The Rival's Challenge

As soon as the shadowy silhouette entered the room, the world seemed to tilt. The quiet which had hung in the atmosphere was broken by a heavy conviction, which was dense, as if choking. Nathan's grip on his weapon squeezed tighter around his arms, though his instincts begged him to take a shot, but Seraphine was already on the move, her gun held steady, narrowing her eyes as she assessed the stranger.

The smile was carved out like porcelain, the jaw rigid, impervious to the pistols that pressed into his back. I wouldn't do that myself if I were you, " he said, voice cool as ice, yet with a sharp clench behind it. "You're trespassing on our territory."

Nathan's eyes scanned to find Seraphine's, searching for guidance on how to proceed. She didn't budge, her focus entirely on the man. She was calculating, just like Alexei—always thinking ahead. But Nathan could feel the pull of the Fragment behind him, its energy calling to him, urging him to act.

"Who are you?" Nathan said, and his voice remained steady even while the adrenalin flooded his veins. "And what do you want with the Fragment?"

The man chuckled darkly. "My name is Calder. As for the Fragment, that's none of your business. However, if you want to hold on to it, you'll have to get on in the fight.

Without warning, Calder lunged forward with unnatural speed, his body moving in a blur. Nathan barely had time to react. He managed to dodge, but Calder's fist grazed his shoulder, sending a shock of pain through his body. The force was enough to make him stumble backward, but his instincts kicked in, and he regained his footing just in time to see Calder already preparing for another strike.

Seraphine shot, her aim true, but Calder was too swift. He twisted and ducked, dodging the bullets as though they were nothing more than slow-moving projectiles. It was clear now—this man wasn't ordinary. He was enhanced, just like Nathan.

"Nathan!" Seraphine shouted, her voice sharp with urgency. "Don't let him get close!"

But it was too late. Calder was already on him, and before Nathan could react, Calder's hand shot out, grabbing him by the wrist. Grip was unyielding, the force of which was unnatural, as if the man could hold the weight of ten men.

Nathan's mind raced. He couldn't let himself be overpowered. He had to think fast. His fingers fell on the Fragment at his waist, the tiny stone that had already started to vibrate with power. He had felt the power growing inside him, but this was the moment—this was when he would need it most.

With a sharp tug, Nathan wrenched his wrist free from Calder's grip, his body surging with power. The Fragment took action, its power poured out upon him, and for the first time Nathan could sense the real power it possessed. He did not know what would happen next, but he did know that he had to act.

He made a gesture with his hand, the energy of the Fragment coursing in his veins and with one mental impulse the surrounding air convulsed and warped. Calder's expression faltered for the briefest moment, as if he sensed the shift in the energy.

Before Calder could react, Nathan released a burst of force from his hand—an invisible shockwave that slammed into Calder with the force of a freight train. The man was thrown back, hitting the wall with a sickening sound. The room trembled from the impact, the walls groaning in protest, but Calder didn't stay down for long.

As Calder staggered to his feet, his eyes narrowed. "Impressive," he muttered, his voice full of menace. "But you're still not ready for what's coming."

Nathan's heart pounded in his chest. His head was spinning due to the use of the Fragment's power, and he felt the strain on his body. This wasn't a power he could control yet, not fully. He had experienced the surge of power, however the price was already starting to become visible.

"Seraphine, help me! Nathan called, his voice strained as he took a step back, trying to regain his balance. The drain to his own was instant and crushing, but he was too far along to turn back.

Seraphine was already on the move, her gun back pointed at Calder again. Go back, Nathan," she said, but she maintained her composure even as the world began to spin out of control. "I'll handle this."

But Calder wasn't about to back down. He lunged again, this time much faster, the steps almost unidentifiable. Just in time, Nathan managed to duck, yet the impact of Calder's blow brushed across his side. He winced at the cost but did not give up. He had to end this.

Before Calder could strike again, Nathan gathered his focus, pulling on the power of the Fragment once more. This time, he was more deliberate. Energy swirled about him, the air thickening with the potential of it. Calder's pupils dilated in recognition but it was already late. Becoming braced, Nathan extended his arm out again, delivering a wave of sustained force that struck Calder head on.

The blast was strong enough to throw Calder out and when his body hit the stone altar, the Fragment fell from it. The room went silent for a brief moment, the aftermath of the battle settling around them. Calder lay unconscious on the ground, but Nathan knew better than to assume victory just yet.

Nathan walked ungracefully toward the altar, his legs trembling, and reached for the Fragment. It throbbed in his hand, energy rippling around him once again. But he wasn't sure for how long he could keep going like this. The power was starting to take a toll on his body, and the adrenaline that had fueled him through the fight was beginning to wear off.

Seraphine approached him cautiously, her gun still drawn. "You okay?" she asked, her voice quiet but concerned.

Nathan nodded, but it was obvious from the ragged breathing that he was not. "I think so," he replied, his voice rough. "But I don't know how much more of this I can take.

The Fragment hummed softly in his hand, and Nathan knew deep down that this was only the beginning. The power it gave him was incredible, but it came with a price—a price he wasn't sure he could afford.