Jian's fingers brushed against the ancient tree's rough bark, and a surge of power flooded through him. The Spirit Core pulsed beneath his touch, radiating energy that intertwined with the very essence of the Wilds. His heart pounded as the flow of raw, unfiltered power coursed through his veins, an overwhelming connection to the primal forces of nature itself.
A rush of visions filled his mind—vast forests stretching beyond sight, rivers weaving through valleys, and creatures both magnificent and terrifying roaming free. He saw the Wilds as they were meant to be: untamed, eternal, and alive.
Then, the pain struck.
Jian gasped as his body locked up, his muscles burning as if set ablaze from within. His veins pulsed with the raw energy of the Wilds, forcing him to his knees. It was not a rejection but an overload, a test of his ability to withstand the power he had claimed.
He clenched his fists.
"No. I will not break."
The energy swirled around him like a living storm, testing him, pushing him. His vision blurred as the Spirit Core's power sought to reshape him, to mold him into something beyond human. He could feel the Wilds trying to integrate with his soul, demanding that he become more than he was.
Through sheer force of will, he fought against the storm raging inside him. His mind raced, searching for balance, for the harmony the Warden had spoken of. He reached deep within himself, beyond the pain, beyond the struggle, and found it—his core, his essence.
And then… peace.
The energy settled. The pain receded.
Jian's breathing was ragged as he opened his eyes. His body felt lighter, his senses sharper. He could feel the forest around him, as if it were an extension of himself. The trees whispered, the wind sang, and the earth hummed beneath his feet.
He had done it.
[ Spirit Core Awakened ]
A notification flashed before his eyes, the system acknowledging his transformation.
New Ability Acquired: Spirit Synchronization
Effect: Enhances all physical and sensory abilities while in natural environments. Allows partial control over flora and minor beasts.
Jian's lips curled into a smile. This power… it was unlike anything he had ever felt before. It wasn't just strength—it was a connection, a bond with something greater than himself.
But before he could fully process the change, a sharp sound echoed through the forest.
A branch snapped.
Jian spun around, his senses instantly locking onto the disturbance.
Emerging from the treeline was a figure clad in dark leather armor, their presence barely noticeable if not for Jian's heightened awareness. Their face was obscured by a hood, but the glint of a blade at their side spoke volumes.
Jian tensed, gripping his sword.
"Well, well," the figure spoke, their voice smooth yet laced with intrigue. "It seems you've passed the trial."
More movement. Jian's sharp eyes caught the faintest shifts in the shadows—three, maybe four others lurking just out of sight.
A group of hunters.
Not beasts, not guardians… but people.
Jian's grip tightened. Whoever they were, they hadn't come for pleasantries.
"What do you want?" he asked, his tone firm but calm.
The hooded figure chuckled. "Come now, let's not be so hostile. We've been watching your progress for some time, Jian."
Jian's eyes narrowed. "You know my name."
"Of course." The figure stepped forward, the hood sliding back slightly to reveal sharp, intelligent eyes. "You're not the only one seeking power in this tower. But unlike the others, you've caught the attention of… certain parties."
Jian's mind raced. A faction? A guild? Or something worse?
"And?" he prompted.
The figure smiled. "Consider this an invitation. Join us, and we can ensure your path to the upper floors is far less… troublesome."
Jian exhaled slowly, his grip relaxing slightly. He could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken threat behind the offer. These weren't mere challengers—they were predators.
His gaze flicked to the trees. The forest whispered its secrets to him now, and he knew exactly where each hidden enemy stood. He could strike first. He could end this before it began.
Or…
A smirk tugged at his lips.
"Tempting," he said. "But I don't take shortcuts."
The air grew colder. The hooded figure's smile faded.
"A shame," they murmured. "Then I'm afraid you leave us no choice."
In an instant, they moved.
But Jian was already faster.
The Wilds had made their choice.
And so had he.
End of Chapter 31