Kaito tossed and turned in his sleep, his dreams consumed by a powerful vision. In it, he stood tall at the center of an arena, surrounded by an array of mighty beasts—creatures of all sizes, each glowing with an otherworldly light. A massive, golden dragon with scales that shimmered like the sun, a colossal lion made of pure energy, a dark, shadowy figure with eyes that burned like embers, and many others, all bound to him, all at his command.
He felt their power as if it was his own, their strength coursing through him like an unstoppable force. He raised his hand, and the beasts followed his every command without question. It was a feeling like no other—a connection that went beyond words, a bond that transcended the very nature of his existence.
But just as he was about to give an order to unleash their full power, the dream shifted. A voice broke through the sensation of power, soft and familiar.
"Kaito... Kaito, wake up!"
Kaito's eyes snapped open, and the dream shattered like glass. He blinked groggily, disoriented by the sudden shift from his vivid fantasy to reality. His room was bathed in the soft morning light, and standing beside his bed was his mother, her expression both warm and amused.
"Mom?" Kaito mumbled, rubbing his eyes. "What time is it?"
"It's already breakfast time, dear," his mother said, chuckling as she gently shook him. "Don't tell me you overslept again?"
Kaito groaned, running a hand through his disheveled hair. He had been dreaming so vividly about his beasts that it had almost felt real. "Guess I got a little lost in my dreams."
"Well, breakfast is ready. Get yourself together, and we'll talk about your plans for today," his mother added before walking out of the room to give him some space.
Kaito took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream. So many beasts under my control... The idea still had him fired up. If that was a glimpse of what he could accomplish, then his future was even more promising than he had imagined. But for now, there was something else he had to focus on.
He quickly dressed, ate breakfast with his family, and prepared to leave for the Academy. As he stepped out the door, the streets were busy as usual, filled with people coming and going. But as Kaito walked down the road toward the Academy, he began to notice the whispers. Conversations fell silent as he passed by. Eyes turned in his direction, followed by hushed murmurs.
"Isn't that Kaito Yamada? The one who defeated the Shadow Caster?"
"Did you hear? His power... it's growing every day."
"Some say he's already at a level where he could challenge the higher rifts. Wonder if he's planning something big."
Kaito sighed. This was becoming a bit much. Ever since his defeat of the Shadow Caster, his name had been spreading like wildfire. There was no escaping it now. People were talking about him—some in awe, some in fear—but it was clear that the pressure was mounting. Everyone seemed to expect something from him.
But Kaito wasn't concerned with their expectations. He had a bigger challenge ahead.
Arriving at the Academy, Kaito made his way toward the Headmaster's office. The tall, imposing building loomed in front of him, its spires touching the sky. As he stepped through the large wooden doors, the familiar atmosphere of the Academy enveloped him—a place of both peace and power.
Inside, Taro was already waiting. He stood by the windowsill, arms crossed, as if he had been expecting Kaito. Upon seeing him, he offered a respectful nod.
"Good morning, Kaito. I trust you're ready for what's coming?" Taro said with a small smile.
Kaito nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be."
They both turned toward the Headmaster's desk, where Master Haruto sat with his usual calm demeanor. His long white beard and sharp gaze gave him an air of ancient wisdom, but there was something more today—a certain gravitas that Kaito hadn't seen before.
"Ah, Kaito," Haruto greeted him with a soft smile. "I trust your preparations are complete?"
Kaito nodded again, his resolve hardening. "Yes, Headmaster. I'm ready for whatever comes."
Haruto stood up, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of approval and something else—something deeper. He reached down and opened a small box on his desk, revealing a beautiful, shimmering butterfly, its wings glowing with an ethereal, iridescent light.
"This," Haruto said, gently lifting the butterfly into the air, "is my space beast. It is called Mirage. Watch closely."
The butterfly's wings fluttered, sending out a soft, melodic hum. As it did, a dimensional rift opened up in the air before them. It was as though the very fabric of space had torn open, revealing a shimmering portal that pulsed with a faint, otherworldly light.
Kaito's eyes widened as he took a cautious step forward, his heart racing with excitement. This was it. This was the rift that Master Haruto had mentioned.
"Go ahead," Haruto said, gesturing toward the portal. "This rift will test you. But if you succeed, it will provide you with immense rewards. Follow the path and meet me at the other side. Remember, you must challenge each floor to move forward. I will be waiting for you."
Kaito took a deep breath and stepped forward into the glowing portal, his pulse quickening. Taro followed behind him, and together, they were swallowed by the light.
As they emerged from the rift, they found themselves in a vast, sprawling chamber. The air was thick with energy, and the floor was made of dark stone, engraved with strange symbols that seemed to pulse with life. In front of them stood a massive, ornate door, its surface covered in intricate carvings of mythical beasts and celestial symbols.
"Welcome to the Rift," Haruto's voice echoed in Kaito's mind. "This is the first of six floors. Each one will test you in different ways. To reach the final floor, you must defeat the challenges and the monsters that guard each one."
Kaito's eyes were drawn to the massive door. The power emanating from it felt intense, but he wasn't afraid. He had faced worse before, and now, with his Celestial Fox by his side, he felt like he was ready for anything.
"The rumors speak of great treasure on the sixth floor," Haruto continued, his voice steady. "Many have reached the third floor, but no one has ever gotten beyond that. The challenges grow tougher with each step, and the rewards become greater. Some students, after defeating the third floor, received high-tier equipment—Star Rank 5. It's said that the sixth floor holds treasures beyond imagination, but no one has ever reached it."
Kaito's mind raced. Star Rank 5... equipment that powerful? The thought of such treasures was enough to make his heart pound in his chest.
"The Rift has its own system," Haruto explained. "It keeps track of your progress, records your battles, and distributes rewards after each floor is cleared. But remember, you are not the only one here. Others will be watching, and the Rift will test you in ways you cannot predict. Only those truly worthy will make it to the top."
With that, Haruto stepped back, gesturing for Kaito to move forward. "Go ahead. Challenge the first floor. Show me what you're capable of."
Kaito nodded, his determination flaring. He had no intention of stopping until he reached the top. With his Celestial Fox and whatever else he could summon, he would face each floor head-on. And maybe, just maybe, he would be the first to reach the sixth.