The sky split open as Antares roared, his wings beating with the force of a collapsing star. Each flap sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield, tearing up stone and soil like paper.
Chaos Tenno braced himself, sliding back several feet before digging his heels into the ground. His energy blades flickered, unstable—reacting to the overwhelming presence of the Dragon King.
Antares descended in a spiral, flames trailing behind him like comet tails.
"Show me, Tenno," he thundered. "Show me the power the cosmos entrusted to you."
Tenno raised his blades, crossing them in front of his chest. "You want power? Fine. But don't blame me for what happens next."
He slammed the blades together.
A burst of black‑and‑violet energy exploded outward, forming a swirling aura around him. The ground beneath his feet cracked into a glowing sigil—one he had never seen before.
Antares paused mid‑air, eyes narrowing. "Impossible… that mark…"
Tenno didn't hear him. The energy surged through his veins, burning, reshaping, awakening something ancient inside him. His vision blurred, then sharpened with unnatural clarity.
A second voice whispered in his mind—deep, resonant, and unfamiliar.
"Child of the Rift… awaken."
Tenno gasped as a new weapon materialized in his hand: a spear forged from pure cosmic flame, its tip swirling like a miniature galaxy.
Antares' expression shifted from amusement to genuine interest.
"So the Rift has chosen you after all."
He landed with a thunderous crash, folding his wings behind him. "Very well, Chaos Tenno. Let us see if you can wield that power without being consumed."
Tenno spun the spear, feeling its weight, its heat, its hunger. "I don't plan on being consumed by anything."
Antares lunged.
Tenno met him head‑on.
The impact shook the world.
A shockwave erupted, flattening trees, shattering boulders, and sending ripples through the clouds. Antares' claws clashed against Tenno's spear, sparks of cosmic fire scattering like shooting stars.
Tenno gritted his teeth. "You're strong—"
Antares pushed harder, forcing Tenno to one knee.
"—but not invincible!"
Tenno twisted, driving the spear upward. A beam of violet flame shot out, grazing Antares' shoulder and tearing through the sky.
The Dragon King staggered back, eyes wide—not in pain, but in exhilaration.
"Yes… YES! That is the power I sought!"
He spread his wings, flames erupting from every scale.
"Come, Tenno! Show me the full might of the Rift!"
Tenno rose, spear blazing brighter.
"Then stop holding back."
Antares grinned, fangs gleaming.
"I wasn't."
The world trembled as both unleashed their next attacks.
TO BE CONTINUED.