The clearing was bathed in the faint glow of a lantern, and standing beside it was Vallen, his figure a familiar anchor in the chaotic sea that had become my life. His hair, a fiery crown of curls, caught the light and seemed to blaze against the dark backdrop of the woods. He noticed me approaching and gave a nod, his usual confident smirk already in place.
"Finally," Vallen said, his voice carrying that mix of impatience and excitement I'd come to expect. "I was starting to think you'd chickened out."
"Please," I scoffed, stepping into the clearing. "I've been looking forward to this all day."
As I got closer, I noticed Lilith standing just off to the side, her arms crossed as she surveyed the area with a calculating gaze. Her presence was always calming yet slightly intimidating, like a lioness watching over her pride. Her locs framed her face perfectly, and her eyes, sharp and observant, glinted with a hint of mischief.
"Nice of you to join us, Lucian," Lilith said, her voice smooth and composed. "You sure you're up for this after what happened today?"
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I'll live. Jason and his crew are the least of my worries right now."
Vallen let out a low whistle. "Yeah, I heard you gave him a good beating. Word's already spreading. I'm surprised you're not more banged up."
"Guess I'm tougher than I look," I replied with a smirk, though I couldn't shake the tension still coiled in my gut.
Lilith raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in her eyes. "You always did have a knack for getting into trouble."
"Comes with the territory," I said, glancing around. "Where's Nico?"
Before anyone could answer, the shadows at the edge of the clearing seemed to ripple, and Nico stepped out as if he'd been there the whole time. He had a way of moving that was almost spectral, like he was more shadow than flesh and blood. His eyes, sharp and intense, locked onto mine.
"Right here," Nico said, his voice smooth and enigmatic. "Been waiting for you."
I couldn't help but feel a bit of relief seeing him. Nico had always been the wild card of the group, unpredictable but reliable in a strange way. His presence, though often shrouded in mystery, was always a source of reassurance in situations like these.
"So, you really found a Rift?" I asked, glancing at the dark structure behind him.
Nico nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, I did some recon earlier. It's a Green-level Rift. Should be manageable, but... there's something off about it."
Lilith narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean 'off'?"
Nico's gaze flickered toward the entrance of the Rift. "The energy inside is... shifting. It's subtle, but it's there. And it's not just the usual Aether flow. Something else is mixing with it."
I exchanged a glance with Lilith, who looked equally concerned. "You think it's safe to go in?"
"We'll be fine," Vallen cut in, cracking his knuckles. "We've handled worse. Besides, we've got the whole squad here."
"Still," Nico continued, "we need to be careful. I identified four of the monsters inside—weak ones, Novice level mostly. Nocturnal creatures that won't pose much of a threat. But there's more in there, and they're stronger. Could be Expert level, but I couldn't get a good read."
"Sounds like a fun time," Vallen said, grinning like he was about to head into a game rather than a potential death trap.
"Let's just stay sharp," Lilith advised, her tone carrying the weight of experience. "If Nico's picking up on something, we should trust his instincts."
The group fell into a brief silence as we all looked at the Rift. Despite the light banter, there was an underlying tension that none of us could ignore. This wasn't just another adventure; it was a step into the unknown, and each of us knew that things could go very wrong, very quickly.
Finally, I took a deep breath, the cool air filling my lungs and steadying my nerves. "Alright then," I said, my voice firm. "Let's do this."
With that, we moved as one toward the entrance of the Rift, the shadows of the trees stretching out like fingers ready to pull us into whatever lay beyond. The moment we crossed the threshold, the air seemed to shift, a barely perceptible change that sent a shiver down my spine. Lilith and I exchanged another look—we could both feel it.
"Stay close," Nico whispered, his voice barely more than a breath.
As we ventured deeper into the Rift, the subtle changes Nico had mentioned began to make themselves known. The Aether currents felt different, almost as if they were being manipulated by an unseen force. Every step forward felt like walking into the eye of a storm, the calm before something truly terrifying.
The group dynamic, usually so relaxed, now carried a weight that none of us could shake. But that was okay. We thrived in moments like this, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.
