Episode 2: Into the Rift

Efe's knees buckled under the weight of the new realm. The air was cold and heavy, and the ground beneath him glowed faintly, pulsating like a living entity. The oppressive silence was broken by a distant, guttural growl.

The translucent screen reappeared before him, its warnings stark and unforgiving:

He scanned his surroundings, his breath misting in the cold air. The mist shifted, and from its depths, a hulking shadow emerged—a beast unlike anything he had ever seen. Its six glowing eyes locked onto him, its jagged fangs glistening with black ichor.

[Enemy Identified: Rift Beast – Lesser Ravager]

[Threat Level: Moderate. Recommended Action: Engage with Caution.]

Efe's heart raced as the Lesser Ravager roared, its voice shaking the ground. He stumbled backward, gripping a jagged rock in desperation. The beast lunged, claws tearing through the air. Efe dove to the side, barely avoiding the strike.

"Not good," he muttered, scrambling to his feet.

The translucent screen flickered again:

[Trait Activation: Ogun's Iron Will.]

[Ability Unlocked: Forgecraft (Beginner).]

[Passive Ability Activated: Iron Skin.]

A surge of heat erupted within him, his skin hardening like tempered steel. A crude iron blade materialized in his hand, glowing faintly.

The Ravager snarled, its glowing eyes narrowing. It lunged again, claws slashing. Efe sidestepped, swinging the blade with newfound strength. The weapon struck the beast's side, leaving a deep gash.

Black ichor sprayed from the wound as the Ravager howled in pain, but it was far from defeated. It circled him, growling low, its movements more cautious now.

Suddenly, more shadows emerged from the mist. Two smaller Ravagers, each with four glowing eyes, joined the fray.

[Additional Enemies Detected: Lesser Ravagers x2.]

[Threat Level: Increased. Survival Probability: 5%.]

"Great," Efe muttered, gripping the blade tighter. "Because one wasn't enough."

The two new beasts charged simultaneously, their claws aiming for his unprotected sides. Efe ducked, rolling to avoid their attacks. He slashed at the nearest one, the blade cutting through its tough hide.

The injured Ravager recoiled, snarling, while the other lunged at his back. Its claws raked across his hardened skin, sparks flying. Efe gritted his teeth, spinning around to deliver a counterstrike. The blade pierced the beast's throat, and it dissolved into a cloud of dark mist.

Before he could catch his breath, the first Ravager attacked again, this time with a fury born of desperation. Efe blocked its claws with his blade, the impact jarring his arms. He shoved the beast back, slashing across its chest. It let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into mist.

The original Ravager, the one with six glowing eyes, watched from a distance. Its gaze was cold, calculating. Then, with a deafening roar, it charged.

Efe braced himself, but the beast's sheer size and strength overwhelmed him. Its claws sent him flying into a jagged rock. Pain shot through his ribs as he crumpled to the ground.

[Health Critical. Warning: Immediate Action Required.]

Efe coughed, tasting blood. The Ravager approached, its glowing eyes blazing with malice.

"Not... yet," he muttered, forcing himself to stand. The translucent screen flickered, new text appearing:

A strange energy coursed through him, invigorating his battered body. His movements became faster, his strikes more precise.

The Ravager lunged, but Efe sidestepped, driving his blade into its flank. Black ichor sprayed as the beast roared in agony. It swiped at him, but he ducked, slashing at its legs.

The fight was brutal, the Ravager refusing to go down without a fight. It lunged again, its claws grazing his hardened skin. Efe countered with a powerful strike to its chest, and the beast staggered, its movements sluggish.

Finally, with a roar of his own, Efe drove his blade into the Ravager's heart. The beast let out a final, piercing shriek before dissolving into mist.

The translucent screen appeared again:

[Enemy Defeated: Lesser Ravager.]

[EXP Gained: Level Up.

Current Level – 4.]

[Strength +3,

Stamina +2.]

Efe fell to his knees, gasping for breath. The mist began to clear, revealing an enormous stone altar at the center of the realm. Symbols on its surface glowed ominously, and a new shadow loomed above it.

[Alert: Boss Mechanism Activated.]

[Warning: High-Rank Ravager Approaching.]

The ground trembled as the mist coalesced into a massive form. This creature was larger than the others, its eight glowing eyes radiating an unholy light. Its jagged claws dripped with black ichor, and its roar shook the very fabric of the realm.

Efe's eyes widened as the translucent screen displayed the new threat:

[Enemy Identified:Rift Beast – Obsidian Ravager (High Rank).]

[Threat Level: Extreme.

Survival Probability: 2%.]

The beast let out a deafening roar, its gaze locking onto Efe. The ground beneath him cracked, and the air grew colder.

Efe gripped his blade, his determination unwavering. "A boss fight... Just what I needed."

The Ravager charged, and Efe braced himself, ready for the battle of his life.

To be continue....