Rin couldn't shake the strange feeling that had settled in his chest ever since the encounter. Every shadow seemed alive, whispering secrets just beyond his hearing. That night, he stayed awake, staring at the dark corners of his room, wondering if what he felt was real or just his imagination.
The next day at school, whispers spread like wildfire — another Veil Rift had appeared, this time in the industrial district. The Hunter squads were already mobilizing, but rumors said this one was different: bigger, more dangerous.
Rin's curiosity gnawed at him. Despite the warnings, he found himself slipping away from the crowded streets, drawn toward the danger.
As he neared the Rift, the air grew thick with tension. Shadows flickered unnaturally, twisting around the edges of the crack like living smoke. Then, creatures burst forth — hulking beasts with eyes glowing like embers.
Rin's heart hammered, but this time, he didn't run.
Instinct took over. As a beast lunged at him, Rin's hands shot out, and a swirling shadow wrapped around his fist. The energy surged through him, stronger and fiercer than before.
He struck the beast, and as it dissolved into a wisp of darkness, Rin felt something incredible: the shadow inside him grew warmer, stronger.
His journey from powerless student to Shadowbound warrior had truly begun.