The city was quieter than usual. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath, carrying the faint scent of smoke and dust from the rooftop battle. Jin Ardan stood atop the broken building, fists still tingling with residual energy. His heartbeat had steadied, but every instinct in his body screamed that this was only the beginning.
The system pulsed in his mind, new stats and options flickering faintly.
Combat Skill: Unlocked
Energy Flow: Stable
Next Trial: Incoming
Jin studied the floating numbers, letting them sink in.
Strength: 12
Speed: 15
Agility: 10
Energy: 8
It was rudimentary—barely scratching the surface—but he could feel it growing inside him, guiding him, pushing him forward.
A chill ran down his spine. Shadows twisted unnaturally in the alley below, and a low, guttural growl echoed against the buildings. The crimson-eyed figure from before reappeared—but this time, he was not alone. Two hulking, armored creatures flanked him, their forms grotesque and inhuman.
The figure's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "You survived the last encounter… impressive. But survival alone is meaningless. Today, you will truly be tested."
Jin's aura flared, energy crackling along his arms. Trial… Incoming. His fists clenched. Ordinary life was gone. He had tasted power, and now he hungered for more.
"You won't win," Jin said, voice steady, eyes blazing. "I've only just begun."
The fight began instantly. The shadow figure lunged, faster than Jin's eyes could track. He barely had time to react before instinct activated his first combat skill: Phase Dash. His body blurred, leaving afterimages as he dodged the initial strike and closed the distance in a heartbeat.
Energy crackled around him as he countered, fists colliding with the armored creatures in a flurry of rapid blows. Each strike left trails of radiant light, shaking the rooftop and sending debris flying. Numbers surged in his vision: Strength +3… Speed +2… Energy +5.
Jin's body responded instinctively. The system seemed to anticipate the enemy's moves, whispering tactical suggestions into his mind: Dodge left… counter high… focus energy… He flowed with the battle, attacks and evasions synchronizing perfectly with his instincts.
Suddenly, a figure landed gracefully from the rooftop edge. A young woman with silver hair and piercing violet eyes, her aura calm yet commanding, surveyed the battlefield.
"Need a hand?" she asked, a faint smirk playing on her lips. Her presence shifted the energy around Jin, steadying him while amplifying his strength.
Jin blinked. "Who… who are you?"
"My name is Aria," she replied, stepping closer. "Consider this… fate. You're going to need allies if you intend to survive."
Together, they fought, moving in perfect coordination. Jin learned to anticipate her attacks, combining his raw energy with her precise strikes. The shadow figure growled, frustration flickering across his crimson eyes. Jin and Aria's teamwork began to overwhelm the enemy.
With a surge of energy and focus, Jin unleashed a concentrated strike. A blinding flash enveloped the foes, throwing them off the rooftop and into the streets below. The sound of crumbling concrete echoed across the city as dust rose in thick clouds.
Panting, fists still glowing, Jin turned to Aria. She watched him with a mixture of amusement and approval.
"Not bad… for a beginner," she said.
The system pinged. Trial Complete. Rewards Incoming.
New stats and skills appeared: Energy Control: Unlocked, Combat Strategy: Unlocked, Strength +10, Speed +8. Jin's chest swelled with exhilaration. He could feel himself growing, his potential expanding with every heartbeat.
"Looks like I'm going to have to keep up," he said, a grin spreading across his face.
Aria chuckled softly. "Keep up? You've only just begun. The world you've entered… it's bigger, stronger, and far more dangerous than you realize. You'll need allies… guidance… and strength."
Jin's eyes burned with determination. "Then I'll grow stronger. I'll protect those who stand by me, and I'll surpass anyone who tries to stop me."
Aria's smile widened, faintly teasing. "Good. You're going to need that fire if you hope to survive what comes next."
The city lay before them, silent but alive with unseen threats. Jin knew one thing for certain: ordinary life was gone. Power, danger, and destiny awaited him—and now, he wasn't alone.
For the first time, Jin felt hope. And the thrill of adventure surged through him like wildfire.
"I am Jin Ardan," he whispered, aura blazing around him. "And I will become the Heaven-Breaker."
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