The training field of Sector 7 Academy had turned into a warzone. The air shimmered with energy from Luna's magic and Kai's energy blade, clashing against the unnatural darkness of the Hellion.
The creature moved like smoke and shadow, dodging attacks before reforming instantly.
Luna gritted her teeth. "This thing doesn't have a solid form!"
Kai smirked, despite the sweat dripping down his temple. "Yeah, that's kinda annoying, huh?"
The Hellion let out a low, distorted growl, then raised its clawed hands. The air pressure shifted, and a sudden force slammed into both of them, sending them flying backward.
Kai skidded to a stop, coughing. "Okay. Ow."
Luna flipped back onto her feet. She quickly analyzed the creature's movements—it was studying them. Adapting. Waiting for an opening.
That meant one thing:
"It's intelligent," Luna said, gripping her spear. "More than any Hellion before."
Kai wiped the dirt off his jacket. "Great. Now they have brains? What's next, Hellion schools?"
Luna ignored his sarcasm. "If it's studying us, that means it has a weakness. We just have to find it."
The Hellion vanished.
A chill ran down Luna's spine.
"Kai—"
She spun around just in time to see the creature reappear behind him, its claws already slashing forward.
Kai barely dodged, twisting his body as the attack tore through the ground where he had stood.
"Alright, that was close."
Luna didn't hesitate. She thrust her spear forward, its arcane glow intensifying. The moment her weapon made contact, something strange happened.
The Hellion shrank back—its form flickering erratically, as if the magic had disrupted it.
Kai noticed immediately. "So, light-based attacks work on it?"
Luna narrowed her eyes. "Seems like it."
Kai grinned. "Perfect. That means I just have to get creative."
He dashed forward, but instead of aiming for a direct hit, he faked an attack, causing the Hellion to dodge—right into Luna's range.
"Now!"
Luna launched a spear of energy, striking the creature square in the chest.
For the first time, the Hellion let out a piercing shriek. Its body convulsed, the shadowy energy rippling violently.
The attack had worked.
But before they could finish it off, the Hellion suddenly collapsed into itself, turning into a swirling black mass.
Luna's stomach dropped. "It's retreating."
Kai's eyes darkened. "No. It's reporting back."
They barely had a second to process before the dark mass vanished, dissolving into the air.
The fight was over. But this didn't feel like a victory.
Luna clutched her spear. "Something's coming, Kai. Something worse than before."
Kai exhaled, gripping his energy blade tightly. "Yeah… I feel it too."
Above them, the Black Hole Rift pulsed again, sending a ripple across the sky.
And for the first time, it spoke back.
"The beginning is over. Now comes the end."