In the heart of the Land of Noone, the jungle's temperament seemed to have shifted. After the harrowing encounters with the pond snake and jumping apes, the group found themselves moving through an eerily calm environment. The thick vegetation that had previously hindered their progress now seemed to part before them, requiring minimal effort to clear. No signs of wildlife were evident, creating an unsettling sense of isolation.
Shikuro, ever vigilant and cautious, questioned their path frequently. "Are we certain we're heading the right way?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt.
Elena, navigating with a practised eye, reassured him, "We're on the correct path, my lord. Though, I admit, this ease of travel is unexpected." The calmness of the jungle was as much a mystery to her as it was a relief.
Three nights had passed since their ordeal at the pond, signalling that they were more than halfway through their perilous journey. However, Akalune's condition remained a concern. Despite Yoru's diligent care with herbs and medicinal pills, Akalune's fever persisted, her body struggling against the trauma it had endured.
One evening, as they settled for the night, Minato voiced a harsh reality while Akalune was conscious. "Akalune should be left behind." His words fell like a stone in the stillness of the camp.
Shikihime, with a calm authority, responded, "We will not leave her behind. We're maintaining our pace and schedule, even with the losses we've endured."
Shikihime understood their perspective; in the Dynasty, dying for the royal family was considered an honor. However, her beliefs were different, and it was clear that not everyone respected that.
Bjorn, ever pragmatic, added, "Carrying her isn't a problem for me. If danger arises, I'll act accordingly. But for now, it's manageable."
Yoru interjected, her concern practical rather than emotional. "The issue isn't about carrying her. It's that she's consuming a significant amount of our healing supplies."
Amidst the tension, Akalune, weak but conscious, smiled faintly. Reaching into her pocket, she retrieved a pill. Shikihime, with a sudden burst of speed, darted towards her, snatching the pill away before Akalune could consume it. She snatched it away, throwing it into the underbrush, and delivered a sharp slap across Akalune's face.
Turning to Minato with a dagger at his throat, Shikihime's voice was icy with authority. "If I say it's fine, then it's fine. We'll leave her behind if she becomes a burden. But that decision is mine to make. Opposing me could be deadly." Her eyes swept over the others from the Dynasty. "Does anyone else have a problem with how I'm handling this?"
She swept her gaze over the others from the Dynasty. "Does anyone else have a problem with my leadership?"
One by one, they knelt, bowing their heads in submission. "No, my princess. We apologise," they said in unison, acknowledging her authority.
The tension in the air was palpable as Shikihime held the dagger to Minato's neck, her eyes cold and unyielding. However, Minato, ever the pragmatist, remained unfazed by the threat. "You won't kill me, it's impractical. And I was merely stating my opinion," he said calmly. "You should try to view the situation less emotionally, Shikihime."
Shikihime's gaze didn't waver, her voice steady and firm. "I would never sacrifice the group for an individual. I am acutely aware of how to make these decisions. Do not presume to lecture me about loss and sacrifice. I know it all too well, Minato. So tell me, what is your real agenda? Are you plotting to betray me?"
Minato sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Betrayal is not my intention. I'm simply preparing us for the worst. This calm we're experiencing now, it's likely the calm before the storm. I'm concerned about what's to come, and her condition will be my least worry then."
"Then do your duty, but do not question my decisions," Shikihime retorted sharply. "My patience is wearing thin, my friend."
To her surprise, Minato chuckled. "That's new. You always seemed so cool-headed. Keep that coolness and remove your dagger, or prove your authority and finish me off. Either way, I don’t have time for this."
Elena, unable to contain her anger, shouted, "How dare you speak to the princess in such a manner!"
Shikihime, however, raised a hand to silence Elena. "It's alright," she said. "Minato and I have a history. He was once my officer and teacher when I served in the military. I respect his opinion. We just need to remind ourselves of our roles from time to time."
Minato nodded in acknowledgment of her words, and with a final, lingering look, Shikihime withdrew the dagger. The moment was tense, filled with unspoken understanding and the complexities of their past relationship. As the dagger was sheathed, a fragile peace settled over the group.
As the new day dawned, the group continued their journey through the jungle, and it was evident that Akalune's condition had improved. Her fever had subsided, bringing a collective sense of relief. However, Bjorn, ever cautious, insisted on carrying her further to avoid any unnecessary strain that might hinder her recovery.
