Shadows of Ascension

74. Shadows in the sand

The team steps into the desert, leaving the icy mountain behind. Waves of heat rise from the golden sand, and sweat forms on their brows almost instantly. Aiden wipes his forehead and mutters, "Master Yun was right. The climate change really is insane. It's really hot here."

"It's emptier than we thought..." Riona says, scanning the vast, barren landscape.

"Well, it's a desert," Luca replies. "But we must be careful. Just because we can't see anyone doesn't mean we're alone."

Aiden nods. "We do need to avoid conflict, but..." He pauses, feeling a strange unease settling in his chest. "Sometimes, conflict may be unavoidable. This is the Lawless Area, after all."

They continue walking, the scorching sun beating down on them. Each step in the thick sand drains their energy. Aiden's feeling of unease grows stronger, a sense of being watched creeping into his mind.

As the sun begins to set, the heat starts to fade, but Aiden's discomfort only intensifies. He glances at Luca, who seems tense as well.

"Why are you upset, Aiden?" Luca suddenly asks. "Do you feel that too?"

Aiden looks at him sharply. "You feel it too?"

Luca's expression darkens. "Yeah. We're being followed."

A sudden, eerie laughter echoes around them, but no one is visible. Before they can react, a sharp force slashes across Luca's arm, drawing blood.

"Luca! Are you alright?" Riona asks, stepping closer.

Another laugh. Then, without warning, Aiden is hit next-a deep cut across his side. He grits his teeth, stumbling back.

The third attack is aimed at Riona, but Luca moves fast, blocking it with his blade. His eyes narrow. "It's a man... he's invisible."

The laughter grows louder. "You blocked my hit. Are you not C-rank hunters?" a voice taunts, still unseen.

Aiden steadies himself and places a hand over his wound. "Me and Luca are B-rank hunters," he says, pulling down his collar slightly to reveal the engraved 'B' mark on his chest. "She's C-rank, though."

The voice chuckles again, sounding amused. "You must be new B-rank hunters... so, weak. A real B-rank wouldn't just walk openly in the Lawless Area without caution."

A rush of wind, and suddenly Aiden is slashed again. He barely has time to react before the burning pain spreads across his shoulder. He curses under his breath.

"Who the hell are you? How long have you been following us?" Luca growls, gripping his sword tighter.

More laughter. Another sudden attack, and Luca barely dodges in time.

"Answer me!" Luca demands.

The voice sighs, almost mockingly. "I've been following you since you entered the desert-hours ago. I was waiting for the sun to completely set, but it's close enough already."

A sinister chuckle.

"Props to you for noticing me," the voice continues. "But it won't make a difference."

The air grows colder despite the desert heat.

"You're all going to die soon."