The Box: Fate
Chapter 36 — The Divided Search and the Silent Encounter
The Border City of Liya was a labyrinth of stone and steam Unlike the golden elegance of Solis this city felt industrial with narrow alleys and tall crowded buildings that seemed to lean over the streets The sixteen survivors passed through the gates their weapons hidden under traveling cloaks and quickly found a derelict hotel called The Sleeping Griffin to serve as their base
Inside the dimly lit common room Kataki spread a map of the city and its surrounding territories on a wooden table The silver runes on his blindfold flickered as he traced the ley lines of mana
We need information Kataki said his voice low Liya is too big to search as one group We split up Each team has a specific sector to investigate Find the Alchemist or find the source of the shadow corruption
The teams were formed quickly
Team 1 (The Vanguard) Akira Axel Hatanaki and Murasaki Team 2 (The Scouts) Sharky Bee Mikochi and Kuro Team 3 (The Heavy Hitters) Monk Fish Joel and Aaron younger brother Kuro (who had taken up his brother mantle)
* Team 4 (The Wildcards) Zanaki Hina and Anastasia
* Team 5 (The Strategy) Kataki and Julius remained at the hotel to coordinate and guard their supplies
Zanaki looked at his teammates—Hina with her gentle celestial glow and Anastasia looking like a fierce Valkyrie with her spear strapped to her back He let out a long whistle leaning back with a smug grin
Man Kataki I gotta thank you for the matchmaking Zanaki chuckled winking at the girls I've got the two most beautiful ladies in the whole Akatsuki group on my team Honestly the monsters might just faint from grace before I even have to summon Azureus It's going to be a very romantic stroll through the city don't you think?
Anastasia sighed tightening the straps on her gauntlets Zanaki if you flirt one more time I'm going to use your head as target practice for my spear
Hina just giggled patting Zanaki shoulder Focus Romeo We have work to do
The teams fanned out across Liya Team 1 headed for the military district Team 2 vanished into the underground markets and Team 3 checked the industrial forges While the others stayed within the safety of the city walls Zanaki team received a tip about strange distorted beasts appearing in the Whispering Woods just outside the eastern gate
If the Alchemist is hiding he'd choose the woods over these crowded streets Zanaki reasoned his tone turning serious as they left the city
They trekked deep into the jungle The trees here were massive with vines that moved like snakes However the further they went the quieter the forest became No birds sang No insects buzzed
Something is wrong Hina whispered her hand glowing with a faint healing light The life force of this forest is being suppressed
They pushed deeper and deeper losing track of time The sun began to set casting long twisted shadows across the jungle floor Suddenly the temperature dropped to sub-zero The air became so thick it was hard to breathe
Zanaki stopped The Dragon Sovereign heart in his chest was no longer humming—it was thudding like a drum of war
In a clearing ahead illuminated by a pale unnatural moon stood a figure He wasn't a spy He wasn't a commander He wore robes that seemed to be made of the night sky itself and his presence felt like a black hole pulling all light and hope into his silhouette
It was the Demon Lord
He didn't look at them with anger he looked at them with the cold curiosity of a scientist looking at ants
The variables have strayed far from their nest the Demon Lord spoke His voice didn't come from his mouth it echoed directly inside their skulls
Back in the city the other teams were still busy in the markets and taverns completely unaware that their three friends were standing face-to-face with the ultimate end
Zanaki stepped in front of Hina and Anastasia his eyes turning a sharp draconic blue Azureus... I think we're going to need everything we've got
The silent forest held its breath The real nightmare had finally arrived