Chapter 13 — Crimson Intervention

Kai’s ninjatō blurred in the sunlight, each strike precise, each dodge measured. The Orc Lord’s massive blade crashed and swung, but Kai anticipated every movement, slipping through attacks like water around rocks.Finally, his relentless assault landed. Each blow pushed the Orc Lord further back, staggering the towering brute.Kai’s emerald eyes narrowed, focus absolute. A heavy strike to the Orc Lord’s side brought the monster to its knees, letting out a strangled roar. The battlefield fell silent except for the crackle of residual lightning around Kai’s arms.As Kai moved in to finish it, the Orc Lord’s massive hand shot up, grabbing his throat with terrifying force. Air cut off, Kai’s vision momentarily blurred. He struggled, his ninjatō pressed against the Orc Lord’s chest.“KAII!” Lira screamed, panic cutting through her normally calm voice. Darius lay unconscious in her lap, a deep wound on his back slowly stabilizing under her frantic care.

From the trees above, two red eyes gleamed with interest. Lips curled into a knowing smile, fangs glinting in the dim light. No one on the battlefield noticed the figure — not Kai, not Lira tending to Darius.Then, with a swift motion, the figure leaped from the canopy. Fire erupted from her outstretched hand, striking the Orc Lord’s side. The monstrous roar echoed through the forest as it released Kai, thrashing in pain.Kai caught his breath for a fraction of a second before his eyes sharpened. He infused his ninjatō with lightning magic, striking the Orc Lord’s already wounded side. A second later, he followed with a fireball spell, blasting through the Orc Lord’s body. Smoke hissed from its ears, mouth, and nostrils.Before it could recover, Kai’s lightning-charged blade swung upward, slicing the Orc Lord’s head clean off. The battlefield went eerily silent.

The figure landed lightly, landing a few paces from Kai. She was tall, elegant, and pale, with long obsidian hair flowing down her back. Her eyes glowed faintly crimson, reflecting a predatory curiosity rather than malice.Kai tightened his grip on his weapons, ninjatō in one hand, kunai in the other. “I didn’t need your help,” he said cautiously, voice calm but sharp. “Who are you?”The vampire’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Don’t be like that. I was… curious about you. And a thank you would be nice. You are stronger than most mortals I’ve seen in centuries.”She inclined her head lightly. “I am Lady Selene Duskryn. A lone noble of the Duskryn lineage. I am… independent. No court, no throne, just… freedom.”Kai’s eyes flicked to her, sensing the vastness of her mana. Every muscle in his body tensed. “Are you the one who was watching us at our camp?” he asked, voice low and wary.Selene’s crimson eyes sparkled faintly. “Perhaps. I like to observe potential… especially when it entertains me.”Kai narrowed his eyes. “Why? Why were you watching us?”She chuckled softly, tilting her head. “Curiosity, nothing more. There’s power in your little trio… potential I haven’t seen in a long time. And let’s be honest, it was amusing to see a lone wolf kid keep up with an Orc Lord.”Kai’s stance didn’t relax. “Curiosity… or something else?”Selene’s fangs caught the light as she smiled faintly. “Maybe both. But I assure you, I am not here to kill you. Not yet, at least.”

Chapter 13 End Hook:Kai’s guard remained high. His mind calculated, analyzing the vampire’s mana, her aura, her intentions.She’s no ordinary noble. And she’s dangerous.Yet, beneath his caution, a spark of curiosity ignited. Who was this Selene Duskryn, and why had fate decided to place her in their path now?From the shadows of the forest, her crimson gaze lingered on Kai, watching — waiting.