Chapter 12: The Rift’s Champion

The sky burned with Rift energy as the massive figure descended from the swirling vortex.

Kai tightened his grip on his energy blade, his heart pounding. This was different. This wasn't just another Hellion.

This was something worse.

Luna stood beside him, her arcane spear glowing, her stance tense. "Kai… this one is stronger."

Seraphina's golden eyes darkened. "This isn't just a Hellion. It's the Rift's Champion."

Kai exhaled, tilting his head. "So what, I finally get a personal fanboy?"

Seraphina didn't laugh.

"This isn't a joke. That thing was created for one purpose—to claim you."

Kai's smirk faltered slightly. "Claim me for what?"

The figure landed on the ruined battlefield, its black armor cracking the ground beneath its feet. It stood nearly ten feet tall, its form pulsing with dark energy.

Its glowing crimson eyes locked onto Kai.

"SSS-Class Anomaly detected."

Kai rolled his shoulders. "Wow. Word gets around fast, huh?"

The Champion's blade ignited, a long, jagged weapon made of pure Rift energy.

"Kai Takashi. You will come with us."

Kai snorted. "Yeah, hard pass."

The Rift Champion raised its massive sword—

And vanished.

Kai's instincts screamed.

Behind!

He barely dodged as the Champion reappeared, swinging its blade in a downward arc.

BOOM!

The sheer force of the attack shattered the ground, sending a shockwave through the city.

Kai flipped backward, landing beside Luna. "Okay. Noted. It's fast."

Luna gritted her teeth. "It's more than that, Kai."

Seraphina stepped forward. "It's using Rift energy to predict your movements."

Kai blinked. "Wait, what?"

Seraphina's expression was grim. "It's connected to the Rift. It knows your weaknesses."

Kai exhaled. "Oh, fantastic. Love fighting things that already know how to kill me."

The Rift Champion raised its blade again, energy crackling.

"You will not escape."

Then—it charged.

The Unavoidable Battle

The air cracked apart as the Champion moved faster than a bullet, its blade striking down toward Kai.

Kai barely had time to block, his energy blade clashing against the Rift-forged weapon.

BOOM!

The impact sent shockwaves tearing through the battlefield.

Kai gritted his teeth, his arms straining against the force of the attack.

It's too strong!

The Champion suddenly shifted, bringing up its knee, and—

SLAM!

Kai was sent flying backward, crashing through a building.

Luna gasped. "Kai!"

She launched forward, summoning a storm of arcane spears, each glowing with divine energy.

The Champion didn't even flinch.

It swiped its hand, and the spears disintegrated mid-air.

Luna's breath hitched. "No way…"

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "It's adapting."

The Champion turned toward them, its blade humming with energy.

"Interference detected. Eliminating threats."

Seraphina's golden aura flared. "Luna, fall back!"

But before they could react—

The Champion vanished again.

Luna's instincts screamed.

She turned—just as the Champion reappeared behind her, its blade already swinging.

She wasn't fast enough.

The attack was going to connect.

But then—

A blue streak of lightning cut through the air.

And in the blink of an eye—

Kai was there.

Kai Awakens

Kai's blade caught the Champion's mid-strike, stopping the attack just inches from Luna's chest.

Luna gasped. "Kai…!"

Kai gritted his teeth, pushing back against the overwhelming force of the Rift energy.

For the first time in his life—

He felt his power flare out of control.

The air around him shimmered, blue energy crackling like an untamed storm.

The Champion actually hesitated, sensing something… different.

"Impossible," it murmured.

Kai growled, his grip tightening. "You're really starting to piss me off."

The blue lightning around him intensified, his body radiating power.

Luna's eyes widened. "Kai… what are you doing?"

Seraphina watched in shock. "No… it's activating."

The Champion tried to pull away, but Kai didn't let go.

For the first time—Kai was faster.

With a single slash, his blade tore through the Rift Champion's armor, sending black mist spilling from the wound.

The Champion staggered back.

"Unstable power detected."

Kai exhaled, steam rising from his body.

His blue eyes flickered—then briefly turned silver.

Seraphina froze.

"No way…" she whispered.

Kai pointed his blade at the Champion. "Alright, buddy. My turn."