Chapter 16: The Royal Hunt
The echo of Hawks' words hung in the air like a storm cloud:
"You will come by your will… or by ours. Remember."
Moro and Kaya moved cautiously through the winding streets of Shinya, every footstep careful, every shadow suspicious. The city seemed alive, as if it knew the presence of outsiders daring to challenge the order of the Sanctuary. Lanterns flickered along the walls, throwing long, distorted shadows that danced like silent watchers.
Kaya's grip on her blades was tight. "He's serious," she whispered, eyes scanning every corner. "They won't give up. They'll mobilize everything the King has."
Moro didn't respond. His mind replayed the blue glow that had saved him against the Asura Twins, the feeling of raw power coursing through him as he tore free from the tree. He could feel the matrix stirring even now, humming with quiet anticipation.
Suddenly, from the spires above, a bell tolled sharply. Not for prayer, but for action. Shinya's Royal Guards had begun their hunt. The first wave emerged from the alleys ahead, shields raised, halberds gleaming in the torchlight. Every step they took seemed synchronized, as if the city itself had lent them strength.
Kaya darted forward, blades flashing in arcs of silver, cutting through the first line of Guards. Sparks flew as steel clashed with steel. Moro followed, fists glowing faintly blue, each strike cracking shields and sending soldiers sprawling.
The battle escalated quickly. Moro and Kaya moved like shadows, weaving through the disciplined lines, but the Guards were unyielding. They came in waves, relentless, herding the duo like prey.
Moro's senses heightened. Every flicker of movement, every metallic breath of the Guards was cataloged in his mind. His aura flared brighter, illuminating the dark streets in a pale blue glow. He smashed through a line of soldiers, his power scattering them like leaves in a storm.
From the rooftops, a figure watched silently. Hawks. He didn't intervene—not yet. His piercing eyes followed every motion, calculating, anticipating. The shadows at his feet shifted unnaturally, stretching as if alive, whispering danger. He wanted to measure Moro's strength first-hand before deciding when to strike.
"Keep moving!" Kaya hissed, slashing another Guard aside. "We can't hold them forever!"
Moro didn't answer. His focus was sharp, heart steady, aura pulsing. "Then we fight our way out," he said, determination burning in every word.
The streets twisted into a maze of chaos. Broken carts, overturned barrels, and shattered stones became obstacles and weapons alike. Civilians had fled, leaving only the hunters and the hunted. Arrows tipped with enchanted silver streaked through the air, forcing Moro and Kaya to duck and weave.
Kaya glanced toward a narrow alleyway. "This way," she said, leading Moro into the shadows. They had no plan, only survival instinct and each other.
A sudden whistle cut through the night. From above, Hawks descended like a shadow incarnate, landing silently between two Guards. The ground seemed to bend beneath him, shadows rippling at his feet. His greatsword gleamed ominously, and his gaze was a blade sharper than any steel.
"You've drawn too much attention, Moro," Hawks said calmly, his voice cutting through the chaos. "This ends tonight."
The Royal Guards tightened their formation, surrounding Moro and Kaya. Arrows flew, shields slammed, and the city became a blur of metal and light.
Kaya leaped, spinning midair to take down two Guards at once. Moro's fists glowed brighter, each strike radiating raw power. Yet for every Guard sent flying, two more replaced them, closing the circle.
Moro felt a pang of frustration. The city's labyrinthine streets, once a sanctuary, now felt like a cage. He could hear Hawks' cold laughter echoing through the alleys, a ghostly presence that weighed on him.
He gritted his teeth. I can't let them herd us like cattle.
With a sudden surge, Moro slammed both fists into the nearest wall, creating a shockwave that knocked Guards off their feet. Kaya followed, a whirlwind of steel, cutting down anyone who came close.
But the real threat loomed above. Hawks didn't move yet, but the aura surrounding him was suffocating. Shadows twisted unnaturally, crawling toward Moro and Kaya like living things. Every instinct screamed danger, but Moro's blue glow pulsed stronger than ever, a defiant beacon against the oppression of the hunt.
"This isn't over," Hawks called, his voice carrying over the din of battle. "You will answer for this defiance."
And then, as quickly as he appeared, he stepped back, fading into the shadows above, leaving the Royal Guards to press forward.
Moro and Kaya were not out of danger, but the standoff had shifted. They had survived the first wave, learned the strength of the enemy, and glimpsed the true power of their pursuers.
The Royal Guards regrouped, a sea of armor and halberds tightening around them. Yet Moro's resolve burned brighter. His eyes met Kaya's, a silent agreement passing between them. They would not surrender. They would not falter.
The hunt was far from over.
And the night of Shinya had only just begun.
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