Nato7

The Awakening: Around 150 years ago, a mysterious event known as "The Rift" caused a dramatic shift in the world. This event opened portals from another dimension, bringing Essences—mysterious and powerful entities—into the world. These Essences granted some individuals extraordinary abilities and set in motion a global conflict.

Essence Warriors: These are people who possess the power of an Essence, which can take various forms depending on the individual’s soul and affinity. Some are born with their Essence powers from birth, while others awaken them later in life. These warriors are ranked according to their power level, and the rankings play a significant role in their status, training, and missions.

Essence Reborn

Two years had passed since Riku first stepped foot in the forgotten shrine of Arashi. Two years of silent training, secret growth, and hidden power. Though he still walked the halls of Essence Academy as a "D-Rank," his body and mind had transformed beyond recognition.

His hair, once messy and short, now fell in soft waves over sharper eyes. His muscles were lean and toned, his posture confident without arrogance. Every month, he met with Arashi. Every month, his techniques evolved. Now he had five Essence skills, and whispers of a sixth stirred deep inside him.

But tonight… he would face something different.

The storm outside rumbled like distant drums. In his sleep, Riku's fingers twitched. And then—

He stood in a wasteland—cracked earth, broken stone, and the smell of ash.

And in front of him—twenty figures. Massive, grotesque beasts. Each one glowing with the terrifying aura of an A-Rank threat. Clawed shadows. Winged monstrosities. Even one that floated, eyeless, dripping with psychic pressure.

"This… is a dream… right?" he whispered, stepping back.

"CHARGE!" A screech echoed through the land as the first three Beasts lunged.

Riku dropped low, rolling left as a massive tail cracked the ground where he once stood. He summoned Pixel Slash, the glowing blade forming instantly, and struck—only for the beast's armored hide to deflect the blow.

The second beast swiped, claws ripping into Riku's shoulder. He gasped, pain surging through his body like it was real.

No… he thought. It feels real. Too real.

Riku leapt back, charging up his Core Lockdown—but the third beast interrupted, slamming into him and sending him crashing into the jagged rocks.

The twenty A-Rank Beasts closed in.

"You're not ready," a voice echoed.

He stood, barely. Eyes wild. Hands glowing. He summoned every Essence he had left.

Chapter 14: Dream of the Storm