Chương 19: Chapter 18: The Hunt Begins

Elsewhere in the forest. Aeron stood atop a cliff. Lightning crackled around him. His expression was ugly. Angry. Humiliated. Obsessed. A student approached carefully.

"We found him." Aeron turned.

"Where?" The student hesitated.

"Near the eastern ruins." A cruel smile appeared. Finally. The opportunity he wanted.

"This trial has accidents all the time." Several nobles laughed. Everyone understood. No witnesses. No consequences. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. No prince. Aeron looked toward the distant forest.

"Find him." Lightning exploded around his body.

"Before he finds us." Meanwhile. Rayan continued exploring ancient ruins. The Shadowbreaker sword felt strange. Alive. As if it possessed its own will. The Guardian suddenly appeared. His expression serious.

"You are being hunted." Rayan sighed.

"Again?"

"Yes." The prince rubbed his forehead. His life had become ridiculous. Assassins. Conspiracies. Monsters. Now classmates. The Guardian nodded.

"You should prepare." Rayan smiled. A dangerous smile. The same smile he developed after thousands of deaths in the Hall.

"No." The Guardian raised an eyebrow.

"No?" Rayan gripped Shadowbreaker. Golden light danced around the blade.

"I think it's time they learned a lesson." Ambush The attack came at sunset. Six students surrounded him. All noble heirs. All elite Astra users. Aeron stood at the center. Lightning flashed behind him.

"Found you." Rayan sighed.

"Congratulations." Aeron's eye twitched. Even now— The prince looked calm. That infuriated him.

"Do you know why I hate you?" Rayan shrugged. The noble laughed bitterly.

"You had everything." His voice shook.

"The royal bloodline."

"The palace."

"The title."

"The opportunities." Lightning surged.

"And you threw it away." Silence. Then Rayan spoke.

"You know nothing about me." The words hit harder than expected. Aeron froze. For a moment— The hatred disappeared. Only confusion remained. Then pride returned.

"Attack." Six Astra users charged. The forest exploded into chaos. Fire. Lightning. Wind. Steel. Dozens of attacks rushed toward Rayan. Golden lines appeared. Countless possibilities. Countless futures. Only one path led to victory. Rayan moved. To Be Continue....