Panda_Novel

In the mystical city of Yūrei-no-Machi, where destiny is dictated by enchanted playing cards, the legendary Kagura Mei reigns as the Scarlet Queen. Gifted with the power to alter fate with a single draw, Mei is both feared and worshiped, her decisions shaping the rise and fall of empires. But when the exiled prince Ryūji Takeda seeks her aid to reclaim his lost throne, Mei finds herself caught in a dangerous game against unseen forces who seek to control fate itself. As treachery weaves through the shadows and the boundary between destiny and free will blurs, Mei must wager everything—including her own heart—to uncover the truth behind the cursed deck that holds the world’s future.

Scarlet Queen Of Fate

The dawn mist clung to the ruins of the ancient temple, a ghostly veil over the blood-soaked ground. Yue Rin wiped her sword clean on the tunic of a fallen mercenary, her grip steady despite the fatigue creeping into her bones. The mercenaries were dead—but this was just the beginning.

Zhen Xiu's words echoed in her mind. "We strike first."

Liang Wei sheathed his sword, his expression grim. "Attacking the Emperor's forces head-on is suicide. We need a strategy."

Zhen Xiu nodded. "The Emperor isn't the real threat. His men are just pawns. The true danger is General Huang."

At the mention of the name, Yue Rin's jaw tightened. General Huang—The Emperor's Blade. A man feared for his ruthless tactics and an undefeated battlefield record. If he was hunting them, escape was impossible.

Yue Rin met Zhen Xiu's gaze. "Then we take him down first."

The Path of Blood

They didn't have the luxury of rest. Within hours, the group was back on the move, cutting through the dense forest with haste.

Zhen Xiu led the way, his knowledge of the land invaluable. "There's an old supply route leading to one of Huang's strongholds," he explained. "It's heavily guarded, but if we hit the supply convoy, we'll cripple his forces."

Yue Rin smirked. "And lure him out."

Liang Wei glanced at her. "You're planning to bait him?"

She nodded. "If we strike where it hurts, he'll have no choice but to come after us personally."

It was a reckless plan—but it was their best chance.

Two nights later, they reached their target—a convoy of supply wagons escorted by a dozen imperial soldiers. The moon cast long shadows over the narrow mountain path, perfect for an ambush.

Yue Rin crouched on an overhanging cliff, her heartbeat steady. Zhen Xiu nocked an arrow, waiting for the signal. Liang Wei positioned himself behind the trees, sword ready.

Yue Rin raised her hand—then dropped it. Attack.

Zhen Xiu's first arrow struck true, piercing the lead soldier's throat. Chaos erupted.

Yue Rin leaped down from the cliff, landing with precision. Her blade flashed, cutting down a guard before he could react. Liang Wei charged from the trees, slashing through two soldiers in a blur of motion.

The remaining guards scrambled for their weapons, but Yue Rin was faster. She ducked under a spear thrust and drove her dagger into the attacker's side. A twist—a yank—the man crumpled.

A soldier aimed a crossbow at Zhen Xiu. Before he could fire, Yue Rin hurled a throwing knife. It buried itself in his eye.

Within minutes, the battle was over.

Zhen Xiu surveyed the carnage. "They'll know we're coming now."

Yue Rin wiped her blade clean. "Good. Let them."

The Emperor's Blade Arrives

The message had been sent. The next move belonged to General Huang.

By nightfall, the sound of galloping hooves thundered through the valley. Torches lit the darkness as a hundred riders approached.

At the front, clad in black armor, sat General Huang.

His gaze locked onto Yue Rin, a slow smirk spreading across his scarred face. "I must admit, I didn't expect you to be this bold."

Yue Rin stepped forward, gripping her sword. "And I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly."

The general dismounted, unsheathing his massive broadsword. "You wanted my attention? Now you have it."

The battle for survival had just begun.

The Hunter Becomes the Hunted