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

Only ten minutes had passed since the explosive battle outside the Hayashi Clan's borders, but the entire country already knew. Every major news outlet buzzed with the headline:

"Riku Hayashi Defeats Kavros Isen — Raiden Edge's Leader Strikes Again!"

Inside the radiant halls of the Raiden Edge Guild, celebration filled the air. The tension that once hovered like a storm cloud had lifted, replaced by awe and respect. Members of the guild cheered the moment Riku entered through the glowing blue gates, his long coat still damp from rain and his hair slightly tousled.

"President Hayashi!""You really are unstoppable!""That was insane—he blasted a mountain apart!"

Takumi, Renji, and Reina stood near the main hall, nodding with admiration. Even though they had witnessed it from afar, the scale of power Riku showed was something that still sent chills through their spines.

But Riku simply smiled humbly, lifting a hand.

"Let's keep pushing forward. That was only the beginning."

Yumi waited near the stairs, her eyes lighting up the moment he approached. Her heart thumped faster as he walked up to her—taller than most, silver-gray hair shimmering under the guild lights, his eyes calm but unreadable.

"Let's go upstairs," Riku said, voice quieter now.

She nodded, and they ascended together to the second floor—reserved for leaders and elite members. The hallway was quiet, the sound of the rain still tapping gently against the windows as thunder growled faintly in the distance.

Inside the executive room, Riku turned toward Yumi. His voice softened again.

"You've been incredible, Yumi. A great Essence Vice President.""Riku…" she mumbled, turning her head to hide the blush forming on her cheeks. "I just did what you needed me to."

But before she could finish, she felt a warmth wrap around her.

Her body tensed for a second, then melted into the moment as she slowly hugged him back. His voice was low, resting near her shoulder.

"Thanks… for taking care of me while I was sick. You didn't have to… but you stayed."

Her face burned crimson, but her heart fluttered with joy. "Of course I did…"

Then, gathering a burst of boldness, she stepped back slightly and asked, "Riku… can we spar? Just the two of us?"

Riku blinked, then gave a small smirk. "You sure? I'm still recovering."

Yumi crossed her arms, smiling with determination. "That's why I'll win. You're not at full power."

Riku chuckled. "Alright then… let's see how strong my vice president has become."

They exited the upper level into the Sky Dome, a special training chamber built on top of Raiden Edge's main tower. As the storm outside began to clear, faint rays of sunlight broke through the clouds.

Both of them stood across from each other, still wearing their matching necklaces—energy humming between them. The two halves of the Hayashi Clan symbol shined faintly, linking their auras.

Yumi activated her essence gently, a glowing violet hue forming around her hands.Riku cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders.

"Don't," Yumi shot back, smiling. "I want to see how close I am."

And with that, the sparring match began—gentle at first, filled with respect and mutual admiration… but deep down, both of them knew this was more than training.

This was the beginning of something far stronger between them.

Chapter 160: The Thunder Within the Edge