Kai pressed himself against the cracked wall of the abandoned building, heart pounding. The air was heavy with dust and the faint smell of decay.

"How dumb does he think I am? I’ll risk my life for some candy?" he thought bitterly.

As the killer stalked through the dimly lit space, he spotted Kai's worn shoes peeking out from behind a white, broken refrigerator. The building felt unstable, its walls riddled with cracks that seemed to breathe with each passing moment.

“Found you,” the killer declared, his voice low and menacing.

Focusing intently, the killer concentrated his energy into his right hand, gripping the knife as it began to glow a faint white. With a swift motion, he swung the knife, cleaving the refrigerator in half. Kai barely managed to leap out of the way, landing hard against the wall, his back facing the peeling paint as the killer’s knife flickered and then stopped glowing.

“You have good reflexes, kid, but your luck will run out soon,” the killer taunted, a cruel smile on his lips.

“Please, let me go! I promise I won’t tell anyone!” Kai pleaded, his voice trembling. Fear pooled in his eyes, making them wide and desperate.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, kid. It’s nothing personal,” the killer replied, stepping closer, a predatory glint in his eyes.

As the killer approached, Kai instinctively raised both hands to protect himself. The killer lunged, slashing at Kai’s hands, each cut sending waves of pain coursing through him. Kai groaned, struggling to remain upright.

“Let me put you out of your misery, kid,” the killer said, his voice dripping with malice as the knife began to glow again.

"So this is how my life will end," Kai thought, despair washing over him. "I never thought I’d die like this in some old, abandoned building, and I never even found out who my parents were. Damn it, this sucks."

But just as the darkness threatened to consume him, a spark of survival instinct ignited within Kai. "No! I can’t let it end like this! I have so many things I want to do. I have to do something!"

Then, an idea hit him. "Wait a minute—what if I try to use that technique Sam was talking about? But will it work? I’ve never done it before."

He strained to remember Sam’s words, but a sharp pain shot through his head. "What was that? I have no time to think about that! What did Sam say again? Something about focusing my energy and feeling it disperse through my body… Well, there’s no better time to try it out."

With determination, Kai closed his eyes, trying to focus. As he did, the killer prepared to strike, but something shifted. Kai sensed a surge of energy within him, and he jumped back just as the killer’s knife swung through the air.

"What was that? It felt like a surge of energy. This kid is not normal," the killer thought, momentarily taken aback.

Kai’s whole body began to glow with a faint white light as he stood, feeling a rush of power. "It worked! I wasn’t expecting it to work on my first try. It feels… weird. My body feels light, but somehow this feels familiar."

He glanced at his hands, now glowing with the same ethereal light. "Whoa! What’s up with the glow? Is this part of the technique?"

“Just who the hell are you, kid?” the killer demanded, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

“Why do you want to know?” Kai shot back, defiance flickering in his eyes.

The killer smirked. “Well, I just wanted to know the name of the person I’m about to kill. After all, I don’t kill people for fun.”

“What do you mean by that?” Kai asked, a knot of confusion tightening in his stomach.

“I mean I don’t kill people I’m not paid to kill,” the killer replied coldly. “You see, kid, that’s why I can’t let you live. If you run to the authorities, it’ll make it very difficult for me to do my job. So, you have to die.”

With a sudden rush, the killer lunged toward Kai, swinging his glowing knife. But to Kai, it felt like time had slowed. *What is going on? Why is he moving so slowly? I can see his attack coming!"

Kai deftly sidestepped, kicking the killer's hand and sending the knife clattering to the ground, its glow extinguished.

"How did he do that? Maybe it was just a fluke,' the killer thought, disbelief creeping into his mind.

Reeling, the killer tried to retaliate with a punch, but Kai was already moving. "This is easy now; I can dodge his attacks!"

As the killer threw punch after punch, Kai effortlessly evaded each one. "Left, right, left, right—this is so cool!"

The killer’s frustration mounted. “What’s going on? Why can’t my attacks connect?”

Feeling a surge of confidence, Kai finally landed a punch on the killer’s face. The impact sent the killer stumbling back, his right cheek stinging.

"Yes! My punch finally connected!" Kai cheered inwardly, but the killer simply laughed.

“I see,” the killer said, a glint of respect in his eyes. “So that’s why you got fast and stronger all of a sudden. You’re full of surprises, kid. I can’t believe you already know how to use physical enhancement at your age. I haven’t seen someone use it in a while. But too bad—I can use it too.”

"What? He can do it too? This is bad. I finally had an edge, but now…"

The killer noticed the surprise and concern etched on Kai’s face. “Are you surprised?”

A cruel smile spread across the killer’s lips. “This technique is nothing special. As long as you have a good amount of energy and control, anyone can do it. Let me show you.”

The killer closed his eyes, focusing his energy.

'He left himself open! This is my chance!* Kai thought, rushing forward to punch the killer. But in an instant, the killer caught Kai's fist with his right hand, extinguishing Kai's glow in an instant.

