The boy Kael saved sat on the ground, holding his side. His body was weak, but his eyes stayed on Kael.
"You're… not normal," he whispered.
Kael knelt down. "Can you stand?"
The boy nodded weakly. Kael helped him up.
"My name's Renz," the boy said. "I owe you my life."
"You don't owe me," Kael replied. "But if you don't want this to happen again, you need to be stronger."
Renz clenched his fists. "I tried… but I'm just weak. People like them control the streets. I can't fight back."
Kael looked at him. In his mind, he remembered the wars of his old world. Earth had no monsters, but it had gangs, crime, and people who needed protection.
"If you want strength," Kael said, "follow me."
Renz's eyes widened. "Follow… you?"
"Yes," Kael said firmly. "But promise me one thing—never betray those who trust you."
Renz lowered his head, then slowly nodded. "I'll follow you, Kael. Whatever it takes."
Kael reached out his hand. Renz shook it tightly.
Under the moonlight, a bond was made. Small, but strong enough to start something greater.
Kael wasn't just surviving anymore. He was building.
And Renz would be his first ally.