The Path of No Return

The snowfall thickened as Ryuji and Akari moved through the dense forest. Each step left a fading imprint in the frost, but they didn't stop.

There was no turning back now.

The hunter was still out there. Watching. Waiting.

And Ryuji needed answers.

A Silent Pursuer

Akari's gaze flicked to him as they walked. "Are you sure about this?"

Ryuji nodded. His body still ached, but his grip on his sword was steady. "He knows something about my curse."*

"Or he just wants to kill you when you're stronger."* Akari's tone was sharp, but there was something else in her voice—something close to fear.

"Then let him try."* Ryuji's eyes darkened.

He wasn't the same as before.

The fight had changed him.

Akari sighed, gripping the hilt of her katana. "Where exactly are we going?"

Ryuji's fingers tightened around his sword. "To the only person who might know who he is."*

"And who would that be?"

"Master Ren."*

Akari stopped walking.

"Ryuji."* Her voice dropped. "Master Ren hasn't been seen in years. Even if he's alive, what makes you think he'll help us?"

Ryuji exhaled. "Because he trained my father. If anyone knows about warriors like the hunter, it's him."*

Akari hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But we move carefully. No unnecessary fights."*

Ryuji almost smirked. "You're the one who always rushes in first."*

"Shut up."*

A Trap in the Dark

The village ruins came into sight just as the sun faded. What had once been a bustling place was now desolate. Broken houses, shattered torches, and old bloodstains painted the ground.

Akari frowned. "Something happened here."*

Ryuji stepped forward cautiously, his senses alert. The silence was unnatural.

Too quiet.

"We're not alone."* Akari whispered.

The moment the words left her lips—

A dagger flew toward Ryuji's throat.

He barely dodged, the blade slicing past his cheek. Fast. Precise.

Akari's sword was out in an instant. "Show yourself!"*

A figure dropped from the rooftops, landing lightly on the ground. A young man, no older than Ryuji, dressed in black with piercing silver eyes. A mercenary.

He smirked. "You're hard to find, Ryuji."*

Ryuji's grip tightened on his sword. "And you are?"

"Souta."* The mercenary twirled his dagger. "Let's not waste time. I have orders to bring you in."*

"Orders?" Akari stepped beside Ryuji. "From who?"

Souta's smirk widened. "You'll find out soon enough."*

Then—he attacked.

Blades and Shadows

Souta was fast.

His dagger flickered through the air, aiming for Ryuji's heart.

Clang!

Ryuji blocked just in time, but the force of the impact sent him skidding back.

Akari moved, her katana flashing—a clean, precise strike.

But Souta vanished.

He reappeared behind her, his blade inches from her neck.

Tch! Too fast.

Ryuji lunged, knocking Akari aside just as the dagger cut through the air.

"You're sharp," Souta laughed. "But not sharp enough."*

He disappeared again.

Ryuji's breath was steady. Focus. Listen.

Then—he sensed it.

The faint shift in the air—

Behind you!

Ryuji spun, his blade slicing through the darkness—

And met Souta's attack head-on.

Steel against steel. Sparks flew.

Souta grinned. "Better."*

Then his silver eyes glowed.

Before Ryuji could react—Souta's body split into three.

Illusions? No.

They all moved.

Real.

"Damn it—!"* Akari cursed, dodging as all three Soutas struck at once.

Ryuji barely blocked one attack before the second blade slashed across his shoulder.

Pain. Blood.

But no time to stop.

Ryuji gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay upright.

Akari disappeared in a burst of speed, her katana striking at one of the Soutas—only for it to vanish.

An afterimage.

"Tch!"*

The real Souta appeared behind her, dagger raised.

No. Not again.

Ryuji moved instinctively.

A surge of power rushed through him—not his own.

Something darker.

A sudden gust of wind exploded from his body, knocking Souta back.

The mercenary flipped mid-air, landing on his feet, his smirk finally faltering.

"Well, well…" His eyes narrowed. "That's interesting."*

Ryuji's breath was heavy. His fingers tingled. The curse had reacted.

Souta straightened. "Looks like you might actually be worth something."*

Then—he vanished.

Gone.

No sound. No trace.

Akari exhaled, wiping blood from her arm. "What the hell was that?"

Ryuji stared at his trembling hand.

The curse had protected him.

Not him—itself.

Akari's voice was softer now. "Ryuji?"

He clenched his fists.

"We need to find Master Ren. Now."*

No more hesitation. No more running.

Because whatever had just awakened inside him—

It wasn't done yet.