Chapter 16: The Masked Fighter Returns

Kai and Luna bolted through the academy's ruined training field, their feet pounding against the cracked pavement.

Behind them, the Hellion Commander stood tall, its glowing red eyes locked onto them. The air trembled with its power as Rift energy crackled around its massive greatsword.

"You cannot escape."

Kai laughed breathlessly, dodging falling debris as they ran. "Oh, buddy, you don't know me well enough!"

Luna glared at him. "Kai, this isn't funny! That thing is literally hunting you!"

Kai smirked. "I know, I know! It's kind of flattering, honestly!"

Luna gritted her teeth. How is he still joking?!

The Hellion Commander moved.

One second, it stood far behind them—

The next, it was right in front of them.

Luna's breath caught. "No way—!"

The Hellion swung its massive blade, aiming straight for Kai.

Kai barely had time to react.

Too fast—!

Then—

CLANG!

A golden blade intercepted the strike.

A shockwave blasted through the battlefield, sending rubble flying.

Kai and Luna stumbled back, eyes wide as a new figure stood between them and the Hellion Commander.

The figure wore sleek black and gold armor, their face hidden behind a silver mask.

Their golden sword hummed with raw energy, blocking the Hellion's attack with impossible precision.

Kai's heart skipped a beat.

"You again?"

Luna's jaw clenched. "The masked fighter."

The masked fighter pushed the Hellion Commander back with one swift motion, then turned slightly toward Kai and Luna.

"Get up." Their voice was calm, commanding.

Kai blinked. "Uh, yeah, sure. Mind telling me what's happening first?"

The masked fighter didn't respond. Instead, they lifted their sword—

And charged the Hellion Commander.

A Duel of Titans

The Hellion Commander met the masked fighter's attack head-on, their swords clashing in a brilliant explosion of light and shadow.

Each strike shook the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the academy.

Luna could barely keep up with their movements—they were fighting at a level far beyond anything she had ever seen.

Kai narrowed his eyes. "This guy… they're actually keeping up with it."

The masked fighter dodged a lethal swing, twisting mid-air before bringing their sword down in a flash of golden light.

The Hellion grunted, skidding backward for the first time since it had arrived.

It wasn't just fighting anymore.

It was being pushed back.

Who Is the Masked Fighter?

Kai exhaled, stepping closer to Luna. "Alright. Spill. Who is this guy?"

Luna shook her head. "I don't know, but… they're strong."

Seraphina's voice suddenly cut through the battlefield.

"Get away from the fight. Now."

Kai and Luna spun around to see Seraphina approaching, her golden eyes glowing faintly.

Kai frowned. "Oh, hey, it's you. You wanna tell us what's going on?"

Seraphina ignored him, her gaze locked onto the masked fighter.

Luna noticed her tense posture.

"You… know who they are, don't you?"

Seraphina hesitated.

Then—

The masked fighter suddenly jumped backward, landing near them.

Their silver mask gleamed in the firelight, but they remained silent.

Kai crossed his arms. "You gonna tell us who you are, or do we have to keep guessing?"

The masked fighter tilted their head slightly.

Then—

They removed their mask.

Luna's breath hitched.

Kai froze.

Beneath the mask was a young woman with silver-white hair and piercing golden eyes.

Kai's voice came out as a whisper.

"You…?"

The woman met his gaze, her expression unreadable.

"My name is Seraphina Vale," she said.

"And I know what you really are, Kai."

The Hellion's Retreat

Before Kai could even process her words, the Hellion Commander let out a low rumbling growl.

Its eyes locked onto Seraphina, and for the first time—

It hesitated.

Luna caught it immediately. "It's afraid of her."

The Hellion Commander stepped backward, its Rift energy pulsing erratically.

"Tch. We will return."

Then, in an instant—

The Hellion vanished.

Kai exhaled sharply, tension draining from his body. "Well. That was dramatic."

Seraphina turned to him, her golden eyes filled with something Kai didn't quite recognize.

"We need to talk."

Kai sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah. I figured."

He glanced toward the sky, where the Black Hole Rift pulsed ominously.

Something told him—

This was just the beginning.