And so, with the shadows closing in around us and the unknown lurking just ahead, we pressed on—because that's what we did. We faced the chaos head-on, together.
"Or so I thought."
The world around us seemed to breathe with life, vibrant and wild. Towering trees, their canopies stretching high above like a natural cathedral, cast dappled sunlight over the jungle floor. Their trunks were thick and gnarled, ancient beyond comprehension, wrapped in vines that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. The air was thick with the scent of earth and foliage, the sound of rustling leaves and distant animal calls creating a symphony of the wild.
We made our way through the dense underbrush, our footsteps muffled by the soft, moss-covered ground. Around us, the environment was a blend of natural beauty and strange, otherworldly elements. The ground was uneven, with large roots breaking through the surface like the twisted limbs of some buried giant. Flowers with petals that shimmered in the light bloomed in clusters, their colors so vibrant they seemed almost unnatural.
We moved cautiously, taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle around us. The beauty of the environment was almost overwhelming, but there was a sense of unease as well, a feeling that we were being watched. The jungle was alive, but there was something else here, something hidden in the shadows, waiting.
Vallen, always eager for action, suddenly rushed ahead, his excitement getting the better of him. His movements were quick and fluid, but they were also loud, disturbing the peace of the jungle. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the trees, and I felt a shift in the air, a sense of danger approaching.
"Vallen, wait!" I called out, but it was too late.
From the shadows, the first of the Phantasms emerged. They were insectoid in nature, their bodies covered in thick, chitinous armor that glinted in the dim light. Their eyes were dark and soulless, and their mandibles clicked together as they moved forward, their long legs skittering across the ground with a disturbing speed. They were humanoid in shape, but their movements were jerky and unnatural, like puppets being controlled by some unseen force.
The flora around us seemed to come alive as well, with plant-like Phantasms emerging from the trees and bushes. Their bodies were made of vines and leaves, twisted into grotesque shapes that mimicked human forms. Their eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and their limbs moved with an unnatural grace, as if they were dancing to some silent, sinister tune.
Vallen had alerted them to our presence, and now they were coming for us.
"Get ready!" I shouted to the others as I drew my weapon. The time for sightseeing was over. We had entered the Rift, and now the fight for our survival.
The first wave hit us like a tidal surge. Insectoid Phantasms burst from the undergrowth, their humanoid forms a grotesque blend of chitinous armor and sinewy muscle. Their multifaceted eyes glinted in the dim light as they advanced, mandibles clicking with hunger. These creatures were a sick parody of humanity, their limbs too long, their movements too jerky and unnatural. They skittered and leaped with terrifying speed, their claws glinting as they closed in.
Before we could fully process what was happening, the second wave followed, composed of flora humanoid Phantasms. These abominations were part plant, part beast, their bodies covered in thick vines and twisted roots that moved as if alive. Their limbs ended in razor-sharp thorns, and their mouths were filled with rows of needle-like teeth. They moved with a slow, deliberate grace, their vine-like appendages whipping through the air as they attacked.
"Damn it, Vallen!" Nico shouted as he joined the fray, his shadowy form flickering as he dodged the first strike. He slashed at one of the insectoids with a blade of void energy, the creature screeching as it was torn apart.
Lilith's eyes glowed with psychic energy as she raised her hand, sending a wave of telekinetic force to push back the advancing Phantasms. The air shimmered around her as she manipulated the battlefield, creating barriers of force to protect us from the brunt of the assault.
I summoned my Aether, feeling the familiar rush of energy as it coursed through me. With a quick motion, I formed a protective barrier around myself just in time to deflect the strike of an insectoid's claw. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, and I felt the strain of maintaining the barrier as the creature bore down on me.
"Vallen, get back here! We need to stick together!" I shouted, but he was too deep into the fight, his fiery energy drawing the attention of more Phantasms.
I held back for a moment, assessing the situation. My heart was pounding in my chest, the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
I had been holding back for so long, but now, in the heat of battle, I knew it was time to unleash my abilities.
With a deep breath, I let go, allowing the power to flow through me. My movements became fluid and precise as I joined the others in the fight, my body moving almost on its own as I engaged the Phantasms. My abilities were still limited, but they were enough to hold my own against the horde.
