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Early Allies and Threats

Kael and Lyra ducked into a narrow alley, the glow of his suit's energy casting jagged shadows on the walls. The monsters had dispersed for now, but he knew they would return. The city was crawling with dangers, and survival depended on awareness, speed, and strength.

As they moved, Kael noticed figures emerging from the shadows. Not monsters, but other humans. Some were scavengers like him, others looked stronger, organized, almost like hunters. Kael tensed, instinctively stepping in front of Lyra.

A young man approached, his movements calculated and smooth. He had a leather coat patched with metal plates and a short blade strapped to his waist. "You two look new," he said, his voice low and cautious. "Be careful around here. Not everyone survives the night."

Kael's gaze flicked to Lyra. "We're fine," he said, though he wasn't sure himself. "Just, passing through."

The man nodded but didn't lower his eyes. "Word spreads fast. Watch the streets. Watch the towers. And trust no one." He melted back into the shadows before Kael could respond.

Lyra tugged at his sleeve. "Kael, do you think he's dangerous?"

Kael shook his head. "Not exactly. But he knows things we don't. That counts as a threat and a potential ally at the same time."

They continued down the alley, moving carefully. Kael's mind raced with calculations. The System panels were flickering as he walked, small numbers rising and falling. Even minor movements, dodging debris, balancing on rubble, added tiny increments to his stats. The city itself had become a training ground.

Further ahead, they encountered a group of children scavenging for scraps. Lyra hesitated, then stepped forward. "Here, take this," she said, handing over a piece of dried food. The children looked at her in shock, then greedily accepted it.

Kael noticed the System logs popping up as they interacted. Charisma +1. Luck +2. Even simple acts of kindness had measurable effects.

But the glow of the circle at his neck reminded him that danger was never far. He had survived monsters, but humans, organized, armed, and cunning, posed a different challenge. Allies could help, but enemies could end everything he had built.

The city whispered around them, alive with hidden threats and unseen opportunities. Kael clenched his fists, feeling the hum of power from the suit and the static circle at his neck. He had the advantage, and he intended to use it.

The night was just beginning, and Kael Ardyn was ready to face whatever came next.

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