chapter 43: The Hunter's Bait

Chapter 43: The Hunter's Bait

The storm had passed, but the air still carried the damp, metallic scent of rain. Rin stood at the window of their hideout, staring at the city below. The flickering lanterns painted a golden glow against the wet cobblestones, and the distant murmurs of the nightlife filled the silence.

Behind him, the others sat around the wooden table, tension still lingering from their last discussion. The name Edmund Verrain had changed everything. They weren't just fighting for power in Hamilton anymore. They were fighting to survive.

Ray stretched, wincing as he touched the swollen bruise on his jaw. "So let me get this straight. You wanna go to the Underground Coliseum? The place where people bet their lives for sport?"

Rin didn't turn from the window. "Yes."

Ezra sighed. "You're insane."

Selena crossed her arms. "You want to lure him out, don't you?"

Rin nodded. "Edmund fights from the shadows. He waits for the perfect moment, strikes where you least expect it. He's not the type to chase. But if I put myself in a place where his tactics don't work—where he's forced to face me directly—he'll have to fight on my terms."

Charlotte, who had been silent, finally spoke. "And what makes you think he'll take the bait?"

Rin turned to face them. His eyes were cold, calculating. "Because I'm going to challenge the strongest fighter in the Coliseum."

The room went silent.

Then Ray let out a low whistle. "Damn. You really don't value your own life, huh?"

Ezra rubbed her temples. "Alright. Let's assume this works. You fight the strongest, cause a scene, and make yourself too famous for Edmund to ignore. What if he decides to just kill you after your fight, when you're too weak to defend yourself?"

Rin smirked. "That's why I won't be fighting alone."

Selena narrowed her eyes. "Who?"

Rin's smirk widened. "Valdo."

Ray's chair nearly tipped over. "Wait, Valdo? That crazy bastard? The guy who hates the Balotelli family?"

Ezra let out a dry laugh. "Now I know you're insane. How the hell do you plan to convince him to help you?"

Rin turned back to the window, watching the raindrops slide down the glass.

"I'll make him an offer he can't refuse."

The Underground Coliseum was unlike anything else in the city. It was hidden beneath an abandoned cathedral, its stone walls echoing with the roars of gamblers and warriors alike.

Blood stained the sand-covered floor of the arena. The scent of sweat, iron, and death hung thick in the air.

At the center of it all sat Valdo.

His long coat was draped over his shoulders, and his signature grin stretched across his scarred face. He leaned back in his seat, watching as two fighters clashed below.

One man swung an axe. The other dodged, barely escaping with his life. The crowd erupted as blood sprayed onto the sand.

Rin stepped forward, hands in his pockets.

Valdo noticed him immediately. His grin widened. "Well, well. If it ain't the little Ryukai."

Rin didn't waste time. "Nothing ever escape your eyes indeed, I need your help."

Valdo tilted his head, amused. "You? Asking me for help? That's rich."

Rin remained unfazed. "I'm challenging the strongest fighter here. And I need you to back me up."

Valdo laughed. A deep, genuine laugh that made nearby fighters glance in their direction.

"And why the hell would I do that?"

Rin met his gaze. "Because if I win, I'll owe you a favor. Any favor."

The laughter stopped.

Valdo's eyes darkened with interest. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees.

"Any favor?" he echoed.

Rin nodded.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then Valdo smirked.

"You've got yourself a deal, Ryukai."

The crowd was electric, chanting the name of the reigning champion.

"Boris! Boris! Boris!"

The man who stepped into the arena was a monster.

Boris was seven feet tall, built like a war machine. His arms were wrapped in thick chains, and his fists were covered in metal gauntlets. His face was hidden behind a half-mask, but his eyes gleamed with violent hunger.

Rin stood across from him, rolling his shoulders. His heartbeat was steady.

The announcer raised his hands.

"BEGIN!"

Boris lunged. Fast.

Rin barely ducked in time as a metal-clad fist exploded into the sand where he had been standing. The force sent dust flying, and the crowd roared.

Rin twisted, using the momentum to strike. But Boris was ready. His chains lashed out, wrapping around Rin's wrist.

Before Rin could react, he was yanked forward.

A knee slammed into his ribs. The impact sent shockwaves through his body. Pain shot up his spine.

But Rin didn't fall.

Instead, he smirked.

Boris narrowed his eyes. "Tch."

Rin grabbed the chain wrapped around his wrist and yanked it back—using Boris's own force against him.

The giant stumbled forward.

That was all Rin needed.

He moved.

His foot slammed into Boris's knee, forcing him lower.

His elbow struck Boris's jaw.

Then, with a final spin, he drove his knee into Boris's temple.

The crowd gasped.

Boris staggered.

And then, he fell.

Silence.

Then—

The arena erupted.

Rin stood over the fallen champion, chest rising and falling. Blood dripped from his knuckles.

Valdo whistled from the sidelines. "Well, I'll be damned."

The announcer stumbled forward, raising his hands.

"The winner—RIN RYUKAI!"

The Coliseum shook with cheers.

But in the shadows, a pair of cold eyes watched.

A thin, thorned whip hissed as it coiled around a gloved hand.

Edmund Verrain smirked.

The bait had been taken.