Nightborn Evolution

The night air was thick with tension. The distant hum of city life carried on, oblivious to the battle that had just taken place in the shadows. Kairo wiped a streak of blood from his lip, his body still buzzing with energy. The fight had been a wake-up call. The Eclipse Syndicate wasn't going to let him walk away so easily.

Lena crouched beside him, catching her breath. "So… allies?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow. "I hope you have a plan, because pissing off the Eclipse Syndicate isn't exactly a solo act."

Kairo exhaled. "Yeah, I do. But it's risky."

Lena smirked. "Aren't they all?"

Kairo and Lena moved quickly through the back alleys, making their way toward one of the lesser-known underground hubs of the city—The Black Veil. It wasn't as notorious as the arena, but it was where mercenaries, rogue fighters, and those looking for work gathered.

If he was going to build a team, this was the place to start.

As they entered the dimly lit tavern hidden beneath an old warehouse, Kairo's senses sharpened. The air smelled of alcohol, sweat, and gun oil. Rough-looking men and women occupied the booths, discussing deals, selling black-market weapons, and whispering about bounties.

Lena nudged him. "See anyone worth recruiting?"

Kairo scanned the room. He wasn't just looking for strong fighters—he needed people he could trust, or at least control.

Then, he spotted them.

Three individuals stood out from the rest:

1. Rogan "The Ghost" – A former military scout turned bounty hunter. He had a reputation for getting in and out of places unseen, a perfect infiltration specialist. His stealth abilities and tactical mind could prove invaluable.

2. Juno "The Striker" – A brawler with enhanced cybernetic arms, built for close-quarters combat. She was known for taking down opponents twice her size and had a deep grudge against the Eclipse Syndicate. Her brute strength and personal vendetta could be useful.

3. Silas "The Whisper" – A rogue information broker. Unlike the others, Silas didn't fight—he sold secrets. If Kairo wanted to stay ahead of his enemies, this man could provide him with the intel he needed.

Lena followed his gaze. "Interesting picks," she murmured. "So who do we talk to first?"

Kairo didn't hesitate. "Let's start with Rogan."

Rogan sat alone in a booth, nursing a glass of something strong. His sharp blue eyes flicked toward them as they approached.

"You're the kid who fought in the underground arena," he said, his voice calm but assessing. "And the one who just pissed off the Eclipse Syndicate."

Kairo slid into the seat across from him. "News travels fast."

Rogan smirked. "In this business, it has to."

Lena leaned on the table. "We're putting together a team. We need someone with your skill set."

Rogan took a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass down. "And why would I join a dead man walking?"

Kairo met his gaze. "Because we're not just surviving. We're winning."

Rogan studied him for a long moment before chuckling. "Big words." Then he leaned forward. "I'll make you a deal. There's a job I've been meaning to do—dangerous, but worth it. If you help me pull it off, I'll consider joining."

Kairo exchanged a glance with Lena. It wasn't the simple 'yes' he was hoping for, but it was a start.

"What's the job?"

Rogan's smirk widened. "A heist."

Rogan laid out the details. He wanted to raid an Eclipse Syndicate transport—a weapons and resource shipment moving through the lower city. If they could pull it off, not only would they weaken the Syndicate, but they'd also gain valuable firepower.

Kairo's system flashed a notification.

[New Quest: Strike First]

- Objective: Steal the Eclipse Syndicate's supply shipment.

- Reward: Unlocked upon completion.

Lena whistled. "That's bold."

Kairo smirked. "Perfect."

He turned back to Rogan. "We're in."

Rogan nodded. "Then let's get to work."