Chapter 18 — Shadows of the Count

After the meeting, Darius stretched. “Come on, Kai! Wyvern skewers — best in Drakensport!”

Lira shook her head. “I’ll stay. I want to research advanced magic at the library.”

Before Kai could answer, Garrick’s voice cut through. “Kai. Stay. I need a word — alone.”

Darius shrugged. “Don’t take too long.”

Garrick gestured for Kai to sit. The air thickened, tension palpable.

“There’s a mission,” Garrick began. “One requiring your… unique skills. It involves infiltrating the estate of Count Armand Veythar — suspected of trafficking young women.”

Kai’s jaw tightened, expression unreadable.

“Normally, we wouldn’t involve someone of your rank,” Garrick continued, voice low, “but he targeted one of our own. We need proof — letters, contracts, anything linking him to the trade.”

Kai finally spoke, voice cold: “And what’s in it for me?”

Garrick’s eyes held weight. “Access to restricted archives — advanced magic knowledge and classified techniques, reserved for SS and Black-rank adventurers.”

Kai’s interest piqued. After a long pause, he nodded once. “…I’m listening.”

A sealed scroll slid across the desk. Kai unrolled it, scanning the estate’s rough layout and security notes.

“All I need,” Garrick said, “is the proof. Get in, get out. No unnecessary fights. Bring it straight back.”

Kai’s grip tightened on the scroll. “…Fine. Keep your end of the deal.”

Garrick nodded gravely. “I always do.”

Stepping into the bustling streets of Drakensport, Kai felt it — a chill. A presence. Familiar.

Before he could react, cold arms snaked around him, dragging him into a dark alley. Blade halfway drawn, he froze.

“…Selene.”

Her crimson eyes glimmered in shadow, red lips curling. “Miss me?”

Kai exhaled sharply. “Why are you here?”

“To see you… and to save you from a mistake,” she whispered, tracing his jawline.

Kai’s eyes narrowed. “…What mistake?”

“You’re walking into a web, little phantom,” Selene said, voice serious. “Count Veythar isn’t just a corrupt noble. He’s tied to forces you’re not ready for.”

Kai gripped his ninjatō. “Then tell me what I’m walking into.”

Selene chuckled softly, stepping back. “Not yet. It’ll be more fun watching you figure it out yourself.”

Her form dissolved into shadows, her voice lingering:“Be careful, Kai… Once you step into his estate, you’re on a battlefield you don’t even know exists.”

Kai stood alone, knuckles white on his ninjatō.

Count Veythar.Human trafficking.Selene’s warning.

A chill of uncertainty crept up his spine.

“…I’ll find the proof,” he muttered. “And if there’s a bigger game at play…” His emerald gaze sharpened. “…I’ll cut my way through it.”