The forest had quieted after Soren's retreat, but Lin Feng knew the night was far from over. The faint glow of Etherion trees lit the path, and the lingering energy from the Hidden Trial hummed in the air.
Lunaria hovered beside him, drones circling protectively. "Lin Feng… these trials don't just test strength. They test connection," she said softly.
Nyx smirked. "And I'd say our rookie champion is learning fast."
Before Lin Feng could respond, three new figures stepped from the shadows. Unlike Soren's rivals, these were here for guidance — or alliance.
Kaelith, a tall elf with silver hair and piercing green eyes. "I've heard of your victories. I believe your team can change Etherion."
Aria, a spirited mage tossing fire sparks playfully. "Name's Aria. Fate says I'm with you. Deal with it."
A cloaked woman, eyes glimmering like starlight. "Destiny leads me to you, Lin Feng."
Lunaria and Nyx tensed, but Lin Feng nodded. "Welcome. Together, we'll grow stronger."
As they walked, he felt their presence enhancing his abilities. Lunaria's drones became sharper, Aria's fire attacks synchronized with Nyx's shadows, Kaelith's mana refined Lin Feng's harmonic pulses, and the mysterious woman's starlight energy awakened latent potential in the manor's ether crystals.
He realized companions weren't just allies — they were extensions of his power and growth. Even Nyx, usually teasing, leaned closer, a faint smile in her shadowed eyes.
Suddenly, a pulse rippled through the forest. Lin Feng sensed it immediately. "The Hidden Trial… it's responding to all of us."
"Finally! Adventure time!" Aria exclaimed, her excitement lighting up the path.
Kaelith's gaze remained steady. "Etherion is testing not just our strength, but our unity."
The cloaked woman added softly, "Then we face it together, Lin Feng."
Lin Feng looked at each companion — a mix of rivalry, support, and growing trust. The trials ahead would be dangerous, but they would face them as one. And in Etherion's shadows, bonds were forming — not just of strategy and power, but something deeper, something that might shape the future of them all.
The team moved forward, their combined aura casting a faint glow through the trees. The next trial waited ahead, stronger than anything they had faced, but Lin Feng felt ready. With companions by his side, nothing could stop him.