The Eternal Strive

The wilderness stretched before them, an expanse of untamed land filled with jagged cliffs, dense forests, and ancient ruins long abandoned by civilization. Caden moved forward with purpose, but every step was a battle against the chaotic energy raging inside him.

Seraphis followed closely, her violet flames flickering around her fingers as she studied him. "You're barely keeping it together."

Caden exhaled sharply. "I don't need a reminder."

The instability within him was worsening. His All-Knowing Eye flickered erratically, his vision shifting between clarity and distortion. At times, he could see through the fabric of reality itself—past the physical world and into the layers of Strive energy that governed all existence.

But it was too much.

If he let his mind wander for even a second, the energy would surge, threatening to consume him.

---

System Alert: Rift Energy Stability Dropping!

Current Stability: 18% (Critical).

Imminent Risk: Energy Outburst.

---

Caden clenched his fists, forcing himself to keep moving.

Seraphis sighed. "At this rate, you're not going to make it to Eldros. That energy inside you is looking for a way out."

He knew she was right. If he lost control here, the power would explode outward, and there was no telling what it would do to the land—or to himself.

They needed a solution. Fast.

After a moment, Seraphis smirked. "I have an idea."

Caden shot her a wary look. "I don't like the sound of that."

She raised a brow. "You'd rather implode?"

He sighed. "What's your plan?"

Seraphis extended her hand. "Let me take some of it."

Caden's eyes narrowed. "You want to absorb Riftborn energy?"

She grinned. "I live off chaos. Unlike Valerius and his precious Order, I don't reject instability—I embrace it."

Caden hesitated. Trusting Seraphis was dangerous. But if she could siphon even a fraction of this power, it might buy him time.

---

System Decision: Transfer Partial Rift Energy?

Yes (Risk: Shared Instability)

No (Risk: Imminent Energy Surge)

---

Caden exhaled. "…Fine. But if this kills you, don't blame me."

Seraphis chuckled. "I like a little risk."

She placed a hand on his chest, and immediately, a surge of dark energy shot between them.

Caden gritted his teeth as the unstable force shifted, flowing into Seraphis's body. For a brief moment, he felt some of the overwhelming burden lift.

Seraphis shuddered, her eyes glowing with violet light. "Now this is interesting."

She stumbled slightly, gripping her head as the chaotic energy coursed through her veins. But then, she steadied herself, exhaling slowly. "…I can handle this."

Caden felt his body stabilize slightly. His System Alert flashed.

---

System Update: Rift Energy Stabilization Improved!

Current Stability: 32%.

Shared Instability with Seraphis.

---

It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to keep moving.

Caden nodded. "Let's go."

Together, they pressed on toward the Ruins of Eldros, where the answers—and possibly his salvation—awaited.