The battlefield was drenched in blood and chaos. Around Shin, five demons encircled him, their crimson eyes glowing menacingly in the darkness.
He gripped his sword tightly, taking a deep breath before shutting his eyes.
Focus. No fear. Just the fight.
He analyzed the situation. Five enemies. Attacking from four directions. I need to act now!
One of the demons lunged first, claws gleaming under the dim moonlight. But before it could reach him, Shin leaped into the air, his sword catching the faint light as it moved.
"Mana Slash... Rending Storm!"
A violent gust of energy erupted from his blade, slicing through the demons like invisible razors. In an instant, four of them collapsed, their bodies falling motionless to the ground. Only one remained.
The last demon froze, eyes widening in terror. Then, without hesitation, it turned to flee.
Not a chance.
Shin dashed between the trees, his movements swift and precise. He closed the distance in seconds, launching himself forward and swinging his sword in a deadly arc.
A clean, ruthless strike.
The demon's head rolled onto the forest floor.
Shin wiped the blood from his blade, exhaling slowly before turning to continue his path.
Then, suddenly—
That feeling… something is behind me!
His body tensed. Slowly, he turned.
And there it stood.
A towering figure loomed before him, its massive frame radiating pure, raw energy. Twin crimson eyes bore into him, filled with nothing but hunger and malice.
An Orc King.
The beast was a colossus, its muscles pulsing with overwhelming power. It studied Shin, as if deciding how best to tear him apart.
For the first time in a long while, a sliver of doubt crept into Shin's mind.
"Damn it... It's right behind me!"
The orc raised its massive axe, ready to strike—
But then, in the blink of an eye—
Its body split in two.
Blood sprayed across the ground as the massive corpse fell apart, lifeless.
Shin stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Who…?
His gaze shot forward.
And then he saw him.
A man stood before him, his presence overwhelming, his blade dripping with fresh blood.
His build was powerful, muscles honed from countless battles. Dark gray hair cascaded over his shoulders, and he wore a long black robe embroidered with a single name—Shimazu.
Shin's breath caught in his throat. He knew that name.
The First Division Commander… of the Fire Empire.
Rage burned through Shin's veins. His grip on his sword tightened as unfiltered hatred surged within him.
Shimazu noticed. He could feel the killing intent radiating from the boy like a wildfire.
With slow, deliberate steps, he approached, his piercing gaze locked onto Shin. Then, raising his sword slightly, he spoke in a firm, calculating tone.
"Who are you? I can feel it… the hatred you carry for the Empire. Why?"
Shin met his eyes, his own burning with fury.
"Fight me."
For a moment, silence. Then—
Shimazu smirked.
With a practiced spin of his blade, he took his stance, exuding unwavering confidence.
"Very well. Let's see if you're worthy."
---
End of Chapter.