Their path led them to an expansive clearing, a stark contrast to the dense jungle they had traversed so far. The grass was short, and the ground beneath their feet was firm and easy to walk on. Scattered across the clearing were several large stones, providing some variation in the otherwise open landscape. The openness of the area allowed them to see all around, a rarity in the thick jungle.
Shikihime approached Shikuro, concern evident in her voice. "How is your hand?" she inquired.
Shikuro looked at his hand, flexing it slightly. "Well, it's bruised badly, and I doubt I'll be able to use it effectively in a fight. But I'll manage. How about you? How are you holding up?"
Shikihime glanced around the clearing, her instincts as a leader and a warrior kicking in. "I'm good, but I don’t like this clearing. It leaves us too exposed."
Shikuro nodded in agreement. "It is open, but it’s long and should help us reach our destination sooner."
Bjorn, sharing Shikihime's concerns, turned to Elena. "Miss Elena, is this really the right way?"
Elena surveyed the clearing, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, this is the correct path. But I must admit, this clearing seems unusually large. It used to be much smaller."
Suddenly, Minato, who had been scanning their surroundings with a keen eye, spoke up. "We're being watched." His voice was low but carried a sense of urgency.
The group tensed, instantly alert to the potential danger. The clearing, once a welcome break from the claustrophobic jungle, now felt like a vulnerable expanse where threats could lurk unseen.
Shikihime quickly took charge, her eyes scanning the tree line surrounding the clearing. "Stay alert and keep close. We don't know what's out there, but we must be prepared for anything."
The group moved forward cautiously, their senses heightened. The tranquillity of the clearing was deceptive, masking the dangers that might be observing them from the shadows. Every rustle of the grass, every movement in the periphery, was met with wary eyes and ready hands.
As the group stood in the clearing, their sense of vulnerability intensifying, the source of their unease materialised. From the surrounding foliage emerged six Hunter Wolves, each of them enormous and imposing. Their slow, menacing approach was synchronised, a coordinated effort from two flanking sides, their growls low and threatening.
But the wolves were not alone. Emerging into view were ten armed figures, each moving with deliberate, menacing intent towards Shikihime's group. Weapons at the ready, they advanced slowly, their eyes fixed on their targets.
Shikuro, his voice laced with disbelief, murmured, "How did they catch up to us?" The situation was rapidly escalating, and the sense of danger was palpable.
Shikihime assessed their position with a warrior's eye. They were at a severe disadvantage. The openness of the clearing rendered their gift of stealth and surprise ineffective. This left only Bjorn and Shikuro as their primary line of defence. She suspected that at least six of their assailants were from Longyue Divinity, renowned for their powerful gifts. The others could be allies from the Kingdom, equally dangerous in their own right.
Addressing the attackers, Shikihime called out, "Are you trying to cause an international incident? Why is Divinity stirring trouble for the Realm and the Dynasty?"
One of the attackers, contemptuous and unyielding, spat in her direction. "The bitch speaks as if we're equals," he sneered, then turned his attention to Shikuro. "Archduke Shikuro, we have no quarrel with you. We're here to put these commoners in their place. Don't let your noble bloodline and heritage be tainted by an alliance with the unclean. Sheathe your weapon, and you too, your fearsome friend. We will not harm you. The others, however, must be purged."
The air was thick with tension, the threat of violence hanging heavily over the clearing. Shikihime's mind raced, calculating their options. The odds were against them, but surrendering was not in her nature.
She stepped forward, her stance defiant. "We will not bow to your threats," she declared firmly. "We stand united, and if you choose to attack, know that we will defend ourselves with all our might."
Bjorn and Shikuro, ready for combat, stood beside Shikihime, a united front against the imminent threat. The group, though outnumbered and outmatched, prepared to fight with the ferocity and courage of those with everything to lose.
The tension in the clearing escalated rapidly as the second man, his voice laced with derision, laughed. "See? I told you. The Kingdom was merely guiding him to the right path. The Realm is weakening, and we are here to set it right again."
The first hunter, who had been vocal about his disdain for Shikihime, spoke again with a tone of regret tinged with disgust. "It's a pity. The gods granted him purity, and he's squandering it for something as unworthy as her." He cast a dismissive glance at Shikihime, treating her as less than human, unworthy of even basic respect.
