As Sufiyan's scissors moved, the laborer's gray and thin hair began to transform. It wasn't just turning black; it was glowing with a healthy, youthful shine. The crowd leaned in, gasping in disbelief.
[System Progress: 80% Complete.]
[Skill Activation: Mirror Illusion!]
Suddenly, the mirrors around the stage reflected not the square, but the laborer's happiest memories. The man saw himself as a young boy, running in the fields. Tears of joy streamed down his face.
Sufiyan made the final cut. "It is done," he whispered.
The laborer stood up. He looked twenty years younger. His back was straight, his eyes were bright, and his hair was the most beautiful thing the people of Mysore had ever seen.
[Ding! Level Up! Level 22 reached!]
[Reward: 10,000 Gold Coins & 'Hero of Mysore' Title.]
The Mayor stood up, clapping wildly. "The winner is... SUFIYAN!"
Master Rajesh's face turned purple with rage. He threw his silver scissors to the ground. "This isn't over, Sufiyan. You may have won the trial, but you've just made an enemy of the Global Stylists' Council."
[New Danger Detected: The Global Council is watching you...]