The chamber shifted suddenly, walls rotating to reveal a raised platform etched with glowing runes.
At its center appeared a figure a perfect reflection of Kael, but radiating golden light so pure it hurt to look at directly.
"Who… are you?" Kael whispered, instincts screaming that this was no ordinary apparition.
"I am your trial," the figure said, its voice echoing like wind through endless canyons.
"You claim the Origin… but it will not be given freely. You must prove your worth."
Kael clenched his fists, golden energy pulsing along his veins.
"I'm ready," he said firmly, even as his mind raced with possibilities.
If this is a trial… I can handle it. I have to.
The figure disappeared.
Suddenly, runes blazed across the platform, and torrents of energy surged toward Kael.
Each pulse tested his reflexes, his ability to harness his Origin Core, and the limits of his control.
Energy lashes struck him from all directions, each strike faster and stronger than the last.
Kael pivoted, leapt, and countered, letting instinct guide his movements.
So this is what it means to wield the Origin…
His Origin Step, now evolving into Origin Flash, allowed him to dodge attacks that would have obliterated ordinary disciples.
Every strike, every pulse of golden energy, refined his body and mind, fusing his techniques with the ancient wisdom embedded in the chamber.
Hours no, perhaps minutes passed in the timeless energy storm. Kael's muscles burned, his lungs ached, but he pressed on.
Each motion, each thought, each strike brought him closer to merging fully with the relic's power.
Finally, the energy pulses stabilized.
The apparition reappeared, nodding once.
"You have passed, bearer of Origin.
The power is yours… but only if you claim it."