The mist hung heavy over the twisted alleys of the Port of Mist, cloaking the evening in a gray shroud that swallowed light and sound alike.
Aiko's breath hitched. Damn it, I was spotted...
Ahead, at the dim corridor's end, Grizy stood like a shadow carved in stone—his lips curling into a cold smile.
She whipped her gaze back to where he'd been moments ago. The space was empty. Then—a sudden movement behind her. A cold blade flashed toward her neck.
But Aiko's instincts sprang alive. She twisted, the edge barely grazing skin, and caught his wrist in a vice of iron.
"So, it was you," she hissed, voice low and seething. "Grizy... one of the thieves who razed my village to ashes."
Grizy's grin deepened, devoid of warmth. "I don't recall you, but your hatred? It spoke volumes the moment I laid eyes on you. That's when it struck me—we've crossed paths before. And I sensed something... following me." His calm facade broke briefly, a flicker of amusement in his dark eyes.
A dense gray aura fanned out around him, a spectral fog of raw power. Aiko mirrored the manifestation—her own aura crackling with pure venomous fury.
The townsfolk froze where they were, breaths caught, eyes wide as they bore witness to the silent storm brewing between these two figures. Edge of a blade away from an unforgiving duel.
Aiko's sharp voice pulled her back from the brink. Now is no time for a reckless fight. This town thrived on black markets and smuggling—an unforgiving land for a demi-human like herself. Here, she was vulnerable, surrounded by enemies ready to pounce.
Slowly, with eyes still locked on Grizy's, Aiko stepped back and vaulted onto the nearest rooftop.
"We'll meet again soon," she warned, voice steady with unbroken resolve.
Grizy's smile curled into a sinister promise. "I'll be waiting. And when I do? You'll be mine... my personal slave."
Without a backward glance, Aiko melted into the maze of roofs, her nimble form leaping from house to house with practiced ease, destined for the town's heart.
From below, Alex looked up, caught off guard by her unexpected approach.
"Aiko? Why the rooftops? The streets are safer," he called, concern knotted in his voice.
She landed beside him, chest heaving, eyes blazing with fierce urgency.
"Alex... I found them."
"Found who?"
"The thieves—the ones who burned my village. Six in total, led by Grizy—the mastermind behind that horror. I trailed them here. They slipped into an alley and entered through a hidden door. I was spotted, confronted by Grizy himself... but I dodged him." Her gaze sharpened, heavy with unspoken pain. "I held back. Fighting here? A demi-human opens herself to peril in this place. Besides, his allies lurk close."
Alex absorbed her words, a slow, knowing smile playing on his lips.
"Today, you will have your revenge, Aiko. But we need space—somewhere they can't see us."
Within the dimly lit chambers of the White Mist Inn, the two pored over the map.
"The alley's two blocks from the town center," Aiko detailed. "A narrow staircase leading down to a door."
Alex nodded thoughtfully. Underground hideout. Likely a hub for their darkest dealings.
"We strike tonight," Alex resolved. "I'll move silently—like a shadow cutting through darkness—thwarting anyone who stands before me. Haru, you'll stay on Aiko's shoulder. When I've cleared the path to their leader, I'll signal."
Aiko's fists clenched. "Hand-to-hand for me."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Demi-humans excel in close combat, huh?"
She merely nodded, eyes cold with determination.
On the far side of town, Baron Jevran lingered in his ornate study, cigar smoke twisting lazily upwards.
"Noriyuki," the Baron's voice broke the quiet air. "Report."
The leader of the deserters approached, hooded and cautious.
"We scouted the Royal Empire," Noriyuki began. "Normal on the surface—content citizens, steady markets. But we found something concerning: a wanted poster. Among those hunted... Alex."
Jevran's eyes narrowed. "What charge?"
"Treason. Priority: elimination; capture preferable. Also listed were several children and elders."
Alex unaware he's a marked man, Jevran mused grimly. "He's on the border of the Crimson Thicket. Find him. Warn him. That border is no place for the unsuspecting."
"Understood."
Night draped the Port of Mist as Alex and Aiko watched the thieves' lair from a rooftop vantage.
A sudden chill prickled Alex's senses.
"Something's coming."
From the shadows stepped Noriyuki, bowing low.
"Yoik! You trying to end me, Noriyuki?!" Alex exclaimed.
"I came with news from Baron Jevran," Noriyuki said. "You're wanted by the Empire."
Alex rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "How did you find me?"
"A long path through the Crimson Thicket and Verdant Wastes. Tracked your energy here."
Alex's voice hardened. "Perfect timing. We're gearing to storm a slave smuggling ring tied to this town. Noriyuki, stay with Aiko. Protect her at all costs."
"Leave it to me."
Alex closed his eyes, reaching Haru with his mind. Wait for my signal.
The sound of approaching guards shrieked among the narrow streets. Stealth cloaked Alex as he descended the staircase, swift as the night wind.
One guard didn't react in time. Alex's blade sliced deep, silence falling ghostlike.
Two down, no alarms.
Beyond the door lay a chamber with empty cages—ominous and stale.
Alex's mind raced. An empty room. Another door.
The corridor beyond spiraled down further into darkness.
At the bottom, six thieves caroused over drink and reckless laughter.
Six lives against mine. Alex's hands blazed with mana, his body surged with speed and strength, blades gleaming beneath the mask of black and white.
In a deadly blur, the six fell—throats slit before their alarms could rise.
Alex slipped through the hallways, wary now. Two strong auras pulsed ahead—an assassin and an unknown presence.
Haru arrived at his side, invisible and silent.
Inside a grand room, a tense meeting unfolded. At the center sat Viscount Liam, lanky and pale, a noble with a cold smile.
Grizy introduced the merchants; plans were laid for slave shipments and expansions into dangerous territories.
Alex's eyes locked on a heavily chained cage, sealed with seven locks beneath a thick cloak. An oppressive aura pressed down—something monstrous within.
Suddenly, flames erupted. Alex summoned a fiery centipede, weaving destruction through the gathered criminals.
Grizy lunged, sword clashing against Alex's in a spray of sparks.
"Your enemy isn't me," Alex spat. "It's her."
Aiko and Noriyuki burst in, their auras blazing, the storm unleashed.
"Stay with the guards," Alex ordered Noriyuki. "I have a job."
Alex reached the cage, muscle straining under its weight.
Too heavy. Load Nullification, now.
The chains fell away, and he sprinted, cage in tow, fleeing through the smoke-filled corridors.
Behind him, Liam roared in fury, landing a bone-crushing kick that sent Noriyuki to his knees.
"You won't steal my prize!"
Liam chased, determination burning like wildfire.
Alex assessed: Killing Liam here invites war... but I can't let him escape. I'll draw him out—to the East Coast. There, I end this.
From rooftops to sandy shores, the chase culminated on a wind-beaten beach. The sea raged, matching the storm within both warriors.
Liam's aura bloomed, red and demonic, while Alex steadied his blade, resolve hardening like tempered steel.
"This ends now."