"Alright, let's finish this," he commanded. "Kill them all. But I refuse to touch the head of that woman. I want as little to do with the unclean as possible." His companion nodded in agreement, eager to carry out the grim task.
The adversaries had formed a U-shape around Shikihime's group, effectively trapping them. On the sides, the Hunter Wolves snarled menacingly, while in front stood ten battle-hardened warriors, fully armed and clearly experienced.
In this dire moment, Shikihime turned to Shikuro. "You might consider their deal," she whispered, a hint of resignation in her voice.
Shikuro's response was immediate and resolute. "There's no way I would abandon you now. We will survive this. I'm sure of it." His decision, though seemingly foolhardy, carried a depth of loyalty and determination and also... certainty?
Shikihime realised then that they were likely facing the end of their journey. Yet, this realisation brought with it a sense of acceptance. She had done her best, and even though they were facing overwhelming odds, she had no regrets. She addressed her companions, her voice ringing with resolve and courage. "We will fight until the end. Let's all meet in the ever-welcoming darkness!"
The group braced themselves, ready to fight for their lives. Shikuro and Bjorn positioned themselves protectively around the others, their faces set in grim determination. Yoru and Minato readied their weapons, their expressions a mix of defiance and readiness. Elena, though visibly frightened, stood her ground, bolstered by the unity of her companions.
The Hunter Wolves began to advance, their growls growing louder, while the men closed in, weapons drawn. The air was charged with the imminent clash, each second stretching out like an eternity.
The tension that had gripped the clearing was suddenly shattered by the sound of a powerful horn, resonating through the air and sending shivers down the spines of both friends and foes alike. Startled, everyone ceased their movements, their eyes scanning the surroundings, searching for the source of the sound.
Then, emerging from the dense foliage surrounding the clearing, came creatures of legend and myth – the bull panthers. With their sleek black fur, menacing horns, long claws, and piercing red eyes, they were a sight to behold, a fearsome blend of raw power and predatory grace. These creatures, thought to be extinct, now stood before them, very much alive and imposing.
Shikihime, her breath catching in her throat at the sight, quickly regained her composure. The appearance of these legendary beasts changed the dynamics of the confrontation entirely. "We'll focus on the hunters," she commanded, a renewed sense of hope in her voice. "The wolves will be occupied with the bull panthers. Let's go!"
With a determined cry, she charged towards the enemy, her companions following suit. The clearing erupted into a chaotic battlefield, a frenzied clash of beasts and warriors. Some of the bull panthers, driven by their own primal instincts, attacked the hunters directly, while the hunter wolves found themselves engaged in a ferocious battle with the rest of the bull panthers.
The presence of the mythical beasts added a wild and unpredictable element to the fight. The hunters, initially confident in their superiority, now faced an enemy they were unprepared for. The bull panthers moved with astonishing speed and ferocity, their horns goring and claws slashing at anything that threatened them.
As the battle erupted in the clearing, Shikihime, with a determined glint in her eye, charged directly at the man who had initially confronted them. Her blade was drawn, her movements swift and purposeful. She was the embodiment of a warrior, ready to face whatever threats lay ahead.
Bjorn, recognizing the tactical advantage of tackling the Kingdom's warriors, rallied Minato and Shikuro to his side. The trio moved as a cohesive unit, Bjorn's sheer strength complementing Minato's agility and Shikuro's strategic combat skills. Despite his injured hand, Shikuro was a formidable presence on the battlefield, his determination palpable.
Akalune, still recovering but unwilling to stay out of the fight, joined Yoru, Mathias, Lukas, and Elena in confronting the Divinity hunters. Their approach was calculated, each member of the group aware of the unique threat posed by these gifted adversaries.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Elena, armed with her bow, initially launched a volley of arrows towards the enemy. Her first target was the Hunter Wolves, controlled by the Divinity hunters. She loosed arrow after arrow, her aim true, but the wolves were resilient creatures. It took five arrows to bring one down. Switching targets, she took careful aim at another wolf, her focus intense.
In the midst of her concentrated assault, a thrown spear from an unseen adversary pierced her shoulder. The impact was brutal, knocking her to the ground, the pain searing and immediate. She tried to stand, to rejoin the fight, but her body betrayed her. Her legs wouldn't hold her, and the pain from the wound was overwhelming.
