Kai took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had to time this perfectly. Haru's distraction had given him a small window, and he couldn't afford to waste it. He leaned against the cell door, listening intently to the chaos unfolding just down the hall.
The guards were still struggling with Haru. He could hear their frustrated voices and the clatter of their weapons. Haru was putting up a good fight, shouting and thrashing about, drawing all attention to himself.
Kai glanced around his cell, searching for anything he could use. His eyes settled on the narrow metal bedframe bolted to the wall. It wasn't much, but it was solid enough to serve a purpose. He grabbed one of the thin sheets from the bed, twisting it into a makeshift rope.
He stepped back to the door, wrapping the sheet around his hand to cushion it. He gave the door a few experimental tugs, testing its sturdiness. The lock looked old, corroded with rust. If he could generate just enough force…
Kai took a deep breath and, without warning, yanked hard on the sheet. The door rattled in its frame but didn't budge. His muscles strained, sweat beading on his forehead. He could feel the energy coursing through his veins, the dormant Spirit Energy itching to break free. But he knew better than to try. Not yet.
He yanked again, this time with more force, his entire body straining against the resistance. The door groaned under the pressure, and he could hear the faint sound of metal bending. A few more pulls, and he was sure he could force it open. But then he heard footsteps approaching—heavy and fast.
He quickly released the sheet and stepped back, slumping against the wall, trying to appear as if he were still weak and exhausted. The door to Haru's cell slammed shut with a loud clang, and the guards' voices grew louder as they neared.
"Damn prisoner! Causing trouble again!" one of the guards muttered angrily.
"We should report this to the higher-ups," another guard said. "They'll want to know about any disturbances."
Kai's breath hitched. If they reported the disturbance, it would only bring more guards and reduce his chances of escape. He had to think quickly.
"Hey! Over here!" Kai called out, his voice hoarse but loud enough to be heard. He forced a cough, trying to sound as if he were in pain. "I… I think something's wrong with me too!"
The guards stopped, and he could see their shadows cast against the dim light coming from the corridor. One of them turned, annoyed. "What is it now?" he grumbled, stomping toward Kai's cell.
Kai forced himself to cough again, clutching his stomach and doubling over. "I… I feel sick," he gasped, his face twisted in mock agony. "Can't… breathe…"
The guard sighed, exasperated. "What is it with these prisoners today? All of you deciding to act up at once?"
"Maybe it's some kind of contagion," the other guard muttered nervously. "Should we call for medical?"
The first guard shook his head. "Nah, let's check on him first. If he's faking it, he's in for a real surprise." He approached the door, pulling out a set of keys from his belt.
Kai's mind raced. He needed to be ready. If the guard opened the door, he would have only seconds to act. He shifted his weight slightly, preparing himself, his muscles coiled like springs.
The guard slid a key into the lock, and with a click, the door swung open. The guard stepped in cautiously, his hand resting on the baton at his side. "Alright, kid, what's the problem?"
Kai didn't answer. He waited for the guard to take another step inside, to lower his guard just enough. And then, in a flash, he moved.
With a burst of speed, Kai lunged forward, grabbing the guard's wrist and twisting it hard. The guard yelped in surprise and pain, dropping the baton. Kai snatched it up with his free hand and swung it, striking the guard across the back of the head with a solid thud. The guard crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
The other guard shouted in alarm, rushing toward the open door, but Kai was already moving. He darted out of the cell, raising the baton defensively. The second guard hesitated, unsure of whether to charge or call for help.
"Don't make this harder than it has to be," Kai warned, his voice low and fierce. "I don't want to hurt you."
The guard sneered, drawing a short sword from his side. "Too late for that, kid," he snarled, lunging forward.
Kai sidestepped, his movements fluid and precise. He could feel the tension in his muscles, the familiar rhythm of battle taking over. He dodged the guard's swings, letting him tire himself out. He needed to conserve his energy, to wait for the right moment.