"Lilith, how many are there?" I asked, my breath coming in short bursts as I dodged another attack.
"I can't get a clear count! The rift's energy is distorting everything!" she replied, her voice strained as she maintained her focus on the battlefield.
The creatures kept coming, wave after wave, each more relentless than the last. My mind raced as I tried to strategize, to find a way to turn the tide in our favor. But the Phantasms were too many, too relentless. And worse, they were adapting to our tactics, becoming more coordinated with each passing moment.
"Vallen, fall back! We can't keep this up!" Nico shouted, his voice tinged with urgency.
But Vallen was in his element, flames licking at his arms as he tore through the Phantasms with a ferocity that bordered on madness. "I've got this!" he yelled back, his confidence unwavering despite the odds.
But I knew better. The rift wasn't just a simple Green-level anymore. It had evolved into something far more dangerous—a Yellow rift, with all the terror that entailed. If we didn't regroup, we wouldn't survive the next wave, let alone the ones after that.
As another wave of Phantasms surged toward us, I braced myself for the fight of my life, knowing that this was only the beginning. We had faced chaos before, but this… this was something else entirely.
"Ok, so this is how the insides of Rifts work—this is only as much as I've studied. Again with the colors: Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, and Black. Each has a set number of waves, with Green following the numeric factor 8."
"Lilith, can you sense Vallen?" I yelled as I dashed through the humanoid mantid, delivering sturdy, hard blows straight through their faces. My heart started to pump as the bodies of the—
"Hold on, I need to come up with a name for these things... AHA! Mantis Wraiths—perfect. Some of them even look like they have Blue Ghost butterfly wings. Now, where was I... OH, right!"
The bodies of the Mantis Wraiths started to turn translucent and then liquify. I looked around to see if anyone else saw, but everyone was caught up in their own fights.
"What was that?" I looked at my hands, my heart beginning to slow as I tried to process it.
"WHAT ARE YOU BLACKING OUT FOR? LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!" Nico screamed, shooting an orb of darkness behind me that exploded on impact.
"I knew you'd save me, so I thought it'd be fine to strategize. For one, these are—"
"Yeah, I know. Mantis Wraiths. I've heard about them before," Nico cut me off, shocking me. I thought I just came up with that name. So how did I know it? I never read about or seen these creatures before. I need to save these thoughts for later.
"Vallen ran deep into the waves so thats problem number 1. Second–" I was interrupted by 3 Wariths flying swiftly in swiping their claws at me one getting close and ripping my shirt.
"You fucking disgusting insect. I DONT HAVE A LOT OF CLOTHES! THERE TOO EXPENSIVE!" I launched off the ground at rocket speed with a quick cool slow motion cut scene hard back breaking kick upward, stomps on the heads of 2 on the ground, launching off of them back into the air to spin heel kick the one I launched earlier back into the ground making a nice crater.
"My heart started beating rapidly, and my body began to heat up. 'Is anyone else hot? Ooooo.' I panted lightly, fanning myself as I glanced around.
'Found him, trying to find him and kill them is really annoying' Lilith said gasping a little..
'He charged through fast but made it to an opening in the forest just past these creatures.' With a swift motion, she lifted her hand and crushed the Phantasms around her with psionic force.
'So we just need to clean up, say less!' Nico dashed through the wave, his dagger coated in darkness, slicing through everything in his path.
'Oh, so we're all doing the "Moving to the next scene finishers"? Sweet!' I grinned, feeling a strange mix of excitement and unease as I stomped the ground, sending a massive wave of water in all directions. Sharp arrowhead-like figures formed from the water, shooting off like missiles, piercing through the Phantasms with pinpoint precision.
In seconds, the area was clear, but I barely had time to celebrate. My heart was thumping so hard it felt like it might burst from my chest. I stumbled, hitting the ground as a wave of dizziness washed over me. 'Let's get going… I'm getting real hot; my heart's about to beat outta my chest,' I gasped, struggling to catch my breath.
'Well, of course, it would! WHAT KIND OF ATTACK WAS THAT?' Nico exclaimed, pulling me to my feet. 'I mean, cool and all, but how did you—or better yet, can you do that? I thought you lacked control over your gift?'"
