Nightborn Evolution

Kairo sat in the back of the classroom, barely paying attention as Instructor Harlow continued his lecture. The topic today was the Evolutionary Wars—a history lesson about humanity's struggle against the vampires and how only the strongest survived.

"...As you all know, the first war against vampires nearly wiped out entire cities," Harlow said, his stern voice carrying across the room. "It wasn't until the discovery of Relic Arms—weapons infused with supernatural power—that humanity was able to fight back on equal ground."

Kairo glanced around. Most of the students were listening intently, especially those from military families. For them, this was more than just history—it was preparation for their futures.

"For centuries, humanity has fought to reclaim its place in this world," Harlow continued. "But strength… strength is what determines everything. Without power, without evolution, you are nothing but prey in the eyes of the strong."

Kairo tensed. That last sentence echoed the words he had heard his whole life.

Without power, you are nothing.

He shifted in his seat, eyes drifting to Damon Graves, who was sitting at the front. Damon was the perfect example of what this world valued—strong, talented, and well-connected. Someone like him had his future already laid out.

Kairo, on the other hand, had nothing.

The cafeteria was buzzing with activity. Students sat in their usual groups, discussing combat techniques, upcoming tournaments, and military recruitment.

Kairo grabbed his food and found an empty table in the corner. He wasn't in the mood to deal with anyone today.

But, of course, fate had other plans.

Damon and his group walked past, snickering as they noticed Kairo.

"Still sitting alone, huh?" Damon smirked. "Guess weaklings don't make many friends."

Kairo ignored him, focusing on his food.

"Or maybe," Damon continued, "you're just waiting for someone to save you again. Like that little stunt Sienna pulled earlier."

Kairo clenched his fists but stayed silent. There was no point in fighting back.

Damon scoffed. "Pathetic." With that, he walked away, laughing with his friends.

Kairo let out a slow breath, forcing himself to calm down.

This was his life. Every single day, he was reminded of how powerless he was.

And deep down, he hated it.

Blackridge wasn't the safest city, especially for those without strength. The lower districts were filled with crime syndicates and rogue Nightborns—those who had evolved beyond human limits but lived outside the law.

Kairo took his usual route home, keeping his head down as he walked past alleyways filled with graffiti and abandoned buildings. He wasn't scared, just cautious.

As he turned a corner, he heard a commotion up ahead.

His stomach twisted when he saw three men surrounding a young woman.

One of them, a tall man with a scar across his cheek, had a wicked grin. "Come on, sweetheart. No need to be difficult."

The girl backed away, fear in her eyes. Kairo recognized her—Lena Moreau, another student from his school.

Kairo's heart pounded. His instincts screamed at him to turn around and walk away. He wasn't a fighter. He couldn't do anything against people like this.

But then he saw the pure terror in Lena's expression.

And something inside him snapped.

"Hey!" Kairo shouted before he could stop himself.

The three men turned to him, their amused expressions making it clear they didn't see him as a threat.

Scarface chuckled. "Well, well. Look what we have here. Some kid trying to play hero?"

Kairo swallowed hard, his palms sweaty. He had no plan, no weapons, nothing.

But for once in his life, he refused to back down.

Scarface smirked. "You got guts, kid. Too bad that won't help you."

He took a step forward.

Kairo braced himself.

And then—

A sudden roar echoed through the alley, making the ground tremble.

Everyone froze as a massive shadow loomed overhead.

Kairo's breath caught in his throat.

Descending from the rooftops was a monstrous creature—a Voidborn, its body pulsing with unnatural energy.

The men who had been harassing Lena turned pale. "Shit—RUN!"

They bolted without hesitation, vanishing into the darkness.

But Kairo couldn't move. He was frozen in place, staring at the creature as it locked its glowing eyes onto him.

His heart pounded.

His instincts screamed.

And then—

A voice whispered in his mind.

[ Host detected… Initializing system activation… ]

Kairo's world went dark.