Chapter 223 - The Thief’s Choice

The forested ridge lay steeped in silence under a starry night sky, Solara Peak looming in the distance, its mist-shrouded slopes glowing faintly with a warmth that seemed to cradle the sun's last light. Moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting silver streaks across the forest floor, where the acrid scent of smoke lingered from the exploded projectile. Leaves lay scattered, the singed cloak of the shadowy figure fluttering as they sprawled against a gnarled tree, dazed from the blast. Haruka stood over them, her stance unyielding, the Dawn Blade steady in her grip, its point aimed at their chest, its hilt glinting with serpents and moons under the moonlight. Her eyes burned with resolve, her voice sharp as she demanded, "Reveal yourself."