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 skies darkened as thunder rolled across the heavens, and a fierce storm unleashed heavy rain, soaking the battlefield in icy sheets. Yumi Aoyama and Sora Tenmei darted through the slick streets of Kanagawa, their movements precise and swift. They had just defeated fifteen of the relentless purple beasts—each strike efficient, their essences cutting through the enemy's ranks.

But as they pushed further southeast, their pace slowed, then froze in shock.

Up ahead, against a crumbling wall, lay Naoko Ishigari and Amari Fuse—both battered and struggling for breath. Not far from them, Daigo Shinoseki lay on the wet ground, barely conscious, his chest rising and falling shallowly, stained with blood.

Yumi called out urgently, voice tight with worry, "Naoko! Amari! Hang on, we're here!"

Sora scanned the area, eyes sharp and alert. "We need backup—Riku!"

Fumbling with their communicators, they sent the distress call.

Moments later, Riku Hayashi arrived, his face hardening as he took in the scene.

"Where's Daigo?" Riku demanded, noticing the others focused elsewhere.

Before anyone could answer, a cold, sinister voice cut through the rain and wind.

The team spun around, weapons and essence ready.

There, towering over them in the storm, was Veynos. His eyes glimmered with cruel amusement as he tightened his grip around Daigo's neck.

Daigo's face twisted in pain, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He gasped weakly, struggling against the crushing hold. Despite the agony, a faint, defiant smile touched his lips.

"Complete the mission..." he mumbled, voice barely audible over the storm's roar.

Yumi and Sora, who had been tending to Naoko and Amari, had their backs turned—just meters away from the unfolding tragedy.

Suddenly, Veynos's grip tightened without warning. With a sickening snap, Daigo's body went limp. The light in his eyes faded as he slumped lifelessly to the rain-soaked ground.

Yumi and Sora spun around, eyes wide with shock and horror.

Riku dashed forward, dropping to his knees beside his fallen comrade, fists clenched in silent rage and grief.

"Who… who are you?" Yumi's voice trembled but carried fierce resolve.

Veynos's smile widened into a cruel grin. His voice was cold, commanding, and unyielding.

The storm howled around them as the team stood stunned, grasping the weight of this new, deadly threat. None had heard the name before, but now they knew—something far darker had arrived in Kanagawa.

Riku's eyes narrowed, jaw set tight with determination.

Chapter 138: The End of Daigo