The night air in the city reeked of smoke and iron. Rundan moved silently through the alleys, his black cloak fluttering behind him. The distant hum of drones patrolling overhead echoed through the metallic streets. He had memorized the patrol patterns—this was not his first infiltration.
After the incident at the market and his recovery at Nora's place, he couldn't remain in the shadows any longer. Rumors of a resistance cell meeting somewhere in District 9 reached his ears. If there was a real rebellion forming, he needed to be a part of it.
He pressed his back against a crumbling wall and peered around the corner. Two guards stood in front of a narrow door lit by a flickering red lantern.
"This is the place," he whispered to himself.
Without hesitation, Rundan moved. His feet glided across the ground like water, silent, graceful. The guards never saw him coming. A single twist, a sweep of the leg, and both men were unconscious on the ground. He caught one before he fell, lowering him gently to avoid a sound.
Inside, the air was heavy with tension. The room was dimly lit, filled with cloaked figures sitting in a circle. Maps, weapons, and old books were scattered on wooden tables.
"Who are you?" barked a voice from the shadows.
Rundan stepped forward, removing his hood. His crimson eyes caught the lantern light, glowing like fire.
"My name is Rundan. I've come to join the fight."
Whispers rippled through the room.
A tall woman with silver hair and a blade on her back stood up. "We've heard of you—the dancer who defeated the patrol squad in the southern quarter."
"That was just the beginning," Rundan said, his voice calm but firm. "I don't want to just fight. I want to change everything."
There was a long pause.
Then the woman smiled. "Then you've come to the right place."
Behind her, Nora stepped into the light, her expression proud and relieved. She had kept her involvement in the resistance secret, waiting for Rundan to be ready.
From that night on, the real journey began—not just against soldiers or tyrants, but against the lies and darkness that ruled their world.