Chapter 38 I'll handle things here

Kai frowned, trying to process the implications. "So… it's like a cycle? Every time we kill these things, their energy lingers and creates more?"

"Not exactly." Victor shook his head. "Normally, a spell called Purification would be cast after the battle to cleanse the area, preventing any new monsters from forming. But the only two sorcerers capable of using that spell were transferred a week before Bloody Halloween, and the ones we have now still haven't mastered it. That means until they do, this is how things will be."

Kai folded his arms. "So if we don't handle this, more of these things will keep popping up?"

"Not indefinitely," Victor corrected. "The rebirth cycle only happens once. After the second generation of monsters is born, it stops. But that doesn't make this any easier. Normally, we should've investigated the hotel where the massacre happened two weeks ago, but Unborns tend to move after they're created. As of now, this school is the nearest possible hideout. And just by standing here, I can already feel their presence. That's why we're here."

Kai let out a low whistle. "Damn… there's a lot I still don't know, huh?"

Victor smirked. "Yeah. But you'll get there."

A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the air. Then another. And another.

From the blackened windows and shadowed hallways, multiple pairs of glowing red eyes slowly emerged, each filled with a primal, malevolent hunger.

Kai instinctively stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Victor, his stance firm, fists clenched. His body tensed, ready for battle.

Victor raised an eyebrow at the unexpected action.

"One more thing, Kyler," Victor said, his tone quieter now but carrying a sharp edge of warning.

Kai's head snapped to the side, listening.

"Unborns inherit the traits of the monsters that came before them. But in some cases… they also take on the abilities of the warriors that killed them."

Kai's breath hitched slightly. "Wait, what?"

"Exactly what you think. These things are on a completely different level from anything you've faced before." Victor's eyes darkened. "Why do you think I was sent on this mission? If this were an easy cleanup job, the school would've just sent one of the Alpha Squads. So if you're expecting a walk in the park…"

He tilted his head slightly, eyes locked on the approaching creatures.

"...I suggest you wipe that thought from your mind."

Kai's eyes widened in realization, but even as the weight of Victor's words settled in, he knew there was no turning back. His stance remained firm, unwavering. Instead of fear, a light smirk crept onto his lips. He waited, anticipation buzzing beneath his skin as the Unborns slithered forward from the shadows.

"You know, that's not a great way to motivate someone before a fight," Kai quipped, amusement clear in his voice.

Victor chuckled. "And yet, you don't seem to cower."

Kai's smirk widened. "I'm never backing down again." His voice carried a grave determination, one that sent a strange chill down Victor's spine.

"And there it is again… his aura keeps changing. Just what is up with this kid?" Victor thought, smirking. "Just don't get in my way."

"Yes, sir."

Then, without warning—

A figure burst from the darkness.

It was massive, seven feet tall, with the physique of a man but skin thick and green like hardened moss. Its face was eerily blank, devoid of features, yet there was a chilling intelligence in the way it moved.

The creature lunged, its fist coiled back, muscles tightening before it thrust its arm forward with explosive force.

Kai reacted instantly.

His arms crossed in an X-formation, bracing for impact.

But the moment the blow connected—

It was like getting hit by a freight train.

The raw force plowed through his defense, sending a violent shockwave rippling through his bones.

Then—

BOOM!

Kai's body exploded backward.

His feet barely touched the ground before he was already skidding across the courtyard, crashing into the massive iron gate.

Metal groaned and bent on impact.

A choked gasp ripped from Kai's throat, a mist of saliva and air bursting past his lips as pain flooded his entire body.

The Showdown Begins

The towering creature slowly straightened, its grotesque form casting a long, ominous shadow over Victor. Yet, Victor remained unmoved, his posture relaxed, as if the looming threat barely registered.

"Oh, I get it," Victor mused inwardly. "This guy must be the boss around here. He's obviously on a completely different level."

His gaze flickered toward the darkened entrance of the school. The abandoned building still hummed with the residual energy of the past battle, and Victor could feel the eerie presence of dozens of Unborns lurking within.

"These things are smarter than I thought. They even formed a hierarchy… If this brute is their leader, that means there are at least fifty more inside."

Victor clenched his jaw.

"I can't leave Kyler to take on fifty of them alone. But on the other hand… this guy is too—"

BOOM!

Victor's thoughts shattered as Kai struck.

His fist rammed deep into the creature's gut, his stance wide, powerful, and unyielding. His eyes burned with grit, and with every ounce of energy in his body, he drove his arm forward, forcing the monstrous being back.

The creature dug its massive feet into the ground, the impact shaking the earth beneath them. Yet, it did not fall. Its legs bent slightly at the knees, sliding back before coming to a dead halt.

Despite the crushing blow, the Unborn remained standing.

Kai didn't flinch. His eyes remained locked onto his opponent.

"Go," Kai ordered, his voice steady. "I'll handle things here."

Victor studied him for a moment. Then, without a word, he turned and walked toward the school building, disappearing into the darkness.

Kai exhaled slowly.

Even without visible eyes, the Unborn's deep, penetrating stare was unmistakable. It was studying him. Assessing him.

Then—silence.

The world seemed to pause.

A gentle breeze whooshed against Kai's face.

Then—

BOOM!

A blur of motion.

Kai and the creature shot forward at the same time, moving with unreal precision.