Just as Max established the perfect balance between his Devouring Flame Essence and the White Lotus Essence Ice, the world around him began to tremble faintly. The stillness he had created within himself spread outward, merging with the frozen air that surrounded him.
The ice beneath him reflected his faint glow, showing both his red and blue aura swirling in harmony. For a brief moment, everything felt suspended in time, as if the entire realm had acknowledged the equilibrium he had achieved.
Then, the trembling intensified. A strange force began to gather around him, faint at first but rapidly growing stronger. The air vibrated softly, carrying an energy that was neither hot nor cold. It felt ancient—like the will of the trial itself had awakened to recognize what he had accomplished.
Max looked around cautiously, his expression calm but focused. "What now…?" he muttered, his eyes scanning the horizon of the ice world.
