The canal path narrowed as Kael led the group away from the harbor district. Smoke rolled across the water surface, drifting low and thick. Fires burned along the far shoreline, reflecting faint orange light across the rippling canal. The ground still trembled faintly behind them, but the violent shockwaves had faded into distant echoes.
They slowed only when the concrete barriers rose high enough to block line of sight from the harbor.
Everyone was breathing hard.Sweat soaked through clothing. Arms trembled from exhaustion. Even Kael felt the weight of continuous combat pressing against his muscles.
Aaron leaned forward with his hands on his knees, struggling to steady his breathing. Mason wiped dust from his face and scanned the area repeatedly, checking rooftops and alleys.
Kael raised his hand slowly. They stopped. He listened. No pursuit. No immediate movement signatures.
Only the distant sound of collapsing structures and the low hum of fire spreading through abandoned districts. Kael allowed himself a slow breath.
The Codex pulsed faintly.
Combat Stress Accumulation DetectedPhysiological Load HighAdaptive Evolution Threshold Approaching
Kael felt it too. Something inside his body was building pressure. Not pain. More like tension inside his muscles and nerves, as if the recent battles had pushed him close to a boundary he had not crossed before.
They moved again, following the canal until they reached a partially collapsed pedestrian bridge that provided overhead cover. Kael guided the group beneath it and ordered them to rest briefly while maintaining awareness.
Water bottles were passed around. Medical patches were applied to minor wounds. No one spoke much. The silence felt heavy.
Kael leaned against a support pillar and closed his eyes for a moment. Images of the Abyss Burrower flashed through his mind. The size. The pressure. The way the city itself had responded to its presence.
That creature was not an anomaly. It was a preview.
The Codex activated again.
Evolution Pressure Reaching ThresholdOrigin Codex Reaction TriggeredAdaptive Growth Window Opening
Kael opened his eyes slowly. The air around him felt warmer. Not external heat. Internal circulation accelerating.
He stepped away from the group to avoid alarming them and focused inward.
The Codex interface unfolded more clearly than before. The runes appeared sharper, brighter, responding faster to his thoughts.
Current TraitsStone Skin MinorShadow Step MinorHeat Resistance Moderate
Available Upgrade Path DetectedAdaptive Reinforcement Node Ready
Kael clenched his fists. He did not hesitate. He directed the Codex to proceed.
A surge of energy moved through his bloodstream. His muscles tightened, fibers compressing and reorganizing under invisible pressure. His bones vibrated softly as reinforcement spread outward from his core.
It was not explosive. It was controlled. Deliberate.
His breathing deepened. His heartbeat slowed into a steady rhythm. After several seconds, the sensation stabilized.
The Codex updated.
Adaptive Reinforcement ActivatedPhysical Output IncreasedReaction Speed EnhancedMuscle Efficiency Improved
Kael opened his eyes. The world felt sharper. Not brighter, but clearer. His awareness expanded slightly, allowing him to register subtle movement and sound variations in the environment.
Aaron noticed the change first. He looked up slowly. Something changed.
Kael nodded once. Yes. Mason approached cautiously. You look different. More stable.
Kael did not explain further. The city did not allow time for long discussions. A sudden vibration passed through the ground beneath the bridge.
Kael turned instantly.
The Codex reacted sharply.
Multiple High Energy Signatures DetectedApproaching From Eastern SectorMovement Speed: Fast
Kael signaled the group to stand. They barely finished gathering supplies when movement appeared at the far end of the canal.
At least eight figures advanced rapidly along the elevated roadway above the canal. Their movement was coordinated. Their posture confident.
Several carried heavy weapons. Two radiated clear bloodline energy.
Kael felt the pressure immediately. These were not scavengers. These were experienced fighters.
The Codex analyzed quickly.
Hostile Group Classification: Organized Bloodline UnitLeader Energy Signature: HighEngagement Risk: Severe
The group halted on the roadway. One figure stepped forward. Tall. Broad shoulders. His right arm glowed faintly with metallic patterns that reflected the firelight from the burning district behind them.
He looked down at Kael and the others.
Interesting, he said calmly. Survivors with equipment and formation discipline. Kael did not respond.
The man continued. The harbor district is becoming restricted territory. Anyone moving supplies through this zone now belongs to one of three groups. Kael raised his gaze slowly. And which one are you. The man smiled slightly. The strongest one.
Kael shifted his stance. No wasted words. No unnecessary threats. This was a power contest.
The Codex pulsed urgently.
Leader Bloodline DetectedType: Alloy Reinforcement VariantPhysical Resistance: HighDirect Engagement Risk: Extreme
Kael scanned the surrounding area quickly. Narrow canal walls. Limited escape routes. Elevated enemy position.
Not ideal. But retreat would expose the group behind him.
He stepped forward deliberately. I am not interested in territory, Kael said. We are passing through.
The leader tilted his head. Everything belongs to someone now. You either submit, trade, or fight.
Kael tightened his grip on the axe. Then we fight.
The man raised his hand. His group spread out instantly, forming a semi circle above the canal edge. Weapons lifted. Energy flared. Kael felt his newly reinforced muscles tense. This was not another random skirmish. This was a clash with an organized bloodline faction.
The Codex activated sharply.
Combat Scenario Escalation DetectedSurvival Probability Dependent On Leader Neutralization
Kael stepped forward. The first strike was about to begin.