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 battlefield was silent for a heartbeat. The Crown Prince stood motionless, blood dripping from his shoulder, his expression unreadable. Yue Rin didn't lower her sword—she knew this wasn't over.

A slow, chilling laugh that sent a ripple through the air.

"You've impressed me, Yue Rin," he murmured, his voice no longer mocking but dangerously calm. "But do you truly believe this is my limit?"

A suffocating aura erupted from him, thick and malevolent, far stronger than before. The very air distorted around him as the shadows swirled violently, forming grotesque figures with twisted faces, their mouths gaping in silent screams.

Yue Rin tensed. This power... it was different.

Yue Rin leaped back, barely avoiding the tendrils that lunged for her. The shadows twisted into monstrous limbs, slamming into the ground, leaving deep craters where she had stood moments before.

She gritted her teeth. If he was no longer holding back, neither would she.

Golden flames surged from her body, burning brighter than ever before. A phoenix of fire erupted behind her, its massive wings spreading wide, illuminating the battlefield with blinding light.

The Crown Prince's gaze darkened. "Let's finish this."

Then they clashed.

Their movements were a blur—flame and shadow colliding at impossible speeds. Yue Rin's sword burned white-hot as she slashed through the abyssal tendrils, while the Crown Prince's darkness shifted fluidly, dodging and countering with inhuman precision.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Blades met in rapid succession, the force of each impact shaking the very earth. Sparks flew as their weapons locked, their faces inches apart.

"You can't win," the Crown Prince growled, pushing against her blade.

Yue Rin smirked. "Then why are you sweating?"

With a sudden burst of flames, she twisted, breaking the deadlock. Her knee shot forward—slamming into his ribs.

The Crown Prince grunted, staggering back—

And Yue Rin struck again.

Her blade carved through the darkness, slicing deep into his side. Blood sprayed, and the Crown Prince barely managed to retreat, his breath ragged.

But instead of fury, his lips curled into a twisted smile.

"You truly are remarkable," he whispered.

Then—his body began to change.

The abyss consumed him, the darkness wrapping around his form like living armor. His wounds vanished, and his eyes glowed an eerie, soulless black.

Yue Rin's breath hitched. He was transforming.

And for the first time that night—a sliver of doubt crept into her heart.

The true battle was only beginning.

Abyss Unleashed