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

Zeid's body surged with unstable essence. His next form took shape—his arms elongated, wrapped in living black steel. Spikes erupted from his back like jagged obsidian wings. His eyes turned entirely red, swirling with chaotic glyphs. The room trembled under the pressure of his power.

"This is called Shade Rebirth," Zeid sneered, his voice deeper, layered with a growl that sounded almost non-human. "In this form, I'm faster, stronger—deadlier."

Riku floated a few feet above the ground, arms crossed, his Triad Divine Avatar form still active—silver-white aura flaring with calm dominance. The fractal light across his body shimmered brighter now, adapting in real time to Zeid's essence surge.

"I've already calculated your limit," Riku said flatly. "Even in that form... it's not enough."

Zeid vanished, appearing behind Riku with a crack of pressure. He launched a devastating barrage of black-cloaked strikes, each one sharp enough to tear through reinforced essence armor. But Riku moved like a shadow of light—dodging, parrying, countering with minimal effort.

Riku blocked a downward strike with one arm, then drove his fist into Zeid's gut, launching him back through two walls.

Zeid coughed blood, skidding across the steel floor. He pushed himself up, roared, and unleashed a spiraling blast of darkness. It surged like a cannon—but Riku simply stepped aside. The blast hit the wall, carving a massive hole into the bunker's outer layers.

Before Zeid could recover, Riku was in front of him again. One palm to his chest.

A shockwave burst from Riku's hand—silver and pure. It tore through Zeid's defenses, unraveling the corruption in his essence. Zeid screamed, flying backward, smashing into the final chamber's wall hard enough to leave a crater.

Smoke filled the room. Zeid slumped to the floor, his body twitching, bleeding from the mouth, shoulder, and leg. His transformation faded—returning him to his base form, broken and gasping.

Riku landed gently in front of him, energy crackling around his feet.

"You were stronger than Korav," Riku said calmly, staring down at him. "But still predictable."

Zeid coughed again, trying to speak—but blood poured from his lips before he could.

"You High Codes," Riku continued, "are supposed to be elite. If this is the best you can offer... I'm not impressed."

Zeid tried to lift his hand, but it fell limply to the ground.

Chapter 168: The Second to Fall