The crack in the sky opened wider.
It didn't make a sound.
But Takeshi felt it—like his chest got tight, like something heavy was pressing on his skin.
Rei took a step back.
> "It's coming."
Takeshi tried to stand, but his legs were shaky.
The ground under him felt soft, like it might fall apart.
---
From the crack, a shape dropped down.
Long arms.
Too many legs.
No face.
Just smooth skin stretched over bone.
It hit the ground without a sound.
Stood still.
Sniffed the air.
Like it was looking for something.
No—someone.
---
Takeshi stepped back.
The Drift mark on his hand lit up again, but weaker this time.
He clenched his fist.
His head buzzed.
> "Can you fight again?" Rei asked.
> "I don't know."
> "Then run."
---
The thing turned its head.
Or at least, where its head should be.
It sniffed once.
Then charged.
---
Takeshi jumped aside.
Barely missed.
The thing tore through the ground like paper.
Rei raised his hand.
A white ring spun around him—slow and quiet.
The monster stopped.
It twitched.
Shivered.
Then turned to Rei.
---
Rei didn't move.
He just stared.
The ring around him got smaller.
Tighter.
Like it was pulling something in.
The thing screamed.
No mouth. No eyes. Still, it screamed.
---
Takeshi covered his ears.
The sky above shook.
The ground cracked open.
And just like that…
The thing vanished.
Gone.
---
Rei fell to one knee.
Breathing hard.
> "What was that?" Takeshi asked.
> "A Caller," Rei said. "It opens paths that should stay closed."
> "Why did it come here?"
Rei looked up at the sky.
The crack was still there.
Growing.
> "Because something wants you."
---
Takeshi felt cold.
Not from the wind.
But from what he knew deep down.
That thing…
Was just the first.
---
End of Chapter 15.