Chapter 7 – Taste of Strength

Kairo’s first fight wasn’t pretty. He swung wildly, ducked clumsily, and cursed under his breath. One creature’s claws tore into his arm, and the pain shot through him like fire.

Then it hit him: the pain itself fueled him. His muscles surged, energy flowing into his limbs. He swung again—this time landing a perfect strike that split the creature in two.

He staggered back, hands shaking, chest heaving. A faint glow lingered around him. Mana had flowed from the creature into him. Tiny, but undeniable.

He laughed, hoarse and bitter. “Hell yeah… feel that, n***a? You just got schooled by the streets.”

The forest was alive. Every step held danger. But for the first time, Kairo realized: this world’s rules might bend to him—if he learned how to play the game.