Episode 5: Echoes Beyond the Rift

Efe stood amidst the pulsating blue fog, gripping his newly formed iron spear. His heartbeat echoed like a war drum in his ears. Around him, the mangled bodies of the defeated lower-ranked Ravagers dissolved into shimmering motes of light. The ground beneath him quivered faintly, an ominous signal that something far more dangerous lurked nearby.

The dense forest of sharp crystal trees loomed, casting eerie reflections of his figure. Efe tightened his grip on the spear. He had survived this long, but a greater challenge awaited.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by guttural growls and heavy stomps. Emerging from the darkness were three more Ravagers, their hulking forms slightly smaller than the ones he had fought before. Their eyes gleamed with the same bloodlust.

"Looks like the warm-up isn't over yet," Efe muttered, his voice heavy with exhaustion. But his determination burned brighter.

The first Ravager lunged at him, claws slicing through the air. Efe sidestepped, jabbing the spear into its side. The creature roared in pain, swiping wildly. One claw nicked Efe's arm, sending a sharp jolt of pain through him.

[Iron Skin Activated: Damage Mitigated by 30%]

Ignoring the pain, Efe spun the spear and struck again, aiming for the creature's glowing chest. A second Ravager charged from behind, forcing him to roll to the side. The battle was chaos—dodging, striking, and enduring the relentless assaults of the monsters.

Each time he defeated one, his system chimed with new notifications.

[You Have Gained 15 EXP.]

[Skill Progress: Spearmanship +5%.]

But the fight drained him. Sweat poured down his face, and his breaths came in ragged gasps. As the final Ravager fell, the ground beneath him trembled violently. A deep, guttural roar echoed through the Rift.

"That has to be the boss," Efe whispered, dread and excitement mingling in his chest.

Outside the Rift

Meanwhile, back in Efe's hometown of Ugbowo, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the dusty streets. The area, bustling with students and traders during the day, now felt eerily quiet. News had spread that Efe had vanished.

At home, Efe's younger sister, Ifueko, sat on the front porch, her eyes puffy from crying. She clutched a small notebook in her hands—Efe's journal, filled with sketches and ideas about the world beyond their small village.

Their mother, Aisosa, paced the small living room, wringing her hands. "He wouldn't just leave without saying something," she said, her voice tight with worry.

"Maybe he's at the shrine again," Ifueko murmured, though doubt clouded her tone.

Aisosa froze. "The shrine? That place is cursed! I told him to stay away from there!"

Outside, Efe's best friend, Osahon, gathered a small group of local boys. Tall and wiry, with short dreadlocks and piercing brown eyes, Osahon was known for his resourcefulness.

"If Efe went to that shrine, we'll find him," Osahon said, determination etched on his face. "We owe him that much."

"Are you crazy?" one of the boys protested. "You've heard the stories. People who go near that place never come back."

Osahon shot him a glare. "Efe would go for us if the roles were reversed."

Their conversation was interrupted by a convoy of black SUVs pulling into the area. The vehicles bore the emblem of the Nigerian government, flanked by heavily armed soldiers.

The villagers murmured among themselves as the convoy came to a stop. A tall man in a crisp suit stepped out. His face was sharp, his expression unreadable. This was Adewale, a government official known for his ruthless efficiency.

"We're here to investigate reports of unusual activity near Ugbowo," Adewale announced. "Cooperate, and we'll ensure your safety."

Osahon clenched his fists. He had heard about these investigations. They weren't here to help—they were here to take whatever they found for themselves.

As the government forces moved toward the shrine, Osahon and his group decided to follow them from a distance. Ifueko, determined not to be left behind, tagged along despite her brother's protests.

Back at the house, Aisosa prayed fervently to Ogun, the god of iron, for her son's safe return. Unbeknownst to her, Ogun was listening, his interest in Efe growing as the boy's actions within the Rift sent ripples through the divine realm.

Inside the Rift, Efe staggered forward, his legs heavy with exhaustion. The fog began to clear, revealing a massive clearing. At its center stood the boss—a towering Ravager, twice the size of the others, with glowing red eyes and jagged black horns. Its claws dripped with an acidic substance that hissed as it hit the ground.

[Warning: High-Ranked Ravager Detected.]

[Difficulty: Extreme.]

Efe tightened his grip on the spear, his heart pounding. "No turning back now."

The Ravager let out a deafening roar, shaking the ground as it charged.

To Be Continued...