The Eternal Strive

Caden's body trembled as the last remnants of the Riftborn's chaotic energy settled within him. His vision flickered—his All-Knowing Eye revealing the unstable force struggling against his control.

It's too much. If I don't refine this soon, it'll tear me apart.

The battlefield remained eerily silent. Warriors from both Order and Chaos watched him, expressions ranging from awe to fear. Even Valerius and Seraphis—two of the most powerful figures present—hesitated to approach.

Finally, Valerius broke the silence.

"What… have you become?"

Caden exhaled, steadying himself. He didn't have an answer.

---

System Alert: Unstable Rift Energy Contained!

Current Status: Volatile.

Refinement Required: Balance Core Awakening (Unknown Method).

Warning: If left unchecked, energy will either evolve or consume host.

---

His fingers clenched into fists. The Balance Core Awakening—he had never heard of it before. The system had guided him before, but this time, it offered no clear solution.

Before he could think further, Seraphis chuckled darkly, stepping forward. "You absorbed Riftborn energy and survived. Impressive. But now you're something entirely new."

Her violet eyes gleamed. "A being outside of Balance. Neither Order nor Chaos."

A murmur spread through the warriors.

Valerius's expression hardened. "That kind of power is dangerous. Unstable. You may have saved us today, but what happens when that energy takes control of you?"

Caden met his gaze. "Then I'll control it before that happens."

Valerius wasn't convinced. "And if you fail?"

Caden's grip on his blade tightened. He knew the unspoken truth. If he lost control, he wouldn't just become a threat—he'd become another Riftborn.

Seraphis smirked. "Either way, things just got more interesting."

A pulse of pain surged through Caden's body, forcing him to kneel. The chaotic energy within him flared, fighting against his very existence. He suppressed a grunt, sweat beading on his forehead.

I need to leave. Now.

If he stayed here any longer, the power inside him might lash out. And if it did, he had no doubt Valerius would strike him down before he could explain himself.

Seraphis tilted her head. "You're barely holding on, aren't you?"

Caden didn't respond. Instead, he forced himself to his feet and turned toward the exit.

Valerius stepped forward. "Where do you think you're going?"

Caden met his gaze once more. "To find a way to control this."

He didn't wait for permission.

With the last of his strength, he vanished into the ruins, leaving behind a battlefield filled with uncertainty, doubt—and fear.