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

The night sky above Tokyo lit up with streaks of blue and silver as Riku stared upward, eyes locked onto the figure hovering in the air.

The final rogue was no ordinary opponent.

"Atsuya Ren," Riku muttered under his breath, his tone darkening. "Former S Rank… One of the youngest to ever awaken triple Essence compatibility."

The man in the sky grinned, long silver hair waving behind him in the wind. "Glad to see someone still remembers. It's been a while since they labeled me a 'hero.' Now I'm just a name parents whisper to scare their children."

Riku watched as Atsuya's aura pulsed, forming two massive wings of pure energy behind him. His first Essence: Zephyr Ascendancy, granting him flight and aerial dominance. Then, arcs of silver lightning cracked along his arms — Tempest Core, his second Essence. And finally, his eyes glowed a soft, eerie violet — the third: Phantom Veil, an illusion-based Essence that could trick even high-ranking sensors.

"You're a walking disaster," Riku said, stepping forward.

"And you're the kid that everyone's been hyping," Atsuya said, slowly descending. "I watched your tournament. You're fast… clever… But let's see how you handle someone who mastered the sky."

With a single flap of his energy wings, Atsuya launched forward at sonic speed. Riku barely evaded the initial strike, skidding backward as the concrete beneath his feet exploded.

A second later, a clone of Atsuya flickered into existence behind Riku — part of his Phantom Veil — swinging a blade of lightning. Riku parried with a burst of Essence and leapt back, narrowing his eyes.

"Great," he muttered. "Flight, lightning, and illusions."

Atsuya hovered overhead, arms outstretched. "Don't feel bad if you lose, Riku Hayashi. You're strong. But this world isn't about strength. It's about chaos."

Riku clapped, a clone forming beside him. "Then let me show you what I've learned from chaos."

They clashed in the sky, Riku leaping up with the help of his clone's launch technique. Sparks, wind, and phantom images danced across the night sky. Their fight roared on, neither one holding back.

Chapter 64: Skyfall Clash