"What? What happened to my physical enhancement?"

With a swift motion, the killer opened his eyes, and a fierce gust of wind erupted from him. Kai’s eyes widened as he felt the overwhelming surge of energy radiating from the killer.

"This is bad."

The killer grinned, holding Kai's fist firmly with his left hand. “Ha! You thought closing my eyes meant I let my guard down? You were mistaken.”

In one swift movement, the killer punched Kai in the stomach. Kai's eyes widened in shock as he fell to his knees, coughing blood, agony rippling through him.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

"It hurts. It hurts."

Lying on the ground, Kai gasped for breath, blood pooling beneath him.

“I see your physical enhancement has failed you,” the killer taunted. “Your luck has finally run out.”

With a vicious kick to Kai’s stomach, the killer sent him sprawling, more blood spilling from his lips as he groaned in pain.

"I should be surprised; there was no chance I could beat someone older than me."

He coughed more blood, struggling to think clearly through the haze of pain. "I have to do something. If I don’t, my chances of getting out of here alive are pretty low. But my body won’t respond—move, body, move!"

As Kai forced himself to stand, the killer turned, startled to see Kai barely able to rise.

"Impossible! That punch should have knocked out a full-grown man. He should not be able to stand!" The killer stared, astonished. "I see you still have some fighting spirit. I’ve got to admit, you’re not like other kids. Most would be pissing their pants in fear, but you’re trying to fight even when you know you’re completely outmatched."

The killer’s respect for Kai grew, but he remained cold. “Sorry, but I have to end this. That woman was not my only target.”

With a fierce rush, the killer lunged at Kai, aiming a kick at his side. Instinctively, Kai crossed his arms to block it, but the force was overwhelming, sending him crashing into the wall behind him. The impact broke through the wall, sending him sprawling into the street outside, blood spilling from his lips.

"Damn, I can’t feel my arms, and my whole body is in so much pain. My vision is getting blurry," Kai thought as he lay there, gasping for breath.

As the killer emerged from the building through the gaping hole, he surveyed Kai on the ground. "Amazing—he managed to block my kick at the last minute. This kid had promise. Too bad I have to kill him."

Kai struggled to rise, reality crashing down around him.

“Get up, kid!” the killer taunted, pulling him to his feet by the collar of his blood-stained shirt. “You can’t even stand. But I’ll admit, it’s impressive you survived three attacks with my physical enhancement. I guess you’ve lost your will to fight.”

The killer’s right fist began to glow more brightly, anticipation dancing in his eyes. “Well, kid, any last words before I send you to heaven or hell—whatever you prefer?”

Summoning what little strength he had left, Kai managed a weak punch to the killer’s face, but it barely registered—a mere tickle against the killer’s hardened exterior.

“You put up a fight, kid,” the killer said, his tone mocking. “I can’t exactly call it a good fight, but for your age, it was impressive. As a testament to your courage, I’ll tell you my name: it’s Rafael. Now, it’s time to end this.”

"For a hitman, he sure talks a lot. What’s the point of telling me his name when he’s just going to kill me?"

Suddenly, a random passerby heard the commotion and rushed over, eyes wide with shock at the sight before him.

“Hey! What are you doing to that kid?” he shouted, anger flashing in his eyes.

The killer, startled, quickly pulled on a hoodie to cover his face. "Where the hell did he come from? No matter—it’s just one guy. I can easily take him out."

But as the killer turned, more people began to gather, drawn by the noise. In moments, Rafael found himself surrounded.

"Where the hell are they coming from?"

“Hey! Let go of that kid and pick on someone your own size, creep!” a voice shouted from the crowd.

"Did he just call me a creep?" The killer’s anger flared. "That’s it; I’ll take off his head first!"

He glared at the man, fury etched across his features.

An old woman in the crowd chimed in, shaking her head disapprovingly. “You should be ashamed of yourself for beating up a child!”

The killer glanced at the crowd, a sinister glint in his eye as he increased his energy. Suddenly, a gust of wind erupted from him, pushing the onlookers back a few steps.

A guy in the crowd shouted, “This guy is dangerous!”

“Someone call for help!” a random woman cried out, her voice tinged with panic.

The killer smirked, speaking in a low, confident tone. *It doesn’t matter. By the time help arrives from the military base nearby, I’ll be long gone.*

“I think I saw a soldier a couple of blocks away,” another man in the crowd added.

Kai’s heart raced. "Are they talking about Sam? He must be famous around here if they can recognize him without even wearing military clothes."

The killer’s expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "What? There’s one in town? I should check; maybe it’s just a weak soldier."

Curious, Kai wondered, "What is he doing?"

The killer closed his eyes, trying to locate the soldier. "Since I don’t know where he is, I’ll just look for someone nearby with a high amount of energy."

