Chapter 47: Betrayal in the Shadows

Renjiro and Rina sprinted down the rooftop stairs as the drone's alarm blared behind them. The building was suddenly alive with chaos as Kazuki's men poured in, their footsteps echoing through the corridors.

"Which way?" Rina gasped, clutching her gown as they reached a fork in the stairwell.

"Follow me," Renjiro commanded, his instincts kicking in. He led her through a maintenance corridor, his mind racing for an escape plan.

Aya's voice crackled in his ear. "Renjiro, you've got hostiles closing in from all sides. I'm sending a diversion to buy you some time."

"Make it quick," Renjiro replied, his tone tense.

Ahead of them, a group of armed guards appeared, their weapons drawn. Renjiro didn't hesitate. In one swift motion, he unleashed his hidden blade, taking down the first guard with precision. Rina ducked behind him as he engaged the others, his movements a deadly blur.

"You're not bad for someone in a tuxedo," Rina quipped, her fear momentarily replaced by awe.

"Save the compliments," Renjiro shot back, disarming another guard. "We're not out of this yet."

Aya's voice interrupted their exchange. "I've hacked the fire alarm system. Sprinklers are going off in five seconds. Use the chaos to slip out."

True to her word, water rained down from the ceiling, causing panic among the guards. Renjiro grabbed Rina's hand and pulled her toward the emergency exit.

Once outside, they found themselves in a dark alley. The sound of sirens in the distance signaled that the authorities were on their way.

"We're clear—for now," Renjiro said, releasing her hand.

Rina leaned against the wall, catching her breath. "Kazuki won't stop until he has that drive back. You know that, right?"

"Let him try," Renjiro replied, his eyes steely. "He doesn't scare me."

Rina looked at him, a mix of gratitude and fear in her eyes. "Thank you. For believing me."

"Don't thank me yet," Renjiro said, turning to leave. "This isn't over."