The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2117: Flow Resonance

The trio did not lose themselves in awe for long. After a few quiet breaths, they centered their minds once again, tuning into the subtle rhythm that flowed through every atom of the realm known as the Twofold March: Harmony of Crown and Company.

They inhaled deeply, allowing the principles of the Flow engraved in the ring to seep into their souls. Cain felt it almost instantly—a current that was neither violent nor chaotic but harmonious, carrying within it something more elusive than power: intent.

A meaningful light flickered in his golden eyes as understanding dawned. Yet he did not speak immediately. Instead, he waited in silence, giving Alita and Elder Oni the chance to discover the truth for themselves.

He had guided them far, but true mastery came only through personal revelation.

Alita furrowed her brow, her lotus faintly glowing as she extended her perception outward. Oni closed his eyes, his ancient aura expanding like mist. Minutes passed before realization struck them both.

Cain’s lips curved in a faint smile, and he nodded. "The Third Ring," he said quietly, "embodies the principle of Flow Resonance—the ability to perceive and understand the emotions and intentions that dwell in the heart of your target."

Alita and Oni exchanged solemn glances. The concept was subtle but profound.

In individual combat, such an ability might not seem overwhelming. It didn’t crush mountains or shatter the skies. But in the right hands, it could pierce illusion, unravel deceit, and make it impossible for an enemy to hide their true motives.

More importantly, when dealing with alliances, armies, or groups, this resonance was invaluable. To perceive the will of others—to know when loyalty was real or when rebellion brewed—was a power no weapon could equal.

Still, Cain cautioned silently that there were limits. Even Flow Resonance could not reveal what a person themselves did not know—like those whose minds had been altered, or souls tainted by divine manipulation.

Now that they understood the law governing this realm, it was time to discern the nature of its challenge.

Their eyes turned to the soul-forged soldiers beneath them, born from their own essence. The thousands of mortals below stood still, faces calm yet eyes burning with determination, awaiting a command.

The trio exchanged looks of silent agreement, and with a united will, they sent their intent downward.

The armies moved.

The soldiers began their march across the plain below the mirror floor. According to the pattern of the previous rings, the goal was simple—to advance across the realm until they reached its end. That, supposedly, would complete the Third Ring’s trial.

For hours, the march continued without disturbance. The soundless rhythm of their advancing troops echoed faintly through the mirrored realm. Everything seemed smooth, almost too smooth.

But then Cain’s expression hardened. He raised his hand, and the entire army froze as though time itself had stopped.

Alita and Oni glanced at him in confusion.

"What’s wrong?" Alita asked.

Cain said nothing at first. His golden eyes gleamed as he opened his senses to the Flow. The air shimmered faintly. "Something isn’t right," he murmured.

The others trusted his instinct and did the same, activating their attunement to the principles engraved in the Third Ring. The moment they triggered Resonance, they felt it.

An undercurrent of emotion flooded into them—fatigue, confusion, uncertainty.

Their soldiers’ faces remained disciplined, eyes sharp and unyielding. But within their hearts, countless doubts were beginning to stir.

Unlike the three cultivators—beings whose lifespans stretched across eons and whose endurance could defy suns—these soldiers were still bound by mortal limits. They had been ordered to march endlessly forward without a clear goal or purpose. They didn’t know why they were running, where they were going, or what awaited them.

Purpose was the fire that sustained mortals. Without it, exhaustion turned to despair.

Cain closed his eyes, understanding completely.

"They’re not machines," he whispered. "They’re living fragments of us—souls given mortal form. They need direction, not blind command."

The others nodded.

With a gentle thought, Cain sent a new wave of intent through the army below. The crimson soldiers he had forged slowed their steps, some smiling faintly as they began to set up a small camp upon the mirrored plain. Alita’s emerald and Oni’s azure soldiers followed, gathering together in quiet meditation.

Moments later, the restless storm of emotions began to fade. The soldiers’ spirits calmed, replaced by peace and clarity.

Alita’s expression softened. "So the challenge isn’t just to command them," she said, "but to understand them."

Cain nodded. "Harmony of Crown and Company—ruler and people, leader and follower. Only through resonance can command endure."

It was clear now: the soldiers below were not simply tools to reach the end of the realm—they were the key to it.

Days passed as they continued their march, resting when needed, attuning constantly to the emotions of their armies. With each passing week, their connection deepened. Cain learned to sense subtle variations in the soldiers’ hearts—the stirrings of courage, the flickers of doubt, even the faint joy that came from shared purpose.

Weeks later, after a long stretch of tranquil progression, the scenery shifted.

The mirrored plain gave way to something new—a distant village, nestled at the base of a crystalline ridge. Light shimmered off its rooftops, and the faint sound of life echoed from below.

Cain’s gaze sharpened.

The village wasn’t empty. Dozens—no, hundreds—of figures moved within its bounds, armed with crude weapons. The moment the army’s reflection approached, the villagers raised their blades and shields, preparing to defend their home.

Alita and Oni tensed.

Their legions could easily crush the defenders. The soldiers of soul-forged essence were stronger, faster, more disciplined. A direct charge would end the battle in minutes.

Yet all three knew instinctively that things were not so simple.

Cain’s eyes glowed gold as he activated Resonance once again. Emotions flooded through him—not from his soldiers this time, but from the villagers. Fear, desperation, and the fierce determination to protect their families.

He turned his perception back to his own troops. Their faces were expressionless, but their hearts spoke clearly. Among the legions, he sensed hesitation—tiny ripples of conflict and doubt.

Though the soldiers were born of his soul, each possessed their own individuality.. Many recoiled at the thought of slaughtering innocents.

Cain exhaled slowly. "So that’s the next test."