Tsukasa didn't waste a second. "Final Attack Ride: Rider Kick!"
His body surged with energy, launching skyward, his foot igniting in a radiant aura. The impact of his kick struck the Gryphon square in the chest. A shockwave rippled through the air as the beast screamed and crashed into the earth, unmoving.
The creature fluttered back to him, relief shining in her gentle features. "Thank you, Tsukasa! You saved me!"
Tsukasa deactivated his belt, the armor dissolving in light as he returned to his human form. "What's your name?" he asked, his voice calm, though his heart was still racing.
"I'm Lumi," she said softly. "And this forest… it's my home."
He took a moment to glance around — the towering trees, the shimmering light filtering through the leaves. "It's a beautiful place," he admitted. "But I don't belong here. I need to find a way back to my world."
Lumi tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe I can help you," she offered. "There are ancient portals hidden in this land — gates between realms. But they're guarded by powerful, dangerous beings."
Before Tsukasa could answer, a scream split the air. Lumi's wings quivered. "That was Elara! She's in danger!"
"Who's Elara?" Tsukasa demanded, his eyes narrowing.
"A young elf. She… she was being hunted by a terrible orc," Lumi stammered.
Without hesitation, Tsukasa was already moving, sprinting through the trees, Lumi darting after him. The sounds of battle drew closer — the clash of steel and the guttural roars of a monstrous brute.
They burst into a clearing where an elf, slender and determined, fought against a hulking orc. Her blade danced with skill, but the orc's brute strength was relentless, battering through her defenses.
Tsukasa watched for a heartbeat, sizing up the foe. "Henshin!"
His belt materialized in a flash, armor wrapping around him as he transformed. With Rider Sword in hand, he charged.
The orc's eyes locked on him, its roar shaking the leaves from the trees. It swung its massive club, intent on crushing the newcomer. Tsukasa blocked the blow, the force rattling his bones, but he held firm.
"Form Ride: Decade!"
His form shifted, Decade's armor gleaming in the sun-dappled clearing. He unleashed a storm of strikes, each one calculated and merciless. The orc staggered under the assault, its club falling from its grasp.
Tsukasa finished it with a blazing Rider Kick, sending the creature crashing through a tree. The beast slumped to the ground, defeated.
Lowering his weapon, Tsukasa deactivated the belt once more and approached the elf, offering a hand. "You alright?"
Elara looked up at him, chest heaving, eyes wide with gratitude. "Yes… thank you. You saved my life."
Lumi fluttered down, embracing the elf. "I was so worried about you!"
Tsukasa allowed himself a small smile. But deep inside, he knew this wasn't over. His path in this strange world was only just beginning.
Then, Elara's gaze shot skyward, her face draining of color. "Look!"
All eyes turned upward. The sky had split open — a gaping rift of swirling darkness. From within, a shadowed figure descended, cloaked in malevolence, eyes like burning coals.
"Who dares disturb my realm?" the being's voice thundered, shaking the very earth.
Tsukasa felt a cold dread settle in his chest. He didn't need an introduction to recognize danger. His hand reached for his belt instinctively.
"I am Zorc," the figure declared. "And this world will belong to me."
With a gesture, Zorc unleashed a torrent of dark energy, tearing through the clearing. The ground exploded, trees igniting. Tsukasa, Lumi, and Elara barely leapt clear of the blast, the air thick with smoke and burning leaves.
The forest seemed to hold its breath.
Tsukasa rose to his feet, belt in hand, eyes blazing. The fight for this world, and his journey home, had taken a far darker turn. And the battle ahead would test him like never before.