The mountain winds howled around Ochieng and Nia as they stood at the edge of the ruined sanctuary. Dust and debris from the collapsed temple swirled in the air, but Ochieng barely noticed. His mind was consumed by the power thrumming in his veins—the power of ascension.
He clenched his fists, feeling the raw strength coursing through him. This was beyond anything he had ever known. He had broken past mortal limits. He was no longer just a martial artist—he was something greater.
Nia studied him closely, her sharp eyes searching his face. "You've changed."
Ochieng turned to her, his golden eyes glowing faintly. "I had to."
She crossed her arms, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. "Good. Because you're going to need that power."
Ochieng frowned. "What do you mean?"
Nia's gaze darkened. "While you were inside the sanctuary, the city fell into chaos."
Ochieng's heart pounded. "Explain."
She took a deep breath. "The major clans have declared open war. The Red Scorpion Mafia, the Black Lotus Sect, the Celestial Dragon Clan… they're all fighting for control. And…" She hesitated.
Ochieng's voice was firm. "And what?"
Nia's eyes met his. "Your name is on every bounty list in the city."
Silence.
A slow smirk spread across Ochieng's face. They feared him.
Good.
Because they were right to.
Descending from the mountains was a different experience this time. Ochieng no longer felt like a struggling martial artist clawing his way to the top—he was a storm waiting to be unleashed.
By the time they reached the outskirts of the city, night had fallen. The streets were eerily quiet, but the tension in the air was suffocating. This was the calm before the storm.
As they entered the main district, whispers followed them. Eyes darted toward Ochieng, some filled with fear, others with murderous intent.
Then—
"There he is!"
A group of masked assassins emerged from the shadows, their daggers gleaming under the moonlight.
Ochieng sighed. They were underestimating him.
Without hesitation, the assassins lunged.
The first one barely got close before Ochieng vanished.
In the blink of an eye, he was behind them.
A devastating palm strike sent the first assassin crashing through a stone wall.
The second tried to react—too late. A single kick shattered his ribs, sending him flying into the air before landing with a sickening crunch.
The last two hesitated.
Ochieng smiled. "Your mistake was coming at me together."
Before they could flee, he struck.
Two quick jabs. Pressure points disabled.
The assassins collapsed, twitching helplessly.
Ochieng crouched beside them, his voice calm. "Who sent you?"
One of them spat blood. "You… you'll never survive this city. They all want you dead."
Ochieng chuckled. "Then they should have sent someone stronger."
With a swift motion, he knocked both of them unconscious.
Nia raised an eyebrow. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Ochieng stretched his fingers, his smirk widening. "A little."
Before heading to the heart of the city, Ochieng and Nia made their way to The Black Pavilion—the most infamous underground auction house, where deals were made and alliances were formed.
The guards at the entrance barely had time to react before Ochieng walked past them, his presence alone parting the crowd inside.
At the center of the auction house, five major figures sat in a semi-circle, waiting.
The air was thick with tension.
An elderly man with a long white beard leaned forward. "Ochieng. You should not have come back."
Ochieng met his gaze without fear. "And yet, here I am."
A woman dressed in crimson silk smiled coldly. "Do you even understand your situation? The entire city wants your head."
Ochieng shrugged. "Then they can come and take it—if they dare."
Silence.
Then, laughter.
A man with golden tattoos running down his arms chuckled. "You remind me of myself when I was younger." He leaned forward. "Let's see if you live long enough to prove yourself."
Ochieng's eyes gleamed. Challenge accepted.
The war for the city had begun.