Chapter 4: The Silver Scientist

The sun rose quietly over Neo-Tokyo, washing the shattered rooftop in pale gold. Most of the night’s destruction was hidden beneath the gentle morning light—almost as if nothing had happened.

But Kian felt it.

Every bruise.

Every tremor in his arm.

Every reminder that he was nowhere near Leon’s level.

He sat on the couch inside Amara’s apartment, shirt off, while she scanned him with a sleek silver device. Blue holograms flickered over his skin as the scanner displayed data only she could understand.

Amara frowned.

“Your internal energy levels are spiking and dropping unpredictably… Your body is rejecting the seal on your arm.”

Kian glanced at the glowing scarlet rune.

“It’s like it has a mind of its own.”

“It does,” Amara murmured.

He blinked. “What?”

She finally stepped back and exhaled deeply.

“Kian… that scar isn’t just a mark. It’s a limiter.”

“A limiter? As in—something to hold me back?”

“Yes.”

Her tone grew heavy.

“Your full power is lethal. To you… and to everyone around you. The limiter keeps you from tearing yourself apart.”

Kian felt a cold shiver run up his spine.

“And Leon? Does he have one too?”

Amara hesitated—not a good sign.

“No. Leon was completed. You weren’t.”

Kian clenched his fists.

“So he’s stronger because you never finished me.”

“Because KAGE never allowed us to finish,” Amara corrected sharply. “When we discovered how powerful you were becoming… the director panicked. They shut down your development midway and ordered you sealed.”

Kian’s heart pounded.

“So I’m… defective.”

“No,” Amara said firmly. “You’re incomplete, not defective. That’s why KAGE wants you back—because you contain potential that even Leon can’t reach.”

Kian fell silent, processing her words.

But before he could respond—

A loud beeping tone echoed from Amara’s tablet.

She grabbed it immediately.

“KAGE scanners are sweeping the lower districts. They’re tightening the net.”

Kian stood.

“So we run?”

She shook her head.

“No. We prepare.”

Walking to a locked cabinet, Amara pressed her palm against the scanner. It clicked open.

Inside were weapons, devices, and a silver case. She set the case on the table and opened it.

Inside lay a metallic wristband with glowing white circuitry.

“What’s that?” Kian asked.

“A stabilizer,” Amara explained. “I built it before I left KAGE. It was meant for you.”

She held it out.

“It will help regulate the limiter on your arm and keep your power from going berserk. But… using it will hurt.”

Kian raised an eyebrow. “I can handle pain.”

Amara didn’t smile.

“No. I mean it will feel like your bones are burning.”

Kian hesitated—only for a moment.

“Do it,” he said.

Amara nodded and pressed a switch.

The stabilizer snapped onto Kian’s forearm like a metal serpent.

Then—

SHIING—!

White-hot energy surged through his arm, sending agony ripping through his nerves.

“GHH—!!” Kian gritted his teeth as his entire body shook violently.

Amara grabbed his shoulders.

“Breathe! Kian, stay conscious!”

He could barely hear her over the roaring in his ears.

The limiter on his arm pulsed violently—

then slowed…

and stabilized into a steady glow.

Kian gasped, collapsing to one knee.

Amara knelt beside him, steadying him.

“It’s done. The stabilizer is synced. You should have more control now.”

Kian opened his palm. Energy flickered across his fingers—strong, but not wild.

“I… I can feel it,” he whispered. “It’s like my body isn’t fighting itself anymore.”

Amara smiled softly.

“Good. Because training starts now.”

Kian blinked. “Training? Already?”

She stood, crossing her arms.

“You want to survive Leon, don’t you?”

He stood too, determination burning in his eyes.

“Tell me what to do.”

---

Later… in the abandoned factory district

The place was silent, empty, perfect for training.

Amara positioned herself beside a large metal container.

“Use your energy—just a controlled burst. Don’t destroy the whole building.”

Kian nodded, took a deep breath, and focused.

The stabilizer glowed white.

A small sphere of crimson energy formed in his palm.

Kian thrust his hand forward.

BOOMF—!

The metal container dented deeply—but didn’t explode.

Amara smiled.

“Good. Again.”

Kian tried again.

And again.

Hours passed. Sweat dripped down his face. His muscles burned. His breathing grew ragged.

But he got better.

More precise.

More focused.

Amara watched him closely, impressed despite herself.

“You’re adapting faster than I expected,” she admitted.

Kian wiped sweat from his forehead.

“I have to. If Leon finds us again, I won’t survive unless I get stronger.”

Amara’s expression darkened.

“He will find us again. KAGE never gives up what they create.”

Kian stared at his glowing rune.

“Then I’ll make them regret creating me.”

Amara stepped closer.

“There’s something else you need to know…”

Kian turned toward her.

“What is it?”

She hesitated.

“Leon isn’t just your counterpart. He’s… the key to the next stage of your Awakening.”

Before Kian could react—

A distant explosion echoed across the factory district.

Both of them turned sharply.

Smoke rose from the streets.

Amara’s eyes widened in horror.

“No… they’re not scanning— They’re attacking civilians!”

Kian’s heart dropped.

“KAGE is flushing me out… by hurting innocent people.”

Amara grabbed his wrist.

“Kian—wait! You’re not ready for another fight!”

But Kian stepped forward, eyes burning with fury.

“I don’t care.”

He looked out toward the smoke.

“If they want me… I’ll give them something to be scared of.”

And without waiting—

He sprinted straight into the chaos.

Amara watched him go, fear and hope battling in her chest.

“You reckless idiot,” she whispered.

“Please… don’t die.”