Struggling with the spear lodged in her shoulder, Elena realized she couldn't remove it on her own. She was out of the fight, her role as an archer abruptly ended by this unexpected injury. Lying on the ground, she knew she was vulnerable, her situation precarious.
With a grim resolve, Elena reached into her bag and retrieved a pill. She was determined not to be captured by the enemy. Placing the pill in her mouth, she prepared for the worst, her eyes fixed on the ongoing skirmish. Her survival now hung in the balance, dependent on the outcome of the battle and the fate of her companions.
Bjorn, a juggernaut in the midst of battle, engaged fiercely with two skilled swordsmen from the Kingdom. His opponents, clad in heavy armor, moved with a lethal grace, coordinating their strikes and circling him like predators. But Bjorn was undeterred. He tapped into his own gift – a relentless force of will and brute strength that fueled his every blow and defense.
Each swing of his sword was a display of raw power, his movements driven by an almost frenzied determination. Bjorn's shield was not just for defense; it became an extension of his offensive arsenal. He wielded it with devastating effect, turning it into a weapon as lethal as his sword.
The two swordsmen tried to exploit their numerical advantage, attacking in unison, one always trying to flank Bjorn. Yet, their coordinated efforts were met with Bjorn's unyielding resolve. He didn't change his tactics to outmaneuver them; instead, he chose to overpower them with sheer strength and ferocity.
As the battle raged, the heavy armor of his enemies proved to be both a blessing and a curse for them. While it protected them from direct cuts, it did little to absorb the sheer force of Bjorn's strikes. The relentless impacts began to take their toll, as evidenced by the damage to one enemy's helmet, leaving him disoriented and vulnerable.
Seizing the opportunity, Bjorn focused his attention on the staggered swordsman. The other combatant, realizing the peril his companion was in, tried to divert Bjorn's attention, but to no avail. Bjorn's mind was set – he was the next target regardless.
In a critical exchange, Bjorn executed a powerful shield bash, knocking the dazed enemy to the ground. The swordsman struggled, his movements sluggish and disoriented under the weight of his damaged helmet. Bjorn wasted no time. With a precise and lethal thrust, he pierced the exposed part of the swordsman's head, ending the threat he posed.
The remaining enemy, now alone, launched a series of desperate attacks. But exhaustion was setting in, and keeping pace with Bjorn's relentless assault was a losing battle. A well-timed kick from Bjorn sent him reeling back, losing his footing. Bjorn swiftly turned to him, his eyes cold and determined. The final confrontation was brief. The swordsman, unable to match Bjorn’s might in single combat, fell under the relentless onslaught.
Shikuro, his left hand immobilized by injury, adapted to the dire circumstances of the battlefield. He wielded his shield in his broken hand, using it more as a necessary burden than a functional piece of equipment. His right hand, however, was free and deadly, gripping his bluesteel sword with a mixture of pain-driven rage and seasoned combat skill.
His opponent, a skilled soldier of the Kingdom, initially matched Shikuro's strikes with deft parries and blocks. But it quickly became evident that Shikuro, fueled by pain and anger, was overpowering him. Each block with the shield sent jolts of pain through Shikuro's body, igniting a ferocious intensity in his attacks.
The soldier, realizing the tide of the battle was turning, shifted his tactics to pure defense, retreating step by step under the relentless assault. Shikuro, driven by raw emotion, abandoned complex maneuvers for straightforward, brute-force attacks. His swordplay, normally marked by finesse and strategy, was now a tempest of power and fury.
The relentless onslaught took its toll on the soldier's defenses. In a critical moment, during an exchange of blows, the soldier's sword, unable to withstand the force of Shikuro's strikes, snapped. Shikuro's sword, unimpeded, continued its deadly arc. The soldier, although not directly pierced, sustained a serious injury, blood spilling from his mouth in a stark contrast against his armor.
Seizing the opportunity, Shikuro knocked the wounded soldier to the ground. He found an opening in the man's armor and, without hesitation, delivered a final, fatal blow. As the soldier lay defeated, Shikuro paused for a moment, his chest heaving from exertion and pain.
Looking around, he witnessed the chaotic scene unfolding across the battlefield. The clash of steel, the roars of beasts, and the cries of the wounded filled the air. It was a scene of devastation and struggle, each of his companions engaged in their own desperate battles. The clearing, once a place of natural beauty, had become a canvas of violence and survival.
