Night in the royal city felt… wrong.
Too bright.
Too alive.
Even in darkness—
There was light everywhere.
Torches.
Magic lamps.
Patrolling guards.
"...Annoying."
I pulled my hood lower.
Blending into the crowd.
Keeping my head down.
"...So this is the kingdom."
People laughed.
Merchants shouted.
Adventurers walked proudly.
And above all—
The castle stood tall.
Untouchable.
"...Disgusting."
I moved through the streets slowly.
Carefully.
Not drawing attention.
Just another nobody.
Just another shadow.
The ring on my finger—
Was silent.
"...So they're not nearby yet."
Good.
That meant I had time.
I stopped near a small stall.
Pretending to look at items.
But my eyes—
Were watching reflections.
Windows.
Metal.
Anything.
"...Too many eyes."
Guards everywhere.
Not just normal ones.
Some—
Different.
Stronger.
"...Royal guards."
I clicked my tongue.
"...This won't be easy."
Hours passed.
I moved.
Changed locations.
Stayed unpredictable.
Then—
A faint pulse.
From my finger.
"...!"
I froze.
The ring.
It reacted.
Slightly.
"...This way."
I turned into a quieter street.
Less people.
Less light.
More shadows.
"...Perfect."
The pulse grew stronger.
Step by step.
Closer.
Closer.
Then—
I saw it.
A building.
Large.
But quiet.
No signs.
No activity.
"...Too clean."
And in front—
Guards.
But not official ones.
Adventurers.
Strong ones.
"...Silver Eclipse."
I stepped back into the shadows.
Heart steady.
Breathing controlled.
"...Found you."
I circled the building.
Looking for openings.
Windows.
Back entrances.
Anything.
Then—
A gap.
Small.
Hidden.
"...There."
I slipped in.
Silent.
Careful.
Inside—
Dark.
Quiet.
But not empty.
"...Voices."
From deeper inside.
I moved closer.
Step by step.
Avoiding light.
Avoiding sound.
Then—
I saw them.
Through a half-open door.
Mira.
And her team.
My grip tightened slightly.
"...There you are."
I stayed hidden.
Listening.
"...The transfer is tonight."
One of them spoke.
The same man.
Their leader.
"...No mistakes this time."
Mira nodded.
"...Of course."
Another voice.
"...And the artifact?"
Mira held something.
Wrapped.
Carefully.
"...Safe."
My ring pulsed stronger.
"...That's it."
The leader crossed his arms.
"...The buyer?"
"...Already arranged."
Mira replied calmly.
"...Black market channel."
"...High-level."
A pause.
"...They know what they're buying?"
Mira smiled faintly.
"...Not completely."
Silence.
Then—
"...Good."
The leader smirked.
"...That makes it more valuable."
My eyes narrowed.
"...So it's confirmed."
Then—
Mira spoke again.
"...And the boy?"
Silence.
My body froze.
"...Still alive."
One of them said.
"...He's getting stronger."
Mira's expression didn't change.
"...I expected that."
"...Should we eliminate him?"
Another asked.
My heart slowed.
Waiting.
Mira paused.
Thinking.
Then—
"...No."
Silence.
"...Not yet."
"...Why?"
She looked slightly toward the door.
Toward me.
Or—
It felt like it.
"...Because he's useful."
My chest tightened.
"...Still…?"
She continued.
"...He draws attention."
"...Creates chaos."
"...And most importantly—"
A small smile.
"...He grows."
The leader frowned slightly.
"...That's risky."
Mira nodded.
"...Yes."
A pause.
"...But interesting."
My grip tightened harder.
"...I'm not your tool anymore."
Then—
She said something that made my blood run cold.
"...If he survives long enough—"
"...We might not need the Crown anymore."
Silence.
"...What?"
The leader stared at her.
"...Explain."
Mira looked down at the artifact.
Then—
"...There are other ways to create power."
A pause.
"...More efficient ones."
My heart pounded.
"...What is she planning…?"
The leader exhaled slowly.
"...You're dangerous."
Mira smiled slightly.
"...I know."
Then—
Suddenly—
"...How long are you planning to listen?"
My body froze.
Silence.
"...Come out."
Mira's voice was calm.
Certain.
"...You're not that good at hiding yet."
My eyes widened slightly.
"...She knew."
No point hiding now.
I stepped out.
Slowly.
The room went silent.
"...You again."
The leader sighed.
"...Persistent."
Mira looked at me.
Straight.
Calm.
Unshaken.
"...Kazu."
A small smile.
"...You've improved."
I didn't smile back.
"...Shut up."
My voice was low.
"...I'm not here to talk."
The black blade appeared in my hand.
"...I'm here to end this."
Silence.
Then—
Laughter.
"...You?"
One of them stepped forward.
"...End us?"
The leader raised his hand.
Stopping them.
"...No."
His eyes locked on mine.
"...Let him try."
The air changed.
Heavy.
Sharp.
Deadly.
Mira stepped back slightly.
Watching.
Interested.
"...Show me."
She whispered.
I took a step forward.
"...This time—"
My grip tightened.
"I'm not losing."
The ring on my finger pulsed violently.
The artifact responded.
And for the first time—
Everything was about to collide.