Cain felt sick, when he walked into the bar. The smell of alcohol and the smokes of cigarettes mingled into a disgusting mixture of unhealthy and body and mind killing poisons.

  The bar was, despite the smell, a comfortable little place. The wooden Deals and chairs built a stark contrast to the Titanium walls and doors. It was barely 9pm — or 21;00 according to the old worlds Military time system, which Cain preferred — but the very most of the people in this establishment were drunk already — or at least in their very best way there.

  Cain’s eye documented the face of a drunkard that stumbled past him, and the voice of another that yelled profanities at the bartender. Cain grimaced and Held his gaze ahead; until his eyes fell on a certain man.

  Abel.

  Cain’s cybernetic eye immediately began analyzing him, spewing out a stream of information: Height: 189cm. Weight: 92 kg. Heart rate: 63 bpm. No visible injuries. Alcohol consumption detected—minimal.

  He looked the same as always—immaculate, even here. His hair was neatly styled, his posture relaxed yet commanding, and his tailored jacket was devoid of even a speck of dust. While the room around him reeked of chaos and decay, Abel looked as if he’d just stepped out of heaven.

  Abel caught sight of Cain and smiled, raising a hand in greeting. That smile—effortless, confident, and infuriating.

  Cain forced his expression into neutrality as he approached, though his jaw tightened with every step. He slid into the seat opposite Abel without a word.

  ?Cain,? Abel greeted, his voice warm and unhurried, as though they were old friends meeting for a casual drink. ?It’s been a while. You look... well.?

  Cain snorted, glancing around the bar. ?This is where you wanted to meet? A hole like this??

  Abel chuckled, leaning back in his seat. ?Relax. It’s not all pomp and ceremony, you know. Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy the simpler things.?

  Cain’s lips twitched into a humorless smile. ?Simple things like overpriced beer and questionable company??

  Abel took a sip of his drink—some dark amber liquid in a pristine glass—and studied Cain for a moment. His amber eyes gleamed with amusement, as if he found Cain’s disdain entertaining rather than irritating.

  ?Questionable company, huh?? Abel said, setting the glass down. ?Careful, little brother. Someone might think you’re projecting.?

  Cain’s fists clenched under the table, but he forced his expression to remain indifferent. He leaned back, mimicking Abel’s relaxed posture, though his muscles were taut. ?What do you want, Abel? You didn’t ask me to come here just to share your wisdom about enjoying the simple things.?

  Abel’s smile didn’t falter, but his tone shifted slightly—just enough to make Cain feel like a student being lectured. ?Maybe I wanted to see you. Is that so hard to believe??

  ?Yes,? Cain replied flatly. ?It is.?

  Abel chuckled again, the sound grating on Cain’s nerves. ?Still so serious. You’ve always been like this—so much fire, so much anger. I wonder, does it ever exhaust you??

  Cain’s eye twitched, but he didn’t take the bait. ?Get to the point, Abel.?

  Abel sighed, swirling the liquid in his glass. ?Alright, fine. No small talk. Straight to business. I spoke with Elohan recently.?

  Cain’s jaw tightened, but he kept his voice level. ?And??

  ?And he’s... concerned,? Abel said carefully, though his words carried a weight that made Cain’s chest tighten. ?Your recent actions—or rather, inactions—haven’t exactly inspired confidence.?

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Cain’s eyes narrowed. ?If he has a problem, he can tell me himself.?

  ?Oh, he will,? Abel said, leaning forward slightly, his expression softening. ?But he asked me to... mediate, I suppose. To remind you of your purpose. Your potential.?

  Cain laughed bitterly. ?My potential? Is that what he calls it? Funny, because all I hear from him is how I don’t measure up. Not to his standards—and certainly not to you.?

  Abel’s smile faded, replaced by something almost sympathetic. ?Cain... that’s not true.?

  ?Isn’t it?? Cain snapped, his voice low but sharp. ?You’re his golden boy, Abel. The perfect Ascended. The one who can do no wrong. Meanwhile, I’m just the... backup. The one he tolerates because he doesn’t have a choice.?

  Abel was silent for a moment, his gaze steady. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but firm. ?That’s not how I see it. And honestly, I don’t think that’s how he sees it either. You’re not a backup, Cain. You’re... different, yes. Rough around the edges. But that’s what makes you valuable.?

  Cain scoffed, looking away. ?Spare me the pep talk.?

