The Eternal Strive

The Rift Guardian moved with terrifying speed, its energy-forged blade slicing through the air, leaving behind a trail of distorted space. Caden barely had time to react—he rolled to the side, feeling the force of the attack crack the ground where he once stood.

Seraphis leaped back, her golden flames igniting. "This thing's fast!"

Caden's All-Knowing Eye analyzed the Guardian's movements. Unlike the Riftborn Warlord, this entity wasn't just raw power—it was refined, precise, and calculated. Every movement had purpose. Every attack was designed to eliminate him.

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System Alert: Rift Guardian in Combat Mode!

Strength: ???

Defense: High

Weakness: Rift Core Stability

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Caden focused. If this thing was bound to the Rift's will, then its core had to be its weak point.

The Guardian raised its blade once more, Rift energy coiling around it like a storm, and then—it struck.

Caden lifted his hand, activating the Ring of Equilibrium. Order met Chaos in a violent clash, sending out a shockwave that rippled through the ruins.

The Guardian staggered slightly, its energy fluctuating, but it recovered too fast.

Seraphis took the opening, launching forward with a burst of speed, her flaming fist aimed straight at the Guardian's exposed chest.

Impact.

The flames exploded outward, but instead of breaking, the Guardian's armor absorbed the energy, redirecting it into its blade.

Seraphis's eyes widened. "Oh, that's just unfair."

The Guardian retaliated instantly, its blade arcing toward her.

Caden reacted without thinking. He extended his hand, channeling Rift Authority, and seized control of the Guardian's energy flow.

For a brief moment, the blade stopped mid-swing. The Guardian's form flickered as if struggling against an unseen force.

Now.

Caden's Ring of Equilibrium pulsed, and he channeled pure Order energy into a focused strike aimed directly at the Guardian's chest.

The impact sent cracks spreading across its Rift-infused armor. The Guardian stumbled back, its form now unstable.

Seraphis took the chance and unleashed a full-power flame burst, the golden energy piercing through the fractured core.

The Guardian let out a deep, echoing sound—not of pain, but of recognition.

Its glowing blue eyes dimmed as its body began to dissolve into the Rift itself.

Before vanishing, it spoke one final time.

"Balance… must endure."

Then, it was gone.

Caden exhaled, lowering his hand. The battle was over, but the meaning behind those words still lingered.

Seraphis brushed off her jacket. "Well, that was fun. What's next, Balance Boy?"

Caden looked toward the Shattered Spire, where the real answers awaited.

"We keep going."