The rain fell heavily, pattering against the streets of Shinzai as the thunderstorm raged in the sky above. Dark clouds loomed, casting shadows over the city as the wind howled through the trees. Despite the weather, Kael had stayed at Nova Tower for some important business, leaving Renzo, Maiya, and Jinsei to head home after their sparring session.
The trio had just finished a long and intense day of training. Kael, ever the diligent mentor, had pushed them hard, ensuring they were constantly improving. As they left the training grounds, their muscles sore but satisfied, the sky had suddenly turned dark, signaling the arrival of a fierce thunderstorm.
"Looks like we're walking in the rain," Renzo said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement despite the weather. At 11 years old, Renzo had already risen to the rank of 3rd Wielder, and his power was something to behold. He could handle the storm, but he wasn't as eager to face the elements as he was to face stronger opponents.
Maiya, still fresh from her sparring session, looked up at the darkening sky with a frown. "I don't mind it. I've always loved storms. It's like nature's way of showing its power."
Jinsei, who had been quiet for most of the walk, nodded. "True. But let's hope the storm doesn't get worse."
As they continued down the path, their footsteps were muffled by the heavy rain. The streets were eerily quiet, with most of the townspeople staying inside to escape the downpour. Despite the peacefulness of the night, something felt off to Renzo, as though the storm wasn't the only danger lurking in the shadows.
Suddenly, the sound of distant growling reached their ears, cutting through the noise of the storm. Renzo's instincts immediately kicked in. He looked to his left, then to his right, scanning their surroundings.
"Did you hear that?" Renzo asked, his voice serious.
Maiya's expression shifted from curiosity to alertness. "Yeah, I heard it too. What do you think it is?"
Before Jinsei could respond, the ground beneath them shook slightly, followed by the unmistakable sound of something large and powerful moving through the rain-soaked streets. The trio tensed, their hands instinctively going to their weapons, ready for whatever threat had emerged.
From the shadows, a massive beast emerged, its glowing eyes narrowing as it locked onto the group. The creature's enormous frame was coated in thick, matted fur, and its claws dripped with what appeared to be dark, corrosive energy. It was a Fracture Beast—one of the dangerous, corrupted creatures that had been terrorizing the lands.
Renzo's eyes narrowed, his body already shifting into a combat stance. "A Fracture Beast? In the middle of the city? This is bad."
Maiya looked at the creature, her gaze steady and determined. "We can handle this. Together."
Jinsei nodded, his hands crackling with energy. "Let's take it down."
Without wasting any more time, Renzo dashed forward, his movements swift and precise as he closed the distance between himself and the beast. With a single, fluid motion, he delivered a powerful strike to the creature's side, sending it reeling. But the beast wasn't finished—it growled and lashed out with its claws, aiming for Renzo.
Maiya was the next to react. With a burst of speed, she intercepted the beast's strike, using her agility to dodge its attack and strike back with her own. The energy surrounding her was powerful and controlled, a testament to the strength she had inherited from her father.
Jinsei, not one to be left out, summoned his power, using his ability to manipulate lightning to his advantage. Bolts of electricity shot from his hands, arcing through the rain-soaked air and striking the beast with incredible force. The creature howled in pain, stumbling backward as it tried to regroup.
Renzo's eyes locked onto the creature's weakened form. "Now, Maiya! Jinsei! Let's finish this!"
With a coordinated effort, the trio launched their final assault. Maiya dodged another swipe from the beast's claws, landing behind it. Jinsei used his lightning to temporarily stun the creature, and Renzo followed up with a devastating series of strikes, aiming for its vulnerable spots.
In a final burst of energy, the beast collapsed, its body disintegrating into nothingness as the storm continued to rage above them.
Breathing heavily, Renzo stood over the fallen creature, sweat dripping down his face. "That was too close. Are you two okay?"
Maiya wiped the rain from her brow, nodding. "I'm fine. But that thing was a lot stronger than I expected."
Jinsei grinned, his usual calm demeanor returning. "We make a good team. We should train together more often."
Renzo smiled, but there was a sense of unease in his eyes. "Yeah, but where did that thing come from? It's too close to the city for comfort."
The trio fell silent, their attention still focused on the remnants of the beast. The storm was now in full force, but there was no time to rest. They needed to get home, to regroup, and to prepare for whatever else might be coming. The appearance of the Fracture Beast was a sign—something bigger was coming, and it was up to the new generation of Wielders to stop it.
As they made their way home, the rain poured down even harder, the sound of the thunder echoing in the distance. The storm had only just begun, and the challenges they would face in the future were far from over.
They had to be ready.