Minato, a master of tactical combat, adopted a defensive stance in the midst of the chaotic battlefield. He was patient and calculating, conserving his energy for the right moment to strike. His focus was sharp, and his movements were deliberate, aimed at outlasting his opponent rather than overpowering him.
The duel between Minato and his enemy was a dance of precision and patience. Minato expertly navigated the fight, waiting for an opening. His opportunity came when he skillfully dislodged his enemy's helm, leaving the soldier exposed and increasingly cautious.
As they circled each other, measuring each other's movements, a sudden intervention shifted the course of their battle. A throwing axe, hurled with deadly accuracy by Bjorn, struck Minato's opponent. The surprise attack provided Minato the opening he needed. Grateful for the assistance, he quickly reassessed the situation, now free to lend aid to his allies.
Scanning the clearing, his gaze landed on Elena, who lay vulnerable on the ground, an injured beast nearing her position. His heart raced at the imminent danger she faced. Then his eyes found Yoru, gravely wounded, with Shikihime fighting fiercely to protect her. He saw determination and desperation in Shikihime's actions, her every move a shield for her fallen comrade.
Bjorn, having assisted Minato, was now heading towards Shikihime and Yoru. Minato knew that Bjorn's arrival would bolster their defense, bringing much-needed support to their beleaguered position.
As he continued to scan the battlefield, Minato noticed Shikuro engaging one of the hunter wolf. Despite his injury, Shikuro fought with skill and resilience, holding his own against the formidable beast.
Minato's attention was then drawn to Lukas, clutching his neck with blood gushing between his fingers – a grave, likely fatal wound. A curse escaped Minato's lips, the reality of losing a comrade hitting him hard. He then spotted Akalune, motionless on the ground. His heart sank at the sight, the fear of losing another friend weighing heavily on him.
With a sense of urgency, Minato made his decision. He sprinted towards Elena, determined to protect her from the approaching danger. As he ran, a silent prayer formed in his mind, hoping against hope that Akalune was merely unconscious and not gone forever. The weight of potential loss hung over him, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the immediate task at hand – to safeguard Elena and contribute to the survival of his group in this brutal, unforgiving battle.
In the midst of the tumultuous battle, Shikihime faced what could be considered one of the most grueling fights of her life. She was locked in combat with a Divinity hunter, a formidable foe who could command the beasts at will. This unpredictable element made the fight not only challenging but also deadly.
The fight took a horrific turn when Akalune suffered a brutal attack. A bull panter, under the enemy's control, viciously bit her hand. As it dragged her, the hunter coldly and swiftly cut off her hand. Shikihime, witnessing this savage act, reacted instantly. With deadly precision, she threw her dagger, striking a vulnerable spot in the hunter's helmet. The moment her dagger hit its mark, the beast, freed from the hunter's control, turned against its former master.
It became evident that the bull panthers were allies, forced into battle against their will by the enemy hunters. Shikihime realized that the fall of a controlled wolf prompted the hunters to seize control of a bull panther. In a gruesome display of power, a bull panther that had been liberated from the hunter's influence impaled him from behind and then savagely cut through his neck.
Exhausted but determined, Shikihime continued her struggle against another hunter. Nearby, Yoru was engaged in her fight, but the battle dynamics changed suddenly. A bull panther, which appeared to be targeting Yoru's adversary, abruptly switched its focus. Following the death of another wolf, the panther, now under enemy control, blindsided Yoru, impaling her from behind.
Shikihime's heart raced as she wanted to rush to Yoru's aid, but the intensity of her own battle pinned her down. Yoru, gravely wounded, lay on the ground, cursing in pain but unable to stand. The situation was dire.
Meanwhile, the hunter who had been fighting Yoru became the target of the other bull panthers, including the one controlled by him moments earlier. The tables had turned, and he found himself overwhelmed by the beasts he once commanded.
In the midst of this chaos, Shikihime seized an opportunity. Her enemy, momentarily distracted by the turn of events, hesitated. That split second was all Shikihime needed. She delivered a powerful, decisive blow, forcing the hunter to his knees. Without missing a beat, she capitalized on his vulnerable position and finished him off.
