The road to the Black Dock was deserted. Dim lantern light barely reflected on the water. Old warehouses stood in a row, dark and silent. Every step Kael took echoed across the wooden planks.

  He knew he had to come alone. No friends. No support. Just him and the unknown boss who wanted to use him as a weapon.

  The door of an old warehouse creaked as he entered. Inside, it smelled of mold, old wood, and iron. Shadows stretched along the walls, and a single figure stood in the center, illuminated by the weak glow of a lamp.

  — You came, — the voice said. Deep, calm, but edged with threat. — Alone, as requested.

  Kael stopped, placing his hand on his sword.

  — I’m here. You wanted to see me.

  The figure stepped forward slowly. A mask hid his face, but his presence radiated danger.

  — I know you, — the boss continued. — And I want you to work for me.

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  — I’m not a tool, — Kael answered evenly. — And I’m not someone who allows himself to be used.

  The boss shifted slightly, as if evaluating him. A thin blade appeared in his hand, glinting under the lamplight.

  — Then let’s see, — he said. — If you want to walk out alive, prove that you deserve to stand here.

  Without warning, he attacked.

  His movements were fast, precise — every strike testing Kael’s reaction and strength. Kael dodged, blocked, feeling how the new balance of his sword helped him control the flow of the fight.

  Steel clashed against steel.

  — Hm. Not bad, — the boss said after a sharp exchange. — But this isn’t the end.

  Kael stepped back slightly, scanning the warehouse. The shadows could hide traps. But more importantly — he needed to understand the man’s true intention.

  — Why am I here? — Kael asked calmly, blade ready.

  — I heard you awakened your power, — the boss replied. — No one can stop you if you don’t want to be stopped. We would make good partners.

  — And what benefit do I get? — Kael asked.

  A heavy pause filled the air. Like the moment before a storm.

  — Fair question, — the boss said quietly.

  He lowered his blade just a little.

  — Here’s the deal. If you defeat me — or at least hold out for ten minutes — I will release you and your companions. I won’t touch you again.

  The silence deepened.

  — And if I lose? — Kael asked.

  — Then you will obtain the Dragon’s Eye for me. Bring it to me, and I will let you all go.

  Kael’s eyes didn’t move.

  The boss attacked again.

  Kael twisted aside from the strike and, with a sharp motion of his blade, released a wind-infused slash. The air itself seemed to tear forward in a cutting wave.

  In the same instant, the boss raised his hand.

  Shadows gathered.

  A barrier of darkness formed before him, absorbing the wind strike in a burst of distorted air.

  The warehouse trembled slightly.

  For a brief second, they stood facing each other — wind against shadow.

  Power against power.

  Who will win?

  Kael.

  Or the boss.