So With a thought, he summoned the Notification.
And then what he saw left him speechless.
[ BOSS DEFEATED: TRIAL COMPLETED. ]
[ You have saved the village from certain annihilation, proving your bravery, intellect, and Resolve. ]
[ Rewards Earned: SPIRIT APPARITION ]
[ Rewards Granted: SAINT SHIFT ]
[ Exit: Trial may now be terminated at will. ]
Wu Chen went very still.
His eyes widened slightly. "The trial is over?
And I can leave…?"
The realization was both exhilarating and bittersweet.
After all the hardship, after everything he's been through, finally he is able to leave.
Of course he is very happy.
But at the same time for some reason he felt sad, maybe that's because he realized leaving means his Time with the villagers had come to an end.
He had grown attached to the villagers. Their resilience, their sincerity, their unshaken trust in him… The thought of abandoning them, even for a greater path, tugged at his conscience.
But with that thought his gaze moved to the first reward.
Wu Chen's gaze lingered on the first reward, its golden script burning brighter, and then it enlarged showing the ability description.
[ One-Use Ability: Spirit Apparition ]
[ Description: Saving the villagers has earned you their deep admiration respect and yearning. As a result a fragment of your soul, forged from the villager's faith can remain behind as a Guardian. This apparition mirrors your current strength —and grows as you grow.]
A breath Wu Chen didn't realize he had been holding escaped him.
This changes everything.
The weight on his shoulders is gone.
Wu Chen's heart swelled with relief. 'In fact this is perfect,' he thought.
He could leave without guilt. Part of his soul would stay to protect the villagers—a guardian forged of their hope and his will. In case anything arises Even in his absence, they would be shielded.
His curiosity then turned to the second reward.
[ Ability: Saint Shift ]
[ Description: As a harbinger of balance, you are granted an ultimate form. Saint Shift transforms you into a being that is neither divine nor demonic, granting you immense power at the cost of the environment's spiritual energy.]
Wu Chen's mind raced as he processed the implications. "This is a game-changer," he realized.
An ace—one that could level the battlefield against enemies leagues above him. But its cost was steep. Draining the spiritual energy of the land could bring devastation if misused.
He nodded to himself. "A last resort, then. Only when I have no other choice."
With a deep breath, Wu Chen leaned back, his mind buzzing with possibilities
The trial had tested him in ways he hadn't expected, his body, mind, and spirit. It had forced him to grow, to fight, to lead.
He glanced out at the quiet village, the soft glow of lanterns flickering in the distance.
But it had also rewarded him handsomely.
And not only that but it had also given him something rare.
A purpose
A purpose that is not simply just about Survival.
"I'll stay for a while longer," he decided. "The villagers deserve that much. But when the time comes to leave, I'll do so with peace of mind, knowing they're in good hands...my hands."
As Wu Chen closed his eyes, a deep calm settled over him. The road ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, he felt ready—ready to face whatever challenges the world had in store.
That night, the darkness wrapped around the village like a blanket, and Wu Chen slept soundly, free of the tension that had gripped him for days. Until now, sleep had always come with the weight of uncertainty—the threat of a sudden ambush, the fear of the boss creature's overwhelming power, and the burden of what would happen if he failed.
But now, those fears are gone.
With the beast defeated and the trial complete, a profound sense of relief cradled his mind. For the first time in what felt like ages, his rest was unbroken, his dreams light and warm.
He dreamed of the village's future—thriving fields, smiling faces, and laughter echoing through sunlit streets. And standing tall at the heart of it all, the spirit apparition a silent sentinel in shadows bearing his presence, watching over them like a divine guardian.
The satisfaction of completing the trial and earning such profound rewards felt like the perfect cherry atop a hard-fought victory.
So Wu Chen stayed, he remained in the village for a few more days, offering what guidance he could. He oversaw the strengthening of defenses, ensured the villagers were organized, equipped to face lesser threats, and left behind strategies for protection.
Though he doubted any danger would return.
With the demonics annihilated, and the villagers stronger than ever, peace had finally taken root.
Even without the spirit apparition, which he planned to keep in place to protect the villagers, the Village Should still be Ok
And now as for Wu Chen?
He is finally ready to take the next step on his path.
So, fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—the time had come for him to leave.
In life, everyone must eventually move forward or risk remaining stagnant. Wu Chen had no intention of staying still. His path stretched far beyond the village, filled with unknown trials and people in need. So, he made the decision.
He called for an announcement, gathering the villagers in the heart of the settlement.
Wu Chen stood before the assembled villagers, the morning sun casting long shadows across faces etched with unspoken grief. The air was thick with emotion—sadness, gratitude, and the unspoken understanding that this moment was inevitable.
"I must leave," Wu Chen said, his voice calm but tinged with emotion. "My journey isn't over. There are still places I must go and people who may need my help. But know this—I will carry the memory of this village, and all of you with me, wherever I go."
A hush fell over the crowd. Many had suspected this day would come. After all, heroes never stay forever. He had arrived in their darkest hour, fought beside them, and led them to safety. Deep down, they knew such a person could not remain in one place.
But knowing didn't make parting any easier.