Three Against One

Ryo's breath was ragged, his body barely holding on. Blood was seeping from the wound in his side, staining his clothes and making his vision swim.

But he couldn't afford to fall now.

Not with Kael and Shiori by his side.

Lucien, still smiling that unnerving, sadistic smile, tilted his head as he watched them approach.

"Is this what you call teamwork?" he mocked. "How… cute."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "You're underestimating us."

Shiori stepped forward, her dagger shimmering in the sunlight. "You won't get away with this."

But Lucien laughed louder.

"You're already too late," he said, grinning. "The fun's over. I'm just getting started."

With one swift motion, Lucien dashed toward Kael.

Kael's eyes widened, but he blocked just in time, their weapons clashing with a loud clang. The force of the strike pushed him back, and Lucien immediately followed up with another attack—this time targeting his unguarded side.

But Kael was fast.

He dodged, spinning around and slashing his sword horizontally.

Lucien sidestepped, his movement so quick it was almost like he disappeared into the air.

"I must say, you're fast," Lucien commented, his voice dripping with amusement.

"Don't flatter yourself," Kael snapped.

Meanwhile, Shiori's movements were precise, her dagger striking out with deadly intent. She aimed for Lucien's weak spots, but he was always one step ahead, dodging and countering her with ease.

Ryo watched them, his mind still sharp despite the pain.

We need to stop him. Together.

Ryo's hand clenched the hilt of his sword.

Kael and Shiori were keeping Lucien busy, but he was still holding back.

If they didn't finish this soon, Lucien would wear them down.

Ryo closed his eyes for a brief moment, focusing all his remaining strength into his next move.

He couldn't let this drag on.

He needed to end it.

Lucien's eyes narrowed.

Ryo's presence suddenly shifted, an unnerving energy surrounding him.

Kael and Shiori both noticed, their expressions turning into grim determination.

Lucien paused, sensing the change.

"Hmm," he mused, "What's this? Are you finally going to show me your real strength?"

With one swift motion, Ryo rushed forward—his movements blindingly fast.

Lucien raised his knife, ready to block, but Ryo was already behind him.

The sword sank deep into Lucien's side before he could even react.

"Tch."

Lucien staggered back, blood dripping from the wound.

"Enough games," Ryo muttered.

Seeing Lucien wounded, Kael and Shiori synchronized their attacks.

Kael lunged, his sword cutting through the air, while Shiori hurled her dagger, aiming for Lucien's other side.

The two strikes hit simultaneously—one to his back, the other to his side.

Lucien staggered, his grin faltering.

"You… you really think you can stop me?"

With a savage roar, he swung wildly, his knife aiming for Kael's throat.

But before he could make contact, Ryo was there—slamming into him, knocking him off balance.

Kael seized the moment.

He plunged his sword deep into Lucien's chest, his face a mask of fury.

Lucien gasped, his body slumping.

"You… you actually…"

He stared up at Ryo, his eyes flickering with both rage and admiration.

"Interesting," he whispered. "You'll be a problem."

Then, in the next instant, Lucien collapsed, his body going limp.

Ryo stood there, panting, blood dripping from his side.

Kael looked at him, a mixture of disbelief and respect in his eyes.

"You—" Kael started, but his words were lost in the chaos.

Shiori ran over, her dagger still in hand, checking to make sure Ryo was still breathing.

"You're insane," she said softly, a hint of relief in her voice. "You could've died."

Ryo smiled weakly, his vision starting to fade. "Not yet… I've got a lot more to do."

But just as his body was ready to collapse, Ryo felt his legs giving way beneath him.

His vision blurred.

And then—

Haruto.

Ryo's mind conjured up the image of his best friend—the one he'd promised to protect.

Haruto was standing there, his usual grin on his face.

But it was an illusion.

A painful mirage.

His knees hit the ground, his body trembling from exhaustion and injury. The illusion of Haruto faded.

"Haruto…" Ryo whispered, as his strength finally gave way.

He had taken his revenge. He had stopped Lucien.

But it had cost him.

His vision went black.

And Ryo collapsed into the dirt, his breath ragged and shallow.

To Be Continued…