The training arena buzzed with energy. Echoes of fists hitting sandbags, beast-roars recorded in holographic simulations, and sparring grunts filled the air. Shelter Nine's core was more than a safe haven, it was a crucible.
Kael stood near the edge, arms folded, watching.
He was trying not to stand out, but it wasn't easy.
Even without using his Spiral, there was a strange pull to him now, subtle, but present. A few eyes drifted toward him here and there, lingering a second too long.
"New face?" a voice asked from beside him.
Kael turned.
A young man stood there, tall and built like a wall. Spiked brown hair, sharp green eyes, and a half-smile that danced between friendly and cocky.
"Name's Dren," he said, extending a hand. "First time in the Rift?"
Kael hesitated, then shook it. "Yeah. Just arrived."
Dren tilted his head, studying him. "You look like you've been through a war already."
"You could say that."
"Let me guess... Unranked?" Dren grinned. "Don't worry. Half of us start there. What matters is how fast you climb."
Before Kael could answer, another voice cut in a calm, clear tone:
"Climbing means nothing if you don't survive the fall."
A girl stood a few meters away, arms crossed. Sleek black combat suit, a long blade strapped to her back. Her eyes were pale silver, almost white. She moved like a shadow, quiet, but sharp.
"Riven, right?" she asked.
Kael blinked. "How do you know my name?"
She shrugged. "Aria mentioned you. Said you were... different."
Dren laughed. "That's one way to put it. This is Rae, by the way. Don't let the ghost look fool you, she's third-seat in our shelter's hunting group."
"Second now," Rae corrected. "After Sero died."
Dren winced. "Right."
Kael looked between them, unsure how to respond. "I don't know what I'm doing here."
Rae stepped closer. "No one does. That's what the Rift is for. It burns away the lies and leaves behind what you are."
Dren clapped him on the back. "Well, lucky for you, we're putting together a rookie patrol tomorrow. Escort job, just outside the main gates. You should come."
Kael hesitated. "I don't have gear. Or… clearance."
"We can help with that," Rae said. "If Aria vouched for you, that's enough."
Kael looked down at his wristband, the word Unknown still etched in his mind. For a moment, he wanted to say no, to hide, to stay under the radar.
But something inside him whispered:
"Go."
He nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll come."
Later, alone in his quarters, Kael sat on the edge of his bed.
The Riftspire was already testing him, not with monsters, but with people.
And somehow, that felt even more dangerous.
But… also familiar.
For the first time in a long while, he didn't feel entirely alone.
Maybe allies come before power.
Maybe trust… came before truth.
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End of Chapter 15 of volume 2