The Riftborn roared.
Dark energy erupted from its body, tearing across the courtyard like a violent storm. The pressure shattered stone beneath its feet, sending cracks racing across the ground.
Then it moved.
Fast.
Faster than before.
Its massive arm swung toward Kai with crushing force—
BOOM.
The impact exploded across the courtyard.
Dust and debris blasted outward.
Students shielded their eyes.
For a moment… nothing could be seen.
Then—
Kai slid backward across the broken ground.
His shoes tore through stone, stopping only a few meters away.
A faint mark ran across his arm.
Not deep.
But real.
Ryo's eyes widened.
"…It hit you?"
Kai looked at his arm briefly.
Then back at the Riftborn.
Calm.
Unshaken.
"It's stronger than the others."
The creature roared again — louder, deeper, almost… aware.
Elias stepped forward, voice sharp.
"It's not attacking randomly."
Ryo wiped blood from the corner of his mouth, grinning despite the pain.
"Good. Makes it more fun."
Elias ignored him, eyes locked on the Riftborn.
"It reacts to pressure… adapts to resistance… and focuses on Kai."
Ryo blinked.
"…Why Kai?"
The Riftborn moved again.
This time—
Toward all three of them.
"Left side!" Elias shouted.
Ryo reacted instantly, charging forward with explosive speed. His aura ignited brighter than ever as he launched a full-force strike into the creature's flank.
BOOM.
The Riftborn staggered slightly—
For the first time.
Kai moved at the same moment.
One step.
One strike.
Precise.
Controlled.
His palm struck the creature's core—
The air cracked.
A shockwave burst outward, distorting space for a split second.
The Riftborn let out a violent, distorted scream.
It was hurt.
But not defeated.
Then—
It changed.
Dark energy gathered around its body, condensing rapidly. Its form hardened further, evolving mid-battle. The ground trembled beneath its growing pressure.
Elias' eyes widened.
"…It's evolving."
The Riftborn's gaze locked onto Kai again.
Hatred.
Recognition.
Hunger.
As if something deep within it knew him.
Then—
A voice.
Not spoken aloud.
But felt.
Inside the mind.
Cold.
Distant.
Ancient.
"…Found you."
Kai froze.
For a fraction of a second—
His heart pounded.
Not from fear.
But from something deeper.
Something buried.
Something waking.
The Riftborn lunged—
Faster than ever before.
Its strike pierced through Kai's guard—
And slammed into him directly.
The ground shattered beneath the impact.
A crater formed instantly.
Dust rose.
Silence fell.
Ryo's grin disappeared.
"…Kai?"
Elias' breath tightened.
"…Get up."
Inside the crater—
Kai didn't move.
For one long second.
Then two.
Then—
His fingers twitched.
And deep within him…
Something cracked.