The silence of the forest was unnatural.Even with the occasional distant bird song and the rustling of leaves in the wind, there was a tension in the air, as if nature itself was holding its breath.
Lucas felt it. Since the confrontation with the hooded figures the day before, his mind couldn't calm down. With every step through the trees, the system discreetly blinked in his vision:"High-Risk Location: Area marked by dark influence. Proximity to unstable mana rift. Caution advised."
They had camped near the ruins of the ancient Verdanis temple, but Iris had warned them: something was moving in the shadows. And it wasn't human.
"Still think all this is a coincidence?" Selene whispered beside Lucas. Her eyes were alert, hand steady on the dagger's hilt."The Black Order, the temple, the rifts… This is a nest of curses."
"And it's probably why the system brought me here," Lucas murmured, discreetly activating Whispers of the Shadows.
The world softened into shades of gray and shadow. His sharpened senses revealed hidden trails in the undergrowth, presences ordinary eyes would miss. One in particular caught his attention: light footsteps, steady rhythm. Approaching.
"Someone's coming," he warned, already stepping back. "Alone. Fast."
Iris raised her spear. Lyra and Selene formed a semicircle. Then, from the trees, a figure appeared.
A woman.
Tall, with tanned skin marked by thin scars, black hair tied high in a ponytail. She wore light armor made of dark leather and carried a recurve bow on her back. Her golden eyes reminded Lucas of a wolf's.
She showed no surprise seeing the group. Just raised an eyebrow and said,"So you're the system's chosen one. Hmph… I thought you'd be taller."
Lucas blinked."Excuse me?"
"You're causing distortions in the forest's mana lines," she continued, approaching as if she owned the place."And I'm not here to help. I'm here to evaluate."
"Evaluate?" Lyra had already prepared a light orb, but the woman didn't even glance her way.
"I'm Kaela. Rift Hunter. Level 42. And you're stepping into cursed territory you don't control."
Lucas felt the system respond to her presence. A small window appeared:[Kaela – Class: Shadow Hunter – Level 42] Status: Partially synchronized with the rift. Reputation: Neutral (Curious)
He narrowed his eyes."Then help us understand. You know these rifts better than we do, right?"
Kaela smirked."Hm. You know how to talk… That's a plus. But it's not that simple. The rift here is about to open. And when it does, you either run… or fight."
Selene scoffed."There's always this 'get out of the way' talk. I'm tired of it. Why doesn't anyone explain things properly?"
"Because most of you die before there's time to explain," Kaela retorted coldly.
But then she looked straight at Lucas, and something changed in her gaze."But maybe… you're not like the others."
The system blinked again:Special mission unlocked: "Survive the Opening of the Verdanis Rift"Difficulty: HighReward: ???Requirement: Stay in the area until the event ends.
Lucas shared the notification with the group."We're staying," he said with conviction. "I've fought goblins, hooded men, even living shadows. If I run now, what's the point of this rebirth?"
Kaela smirked."Brave. Stupid, but brave. Alright, Chosen One. I'll give you a chance."
She turned and pointed to the horizon. A silver line cut the sky like a glowing crack."The rift will open at sunset. Until then, you train. I watch. If you're not ready, I don't interfere. You die. But if you show something… maybe I help."
For the rest of the day, Kaela silently watched the group train. Iris perfected Lucas's spear guard. Selene taught him to move through shadows, using obstacles and silence. Lyra enhanced his magical senses, teaching him to listen to the flow of mana around.
Kaela watched with arms crossed, her golden eyes attentive.
At dusk, as the sky turned red, Lucas sat beside Lyra. Exhausted but his heart raced with excitement.
"Hey…" he started. "Why do you help me so much?"
Lyra hesitated for a moment."Because I saw the spark in you." She turned her face, shy."And… maybe because I also need to believe this world can be saved. Even by someone who came from outside."
Lucas smiled. And when he gently touched her hand, he felt a slight vibration.Special Bond: Lyra – "Growing Affinity"Affinity: 62%Effect: +5% mana regeneration when fighting together*
Selene appeared shortly after, nudging Lucas with her shoulder."No monopolizing the hero, Miss Divine Light. I also taught him how to kill in the shadows, that should count for something."
"As if anyone would want to get close to someone who smells like gunpowder and sweat," Lyra teased, crossing her arms.
"The hero doesn't seem to mind," Selene shot back, giving Lucas a direct look.
Kaela sighed in the distance."Teenagers…"
At the ruins' edge, the rift finally opened. Like a glowing wound in the fabric of the world, releasing a wave of mana that shook the ground. From within, shadows began to emerge — distorted, bestial creatures with eyes glowing like embers.
Kaela drew two curved blades and looked at Lucas."Time for the truth, Chosen One. Show if you were reborn to be a legend… or a statistic."
Lucas stood up. He felt the weight of the night, the rift's power, the warmth of his companions' hands around him.
Then, he activated his system:Active Combat Mode: "Shadow Heritage" – Combat bonus against corrupted creatures +20%Skill: Dark Soul Claws temporarily unlockedGroup buff: +10% magic resistance
With a shout, he charged.
And the battle for the Verdanis Rift began.