  ?It’s not a pep talk,? Abel said quietly. ?It’s the truth. You’re stronger than you think, Cain. Smarter, too. You just... let your anger cloud everything.?

  Cain’s gaze snapped back to his brother, his cybernetic eye whirring faintly as it processed Abel’s features. For a moment, he considered lashing out—letting Abel see the depth of his frustration, his anger. But no. Abel didn’t deserve that satisfaction. Instead, he forced himself to breathe, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table.

  Abel tilted his head, studying Cain like he was a puzzle waiting to be solved. ?You’re angry. That’s fine. I get it.?

  Cain let out a short, bitter laugh. ?You get it? Abel, you’ve had everything handed to you on a silver platter. You don’t get it. You couldn’t, even if you tried.?

  Abel always knew how to walk the line—kind without being condescending, firm without being overbearing. It was infuriating.

  ?You think you have me all figured out, don’t you?? Cain asked, his voice low and dangerous.

  Abel tilted his head slightly, his expression calm. ?I wouldn’t say that. But I know you well enough, Cain. Better than most.?

  Cain barked a humorless laugh, leaning forward, his elbows resting on the table. ?You think you know me because we share blood? Because we grew up in the same house? You don’t know a damn thing about me, Abel.?

  Abel didn’t flinch at the venom in Cain’s tone. If anything, he looked more resolute. ?You’re angry. At me, at... everything. But that anger isn’t who you are.?

  Cain’s cybernetic eye twitched, scanning Abel’s face again, as if it might uncover some hidden weakness. ?Spare me the psychoanalysis. Why are you really here??

  Abel sighed, leaning back and crossing his arms. ?Fine. Straight to business, then. I’m here because of the Godhunters.?

  Cain’s eyes narrowed. ?What about them??

  ?There’s been chatter,? Abel said, his tone dropping slightly, his usual ease giving way to seriousness. ?Nothing confirmed, but enough to raise concerns. They’re planning something—not a major attack, but significant enough to warrant attention.?

  Cain scoffed, leaning back in his chair. ?So? Isn’t that your department? The golden boy swooping in to save the day??

  Abel’s gaze hardened slightly. ?I’m not here to play games, Cain. This isn’t about me. It’s about the Ascended, about keeping people safe. Whether you like it or not, you’re part of this.?

  Cain’s fists clenched under the table. ?You’re here because Elohan sent you to babysit me, aren’t you? Make sure I don’t screw up again.?

  Abel’s jaw tightened, the first real crack in his calm facade. ?No, Cain. I’m here because you’re good at what you do. Whether you believe that or not, it’s the truth. And because I trust you.?

  Cain laughed bitterly. ?Trust me? That’s a good one. You trust me so much that you show up unannounced, throw Elohan’s ‘concerns’ in my face, and then ask for my help.?

  ?I didn’t ask,? Abel said firmly. ?I need you on this, Cain. You’re the best person for the job, whether you want to admit it or not.?

  For a moment, the two brothers stared at each other, the tension between them crackling like static. Cain’s mind raced, his resentment battling with a reluctant sense of duty.

  ?What’s the plan?? Cain asked finally, his voice clipped.

  Abel’s expression softened, though he didn’t smile. ?We’ll start small. Reconnaissance, gathering intel. If the opportunity presents itself, we strike. Clean, efficient, no unnecessary risks.?

  Cain snorted. ?Clean and efficient. That’s you in a nutshell, isn’t it??

  Abel ignored the jab. ?I’ll be here until the end of the week. We’ll meet tomorrow to go over the details.?

  Cain nodded stiffly, his eyes fixed on the table. He hated this—hated being dragged into Abel’s orbit, hated the way his brother’s words made him feel. But more than anything, he hated that part of him still wanted to prove himself.

  Abel stood, smoothing out his jacket. ?I’ll see you tomorrow, then.? He paused, his amber eyes locking onto Cain’s. ?And Cain... you don’t have to carry all of this alone. You’ve got people who want to help you. Whether you believe it or not.?

  Cain didn’t respond, his jaw clenched tightly as Abel turned and left the bar.

  He sat there for a long moment, staring at the drink Abel had left untouched. The smell of alcohol and smoke clawed at his senses, but his mind was elsewhere.

  ?Help me?? Cain muttered to himself, his voice bitter. ?Funny coming from you.?

  He rose from his seat, his cybernetic eye scanning the room one last time. As much as he despised it, he knew he’d be there tomorrow. Not for Abel. Not for Elohan.

  But because, deep down, he couldn’t let himself walk away.