Light consumed the arena.
Cracks spread across the black stone ground, widening as golden radiance poured through them like liquid fire. The empty sky above shattered completely, fragments dissolving into countless particles that drifted like glowing dust.
Kael remained kneeling.
His body was exhausted.
Every muscle burned, every breath felt heavy, and yet—
Deep inside him, the Origin Core pulsed steadily, stronger and more stable than ever before.
The trial was over.
The silence that followed was profound.
Then—
A soft hum filled the space.
The scattered particles of light began to gather.
Slowly… deliberately… they converged toward the center of the arena.
Kael raised his head.
His golden eyes reflected the forming light.
It condensed into a single object.
Floating.
Radiating a faint but unmistakable presence.
An artifact.
Not large.
Not overly complex.
But ancient.
A ring.
Its surface was smooth and dark, etched with faint golden lines that pulsed gently, almost like veins carrying energy. It gave off a presence similar to his Origin Core—but far older, far deeper.
Kael slowly stood up, his body still heavy but steady.
As he stepped closer, the ring reacted.
The golden lines brightened.
The moment his fingers touched it—
The world froze.
And the system returned.
SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVATED
Host: Kael Veyron
Realm: Origin Realm Stage 2
Trial Status: Completed — Ancient Origin Trial
Reward Detected:
• Origin Artifact — Ring of the First Pulse
Artifact Description:
A relic left behind by an unknown Origin cultivator.
Contains a fragment of primordial Origin energy.
Capable of synchronizing with the host's Origin Core.
Functions Unlocked:
• Energy Compression Enhancement — Allows finer control and higher density output of Origin energy
• Passive Energy Recovery — Slowly restores energy during and after combat
• Origin Resonance — Increases compatibility with future Origin-based artifacts and techniques
Inventory Updated:
• Storage Ring
• Ring of the First Pulse
System Notification:
• Trial Completion Recognized
• Host compatibility with Origin artifacts: High
• Future trials and relics may respond to host presence
The interface faded slowly.
But the effect remained.
Kael looked at the ring in his hand.
He could feel it.
A connection.
Not forced.
Not artificial.
But natural.
Like the ring had been waiting… for someone like him.
He slid it onto his finger.
The moment it settled—
A soft pulse spread through his body.
His Origin Core responded instantly.
Energy flowed smoother.
Sharper.
More controlled.
The fatigue in his body didn't disappear—but it became manageable.
Kael exhaled slowly.
"…So this is an Origin Artifact."
It wasn't just a tool.
It was an extension of his power.
A key to something greater.
The space around him began to distort.
The trial world was collapsing.
The ruins outside were calling him back.
Kael looked around one last time.
This place had tested him.
Pushed him to the edge of death.
And in return—
It had given him something invaluable.
Strength.
Understanding.
And a path forward.
The light swallowed him completely.
Moments later—
Kael reappeared in the forest ruins.
The ancient pillars stood silently around him, as if nothing had happened.
But Kael knew better.
He looked down at his hand.
The ring glowed faintly.
Proof.
The trial had been real.
Kael lifted his gaze toward the horizon.
Beyond this forest…
Beyond these mountains…
A much larger world awaited him.
And now—
He was ready to face it.