A Fateful Encounter

The moment Kai spoke, the leader of the pursuers—a burly man with a scar down his cheek—sneered. "You have no idea who you're interfering with, stranger."

Kai's gaze remained fixed, his sword steady. "I don't need to."

The scarred man raised his hand, and his men spread out, surrounding Kai and the girl. Five against one. The odds weren't in his favor—but he had survived worse.

The girl clutched her side, her breaths labored. "They… they won't stop," she murmured. "They're after me."

Kai didn't take his eyes off the enemy. "Why?"

She hesitated. "No time. Just don't let them take me."

"Tch. That's asking a lot," Kai muttered.

The scarred man scowled. "Enough talk. Kill him."

The first attacker lunged, his blade slicing through the firelight. Kai moved with practiced ease, sidestepping just as his sword flashed. A quick, efficient strike to the man's knee sent him crashing to the ground with a scream.

Another came from behind. Kai twisted, parrying the blow and kicking his opponent's chest, sending him staggering backward.

Two more rushed in. Steel clashed in a brutal flurry. Sparks flew as Kai deflected one strike, then spun, his sword finding its mark—a clean cut across an enemy's shoulder. The man howled in pain, collapsing.

The last of the standing mercenaries hesitated, exchanging uneasy glances. They hadn't expected resistance, let alone someone who fought like a trained warrior.

Kai tilted his head. "Still want to do this?"

The scarred leader growled, gripping his sword. "Damn you—"

A sharp whistle pierced the air. A single arrow flew from the darkness, burying itself into the scarred man's neck. His eyes widened in shock before he crumpled to the ground.

Kai snapped his head toward the treeline. A hooded figure stood atop a ridge, bow in hand. Their silhouette was barely visible against the moonlit sky. The moment Kai blinked, they were gone.

The remaining mercenaries panicked, retreating into the night, their footsteps fading into the distance.

Kai exhaled, lowering his sword. "Who the hell was that?"

The girl swayed unsteadily before collapsing.

Kai caught her before she hit the ground. Her feverish skin and ragged breathing told him she had been running for a long time.

"Great," he muttered. "Just what I needed."

With no choice, he hoisted her into his arms and disappeared into the darkness, unaware that this moment would change his fate forever.