❝ I'm in a league of my own. ❞
Ban, The Fox's Sin of Greed has been searching high and low to bring Elaine, the girl he fell for back to life but his attempts and searches seemed futile.
❝Seek the Dragon Empress if you dare. ❞
Until one day, Ban stu...
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
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❝ A forest is also a graveyard. ❞
The firelight flickered low in the camp, casting faint shadows over the sleeping forms of the Sins. Ryoko stood guard just beyond the barrier, her fiery red hair a stark contrast against the darkness of the forest. The cool night air brushed against her skin, but the chill did little to dampen the feeling gnawing at the edge of her senses.
Something was out there.
Merlin's barrier shimmered faintly, a protective dome keeping the group safe. Yet, the unease Ryoko felt didn't come from within the camp—it was beyond. The forest held its breath, the usual hum of insects and rustling leaves swallowed by an unnatural silence.
"Remember.." She murmured to herself, her beautiful brown eyes scanning the dark. "A forest is also a graveyard."
The truth of her words weighed heavy in the air as the silence continued. Then, she felt it—a malevolent presence, faint at first, but growing stronger.
And then it appeared.
The spirit materialized like a shadow, its grotesque figure twisted with hatred and despair. Hollow, glowing eyes stared directly at Ryoko, its claw-like hands pressing against the shimmering barrier. It screeched, a sound that sent shivers down her spine and seemed to echo with the anguish of countless souls.
"An evil spirit." Ryoko muttered and her magic flared to life, a crimson glow enveloping her hands. The spirit was drawn to her—it always happened this way. Her purity as a deity, as the Dragon Empress, was a beacon to souls both good and vengeful.
The barrier pulsed under the spirit's touch, cracks faintly visible where its claws scraped. Ryoko stepped forward, her voice low but firm. "You've wandered far from your place, haven't you?"
The spirit hissed in response, and Ryoko sighed. "Very well."
With a swift motion, she slashed her blade against the barrier, creating an opening just wide enough for her to step through. She could feel the Sins stirring in their sleep behind her, but she didn't look back.
The moment she crossed, the spirit lunged. Ryoko sidestepped effortlessly, her fiery sword carving through the air as she retaliated. Flames erupted as it made contact, burning through the shadowy figure and forcing it back with a pained screech.
The creature wasn't retreating. If anything, the attack had only enraged it further. Ryoko's eyes narrowed as she raised her hand, scarlet tendrils of magic wrapping around the spirit and holding it in place.