"I don't even know if I can give an answer. I'm lost myself. This feels like when I fought Jason but like a lot…worse…no, better…? I don't know how to feel about this." My thoughts cut short from the realization were still in the middle of the rift and yet I haven't seen a fire explosion or flare up of any sorts.
"Lilith, is he okay?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady as I pushed off Nico and regained my footing. My body was starting to feel a little better, but the lingering tension gnawed at me.
"I can still sense him, so he's not dead, but remember, I can only sense mind waves," she replied.
"Same here, Lu," Nico added.
"Great... so I'm the only one with no sensing ability, but something is telling me something's wrong with him." I kicked off, heading straight in the direction Lilith said Vallen would be, killing every creature that crossed my path. My chest was still thumping hard, but it was starting to become manageable.
As I approached the clearing, I expected to see fire—but instead, I saw a swarm of monsters. "Oh shit, I was worried, but I knew this was a possibility."
Lilith and Nico caught up, and I saw the terror dawn on their faces. Six Adept Rank Phantasms and two Expert Ranked. All the Adepts were Aether Wraiths—ghostly creatures with the lithe, serpentine bodies of white lizards and spectral, glowing dragon-like wings. They had the ability to phase in and out of existence. On an even worse note, the two Experts were a Nightrage Colossus and a Mothryn Seraph.
The Nightrage Colossus was terrifyingly powerful, merging the raw, feral strength of a glowing dragon with the cunning and agility of a white lizard. It was colossal, its scales glowing with a menacing light that pulsed with every step it took. This creature was known for its relentless aggression, charging through enemies with unstoppable force, its glowing eyes casting an ominous light on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the Mothryn Seraph was regal and formidable, combining the majestic wingspan and bioluminescence of a glowing dragon with the ethereal form of a giant moth. These creatures were known for their ability to manipulate light and shadow, creating powerful illusions and bending the very fabric of reality around them. Their attacks were a deadly combination of radiant energy and physical prowess.
"What are we going to do against them? We'll die if we fight them. The only way to kill a Wraith is to seal its core, but they're rare, so they fetch a high price. Does anyone know sealing magic? No? Then we're fucked," Lilith ranted, panic evident in her voice.
While she was losing it, I was scanning the area for Vallen. I didn't think he was in this area—
"You fucking dumbass!" I cursed, realizing the situation. I dashed and jumped up through the canopy of trees around the clearing to get a better view. There he was—Vallen, unconscious and caught in a barrier next to the Seraph.
I made my way back to Nico and Lilith to tell them, but they were already spotted by one of the Wraiths, forcing them into the open.
"Shit, shit, shit! What the fuck am I supposed to do? Let's calm down fast and think. Everyone's spread thin, and we have two major dangerous threats who, I'd bet, have some level of sentience since this seems like a thought-out strategy. I need more players on the field—I can't manage with just this."
That thought triggered a surge of Aether to flare in my chest and course throughout my body. My body was like a tub being left with the faucet running, only stopping just as it hit the rim. My heart was thumping hard, but it sounded different to me—it sounded like rushing waves.
"This sounds... peaceful." A vision... a dream... "Am I high?" My mind was spinning.
"The Lost Legion is yours, so you're never out of plays. I can't help you after this, but I can say this: You are the sea, and the sea is you, so you must flood the world." The ominous voice finished.
When my mind reconnected with reality, everything was still in place like nothing had happened while I was out of it.
"What the hell is going on? What and who was that?" I belted out, but my body felt different. I could… I could feel something. A strange, inexplicable energy coursing through me, like the gentle pull of a tide. My senses were heightened, but everything was blurred, as if I was seeing the world through a lens of water. My heartbeat was erratic, the rhythm unpredictable, like the crash of waves in a storm. And yet, somewhere within that chaos, there was a stillness—a calm I couldn't quite grasp.
Instinct took over, my thoughts muddled, and yet a single word echoed in my mind, clear as day: "Resurface." I didn't know why I said it, or how I even knew to say it, but as the word left my lips, a surge of power erupted from within me. The air around me crackled with energy, and I could feel something—no, someone—responding to my call.
