The rain did not stop.
The courtyard of the Zenin estate was painted red, bodies scattered like broken statues.
At the center stood Toji Fushiguro.
In front of him—
On one knee—
Bleeding heavily—
Naoya Zenin.
Pride Shattered
Naoya's breathing was uneven. His side was torn open where Toji's blade had pierced him. Blood mixed with rainwater beneath him.
But his eyes still burned with arrogance.
"You think this… is over?" Naoya spat.
Toji didn't answer.
Naoya forced himself to stand, trembling but furious.
"I am the fastest of the Zenin! I am perfection! You're just a mistake the clan failed to erase!"
Toji stepped forward slowly.
Naoya flinched.
Just slightly.
And that slight movement—
Was humiliation.
Speed Breaks
Naoya activated Projection Sorcery again.
His body flickered into frames.
He charged at blinding speed—
But this time—
His rhythm was broken.
Fear had entered his calculations.
Toji sidestepped easily and struck Naoya's ribs with a crushing punch.
CRACK.
Naoya flew through a wooden wall and crashed inside the main hall.
Dust rose around him.
He tried to stand—
But his legs shook.
For the first time in his life—
Naoya felt small.
The Escape
"You're nothing without cursed energy!" Naoya screamed desperately.
Toji walked through the broken wall calmly.
"Wrong."
He pointed his blade at Naoya's throat.
"I'm everything without it."
Naoya's eyes widened.
Death was one movement away.
But in desperation, he triggered a hidden escape talisman stored in his sleeve.
A blinding flash exploded between them.
The floor shattered.
Smoke filled the hall.
When it cleared—
Naoya was gone.
Only blood remained where he had stood.
Humiliation
Miles away, deep in the forest outside the estate—
Naoya collapsed onto wet ground.
Coughing.
Shaking.
Alive.
But defeated.
His speed had failed.
His pride had shattered.
He stared at his trembling hands.
"That monster…"
For the first time—
Naoya understood the difference between talent and survival.
And the truth burned deeper than his wounds.
He had not been spared.
He had been allowed to run.
The Hunter Moves On
Back at the estate, Toji stepped outside once more.
He knew Naoya had escaped.
He didn't chase.
A wounded animal spreads more fear than a dead one.
Rain washed over his face.
The Zenin clan had fallen.
But the war was far from finished.
Because stronger enemies were watching.
And soon—
The real battles would begin.