The next morning, the sky over Ironveil was pale and streaked with gold when Stephen stood at the rift gates.
Before him shimmered a vast wall of translucent blue energy — a Training Rift, its surface rippling like disturbed water. Runes etched into the steel archway pulsed faintly, regulating the flow of transcendent energy leaking from within.
A group of other novices gathered near the gate — six in total. Their clothes and weapons varied, but the determination in their eyes was the same.
A Federation guide stood at the front, his calm voice cutting through the chatter."Inside, you'll face beasts between Level 6 and Level 10. Remember — this rift is monitored, but don't take that as a safety net. You can still die if you let your guard down. Hunt in pairs or small groups, and only take what you can handle."
Stephen adjusted his light sword and nodded silently. His level had crept up to eight after a week of rigorous training, but it wasn't enough. He needed at least two more levels to qualify — and fast.
The guide's hand swept downward. "Enter."
The air rippled, and the group stepped through.
Inside, the world shifted. The scent of damp earth filled Stephen's lungs as he emerged into a dense, fog-shrouded forest. Faint blue light filtered through the leaves, giving everything an otherworldly glow. The air buzzed faintly with transcendent energy — thicker than anything he'd felt before.
"Stick together," someone said behind him.
Stephen nodded and moved ahead cautiously. They'd agreed to split into pairs; he was teamed with a quiet boy named Rian, who carried a long spear and rarely spoke.
Their first battle came sooner than expected — a low growl rolled through the mist, followed by the sound of snapping branches. A Rift Wolf, its body wreathed in faint gray energy, lunged out of the underbrush.
Stephen reacted instantly, drawing his blade in one smooth motion. The wolf was fast — too fast — but he met its claws with a clean, ringing parry. The impact jarred his arms, but he held his stance.
"Flank it!" Rian shouted.
Stephen shifted left, ducking under a swipe and driving his blade into the wolf's side. A burst of transcendent energy flared, and the beast let out a strangled howl before collapsing into shimmering motes.
A faint blue crystal core clinked against the ground.
"Good work," Rian said simply, picking it up and tossing it to him. "You got the kill."
Stephen caught it, feeling the faint pulse of energy radiating through the crystal. The Azure Sparrow within him stirred restlessly, as if sensing it. He tucked the crystal into his pouch — there'd be time to refine it later.
They continued deeper into the forest.Hours passed. The beasts grew stronger, the air thicker. Stephen's body ached, but he pushed through, refining energy between battles to keep himself sharp.
When the group decided to rest near a stream, Stephen wandered a little ahead, scanning the undergrowth for movement — and that's when he felt it.
A sudden drop in temperature.The forest went quiet.
From the shadows emerged a Rift Panther — larger, faster, and far deadlier than anything they'd faced so far. Its eyes glowed a baleful crimson, muscles rippling beneath dark fur. It was at least Level 10.
Stephen barely had time to raise his sword before it lunged.The impact sent him flying back against a tree, his ribs screaming in pain. His vision blurred. The beast prowled toward him, low and silent, its killing intent tangible.
He tried to move — couldn't. His limbs felt heavy. His heart pounded wildly.
Am I going to die here…?
The panther sprang.And then —
A blinding blue flare erupted within his soul sea.The Azure Sparrow spread its wings, a faint halo of azure light rippling through his veins. The next instant, a translucent barrier shimmered around him. The beast's claws struck it — and rebounded with a deafening crack.
The backlash sent Stephen rolling through the dirt, but the blow didn't land. His sword fell beside him, and with the last of his strength, he grasped it and slashed upward.
Light flared — clean, sharp, radiant.The blade cut across the panther's chest, slicing through its core. The creature staggered, letting out a low snarl before dissolving into mist.
Breathing hard, Stephen dropped to one knee, chest heaving. His vision swam, his hands shaking uncontrollably.
When he looked down, a crimson crystal core the size of his fist glimmered faintly beside the beast's remains.
The Azure Sparrow pulsed again — faint but insistent — as if hungering for it.
Stephen clenched his teeth. "Not here… not yet."He slipped the core into his pouch and pressed a trembling hand against his ribs. The pain was deep, but he was alive. Barely.
Somewhere in the distance, Rian's voice echoed, calling his name.
Stephen exhaled shakily, forcing a tired smile."Guess that's what Father meant by the edge of death…"
Above him, through the break in the canopy, a streak of light shimmered — like a tiny blue feather drifting across the sky.