Chapter 2: The Resonance of Truth
The village square of Qadam was packed. Usually, this place was filled with the smell of freshly baked bread, but today, the air was thick with tension. In the center stood the Genesis Stone, a massive, obsidian pillar that had remained dormant for a generation. Today, it would awaken to measure the potential of every youth who had reached the age of sixteen.
Malik stood at the very back. He could see Kael near the front, surrounded by his sycophants. Kael's posture was arrogant, his hand resting on the hilt of a decorative sword.
"Look at him," a boy whispered nearby, gesturing toward Malik. "The 'Meditator' actually showed up. Does he think sitting under a waterfall gives you Resonance? He'll be lucky if the stone even flickers."
Malik ignored the jeers. He closed his eyes for a second, activating his new skill.
[Skill Activated: Insight of the Just]
Suddenly, the world turned into a canvas of colors. Most villagers had a neutral, pale-blue glow. But Kael was surrounded by a swirling, jagged cloud of dark purple smoke—the mark of someone who had consumed unstable energies to force a breakthrough. Malik felt a pang of pity; that path was a hollow one.
"Quiet!" the Village Elder shouted. The Genesis Stone began to hum.
One by one, the youths stepped forward.
"Jamil: Level 3. Path: Earth-Bound."
"Sana: Level 4. Path: Swift-Wind."
Then it was Kael's turn. He placed his palm firmly against the cold obsidian. The stone roared. Jagged purple lightning arced across the surface, and a number appeared in glowing crimson.
"Kael: Level 11! Path: Ravager of Storms!"
The crowd erupted. Level 11 was unheard of for a village initiate. Kael turned around, his eyes locking onto Malik's. His smirk said it all: Top that, beggar.
"Next," the Elder called out, "Malik."
A hush fell over the square, followed by muffled giggles. Malik walked forward, his simple leather boots clicking against the stone. He felt the weight of his father's old iron ring against his chest.
[System Prompt: Trial of Genesis Detected.]
[Objective: Synchronize with the Stone using 'Upright Resonance'.]
[Warning: External pressure is lowering your composure. Maintain Sabr (Patience).]
Malik reached out. Unlike the others who tried to push their energy into the stone, Malik emptied himself. He offered his patience and his unwavering commitment to the truth.
For ten long seconds, nothing happened.
"See? Nothing!" someone shouted. "He's a dud!"
Kael laughed loudly. "Told you. A relic of the past."
But then, a pure, golden tone rose—sounding like a thousand harps. From the base of the stone, a soft, white light began to glow. It wasn't jagged; it was steady, like the sun rising over a calm ocean. The light grew so bright that the villagers had to shield their eyes. The dark smoke around Kael shrank back, recoiling from the purity.
[System Notification: Synchronization 100%.]
[Path Identified: The Upright.]
[Resonance Quality: Divine-Grade.]
The numbers on the stone spun rapidly and finally stopped.
"Malik: Level 15," the Elder whispered, his voice trembling. "Resonance Type: Origin Light."
The square went deathly silent. Level 15 was the level of elite knights. And "Origin Light" hadn't been seen for five hundred years.
Malik pulled his hand back, feeling energized.
[New Quest Available: The Path to the Capital.]
[Reward: Unlock 'Sword of Sincerity' Technique.]
Kael's face contorted in rage. "Cheater!" he screamed. "He's using a trick!"
Malik looked at him calmly. "The stone does not lie, Kael. Perhaps you should look into your own heart."
Before Kael could react, a sudden shadow fell over the village. A cold wind blew, and the sky turned a sickly grey. High above, a dark, swirling vortex opened—a Rift.
[Emergency Alert: The First Rift has opened early!]
[Threat Level: High.]
[Creatures detected: Shadow Crawlers (Level 5-10).]
The first monster, a spider-like creature with glowing red eyes, hissed as it landed on the fountain. Panic erupted. Kael took a step back, his purple lightning flickering weakly. He had power, but no spirit.
"Run!" the villagers screamed.
Malik stepped forward. He didn't have a weapon, but the Origin Light within him pulsed. He channeled his resonance into his right palm.
[New Skill Unlocked: Upright Palm (Rank 1)]
As a Shadow Crawler leaped at him, Malik thrust his hand forward. A burst of white radiance erupted. The monster didn't just fly back—it disintegrated.
[System Notification: 1/5 Crawlers Defeated. XP Gained: 200.]
"Kael!" Malik shouted. "Protect the east side! I'll take the rest!"
Stunned by Malik's calm, Kael gritted his teeth and summoned his lightning. Side by side, the rivals stood against the darkness. The villagers watched in awe; the boy who sat under waterfalls was now their only hope.