The moment Andrew disappeared—
Kai forced his legs to move faster.
The streets of Muscle City blurred around him.
People scattered.
Guards shouted.
"The assassin went that way!"
"Move!"
Ahead—
A dark figure vaulted over a merchant stall.
Light.
Fast.
Almost weightless.
Andrew immediately followed.
He didn't bother jumping.
He ran straight through the stall.
CRASH!
Wood exploded.
Fruit flew everywhere.
The merchant stared in horror.
"...My apples..."
Andrew didn't even look back.
"Sorry!"
Kai blinked.
"...That's one way to do it."
He pushed himself harder.
His breathing remained surprisingly steady.
Not perfect—
But much better than before.
A few weeks ago...
He would've already been exhausted.
Now—
He could keep going.
His body felt...
Lighter.
Stronger.
Taai's voice suddenly echoed inside his mind.
Strike the iron while it's hot.
Kai couldn't help smiling.
"...Yeah."
"...Guess it worked."
He vaulted over a cart.
Slid beneath a hanging clothesline.
Rounded another corner—
Just in time to see the assassin leap from one rooftop to another.
"...They're fast."
No—
Fast wasn't the right word.
Efficient.
Every movement flowed naturally.
No wasted motion.