A STREET IN CENTRE CITY.

  Sonia walks the street alone.

  The harsh glow of the neon sun beats down, making the night feel like high noon.

  Her eyes are closed, yet she walks with perfect balance, moving straight ahead without a stumble.

  Four thugs hang outside a casino, whispering to each other.

  One points a finger. “Look at her. Let’s grab her and see what she’s carrying.”

  The mob starts trailing Sonia.

  They follow her as she continues to walk away.

  Closing the distance fast, one rushes forward to grab her shoulder.

  Before his fingers can even brush her skin, his wrist is severed.

  He clutches the stump of his arm, dropping to both knees.

  A piercing scream rips from his throat as he hits the dirt.

  The other thugs draw their bats and lunge.

  Sonia keeps walking.

  Two more fall to the ground instantly, though Sonia doesn't seem to move a muscle.

  Their momentum is cut short as her perception counters them before they can get close.

  One man turns to run, but a palm strikes his back, dragging him to a halt. Sonia leans into his ear.

  “Have you heard of a man called the Alligator?”

  “No... no, I swear!” the boy trembles. He lets out a final cry before Sonia’s sword silences him.

  He drops dead.

  Hearing the commotion, men stride out from every corner, surrounding her.

  A guy steps forward, his face haggard and worn. “Woman... who the hell are you? Why are you causing trouble on our street? Those are my boys, you know.” His brow furrows in anger.

  Sonia stands calm.

  A small smile plays on her lips, as if she is satisfied or even blessed by the violence.

  An old man steps into the crowd, his voice shaking. “Don’t! I can sense a dark energy from this woman... stay away!”

  “What? I can’t hear you!” The haggard guy mocks, cupping his ear toward the old man.

  The crowd bursts into laughter.

  Sonia steps closer.

  A baseball bat is thrust into her face. “Don’t move another inch.”

  “Do you happen to know a guy called the Alligator?” Sonia asks gently.

  “How dare you question—” He never finishes his sentence.

  Every man standing next to him drops dead in a heartbeat. His eyes snap wide. “What...”

  Sonia strides closer. “Tell me, or die.” She raises her sword.

  He trembles as she strikes downward.

  Suddenly, a palm shoots out, catching the flat edge of the blade.

  Sonia immediately leaps back with incredible speed.

  Nathan stands there, wearing a yellow cap pulled low.

  The wind blows, a gentle sound, floating papers from the floor.

  The footsteps of the mob hammering stone, as he escapes the scene.

  Sonia closes the distance in a blur, swinging her steel.

  Nathan is fast.

  He weaves around the strikes.

  Her lip curls as she flashes the sword multiple times, the sound of steel whistling past his ears.

  But Nathan dodges every arc.

  His instincts are razor-sharp.

  Sonia’s swings take on a basic, steady rhythm.

  Nathan keeps his eyes locked on the blade, maintaining his distance as he weaves through the metal storm.

  He dissolves, reappearing on a rooftop.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Sonia snarls. “Centre City’s insects won't escape my wrath!”

  She bounces upward, solidifying right in front of his face.

  The dance resumes.

  Nathan continues to leap backwards in a steady sync.

  Sonia’s dance shifts into a zigzag pattern as she thrusts her sword forward.

  Nathan tracks the blade, but his eyes can now barely keep up.

  As he backpedals, gravel crunches under his feet, escaping the edge of the sword by a hair's breadth.

  His movements start to slow, but his sharp instincts keep him alive.

  Sonia's sword, approaching Nathan's throat.

  His eyes tracing the steel,

  but his feet slowly pound the pavement.

  She delays her steel a little.

  She’s holding back?. Nathan narrows.

  The sword still grazes his cheek.

  Too fast.

  The blade lies.

  He jumps down to the street.

  Her sword strikes from a high angle.

  He moves away.

  Letting the blade hit nothing but air.

  He advances.

  But she reaches his face in a blur of motion.

  Before her sword can swing.

  Nathan is already inches to the side.

  Somehow, his perception starts becoming sharper.

  Should I use my Orbit Flash? No, not yet. He glares, desperation heavy.

  Sonia’s sword rotates like a gale-force wind.

  Approaching.

  Nathan’s form flows like liquid, escaping every lethal kiss of the blade.

  I need to retreat.

  He turns to run, but Sonia manifests right in front of him.

  Her sword presses against his neck.

  This time, her gaze shows resolve.

  Her aura has just changed. A more deadly flow of symphony, playing.

  He lets out a small chuckle. “I can tell those tiger fangs of yours could snap my neck in seconds.” He curls his lip. “You’re holding back. Why?”

  “I want information. If you know the answer, I’ll let you go. You have my word. Where can I find the guy called the Alligator?”

  Nathan smiles. “The Alligator is a legend in these streets. A famous bounty hunter who tracks criminals for the sake of human rights.”

  “Tell me, name a city,” Sonia demands.

  Nathan raises his palm. “Unfortunately... I don't know exactly where he is. He’s moved through many cities in his life. Plus, Centre City is a massive place.”

  Sonia’s sword makes a silent, metallic ring as she presses it closer to his skin.

