System Ascension: The Vermillion Legacy

CHAPTER EIGHT

 Aiden, known as Draken, delivers a precise kick to the back of Patrick’s knee, causing him to stumble slightly. It's a calculated strike. Aiden, known as Draken, doesn’t need to overpower him; he just needs to destabilize him. 

Patrick grunts in frustration and spins around, lashing out wildly, but Aiden, known as Draken, moves with the agility of someone much more skilled than a strange boy should be.

The remaining Lloyd gang, seeing their enforcer struggle, try to intervene when one of them, a gang member named Luke, leaps at Aiden, known as Draken, from the side with a blade extended. 

But Aiden, known as Draken, is already anticipating the move. Using his system to boost his awareness, he shifts his body and dodges Luke's attack just in time. 

Aiden, known as Draken, grabs Luke's hand and uses the momentum against him, flipping him onto the ground with a hard thud.

Before the others can react, Aiden, known as Draken, moves swiftly through the gang, using their confusion to his advantage. His training allows him to remain unpredictable, his movements smooth and precise. 

He targets each of the gang members with quick, disabling strikes, nothing too powerful, but enough to disarm them and make it impossible for them to continue fighting.

One by one, the gang members fall. Aiden's system continues feeding him real-time data, showing the moves to neutralize each opponent without revealing his full power. 

When one of the gang members tries to rush him from behind, Aiden, known as Draken, ducks under the attack, swiftly sweeps his legs out from under him. Another one swings a knife at him, but Aiden, known as Draken, disarms him in a swift motion, knocking him out with a single punch to the jaw.

After defeating the men who had terrorized the village, Aiden turned his focus to the captives. Fear and relief were written on their faces as he freed them from their bonds, guiding them back to safety. 

One by one, they escaped, their gratitude echoing in soft murmurs and hurried glances over their shoulders. But as the last of the captives fled, one figure remained, a young man with determined eyes, standing firm as he looked up at Aiden.

The young man introduced himself as Kylian, his voice steady despite the exhaustion evident on his face.

"Thank you for saving us. I... want to repay you. Please let me be your student. I want to learn from you, to fight like you," he said with determination.

Aiden looked at Kylian, surprised by the young man's sudden request. His gaze softened, and he shook his head gently.

"Kylian, I appreciate your offer, but you don't owe me anything. You're free now. Go home, live your life in peace. This path... it isn't easy. It's filled with darkness and danger," Aiden replied, but Kylian's expression remained steadfast.

"I don't want to live a peaceful life. I've seen the evil in this world, the suffering and injustice. And today I saw hope for the first time. You, you're not just a warrior. I believe you're the one who will save our land from the darkness that's consuming it," Kylian said.

Aiden shifted uncomfortably, caught off guard by Kylian's belief in him. He wasn't used to being seen as a savior, let alone someone worthy of following.

"Kylian, you don't understand. I have my reasons for walking this path alone. You'd be safer staying behind. I can't afford any distractions, and having someone by my side might... complicate things," Aiden said.

"I don't care about safety. My life is worth something only if I can use it to make a difference. And I believe that difference starts with you. Please, give me a chance to prove myself. I'll follow you wherever you go. I'll train, I'll fight, I'll do whatever it takes," Kylian replied.

Aiden looked into Kylian's eyes, seeing the same determination he himself once held, back when he had first started down this path. 

Part of him admired the young man's courage, the willingness to risk everything for a cause he believed in. But another part of him hesitated. Kylian's loyalty and dedication reminded him of the burdens of companionship, the risks he would expose Kylian to if he allowed him to stay.

After a long silence, Aiden spoke, his voice quiet but resolute.

"Kylian, if you choose to follow me, know that there will be no turning back. I'm not leading you to safety or comfort. This path is filled with sacrifice, hardship, and blood. If you truly wish to walk this path, then understand that it will change you. It may take from you more than you're ready to give," Aiden said with a serious tone.

Without a moment of hesitation, Kylian nodded.

"I understand, and I accept. I'm willing to face whatever comes. I'll become stronger, I swear it. I'll follow you to the ends of the earth, if that's what it takes," Kylian said.

Aiden sighed, a mixture of excitement and reluctant acceptance in his expression.

"Very well. But if you're serious about this, there is no room for failure. If you wish to learn, then you must be prepared to give everything. I won't hold back, and I won't tolerate hesitation," Aiden said.

Kylian's face lit up with determination, and he nodded again. "I won't let you down, Master Draken," he said with determination in his eyes.

As they prepared to set out, Aiden found himself slightly hoping that Kylian would have the strength to endure the trials ahead.

"Kylian, one more thing... People know me as Draken, but my real name is Aiden. You can call me Aiden," Aiden said with a dark tone before letting out a dark smile.