Chapter 9: Navy
The palace halls were silent—except for the soft drip of blood from Ryuki's blade, painting the marble floor crimson.
She stood over the fallen soldiers, her eyes cold and unreadable.
Ryuki (coldly): "You were no match."
From the shadows ahead, four silhouettes stepped out—tall, calm, and confident.
???: "Who's causing that noise here? …Could it be you rats?"
A single man stepped forward, his voice slicing through the air like his blade would soon.
Narration: Sora Nithel.
Mantra User: Swordsman.
He landed from the upper balcony with a thunderous crash, dust spiraling around his boots.
His eyes locked on Ryuki.
Sora: "Weren't you in the Devil King's crew?"
Ryuki: "Yep. That's correct."
Sora (grinning): "Then I should get rid of you."
He blurred forward—Swish!—a silver arc slicing through the air.
But his blade met something solid.
Orimo's forearm.
Sora: "What's wrong with you?"
Orimo (gritting): "Nothing… exactly."
He slammed a punch straight at Sora's gut—THUD!—but the swordsman blocked it effortlessly with the flat of his blade.
Sora (smirking): "You've got some moves."
Then—the lights shattered.
A violent red aura coiled around Sora's body, the ground trembling under his presence.
Ryuki (sharply): "Get back!"
She dashed forward, blade raised high.
But Sora whispered, voice low and deadly—
Sora: "Red Explosion."
Swish!
A single red flash tore through the room.
Blood spattered.
Orimo hit his knees, clutching his chest as warmth spread through his fingers.
Orimo (gritting his teeth): "Darn it…"
But when the smoke cleared—Ryuki was still standing.
Her blade locked against Sora's.
Ryuki (breathing hard): "That was one heck of a strike."
Sora (grinning): "It's just the beginning."
Ryuki: "You don't work for Daegmon Kira, do you? Who are you?"
Sora: "Navy's Second in Command."
The rain outside roared louder—like the world itself held its breath for the next move.