Luke hobbled through the village, amazed at how advanced these people were compared to any other survivors he'd met. Homes were reinforced, lights powered, tools crafted with care. The people darker‑skinned, some with dreads, some without, greeted him warmly as he passed. Elijah's people were strong. Proud. Alive. Then a deep voice boomed behind him."Hey, Hero. You here to take some of us with you to that war?" Luke turned. A giant of a man 6'8, ripped, built like a tank stood carrying a barrel of water like it weighed nothing."Yes," Luke said. "If you're willing to join the cause."The man dropped the barrel with a thud."And how do I know you're not leading our people to slaughter?" Luke didn't flinch. "I can't promise you won't die. There's always that chance. But if dying is what you fear most… then stay here." The man stepped closer. "You know who I am. I'm Kwame, strongest in this village."Luke nodded. "Nice to meet you, Kwame. I don't mean disrespect." Kwame raised a hand. "Hush. You said your piece. Own it. I challenge you one on one." Luke shook his head. "Please. I don't want trouble." "Too late." Kwame shoved him hard. Luke hit the ground.Another villager sprinted over. "Kwame, stop!" Kwame roared, "Move, Malik or you're next!" Luke pushed himself up. "It's fine. Let him come." Malik hesitated… then stepped aside.Kwame charged like a bull. Luke used his footwork dodge, step, slip and cracked Kwame with a clean uppercut. Kwame swung back, left‑right‑left‑right, fast and brutal. Luke dodged most, but his injuries slowed him. A left hook caught him clean.
Luke staggered.Kwame stepped back and launched a devastating kick to Luke's chest, sending him crashing onto his back. Kwame towered over him. "Come on, Hero. That all you got?" Luke wiped blood from his mouth, stood with a limp, and growled "Is that all you got?" Kwame charged again. And then Luke's eyes turned white. Time slowed. Kwame's attack came in slow motion. Luke slipped past it effortlessly and delivered a monstrous uppercut to Kwame's jaw. A shockwave rippled through Kwame's body.
He dropped to one knee. Luke stood over him, eyes returning to normal. He extended a hand. Kwame looked up… then took it. Luke pulled him to his feet. "Great fight." Kwame nodded. "You're stronger than you look. I'll give you that." Kwame said Luke smirked. "I'll take it." The two warriors embraced, the crowd cheering softly around them. Malik approached. "Kwame… go home. My wife has dinner ready."Kwame nodded and walked off. Malik turned to Luke. "Your name is Luke, right?" "Yeah. You're Malik?" Malik nodded. "Rumor is you're looking for soldiers." Luke straightened. "I am."Malik smiled. "Well, Luke… I've might have some for you."