CHAPTER 16

Chapter 16: Shadows in the Dark

The night was far from over.

Though the giant shadow beast had retreated, a suffocating tension remained in the air. The outpost still stood, but the damage was undeniable—cracks in the walls, shattered stone, and the exhausted faces of those who had fought.

Kazuki leaned against his sword, taking slow breaths.

"Well, that was a hell of a warm-up."

Aya shot him a sharp look.

"If that was a warm-up, I don't want to see the real fight."

Ryo remained silent. His hands were still trembling, the echoes of his newfound speed lingering in his muscles. He had moved faster than ever before—faster than he thought was possible.

But why now?

He clenched his fists. He needed answers.

---

The Minister's Warning

The Minister of the Interior stood atop the command post, eyes scanning the battlefield. His expression was unreadable as he turned to the exhausted soldiers.

"The battle is not over. This was only a test."

A murmur spread through the ranks.

Sachiko narrowed her eyes.

"A test for what?"

The Minister's gaze swept over the group.

"For us. The enemy wanted to see how we fight, how we react. They will not make the same mistakes next time."

A chill ran through the air.

Kazuki clicked his tongue.

"So basically, we're screwed if we don't get stronger fast."

The Minister didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned to Ryo.

"Come with me."

Ryo blinked.

"What? Now?"

"Now."

Aya stepped forward.

"Wait a second—he just fought! Can't it wait?"

The Minister didn't even glance at her.

"The enemy will not wait. Neither will we."

There was no room for argument. Ryo hesitated, then nodded, following the Minister into the shadows of the outpost.

---

A Lesson in Power

The Minister led Ryo to a secluded area behind the walls, where the torches barely reached. The wind howled through the cracks in the stone.

Without warning, the Minister moved.

A blur—faster than anything Ryo had ever seen.

"—!"

Before he could react, a blade stopped just inches from his throat.

The Minister's eyes were cold.

"You have awakened something. But you do not understand it."

Ryo swallowed hard.

The Minister lowered his weapon.

"Your body moved before your mind. That means your power is growing. But instinct alone is not enough."

Ryo exhaled.

"Then… what am I supposed to do?"

The Minister stepped back, his voice even.

"Learn to control it. Otherwise, it will control you."

A silence stretched between them.

Ryo tightened his grip on his sword. He had spent so much time feeling weak, struggling to keep up. But now—he had a chance. A real chance.

"Then teach me."

The Minister's lips curled into the faintest shadow of a smile.

"Good."

---

A New Threat

Meanwhile, back at the outpost, Aya stood atop the walls, watching the dark horizon.

Something felt wrong.

The air was too still. Too quiet.

Sachiko joined her, arms crossed.

"You feel it too, don't you?"

Aya nodded slowly.

Then—

From the darkness, deep within the wastelands, a single glowing eye flickered open.

It was not the same monster as before.

It was something worse.

End of Chapter 16.