The street fell quiet after the last thug hit the ground. The shattered remains of ice, fire-scorched pavement, and claw marks etched into walls bore witness to the carnage Jayden had unleashed. His breathing was calm, steady, inhuman.. as though he hadn't just dismantled ten men.
Then a heavy bootstep echoed across the alley. Jayden turned.
It was the leader.
His eyes burned with fury, veins bulging across his arms like living cords of steel.
"You…" he growled, voice thick with hatred. "You think claws and parlor tricks make you a fighter? I'll show you what real strength is!"
Jayden didn't flinch. He twirled the metallic rod once in his grip, his arms still coated in that living sheen of steel. His claws gleamed like silver blades under the dim streetlights, jagged and cruel.
"Strength without control…" Jayden muttered, "…Is nothing but noise."
The leader gritted his teeth. "This won't end like the last time, kid. I promise you ." he seethed.
