Rain poured harder.
The soldiers aimed.
"Fire!"
Shots rang out.
Kai didn't move.
The bullets—energy—everything—
Stopped.
Mid-air.
The red glow in his eyes deepened.
"…I warned you," he said quietly.
With a slight movement of his hand—
Everything shot back.
Explosions.
Shouts.
Chaos.
Axel stepped back. "Kai… stop…"
Leo's voice was low. "He's not holding back anymore…"
Kai walked forward slowly.
Each step heavy.
Each step shaking the ground slightly.
A soldier tried to run.
Kai appeared in front of him instantly.
"…You don't get to run."
The air tightened.
The soldier dropped, unable to move.
Inside—
The Underlord's voice whispered.
"Let go… completely."
Kai's eyes flickered.
For a second—
Just a second—
He hesitated.
Then he clenched his fists.
"…No."
The power didn't disappear—
But it stabilized.
Kai turned away from the fallen soldiers.
Breathing heavy.
Still in control.
Axel walked up slowly. "…You good?"
Kai didn't answer immediately.
Then—
"…I'm trying."
The rain kept falling.
But something had changed.
Kai didn't lose himself this time.
He held the line.