The air around the Nexus Core was dense with tension, its fractured form pulsing with chaotic energy. Shadows danced erratically along the walls, casting eerie shapes that seemed to whisper unseen threats. Ayane gripped the crystal tightly, its glow a faint comfort against the oppressive atmosphere.

Ethan stood beside her, his posture tense. “You feel it too,” he murmured.

Ayane nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s like the Nexus itself is alive... and it knows we’re here.”

Dey, ever the pragmatic one, drew his blade and tested its weight. “Good. Let it come. I’ve got a few frustrations to work out.”

Ethan shot him a glare. “This isn’t a game, Dey. If we fail here—”

“Then we’re all toast,” Dey interrupted, his smirk unwavering. “Got it. But panicking won’t help either, boss.”

Before Ethan could retort, a sudden crack echoed through the chamber. A jagged tear appeared in the air behind them, oozing dark energy. The temperature plummeted, and an unnatural silence enveloped the room as a figure emerged from the rift.

The figure was cloaked in shadows, their form shifting and indistinct. But even through the darkness, their presence was undeniable—overwhelming, commanding, and suffused with malice.

“You dare tamper with the Nexus Core?” the figure said, their voice layered with overlapping tones, each one colder than the last.

Ethan stepped forward, his weapon raised. “Who are you?”

The figure took another step, the shadows peeling away to reveal a face that sent a chill down Ayane’s spine.

“Riven,” she whispered, her voice trembling with recognition.

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The man before them looked like Ethan—but not. His features were sharper, his posture more aggressive, and his eyes burned with an unnatural glow.

“Brother,” Riven said, his lips curving into a cruel smile. “It’s been too long.”

Ayane’s eyes darted to Ethan, whose usually calm demeanor was now rigid with tension. “Brother?”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Half-brother,” he corrected. “And a traitor.”

Riven chuckled, his laughter echoing through the chamber like a cruel melody. “Oh, Ethan. Is that any way to greet family? Especially after I’ve gone through so much trouble to find you.”

“Family doesn’t betray each other,” Ethan said coldly.

Riven’s smile faded, his expression darkening. “Family doesn’t abandon their own. Or did you conveniently forget that part?”

Dey stepped forward, his blade gleaming. “This is touching and all, but can we skip the sibling drama? That guy looks like trouble.”

Riven’s gaze shifted to Dey, his smile returning. “And who is this? The loyal sidekick? Tell me, does he know he’s expendable?”

Dey bristled, but Ayane placed a hand on his arm, silencing him. “Don’t let him bait you.”

Riven’s eyes locked onto Ayane, and his smile widened further. “Ah, the crystal bearer. How intriguing. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Ayane met his gaze steadily, refusing to back down. “Then you know I won’t let you stop us.”

“Stop you?” Riven laughed, a hollow, chilling sound. “Oh no, my dear. I want you to succeed. In fact, I’m counting on it.”

Ethan’s grip on his weapon tightened. “What are you planning, Riven?”

Riven gestured lazily toward the Nexus Core. “That thing you’re so desperate to fix? It’s beyond saving. The Nexus is collapsing, and all your efforts will only delay the inevitable.”

Ayane frowned. “You’re lying.”

“Am I?” Riven said, his tone mockingly gentle. “Think about it. Why would the Nexus fight you if it wasn’t already falling apart? It knows the truth, even if you refuse to see it.”

Ethan raised his blade, stepping forward. “Enough. If you think we’re going to let you walk away—”

Riven’s form dissolved into shadows, his voice lingering like a specter. “Walk away? Ethan, I’m already where I need to be. But don’t worry, I’ll be watching. Good luck, heroes.”

The shadows dissipated, leaving the room in uneasy silence.

Dey let out a low whistle. “Well, that was unsettling.”

Ethan ignored him, turning to Ayane. “Are you all right?”

She nodded, though her heart was pounding. “What did he mean about the Nexus collapsing?”

Ethan’s expression was unreadable. “I don’t know. But we can’t let his words shake us. We have a mission.”

Dey sheathed his blade with a dramatic sigh. “Sure, but maybe we should have a Plan B in case he’s not bluffing.”

“He’s bluffing,” Ethan said firmly, though his voice lacked its usual certainty.

Ayane stepped closer to the Core, the crystal in her hand glowing faintly. “Bluff or not, we’re here. We have to try.”

Ethan nodded. “Then let’s finish this.”

The group moved into position, the weight of Riven’s words heavy on their shoulders. As Ayane began to channel her energy into the Core, the chaotic hum around them grew louder, the light from the crystal intensifying.

But in the back of her mind, Ayane couldn’t shake the feeling that Riven was still watching, his presence lingering like a shadow.

And as the Core’s energy began to shift, stabilizing under their combined efforts, Ayane realized something terrifying.

This wasn’t the end.

It was just the beginning.