Chapter 38 – Ember City Massacre - Part 18

Achtur roared forward, his entire body cloaked in crackling lightning. The sheer force of his charge sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Chad barely managed to dodge, but it wasn't because Achtur was too fast—it was because he was still carrying Bethalamoew over his shoulder.

"Tch." Chad clicked his tongue, narrowly sidestepping another electrified punch.

Achtur didn't let up. He kept pressing forward, his strikes wild but devastating. Boom! A crater formed where Chad had just been standing, dust and debris flying into the air. Unable to counterattack while burdened with Bethalamoew's unconscious body, all Chad could do was dodge.

Meanwhile, Simon, Katsu, and Akiko were still fixated on the radiant light shining from between the Ember Tower's split core. Its glow pulsed hypnotically, as if something—or someone—was about to emerge.

Then—

A deafening explosion tore through the sky.

They turned their heads just in time to see a colossal airship descending from above, its massive form blotting out the stars. Smoke and debris scattered as another, smaller skyship was obliterated midair—likely another unfortunate victim of the Levaicrypt's rampage.

But this new ship was different.

Unlike the others, it had slipped past the Levaicrypt unnoticed, its hull shimmering as if camouflaged. Now, it was rapidly descending, its presence causing the wind to howl through the ruined city.

Simon shielded his eyes. "What the hell is that?"

"An airship, obviously," Katsu muttered, barely able to stay on his feet as the gusts intensified.

Akiko, however, remained unshaken, her gaze unreadable. "Stay down. They're landing."

A massive wooden staircase unfolded, crashing down to the ground like a bridge, its planks forming a clear path from the airship's entrance.

Then—

Figures emerged.

Men in pristine white suits marched down the staircase with mechanical precision. They were well-organized, well-armed, and each one carried red flares.

One by one, they fired them into the sky, sending bright scarlet explosions overhead.

An alarm.

Simon's eyes narrowed. "They're announcing their presence."

As the crimson light reflected in their eyes, Katsu glanced at Akiko. "You're not surprised?"

Akiko exhaled slowly. "No."

Before they could ask her anything, another impact rattled the battlefield.

Chad's body slammed into the airship's hull, leaving a dent in the metal.

Chad let out a painful grunt, coughing up blood.

Achtur, still brimming with fury, charged again.

But before he could even get close—

The men in white moved.

In an instant, they surrounded Achtur, dogpiling him.

Punches, kicks, elbows—they struck from every angle, overwhelming him with sheer numbers. Achtur thrashed, lightning crackling violently around his body, but the onslaught was relentless.

Until—

He finally collapsed.

His body, once surging with energy, twitched before falling completely still.

As silence fell over the battlefield, the men in white parted ways—

A figure descended the stairs.

A towering man.

Seven feet tall.

His black hair flowed with the wind, framing his sharp brown eyes. His suit was crisp, but his coat was worn loosely over his shoulders, emphasizing his imposing physique. His movements were effortless, yet commanding.

Simon, Katsu, and Akiko instinctively tensed.

The air felt heavy.

A single glance was all it took to recognize his rank.

Aenedleah Rogers. High Ranker. Rank J-10.

His presence alone demanded respect.

Aenedleah stepped over Achtur's unconscious body and turned his attention to Chad, who was still recovering. He eyed the blood dripping from Chad's mouth, then shook his head in mock disappointment.

"Chad Kawasaki," Aenedleah said smoothly. "You, looking this miserable… at the hands of a kid?"

Chad wiped his mouth, groaning. "Tch… Don't underestimate him. That kid's stronger than most low-rankers."

Aenedleah chuckled. "I see. You must've had another fight before this, then."

Before Chad could reply—

A voice echoed from within the Ember Tower.

A radiant figure emerged from the shining light.

A short, chubby man, draped in a regal gown, a crown gleaming on his head. He was followed by several women, their expressions unreadable.

Simon, Katsu, and Akiko's eyes widened in shock.

"No way…" Katsu breathed.

It was Leonardix V, the ruler of Ember City.

Leonardix stepped forward, his smug grin never faltering. "Aenedleah! Prepare the ship! Lay down the red carpet!"

At his command, the men in white immediately rolled out a luxurious crimson pathway, leading directly up the stairs. Without hesitation, Leonardix and his entourage boarded the skyship.

At that moment, the Mysterious Man, the one who had been fighting Simon earlier, called out.

Aenedleah turned his head, smiling. "Ah… Did you get the item?"

The Mysterious Man nodded. "Yes."

He cast a brief glance toward Simon, Akiko, and Katsu's hiding spot, before boarding the ship.

Aenedleah followed his gaze. His smirk widened.

Then—

One of the men in white called out. "Sir! What should we do with the kid?"

Aenedleah barely glanced at Achtur. "Capture him."

Akiko's expression darkened. She leaned toward Simon and whispered, "We can't let them take him."

Simon nodded, his muscles tensing. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward Achtur.

But—

Aenedleah moved.

In one fluid motion, he snatched Simon's wrist, twisted it, and slammed him into the ground.

Simon let out a sharp groan, blood spilling from his mouth.

Aenedleah smirked. "I knew I smelled a rat."

Katsu's heart pounded. He turned to Akiko, who whispered urgently, "Go! Help him!"

Akiko then burst forward from a different angle—

Katsu took a deep breath—then charged straight at Aenedleah.

Aenedleah's sharp eyes locked onto him instantly.

And then—

He smiled.