The academy dispatched teams at dawn—if dawn even existed in a city where neon light drowned out the sky. Kai stepped onto the transit dock with a calm posture, though his mind burned with anticipation. Last night's simulation lingered in his nerves: tension, rivalry, desire, and pressure fused in a single explosive mix.
Today would be different. This time, it wasn't a controlled arena.
This time, the academy expected results.
Lyra arrived first, boots echoing sharply against the metal floor.
"Mission brief is simple," she said. "Retrieve stolen intel from the Dusk Syndicate. They operate in the lower levels. Violent, unpredictable, and hostile to academy interference."
Nova slid beside them, adjusting the glowing nodes running along her spine.
"Simple? Lyra, please. Nothing about the Dusk Syndicate is ever simple."
Eira joined last, cracking her augmented knuckles.
"If they want trouble, we give them trouble."
The system flashed.
"Team Synergy Test: Activated."
"Desire Interaction Effects: Passive."
"Warning: Rival interference probability—High."
Kai didn't need translation. Orion would show up.
Of course he would.
The transit pod dove into the lower levels—where the neon glow became sharper, dirtier, mixed with smoke and malfunctioning lights. Streets twisted like circuitry gone rogue. Holographic ads flickered: augment shops, combat dens, forbidden pleasures. The air throbbed with danger and temptation.
As the team advanced, Kai felt the gazes of the girls shifting toward him. Not playful—measured. Evaluating his confidence, intent, and leadership.
He wasn't just another recruit anymore.
He had become the variable that altered their equilibrium.
Lyra walked close enough that her shoulder brushed his.
"Stay focused. Down here, one distraction is enough to get killed."
Nova laughed softly.
"He can multitask. I'm sure of it."
Eira glared at Nova, then at Kai, but her eyes softened just for a second.
"Just don't slow us down."
The path narrowed into a dim alley where drones hovered like silent predators. Kai's sensors activated instantly.
Movement. Sound. Hostile signatures.
The system highlighted heat traces ahead.
"Contact," he warned.
The ambush hit fast. Dusk Syndicate cyborgs charged out from the shadows, their bodies patched with rough, illegal hardware. The fight exploded into motion—Lyra's blades slicing neon arcs, Nova launching shockwaves that bent the air, Eira smashing through targets with precision strikes.
Kai moved between them, covering gaps, hacking enemy implants mid-fight, diverting attacks with split-second timing. And every time he synchronized with one of them—every coordinated dodge, counter, or flank—the system rewarded their synergy with subtle boosts.
In the middle of the battle, Nova pressed against his back during a dual strike, her voice low, amused:
"You move well. Almost like you enjoy having us this close."
He didn't answer, but the heat rising in his chest betrayed him.
Lyra noticed.
The corner of her mouth lifted—an expression carrying equal parts threat and invitation.
Eira caught the exchange too, her hits striking harder as if fueled by something she refused to name.
When the last syndicate enforcer collapsed, the area fell silent except for the hum of broken neon signs.
They retrieved the intel—data shards glowing with encrypted secrets—but before they could leave, a slow clap echoed through the alley.
Kai froze.
Orion Creed.
Enhanced, flawless, arrogant.
Surrounded by four elite escorts, all armed and synchronized to his aura.
"You beat them quicker than expected," Orion said. "Impressive… for someone still figuring out how to breathe down here."
Lyra stepped forward, tension razor-sharp.
"Back off, Orion."
Nova tilted her head.
"You're early. Or desperate."
Eira didn't bother hiding her contempt.
"If you're here to interfere, you picked the wrong day."
Orion ignored them entirely and focused on Kai—eyes glowing with manufactured superiority.
"You think they follow you because you're strong? Because you have potential? Please. You're a novelty, Zero. A glitch. Something new they haven't gotten bored of yet."
Kai held his stare.
"If that helps you sleep at night, fine."
Orion's smile faded.
"This city breaks people like you. I'll enjoy watching it happen."
He stepped aside, allowing his team to scatter into the shadows.
A warning more than a retreat.
Lyra exhaled sharply.
"He's serious. Orion doesn't threaten without purpose."
Nova touched Kai's arm lightly, eyes sharp despite her smile.
"Don't let him inside your head. That's how he wins."
Eira crossed her arms.
"We're not losing to that arrogant parasite. Not today, not ever."
The system chimed.
"New Rival Questline Unlocked."
"Desire Synergy Skills Available."
"Warning: Harem Tension Increasing."
Kai felt the weight of it.
Rivalries. Desire. Power.
Everything was accelerating.
But for the first time since arriving in this world, he welcomed the pressure.
He wasn't just surviving Neon Nexus anymore.
He was starting to shape it.