After a few tense seconds of searching, the killer’s eyes shot open, and his expression morphed into one of shock. "Found you! What?! This can’t be!"

Kai noticed the change in the killer’s demeanor; it was as if fear had taken hold of him.

How can it be? How can one person have this much energy?

*Back to Sam and Jimmy*

Sam felt a disturbance in the air and glanced around the shop, sensing something was off.

*Back to Kai and the killer*

The killer opened his eyes, panic etched on his face. “Did he sense me? Shit! I need to get the hell out of here. That guy is very dangerous—I can’t face someone like that.”

*Back to Sam and Jimmy*

“What’s wrong?” Jimmy asked, noticing the concerned look on Sam’s face.

“I don’t know, man. It felt like someone was watching us,” Sam replied, scanning the room.

“What do you mean by that? There’s no one here except the two of us,” Jimmy pointed out.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

*Back to Kai and the killer*

Kai watched with confusion. "What is he thinking? He looks scared."

“I wish I could stay and finish this, but I have to go. Besides, with the amount of damage you’ve taken, there’s no way you’ll survive,” the killer said reluctantly, releasing Kai.

Kai fell to his knees, barely able to stand. The killer then pulled out a small white ball from his pocket and threw it to the ground. It exploded in a cloud of smoke, filling the air with a choking haze. The crowd erupted in coughing fits, and Kai struggled to breathe.

“Until we meet again, kid, if you survive,” the killer called out, slipping into the chaos of the crowd.

"Where did he go?" Kai wondered, his eyes scanning the fog.

Just then, a guy approached him, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?”

“I think I’ll be fine,” Kai replied, trying to put on a brave face despite the pain coursing through him.

“You sure? You don’t look fine,” the guy said, eyeing Kai's battered state. Bruises marred his skin, and blood trickled from his hands.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a few cuts and bruises,” Kai insisted, though his voice wavered.

A woman with long black hair and warm brown eyes stepped forward. “I can help you. My healing powers might not be very strong, but they can heal small cuts and bruises.”

“I would really appreciate it, miss,” Kai said, grateful for any assistance.

“There’s no need to be so formal. Just call me Monica,” she replied with a smile.

“Okay.”

Monica placed her hands on Kai's back, and a faint green glow emanated from her palms. As she began to heal him, Kai felt the pain ebbing away, his wounds slowly disappearing and the cracks in his bones mending.

“Wow, this is amazing! The pain is all gone! Thank you, Miss Monica. I’ve never seen healing powers before; it’s pretty cool,” he exclaimed, astonished.

“Mine are nothing special. There are others who can use it much better than me,” she said modestly.

“Thank you, everyone, for helping me. If you hadn’t scared him off, I would have died,” Kai added, gratitude flooding his words.

“Don’t mention it, kid. We’re happy to help. Honestly, what are those guys at the army doing, letting people like that roam the streets freely?” the random guy said, frustration evident in his tone.

"Is he talking about where I’m staying?" Kai thought.

“It’s like our tax money is going to waste if they aren’t doing their jobs,” the guy continued.

“Yeah, he’s right! We should report this!” a woman in the crowd chimed in.

As people began to disperse, mumbling their displeasure about the events, Monica and the other guy stayed behind.

“I’m sorry, kid. I can’t help more or I’ll be late for work, but are you sure you’ll be alright?” the other guy asked.

“Don’t worry; I’ll help him,” Monica reassured.

“Okay. I have to go.” The guy turned to leave, and as he did, Monica noticed he was carrying a black bag labeled “Security System.”

"These people are kind; they’re willing to help me even though they don’t know me," Kai thought, touched by their compassion.

“Kid, what’s your name?” Monica asked gently.

“Kai. My name is Kai,” he replied.

“Where do you live? I can take you there,” she offered.

“Actually, I came here with someone,” Kai explained.

“Wait, you’re telling me you came with someone and they let a kid wander around alone knowing there’s been a lot of crime? Who is that person? I want to give them a piece of my mind!” Her tone turned stern.

“No, it’s not his fault! He told me not to wander too far, and I didn’t listen,” Kai defended.

“So it’s a guy? Can you take me to him? I want to talk to him,” Monica insisted.

"Why does she want to talk to him? I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but she’s still a stranger. Should I take her or not? Maybe Sam won’t mind." “Okay,” he finally said.

They headed toward Sam’s shop, and after a few minutes, they arrived. Monica looked puzzled as they approached.

"Wait, this is Jimmy’s shop? Is he related to him? But he looks nothing like him." “Is he in there?” she asked, glancing at Kai.

“Yes,” he confirmed.

Kai grabbed the door handle and opened it, stepping inside with Monica following close behind. As they entered, Sam turned at the sound of the door opening, his expression shifting from surprise to concern.

“Where have you been, kid? I told you not to wander too far!” Sam scolded.

“I know, but—” Kai began, but he was interrupted.

“Monica!” Sam exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy upon seeing her.