NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Chapter 10: The Rift’s Influence
The town's hot spring was renowned for its soothing waters, but the morning air carried a weight that even the bubbling springs couldn't dispel. Ethan stepped outside, the soft light of dawn casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets. The events of the past few days had left him both exhilarated and weary.
Just as he began to enjoy the serenity, Erza approached, her armor gleaming even in the soft light. Her expression was tense, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
"There's trouble," she said, her tone clipped.
"What kind of trouble?" Ethan asked, his body tensing.
"The villagers are reporting strange creatures in the forest," she explained. "They said they're like shadows, but they destroy everything they touch."
Ethan sighed, nodding. "Gather the others. Let's deal with this."
---
A Cry for Help
The town square was filled with murmurs and fearful glances as Ethan and his companions arrived. Hinata, Ino, Tsunade, and Erza stood beside him, each radiating their unique aura of strength.
An elderly man stepped forward, clutching a wooden staff for support. "Thank you for coming. We've lost much already... crops, livestock, even people. They wander into the forest and don't come back the same."
"Have you seen these creatures yourself?" Tsunade asked, her sharp gaze piercing.
The man nodded. "They're like living shadows, with eyes that burn red. They come at night and vanish by morning."
Ethan exchanged a look with Erza. "Sounds like the Rift's influence."
Hinata activated her Byakugan, scanning the forest's edge. "There's a strange energy deeper inside. It's... chaotic."
Ethan drew his sword, the blade gleaming faintly in the morning light. "Let's go. We can't let this spread."
---
Into the Unknown
The forest felt alive, but not in the way it should. The leaves whispered unnaturally, and the air was thick with an oppressive energy. Every step deeper into the woods seemed to pull them further from the comforting warmth of the sun.
"This place feels... wrong," Hinata murmured, her Byakugan constantly scanning for danger.
"It's the Rift's corruption," Erza said, her grip on her sword tightening. "We've faced things like this before, but the intensity here is unusual."
The system's voice echoed in Ethan's mind.
> "Warning: Rift activity detected. High probability of enemy engagement. Exercise caution."
"Ino, stay close to Hinata," Ethan instructed. "Erza, you're with me. Tsunade, you're our anchor—make sure nothing gets past you."
As they moved deeper, the air grew colder, and the shadows began to shift unnaturally.
"They're here," Hinata said, her voice steady but low.
---
The Shadows Attack
Out of the mist, the creatures emerged. They were amorphous, shifting forms of pure black, with crimson eyes that glowed like embers. Their movements were erratic, almost jerky, as if they weren't entirely bound to this world.
"They're feeding off the Rift's energy," Erza observed, stepping forward to face them. "Stay focused!"
The first creature lunged at Ethan, who sidestepped and countered with a precise slash. The shadow dissolved into mist, but another took its place almost immediately.
"They're endless!" Tsunade called out, smashing a cluster of creatures with a single powerful punch.
"They're trying to overwhelm us," Ethan shouted back. "We need to find the source!"
Hinata's Byakugan flared as she focused. "I see it—a core of energy about a mile ahead!"
"Then we head there," Ethan said. "Erza, with me! Everyone else, hold the line!"
---
The Rift Core
The deeper they pushed, the more oppressive the energy became. Finally, they reached a clearing where the Rift Core floated—a swirling mass of dark energy that pulsed like a heartbeat. Shadow creatures poured from it, their movements more frenzied than before.
Ethan could feel the weight of the core's energy pressing down on him, but he steadied himself.
"Erza, you handle the creatures. I'll take care of the core," he said.
Erza nodded, summoning her Flame Empress Armor. "Don't take too long."
As Erza held back the creatures with a barrage of fiery strikes, Ethan focused his energy into his sword. The system guided him.
> "Target locked. Concentrate all available power into a single strike."
Ethan raised his blade, the energy around him swirling as he prepared to strike. With a powerful leap, he drove his sword into the core.
---
Collapse of the Rift
The core let out a deafening roar as it exploded, releasing a wave of energy that knocked both Ethan and Erza off their feet. The shadow creatures dissolved into mist, and the oppressive weight lifted from the forest.
Ethan groaned as he sat up, looking around. The clearing was quiet, the core completely gone.
"It's over," Erza said, offering him a hand.
"For now," Ethan replied, taking her hand and standing. "Let's get back to the others."
---
Reflections
Back in town, the villagers cheered as Ethan and his team returned. The danger had passed, and the forest was beginning to feel like itself again.
Tsunade crossed her arms, smirking. "Not bad, kid. You're starting to get the hang of this."
Ino nodded, though her expression was pensive. "But the Rift's energy was stronger here. We'll need to be ready for more intense battles."
Hinata smiled softly. "We'll face it together."
Ethan looked at his team, his resolve strengthening. "We're not just fighting the Rift. We're fighting for these worlds. And as long as we stand together, we'll win."
---
The Rift's Whisper
That night, as Ethan lay awake, the system spoke.
> "New data acquired: Rift activity intensifies with proximity to core anomalies. World-specific patterns detected."
Ethan frowned. "Patterns? What does that mean?"
> "Further analysis required. For now, prepare for increased challenges. The next anomaly lies deeper in this world."
Ethan closed his eyes, his mind racing with thoughts of the battles to come. The Rift wasn't just an enemy—it was a puzzle, and each fight brought him closer to solving it.
End of Chapter 10