The third rogue stood atop a crumbled radio tower, the wind howling around him like a mourning cry. He wore a fur-lined coat, wild silver hair flowing down his back, and sharp canines visible in a menacing grin. His name was Gekko — known among underground circles as the "Wolf Fang," a rogue who hunted Wielders for sport.
Riku arrived at the base of the tower, eyes narrowing as he felt the feral Essence radiating from above.
"Come down," Riku called calmly. "Or I'll bring you down."
Gekko laughed, leaping down with frightening speed and landing on all fours like a beast. He slowly rose, cracking his neck. "You're Riku, huh? The Soul Assimilator. I was hoping I'd get to sniff you out eventually."
Riku's stance shifted as Gekko charged, claws glowing with violet Essence. Their first clash sent a shockwave through the block, rubble exploding from the impact. Riku blocked a claw strike with his forearm, then ducked under a roundhouse kick and delivered a palm strike to Gekko's chest — but the rogue barely flinched.
"That tickled," Gekko snarled, Essence surging through his muscles. He swung again, faster, more vicious. Riku deflected two blows but the third grazed his side, tearing through fabric and skin.
He winced — "So that's how it is."
Gekko grinned wider. "I fight like a beast. No mercy, no hesitation. You? You hesitate."
Riku's eyes darkened. In a blink, he was behind Gekko, landing a spinning kick that sent the rogue crashing into a car. As Gekko rose, blood dripping from his lip, Riku called forth an Essence blade in his right hand — jagged, pulsing with blue light.
"I don't hesitate," Riku said coolly. "I analyze."
They collided again, sparks flying as blade met claw, and the sounds of their battle echoed through the ruined streets.