The swamp held its breath, mist floated low over the dark water surrounding the mangrove forest, twisting slowly between the thick roots that rose from the river like skeletal fingers. For a brief moment after the canoe emerged, everything became eerily still.
Even the birds stopped singing.
Preye felt it immediately.
Danger.
Real danger.
The three warriors standing in the canoe were nothing like the hunters from the previous night. Those men had been aggressive and arrogant. These ones were quiet.
Controlled.
Professional.
Their black armor was carved with spiral symbols that seemed to shimmer faintly whenever the light touched them. Long dark cloaks hung behind them, wet with river mist.
Kuro's grip tightened around his spear.
Too late," he murmured.
Preye glanced sideways at him.
"What do you mean too late?"
Kuro's eyes never left the warriors.
"The Tide Reapers."
Timi slowly turned pale.
"Why do your enemies always have terrifying names?"
The canoe drifted closer.
One of the armored men stepped forward. He was taller than the others, broad-shouldered, with a long curved blade resting against his shoulder.
His voice was calm.
"We finally found you."
His gaze settled directly on Preye.
"The Storm bearer."
Preye stepped forward slightly, lightning flickering around her fingers.
"You people really don't know how to give up."
The man smiled faintly.
"No."
"We are the ones who end storms."
Behind him, the other two warriors leapt from the canoe.
They didn't splash when they landed.
Instead, the water seemed to hold their weight like solid ground.
Timi blinked.
"…Okay that's not fair."
One of the Reapers drew twin short blades.
The other cracked his neck slowly.
"Capture her," the leader ordered.
The swamp exploded into motion.
The first Reaper moved like a shadow.
One moment he was ten steps away.
The next, he was right in front of Preye.
His blade slashed downward.
Preye reacted on instinct.
Lightning burst from her palm.
CRACK!
The electric blast struck the warrior mid-air, forcing him to twist sideways and land several meters away with a heavy splash.
Timi cheered.
"YES! That's what I'm talking ab—"
The second Reaper attacked before he could finish.
Water surged beneath his feet.
He slid across the swamp's surface like a spear, blade aimed straight for Preye's chest.
Kuro intercepted him.
CLANG!
Spear met sword.
The impact sent a shockwave through the mangrove roots.
Water rippled violently around them.
The two warriors separated instantly, circling each other.
Kuro's voice was low.
"These aren't normal fighters."
Preye had already figured that out.
The Reaper she blasted into the water was standing again.
Completely unharmed.
His armor crackled faintly with blue sparks where the lightning had struck.
"That should've knocked you out," Preye said.
The man smirked.
"You storm users always rely on raw power."
He raised one hand.
The river responded instantly. Water spiraled upward around his arm like a living serpent; let me show you what control looks like.
The wave crashed toward her.
Preye barely had time to react before Kuro stepped in front of her.
His spear flashed.
WHOOOSH!
The blade sliced through the incoming water strike, splitting the attack apart.
Timi ducked behind a tree.
Why does everyone here control something?!
Preye clenched her fist.
Lightning wrapped around her arm like a glowing gauntlet.
"Fine," she muttered.
You want a storm?
She rushed forward.
The Reaper met her head-on.
Their attacks collided.
BOOM!
Electricity exploded outward as Preye's fist slammed into his chest armor.
The force sent him flying backward into the river with a massive splash.
For a moment,
Everything went quiet.
Timi slowly stood.
Did she win?
The river began spinning.
A whirlpool formed where the warrior had fallen.
Preye frowned.
"Uh"
The Reaper rose again from the swirling water.
Completely unharmed.
Timi screamed.
WHY DO THEY KEEP GETTING UP?!
The leader in the canoe finally stepped forward.
The air itself seemed heavier around him.
His presence alone carried authority.
"You are inexperienced," he said calmly, but powerful.
His eyes glowed faintly.
That makes you valuable.
Preye glared, I'm not joining your creepy river club.
Timi raised a finger, I second that."
The man smiled slightly.
My name is Commander Barator, "The Tide Reapers do not fail."
He lifted his blade.
The river surged violently.
The swamp trembled.
Kuro stepped beside Preye.
His voice was sharp.
We leave, now.
Preye stared at him, we can win!"
"No."
Kuro's tone left no room for argument.
"Not yet."
Before she could respond, Kuro slammed the butt of his spear into the ground.
Wind exploded outward.
Leaves and water burst into the air.
"RUN!"
Timi did not hesitate.
He was already sprinting through the mangroves.
Preye fired one last lightning strike toward Barator.
The commander raised his hand.
Water swallowed the attack instantly.
Preye's eyes widened.
"Impossible…"
Barator's voice echoed calmly through the swamp, you cannot outrun the tide.
But the forest swallowed Preye and her companions.
For now...
They escaped.