Without understanding how or why, I reached out with my mind, pulling at the threads of energy that I suddenly knew were there. It felt like second nature, like I had done this a thousand times before, even though I knew I hadn't. It was a blur of movement, of power, of something ancient and vast, something I barely understood. The air behind me rippled as a rush of water poured though like a wave. Think of all the bubbles and suds on a wave each being a creature. It was a beautiful sight.
The creatures I had slain earlier—the Mantis Wraiths and the others—began to form. They shimmered in the air, their forms coalescing from the shadows, now covered in a vibrant, almost ethereal blue light that felt both alien and familiar. They were different now, their bodies shifting, more solid and real than before, but still holding an otherworldly quality. They hovered around me, waiting—no, expecting my command.
I didn't question it. There wasn't time to. "Defend. Distract. Obstruct," I muttered, the words without conscious thought . The Legion moved instantly, fanning out in a coordinated pattern that reminded me of a chessboard, each piece moving with purpose, with precision.
"Lilith, Nico! Now's our chance!" I called out, my voice firm despite the confusion swirling in my mind. I couldn't afford to be paralyzed by the unknown; my friends needed me, and I had to act. I sent some of the Mantis Wraiths to fight of the Aether Wraiths.
"Osmosis." I muttered as I started to feel Aether from all over start to flow into me. The Aether Wraiths started to turn translucent and liquify just like the Phantasms earlier that turned into these creatures.
The Mantis Wraiths darted forward, their movements fluid and almost dance-like as they engaged the Nightrage Colossus. They struck at its flanks, their spectral claws slicing through its thick scales, drawing its attention away from us. Meanwhile, the other Phantasms I had summoned targeted the Mothryn Seraph, their glowing forms creating a dazzling, confusing array of light and motion that threw the creature into disarray.
"We need to get Vallen out of there!" I shouted, already moving toward the barrier that held him captive. The others followed, cutting down any Phantasms that dared to get in our way.
But it wasn't enough. The Phantasms were endless, their numbers overwhelming. I could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me, the urgency of our task clashing with the chaotic energy within me. My heart was still pounding, the waves of power crashing and receding, threatening to pull me under.
And then, in the midst of the chaos, I saw it. A gap in the enemy's formation, a path to Vallen that had been created by the precise movements of my Legion. I didn't question it—I didn't need to question it. I just knew. Like a move in a chess game that you see three steps ahead, everything clicked into place.
"Go! Now!" I commanded, and the Legion surged forward, exploiting the gap, creating a diversion that drew the attention of the Expert Phantasms. I dashed through, my body moving on autopilot, and reached Vallen just as the barrier began to falter.
With a final push, I shattered the barrier and pulled him free, his unconscious form heavy in my arms. But the battle wasn't over. The Mothryn Seraph screeched, its wings flaring out as it unleashed a wave of energy that sent shockwaves through the clearing. I barely managed to shield us with a hastily summoned wall of water, the force of the blast sending tremors through my body.
"We need to get out of here!" I yelled, looking over at Lilith and Nico, who were barely holding their own. But before they could respond, the Nightrage Colossus roared, breaking through the ranks of my Legion, its eyes locked onto us with murderous intent.
"No… not now!" I could feel the panic rising again, my heart pounding erratically as I struggled to hold onto the power that was slipping through my fingers. My friends were down, my Legion was faltering, and the Phantasms were closing in from all sides.
And then, just as I thought all hope was lost, the ground beneath us began to tremble. A low, rumbling sound echoed through the clearing, growing louder with each passing second. The air grew thick, charged with energy—an oppressive, suffocating force that made it hard to breathe.
Something was coming. Something big. And it was heading straight for us.
"No… no, no, no!" I screamed, as the massive shadow rose from the depths of the rift, its form monstrous and unfathomable. Its eyes glowed with an ancient, malevolent light, and I knew, without a doubt, that this was something beyond any of us.
"Run! Now!" I roared, pushing Vallen into Lilith's arms, but it was too late. The shadow descended upon us, and everything went dark.
The last thing I heard was the deafening roar of the creature, and then… nothing.