Platforms swayed violently under invisible currents. Energy arcs flickered, not in rhythm but in sharp, unpredictable pulses. Aerin's steps traced the pattern instinctively, each footfall nudging resonance threads to redirect subtle pressure, creating a narrow path of efficiency. 1.70%. His pulse quickened—not from fear, but from anticipation.
Ryn mirrored his movement perfectly, daggers slicing air to intercept minor shifts in platforms. A misstep from any competitor nearby could cascade into chaos, but his presence stabilized the immediate vicinity, leaving Aerin room to react with precision. Their alignment was silent, but the system hummed approval. 1.72%.
From a floating platform to the left, a competitor lunged forward recklessly, attempting to cut across lanes. Lyra appeared at that exact moment, eyes rolling with a sarcastic flick. "Amateurs," she muttered under her breath, her own system activating as she adjusted micro-steps, her D-rank resonance threads stabilizing both her path and a minor collapse nearby.
Aerin's system flickered in response. 1.74%.
The trio now moved as a unit, though tension lingered. Lyra's sarcastic quips weren't aimed at them, but at everything—the floating arcs, the trembling platforms, even the competitors. Aerin adjusted his resonance slightly to compensate for her unpredictable pace, while Ryn preemptively blocked a competitor's reckless arc. Subtle pulses of energy bent around them, marking their progress. 1.76%.
An arc of energy rose abruptly in front of Aerin. Timing was critical. He extended his hand, sending resonance ripples across the unstable platform. The competitor who had lunged earlier was forced to adjust mid-air, barely catching footing. Lyra twirled gracefully to avoid a staggered surge, and Ryn slipped between them and a tilting stone, preventing disruption. Every motion caused slight, almost invisible shifts in the ground. 1.78%.
The next obstacle forced immediate split decisions. Three rotating platforms hovered, each with faint resonance pulses. One misstep could launch a competitor into the abyss below. Lyra darted toward the middle platform, smirking. "Follow if you can," she teased, her movements fluid yet controlled. Aerin and Ryn recalculated instantly, sending subtle feedback through their resonance to anticipate every shift. 1.80%.
Suddenly, the platforms trembled violently. A hidden surge—likely stage designers—sent competitors off-balance. Aerin's system reacted, sending lateral energy pulses that bent footing just enough to keep them upright. Ryn intercepted an opponent heading straight for him, the clash avoided before it happened. Lyra laughed, almost enjoying the chaos. Their synchronization grew. 1.83%.
Aerin noticed something. The resonance threads weren't static—they responded to efficiency, not raw power. The Trial Grounds subtly favored anticipation and coordination. He extended a minor pulse toward Lyra, subtly guiding her landing without overt control. Her eyes flicked toward him, sarcasm replaced by a brief flash of acknowledgment. 1.85%.
Another competitor, frustrated, attempted a reckless leap, aiming to disrupt the trio. Ryn sidestepped, adjusting slightly to redirect the competitor's momentum into a harmless arc. Lyra, laughing softly, used the brief shift to vault across a distant platform with perfect timing. Aerin felt the system pulse—the environment itself seemed to nod at their alignment. 1.87%.
A wide platform emerged, lined with vertical energy pillars flickering at uneven intervals. Misjudgment meant failure. They advanced carefully, almost dancing in synchronization. Lyra's steps were sharp, teasing the rhythm; Ryn's were precise, anchoring the pattern; Aerin's adjustments filled the gaps, merging instinct and strategy. The resonance threads strengthened around their combined influence. 1.90%.
As they neared the final node, the air thickened with tension. Competitors scrambled, some falling behind, others colliding into unstable threads. Aerin extended a broader pulse, guiding both Lyra and Ryn subtly, ensuring they reached the node in tandem. The system flashed acknowledgment. 1.95%.
At the last moment, a competitor lunged, hoping to corner Lyra. She smirked, adjusting just enough to sidestep, momentum carrying her forward. Aerin's resonance gently redirected the platform beneath the aggressor, forcing an awkward misstep. Ryn intercepted instinctively, ensuring the path stayed clear. Their synergy had reached an unspoken peak. 1.98%.
The final node pulsed softly, glowing brighter as they approached. All three stepped simultaneously, and the Trial Grounds recognized their perfect alignment. Energy flowed outward, not violently, but in affirmation. Aerin's synchronization climbed sharply. 2.00%.
Lyra let out a small laugh, half incredulous, half triumphant. "Not bad… for a bunch of amateurs," she said, eyes rolling playfully at Aerin and Ryn. Aerin only smiled faintly, feeling the subtle hum of growth. Ryn's expression remained calm, but a spark of pride lingered.
Stage 2 had ended—not with a bang, but with acknowledgment. The environment, competitors, and their own instincts had merged perfectly for a fleeting moment. Lessons had been learned, strategies tested, and synchronization improved. The final stretch of the Frontier Tournament loomed ahead, promising new challenges, higher stakes, and greater opportunity for growth.
The trio paused at the platform's edge, looking out over the shifting expanse. Beyond this, Stage 3 awaited—a domain designed to test endurance, adaptation, and the true mastery of the World Resonance System.