The city was bathed in the pale glow of early morning, the crimson streaks of sunset replaced by the cold light of dawn. Jin Ardan felt the hum of residual energy pulsing through his veins, a constant reminder of his first real battle alongside Aria. The system continued to pulse in his mind, offering suggestions and alerts:
Next Trial: Combat Simulation Mode
Energy Flow: Optimal
Potential Growth: High
Jin flexed his fingers, the thrill of growth still fresh. Today, he was to meet another key figure—a fighter whose strength was said to rival the very limits of human potential.
From the ruins of an old plaza, a figure emerged, moving with a grace and precision that immediately commanded attention. Silver-blue hair fell across her shoulders, and her piercing blue eyes fixed on Jin with an unreadable expression.
"You must be Jin Ardan," she said, voice calm but edged with authority. "I'm Mina. Let's see if you're truly worthy of the Heaven-Breaker title."
Jin stiffened, energy pulsing along his arms. "Worthy? Then I won't hold back."
Mina smirked faintly, and with a sudden motion, she lunged. Jin barely reacted in time, Phase Dash activating instinctively. Her fist connected where he had just stood, sending a shockwave that tore through the plaza.
The system pinged: Combat Analysis: Mina – Level: Expert. Weakness: Observational Patterning.
Jin narrowed his eyes. "So… I need to read her movements."
The fight erupted into a blur. Mina's strikes were precise, fluid, and fast beyond anything Jin had faced. His energy flowed naturally now, responding instinctively, but even he struggled to match her rhythm. Each punch, each kick, left glowing streaks in the air, shaking the ground beneath them.
Strength +5… Speed +4… Energy +6
Jin gritted his teeth. He could feel the system pushing him, whispering tactical advice, but it wasn't enough. Mina forced him back, dominating the fight… until something inside him snapped.
He remembered Aria's words: "You'll need allies… guidance… and strength." Jin drew in a deep breath, feeling the raw surge of power within him.
First Awakening Mode: Ready
Energy flared from his body in a brilliant explosion of light. His aura ignited, blazing white and gold, swirling violently around him. The ground beneath his feet cracked from the sheer force, shockwaves tearing across the plaza. His eyes glowed like molten fire, and his speed, strength, and agility surged beyond normal limits.
Mina's eyes widened, recognition flickering across her face. "So… this is it."
Jin moved like a force of nature, every strike amplified with raw energy. His fists clashed with Mina's, sending waves of light across the plaza. He could feel the system guiding him now, helping him predict her moves, combining energy and precision.
With a concentrated blow, Jin sent a shockwave cascading forward, forcing Mina to leap back. He panted, aura still blazing, heart racing, exhilaration coursing through his veins.
The system pinged: Heaven-Breaker Combat Style: Unlocked. Multi-Enemy Combo Training: Available. Strength +15, Speed +12, Energy +10.
Mina landed gracefully, brushing debris from her shoulders, and for the first time, a faint smile curved her lips. "Impressive. You've grown… quickly. Faster than I expected."
Jin relaxed slightly, though his aura still blazed. "This is just the beginning. I'm not stopping here."
Mina studied him for a long moment. "You'll need more than raw power to survive what's coming. But… I can see why Aria has taken an interest in you. There's something… different about you."
The plaza was silent except for the hum of residual energy. Jin's chest burned with exhilaration, not just from the fight, but from knowing he had taken the first real step toward something greater.
"I am Jin Ardan," he whispered, voice resolute. "And I will become the Heaven-Breaker."
Mina nodded, a subtle hint of respect in her expression. "Then I'll be watching… closely."
And from the shadows, unseen eyes observed the display of power, calculating, waiting. The true trials of the Heaven-Breaker were only beginning.
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