HUNTERS IN THE SKY

Skybound Odyssey – Chapter 8: Hunters in the Sky

The Stormchaser soared through the clouds, but the weight of the bounty on Ryo's head made the air feel heavier.

Lyra was pacing on the deck, arms crossed. "We need a plan, Ryo. Half the sky's gonna be after us now."

Ryo leaned against the helm, completely unfazed. "Yeah? Sounds fun."

Lyra groaned. "No, it does not!"

Before she could keep ranting, the ship's alarm blared.

"Unidentified vessels approaching!"

Ryo squinted at the sky ahead.

Two ships emerged from the clouds, their dark sails marked with a silver wolf insignia.

Lyra's face went pale. "Oh great—Wraith Hounds."

Ryo raised an eyebrow. "Lemme guess. More pirates?"

Lyra shook her head. "Worse. They're bounty hunters."

A deep voice crackled through their radio.

"Ryo Stormheart, surrender the ship, and we won't break too many bones."

A figure leaped from the lead ship, landing gracefully on the Stormchaser's deck.

He was tall and lean, dressed in a dark coat with silver embroidery. His hair was jet black, and his piercing amber eyes locked onto Ryo with a predatory gleam. Two curved daggers rested on his belt.

Lyra tensed. "That's Kane Blackthorn. One of the deadliest bounty hunters alive."

Kane smirked. "Nice to know my reputation still holds." He slowly unsheathed a dagger. "I'll make this simple, Stormheart. You come quietly, and I might let your crew live."

Ryo cracked his knuckles, lightning flickering around them.

"You bounty hunters talk way too much."

Kane's smirk widened. "Good. I was hoping you'd fight."

In a blink, he vanished.

Ryo barely dodged as a dagger slashed past his face. Kane was fast—too fast. But Ryo had fought fast opponents before.

He twisted, throwing a punch. Kane ducked, but the sheer force of the attack sent a shockwave across the deck. The bounty hunter skidded backward, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"You're quick," Kane admitted. "But let's see if you can keep up with this."

In an instant, five shadowy copies of Kane appeared around Ryo.

Ryo grinned. "Finally. A real challenge."

The battle was on.