ARRYN: Brother of the Capture Target (BL)

Chapter 13

Saskia and Iko stood back-to-back, their eyes locked on the encroaching enemy. Their bodies were charged with energy, ready to defend themselves and escape from this treacherous situation. The masked assailants, dressed in dark attire, closed in with calculated movements, their weapons gleaming ominously in the dimly lit hallway

As the first attacker lunged forward, Iko, a paragon of agility, deftly sidestepped the oncoming assault. His movements were a symphony of fluidity and grace, a testament to his honed combat skills. In perfect synchrony, his body and weapon became one, executing a mesmerizing display of deadly precision.

Retaliating with blinding speed, Iko unleashed a flurry of strikes that seemed to blur the air around him. His sword, an extension of his being, sliced through the atmosphere with impeccable accuracy. Each swing carried the weight of generations, the indomitable spirit of his Iscal lineage pulsating through his veins. It was as if the echoes of his ancestors guided his every motion, bestowing upon him an ancestral power that elevated his abilities to a realm beyond mortal limits.

Saskia, on the other hand harnessing the surging energy within him, braced himself as an enemy charged at him with a gleaming dagger. His deep blue eyes, radiant with an otherworldly glow, flickered with determination. In a split second, he channeled his inner power, conjuring a formidable forcefield that shimmered into existence, crackling with raw energy. The assailant's strike, aimed with malicious intent, was swiftly repelled by the impenetrable barrier.

With a deft movement of his hand, Saskia unleashed a concentrated burst of his untamed power, releasing a torrent of ethereal energy that cascaded towards the assailant. The assailant, caught off guard, was forcibly thrust backward, their body contorted mid-air by the sheer force. Momentarily incapacitated, they struggled to regain their footing, bewildered by the overwhelming display of Saskia's extraordinary abilities.

As the energy dissipated, Saskia stood tall, his chest heaving with controlled power. His every movement exuded a sense of purpose and authority, his aura pulsating with an undeniable magnetism. The surrounding atmosphere crackled with residual energy, leaving a lingering trace of the supernatural encounter. Saskia's expression remained composed, his deep blue eyes returning to their usual calm, yet there was an unmistakable glimmer of triumph and satisfaction dancing within them. He knew he had just tapped into a mere fraction of his true potential.

The figure cloaked in darkness narrowed their eyes, their entire being shrouded in an aura of mystery. Among them, a man stood inside the ship, his gaze fixed upon the two individuals who had caught his attention. Recognition flickered across his features, mingling with a sense of malice that tugged at the corners of his lips, stretching them into a sinister smile.

Clad entirely in black, the enigmatic man's attire seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows surrounding him, accentuating his air of menace. His narrowed eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and hostility, revealing a glimpse into the twisted depths of his intentions. His smile widened, exuding a chilling aura that hinted at the malevolence that lay dormant within him.

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A deep furrow etched across Kaito's brow as he received the sudden news from his father regarding his brother's predicament. Concern washed over him, mingling with a rising tide of anger, fueled by the realization that Iko remained oblivious to the grave consequences of wielding their shared power and honed swordsmanship without adequate training.

Frustration simmered within him, born out of a profound understanding of the risks involved. The legacy they carried held both tremendous potential and peril. Kaito's concern for his brother's well-being amplified his anger, fueling a fierce determination to ensure that Iko was adequately trained to harness their ancestral power.

Kaito cast a quick glance at Elluned, his eyes meeting his with shared concern. He knew that the Prince had also received the troubling news. The weight of the situation settled heavily upon them, particularly since they were currently on an expedition with their group, isolated from the Kingdom and unaware of the developments until now.

Stepping purposefully towards Elluned, Kaito's tone was laden with gravity as he addressed him respectfully, ""Your Highness, Please allow me to access the transportation map." His words conveyed the urgency and seriousness of the impending threat. Their adversary was not an ordinary thief but a ruthless and murderous individual, demanding immediate action and a strategic approach.

Elluned's brows furrowed, his expression reflecting the depth of his concern. Meeting Kaito's plea with a resolute and chillingly cold response, he replied, "I will accompany you." His voice carried an air of unwavering coldness, leaving Kaito momentarily taken aback by the Prince's decisiveness. Nevertheless, Kaito quickly composed himself, nodding in agreement to Elluned's declaration.

Their exchange did not go unnoticed by Hames. He discerned the unspoken urgency and silent understanding that passed between Kaito and Elluned. Locking eyes with the Prince, Hames conveyed his comprehension through a subtle nod, signifying his readiness to lend his support in their upcoming mission

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The citizens residing near the mountain were well-informed about the unfolding events surrounding Nova Elite, the renowned school for gifted young students. However, amidst their knowledge and concern, it was the unsettling stillness emanating from the mountain that instilled the deepest sense of fear within them. It was as if a tangible silence had descended, casting an eerie atmosphere akin to the calm preceding a tempest.

Whispers echoed among the townsfolk, carried by the winds of unease. Their minds filled with apprehension as they contemplated the implications of the mountain's unnerving tranquility. Nature itself seemed to hold its breath, the usual sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds absent. The air hung heavy with an intangible tension, heightening their sense of foreboding.

The villagers, attuned to the rhythms of their surroundings, could not shake the feeling that the quietude was but a deceptive veil, concealing an impending storm of cataclysmic proportions. It was as if the mountain, a dormant giant in their midst, held secrets unknown and dangers untold. Uneasiness gripped their hearts, as they dreaded the unknown horrors that might be lurking within its depths.

The exquisite mansion nestled within the depths of the mountain stood fortified by a formidable contingent of high-class soldiers, their uniforms proudly displaying the radiant emblem of the Iscal Family, which glistened under the relentless sun. Their presence commanded respect, their steely gazes scanning the surroundings with unwavering vigilance.

Yet, amidst their disciplined formation, the soldiers couldn't help but question the motives of the Retired Duke Iscal. Why had he urgently summoned them to safeguard the House of the young master Arryn instead of immediately launching an assault on the Academy? Confusion etched itself upon their brows, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension mingling within their ranks. Little did they know that the true terror they were about to face far surpassed the realm of simple theft.