*Equilibrium Rift – Dungeon Initiated*
The entrance opened beneath the Camp's amphitheater, a shimmering gateway carved from scales and obsidian marble. Only Kenji and Lyra could see it.
> *Dungeon Type: Trial of Balance*
> *Recommended Level: 25+*
> *Objectives: Face your mirrored self. Survive the Scale's judgment.*
They stepped in.
Immediately, reality twisted. The air turned weightless. One side of the rift glowed with warmth—memories, compassion, hope. The other pulsed with hunger—raw ambition, anger, vengeance.
"Welcome to your truth," a disembodied voice echoed. "The scale does not lie."
---
*System Prompt*
> *New Trait Detected: Moral Alignment Drift – Neutral*
> *Dungeon Perk Activated: All Skills Temporarily Adjusted Based on Choice*
> > Left Path (Empathy) → +Mental Resistance, +Group Buffs
> > Right Path (Power) → +Damage, -Stamina, -Team Loyalty*
Kenji stared down both.
Lyra went left.
He hesitated, then followed.
---
*Trial Chamber I – The Mirror Duel*
They were split into isolated arenas. In front of Kenji, his mirror self waited—same armor, same sword—but the eyes were hollow.
"Power. Alone. No weakness," it hissed.
They clashed—equal speed, matching techniques. But Kenji *adapted*, breathing deeply, moving with *focus*, not fury.
> *Swordsmanship +1*
> *New Passive Learned: Tactical Breathing*
> *Status: Victory*
Across the barrier, Lyra sobbed quietly. Her reflection had whispered doubts, dredged up guilt.
Kenji stepped through the smoke, placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone."
The scale pulsed.
> *Bond Formed: Party Synergy – Kenji & Lyra*
> *Trait Gained: Chaos Resistor (Rank C)*
> *Dungeon Complete*
---
*Camp Half-Blood – Hours Later*
As they emerged, Annabeth, Percy, and Chiron were waiting.
"Well?" Chiron asked.
Kenji's eyes glinted with cold resolve.
"They're coming faster than we thought. We're not ready yet. But now… I *am.*"
---
*System Update*
> *New Feature Unlocked: Bonded Combat Perks*
> *Party Bonus (Lyra): Counterbalance – When fighting together, reduces enemy crit rate by 15%*
---
*End of Chapter 28*