The first true Void rift opened above the sky of Aetherion, tearing the clouds into jagged shards of black energy. From it poured creatures of pure shadow, more intelligent and powerful than any Kairo, Ryo, and Ayla had faced before. Their forms twisted reality itself—hands became spikes, eyes floated independently, and their very presence caused fear to manifest as physical attacks.
Kairo gripped the Ember, feeling it vibrate violently, resonating with the chaos. "We need to hold the rift until the Celestial Council can stabilize it," he said. Ryo and Ayla nodded, and they dove into the fray.
The battle pushed them to their limits. Ryo's celestial-infused strikes shattered entire columns of shadow, Ayla moved between dimensions to flank enemies, and Kairo bent time and space with the Ember, redirecting attacks and creating energy barriers.
Amid the chaos, a Voidborne general emerged—a towering entity with eyes like black suns. It challenged Kairo directly, whispering, "The Ember belongs to us. Surrender, or watch your world crumble."
Kairo's answer was silent but devastating. Channeling the Forge's power through the Ember, he struck a blow that resonated across the dimension, severing the general's connection to the rift. The remaining creatures faltered, giving the trio the upper hand.
Though victorious, Kairo felt the rift pulsing still, its energy unstable and growing. "This is only the beginning," he said grimly. "The real threat is coming."