Ember of the system AVATAR THE LAST AIR binder

The moment I saw Zuko, my heart raced. His golden eyes burned with intensity, and the scar on his face only added to his intimidating presence. He stood between me and the exit, his hands already glowing with faint embers.

"You're not supposed to be here," Zuko said, his voice low and dangerous. "Who are you, and what are you doing in this depot?"

I tightened my grip on the stolen documents, my mind racing. If I fought him, I risked exposing myself to the entire Fire Nation. But if I ran, I'd be abandoning Jet and the Freedom Fighters—and everything I'd started to believe in.

The system's interface flickered in the corner of my vision.

**[Moral Choice: Fight or Flee?]**

**[Choice 1: Fight Zuko. Reward: +300 XP, +3 Firebending Skill Points, Unlock Skill: Fire Shield]**

**[Choice 2: Flee and protect the Freedom Fighters. Reward: +200 XP, +2 Karma, Unlock Skill: Evasion]**

I clenched my fists, my flames flickering to life in my palms. "I'm not your enemy," I said, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me. "But I won't let you stop me."

Zuko's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that."

---

### **The Duel**

Zuko launched the first attack, a powerful burst of flames that I barely managed to deflect. The heat was intense, and I could feel the force of his firebending even from a distance. He was strong—much stronger than I had anticipated.

I countered with a **Fire Stream**, the flames shooting toward him in a concentrated line. Zuko sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. He retaliated with a series of rapid fireballs, forcing me to dodge and weave.

The system's interface flickered, showing my progress.

**[Firebending Proficiency: 70%]**

**[Skill: Fire Stream – Level 2: 50% Mastery]**

I focused on the flow of energy in my body, channeling it into my hands. The flames grew brighter, hotter, but Zuko was relentless. He closed the distance between us, his attacks becoming more aggressive.

"You're not bad," Zuko admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. "But you're still no match for me."

I gritted my teeth, my flames flickering uncertainly. He was right—I was outmatched. But I couldn't afford to lose. Not now.

---

### **A Desperate Move**

As Zuko prepared his next attack, I made a split-second decision. I focused on the system's interface, allocating the **+3 Firebending Skill Points** I'd earned from the quest. My **Firebending Proficiency** jumped to **73%**, and I felt a surge of energy course through me.

I unleashed a powerful burst of flames, creating a wall of fire between us. The heat was intense, forcing Zuko to step back. I used the distraction to make a break for the exit, my heart pounding as I ran.

But Zuko wasn't about to let me go that easily. He chased after me, his flames hot on my heels. I could feel the heat closing in, and I knew I wouldn't be able to outrun him.

---

### **A New Skill**

Just as Zuko was about to catch me, the system's interface flickered, showing a new message.

**[Skill Unlocked: Evasion – Level 1]**

**[Effect: Increases your ability to dodge attacks and escape dangerous situations.]**

I focused on the skill, channeling my energy into my movements. My body became lighter, more agile, and I managed to dodge Zuko's next attack with ease. I slipped into the shadows, my footsteps silent as I disappeared into the night.

---

### **The Aftermath**

When I finally made it back to the Freedom Fighters' camp, Jet was waiting for me. He took one look at the documents in my hands and grinned. "You did it."

I nodded, still catching my breath. "But Zuko saw me. He knows I'm working with you."

Jet's expression turned serious. "Then we'll have to be more careful. But you did the right thing, Kael. You chose freedom over loyalty to a corrupt nation."

I looked down at the documents, my hands trembling. I had made my choice, but the cost was higher than I had anticipated. Zuko was no ordinary enemy, and I had a feeling this was only the beginning.