Dusk was settling as Kaine dragged Ares into the abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The massive doors with rusted hinges groaned, as if warning of impending danger, but Kaine had long stopped paying attention to such trivialities. He laid Ares down on the cold concrete floor and spent several minutes silently observing him, listening to the faint sound of his breathing.

"Ares isn't an ordinary opponent," Kaine thought, glancing at his right hand, where the heat from the absorbed flames still lingered. "And if there are others like him, this world is full of powers I don't yet understand."

The system seemed to adjust to his thoughts, activating and offering possible actions.

[New information acquired. The ability "Fire Control" can be enhanced through the absorption of similar abilities or through training.]

"Enhanced through training, you say?" Kaine faintly smiled and sat down, leaning his back against the wall. But just then, Ares stirred, his eyes slowly opening.

"You... you absorbed my power?" Ares rasped, barely able to lift his head.

"That's right," Kaine replied curtly. "Now it's my turn to ask questions. Who are you, and why did you attack me?"

Ares was silent, but despite his exhaustion, a spark of resolve lit up in his eyes.

"We... are those who seek answers. They call us Seekers," he said. "Something changed in this world after that night, when the god of death bestowed us with powers. But we still don't know why or for what purpose. And only through battles can we find the truth."

"And what about you?" Kaine raised an eyebrow. "Do you think the answer lies in blood and pain?"

"Not always," Ares replied, struggling to sit up. "But sometimes, to find the truth, you have to be ready to lose everything."

For a moment, silence hung between them, and Kaine pondered his words. But before he could ask another question, a loud crash echoed from beyond the wall. Dust fell from the ceiling, and a bright light streamed through the narrow windows.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Damn," Ares paled, his eyes widening with fear. "They found me."

"Who are 'they'?" Kaine tensed, rising to his feet.

There was no need for an answer. The warehouse doors were blown apart, and several figures, clad in dark armor, appeared in the doorway. Their faces were hidden behind masks, and metallic weapons glinted in their hands.

"Well, here we go," Kaine muttered, narrowing his eyes.

"They... they hunt people like us," Ares whispered. "They call themselves 'The Guardians of Balance.' And in their view, our power is a threat to the world."

One of the "Guardians" stepped forward, his voice echoing under the warehouse's ceiling:

"Warning! Surrender and cease all resistance. Your power will be confiscated according to the law!"

"Confiscated?" Kaine smirked, feeling the familiar flames stirring inside him. "Surrender? How amusing."

Ares struggled to stand, his body trembling from weakness. Kaine glanced back at him, meeting his gaze:

"You owe me an explanation. So, you'd better not die until we're done," he said, and without waiting for a reply, stepped forward to face the enemy.

"Fire," Kaine whispered, and the flames, as if responding to his call, ignited on his palm.

The "Guardians" reacted instantly, with the first one charging at him. But Kaine easily dodged, ducking under the strike, and sent a stream of fire straight into the attacker's chest. He flew backward, his armor glowing red-hot, but the remaining Guardians didn't waver.

"Their armor is protected against magic," Ares croaked. "You need... to strike at their weak points."

"Got it," Kaine responded tersely.

The next few seconds passed in a whirlwind of movements. Kaine dodged attacks while his fire scorched the air around him, but his actions weren't just fueled by rage. There was cold calculation in every move. He observed the enemies, looking for their weaknesses, and with each strike, he grew closer to victory.

The last Guardian collapsed to his knees, and Kaine wasted no time, grabbing him by the collar.

"Who sent you?" he demanded.

"We are merely... tools in the hands of the Higher Ones," the Guardian gasped. "You... you know nothing..."

Kaine gritted his teeth, but before he could say anything else, the Guardian vanished, dissolving into thin air.

"Damn," he muttered, turning back to Ares.

"Now you understand that we're not alone in this world," Ares exhaled, leaning heavily against the wall. "Too many forces are trying to control what we've been given. And if you don't become stronger, they'll destroy you."

Kaine stared at him, then looked down at his own hands, where the flames still flickered. He didn't know where this path would lead him, but one thing was clear: he couldn't stop now.