[22] “First confrontation after the recovery”

[One week later]

In an abandoned house, two young people are sitting on the floor with their legs crossed.

"Have you decided what to do?" Kayden asked.

"Yes, I'm going to look for those guys who challenged me when I was injured," Ares replied.

"First, I'm going to settle the score with that guy named Mathias Dufour. How dare he challenge me thinking I'm injured?" Ares said, emanating an incredible murderous intent.

Kayden looked at Ares and said, "He occupies the 57th position in the world and is currently the leader of the Ghost organization."

"Ghost? Are they well-known?" Ares asked.

"They are a quite famous organization for investigating any information or data you want to find, at a high price. As you know, they are renowned for their incineration powers, and the vice leader is ranked among the top 63 in the world," Kayden said.

"Two awakened in the top 100?" Ares exclaimed amazed. "I will be able to face two strong awakened!"

"You might not be happy to hear this, but it is said that Marcus Buck is on an important mission," Kayden said.

"What a nuisance! It's a shame that the vice leader is not available right now," Ares said with disappointment.

"Hahaha, of course," Kayden said with a crazy smile.

"Many interesting things have happened while you were inactive," Kayden said seriously.

"Like what?" Ares asked uncertainly.

"The World Academy intervened in the world after you killed Bjørn. Many other countries had issues with their awakening, and a large-scale war almost broke out," Kayden said.

"Hahaha, you made quite a scene," Ares said, laughing.

"Me? It was you who faced and defeated the top six in the world rankings. I just finished the job," Kayden said with a big smile.

"Well, that's true, hahaha," Ares said.

"It's time," Ares said as he stood up from the floor.

"As your first fight after recovering from your injuries, I'll hide and observe your battle. If anything happens, I'll intervene," Kayden said.

"Alright, I hope I can find him at their headquarters," Ares said, walking towards the door.

Kayden followed him and said, "He's within his organization, and the only one you need to worry about is Marcus, but since he's not here, you can have your confrontation peacefully."

"Someone in the top 63 is no big deal. I just need to make sure nothing strange happens," Ares said.

Kayden looked at Ares with a smile, saying nothing.

….

[In the Ghost Organization]

Mathias Dufour's eyes scanned the documents on his desk, his mind completely focused on the task at hand.

Suddenly, a low buzzing caught his attention, causing him to lift his gaze from his work.

"Space isolation?" he murmured, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

Without warning, the sound grew louder, becoming a shrill buzzing that seemed to fill the room. Mathias tensed, ready to react to anything that stood in his way.

"Who dares to attack my organization?" he thundered, his fist slamming onto the desk, sending papers flying in all directions.

In an instant, Mathias leaped from his chair and rushed to the rooftop of the building, his eyes gleaming with fierce determination. He stood there, chest heaving as he surveyed the area for any sign of his enemy.

And then, he saw him. A young man with white hair and green eyes, dressed entirely in black, standing before him.

"Ares Seo? The Emperor of Light?" Mathias gasped, astounded by the figure before him.

"Call me whatever you like. It's a good nickname, don't you think?" Ares replied with a slight smile.

"I heard rumors that you're gravely injured and incurable," Mathias sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Is that what they're saying? But it doesn't have to be true. You'll find out very soon," Ares said calmly.

Mathias bristled, his mind already formulating a plan to take down his opponent.

But as he watched, Ares suddenly unleashed a blinding burst of golden light, soaring into the sky. "(Hurricane of Light)."

The air around him erupted into a violent storm, filled with dangerous winds and torrential rain of light. The surrounding buildings groaned and creaked under the strain, their foundations cracking and crumbling under the onslaught.

"Damn it... I didn't expect such immense power. And to attack without warning... he must want to die," Mathias muttered, his eyes darting in alarm.

"Die," Ares simply said.

And with those words, all the rays of light from the hurricane suddenly converged upon Mathias, hurtling towards him at breakneck speed.

Mathias tried to counter Ares' attack by forming a gigantic column of fire.

The rays of light from the fire column illuminated the area and burned through the concrete as it descended, shaking the world with its power. Finally, the two attacks collided, causing an explosion that destroyed the building and sent tremors throughout the area.

Silence and dust enveloped everything, leaving no trace of Mathias Dufour.

Ares, surprised by how easily he defeated his opponent, looked around and wondered, "How could it be so easy? Couldn't he even stop a measly attack?"

At that moment, Kayden descended from the sky and congratulated Ares on his victory. "Well done, kid."

"I used most of my power in that attack, but..." Ares said with a hesitant voice.

Kayden encouraged him, "You don't have to feel down."

"In a fight, you always have to leverage any advantage you have over your opponent."

"It's always important to be prepared for whatever may come, Ares. Strength is not the only important factor in a fight, you also need to know how to use it effectively and strategically," Kayden responded with a serious look.

Ares nodded in understanding and added, "I also need to work on my ability to assess my opponents and adapt to their fighting style. I can't afford to underestimate anyone."

"Exactly. The key is to always be alert and adapt to the situation. Even the weakest opponents can be dangerous if given the chance to exploit a weakness or mistake," explained Kayden.

"Many of the Awakened hide, but it's unknown how much power they are holding back all over the world."

"I will take your advice into account in the future. I need to become stronger," said Ares, tightening his fist.

"How do you feel?" Kayden asked Ares about his body.

"Fine, I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. It's good to be back," Ares responded with a big smile.

"Hahaha, yes, it's good to be back, and fortunately, you have no issues," said Kayden.

"I was a bit nervous," admitted Ares.

"Anyone would be nervous," said Kayden, laughing.

"Let's get out of here. I will continue training to challenge the top ten in the rankings in the near future," said Kayden with a slight smile.

"Did they accept your challenge?" Ares asked in amazement.

"Not yet. I sent them the challenge not long ago, but I have to keep training to stay in shape and become stronger," explained Kayden.

"If the Awakened in the top 10 don't accept me, I will continue challenging others until one of them accepts my challenge," said Kayden.

"I hope someone accepts my challenge. I will settle the score with some of the top-ranked individuals and then challenge more Awakened in the global rankings," said Ares with a deep anger in his eyes.

"That's the attitude you should have. If you want to challenge someone, do it. Don't be held back by a few people," said Kayden with a malicious smile.

….

1253 words.

Next chapter "I'm back"