The guard swung again, but this time, Kai ducked low and swept his leg out, catching the guard off balance. The guard stumbled, and Kai moved in quickly, striking his knee with the baton. The guard cried out in pain, dropping to one knee. Kai raised the baton again, ready to strike, but stopped himself at the last moment.
"Drop it," he ordered, his voice commanding. "I don't want to do this."
The guard, panting and wincing in pain, hesitated, then slowly lowered the sword to the ground. "Fine… fine, just don't kill me."
Kai nodded, backing away slightly. "I won't. But you're going to tell me how to get out of here. Now."
The guard gritted his teeth, glancing toward the hallway, then back at Kai. "You think you can just walk out of here? There are more guards, traps, and surveillance. Even if you get past me, you won't make it far."
Kai stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "That's my problem, not yours. Now, where's the exit?"
The guard hesitated again, his eyes darting toward his fallen comrade. Kai tightened his grip on the baton, his patience wearing thin. "I won't ask again," he warned.
"There's… a side door, near the storage room," the guard finally muttered. "It's not heavily guarded, but there's a security lock. You'll need a code."
Kai felt a spark of hope. "And what's the code?"
The guard's face twisted in fear and defiance. "I don't have it. Only the senior officers know—"
Before he could finish, a sudden noise echoed down the hall—a loud clattering, followed by muffled shouts. Kai's heart skipped a beat. Reinforcements were coming.
"Damn it," Kai muttered under his breath. He looked at the guard. "You stay here," he ordered, moving toward the hallway. He glanced back at the unconscious guard and quickly grabbed his keyring and the fallen sword.
"Haru!" he called out in a hushed voice, moving closer to the other cell. "Are you ready?"
Haru's voice came back, calm but urgent. "Always ready, friend. Took you long enough."
Kai smirked. "Let's get out of here before they bring the whole place down on us."
He quickly unlocked Haru's cell, and the young man stepped out, his grin as wide as ever. "Nice work," Haru said approvingly. "Not bad for a guy who can't use his powers."
Kai rolled his eyes. "Save the compliments for later. Which way to the side door?"
Haru pointed down the hall. "This way. But we'll need to move fast. If they know we're out, they'll close off every exit."
Kai nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "Then let's move. We're not sticking around to find out what else they have in store."
They took off down the hall, Haru leading the way. The sound of footsteps grew louder behind them, and Kai knew they were running out of time. But he also knew one thing for certain: he wasn't going back to that cell. Not today, not ever.
As they rounded the corner, they saw the side door in the distance—a faint glimmer of freedom beyond the cold, oppressive walls. Kai felt a surge of adrenaline, his senses sharp and focused. They were almost there. Just a little farther.
But as they approached the door, Kai could sense something—a presence, powerful and dark, lurking just beyond it. He slowed down, motioning for Haru to stop.
"What is it?" Haru whispered, sensing the shift in Kai's demeanor.
Kai narrowed his eyes, his instincts kicking in. "We're not alone," he murmured. "Something… someone is waiting for us."
Haru frowned, looking around nervously. "You think it's a trap?"
Kai nodded, gripping the sword tightly. "I'd bet on it. But it doesn't matter. We're going through."
With a deep breath, Kai pushed forward, feeling the weight of every step. He knew the odds were against them, but he also knew they had to try. There was no going back now.
As they neared the door, a shadow moved, and a figure stepped out from the darkness, blocking their path. The figure was tall and imposing, clad in dark armor with a hood covering his face.
Kai stopped, raising his sword defensively. "Who are you?" he demanded.
The figure chuckled, a low, menacing sound
. "You're not going anywhere, kid," he said, his voice cold and unyielding. "Not without facing me first."
Kai felt a chill run down his spine, but he refused to back down. "Then let's get this over with," he replied, his voice steady. "I'm done being a prisoner."
The figure laughed again, drawing a long, gleaming blade. "Very well. Let's see if you've got what it takes to earn your freedom."
And with that, the battle began.