As the sounds of the Dream Soul Immortal Melody bounced off on the corners of the specialized chamber, the contestants did their best to resist the lull of the melody.
However, said melody proved too difficult to resist. It hasn't even been five minutes since the start of the challenge and some contestants were already eliminated. One of which was Kian who was already escorted out of the chamber.
Of course, this was just the beginning...
One contestant, a young woman named Lila, found herself lost in the depths of the Dream Soul Immortal Melody. She saw herself in a world where everything was perfect, a place where she was loved and respected by everyone. In this world, she was happy and content, with no worries or fears to hold her back. But as time passed, Lila began to feel the weight of the world bearing down on her. She saw the people around her turn against her, their love and admiration replaced with hatred and disgust. As the vision darkened, Lila fought to hold on to reality, but the melody was too powerful, and she was eventually overwhelmed.
Lila only lasted for seven minutes before she got overwhelmed.
Another contestant, a strong and determined young man named Ronan, felt himself slipping away into the dreamlike world of the Dream Soul Immortal Melody. He saw himself on a battlefield, fighting against a horde of enemies. In this world, Ronan was an invincible warrior, capable of taking on any foe that came his way. But as the battle raged on, Ronan began to feel the exhaustion and pain of his injuries. He struggled to keep fighting, but eventually, the melody overpowered him, and he fell into a deep sleep.
Ronan lasted for 8 minutes.
A third contestant, a sly and cunning woman named Selena, saw herself as a powerful and wealthy ruler, with everything she could ever want at her fingertips. But as she reveled in her wealth and power, Selena began to see the flaws and imperfections in her perfect world. She felt a sense of emptiness and loneliness, despite her riches and status. As the vision drew to a close, Selena tried to shake herself awake, but it was too late. The melody had taken hold, and she was eliminated from the test.
Selena lasted for 9 minutes under the lull of the Dream Soul Immortal Melody.
Despite their best efforts, these contestants and many others failed to pass the Test of Will, falling victim to the Dream Soul Immortal Melody's seductive power.
Another contestant, named Lina, was a seasoned warrior with years of experience and had faced countless battles. She was confident that she could withstand anything that came her way. However, as soon as the Dream Soul Immortal Melody began to play, Lina started to feel a strange sensation in her head. The melody was so beautiful and enticing that it felt like she was being pulled into a trance.
As Lina tried to resist the melody, she suddenly found herself standing in a field of flowers. The sun was shining down on her, and she felt a gentle breeze blowing through her hair. She was surrounded by her loved ones, who were all smiling and laughing. Lina felt her heart swell with joy, and she was tempted to stay in this dream world forever.
But Lina knew that this was not real. She tried to shake off the vision and focus on reality, but the melody was too strong. In the end, Lina failed the test and was eliminated from the tournament. She lasted for 11 minutes.
Another contestant, named Marcus, was a stoic and disciplined warrior who had trained his entire life for this moment. He had a strong will, and he was determined to pass the Test of Will at any cost. However, as soon as the Dream Soul Immortal Melody began to play, Marcus felt a strange sensation in his chest. His heart started to beat faster and faster, and he felt a sense of panic rising inside him.
Marcus tried to focus on his breathing and clear his mind, but the melody was too powerful. He was suddenly transported to a dark and foreboding place, where shadows lurked in every corner. Marcus felt a sense of dread creeping over him, and he knew that he was in danger. He tried to fight back, but the melody was too strong.
In the end, Marcus failed the test, he only lasted for 15 minutes and was eliminated from the tournament. He couldn't believe that he had let his guard down and succumbed to the melody. It was a bitter defeat, and Marcus knew that he would have to work even harder if he ever wanted to face such a challenge again.
As the Test of Will continued, there were a few contestants who were able to hold on and resist the Dream Soul Immortal Melody. One of them was Maya, a young girl with a strong will. Despite being surrounded by the enchanting sounds, she remained focused and alert, her eyes fixed on the ground in front of her.
Another contestant who was able to resist the melody was Ethan, a skilled warrior with years of training. He closed his eyes, blocking out the visions and hallucinations that threatened to take over his mind. He took deep breaths, letting the sound of his own heartbeat ground him in reality.
Yet another contestant, a young man named Kai, had a unique advantage in the test. He was born without the ability to hear, and as such, was somehow immune to the effects of the Dream Soul Immortal Melody. He sat with his eyes closed, his hands resting on his knees, a serene expression on his face.
As the test continued, more and more contestants began to drop out, unable to resist the allure of the melody. But those who remained focused and determined, like Maya, Ethan, and Kai, stayed strong and kept their minds clear, determined to make it through to the next round.
Broadcasting a bunch of people trying to not fall asleep would be boring. Thankfully, there was a way to project just how difficult the Trial was thanks to Jerry's efforts.
Since Ashton abruptly changed the contents of the trial, this has become rather challenging. Thankfully, Jerry had a method that could be used to remedy the situation so the hype around the tournament didn't die down.
As the Test of Will came to a close, the exhausted and disheveled contestants stumbled out of the Mystic Realm, one by one. They had been pushed to their limits, mentally and emotionally, by the Dream Soul Immortal Melody. The test had only lasted for a short while, but for the contestants, it felt like they had been trapped within it for days if not months.
Out of the original 1500 contestants from the High-Evolutionary League, only 500 remained standing. These were the ones who had managed to hold on to their willpower and resist the allure of the melody. They were the ones who had earned the right to move on to the next round of the Mystic Guild Tournament.
The elimination was rather brutal but it was necessary. To those who failed, this should be considered a wake-up call for them to work harder in their training.
This tournament can be said to have broadened their horizons. Hopefully, by witnessing and experiencing the disparity between them and others, they will become even more motivated to work harder in their training and cultivation.
Seeing the haggard looks of the remaining contestants made the audience feel bad for them. They didn't even do much, they just sat in silence, listening to a sound yet they ended up like that. And these are High-Evolutionary Cultivators too.
For a mere sound to reduce them in this state...that should be enough to display the real terror of the Dream Soul Immortal Melody.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what an incredible day it has been! We have witnessed the first round of the Mystic Guild Tournament where the Mortal League contestants faced the Mystic Labyrinth, and the High-Evolutionary League participants underwent the Test of Will with the Dream Soul Immortal Melody. Out of 5,000 participants, only 1,500 made it through the first round, and only 500 contestants from the High-Evolutionary League passed the Test of Will."
Elise showed up to close the event.
"To those who didn't make it, I say this - do not be disheartened. You have shown tremendous bravery and strength just by participating in this tournament. To those who made it through, congratulations! You have proven yourselves worthy of the Mystic Guild's recognition."
"And that concludes the events for today. But don't go anywhere, as the festivities are about to begin. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the day's celebrations. And of course, make sure to tune in tomorrow for the continuation of the Mystic Guild Tournament. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell!"
As the sun began to set on the first day of the tournament, the remaining contestants could not help but wonder what other challenges lay ahead of them. Would they be as grueling and unforgiving as the first two tests? Only time would tell.
