The battlefield was silent. The echoes of their clash with the fallen warrior lingered in the air, but there was no time to dwell on it. With a final glance at the spot where he had vanished, Liam turned toward the dark canyon ahead—the entrance to the Obsidian Rift.
A jagged, towering gate of blackened stone stood before them, ancient and ominous. Strange symbols pulsed faintly across its surface, as if alive, reacting to their presence. The Rift loomed beyond, a twisting chasm of shadow and mist, its depths hidden from sight.
Echo's mechanical voice cut through the silence. "Warning: High-energy distortions detected within the Rift. Proceed with caution."
Liam smirked. "Like we ever had a choice."
Kai exhaled sharply, gripping his weapon. "You sure about this? I mean, we just fought someone way stronger than expected, and now we're diving straight into something even worse?"
Selene adjusted the strap on her blade, eyes scanning the entrance. "If we hesitate now, we'll only fall behind. We need to know what's inside."
Liam nodded, stepping forward. But as he reached out, the Rift reacted violently—black chains of energy lashed out, blocking his path. They pulsed like living veins, rejecting his presence.
Echo's eyes glowed. "Barrier confirmed. This entrance is locked… but there is a key."
Liam frowned. "Figures. What are we looking for?"
Echo paused, analyzing the inscriptions on the gate. "This structure operates on an ancient system—only those who prove their worth may pass. We need a 'Trial of Passage.' Defeat the guardian, and the Rift will open."
As if on cue, the ground trembled. A low, guttural growl reverberated through the air, and from the darkness beyond the gate, something massive began to emerge.
The mist twisted violently, forming a towering figure—a monstrous, armored beast, its body wrapped in obsidian plates with glowing red cracks. Two piercing eyes burned with an unnatural light as it stepped forward, each movement causing the ground to quake.
Kai paled. "Yeah… I don't like this."
Selene exhaled sharply. "Liam, I really hope you have a plan."
Liam grinned, the thrill of battle lighting up in his eyes. "Simple. I'll make it mine."
With a deep breath, Override activated. The air shimmered as digital lines of code wove around Liam's fingertips, spreading toward the massive beast. It roared, resisting, its body trembling against the pull of his power.
The Riftkeeper's mind was ancient, locked by deep programming meant to obey only those deemed worthy. But Liam wasn't asking for permission—he was rewriting the rules.
The struggle lasted seconds but felt like an eternity. The beast fought, its instincts screaming against submission. Liam gritted his teeth, pushing harder.
Then—a snap.
The red glow in the beast's eyes flickered… then changed to blue. Its massive form relaxed, lowering its head in submission.
Kai blinked. "Wait… did you just—"
Selene whistled. "Not bad. You just tamed a Rift guardian."
Echo's system processed the change. "Override successful. Riftkeeper designation changed: Now under Liam Kane's command."
The chains barring their entrance shattered. The Obsidian Rift opened.
Liam smirked. "Alright. Let's go."
End of Chapter 18