The sound of horses echoed through Compound City.
Not one.
Many.
A rhythm of hooves moving through broken streets.
Voices followed.
"Our leader is back."
Another laughed.
"Hagen is god."
I stood by the window of Robert's house and watched the glow of lanterns move through the city.
They were gathering.
I exhaled slowly.
"Perfect timing."
Robert was still asleep in the other room.
I looked at him for a moment.
He needed rest more than I did.
I quietly stepped outside.
The air felt heavier now.
Like the city itself was holding its breath.
I started walking toward the bar.
As I moved through the streets, I saw them.
Bandits lining up.
Watching.
Waiting.
They weren't acting like guards.
They were acting like witnesses.
I smirked slightly.
"So that bartender was right."
The closer I got, the quieter everything became.
Even the laughter faded.
Then I reached the bar.
A large red building with gold handles.
The doors were already open.
I stepped inside.
Empty booths.
Silent room.
Just the counter.
One seat open.
I sat down.
And waited.
For Hagen.
My thoughts drifted.
Erin.
Robin.
Robert.
I hoped they were safe.
Then I heard it.
The sound outside changed.
Horses stopped.
Footsteps approached.
Voices grew louder.
"Hagen is here."
The doors slammed open.
Cold air rushed in.
A man stepped through.
Heavy presence.
Confident.
Controlled.
"You really had the nerve to wait inside my bar."
Hagen.
I stayed seated.
He looked at me like I was dirt on his boot.
"You should have gone home when I told you."
I leaned back slightly.
"Sorry. I didn't catch that part."
The room went silent.
Then Hagen smiled.
Not amused.
Predatory.
He raised his crossbow.
"Leave."
I sighed and stood up slowly.
As I reached the door, I pulled a flare from my pocket.
I lit it.
Dropped it on the floor.
Red smoke exploded outward.
I walked out the back exit.
The bartender was there.
Watching.
He didn't say anything.
Just sighed.
"You really are insane."
I glanced at him.
"Probably."
Outside, red smoke filled the sky.
It spread over Compound City like a warning.
Like a signal.
The bartender lit a cigarette.
"I've seen men like Hagen kill giants."
I smirked.
"Then he hasn't seen me yet."
I stepped forward.
The bar doors burst open behind me.
Hagen walked out.
Slow.
Calm.
Angry now.
"You think you're clever?"
I turned toward him.
"I think I'm done talking."
The air shifted.
I traced a circle in the air.
A magic circle formed.
Hagen raised his crossbow.
I moved first.
Teleport.
I appeared in front of him.
I hit him.
Hard.
His head snapped to the side.
He stepped back, wiping blood from his lip.
"You're going to die for that."
I smiled.
"Try it."
He fired.
I caught the bolt mid-air.
Twisted.
Dropped it.
Then I summoned a fireball.
Hagen raised his hand.
He caught it.
Held it.
Smirked.
"You really think you're the only one?"
The fire disappeared in his grip.
I went still.
"…So you can use magic."
Hagen tilted his head.
"I am Compound City."
Then he vanished.
A fist hit my stomach.
Hard.
The impact launched me through the bar doors and into a nearby wall.
I coughed.
Blood hit the ground.
"Okay," I muttered. "That hurt."
I stood up.
Summoned another fireball.
Hagen rushed me again.
I dodged.
Barely.
His sword came out now.
Black.
Massive.
Heavy.
He swung.
I blocked with a barrier of fire.
The impact cracked the ground.
He didn't slow down.
Another swing.
I dodged.
Barely again.
My back hit a wall.
No space left.
Hagen raised his sword.
"This is over."
He swung down.
Then—
A shot rang out.
Hagen staggered.
Robert stood in the distance.
Breathing hard.
Gun raised.
"You're not killing him."
Hagen turned slightly.
Annoyed.
"You again."
I stood slowly.
Blood dripping from my arm.
I clenched my fist.
"I'm still here."
Hagen laughed.
"You're both going to die."
I closed my eyes.
The ring inside me pulsed.
Something inside me snapped into place.
"I summon what's left."
My voice dropped.
"Nova Collapse."
The sky reacted.
Fire circles formed above the city.
Then they fell.
Dozens.
Controlled.
Condensed.
Hitting only the battlefield.
Not the civilians.
The ground exploded with heat and light.
Hagen backed up.
"Forcing it now, are we?"
I staggered.
Robert moved closer.
"Ren, don't push it too far."
Hagen suddenly moved fast.
He threw his sword.
Robert jumped in front.
Time slowed.
The blade hit him.
Silence.
Robert fell.
My mind stopped.
"…No."
He hit the ground.
Breathing weak.
Barely.
"R-Ren…"
I dropped beside him.
"Stay with me."
Robert coughed.
"Aim for his legs…"
He smiled faintly.
"…and tell my daughter…"
His breath slowed.
"…I kept my promise."
Then he went still.
Something inside me broke.
I stood up slowly.
Hagen laughed.
"Good. Now it's real."
I looked at him.
No emotion left.
Only intent.
"I'm going to kill you."
Hagen smiled wider.
"Now we're talking."
The battlefield went silent.
And the real fight began.