Chapter 28: The Shadow of the Sovereign

The tension in the air grew thicker as they moved through the dense forest. The further they ventured, the more Kael felt the oppressive weight of the unknown pressing down on them. His thoughts were a blur, focused on one thing: protecting his friends, and making sure Hana stayed safe. That same feeling of dread from earlier hadn't lifted, and the constant tension in his body told him they were walking into something far worse than just the beasts that lurked in the shadows.

Kaede led the way, his eyes sharp, every step measured. Ryuu followed close behind, his usually confident demeanor now replaced with a more serious, even grim, air. Tetsu walked beside Kael, his hand resting on his weapon but not drawn—yet.

Kael stole a glance at Hana. She was quiet, focused, her eyes scanning their surroundings, but there was a faint blush still coloring her cheeks from earlier. He couldn't help but notice how her posture had stiffened after the fight. She wasn't scared—at least, not in the way someone normally would be—but there was a weight in her eyes, a burden she carried that Kael felt he might never fully understand.

"Kael…" Hana whispered, drawing his attention. Her voice was low but urgent. "I feel something."

He didn't need to ask what she meant. He felt it too.

The shadows seemed to be alive, pulsating with a strange energy. The deeper they walked into the forest, the colder it became. The temperature dropped by several degrees, and the air became thick with a sinister presence. Kael instinctively clenched his fist around the hilt of his sword.

Kaede turned around, his eyes narrowed. "It's close. Stay alert."

The group moved in unison, their weapons ready, but the more they advanced, the more the forest seemed to close in around them. The trees grew denser, their branches like claws reaching out to snag anything that came too close.

Suddenly, a low, guttural laugh echoed from the darkness. It wasn't human—at least, not entirely.

Kael stopped in his tracks, his eyes darting around, searching for the source. "Show yourself!" he called out, his voice steady despite the growing tension.

From the shadows emerged a figure—a tall man cloaked in darkness, his presence chilling. His eyes were a deep, unnatural black, and his face was obscured by a mask that bore no expression. He wore a cloak that seemed to absorb the light around him, blending perfectly with the shadows.

Kael's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the figure. He wasn't just any soldier. This man was one of Kurojin Tsukiro's elite—one of the Four.

"I've been waiting for you, Kael Renji," the man said, his voice smooth and cold, carrying a weight that sent a shiver down Kael's spine. "I was hoping I'd get to meet the heir in person."

The words stung. The heir—Kael hadn't expected that. He had no idea what this man knew, but it was clear they weren't dealing with just an ordinary enemy.

"Who are you?" Kael demanded, his grip tightening on his weapon.

The man tilted his head slightly. "I am Azrael. Soldier of Kurojin Tsukiro. And your fate, Kael Renji, has already been sealed."

Before Kael could respond, Azrael raised his hand, and the ground beneath them trembled. Dark tendrils of energy burst from the earth, wrapping around the group with inhuman speed.

"Hana!" Kael shouted, his instincts kicking in as he threw himself toward her. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close, just as one of the tendrils shot past them, narrowly missing her.

"Stay close!" Kael said, his voice barely a whisper. He could feel the heat of Hana's breath against his chest as he held her tightly. His mind raced, analyzing the situation—he couldn't let his guard down, not even for a moment.

"Ryuu! Kaede!" Tetsu called out, drawing his weapon as the tendrils continued to lash out, threatening to envelop them. "We need to take him down now!"

Azrael's laugh filled the air again, this time colder than before. "You really think you can defeat me? You're all so much weaker than you realize."

Without warning, Azrael snapped his fingers. The ground exploded with a burst of dark energy, sending shockwaves through the air. Kael barely managed to keep his footing as the force of the blast pushed him back.

"Hana!" Kael's voice was sharp as he shoved her behind him again, making sure she was out of harm's way.

Azrael moved with terrifying speed, his form blurring in and out of sight. He appeared in front of Kael in an instant, his dark energy swirling around him like a storm.

Kael didn't hesitate. He surged forward, his sword flashing through the air. Azrael blocked the strike effortlessly, his mask never changing expression.

"You're strong, Kael Renji," Azrael said, his voice full of dark amusement. "But you're not ready for this."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that."

He pushed forward again, this time with a speed and precision that left Azrael no room to counter. Kael's strikes were relentless, his blade cutting through the air with lethal intent. But Azrael was too fast, his body dissolving into shadow with every swing.

"Hana, stay back!" Kael shouted again, his eyes never leaving Azrael's shifting form.

As Azrael prepared another attack, Kael's mind clicked into overdrive. He knew that the longer this fight dragged on, the more the odds stacked against them. The rest of the group was struggling to keep up with the sheer power Azrael was unleashing.

"Ryuu, Kaede, Tetsu!" Kael called out, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "We need to focus on him together!"

With a powerful yell, Kael lunged forward once more, the wind roaring around him. This time, the strike was different—he was no longer fighting alone. The rest of the group joined in, a coordinated attack aimed at Azrael's core.

Azrael growled, his shadowy form shifting rapidly as he tried to evade the combined assault. But Kael's focus was unshakable. With one final, decisive move, he closed the gap between them, his sword glowing with his awakened Will.

The strike landed.

Azrael's form crumpled, his body dissipating into shadows, but his voice echoed in Kael's mind.

"You've only delayed the inevitable, Kael Renji. The Sovereign's will is already upon you."

As the last of the darkness faded, Kael stood still, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. His heart pounded in his ears. He knew this wasn't over. This was just the beginning.

"Is everyone okay?" Kael asked, his voice gruff.

Hana stepped forward, her face pale but determined. "We're fine… thanks to you."

Kael nodded, but his eyes were far away. He had a feeling this fight was only the beginning—and the real test was yet to come.