Shadows of Ascension

55. Dilemma

The tension in the air was palpable as Shadowbane's chilling laughter echoed through the cavern, leaving everyone speechless in its wake. With a malevolent grin, he began to slowly walk away, his dark figure disappearing into the shadows.

But before he could make his escape, Riona emerged behind him, her eyes flashing with determination as she reached out and grabbed his shoulder. "I wouldn't let you leave that easily," she declared, her voice steely with resolve.

Aiden appeared beside her, his expression grim as he echoed her sentiment. "That's right," he affirmed. "This time, you won't get away."

With a swift motion, Riona and Shin launched themselves at Shadowbane, their combined strength landing a powerful blow that sent him reeling. "He might be a B rank hunter, but I've fought a B rank hunter before, along with Luca," Aiden remarked, his voice filled with determination.

"I know," Shadowbane acknowledged, his tone eerily calm despite the onslaught.

As the battle raged on, a flying knife soared towards Shin with deadly accuracy, but before it could strike, Luca intercepted it with precise timing, catching it in mid-air.

"Show yourself," Shadowbane demanded, his chuckle sending shivers down their spines.

A mysterious figure emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding attention. Luca and Aiden instantly recognized him, their expressions filled with shock and disbelief.

"It's you... Erebus," Aiden uttered in astonishment, his voice tinged with a mixture of fear and recognition.

The air crackled with tension, leaving everyone on edge as they awaited the unfolding of events with bated breath.As the weight of Erebus's revelation settled over them, Aiden struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "I don't understand... Shadowbane... did you take him?" he questioned, his voice tinged with disbelief. "And you, Erebus... I thought you were good."

Erebus's expression darkened, a shadow passing over his features as he spoke. "I had no choice, Aiden," he admitted, his voice heavy with regret.

Riona, sensing the tension in the air, stepped forward, her eyes filled with concern. "What's going on here?" she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.

Luca stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Erebus as he began to explain. "This is Erebus. He was our last opponent back in the tournament," he explained, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Me and Aiden put up a good fight, but after all, we could not defeat a B-rank hunter."

Shadowbane interjected with a laugh, his tone dripping with mockery. "I had been following you two," he admitted, gesturing towards Aiden and Luca. "Ever since I met you back at the hut. I know everything about you."

Aiden's heart sank at the realization, his mind racing with the implications of Shadowbane's words. "He was able to locate us..." Erebus murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I fought him, and he threatened to kill my brothers. If I don't kill you, he will kill my brothers", he continues. "I have no choice."

As the truth of their predicament became clear, a heavy silence descended upon them, leaving them grappling with the weight of their choices and the uncertainty of their future.