Shadows of Ascension

89. The Five Pillars of Pursuit

Aiden froze mid-step. His eyes narrowed, scanning the horizon where sand met sky.
“Wait…” he muttered.
Luca and Riona turned toward him.

“I’ve been sensing five presences for a while,” Aiden continued. “But now—I feel a sixth.”

“What?!” Luca exclaimed. “You’ve been sensing them this whole time and didn’t say anything?!”

“They’re the bounty hunters allied with Shadowbane,” Aiden said calmly. “He already knows where the Celestial Blades are. He’s just following us to them. Letting us clear the path.”

“Okay, I get that,” Luca replied, trying to stay calm. “But still… remember that map from the tavern?”

Aiden looked over. “Yes. What about it?”

“It was one of the few maps ever drawn for the Celestial Blades,” Luca explained. “My brother left it behind on purpose—before his journey. He didn’t want to carry it with him, thought it was safer hidden.”

Luca continued, his voice quiet now. “It’s the only one left, as far as I know. But people didn’t try to steal it because everyone thought the blades were just a myth…”
He swallowed hard. “But I know they’re real. My brother died trying to control both of them.”

“I know, Luca,” Aiden replied softly. “You’ve told me before…”
But then, his tone shifted—sharpened.
“Right now, we have a bigger problem.
Who is the sixth presence?”

Aiden raised his voice.
“Come out! Playtime is over.”

From the surrounding dunes, five figures emerged.

Aiden scanned them quickly.
“Only five…” he thought. “Either the sixth isn’t with them, or they’re hiding him. But this presence… it’s different. Stronger.”

Sylvester stepped forward, a crooked grin on his face.
“We couldn’t help but overhear you.”

Another man moved forward beside Sylvester.

“It’s nothing personal,” he said coldly. “Sylvester knows your catastrophic power. He doesn’t want to fight you. But Shadowbane… he’s another matter entirely.”

He rested his hand on his weapon.
“If we don’t follow his orders, we’re as good as dead. So get ready. The final battle begins now. We know the Celestial Blades are close. The time has come.”

The man gave a curt nod. “You deserve to know our names.”

“I am Dyno Angstrom, B-rank hunter, commander of the Eastern District.”

Another stepped up. “Emory Jack Junior. I lead the Western District.
You might know my father—Emory Jack. Hero of the Deep Sea of Aragus.
I killed him. With my own bare hands.”

A third man followed.
“Owen Parawell. Central District. B-rank.”

Then another, tall and sharp-eyed.
“Maxwell Coleslaw. Southern District. B-rank hunter.
Former knight of East Anchor. One of the ones who brought it down.”

Finally, Sylvester stepped forward again.
“And I am Sylvester Somniac, as you already know. B-rank hunter.
Commander of the Northern District.”

The five stood united.

Riona’s eyes narrowed. “They’re not bluffing, Luca. These guys… they’re serious.”

Luca cracked a grin. “Finally, some worthy opponents. Been a while, huh, Aiden?”

But Aiden didn’t smile. He didn’t even blink.

He looked straight ahead, voice low and steeled.

“If they fail to complete their mission…
Shadowbane is coming.
I’ll be waiting.”

The wind howled through the bones. The final battle had begun.