Chapter 20: The Final Test

Kai stood at the edge of the training grounds, staring into the vast underground chamber Seraphina had led them to.

The walls pulsed faintly with ancient runes, glowing a dim gold against the dark stone. The air was thick with energy, like the entire place was alive—watching.

Luna shifted uncomfortably. "This place… feels unnatural."

Seraphina's golden eyes flickered as she stepped forward. "That's because it wasn't meant for humans."

Kai arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And what, exactly, was it meant for?"

Seraphina turned to him. "For people like you."

Kai froze.

Seraphina continued, her voice even. "This chamber was built to contain entities connected to the Rift. People whose very existence threatens reality."

Kai exhaled. "Alright. Love hearing that I belong in a cosmic prison."

Luna shot Seraphina a glare. "And you brought us here because…?"

Seraphina looked at Kai. "Because this is the only place where he can safely push his limits. If he's going to master his power, it needs to happen here."

Kai smirked. "So, basically, if I blow up, the damage stays inside the scary magic cave? Nice."

Seraphina didn't react. "If you lose control, this chamber will contain you."

Kai's grin faltered slightly. "Not loving the if you lose control part."

Luna frowned. "Kai, you don't have to do this alone."

Kai sighed. "Yeah, I do."

Luna's expression softened. "Why won't you let us help you?"

Kai glanced at her—then quickly looked away.

"…Because if something happens to me, I don't want you guys going down with me."

Luna's heart skipped a beat.

Kai never talked like this.

For once—he was serious.

Seraphina watched them carefully before turning away. "Enough talking. Step inside."

Kai exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Alright. Let's do this."

Then, he walked forward—into the darkness.

The Rift Awakens

The moment Kai stepped past the threshold, the chamber reacted.

Golden symbols on the walls shifted, glowing brighter as the air rippled with unseen force.

Then—

The Rift inside him stirred.

His body seized, a sudden coldness spreading through his veins.

"Ahhh… so you've finally stopped running."

Kai gritted his teeth. "That voice again…"

The Rift pulsed inside him, growing louder.

"Do you finally see it, Kai Takashi? You were never meant to walk among them."

Kai clenched his fists, ignoring the whisper. "Shut up."

But the Rift laughed.

"You think you can fight me? Foolish boy. You are part of me."

Kai gasped as pain exploded through his body.

Blue lightning crackled around him, but this time—it wasn't his.

It was something else.

Seraphina's eyes widened. "It's already reacting?! That fast?"

Luna took a step forward. "Kai!"

Kai fell to his knees, his breathing ragged.

The Rift inside him was fighting back.

"You don't belong in their world, Kai."

The chamber shook violently, reacting to the surge of power.

Luna reached out to him. "Kai, listen to me!"

Kai's head snapped up—his eyes flickering silver.

Luna's stomach dropped.

Kai wasn't in control anymore.

Breaking the Chains

The chamber reacted violently, the walls pulsing as the energy inside Kai erupted.

Seraphina's golden eyes narrowed. "He's losing control."

Luna refused to back down. "Then we stop it!"

Kai, still on his knees, gritted his teeth. "I… I can't…"

The Rift's voice echoed through his head.

"Give in, Kai Takashi. You were never meant to fight this."

Kai's fingers dug into the stone floor, his vision blurring.

Luna suddenly grabbed his hand, forcing him to look at her.

"Kai," she whispered, "you're not alone."

Kai froze.

For a moment—just a brief second—the Rift's hold weakened.

His breathing steadied. The energy around him flickered.

Seraphina moved quickly, summoning a binding spell, golden chains wrapping around him—not to imprison, but to stabilize.

Kai gasped, collapsing forward, his forehead resting against Luna's shoulder.

The chamber stilled.

The storm inside him settled.

Luna held onto him, steadying him. "I told you. You don't have to do this alone."

Kai let out a shaky breath.

For the first time—

The Rift was silent.

Elsewhere…

Deep within the Black Hole Rift, something stirred.

A voice growled in frustration.

"He resisted?"

A second voice, calm and amused, responded.

"For now."

The Rift pulsed ominously.

"Then we push harder."

The shadows shifted—

And a new presence emerged from the void.

A figure with glowing crimson eyes, wrapped in blackened Rift energy.

"Send him."

The Rift shuddered.

And far away—Kai Takashi felt a cold whisper against his soul.

Something was coming for him.

Something stronger than anything before.

And this time—

It wouldn't let him go.