Nightborn Evolution

Kairo and Lena left the underground arena through a back exit, avoiding the prying eyes of those still lingering from the fight. The streets outside were dimly lit, neon lights flickering from broken signs. The air smelled of damp concrete and oil, a reminder that they were still in the underbelly of the city.

Kairo's body ached from the fight with Malthus, but his mind was sharper than ever. The Kingpin's words still echoed in his head.

"Opportunities like this don't come twice."

"When you make enemies of people like me… you don't get second chances."

Lena nudged him with her elbow. "You're quiet."

Kairo exhaled. "Just thinking."

She smirked. "Thinking about how you just turned down one of the most powerful men in the underground?"

He shot her a look. "You think I made a mistake?"

Lena shrugged. "Not necessarily. But I do think things just got a whole lot harder for us."

Kairo already knew that. The Kingpin wouldn't let him walk away without consequences.

And sure enough—his system sent a notification.

[ New Threat Identified: The Eclipse Syndicate. ]

[ Status: Hostile. ]

His jaw tightened. That didn't take long.

The streets were quiet, too quiet. Even in the roughest parts of the city, there were usually people lurking—dealers, mercenaries, desperate fighters.

Tonight, though, it was as if the entire block had been cleared out.

Kairo's instincts screamed trap.

Lena noticed it too. "Something's wrong."

Before Kairo could respond, the shadows moved.

Figures emerged from alleys, rooftops, and doorways—at least a dozen men, all wearing the dark insignia of the Eclipse Syndicate.

"Damn," Lena muttered. "They don't waste time."

One of the men, a broad-shouldered thug with cybernetic implants, stepped forward. "You made a mistake, kid." His voice was rough, mechanical. "The boss doesn't like being turned down."

Kairo clenched his fists. "He should get used to it."

The thug chuckled. "Cocky. Let's see if you're still talking after we break you."

Without warning—they attacked.

Kairo ducked as the first attacker swung a metal pipe at his head.

CLANG!

The pipe smashed into a rusted street pole instead, sending sparks flying.

Kairo countered immediately, driving his fist into the attacker's ribs. His new Forsaken's Resilience ability made his body feel stronger, sturdier—his movements sharper.

Another attacker lunged with a knife. Kairo twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the blade before delivering a spinning kick to the side of the man's head.

CRACK!

The man crumpled.

Lena was holding her own as well. She moved like a shadow, weaving between enemies and striking with precision. A knife flashed in her hand, cutting down anyone who got too close.

But they were outnumbered.

And then—the big guy stepped in.

The cybernetic thug moved fast, faster than Kairo expected. Before he could react, a metal fist slammed into his chest.

BOOM!

Kairo was sent flying backward, crashing into a pile of crates.

Pain exploded through his body. His system flashed a warning.

[ Damage Critical. ]

The thug cracked his knuckles, his metal fingers gleaming. "Not so tough now, huh?"

Kairo gritted his teeth. He couldn't afford to go down now.

Not when he had just started his rise.

As the cybernetic thug charged again, Kairo's instincts kicked in.

He focused, activating his Adaptive Trait.

His vision sharpened. The thug's movements slowed in his perception. He could see it now—the slight delay in his steps, the gap in his defenses.

Kairo dodged at the last second, slipping under the thug's swing and driving his fist into the man's exposed side.

[ Weakness Exploited. Damage Increased. ]

The cybernetic thug staggered, coughing.

Kairo didn't let up. He followed with a brutal knee to the stomach, then an uppercut to the jaw.

The thug's head snapped back—then his massive body collapsed.

The other Syndicate members hesitated.

Lena grinned. "Looks like your boss needs better men."

The remaining enemies took one last look at Kairo, then fled into the night.

Kairo exhaled, his heart still pounding.

Lena nudged him. "That was insane. You keep fighting like this, and you might actually survive this mess."

Kairo wiped the sweat from his brow. "Might?"

Lena smirked. "I said might."

But inside, Kairo knew the truth.

This was just the beginning.

The Eclipse Syndicate wouldn't stop coming.

And if he wanted to survive, he needed to get stronger.

Fast.

As the adrenaline faded, Kairo checked his system.

[ New Skill Acquired: Combat Instincts. ]

[ Skill Effect: Increases reaction time and adaptability in battle. ]

Kairo smirked. Good.

But he needed more than just skills.

He needed weapons. Resources. Training.

He glanced at Lena. "I think it's time we find some allies."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Got someone in mind?"

Kairo nodded.

If he was going to survive this war, he couldn't do it alone.

It was time to start building a team.