CHAPTER 41-No Turning Back

That night, as the discussion finally came to an end, exhaustion settled over everyone like a heavy blanket. The moon hung high in the sky, its silver glow casting an ethereal beauty over the land. But while the others succumbed to rest, sleep eluded Akemi.

No matter how much she tried, her eyes refused to close. Her mind was restless, consumed by a singular thought—bringing back Hayato.

Sitting up in bed, she gazed at the moon, its pale light caressing her face like a silent promise. Determination burned deep within her chest.

I will bring you back tonight, Hayato. And I will save Yoto from fighting that demon.

Carefully, she shifted, ensuring she didn't disturb Yushin, who lay sleeping beside her. The memory of her harsh words to her before bed resurfaced, twisting a knife of guilt in her heart.

"I'm sorry, Yushin. You've always stood by me… I shouldn't have said that. Once I bring Hayato back, things will be like before. They have to be."

She hesitated for just a moment before slipping toward the window. Easing it open without a sound, she glanced back one last time. The moonlight washed over Yushin's face, highlighting his peaceful expression, while the curtains danced softly in the breeze. Then, with a quiet inhale, she climbed out.

The dense forest welcomed her with an eerie stillness, but she pressed on, moving with unwavering resolve.

This is the way, right? She retraced the conversation from earlier, piecing together the fragments of information. After listening to everyone talk, I narrowed down the castle's location. I hope he's holding on… I need to hurry.

With that, she quickened her pace. Trees blurred past her as she ran, the night air sharp against her skin. When she reached a stream, she didn't hesitate. Digging her feet into the ground, she propelled herself forward, leaping across in a single, fluid motion. Her heart pounded, but she barely noticed. The only thing that mattered was getting to the castle.

As she reached a winding roadway, she kept running, pushing herself past her limits. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her vision swam, and finally, her body threatened to collapse under the strain. She staggered, catching herself against a tree, heaving for air.

From her vantage point, she could see the village below, nestled at the foot of the mountains.

I'm close. Just a little farther. Then I find a way into the castle and bring Hayato back… without anyone noticing.

She closed her eyes, steadying herself. But first, I need a plan… and I need to recover, or I won't make it.

Then, suddenly, she felt it.

A presence. Someone approaching. And fast.

Her instincts flared to life, every fiber of her being alert. Are they guards? Did the king already suspect we'd come for Hayato? Did he plant a spy?

Without a moment's hesitation, She sprang into the trees, leaping from branch to branch. The wind howled past. Not yet. Only when footsteps closed in did she dare a glance.

Her eyes widened.

He's fast.

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. So, you're a spy, huh? Let's see how far you can follow me.

Twisting midair, she extended her hand. "Wind Blade!"

A powerful arc of wind tore through the air, razor-sharp and relentless, hurtling toward her pursuer. But in a swift, fluid motion, the figure evaded, leaping to another tree just in time. The attack didn't stop; it carved clean through the trees behind him, sending their trunks crashing to the ground in a thunderous collapse.

Akemi narrowed her eyes. You're formidable…

Then the man suddenly raised his hand.

Her mind raced. Is it a signal for backup? Or—

"Look in front of you, you idiot!" he shouted.

Akemi barely registered the words before a massive tree loomed ahead. Too late to stop, she braced herself, but the impact was inevitable. Pain exploded through her body as she slammed into it, her vision going black for a moment.

Before she could plummet, strong arms caught her midair, breaking her fall. When she opened her eyes, her head still spinning, she found herself in the arms of a hooded figure.

A split second later, realization struck.

"Let me go, you bastard!" she yelled, flailing against him. The man lost his balance, and they both tumbled to the ground.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" he snapped.

Akemi ignored his complaints, grabbing him by his neck from behind and choking him, her voice sharp. "Who are you? Why are you following me? Who sent you?!"

Before she could press further, the man suddenly reached up and yanked on her hair.

"Ah! Oi, you idiot! Let go of my hair—!"

Then she saw his face.

She froze.

"…Eiji?"

The grip on his neck loosened as realization dawned. Eiji coughed, rolling on the ground as he gasped for breath.

"Oye, Eiji, what the hell are you doing here?" Akemi demanded.

Catching his breath, Eiji shot her a glare. "I saw you jump out of the window. I got curious, so I followed. And as expected, you're heading to the castle to get Hayato."

Akemi's eye twitched. "OYE, EIJI! BECAUSE OF YOU, I CRASHED INTO A TREE AND ALMOST LOST CONSCIOUSNESS!"

Eiji flinched. "I tried to warn you! I raised my hand! I shouted!"

Akemi glared. "Oh, so it's my fault now?"

Eiji crossed his arms. "Well, I mean… yeah? It's not my fault you weren't paying attention."

Without another word, Akemi turned on her heel and started toward the village.

"Oye, Akemi, where are you going?" Eiji called.

She didn't look back. "I already told you—I'm bringing Hayato back."

"Then I'm coming too," Eiji declared.

Akemi stopped. "No. Go back to the squad before they notice we're gone. Manage them while I handle this."

"Nope." Eiji folded his arms. "I'm coming."

Akemi clenched her fists. "Eiji, I said—"

"As I said, he's my friend too." His voice was firm. "I'm coming."

A long silence stretched between them before Akemi sighed in defeat. "You're such a pain… why don't you ever listen to me?"

Eiji grinned, flashing a thumbs-up. "As if I ever listened to you in the first place."

Akemi rolled her eyes. "Yeah, no kidding. You never listen to anyone. You're a blockhead."

Eiji gasped, feigning offense. "Blockhead?! That's rude!"

With a smirk, Akemi took off running. "If you slow down, I'm leaving you behind."

"Oi! Don't ditch me!" Eiji wheezed, stumbling after her.

As they ran toward the village, Akemi stole a glance at him, a small smile curling her lips.

Eiji, you idiot…