Phase 4 –"The Ring of Resonance"

Phase 4 – The Ring of Resonance

The Morning After the Trial

The air was cool. Dark clouds hung heavy over Prime Eden.

The remaining participants gathered in the great hall.

But one person was missing.

Stella.

The news had spread quickly—she would not be able to participate. Her body was still recovering from the previous trial, and no one knew exactly when or if she would wake up.

No one said it out loud. But the silence was suffocating.

Selene stepped onto the raised platform.

Her gaze was calm. But her voice left no room for doubt.

Selene:

"You have passed the third test. But now, the decisive phase begins."

Her eyes wandered through the group.

Selene:

"The time for teamwork is over. Phase 4 will test you as individual fighters—and only the strongest will move forward."

She let the words sink in.

Then—a brief pause.

"This is the final trial of the Wolf Ritual."

She stepped aside.

"From now on, Rioji will take over."

Rioji's Arrival & The Tournament Announcement

A sound echoed through the hall.

Heavy footsteps.

Slow. Measured. Almost amused.

Rioji stepped forward.

His posture was relaxed, but his gaze burned. A spark of mocking pleasure glimmered in his eyes.

He took his time.

Then—a cold grin.

Rioji:

"Morning."

No one responded.

Rioji (with exaggerated friendliness):

"What's wrong? No excitement? Now that you finally get to prove yourselves?"

He let his gaze sweep through the group.

Then—a snap of his fingers.

The large hologram in the center of the hall flickered to life.

On the screen, an ancient, ruined arena appeared.

The Ruins of a Lost Age

Far beyond the floating city of Prime Eden, past the slums, lay what the elite had forgotten—or wanted to forget.

Abandoned ruins, remnants of a time before the rule of the great families. Once places full of life, now only dust and crumbling stone remained.

Here, where the light of the Upper City never reached, another world thrived.

The world of the outlaws.

For the powerful, these places were worthless.

For the weak, they were hope.

For the lost, they were home.

And it was here that the final trial would take place.

The Rules of Phase 4

 One-on-one duels.

 Elimination system—whoever loses is out.

 Each round, the arena changes—new obstacles, new conditions.

Rioji:

"I hope none of you are afraid of unpredictable surprises."

Some exchanged glances.

Nia stared at the screen.

Kyro said nothing.

The Tournament Structure – The Problem with 7 Participants

Rioji pointed at the names of the participants.

"There are seven of you."

He tapped the hologram.

The tournament bracket appeared.

Rioji:

"That means—one of you gets a bye. The one with the most points."

A name lit up on the screen.

Rex – 140 points.

Ezryel showed no reaction, but his gaze narrowed slightly.

Liebe cast a quick glance at Rex.

Rioji (slightly mocking):

"Congratulations, Rex. Enjoy it while you still can."

Rex didn't flinch. But for a moment, a flicker of satisfaction crossed his face.

The Matchups

The remaining six participants had to fight each other.

Rioji (grinning):

"Here's how it's going to work."

 Match 1: Liebe vs. Kirah

 Match 2: Kyro vs. Nia

 Match 3: Ezryel vs. Neo

 Rex gets a bye and automatically advances to the semifinals.

Rioji:

"The three winners will then face off in the semifinals—and in the end, only one will remain."

He let the words hang in the air.

"Oh, and in case you think this is just about brute strength…"

A crooked grin.

"There will also be bonus points—for strategy, creativity, and how well you use your resonance abilities."

Some faces hardened.

Rioji:

"So if you want to win, you'd better do more than just swing your fists."

Final Words Before the First Match

Rioji stepped closer to the participants.

His eyes locked onto Kyro.

Measuring. Challenging. Expectant.

Rioji (quietly):

"I'm curious to see how you'll perform."

A smirk.

"I hope you don't disappoint me."

Kyro said nothing.

But his hands clenched into fists without him realizing.

End of the Scene – The First Match Begins

The tension in the air was electric.

The arena waited.

 The final trial of the Wolf Ritual had begun.