Efe and Osahon stood in tense silence as the Rift Gatekeeper's words lingered in the air. The Seven Pillars were not just an organization—they were the backbone of Nigeria's Rift hierarchy. Without being part of one, their access to high-risk Rifts and the deeper mysteries of the Rift system would be severely limited.
Osahon clenched his fists. "So you're saying we can't enter unless we're part of the Seven Pillars?"
The Gatekeeper, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and an insignia on his arm marking him as an official Rift Administrator, nodded. "That's right. This Rift is classified under restricted clearance. Only members of recognized organizations are permitted access. You two? You're independent. That means you're a liability."
Efe exhaled sharply. "Then who went inside?"
The Gatekeeper's lips curled slightly. "The usual. A team from Oke-Ibukun—Southwest's pride. Some from Zazzau Sentinels in the Northwest. Nsibidi Order from the South-South, and a group from Igbo Vanguard repping the Southeast. There's even a team from Arewa Guardians up North and Middlebelt Wardens from the Central region."
He paused, then leaned slightly closer. "Oh, and one from **The Seventh Shadow.**"
At the mention of the last name, Osahon stiffened. Efe noticed the Gatekeeper's tone shift—there was something ominous about the Seventh Shadow. Unlike the others, this name carried a weight of uncertainty, an air of fear.
Efe frowned. "The Seventh Shadow? Who leads them?"
The Gatekeeper shook his head. "No one knows. No one's seen them directly, but their presence is undeniable. They operate on a different level. Some say their leader isn't even human—maybe something beyond our understanding. Some say he—or she—is the strongest Riftwalker in Nigeria, maybe even Africa."
Osahon exchanged a look with Efe. This was a problem. If they wanted to rise in strength, they needed Rift experience. But if every high-risk Rift was monopolized by the Seven Pillars, they would always be two steps behind.
"So, what now?" Efe asked, voice calm but tense.
The Gatekeeper shrugged. "You either find a way in, or you stay out of the real fight. That's how Nigeria works."
A Different Path
Later that evening, Efe and Osahon sat outside a rundown compound on the outskirts of Benin City, the fading lights of the streets casting long shadows. They had spent the last few hours discussing their options, but every road led back to the same conclusion—they needed to join one of the Seven Pillars or risk being left behind.
Osahon leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "We can't keep doing this, Efe. If we don't pick a side soon, we'll be stuck fighting scraps while the real battles are being fought inside the Rifts."
Efe exhaled, staring at the cracked pavement beneath his feet. He understood Osahon's frustration, but something about joining an established faction didn't sit right with him. He didn't want to be just another foot soldier in someone else's war.
"What if we carve our own path?" Efe asked suddenly.
Osahon blinked. "You mean… make our own faction?"
"Not just any faction. Something different. Something that doesn't bow to the existing system. We find people like us—those who have power but don't want to be shackled by the Seven Pillars. If we can prove ourselves, we can force our way into the bigger fights."
Osahon looked away, considering the idea. "That's risky. The Pillars don't take competition lightly. If we challenge their authority, we'll be making enemies before we're strong enough to handle them."
Efe smirked. "That's why we don't challenge them outright. We build from the ground up—quietly. Gain strength, earn recognition, and when the time is right… we make our move."
Osahon studied Efe's expression, then let out a slow chuckle. "You're insane. But I like it."
The Rift Stirs Again
Just as they were about to head back inside, Efe felt an unfamiliar sensation crawl up his spine. It was a presence—distant yet powerful. He turned sharply, eyes narrowing at the horizon where the earlier Rift had opened.
Osahon felt it too. "Something's not right."
Before they could react, a loud boom echoed across the sky. The Rift, which should have stabilized after the entry of the Pillars, flickered violently. A second rupture was forming beside it—an anomaly.
The Gatekeeper's earlier words rang in Efe's mind. "Only the Seven Pillars were allowed inside." But this? This wasn't part of the plan.
Osahon gritted his teeth. "Something's wrong in there."
And just like that, the rules no longer mattered. If the Rift was breaking apart, then all bets were off.
Efe tightened his fists. "Then let's go."
To be continue....