Chapter 14 — Almost Seen
The city slept, but I didn't.
Not anymore.
Every night since that first successful tail, I'd been back out in the alleys, testing, refining, memorizing.
By now, I could map half the Xiao Clan's patrol routes in my sleep.
I knew who rotated the inner gates, who napped during duty, and which drunk guard liked to "inspect" the taverns after midnight.
But the thing about familiarity?
It makes you sloppy.
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The New Plan
Tonight's run was simple.
Slip closer to the inner courtyard, mark the guard rotations, then leave before anyone knew I'd been there.
No risks.
No heroics.
At least, that was the plan.
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The Approach
The Xiao Clan compound loomed ahead, its high walls casting jagged shadows across the quiet streets.
I kept low, hugging the edges, moving with the same quiet precision I'd drilled for months.
Step.
Pause.
Step.
Breathe.
The courtyard came into view. Lanterns burned dimly, and three guards were stationed near the gate.
Perfect.
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The Mistake
I don't know what did it.
A loose tile, a shift of wind, maybe just bad luck.
But as I crouched near the outer wall, one of the guards stiffened, his head snapping in my direction.
"Who's there?"
I froze, heart hammering, lungs screaming to move.
Then his lantern swept toward me, light spilling into the alley.
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The Split-Second Choice
Running would make noise.
Staying meant discovery.
So I did the only thing I could.
I pressed flat against the wall, shut my eyes, and let my energy fall into that perfect stillness — the "invisible flow" I'd only barely begun to master in simulation.
The guard's light passed over me once.
Twice.
His brow furrowed, his hand tightening on his spear.
And then —
"Damn cats," he muttered, turning away.
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The Escape
I didn't breathe until I was three streets away, sweat chilling against my skin.
Too close.
Far, far too close.
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System Warning
> [Risk Assessment: High]
[Recommendation: Reduce real-world exposure for 72 hours]
I sank onto the edge of my narrow bed when I got home, my hands trembling from the adrenaline crash.
One wrong breath tonight, and I wouldn't have come back.
Not alive.
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The Lesson
Floating Cloud City wasn't a playground.
And the Xiao Clan sure as hell wasn't a simulation.
If I wanted to live — really live — I needed to stop chasing perfection in dangerous places and start using my skills where they mattered most: preparation.
The storm was still two years away, but the cracks were already forming.
And next time?
There might not be a lucky cat to save me.
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