The city's night air felt heavier.
Not from hunters, not from rogue spirits, not even the Authority Enforcer…
Something else had arrived.
---
A figure emerged from the shadows.
Neither fully human nor fully spirit.
Eyes glowing faintly, aura pulsing with calculated intent.
---
> [System Alert: Unknown Entity Detected – High Threat]
---
I froze mid-air.
"…New player," I muttered.
Mira's voice echoed softly.
"Careful. They're not here for subtlety. They will challenge everything you've built."
---
I scanned the city streets.
Hunters hesitated unusually. Exorcists' arrays flickered. Rogue spirits grew restless.
> [Observation: Multi-Faction Reaction – Heightened]
---
The new entity moved quickly.
Not chaotic. Not unpredictable.
Calculated. Methodical.
A predator analyzing its prey—and the environment.
---
I activated Chaotic Signature carefully.
Subtle pulses reached rogue spirits. Emotional Grounding nudged humans to maintain balance.
But this new enemy… adapted instantly, ignoring minor nudges.
---
"…Looks like I'll have to step up," I muttered.
I combined influence and skill:
Rogue spirits redirected strategically.
Hunters and exorcists subtly misaligned without endangering them.
Chaotic Signature pulses timed to create gaps for movement.
---
The entity paused, eyes narrowing.
> [System Note: Direct Challenge – Acknowledged]
---
I moved through rooftops, weaving the battlefield with subtle manipulations and skill bursts.
Every step tested perception, timing, and influence.
---
"…Not bad," Mira whispered.
"You're using everything you've learned… all at once."
"…Feels like juggling a dozen knives while blindfolded," I muttered dryly.
---
The new enemy's aura flared suddenly.
Chains of unknown energy lashed toward me.
I reacted instantly—Chaotic Signature burst combined with Emotional Grounding, rogue spirits providing minor diversions.
---
> [System Update: Unknown Threat Engagement – Partial Success]
I barely avoided a direct hit.
---
Above, the city remained unaware of the new dangerous variable now in play.
I floated above, heart racing.
"…Looks like the real tests are only beginning."
---
> [Status Update:]
— New Enemy: High Threat – Adaptive
— Multi-Faction Coordination: Critical
— Rei Skill + Influence: Fully Engaged
---