The air felt… wrong.
Heavy.
Like something unseen was pressing down on everything.
Kael didn't move.
His eyes stayed locked on the figure standing in the doorway.
Calm. Still. Watching.
"…So it's true."
The stranger stepped forward, slow and deliberate.
The faint light from the generator revealed more of him now—
Dark coat. Clean. Not a scratch on it.
His presence alone felt… controlled. Dangerous.
Kael's fingers twitched.
Sparks danced across his skin.
"Who are you…?"
The man smiled faintly.
"I was hoping you'd ask."
Another step.
"But the better question is…"
His eyes sharpened.
"What are you?"
Kael's chest tightened.
Silence.
Then—
The man moved.
Fast.
Too fast.
Kael barely saw it—just a blur closing the distance instantly.
Instinct took over.
He raised his arm—
CRACK.
The impact sent him flying backward.
His body slammed into the wall, metal bending under the force.
Pain exploded through his ribs.
"Too slow."
The man stood where Kael had been a second ago.
Like he hadn't moved at all.
Kael coughed, forcing himself up.
"…You're not human either…"
The man tilted his head slightly.
"Of course not."
A pause.
Then—
"Did you really think you were the only one?"
Something inside Kael shifted.
Not alone.
That thought hit harder than the punch.
"Threat level: high."
Aetherion's voice echoed.
"Recommend immediate elimination."
Kael clenched his fists.
Sparks intensified.
"I don't even know what you are…"
The man smiled.
"Hunter."
The word landed like a blade.
"And you…"
His gaze locked onto Kael's chest.
"…are something very valuable."
The temperature dropped.
The air trembled.
"Come quietly."
Kael laughed weakly.
"Yeah… that's not happening."
The man sighed.
"Unfortunate."
Then—
He vanished.
Kael reacted instantly this time.
Electricity surged through his body.
He turned—
BOOM.
Their attacks collided.
The room shook violently.
Sparks exploded outward, lighting up the darkness.
Kael's eyes widened.
He was… keeping up.
Barely.
The man's smile grew.
"Interesting."
Pressure increased.
Strength. Speed.
Kael's arms trembled under the force.
"Let's see…"
The man leaned closer.
"…how long you last."
Kael gritted his teeth.
Electricity surged wildly now—stronger than before.
Unstable.
Dangerous.
"Energy spike detected."
Aetherion's voice cut in.
"Warning: loss of control imminent."
Kael's vision flickered.
The power inside him…
Was rising too fast.
The man noticed.
And smiled.
"Yes…"
"Show me."
The air cracked.
Light exploded from Kael's body.
And for the first time—
He stopped holding back.