."
"Carefully?" Mareth threw up his hands. "Kael, half the time we're swarmed by monsters! You think I have time to 'carefully' ration out my mana when something's trying to rip my head off?"
Kael rubbed his temple, the tension clear on his face. "I know. But we don't have a choice. We'll have to find ways to make our mana last or find more efficient ways to fight."
The core in front of them emitted another gentle pulse, and a sudden warmth spread through their bodies.
"You have absorbed latent fire energy from the heart of the Divide. This power remains dormant until you complete the Sacred Realm trial."
Mareth frowned, placing a hand over his chest as if feeling the faint warmth radiating from within. "Locked? Again? What is it with this system and holding back?"
Kael didn't answer immediately. The fire energy burned faintly inside him, almost tauntingly. It was power, real power, but inaccessible. "The Sacred Realm trial heart… It must be the next step. Whatever this fire energy is, it's something we'll have to earn."
Mareth groaned. "Earn it, huh? We've been fighting for our lives out here, and they're still dangling carrots in front of us like we're not already on the edge of breaking."
Kael managed a faint smirk, though his thoughts were far from light. His gaze drifted to the Corruption Level (CL) displayed on his interface -1.4%. It had risen again, and the slow climb was beginning to weigh on him. He didn't know what it meant or what would happen if it continued to grow, but the unease in his chest wouldn't let him dismiss it.
He glanced at Mareth, who seemed too focused on complaining about their mana shortage to notice Kael's distraction. Kael chose to keep his rising CL to himself. For now.
The core dimmed as its energy stabilized, leaving the Earthen Vault quieter than it had been in what felt like an eternity. The once-chaotic terrain softened, jagged rocks giving way to fertile ground. A strange tranquility settled over the landscape.
The system's voice echoed one final time.
"Champions, your efforts have preserved balance. The Divide thanks you. The trials ahead will unlock your true potential. Prepare well."
Kael adjusted his sword, his expression resolute. "The stats and skills are progress, but they're just tools. The Sacred Realm trial will be the real test."
Mareth sheathed his weapon, his smirk returning. "Yeah, yeah, trials, more work, got it. Just don't expect me to hold back when I finally get to use Earthshatter." He paused, then added with a grumble, "For the two times I can afford it, anyway."
Kael chuckled faintly, though the weight of their struggles lingered. "We'll need to figure out how to boost our mana reserves. If we keep fighting like this, we won't last long."
"More meditation? Eating something other than dried meat?" Mareth suggested, rolling his shoulders.
"Maybe." Kael's tone was distant, his thoughts returning to the fire energy in his chest and the rising CL that loomed like a shadow over him.
As they stepped out of the Earthen Vault, the landscape around them felt alive again. The Divide, though still scarred, seemed to have taken a breath of relief.
Mareth stretched, groaning loudly. "We've fought monsters, nearly drowned, and now the system's treating us like we're at some fancy training camp. Think we'll ever get to rest?"
Kael gave him a sidelong glance. "We rest when we're strong enough to survive without worrying about it."
Mareth laughed dryly. "You're no fun, you know that?"
Kael didn't respond, his mind occupied by their next steps. The Sacred Realm trial loomed ahead, along with the answers and danger sit promised.