The Rage Within

Ryo couldn't breathe.

Haruto's body lay still, the blood pooling beneath him like a spreading shadow.

Lucien flicked his knife, letting Haruto's blood drip onto the cracked pavement. His golden eyes glowed with amusement.

"This is what I love most." He sighed. "The moment people realize they're powerless."

Ryo's fingers trembled around his sword.

Something inside him snapped.

"YOU—!"

Before he knew it, his body moved on its own.

His sword sliced through the air, aimed straight for Lucien's neck.

Lucien grinned.

And then—

He vanished.

Ryo's sword hit nothing but air.

Lucien reappeared behind him, whispering into his ear.

"Too slow."

Ryo whirled around just in time to block Lucien's knife, their blades scraping against each other. Sparks flew.

Lucien's strength was inhuman. His knife pressed down, forcing Ryo back.

Ryo gritted his teeth. I can't lose.

Not after what happened to Haruto.

Not to this psychopath.

Meanwhile, Kael and Shiori struggled against the Nightmare Beast.

It was relentless, its claws tearing through buildings, its fangs dripping with venom.

Kael's breathing was heavy. Damn it… It's too strong.

Shiori dashed in, her dagger flashing as she aimed for its joints. But the monster's armor was too thick.

"We can't kill it like this!" she shouted.

Kael clenched his fists. I have to end this quickly.

He looked toward Ryo—

And saw him locked in battle with Lucien.

Kael's eyes narrowed. That guy… he's dangerous.

If they didn't finish the beast soon, Ryo would be fighting alone.

Kael made his decision.

"I'm going all in," he muttered.

He tightened his grip on his sword—

And charged straight at the monster.

Lucien laughed as they clashed.

His attacks were fast. Precise. Deadly.

But Ryo refused to back down.

He forced himself to match Lucien's movements, parrying strike after strike.

Lucien smirked. "Oh? You're better than I thought."

Ryo didn't answer. He focused.

One opening.

That's all he needed.

Lucien attacked again—this time aiming straight for Ryo's heart.

Ryo dodged by an inch, the knife slicing across his ribs. Pain flared.

But he didn't stop.

Instead—

He kicked Lucien in the chest.

Lucien staggered back, surprised.

Ryo didn't hesitate.

He lunged forward, swinging his sword with everything he had.

Lucien barely dodged, the tip of Ryo's blade cutting across his cheek.

For the first time—Lucien looked shocked.

Then, he touched his bleeding cheek—

And grinned wider.

His eyes burned with excitement.

"Oh… Now this is interesting."

To Be Continued…