Chapter 40 – The B-Rank Rift Hunt
The city had settled into an uneasy quiet as night deepened, the neon glow of the towers reflecting off rain-slick streets. Hovercars moved lazily, leaving trails of light that seemed to ripple like liquid. Biro Kael and Lyra Kael moved through the shadows, their fragments pulsing faintly in tandem. Tonight, they faced their first true B-rank rift—a challenge that would test not only their instincts but their coordination as hunters.
"Are you ready?" Biro whispered, voice low, almost blending with the city's hum. Lyra nodded, her fingers brushing against his as they adjusted their grip on the energy blades forming faintly from their fragments. The warmth between them was subtle but grounding, each pulse of power syncing with the other, their bond growing with every step.
The alley stretched ahead, narrow and twisting, illuminated only by the faint shimmer of the rift. Unlike the F-rank spawns, this rift vibrated with intelligence. The distortion in space shimmered violently, sending ripples that bent light, air, and sound. Shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally, whispering threats from unseen corners. The fragment pulsed, alert, responding instinctively to the danger.
From the rift emerged the first creature—a massive quadruped, its scales black as obsidian, veins of electric blue running across its body. It growled, a sound that reverberated deep in the bones, eyes glowing with predatory intelligence. The system panel blinked faintly: B-Rank Rift Spawn – Adaptive & Aggressive.
Biro acted first, fragment flaring to enhance speed and reflex. He dodged the initial strike, a clawed swipe that could have torn through steel. Lyra mirrored his movement, energy blade slicing in a controlled arc that cut through the creature's armor-like scales. Sparks and pulses of energy exploded outward, illuminating the alley in brilliant flashes.
"Keep your distance! Observe its pattern!" Biro commanded softly, energy pulsing in his hand. Lyra nodded, adjusting her stance. Her pulse grew stronger as she mirrored Biro's movements, fragments resonating in sync. Each strike, each dodge, felt like a conversation between instinct, fragment, and reality.
The creature lunged again, more intelligent this time, adapting to their attacks. Its body bent impossibly, claws scraping concrete, leaving streaks of blue energy. Lyra faltered briefly, her energy pulse flickering as she reacted too late. Biro's hand shot out, fragment forming a protective shield around her. "I've got you!" he said, a grin breaking through the tension. Their fragments pulsed in response, the protective energy amplifying both their abilities.
As the fight continued, patterns emerged. The creature favored left-side strikes, recoiled from energy pulses aimed at its core, and became aggressive when cornered. Biro whispered instructions, guiding Lyra without overpowering her decisions. The synchronization between them became seamless. Each attack flowed into the next, fragments pulsing like instruments in a symphony of instinct, power, and strategy.
Finally, Lyra extended her hand fully, energy blade blazing, while Biro channeled a concentrated pulse into the creature's chest. The B-rank spawn screamed, energy cracking the ground, and then, with a violent surge, it was pulled back into the rift. The alley fell silent once more, save for the hum of their fragments and their ragged breathing.
Lyra sank to her knees, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. "I… I can feel it… stronger than before. The fragment, it listens to me now… it's… alive."
Biro crouched beside her, brushing a wet strand of hair from her face. "You did amazing. We did amazing. Our fragments… they're growing together. This is only the beginning." His hand lingered, warmth spreading between them. A blush colored her cheeks, and their fragments pulsed faintly, echoing the silent promise forming between them.
From the rooftops above, hidden in shadow, Cael observed silently. "Both fragments have synchronized. B-rank trials are rarely survived this smoothly. Their bond… it strengthens not just their fragments but their strategy. Soon, they will be capable of facing threats most hunters only dream of."
Lyra finally stood, hands trembling slightly but aura glowing faintly stronger. "Biro… I think… I think I can handle even more. We can hunt… together."
Biro smiled, energy pulsing in his palm. "Exactly. Together, we'll face anything—rifts, monsters, and whatever else this city throws at us. Our fragments… and us… we're ready."
The city stretched before them, alive with hidden rifts, monsters, and challenges. Fragments pulsed in quiet harmony, signaling readiness for the trials ahead. The warmth of their bond, the thrill of survival, and the awakening of their powers intertwined, preparing them for the dangerous, thrilling journey of hunting B-rank rifts, leveling up, and discovering not only the world's secrets but each other's hearts.
Tonight, they had survived. Tomorrow, the real hunt began.