In the midst of the relentless battle, Yoru had swiftly dispatched her first enemy, her movements a blend of agility and lethal precision. However, her second adversary proved to be a formidable challenge. He matched her speed and surpassed her in strength. Yoru's frustration grew as her carefully planned attacks were consistently parried, even those delivered from blind spots. It dawned on her that the enemy might possess the ability to see through his beast's eyes, an unsettling realization that put her at a significant disadvantage.
Yoru, determined to gain the upper hand, maneuvered her opponent into a corner. She prepared to deploy her poison, a move she had reserved for a decisive moment. But before she could execute her plan, a sudden, excruciating pain erupted in her leg. In a whirl of motion and agony, she realized she was airborne, thrown by one of the bull panthers that had impaled her from behind.
Landing hard on the ground, Yoru's outburst of pain echoed through the clearing: "FUUCK! FUCK, FUCK." The realization hit her like a wave – she was incapacitated, her leg grievously injured. Desperate and thinking quickly, she reached for her poison, intending to at least take down the beast that had wounded her. But, to her surprise, the panther abruptly turned away, engaging another hunter.
Lying on the ground, Yoru's world was a haze of pain and chaos. She caught a glimpse of Akalune, motionless nearby, a sight that deepened her despair. Nearby, Lukas lay lifeless, a stark reminder of the battle's brutality. She saw Minato engaged in a fierce fight, protecting Elena, who was also downed and injured.
The battlefield was a grim tableau – fallen bull panthers, hunter wolves, and their enemies lay scattered around. Amidst the corpses and carnage, the remaining two enemies were quickly overwhelmed by Bjorn, Shikuro, Shikihime, and the bull panthers. The battle, it seemed, was reaching its brutal conclusion.
As the last of the enemies fell, the bull panthers gathered the bodies of their foes and silently departed the clearing. The survivors, battered and exhausted, were left amidst a horrific scene. The ground was soaked with blood, and the air was heavy with the scent of death.
In the aftermath of the fierce battle, Shikihime sprang into action, her focus shifting from combat to the urgent task of tending to the wounded. Her first stop was Lukas, but it was too late; he lay still, life extinguished. A heavy sadness filled her as she confirmed his death, but she knew she had to keep moving. Lives were hanging in the balance.
Rushing to Akalune, Shikihime found her barely clinging to life, her severed hand a grim testament to the battle's ferocity. Quickly assessing the situation, Shikihime used a rope to tightly bind the wound, staunching the blood flow. Her hands worked with practiced efficiency, born of experience on the battlefield.
Across the clearing, Shikuro, along with Mathias, attended to Elena. Her injury, while serious, was not life-threatening. Shikuro's voice carried across to them, offering a small relief amidst the tension, "Elena is not in life danger. It was a clean pierce, nothing vital hit."
Bjorn was at Yoru's side, assessing her condition. His voice was steady as he updated Shikihime, "No artery damage. She's bleeding, but she won't bleed out. She needs proper care, though." Shikihime, reassured by Bjorn's assessment, returned her focus to Akalune. The situation was critical, but there was hope.
Minato arrived, immediately taking over the support of Akalune's injured arm. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Shikihime cleansed the wound with alcohol, causing Akalune to grunt in pain but also showing signs of consciousness. Determined to save her, Shikihime knew drastic measures were needed.
Looking up, she called out to Mathias with urgency, "Start a fire, now! Put two swords in it. We need to cauterize the wound to stop the bleeding!" Mathias, despite his exhaustion and injuries, responded promptly. He set about building a fire, large enough to heat the swords for cauterising Akalune's wound.
As they tended to the wounded, the reality of their situation became painfully clear. Bjorn, carrying Yoru to where Akalune lay, listened as Yoru assessed Akalune's condition. "If we can stop the bleeding and prevent infection, she'll make it," Yoru stated, her voice strained from pain but clear in its conviction. However, she quickly pointed out another pressing issue to Shikihime: the problem of their mobility and the limited capacity to carry the wounded.
Shikihime understood the gravity of the situation. A quick survey of the group painted a grim picture. Shikuro, with his broken arm, was in no condition to carry anyone. Bjorn, the strongest among them, could only carry one person - either Akalune or Yoru. Yoru, injured and needing support, would be a challenge for anyone to assist over a prolonged period without tiring quickly.
