**[ROOFTOP]**
Alex backed up to the edge of the rooftop, heels touching the parapet.
Behind him—a four-story drop into a dark alley. The ocean beyond, waves breaking against the dock.
Ahead—Kael Darkwind, twin blades gleaming under moonlight.
Above—the black Wyvern circling, cutting off any aerial escape.
There was no way out.
Grim (Awakening Form, 2.5 meters) tried to reach Alex—
The Wyvern dove, talons extended.
**CRASH.**
Grim and the Wyvern collided in midair, falling together onto the adjacent rooftop.
**"MASTER!"**
Then they disappeared from view, their own battle beginning two buildings away.
Alex was alone.
Kael walked forward slowly, confidently. A man who had captured thirty-seven fugitives without a single failure.
"Impressive that you've lasted this long," he said conversationally. "Most collapse in the first thirty seconds."
