The forest had grown quieter after the mechanical beast fell back into the shadows. Lin Feng wiped the sweat from his brow and felt his body still tingling from the energy bursts.
"This is only the beginning," Lunaria said, her voice calm yet firm. "Etherion does not forgive the unprepared. You must grow stronger, and quickly."
Lin Feng nodded. "I understand. But how do I know I'm ready for the championship trials?"
Before Lunaria could answer, a sudden rustle echoed through the trees. Lin Feng's eyes narrowed, and he readied his energy shield. From the shadows, another figure emerged—a young woman with dark hair, sharp eyes, and a confident smile.
"I hear you're the rookie everyone is talking about," she said smoothly. "Name's Nyx. I've been waiting to see if the stories are true."
Lin Feng studied her carefully. Her presence was different from Lunaria. No drones, no visible devices—but he could feel the faint pulse of controlled energy around her. A shadowy aura suggested mastery of stealth and tactics.
"You'll find out soon enough," Lin Feng said calmly, stepping slightly forward. "If you are here to challenge me, I accept."
Nyx's smile widened. "Good. I was hoping you'd say that."
Without warning, the ground beneath them shifted. Shadows rose from the forest floor, forming tendrils that moved like living creatures. Nyx leapt gracefully, slicing the tendrils with sharp energy strikes. Lin Feng joined in, combining his shield and precision strikes. Together, they pushed back the forest's assault.
After the shadows receded, Nyx landed beside Lin Feng. "Not bad," she said. "You've got instincts. But instincts alone won't win championships."
Lunaria stepped forward. "This is part of the trial. The forest adapts. It tests your team, your coordination, and your ability to think under pressure. You are growing, but the real challenges are ahead."
Lin Feng straightened. "Then let's face them. I've survived two lifetimes. No trial here can stop me."
Nyx looked at him with interest. "I like your confidence. Maybe this team will be stronger than I expected."
Together, the three of them stepped deeper into Etherion Forest. Shadows still lingered in the trees, but Lin Feng felt ready. Allies were more than companions—they were strength, and his journey had officially begun.