PARADOX SEER

Chapter 9: awakening the flames

The tension in the air thickened as Leon stepped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with kaelina . For the first time , he felt the spark inside him fully awaken . It wasn't just a flicker - it was a roaring fire demanding to be unlished.

Axel smirk faltered , his confidence wavering as he noticed the faint ember's flickering around Leon's clenched fists. The brute and the shadowy woman exchanged uneasy glances.

"You really want to do this, kid ?"

Axel asked, his tone still lased with mockery but tinged with caution .

Leon's voice was steady, a sharp contrast to the storm raging within him . "I'm done running . If you want to take me, you will have to take me by force".

Kaelina's lips curved Into a grin.

"That's the spirit ", she tightened her grip on her blade . Let's show them what happens when they pick a fight they can't win ".

Axel raised his hand, signaling his allies attack, "Fine, then . Don't say I didn't give you a choice .

The brute charged first , his foot steps shaking the ground , his massive fist swung towards Leon like wrecking balls .

Leon's instincts took over . He ducked, narrowly avoiding the blow , and felt the fire in his chest surge. Without thinking, he raised his hand , and a burst of fiery energy erupted , forcing the brute to stumble back with grunt .

"Not bad , kealina called out as she engaged the shadowy woman. The two clashed in a whirlwind of steel and shadow , their movement's too fast for Leon to follow.

Axel hung back , watching with a calculating gaze . He seemed content to let his allies handle the fight - for now

The brute roared, recovering quickly , and lunged at Leon again. This time, leon stood his ground. He raised both hands and a barrier of flames erupted around him , the brutes fist, colided with the fire and he howeled in pain as the flame licked at his stone-like skin .

Leon pushed the flames outward, forcing the brute to retreat further . For a moment he felt invincible . But then the fire flickered , and a wave of exhaustion hit him like a tidal wave .

"Careful! Kaelina shouted, deflecting a strike from the shadowy woman . " Your power is raw, but it's not unlimited . Don't burn yourself out.

Leon gritted his teeth , nodding he needed to fight smarter, not harder.

The brute hesitated , wary of the flames and Leon used the moment to his advantage . He focused channeling the fire into his palms, and launched a concentrated blast at the brute's chest . The force sent the hulking figure crashing into a nearby wall , where , he slumbed , unconscious .

Kaelina, meanwhile has gained the upper hand against the shadowy woman . With a swift strike she disarmed her opponent sending the woman's blade skittering across the ground. The woman vanished into the Shadow's , retreating into the crowd.

Axel clapped slowly , his grin returning. "Impressive . I underestimated you".

"Leave", kaelina growled , pointing her blade at him. "Unless you want to end up like your friend's ".

Axel chuckled, raising his hand in a mock surrender, "Relax. I'm not stupid enough to take you both on alone." He turned to Leon his expression hardening . This isn't over kid , the system may have chosen you but that doesn't make you untouchable , we will meet again.

With that , he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Leon and kaelina standing admist the wreckage .

Leon staggered, the adrenaline wearing off . Kaelina caught him before he collapsed .

"Easy," she said . You did well, better than I expected .

Leon managed a weak smile.

"Thanks," what now ?

Kealina's gaze hardened. Now"? We prepare . The system has marked you, and that makes you a target. There will be others smarter - stronger , more dangerous . If you want to survive , you will need to learn how to control your ability ".

Leon nodded , determination flickering in his eyes . " Then teach me, I won't let them win".

Kaelina smiled faintly . "Good. Then let's get started."