Eclipsed

Chapter 64

As Yoruzen and Kaiser returned, their footsteps echoed down the hall. Passing by Ren's room, they paused as a voice called out from inside.

"Hey," Ren said, his tone subdued, almost begrudging. "I'll join you and help with your mission or... whatever it is." He avoided looking directly at them, sucking up his pride as the words left his mouth.

Yoruzen stopped, surprised. He stepped into the room, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, so you've decided already? But honestly, that seemed a little too quick." His sharp eyes scanned Ren, as if searching for deception.

Ren shrugged, still looking away. "Look, I clearly don't have any other choice. And even if I wanted to betray you, it'd be too late now."

Yoruzen tilted his head, amusement flickering in his expression. "I guess you do have a point." Turning toward the doorway, he called out, "Hey, Doulos! Unshackle him."

Doulos entered silently, the sound of chains clinking as he worked to free Ren. The boy stood up, his posture tense but firm. He walked toward Yoruzen, the two now standing eye to eye.

Yoruzen raised an eyebrow, sizing him up. "Well, you're pretty big for a 16-year-old. I guess you are my kid after all."

Ren didn't respond to the comment, his expression unreadable. "What do you want me to do?" he asked, his tone flat but serious.

Yoruzen chuckled, glancing over at Kaiser. "The kid wants to take orders from me. Can you believe it?"

Kaiser let out a low chuckle. "Well, let's see if he can actually follow them."

Ren's gaze remained steady, unwavering. Yoruzen's amusement gave way to a more commanding tone. "Ren, give me everything you know about Kagetsu's and Tsuhora's military. Their forces, their strategies, their weaknesses."

Ren nodded sharply. "Understood."

Yoruzen's grin returned as he turned to Kaiser. "Let's head to Mizugan. It's time to claim what's ours."

As the name "Mizugan" fell from Yoruzen's lips, Ren couldn't help but smile faintly, a flicker of something hidden crossing his face. Yoruzen caught it immediately. "What's so funny?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

Ren quickly masked his expression, lying smoothly. "You're going to obliterate them easily, Father."

Yoruzen smirked, pleased with the response. "That's what I like to hear." He stepped back, pointing toward the door. "Now go. Do your job."

Ren nodded once and turned to leave, his face unreadable as he exited the room, leaving Yoruzen and Kaiser behind.

The midnight sky was a canvas of stars as Yoruzen and Kaiser flew toward the city of Mizugan on their winged beast. The sprawling city below gleamed with lights, its streets alive with the faint hum of nighttime activity. As the beast neared the outskirts, it disappeared into the shadows, leaving Yoruzen and Kaiser to dissolve seamlessly into the streets.

Yoruzen's eyes swept across the familiar surroundings, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Ah, my old home," he murmured, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "It has changed so much..."

Kaiser walked beside him, his demeanor steady. "Indeed. One day, it'll all be yours."

"Indeed..." Yoruzen replied, his voice laced with quiet determination.

The duo moved through the streets with purpose, their destination clear. When they reached the towering palace walls, Yoruzen's expression darkened. "Let's kill all these stupid monarchs," he declared, his voice sharp with disdain.