Classes ended, and students hurried out of the school gates. Kael and Renz walked side by side, books in hand.
"Bro," Renz whispered, "I don't like this. Feels… off."
Kael's eyes scanned the street. He felt it too—the quiet was too heavy.
From the corner, shadows moved. Five boys stepped out, the same gang from yesterday but with more behind them. Their leader smirked, his arm still sore from Kael's grip.
"You think you embarrassed us in front of everyone? Today, you pay."
Renz clenched his fists, trying not to shake. "Kael…"
Kael placed a hand on his shoulder. "Stand tall. Don't fear them. You're not the same Renz anymore."
The gang rushed forward. One swung at Renz, but this time Renz raised his arms and blocked. The impact hurt, but he didn't fall.
"Good," Kael said calmly, before he stepped into the fight.
With sharp, controlled moves, Kael knocked one boy to the ground, then another. His strikes weren't wild—they were clean, precise, the kind of skill no street kid should have.
"Damn it, he's too fast!" one of them shouted.
Renz, breathing hard, managed to land his own hit, surprising even himself. "I… I did it!"
Kael smirked. "Focus. It's not done yet."
From the distance, Lyra had stopped on her way home. She saw the fight from across the street, her heart racing. She watched Kael move—calm, unshaken, almost like he'd done this a thousand times before.
In just minutes, the gang was on the ground, groaning in pain. Their leader struggled to his feet, rage in his eyes. "This isn't over…" he spat before stumbling away.
Kael looked at Renz, who was sweating but still standing. "Not bad. You lasted."
Renz grinned weakly. "Because you're here."
Kael shook his head. "No. Because you chose to fight."
From the corner, Lyra's eyes met Kael's for a second before she quickly turned away, leaving without a word.
The night was falling, and the moon was slowly rising above them. Kael knew this was only the first of many battles.