I Awaken the Forge of Dimensions

The rift's closure left an uneasy stillness over the valley, as if the world itself was holding its breath. Ethan stood amid the ruins of the crystalline spires, the glow of his gauntlet dimming as exhaustion crept through his limbs. Kael examined the fractured ground, their silver eyes scanning for remnants of the rift's energy.

"Something's not right," Kael murmured, their tone grave. "The rift closed too easily. It's almost as if…"

Ethan wiped sweat from his brow, his curiosity piqued despite his weariness. "As if what?"

Kael's gaze remained fixed on the ground. "As if it was a distraction."

Before Ethan could respond, a low, resonant hum filled the air. He turned sharply, his instincts screaming a warning. Emerging from the shadows of the valley was a figure cloaked in black armor, its surface etched with glowing crimson runes. The figure moved with calculated precision, their presence exuding an aura of authority and menace.

Kael stiffened, their voice low. "Zeyra's emissary."

Ethan's grip tightened on the gauntlet. "Zeyra? Who's that?"

Kael's eyes narrowed. "A Rank 4 Wielder. One of the most powerful beings tied to the dimensions. Zeyra's forces seek to control the rifts, bending them to her will. If her emissary is here, it means she's taken notice of us."

The emissary stopped a few paces away, their voice smooth and mocking. "So, this is the new Wielder the Forge has chosen. You're… underwhelming."

Ethan took a step forward, his exhaustion forgotten as adrenaline surged through him. "And you are?"

The emissary inclined their head slightly. "Call me Vyros. I serve Zeyra, who has tasked me with assessing the latest anomaly in the rift network. Imagine my surprise when I found you—a novice playing with powers you don't understand."

Ethan bristled at the insult but held his ground. "I don't care who you work for. If Zeyra wants to use the rifts to destroy this world, she'll have to go through me."

Vyros chuckled, the sound cold and hollow. "Brave words, but bravery without power is meaningless. Let me show you what true mastery looks like."

The air around Vyros crackled as crimson constructs formed, jagged and angular. Blades hovered in the air, their edges gleaming with malevolent energy. Ethan raised his gauntlet, summoning a shield and a blade of his own, the emerald constructs glowing brightly in defiance.

"Ethan, be careful!" Kael warned, their hands glowing with silver energy as they prepared to support him.

Vyros struck first, the crimson blades slicing through the air with alarming speed. Ethan barely managed to block the initial assault, his shield absorbing the brunt of the impact. The force sent him skidding backward, his boots digging into the ground.

"You're slow," Vyros sneered, summoning more blades. They flew at Ethan in rapid succession, forcing him to dodge and parry with desperate precision.

Ethan gritted his teeth, frustration mounting as he struggled to keep up. Each strike tested his endurance, the gauntlet's glow flickering under the strain. He needed an opening, a way to turn the tide.

Kael stepped forward, their silver energy coalescing into a barrier that deflected a volley of blades. "Ethan, focus! Use your emotions! Channel them into the Forge!"

Ethan took a deep breath, centering himself. The frustration and fear melted away, replaced by determination. He reached deep into the energy of the Forge, letting it flow through him unimpeded. The gauntlet's light flared, and his blade transformed, elongating into a spear that radiated with power.

With a burst of speed, Ethan closed the distance between himself and Vyros. He dodged the incoming blades with newfound agility, his movements precise and fluid. The spear struck true, grazing Vyros's armor and leaving a crack in the crimson plating.

Vyros staggered, their mocking demeanor replaced by irritation. "So, the Forge has taught you a few tricks. Impressive… but not enough."

They raised their hands, and the ground beneath Ethan's feet erupted with spikes of crimson energy. He leaped back, barely avoiding the attack, but Vyros pressed on, their constructs relentless.

Kael unleashed a barrage of silver energy, forcing Vyros to divert their focus. "Ethan, now!" they shouted.

Seizing the opportunity, Ethan channeled every ounce of energy into his spear. The construct grew larger and brighter, its edges crackling with raw power. He hurled it with all his strength, the weapon streaking through the air like a comet. It struck Vyros squarely in the chest, the impact creating a shockwave that rippled through the valley.

Vyros was thrown backward, their armor splintering as they hit the ground. Smoke rose from the impact site, and for a moment, silence reigned.

Ethan approached cautiously, the gauntlet still glowing as he prepared for another attack. But Vyros remained on the ground, their form flickering like a distorted image.

"This isn't over," Vyros hissed, their voice strained. "Zeyra will not be denied. You'll see." With that, their form dissolved into fragments of crimson light, leaving only the faint hum of residual energy.

Kael stepped beside Ethan, their expression grim. "This was no ordinary encounter. Zeyra's attention is now fully on us. We'll need to be ready for whatever comes next."

Ethan nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then we'd better get stronger. If Zeyra wants a fight, she'll get one."

As they turned to leave the valley, Ethan couldn't shake the weight of Vyros's parting words. The shadow of Zeyra loomed larger than ever, and the stakes had never been higher.