Lost In Chaos

Kaz sat through the lesson, half-listening as the professor droned on about the importance of crafting civil wear—basic tools, utensils, and even armour fashioned from salvaged materials. It was a survivalist skill meant to prepare initiates for prolonged exposure to the Rift, but at the moment, Kaz could hardly focus. His mind drifted, tangled in thoughts that seemed to layer upon themselves, never truly settling.

Time had started to blur together since arriving at the academy. The days bled into each other, and despite everything he had learned, he couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't moving fast enough. There was always something more to uncover, more mysteries lurking just beyond his reach.

One of those mysteries was the Scar Clan—or, rather, the lack of information surrounding them. To most, they didn't exist. It was as if they had been deliberately erased from public knowledge, and that was what made Kaz uneasy. A powerful clan shouldn't be hidden away like that. The more he searched for information, the more elusive they became, like a shadow that vanished the moment you turned to face it.

Then there was Axion. Officially, he was a nobody—just another initiate from an unknown clan. But Kaz knew better. The way Axion carried himself, the way he fought, the sheer presence he exuded… it was clear that he wasn't just some low-ranked initiate. If anything, he was stronger than Kaz wanted to admit. And what was even worse? He never even had to rely on his traits.

Kaz sighed internally, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. There was also Ryuma.

Lately, Ryuma had been acting… different. Distant.

It wasn't like before, when they were struggling to survive in the desert world. Back then, Ryuma had been reckless, sure, but not like this. Now, he was actively seeking out fights, challenging people over the smallest things. And it wasn't just for practice—he was crushing them. Humiliating them. Making enemies of people who would have otherwise been allies.

It was like he was craving power.

Why?

Kaz clenched his jaw. Not many initiates had been rifted into the desert world with them, and it was even less likely that the same group would be thrown into the next Rift together. But what if it did happen? What if he and Ryuma were the only ones there again?

Would they be forced to fight?

Kaz didn't like thinking about it, but Ryuma was powerful. He could conjure the ethereal lights of dragons, a technique that set him apart from every other initiate. If Kaz had to go up against him, the odds wouldn't be in his favor.

And then, of course, there was Axion.

That guy was too skilled. Too controlled. Too calm.

Kaz was certain Axion hadn't even used his full power yet.

Lost in thought, Kaz barely noticed when Ryuma suddenly shook him—violently.

His bones felt like they were about to shatter.

"Stop, you psycho!" Kaz hissed, shaking him off. "What do you want?"

Ryuma grinned, completely ignoring Kaz's irritation. "Have you heard? The Night Devil's next target is me. But I'm not gonna be a victim. I'll be ready for him."

Kaz's stomach twisted slightly.

The Night Devil.

His alter ego.

His other self.

For some reason, this second personality had decided to make a name for itself—challenging people, fighting them, stealing from them.

Kaz had no idea what his alter ego's goal was, but it was clear that it was becoming a real problem.

The professor suddenly shushed Ryuma, who stiffened in embarrassment.

"Shit, man," Ryuma muttered. "I forgot we were in class."

Kaz chuckled despite himself.

As much as Ryuma had changed, there were still moments like these where he felt like the same guy from before—the one Kaz had fought beside, survived with.

Still, the thought of his alter ego challenging Ryuma didn't sit well with him.

Was it really that reckless? Or did it have a plan?

One thing was clear—when his alter ego took over, all of his usual chaotic thoughts disappeared. The constant noise in his head, the restless energy—it all faded into clarity.

Was it because of the Chaos Counter?

The buildup of energy had to be doing something to his mind.

Kaz exhaled as the class finally ended.

He shoved his way through the crowded hallway, brushing past people without making eye contact. He wasn't in the mood for small talk.

Leaving the Rift had made one thing painfully obvious—he wasn't as strong as he thought.

Sure, he was more powerful than most initiates, but power wasn't everything. Strength without skill meant nothing. And while his abilities gave him an edge, his swordsmanship was still basic at best.

His alter ego, on the other hand…

For some reason, it could wield the Prosperous feature far better than he ever could.

Why?

Kaz didn't have an answer.

Maybe, with time, he would figure it out.

But for now, he would leave it in the shadows where it belonged.

He had bigger things to worry about.