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 storm had not let up. If anything, the heavens themselves seemed to sense what was about to unfold.

Riku Hayashi stood across from Gekido, the towering warrior in the grinning yellow mask, whose very presence distorted the air like a furnace. Each breath he took made the ground vibrate slightly beneath his feet. Unlike Veynos's sinister composure, Gekido's aura was raw, feral — like caged power waiting to explode.

The clash began like thunder colliding with lightning.

Riku, in his normal state, darted forward, fists glowing faintly with energy. He launched a quick jab at Gekido's ribs — but it was caught mid-air.

Riku's eyes widened as Gekido twisted and hurled him like a ragdoll through a crumbled pillar. Rubble exploded around him.

Gekido didn't chase. He simply rolled his shoulders, unbothered.

Riku emerged, coughing dust, his brow furrowed. "Tch… stronger than Veynos," he muttered, rubbing his jaw. "He barely flinched."

Gekido cracked his knuckles. "Come on. I want to see it."

"That little trick you used on Veynos," Gekido said, stepping forward with slow menace. "That glowing transformation. Use it on me."

Riku's expression shifted. "You sure?" he asked.

Gekido didn't answer. He just opened his stance and beckoned with both hands. Bring it.

Riku exhaled slowly, then closed his eyes.

A pulse rippled out in all directions as golden symbols spiraled into existence around Riku. His hair lifted from his shoulders, glowing faintly. His aura ignited like a miniature star, and Celestial Nexus awakened once more.

Gekido's eyes behind the mask flickered. "Finally," he rumbled.

Riku's eyes opened — now glowing with radiant force.

A fist collided with Gekido's jaw before he could react — the masked warrior staggered back, surprised. Riku didn't let up.

He moved like liquid light, throwing punch after punch, each one crashing with the weight of a collapsing star. Gekido tried to block, but even his immense strength was being overwhelmed.

Riku swept low and uppercut him into the air, leaping after him mid-flight. With a spinning kick, he launched Gekido down into the earth, sending up a shockwave on impact.

The masked titan grunted as he rolled through stone, rising to a knee. His shoulder cracked back into place with a snap.

"Hah…" Gekido chuckled darkly. "This is what I've been looking for."

Riku hovered above him, golden energy swirling like a sunstorm.

"Then I hope you're ready for more," he said, darting down with blistering speed.

They clashed again — Gekido now fighting harder, unleashing brutal counters, even managing to land a hit that sent Riku sliding. But the Celestial Nexus made Riku faster. Sharper. Nearly untouchable.

Riku flashed forward again, landing a clean strike to Gekido's gut that sent him skidding back through rubble.

Still, Gekido stood tall, blood dripping from his mouth behind the yellow mask.

"You're strong," he admitted. "But I'm not even close to done."

Chapter 147: Clash of Titans