The fourth rogue stood in Riku's path like an immovable boulder. He was tall, armored head to toe in glimmering crimson Essence plating that pulsed like a living heartbeat. A massive greatshield rested on his back, and his aura radiated pressure heavy enough to make nearby buildings creak.
Name: Kazar Vale
Essence Type: Crimson Bastion – a defensive Essence that absorbs kinetic energy and converts it into raw power.
Riku narrowed his eyes. "You're not just strong… you're built to outlast wars."
Kazar didn't smile, didn't speak. He simply pulled the greatshield from his back and planted it into the ground with a metallic boom. The street cracked beneath his stance.
BOOM. Riku shot forward, aiming a quick strike to test Kazar's guard — but the moment his fist hit the shield, a red pulse surged outward and flung Riku backward like a ragdoll.
Riku skid across the street, flipping upright mid-slide.
"Okay… definitely stronger than the last three."
Kazar charged, surprisingly fast for his size. He slammed the shield down in a wide arc, forcing Riku to jump back. The ground cratered under the weight of each strike, like a meteor hammer slamming into the earth.
Riku used clones to distract and probe Kazar's weak points, but every blow seemed to only strengthen the rogue further.
"Every hit you land feeds my core," Kazar said at last, his voice like steel grinding on stone. "Soon, I'll send that power back tenfold."
Riku clenched his fists, his body glowing faintly with suppressed energy.
"Then I'll stop holding back."
They clashed again — fist to shield, wave to wall — and the night sky echoed with the force of their battle.
Neither side gave ground.