  He looks at the blade. "That sound is a warning. Master fighters used their weapons to speak back in the era of legends," he says.

  Sonia’s closed eyes finally open. Stunned. “Would you like to tell me your name before you die?”

  He smiles. “Names aren't important.” He dissolves out of view.

  Sonia vanishes instantly, her eyes burning.

  Nathan hides in a narrow alleyway, staying perfectly still.

  She strides closer, glancing into the dark passage, but sees no one.

  She moves away and disappears.

  Nathan steps out from a different alley, his eyes wide with shock. “Thank God I survived... that tiger's breath is dangerous.”

  He stumbles, nearly sick from the stress.

  Terrifying. I got lucky.

  I live because she chose the tempo.

  She wanted information — that’s why she slowed the dance.

  Faster, and I’d be dead.

  Slower, and I talk.

  Orbit Flash wouldn’t have saved me.

  MAMI SHALLOW’S RESIDENCE–CENTRE CITY

  Salion and Daisy stand ready for battle. “Come at me,” Salion says.

  Daisy closes in.

  Salion simply stands her ground.

  Daisy’s punch smashes into Salion's stomach.

  Daisy groans, clutching her hand in pain.

  Salion pulls open her shirt revealing her suit. “Come again. Hit me there. That wasn’t enough.”

  Daisy glares, still holding her aching hand. “That thing on your body is dangerous.”

  Salion chuckles. “You have to be ready if you want to be strong. Now, come.”

  Daisy lunges with brutal force. The sound of her punch echoes through the quiet room.

  “Now you’re doing it... hit me again!” Salion demands.

  Daisy throws another punch, then another. The suit makes a low sound as if it is boosting its own density. Daisy stops. “What’s happening to the suit?”

  “It’s amplifying. The harder you hit it, the tougher it becomes.”

  "Where did you get a suit like this?” Daisy asks, her brow furrowed.

  Salion smiles. “Mami gave it to me when I was just like you.”

  Daisy’s eyes pop. “What? Mami trained you?”

  “Indeed. Back then, she ran a training school for kids across town. We would come every day to practice.”

  Daisy looks stunned. “How many of you were there?”

  “There were many at first, but not all were successful. The training was brutal; many ran away. In the end, only me, Nathan, and her younger brother Pious graduated.”

  “So she gave you this suit?”

  “This suit was the first customized weapon she ever wore. The Impenetrable Skin. She said I was a good match for it, so she gave it to me as a graduation gift.”

  Daisy slumps to the ground, looking up at the ceiling. “I wish I could grow strong that fast.”

  Salion moves closer, lying down next to her. “Patience is the key. You already have the determination. Don't stop. Just keep practicing.”

  Daisy turns her head toward Salion. “Why did you work for my father?”

  “Jager was very close friends with Mami. They were in the same training program together. They were so close that after we graduated, Mami sent us to be his bodyguards.”

  “Why?”

  “At the time, Jager was just building his empire. He needed soldiers. Mami thought he wanted to help society or train more kids to be strong and do the right thing. She gladly sent us to join him. But things didn't end the way she expected.”

  Daisy's gaze turns cold.

  Salion smiles sadly. “Your father became corrupt when his hunger for money and power grew. He started a trafficking business with Fatty, selling kids to the East for profit.”

  “How disgusting," Daisy says.

  “Yes... and the worst part was that he tried to get Mami involved. That’s when their friendship ended.” Salion stands up. “Alright. Enough resting. Time to resume.”

  “Right.” Daisy stands, and they both return to their training.

  -----

  K.B.’s eyes fly open.

  He is sweating, the memory of Fury’s Edge still haunting his mind.

  A soft hand brushes his forehead.

  "Who are you?" he barks.

  "A friend," Mami says with a calm smile.

  "Where are Shion and the others?"

  "They are safe. I took you and the body of the fallen man."

  K.B. sinks back into the pillow, tears of frustration pricking his eyes.

  "You are the second owner of that Ruffle," Mami whispers, her eyes bright. "I knew the first. He was a master who visited my school years ago. He sought a successor. It seems he chose you."

  K.B. clenches his teeth. "How did I lose?"

  "It wasn't Angel’s fault. Your perception isn't sharp enough yet. And you only have half of 'Angel.' To use her true form, you need the second piece. But beware—it will shatter a weak mind."

  K.B. sits up straight. "My master must have it. He kept it from me to keep me safe. I’ll find it and make that man pay."

  "You aren't ready," Mami warns.

  "You aren't a 'Receiver or Amplifier.' A Receiver can master weapons quick. An Amplifier can create weapons and powers through perception."

  Mami taps his shoulder. "You have a normal mind. Your path to power is longer and difficult."

  K.B. opens his palm, the The Angel Riffle appears. "I don't care. That monster Silas has to be stopped."

  "I agree," Mami says. "Join me. We are stronger together."

  K.B. walks toward the door, pausing to look back. "I like you. You're a light in a dark place. But I already have a gang. I can't join you."

  "Bring your friends by sometime," she offers.

  K.B. nods and strides out, his mind set on finding the second half of his Angel.