Preparation [4]

Lucian stood at the entrance to the ninth trial of the first floor.

The shimmering doorway radiated an oppressive energy, as if warning him that this would be his most grueling test yet.

He clenched his fists, determination flickering in his eyes.

This trial wasn't just about defeating enemies; it was about proving his worth as a cultivator who could wield his Gift to its fullest potential.

[Trial 9: Mana Efficiency Trial]

[Quest: Conserve Mana in Battle]

[Description: Engage in a prolonged battle against waves of enemies with limited mana. You must use strategy and efficiency to emerge victorious]

[Objective: Defeat three waves of enemies while conserving mana]

Lucian nodded as he reviewed the details.

His core had strengthened significantly over the last two weeks, thanks to his progress through the seventh and eighth trials.

He had already advanced to Mid Initiate, his mana reserves larger and more stable.

But this trial wouldn't allow him to rely on brute force or even the substantial mana pool he now possessed.

It was a test of discipline, ingenuity, and his ability to utilize his Gift, Living Conduit.

"Let's see if I'm ready," Lucian muttered as he stepped through the doorway.

The battlefield materialized around him, vast and desolate.

Jagged rocks jutted out of the ground, and the air crackled with latent mana.

In the distance, three shadowy figures appeared, their glowing eyes fixed on Lucian.

[Wave 1: Begin]

The shadows surged toward him, their movements coordinated and swift.

Lucian gripped his sword, preparing to channel mana into his Resonance Sword Art, but he paused.

'No,' he thought. 'The whole point is to conserve mana. Let's try something else.'

Lucian focused inward, activating his Gift.

He reached out to the surrounding environment, sensing the ambient mana that permeated the battlefield.

It was faint but steady, like a gentle breeze flowing around him.

He concentrated, drawing the ambient energy into himself.

The process was slow and required intense focus, but as the mana entered his core, it supplemented his reserves without depleting them further.

"This is... different," he murmured, adjusting to the new sensation.

The first shadowy figure attacked, its claws slashing toward him.

Lucian sidestepped, activating the Phantom Step Art.

He blurred out of range, leaving an afterimage that confused the enemy momentarily.

With his sword vibrating faintly with resonance, he struck back, dispersing the first enemy with minimal mana expenditure.

The remaining two figures pressed forward.

Lucian parried and dodged, relying on precise strikes and the natural flow of the battle to minimize his energy usage.

He drew more ambient mana into his core as he moved, the process growing smoother with each attempt.

The first wave ended with a final Resonance Strike, the shadowy figures dissolving into mist.

[Wave 1 complete. Prepare for Wave 2]

Lucian exhaled, steadying himself. His core felt lighter than expected, thanks to the ambient mana he had absorbed.

The second wave was more intense.

Five enemies emerged this time, each more aggressive and coordinated than the last.

They attacked in unison, forcing Lucian to rely on Phantom Step to avoid their strikes.

As the battle progressed, Lucian noticed a critical flaw in his approach.

Drawing ambient mana wasn't enough—it was too slow to keep up with the demands of combat.

'I need to do more,' he realized, frustration bubbling within him.

One of the shadowy figures broke through his defenses, its strike grazing his shoulder.

Lucian winced, blood seeping through his shirt.

"Think, Lucian. You're missing something."

He closed his eyes briefly, activating his Mana Sensory Field.

The battlefield shifted in his perception, the ambient mana flows becoming clearer.

He saw not just the faint currents of energy but larger concentrations—ley lines running beneath the ground, radiating mana.

'That's it,' he thought.

Instead of drawing ambient mana aimlessly, Lucian focused on the ley lines.

He directed his Gift toward the nearest one, pulling the concentrated energy into his core.

The effect was immediate—his mana surged, replenishing far faster than before.

A grin spread across his face. "Living Conduit, huh? I think I'm starting to get it."

Using the ley line's energy, Lucian unleashed a series of precise attacks, combining Resonance Sword Art and Phantom Step to outmaneuver and defeat the enemies.

The second wave ended with a decisive strike, leaving him panting but victorious.

[Wave 2 complete. Prepare for Wave 3]

The third wave was unlike anything Lucian had faced.

Seven shadowy figures emerged, each radiating an overwhelming aura.

Their attacks were relentless, forcing him to fight on the defensive.

But Lucian was ready.

He tapped into the ley lines with confidence, the energy flowing into his core like a torrent.

This time, he didn't just use the mana to sustain himself—he amplified it, enhancing the potency of his techniques.

His Resonance Sword hummed louder, each strike tearing through the enemies' defenses with ease.

His Phantom Step became sharper, his afterimages lingering longer and confusing the enemies further.

Even as the enemies closed in, Lucian maintained his composure, conserving mana where he could and relying on precise strikes to dismantle their coordination.

One by one, the figures fell.

The final enemy lunged at him, but Lucian sidestepped, channeling the last of the ley line's energy into his blade.

"Resonance Slash!" he shouted, his sword vibrating violently as he swung.

The enemy dissolved into shadow, and the battlefield fell silent.

[Trial Complete]

[You have learned to wield the Gift: Living Conduit]

[You have advanced to Peak Initiate]

Lucian collapsed to the ground, his chest heaving.

His body was battered, his mana core strained, but a sense of accomplishment filled him.

He had done it.

Not only had he passed the trial, but he had also unlocked the full potential of his Gift.

The ability to draw and amplify mana from the environment would be a game-changer in future battles.

The system's voice broke through his thoughts.

[Access to further trials is temporarily restricted. Please recover and prepare for future challenges]

Lucian nodded, too exhausted to respond.

He closed his eyes, letting the silence of the tower wash over him.

This was only the beginning, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of rest.