Lin Feng followed Lunaria deeper into the glowing forest. The air vibrated with energy, and faint mechanical sounds hinted at hidden dangers. Every step felt like the world was testing him.
"This is the Etherion Forest," Lunaria explained. "It's not just trees and wildlife. The forest itself adapts to intruders. One wrong move and it could become a death trap."
Lin Feng nodded. He felt the thrill of a real challenge. In his previous lives, he had mastered strategy and combat, but this world was different. Here, magic and technology blended in unpredictable ways.
"First, we will train your senses," Lunaria said. She lifted her hands, and a set of floating drones emerged, moving in complex patterns. "These drones will simulate enemies. You must react, adapt, and anticipate."
Lin Feng focused. He could feel the faint hum of the system inside his mind, recording, analyzing, and giving subtle hints. With two lifetimes of experience, his reflexes and instincts were sharper than ever.
He moved like water, dodging, weaving, and striking with precise energy bursts. The drones adjusted, testing his limits, but he matched them step by step.
"Not bad," Lunaria said, impressed. "You are faster than most rookies. But in Etherion, raw speed alone will not win. You need strategy, patience, and teamwork."
Just then, a faint roar echoed through the forest. Trees shook, and glowing eyes appeared between the trunks. A mechanical beast, fused with natural elements, emerged. Its metal jaws gleamed as it lunged at them.
Lin Feng acted instinctively, raising his hands. Energy lines flared, forming a shield that absorbed the first strike. Lunaria fired precise energy pulses from her drones, distracting the beast. Together, their coordinated attack forced the creature back.
Breathing heavily, Lin Feng looked at Lunaria. "This forest is dangerous."
She smiled. "Danger is part of growth. The first trial begins with surviving Etherion itself. If you can overcome this, the championship trials will seem easier."
Lin Feng clenched his fists. He had survived betrayal, loss, and rebirth. Now, this world would feel the strength of someone who had lived twice.
The forest stirred, watching, judging, and waiting. And Lin Feng would show it that he was no ordinary rookie.