Jun slammed into the floor, the thud echoing throughout the chamber.

“Ouch.”

Jun clambered hastily back up, observing the area. A large, barren expanse surrounded him. Nothing; no structure, no person, no object in sight.

Jun glanced at his outstretched arms, which took the brunt of his fall. Not a bruise in sight. He didn’t feel any pain either.

“That’s…odd?”

Before Jun could ponder about his apparent invincibility, he felt a sensation he had never experienced before; neurons firing, signalling a sense of danger. Instinctively, Jun pulled back his right arm.

A blade whizzed past Jun, leaving a shallow cut on his forearm. Had he not retracted his arm, the blade would’ve likely penetrated it, especially at that speed.

“So you do have some level of proficiency at energy manipulation.” Horse’s voice boomed throughout the level.

“What was that!” Jun shouted, anxiously scanning his surroundings for more blades.

“Welcome to the second level of Hell, Jun. Also known as the Hell of Blades.”

“Okay, maybe a heads up the next time?”

“That is not the point of this level’s training. Rift energy manipulation is the core of every prowess, and being able to sense it is a very necessary part of it.” said Ox.

And then that same feeling hit Jun again. This time, the blade seemed to appear from behind. Jun darted to the left, tilting his body as the blade narrowly missed him.

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“Rift energy is essential in our field of combat. By understanding and perceiving the flow of Rift energy, Riftwalker combat will be much less daunting for you."

"Treat it as though you have been bestowed with a sixth sense."

"Ugh, okay." Jun muttered. The effects of utilising this so-called sixth sense was taxing on his mind.

Tiring as it was, Jun found this challenge interesting; unlike anything he had previously encountered.

The third blade manifested directly ahead of him. It carried much more speed than the previous one, Jun noted.

Jun raised his right hand, fixating his mind onto it. He imagined the flow of rift energy in his body, channelling it all into his palm. Just like how Ryan did back then.

“At this stage? Daring, isn't he?" Horse commented.

"Arrogant is what he is." Ox replied, as the pair watched from above.

The blade hurtled towards Jun, who now patiently yet nervously waited at the end of its flight path.

20 metres.

10 metres.

1 metre.

Jun steeled his breath, and crossed his index and middle finger.

“First Hell.”

Two tongues spiralled out from the ground, latching onto the blade and bringing it to a stop.

20 centimetres.

"Well, colour me surprised." said a shocked Ox.

Jun let out a relieved sigh.

“Is that it? Is this test over?” Jun shouted at his captors above.

An elevator rose up from the ground.

“Very much so. Good job.”

Jun got into the elevator hastily, wanting to avoid any more stray blades. The box whirred, sending Jun back up.

Ding!

“Congratulations! You’ve completed the first of many trials ahead of you.” Horse clapped.

“Now you have attained one more skill in your arsenal. Arguably, a much more useful and dangerous one. Be careful.” Ox warned.

“Send me outta here. I’m done for the day.” Jun shrugged and turned towards the exit; making his way towards yet another elevator.

“Before you leave…”

“Make it quick.” Jun quipped.

“The Bureau seems to have taken an interest in you. It would be in your best interests to join them and develop your skills.”

The people in the Chateau. Prowess users just like Jun. Maybe he’d find the answers to the countless questions in his mind there.

“…I’ll consider it. Seeya.”

The doors slammed shut.