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

Yue Rin's vision blurred as the masked warrior's grip tightened around her throat. The pressure was unbearable. Her fingers clawed at his wrist, but his strength was inhuman—unyielding like steel.

Her legs kicked out instinctively, but he didn't even flinch. He simply lifted her higher, tilting his head as if admiring a helpless creature caught in his grasp.

His voice was smooth, yet cold, devoid of mercy.

Yue Rin refused to give in. Her flames surged, golden embers flickering wildly around her body. She focused everything into her palm, channeling all her remaining strength into one last, desperate attack.

A burst of fire exploded from her fingertips.

The force of the blast sent both of them flying in opposite directions. Yue Rin crashed to the ground, coughing violently as she gasped for air. Her throat throbbed, bruised from his grip, but she pushed herself up, wiping blood from her lips.

The masked warrior landed gracefully a few meters away, brushing off his tattered cloak. Smoke curled from his fingers where her flames had struck him.

He flexed his hand and smirked. "That's more like it."

Yue Rin staggered to her feet. I can't keep up with him for much longer. Her energy was draining, and every muscle in her body screamed in protest.

The masked warrior took a slow step forward. "You've lasted longer than most. But let's end this."

His aura darkened. The shadows around him thickened, pulsing with power. The air itself grew heavy—oppressive—as if the world was bending under his presence.

Yue Rin barely had time to react before he reappeared behind her.

A fist to her spine.

Pain erupted through her body. Her vision flashed white as she was sent tumbling forward, rolling across the scorched ground.

She couldn't breathe.

She tried to push herself up, but her arms trembled. Her body was at its limit.

No. Not like this.

She forced herself to her knees. She wouldn't fall here.

But before she could recover, he was already there.

A brutal kick to her stomach.

The impact sent her soaring into the air.

A shadowy tendril wrapped around her ankle, yanking her back down.

She hit the ground hard, coughing up blood.

Her ears rang. The world spun.

The masked warrior approached her slowly, his eyes glowing in the darkness. "This is the difference between us."

He crouched beside her, gripping her chin and forcing her to meet his gaze. His touch was ice-cold.

"You put up a good fight, but…" He leaned in. "You're not strong enough."

Yue Rin's teeth clenched. Her pride burned, but she knew—he was right.

She had reached her limit.

And he… hadn't even used his full power.

A new presence. Cold. Calculated. Dangerous.

The masked warrior's eyes narrowed. "Tch."

A voice echoed through the battlefield.

From the shadows, a tall figure stepped forward. His aura was razor-sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. His piercing gaze locked onto the masked warrior.

The one person she never expected to see here.

And for the first time since the battle began—

The masked warrior looked intrigued.

Descent into Darkness