The city lights burned brighter tonight.
But Blaine's eyes—
Were colder.
He walked through the same street.
Same place.
Where it had happened.
Where he lost.
"…"
The memory was still clear.
The impact.
The difference.
The gap.
Strength: 6 vs 9
But now—
Things were different.
The system flickered.
[Strength: 10]
Stronger.
Enough.
Blaine stopped.
And waited.
Because he knew—
Kade would come.
And just as expected—
"…you actually came back."
A voice echoed from behind.
Blaine didn't turn.
Didn't need to.
"…"
Kade stepped forward.
Hands in his pockets.
Casual.
But his eyes—
Sharp.
Focused.
Then—
He paused.
"…huh."
A faint smirk appeared.
"You grew."
"…"
Blaine finally turned.
Their eyes met.
This time—
No hesitation.
No weakness.
Only intent.
Kade laughed softly.
"…I like it."
Then—
He stepped forward.
The air grew tense.
"Heh… show me."
And just like that—
He attacked.
Fast.
But—
Blaine moved.
Faster.
He dodged effortlessly—
Then countered.
BANG.
Their fists collided.
But this time—
No one moved.
Kade's smile widened.
"…now this is interesting."
The fight exploded.
Speed.
Power.
Precision.
Every strike—
Deadly.
But this time—
Blaine wasn't overwhelmed.
He matched it.
Blow for blow.
Movement for movement.
Even—
Surpassing.
Kade attacked—
Blaine read it.
Dodged—
And struck.
CRACK.
A clean hit.
Kade staggered.
"…!"
Surprise flashed across his face.
But only for a second.
Then—
He grinned.
"Good."
The fight intensified.
Kade pushed harder.
Faster.
Stronger.
But Blaine—
Adapted.
Every second.
Every exchange.
He improved.
Then—
The moment came.
A gap.
A mistake.
Kade overextended.
Just slightly.
But that was enough.
Blaine stepped in—
And struck.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
BOOM.
Kade was sent crashing into the ground.
Silence.
Heavy.
Still.
Dust filled the air.
Then—
Kade laughed.
"…hahaha…"
Slowly—
He stood up.
Blood at the corner of his mouth.
But smiling.
"…you actually did it."
"…"
Blaine didn't speak.
Didn't celebrate.
Because this—
Was expected.
Kade wiped the blood away.
"…guess I lost."
A pause.
Then—
He looked at Blaine seriously.
"For now."
The tension returned instantly.
"…"
Blaine's eyes narrowed slightly.
Kade chuckled.
"Relax."
"If I wanted to kill you…"
"I would've done it earlier."
A lie?
Maybe.
But Blaine didn't care.
Because one thing was clear—
This wasn't over.
Kade turned away.
"…you've got potential."
Then—
He stopped.
Without turning back—
"There's a place."
"A real hunting ground."
Blaine stayed silent.
Listening.
"Underground."
"Stronger enemies."
"Higher rewards."
"…you interested?"
A pause.
Then—
Blaine spoke.
"…where?"
Kade smirked.
"Thought so."
He pointed toward the distance.
"Sector 9."
Then—
He walked away.
Disappearing into the city.
Silence returned.
Blaine stood there.
Thinking.
Analyzing.
A new place.
Stronger enemies.
More growth.
Exactly what he needed.
The system flickered again.
Waiting.
As always.
Blaine turned.
Walking toward the direction Kade pointed.
Because now—
The hunt was evolving.