Deeper Into the Rift
The battlefield fell silent, save for the distant echoes of collapsing structures within the Rift. The Gatekeeper stood tall, its crimson eyes dimming slightly as it settled into a more passive state. Liam exhaled, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"That was tougher than expected," Kai muttered, sheathing his weapon. "What the hell was that thing, anyway?"
Echo, standing nearby, processed the recent battle. "The entity was not a standard guardian. It exhibited combat patterns similar to high-ranking players."
Selene narrowed her eyes. "Meaning?"
Echo's voice carried a cold certainty. "Meaning someone—or something—is controlling these entities. They are not mindless AI."
A brief silence followed. The implications were disturbing.
Liam turned toward the Rift's depths. "Then we need to be ready. Whoever—or whatever—is behind this won't stop here."
The air grew heavier as they advanced. The deeper they went, the more distorted the world around them became. Buildings floated unnaturally, gravity shifted inconsistently, and strange glitches flickered in and out of existence.
The Gatekeeper followed Liam without hesitation, its massive form moving with unnatural grace. It was a monster, but under Liam's command, it was now an ally.
Suddenly, Echo stopped. "We are approaching a significant anomaly."
Liam's grip tightened. "Be specific."
Echo's eyes flickered. "Energy readings suggest a spatial tear ahead. It is unstable… but something is inside."
Kai groaned. "Let me guess—another fight?"
Before anyone could respond, a massive shockwave erupted ahead.
The Rift trembled. The ground split apart, revealing a deep abyss beneath. From within the darkness, a new figure emerged.
A towering figure wrapped in tattered, ancient armor. Its eyes glowed an eerie blue, and in its hands, it held a massive, rusted cleaver.
"Another guardian?" Selene whispered.
Echo's voice was urgent. "No. This one is different. Its data signature is… corrupted."
The armored figure raised its weapon.
And without warning—
It charged.
End of Chapter 22