Moonlight spilled through the branches like silver blades as Kazuki stepped forward, shielding Lyria with his body. The forest air turned sharp—too sharp—as if the night itself feared to breathe.
Three figures emerged from the shadows.
Tall. Graceful. Deadly.
Elves.
Unlike Lyria—wounded and exhausted—these elves wore elegant armor woven from spirit threads and living leaves. Their steps were silent, their expressions cold, their eyes glowing faintly with elven mana.
The one in front—a tall man with long emerald hair—raised a crystalline spear at Kazuki.
"Human," he said icily, "step aside. This matter does not concern you."
Kazuki's jaw tightened. "She's injured. She needs help, not chains."
The elf's expression didn't change. "Lyria Sylphwind is a traitor. She will be judged."
Lyria flinched behind Kazuki. "Please… Rynel, don't do this…"
Rynel didn't look at her. "Your voice carries no authority anymore."
Two more hunters lifted their bows—sleek, shimmering weapons crafted from spiritwood. Mana pulsed along the bowstrings.
Kazuki tightened his grip on his broken blade.
He was tired. Wounded. Outnumbered.
But backing down wasn't an option.
Not anymore.
The First Strike
Rynel's hand twitched.
The first arrow flew like green lightning.
Kazuki barely saw it—yet his new Combat Instinct skill roared to life, flooding his senses with raw clarity.
Dodge left!
Kazuki twisted sideways, the arrow slicing across his cheek instead of piercing his skull.
The second hunter was already moving, spinning into a blindingly fast arc. Kazuki raised his sword just in time—clang! Sparks flew. The impact numbed his arm.
He slid backward, boots digging into the soil.
Strong. Too strong.
These weren't beasts with predictable patterns. These were trained warriors.
Rynel watched calmly. "Impressive reflexes… for a human."
Kazuki spat blood. "Yeah? You should see me when I'm pissed."
He charged.
The nearest hunter swung a mana-infused dagger. Kazuki ducked under it, driving his shoulder into the elf's ribs. The impact sent the hunter stumbling back.
But the second was already there.
Fast.
Kazuki blocked a slash—barely—but the blade carved across his arm. Pain exploded, warm blood spraying across the forest floor.
"Kazuki!" Lyria cried.
But Kazuki didn't step back.
He stepped forward.
He grabbed the hunter's wrist, twisted, and smashed his forehead into the elf's nose. A sharp crack. Blood splattered.
Before the elf fell, Kazuki flipped the dagger into his own hand.
Now he had a blade.
Rynel Enters the Fight
Rynel lowered his spear, face still expressionless.
"You've improved her luck, human. Nothing more."
He vanished.
Kazuki's eyes widened. "Wha—"
Rynel reappeared behind him.
Kazuki—MOVE!
Kazuki ducked. The spear passed above him, slicing several strands of hair clean off.
Rynel's voice was emotionless. "You can dodge… once. Let's see how long you last."
Kazuki gritted his teeth and lunged. Their blades collided—Kazuki's dagger flashing desperately against the crystalline spear. Rynel's movements were unnaturally fluid, like fighting liquid moonlight.
Slash. Thrust. Sweep.
Kazuki blocked each attack by a hair, his new instincts screaming guidance.
But every impact drained him. Every dodge stole breath he didn't have.
Rynel caught him with a kick to the ribs.
Kazuki flew back, crashing into a tree. Pain erupted across his chest.
"Kazuki!" Lyria tried to rise but collapsed instantly.
Rynel pointed his spear at her. "Your existence ends tonight."
Kazuki's heart erupted—rage, fear, desperation all merging into one spark.
"No… you're not touching her!"
Energy surged inside him—raw and boiling. His system flashed violently.
⚡ SYSTEM ALERT ⚡
Critical Emotion Detected
Hidden Condition Fulfilled
New Skill Unlocked:
• Adrenal Surge (Lv.1)Temporarily increases Strength and Agility by 50% when protecting an ally.Duration: 30 seconds.
Kazuki shot forward like a fired arrow.
Rynel's eyes widened—too late.
Kazuki slammed into him with monstrous force, driving both of them into the dirt. Rynel rolled away, surprised but still poised.
"You… changed your aura," he murmured.
Kazuki didn't answer. He rushed again, dagger flashing. Their weapons clashed—sparks showering like falling stars. Kazuki's speed doubled; his movements blurred.
For the first time, Rynel struggled.
Kazuki struck his spear aside and delivered a crushing punch to Rynel's jaw. The elite hunter flew back, smashing into a tree.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" the second hunter gasped.
Kazuki wasn't done.
Before the hunter could recover, Kazuki leaped forward—blade raised—and slashed clean across Rynel's arm.
Rynel hissed, jumping away. His composed mask finally cracked.
"You are… no ordinary human."
Kazuki pointed his dagger at him. "Get away from her."
Rynel stared for a long moment.
Then he smirked coldly.
"This isn't over. But you won't survive the next encounter."
He signaled the others. In a swirl of shimmering leaves, the elven hunters vanished into the night.
Silence returned to the forest.
Kazuki collapsed to his knees, panting.
"…Damn… that was close."
Lyria crawled toward him shakily. "Kazuki… you protected me again. Even against my own people."
He managed a tired smile. "I told you. I'm not letting anyone take you."
She stared at him—eyes soft, warm, filled with something he couldn't yet name.
"Thank you… Kazuki…"
His system window suddenly flickered again.
⚡ SYSTEM—NEW SKILLS ACQUIRED ⚡• Adrenal Surge (Lv.1)
Temporary power boost when protecting allies.
• Hunter's Mark (Lv.1)
Mark a target to increase damage and tracking ability.
• Double EXP (Passive)
Experience gained is doubled.Evolution Pathway Bonus.
Kazuki's breath caught.
"Double… EXP?"
He stared at the glowing text in awe.
Lyria smiled faintly. "Your power… it grows faster than any summoned human I've ever seen."
Kazuki looked up at the moon, heart pounding.
If he could grow this fast…
If he could protect Lyria…
Then maybe—
Maybe he could survive this world.
END OF CHAPTER 8