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 ceremony had ended days ago, but the buzz around Riku Hayashi hadn't faded. His name dominated headlines, forums, and Essence news networks. People weren't just talking about his power—they were talking about his future.

With part of the million-dollar reward tucked away safely for his mother and sister, Riku decided it was time to treat himself. He hit the high-end gear shops in the city—places filled with rare Essence-enhancing equipment, high-density training weights, reinforced combat wear, and essence channelers designed only for elite warriors.

After swiping his card without hesitation, he exited the sleek, neon-lit shop with bags of newly purchased gear. As he reached his black sports coupe—clean, customized, and humming with quiet power—his phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, he saw the name: President Kensei Gojuro.

He answered immediately. "Yes, sir?"

Kensei's voice came through, calm but heavy with something deeper. "We have big news for you, Riku."

Riku raised a brow, slipping into the driver's seat. "What's up?"

"It's not official yet—still a mountain of paperwork to go through—but it's been unanimously decided by the international Essence Federation. Every country has reviewed your performance: your battles against rogue S Ranks, your confrontation with an EX-level beast, and even your continued help with lower-ranked missions."

Riku blinked slowly, sensing the weight of what was coming.

"With full support from Japan, and with global recognition… we've decided to rank you as an EX Rank Essence Warrior."

The words sank in like a slow tidal wave. Riku leaned back in the driver's seat, processing it. EX Rank—something that hadn't been granted to anyone in decades. And now…

A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "That's… amazing," he said casually, though a spark lit in his blue eyes.

When he pulled into the driveway and stepped inside his home, the atmosphere was calm. Yuki was on the couch, scrolling through her tablet, and Sayuri, his mother, was sipping tea in the kitchen.

He set down his gear bags and leaned against the doorway.

Yuki looked up. "What kind of news?"

Yuki nearly dropped her tablet. "You're what?"

"An EX Rank," Riku repeated. "It's not official yet, but it's in motion."

Sayuri stood, her hands covering her mouth. "EX Rank? That hasn't happened in—"

"Decades," Riku finished, nodding.

There was a stunned silence. Then, Yuki grinned from ear to ear, rushing to hug him.

"My brother's an EX Rank?!" she squealed.

Sayuri joined them, her voice trembling with emotion. "My son… an EX Rank Essence Warrior…"

That night, the house buzzed with quiet celebration. No huge party, no reporters, just the warmth of family. For Riku, it was perfect.

But even as they laughed and shared stories over dinner, a thought lingered in his mind—if they were calling him an EX Rank now… what threat could possibly be coming next?

Chapter 68: The Rise of an EX Rank