Chapter 5 – Echoes of the Rift
The city was quieter now, but Duskreach never really slept. From the Rusted Lattice's roof, Lex spotted the faint shimmer of the Rift, still pulsing somewhere in the Shaded district. It was subtle, like a heartbeat beneath reality, but he felt it calling to him.
Kira paced beside him, her boots clicking on the metal. You're restless, she said. You feel it too, right?
Lex nodded, touching his gauntlet strap. It's... like it's alive. Like it's waiting for me to mess up.
Kira frowned. Because it is alive. That Rift wasn't random. Whatever's forming down there—whatever made that creature—is still growing. And you're feeding it.
Lex frowned. Feeding it? How?
Every time you use your Trigger near it, the energy connects with the Rift. It makes it stronger. You're accidentally making whatever's in there stronger.
Lex swallowed. He felt responsible. His powers weren't just tools—they were making things happen. One wrong move, and the city could fall apart.
---
### Training in the Shadows
Kira led him down some narrow stairs into the Lattice's lower levels, where the air was dusty. She stopped at a metal door with strange symbols on it.
This is where you'll train, she said, pushing it open. The room inside was wide and empty except for a pedestal in the center. On the walls, faint marks glowed—markers that showed changes in dimensions.
Your Trigger Points work here, Kira said. The room will make your attempts better, but it will also punish you if you mess up. Every time you open a portal wrong, you'll get shocked. Ready?
Lex nodded. The adrenaline from earlier was still going. I have to be.
Kira pointed to the pedestal. Start by opening a small portal. Just a hand-sized one. Focus on feeling the flow, not making it.
Lex put his hand on the pedestal, closing his eyes. He felt the hum again, deeper this time. The room seemed to get bigger, then smaller, as if reality was breathing.
A tiny portal appeared above the pedestal—a window into a dark corridor. Lex exhaled, feeling the strain. The room seemed to pulse.
Good, Kira said. Now close it without letting any energy out. You can't cause any energy leaks—not with that Rift active.
Lex clenched his teeth, focusing. The portal shook before closing. He fell to one knee, breathing hard.
You're improving fast, Kira said, touching his shoulder. Faster than I thought. But don't get cocky. Fast growth means you make bigger mistakes.
---
### The City Responds
Lex spent hours practicing, opening and closing portals, trying new moves, feeling his abilities get stronger. Kira watched, correcting him sometimes.
When he finally went outside, the city had changed. The shimmer in the air—the Rift's hum—was stronger, and Lex saw things changing: a lamp post bending, puddles showing streets that weren't there.
Something's happening, Lex said.
Good, Kira replied. You're starting to see the hidden layers. The city is full of dimensional paths. Most people don't notice because they're normal, but you're touching it. And it's reacting to you.
Lex looked around, feeling the strange tension. Shadows moved along walls, shapes bending strangely.
---
### A Disturbing Encounter
A scream cut through the alleyways. Lex and Kira ran toward it, using portals to get there fast. They found some kids trapped in a collapsing space.
Lex's heart raced. I can fix this, he said, stepping into the bubble. Reality changed around him.
Careful! Kira shouted. If you try too hard, you'll tear yourself apart!
Lex ignored her, reaching for the weak points. The walls pulsed. He pushed further, feeling his Trigger energy surge. The world froze, then snapped.
The children were safe. Lex fell to the ground, sweating. Kira helped him up.
That… was crazy, she said. And smart. But don't ever let panic control your Trigger. The city will punish you.
Lex nodded, feeling scared and proud. He was strong—but still fragile.
---
### Unexpected Ally
As they were leaving, a figure stepped from the shadows—tall, cloaked, with shining eyes. Lex felt alert. Another Trigger user.
You're causing the problem, the figure said. The Rift reacts to you. You shouldn't be here.
Kira stepped forward. Who are you?
The figure nodded. Call me Soren. I've been watching that Rift. It's not stable. And it's not just one thing feeding off it—it's… growing. I've seen it ruin cities. If it does that here, Duskreach will collapse.
Lex felt cold. Then why are you here? To stop me?
Soren shook their head. No. To help you. You're the only one who can affect it without destroying everything. But if you keep being reckless, the Rift will destroy everything.
Kira frowned. And you're just… helping?
Soren smiled. I've been hunting Rifts longer than you've been alive. I know what happens when young users get power they can't control. You're behind schedule.
Lex swallowed, realizing the danger. He had been learning, training, fighting—but the Rift was a threat. And now, he had to get better faster.
---
### Training Intensifies
The next few days were a blur. Soren worked with Kira, pushing Lex hard:
* **Spatial Drills**: He had to dodge through collapsing portals while using his powers at the same time.
* **Rift Synchronization**: Lex had to touch dimensional paths, feeling the pull of unstable space.
* **Phase Endurance**: He practiced blending with other dimensions, learning to avoid bad energy reactions.
He was always exhausted, but he was getting better.
Your Trigger Points are getting stronger, Soren said one night as Lex collapsed. Soon, you'll be able to use portals without thinking. But remember—the more you push, the more the Rift notices you.
Lex frowned. It… it knows me?
Not really, Soren said. But the energy you use… it leaves a mark. If you're not careful, it will know what you're going to do.
---
### Shadows and Threats
Later, as the city slept, Lex felt watched. On rooftops, in alleyways, the shadowy observer appeared.
They're studying me, Lex whispered to Kira.
Everyone's studying you, she said. Rifts don't exist alone. Whoever controls them controls the city. And now, you're part of it.
Lex clenched his fists. He had to get better. He had to control the Rift, not let it control him.
And somewhere in Duskreach, the Rift pulsed stronger.