Chapter 28: Shadows in the Dark
The sun barely peeked over the horizon as Kairo Tenma and his friends began their descent from the Ashen Peaks. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and lingering embers from their intense training. Though their bodies were weary, their spirits burned brighter than ever.
Their mission was clear—return to the village and prepare for war.
Kairo led the way, his mind sharper, his Phoenix Power more refined. Behind him, Renjiro Asuka walked with his arms crossed, his usual carefree attitude replaced with silent focus. Ayaka Hoshigawa kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, her Lunar Fox senses alert for any danger. And Juno Takeda, ever the strategist, occasionally glanced at the map, ensuring they stayed on the safest route home.
But something weighed on Kairo's heart.
Hizashi's death.
The man had fought alongside Kairo's father, yet Raizen had cut him down without mercy. How many more warriors would fall before this conflict ended? How much blood would be spilled?
Ayaka must have noticed his troubled expression because she gently nudged him. "Kairo… don't lose yourself in your thoughts. We'll stop him. Together."
Kairo exhaled and nodded. "Yeah. We will."
Meanwhile: The Hunt for Raizen
Far from the Ashen Peaks, in the depths of an abandoned canyon, Raizen Varos and Izen were taking shelter. The terrain was rugged, the towering cliffs providing a perfect hideout for the time being.
Raizen sat on a rock, his crimson eyes sharp, staring at the horizon. He had barely rested since his battle with Hizashi, but exhaustion meant nothing. He had a mission to complete—eliminate every warrior responsible for his brother's death.
Izen stood nearby, leaning against the canyon wall. "We need to keep moving. Lord Varun is expecting us."
Raizen didn't respond immediately. Instead, his senses tingled—a presence. No, multiple.
Izen sensed it too. His hand moved toward the hilt of his sword. "We're not alone."
Before they could react, figures emerged from the shadows.
Assassins.
Dressed in black, their weapons gleamed under the fading sunlight. Their movements were silent, like phantoms in the wind. Their intent was clear—kill Raizen.
Raizen smirked. "They finally sent someone worth killing."
The leader of the assassins, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. "Raizen Varos. Your head is worth more than a kingdom's treasury."
Raizen's grip tightened around his sword. "Then come take it."
The Battle Begins
Like a storm breaking loose, the assassins lunged forward.
Izen drew his blade, meeting the first attacker head-on. The clash of metal echoed through the canyon as sparks flew, his blade deflecting a flurry of strikes.
Raizen dodged an incoming dagger, his movements fluid like a shadow. With a burst of speed, he countered—his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. The first assassin fell, blood staining the sand beneath them.
But the battle was far from over.
The assassins moved like a coordinated pack of wolves, surrounding Raizen and Izen. Blades flashed, fists struck, and the canyon became a battlefield.
Raizen grinned, excitement flashing in his crimson eyes.
This was just getting started.
To be continued-