61.3-3 The Shadow of the Rift

1. A Mission Tied to the Rift

The mission proposed by the High Shaman was not merely a test.They were already aware that the influence of the Rift was gradually spreading across the kingdom.Though the current disturbance wasn't large enough to threaten the entire realm,they wished to investigate the signs of the Rift appearing in certain regions.And there was no one more reliable than the strongest figure presently in their midst—Damian and his companions.

2. Rumors Travel Fast

In the heart of the kingdom, rumors had already spread:A mighty warrior had appeared during the Festival of the Sun God.Some spoke of him as a legendary figure.Others believed he would bring a new shift to the nation.And the rumor did not stop within the kingdom.Even foreign powers began to take notice.

3. "Those Who See Beyond" Arrive

The occult organization known as Those Who See Beyond,dedicated to studying the Rift, moved the moment they heard the news.They took immediate interest in the fact that a foreign warriorhad intervened in a Rift-related incident."This is no coincidence,"murmured their leader in a quiet voice.They believed something significant was unfolding here.And to witness it firsthand,they too began heading toward the kingdom.

4. To the Rift-Affected RegionAt the High Shaman's request,Damian and his companions set out for the area reporting strange signs of Rift influence.The air there felt unnaturally heavy.Throughout the land,invisible traces of distortion were found.It wasn't a mere natural phenomenon—the Rift's energy was subtly warping the region.

**

Chapter : The Young Shaman's Defiance

1. A Mission Given to an OutsiderBefore departing for the Rift-affected region,Damian once again stood before the High Shaman.But this time, a new figure stood between them—a young shaman, radiating power and pride.His robe was marked with black sigils,and his eyes were filled with discontent."Why was this task not given to me,but to an outsider?"he asked bluntly.The High Shaman closed his eyes for a moment,then quietly replied:"They are strong."But the young shaman could not accept that."There are strong ones in this land too,"he said in a low voice."Those born of this soil,those who serve our gods—why should we test an outsider first?"

2. Damian Faces the Young ShamanDamian accepted the young man's gaze in silence.He knew all too well—he would always be called a foreigner here.And it was only naturalthat some would believe it should be one of their own, not him, being tested."If you wish,then come with us,"Damian said calmly.But the young shaman didn't take kindly to the offer."I've already been recognized by this land,"he replied, teeth clenched."I don't need to be tested.But you are different.You don't understand the power of this land—how can you possibly help us?"

3. Pride and Decision"Then see for yourself,"Damian answered simply.He had no desire to fight.But where strong ones gathered,conflict was inevitable.The young shaman was briefly at a loss for words.The High Shaman watched them in silence."If you truly believe in your strength,then witness theirs yourself—you will be the one to judge them,"he said, turning to the young shaman."You will accompany them."The young man's expression shifted.He realized this wasn't just about pride.By giving him this opportunity,the High Shaman was also testing him."…Understood."At last, he nodded."But I still doubtwhether a foreigner can wield the powers of this land.I will see it with my own eyes."

**

Chapter : The Monster Within the Rift

1. A Rift's Subtle Malice

The region around the rift appeared calm—but in the air, there was something… off.A presence not quite of this world.

Ian narrowed his eyes."There's no echo to our footsteps."Rhean cast a spell to trace the air's flow."The space is twisted," she said."Whatever's here may not fully belong to this world."

Damien gripped his sword.Something was coming.And then—Shhk.The sound of air tearing.Shadows emerged from the rift:Monsters born from the cracks between dimensions.

2. Arrogance in Flame

A young shaman stepped forward."This should be easy."With a wave of his hand,flames blessed by the Sun God erupted,engulfing the creatures.

"See? I can handle this alone."

But the moment he let his guard down—they retaliated.

The monsters didn't burn.They reformed.Twisting, lunging in unpredictable directions.The shaman froze.He couldn't react in time.

3. A Narrow Escape

"Watch out!" Ian shouted.But the creature's claws were already closing in.

The shaman stumbled, hastily casting a shield.Too slow.Too late.

Rhean muttered under her breath,her palm glowing with sigils.A flame barrier surged forth, freezing the creature in place.Kane loosed an arrow—clean, precise.It pierced the monster's core.Before it could flinch,Damien's sword cleaved through it.Effortless. Final.

4. Strength ≠ Experience

The young shaman stared at the fallen beast.He was strong.But… something had been missing.

"Raw strength isn't everything," Damien said,sheathing his blade."Knowing when to strike, and when to retreat—that's what wins battles."

Rhean added,"Overconfidence is most dangerous when the fight seems easy."

Kane shrugged."Could've gone sideways. Good thing we were here."

Ian offered a faint smile."Learned something today?"

The shaman didn't reply.But his eyes—they no longer held the same arrogance.He was starting to understand.