The night sky above the capital was calm, the moonlight softly illuminating the streets as Renji, Elira, and Celis walked back from the lively town. They were still laughing from the earlier stalls and games, their voices mixing with the faint chatter of the city winding down.
But suddenly, the air grew heavy. A chill ran down Renji's spine.
From the shadows of an alley, a man wearing a black coat and a mask stepped out. His presence radiated hostility, his aura oppressive and suffocating.
Before Elira or Celis could react, the figure rushed at them with inhuman speed. His target—Celis.
Renji's eyes widened, but his body moved faster than thought. He stepped forward, his sword flashing as he blocked the man's dagger with a loud CLANG.
"Stay back!"
Renji barked, forcing the princesses behind him.
The masked man tilted his head.
"Ohhh… interesting. You're faster than I expected."
Without another word, the man slashed forward with blinding speed. Renji parried, sparks flying as their weapons collided.
Renji countered by pushing him back, then activated his teleport skill. In a blur, he appeared at the man's side and swung down with a powerful strike. The masked figure blocked, though the impact cracked the cobblestones beneath their feet.
The man smirked beneath his mask.
"Not bad… but let's see how long you can keep up."
He snapped his fingers, summoning black flames that shot forward like whips. Renji dodged left, teleporting again, but one flame grazed his sleeve and burned through the fabric.
Renji gritted his teeth, tightening his grip.
"Ultimate Skill—Celestial Strike!"
His blade glowed brilliantly, and with a single swing, a massive arc of energy slashed toward the enemy, tearing through the street.
But the man vanished with perfect timing—appearing behind Renji. His dagger swung for Renji's back.
Renji, sensing it, teleported just in time, reappearing above and descending with a brutal kick. His heel smashed into the masked man's chest, sending him crashing into a wall, debris scattering.
The man staggered out, coughing, yet laughing.
"You're stronger than I thought… This is going to be fun."
Renji narrowed his eyes.
"Why did you attack them? Who sent you?"
The man chuckled darkly.
"My king ordered it, of course."
Renji's heart sank. He clenched his fist.
"The Demon King?"
But before Renji could press further, the masked man raised two fingers. A dark magic circle appeared beneath his feet.
"Consider this a warning, Hero. The war will begin soon."
And in an instant, he vanished into the shadows with teleportation, leaving behind only silence.
Elira and Celis rushed to Renji's side, their eyes full of worry.
"Renji! Are you hurt?!"
Elira asked, placing a hand on his arm.
"That was so close…"
Celis added, her voice trembling.
Renji gave them a calm smile, shaking his head.
"Don't worry. I'm fine. He didn't land a single real hit."
Still, his thoughts grew heavy. He looked up at the moonlit sky, gripping his sword tightly.
"Hmm...The Demon King has already started moving."
"I must be careful."
The night that began with laughter had now ended with a chilling shadow.