Muzi slipped through the haze like liquid shadow.
Every step he took, his breathing matched the rhythm of his pulse. Shadow Vein Breathing wrapped around his limbs like smoke, making him faster, quieter. The compound's broken hallway narrowed ahead — and there stood the Enforcer.
The man was massive. Body armor reinforced with scrap metal, a skull-mask bolted over his face, and a shotgun resting on one shoulder like a toy. His eyes locked onto Muzi — no hesitation. No mercy.
> [Analyzing Target…] [Weak Points: Knee joint, neck vent, rear armor seam]
> [System Suggestion: Improvise melee or channel Spiritual Flow into weapon]
Muzi grabbed a jagged piece of rebar from the floor, heat pulsing through his hand.
He charged.
The Enforcer roared, shotgun flashing. Muzi ducked left — the blast missed by inches, ripping apart a wall behind him. He closed the gap in four rapid steps, slid low, and jammed the rebar into the Enforcer's knee joint.
The man grunted — stumbled — but didn't fall.
A metal fist slammed into Muzi's ribs, lifting him off his feet. He crashed into a broken table, gasping.
> [Spiritual Flow: 47/100] [Pain Threshold Approaching – Focus Required]
Muzi spat blood. Then rolled to avoid another shotgun blast that tore the concrete beside him.
"You're no ordinary street boy," the Enforcer muttered through his mask.
Muzi didn't respond.
He focused.
Maphanga's voice entered his mind like a blade drawn through silk.
> "Call it now, boy. Draw the first shadow. Let them see who you are."
Muzi raised a trembling hand.
> [Activating Technique: Shadow Manifestation Lv. 1]
A black pulse burst from his chest — not fire, not smoke, but something between. It twisted around his body, forming claws over his hands, darkening his eyes to pure obsidian.
The Enforcer stepped back, instinct flickering. "What—"
Muzi moved.
Faster than before.
The first claw-swipe ripped across the Enforcer's chestplate, denting it. The second strike cracked the shotgun in half. The third—
Straight to the throat vent.
Muzi's clawed hand plunged in. Wires sparked. Blood sprayed.
The Enforcer dropped.
> [Mini-Boss Defeated – +15 Energy Points] [Total Energy: 62/100] [Technique Proficiency Increased – Shadow Manifestation Lv. 1 → Lv. 2]
Muzi stood over the body, shoulders rising and falling. The claws faded slowly. Behind him, Banele and two others stormed into the hallway, bloodied but breathing.
"You took him down?" Banele asked, eyes wide.
Muzi nodded, still catching his breath.
From behind, Sphilile emerged with her rifle, limping slightly.
She looked at Muzi. "You're not normal."
Muzi gave a crooked smile. "Neither are you."
> [Connection Thread Strengthened – Bangani → Thread of Trust]
Outside, sirens echoed faintly in the distance. Reinforcements.
But for now — they had survived.