Chapter 7: The First Fight – A Taste of True Danger

The evening was still, but Kaiden's instincts indicated otherwise. He prowled the dark streets of Aerisfall, his hood low over his face. The work he had done had bought him enough silver to get by, but it had also set him up as a target. Aerisfall was full of bad individuals, and Kaiden knew that he couldn't keep hiding from them.

He turned down an alley, heading toward the Outer Ward. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and metal, and faint whispers carried on the wind. Kaiden froze. His grip tightened around the dagger hidden in his cloak. He wasn't alone.

"You've been causing quite a stir, stranger."

Kaiden gazed up. Forms coalesced out of the darkness, cutting off his way. Five men, their faces contorted into sneers. They had mismatched armor, swords drawn. In their midst stood a sixth man, who stood above the rest, his presence exuding power. A gentle glimmering enveloped him—demonic power.

Kaiden's heart pounded, but he did not retreat. "I don't want trouble.".

The leader sneered, his voice rough. "Trouble? You're already in it. You've been sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. Time to show you a lesson."

The men advanced, their swords glinting in the poor light. Kaiden panicked. He was outnumbered, but he couldn't get away. He had to defend himself.

---

The first of the men charged, sword leveled at Kaiden's chest. Kaiden stepped out of the way and drew his dagger, jabbing at the man's arm. The man shrieked, reeling backward. A second charged at him from the side, using a big club. Kaiden dodged, his motion swift and assured.

The *System* was engaged.

*Threat Level: Moderate. Recommendation: Use Celestial Manipulation and Infernal Surge.*

Electricity crackled through Kaiden's fingers, electricity writhing through him. Light burst in his right hand, the shape of a tiny shield that batted aside the next blow. Shadows coalesced in his left hand, writhing like living flame. He pushed the dagger forward, driving it into the second attacker's shoulder.

The leader's grin widened as he watched Kaiden fight. "Interesting," he muttered. "Let's see what you're really capable of."

He raised his hand, and demonic energy exploded outward. The force sent Kaiden staggering back, his shield flickering. The ground cracked beneath their feet, and the air grew heavy with heat.

Kaiden balled up his fists. The light and darkness in them flickered more intensely, their unstable mixture on the verge of spiraling out of hand. He couldn't restrain himself anymore.

---

The gang charged as one, their swords shining. Kaiden flung out his arms, unleashing a blast of holy light to blind them for a moment. He then unleashed infernal chains, dark filaments lashing out to ensnare two of the men. The chains wrapped around them, pulling them to their knees.

But the power in Kaiden boiled out of control, pushing him to the edge. His body strained with tension, the tension of his lines thin. His chest compressed, and agony shot through his arms.

The leader did not let the chance slip away. He charged forward, the blade of fire from his sword flashing. Kaiden lifted his light shield at the very last moment, the blow showering sparks. His knees weakened, but he would not back away.

"You are powerful," said the leader to him, with a smile. "But your power is a curse. I can see it killing you."

Kaiden clamped his jaws together, saying nothing. The fire on his shield licked higher, and the flames moved forward. In a last desperation, he dropped the shield and called upon the celestial spear. It came forth instantly, its glow in the black alleyway.

Kaiden charged, the spear cutting through the leader's blaze of attack. The weapon's light cut the man's shoulder, and he retreated. The gang was flabbergasted, its bravado breaking.

Kaiden did not relent. He whirled the spear, its power crackling as he drove down another assailant. The battle was savage, each blow leading Kaiden nearer to his breaking point. The fury within him churned, but he wrestled it into submission.

---

As the last man fell, Kaiden alone remained among the ruins. His spear faltered and disappeared, leaving him gasping and shaking. The alleyway was quiet, except for the distant moans of the wounded gang members.

The leader dragged himself to his feet, blood dripping from his shoulder. He stared at Kaiden, a twisted smile on his face. "You'll regret this," he hissed. "The Syndicate will come for you. Mark my words."

Kaiden didn't reply. His chest burned with pain, the unstable mix of celestial and infernal energy threatening to overwhelm him. He turned and walked away, his steps unsteady but purposeful.

---

Stepping back into the safety of his courtyard, Kaiden fell. The battle went through his head—the randomness of his powers, the toll to his body. He had made it through, but just. Lack of focus would kill him. He needed control.

The *System* flashed in his mind.

*Warning: Bloodline Stability Critical. Immediate Training Recommended.*

Kaiden clenched his fists. The battle had taught him something: he was powerful, but his power was deadly. If he was going to live in Aerisfall, he would have to learn to control it. Being weak was not an option.

The stars twinkled faintly overhead as Kaiden vowed to himself: he would become stronger. The city wouldn't defeat him. Not now, never.