Shikuro, sharing these concerns, turned to Minato. "Could you and Mathias support Yoru?" he asked. Minato hesitated, aware of the difficulty of the task. Shikihime, sensing the hesitation, intervened, "We can try. If it doesn't work, we'll rethink our strategy."
Meanwhile, the fire grew, fed by an abundance of dry wood found strangely nearby. Shikihime couldn't shake off the feeling that the jungle was aiding them in some inexplicable way. The arrival of the bull panthers, now seen in a different light, appeared to be more than mere coincidence. Her thoughts drifted to the dream she had, and the voice of the boy in her head confirmed her suspicions: "You are correct, they were my servants. Now stop the bleeding, and in three hours, at the end of this clearing, you'll find an old, empty village. Spend the night there. Your friend, part of the promise, is waiting."
Shikihime's gaze shifted to Shikuro, wondering if he was the 'friend' the boy in her dream referred to. But before she could voice her thoughts, Shikuro spoke, "After we close the wounds, we continue for at least three hours and then take a break." Shikihime felt a surge of certainty – Shikuro was indeed the one the boy in her dream had spoken of.
Despite the odd sense of guidance from an unseen force, Shikihime agreed with Shikuro's plan, albeit with a sense of unease. "This sounds feasible," she said, despite being a total lie, her voice betraying a mix of scepticism and hope. Minato frowned at her words but remained silent, recognizing the need to trust in the plan for the sake of their survival.
Interlude: Isabella and Ignacio
Isabella's frustration was palpable as she contemplated the complexities of their plan. Standing across from her twin brother Ignacio, her expression was a mix of concern and determination. "Fuck this. This is getting out of hand. They'll be on high alert if the archduke and that princess return," she voiced her concern, her tone laced with anxiety.
Ignacio, ever the calm counterpart to his sister's fiery demeanour, responded with a teasing remark, "Such vulgar words for a lady, dear sister."
Isabella shot back, unamused, "And fuck you with your mannerism. When they return, no one will be able to get near them. It's suicide."
Ignacio's smile widened at his sister's worries. He had a plan, one that deviated from their usual tactics. "We'll take a different route. No night ambushes, no traps laid ahead. It's clear they were expecting that. My reports suggest they lower their guard during the day. That's when we strike. But this time, we'll attack two places at once. First, we'll target her guards and attendants, make it look like accidents. Don't worry; I excel at this sort of thing."
Isabella, skeptical of the new strategy, voiced her doubts. "Nothing will happen after they return. They'll be too guarded."
Ignacio, however, was not deterred. "Of course, they'll be vigilant. But they'll likely suspect newcomers, not those who've been here for a while. We've already infiltrated three times without issues. I even had a casual chat with her head attendant, Kage. I could have taken her out, but it's all part of the plan."
Isabelle's thirst for revenge was unmistakable in her words, her desire for retribution burning fiercely in her voice. "I wish to cut that bitch's throat. I will avenge what she has done to me. I will kill her in the most brutal way possible," she declared, her tone seething with hatred.
Ignacio, maintaining his composed demeanour, responded with a cautionary reminder, tinged with a hint of amusement. "But be careful. Last time she got you pretty good, and now you've lost an eye. You're weaker now than when you first lost to her. Do not underestimate her. They seem experienced in fights with reduced visibility. That's why we'll strike in the middle of the day next time."
Isabelle, irked by his comment, snapped back, "Shut up, I already know that. I won't make the same mistake twice."
Ignacio then offered a strategic suggestion, designed to provoke their enemy. "You need to taunt her, make her angry. Joke about her dead sister Tomoe, express your joy over killing both sisters."
Isabelle, confused, retorted, "I didn't kill Tomoe. Wasn't it you and Klemens who engaged her? I was just dealing with the guards."
Ignacio's smile turned devilish as he revealed his manipulative plan. "Of course, but she doesn't know that. Remember how she blindly chased you in her rage last time? It's a shame I couldn't see her despair when she realised you weren't among the dead. And it's a shame I won't witness her dying breath. I really enjoy such moments!"
Isabelle, looking at her brother, mused aloud, "I wonder who among us is more twisted."
Ignacio stepped closer to Isabelle, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We are twisted together, we've been twisted to the core since our birth." And with that, he leaned in and gave his sister a passionate kiss, sealing their twisted bond and shared path of vengeance and cruelty.
