Chapter 31:
Chromaris
Following the trail of shimmering powder, Renjiro, Kairro, Liko, and the new chief moved quickly, each step heightening the tension. The new chief knelt, running his fingers over the powder and inhaling sharply. "This is Mera spice," he murmured. "It’s expensive and traded by syndicates across Chromaris. The hunters must be dealing it".
Following the trail through dense forests and winding paths, they finally arrived at a fortified encampment hidden among steep rock formations and dense brush. Renjiro motioned for them to huddle close. “We need the plan to get in without getting caught”.
They spotted a small group of hunters conversing near the entrance. Kairro narrowed his eyes, his mouth curving into a sly grin. "Let’s say we join the conversation."
Before anyone could respond, Kairro vaulted over the rocks and dropped silently behind the group. In a series of swift, calculated movements, he incapacitated the hunters and dragged them out of sight. The others joined him, quickly equipping the hunters' black attire and cloak to blend in.
They strode into the encampment, keeping to the shadows. The air was thick with tension; around them, guards moved in tight patrols, and the glow of torches flickered along the walls. Renjiro’s eyes scanned the layout of the base, searching for an entry point.
After a moment, he turned to the others. “Let’s split up. We’ll cover more ground that way. Be careful, and if you find the captives, signal quietly.” The others nodded, and they each drifted into different parts of the camp.
Renjiro crept down a narrow pathway. He could hear the heavy footsteps of guards patrolling nearby, and he held his breath as they passed. At the end of the path, he spotted a row of iron-barred cells where prisoners were held.
Peering inside, Renjiro saw Flora. She looked weary but unhurt. Noticing his approach, her eyes widened, relief washing over her face.
“Renjiro!” she whispered, clutching the bars. “You came.”
“Of course I did,” he replied softly, trying to unlock the cell. “I’ll get you out of here.”
As he worked on the lock, Flora leaned closer, her voice urgent. “There’s a man here… he’s not like the others. He’s planning to transport us across the sea tomorrow. I think he means to sell us to the highest bidder.”
Renjiro's expression grew dim. “Not if I can help it.”
But just as he managed to unlock the door, a heavy hand gripped his shoulder from behind. Before he could react, a brutal blow struck the back of his head, and everything went black.
Renjiro’s senses returned slowly, his vision blurry and his head throbbing. As his sight cleared, he realized he was in a vast, dimly lit room. At its center sat a man with a muscular build and hazel, piercing eyes. The man gave him a smug grin.
“Finally, you’re awake,” the man said, his voice laced with mockery.
Renjiro tried to steady himself, rage simmering in his voice. “Release me—and my friends.”
The man chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re not like the others, are you? Word from the Red Clan has been circulating through Chromaris, spreading tales of a human boy wielding Lumina. It seems I’ve caught quite the prize.”
Renjiro’s fists clenched, his voice filled with fury. “If you harm them, I swear—”
The man waved a hand dismissively. “Easy, boy. You have spirit, I’ll grant you that. But you don’t seem to grasp your situation. Do you know how valuable you are? A human with Lumina… imagine the bidding wars you’ll spark.” His smirk deepened. “As for your friends, they’ll fetch a fine price too—some as servants, others as slaves. Or worse.”
Renjiro’s eyes blazed. “You’re nothing but a coward, hiding behind your twisted trade.”
The man laughed, unfazed. “Heart and fury are noble things, boy, but they rarely bring survival. Speaking of survival…” his gaze drifted to the black steel spear strapped across his back, its dark metal marked with intricate golden symbols. Renjiro’s breath caught as he recognized the markings—patterns strikingly similar to his birthmark and those he’d seen on the baby casket his uncle Satoshi had shown him.
He noticed Renjiro’s reaction and chuckled. “Ah, I see it, boy. You luminarians think yourselves gods, wielders of Lumina, untouchable. But everything has its poison.” He tapped the spear, the black metal gleaming in the low light. “This… is yours. Or should I call you Renjiro? The big one couldn't stop rambling about how you will come and save them".
Renjiro swallowed, unease twisting in his gut. “Who… who are you?”
His expression darkened, an aura of menace settling around him. “I’ve been known by many names in my time. But you may call me Ukuboa.”
Heavy footsteps echoed through the chamber. Two guards entered, roughly pushing Kairro and the Verdance chief to the floor beside Renjiro. Kairro glared up at Ukuboa, seething with rage. “When I’m free, I’ll make you regret every breath you’ve taken.”
Ukuboa looked down with cold amusement. “I doubt that.” His gaze shifted to the new chief. “And here we have the noble son, now Chief of Verdance Sanctuary.” He gave a mock bow. “My condolences on your loss, Chief. It seems your father couldn’t keep up with the times.”
The chief’s jaw clenched, his eyes filled with hate. “You’ll pay for this, every life you’ve taken.”
Ukuboa laughed, relishing their defiance. “Brave words.” He gestured to his guards. “Take them back to their cells. I’d like them rested for tomorrow’s journey.”
As the guards pulled them to their feet, Kairro struggled, shouting threats and curses, while the new chief glared silently, his eyes steely with resolve. They were dragged through the winding corridors back toward the holding cells.
From his hiding spot in the rafters above, Liko watched, fists clenched as he saw his friends taken away. He’d managed to slip past the guards undetected, biding his time and listening for any sign of the others. Seeing Renjiro, Kairro, and the chief captured, he fought back his fear.
When the guards disappeared down the corridor, Liko dropped down and silently darted back through the shadows, already forming a plan.
“I’ll get you out,” he whispered to himself, determination in his eyes. “I won’t let them take you.”
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