The Ruins
Wind passed through broken stone.
A hollow sound.
Like something long forgotten…
Still whispering.
Hiroto Steps Forward
Slow.
Careful.
Each step measured.
The Ground
Cracked.
Burned in places.
But not by fire alone.
Akari Follows Close
Eyes scanning.
"…This wasn't a normal fight."
Kenzaku Kneels Slightly
Touching the ground.
Running his fingers across a deep cut in the stone.
"…Too clean."
A pause.
"…Too precise."
Hiroto Looks Around
Broken structures.
Collapsed roofs.
But—
No bodies.
Yui Whispers
"…Why is it empty…?"
No Answer
Only wind.
Watcher Speaks Quietly
"…Residual presence detected."
Tension Rises Instantly
Hiroto's grip tightens slightly.
"…Here?"
Watcher
"…Faint."
A pause.
"…But unnatural."
Goro Steps Forward
Eyes narrowing.
"…Spread out."
Formation Changes
Not far—
But enough to observe more.
Hiroto Moves Alone Slightly
Through a narrow path between broken walls.
His Eyes Catch Something
A mark.
Carved into stone.
He Stops
"…This…"
He Steps Closer
Runs his fingers across it.
A symbol.
Not random.
Sharp. Intentional.
Kenzaku Appears Beside Him
Quiet.
Looks at it.
His Expression Slightly Changes
"…Don't touch that carelessly."
Hiroto Glances at Him
"…You recognize it?"
Kenzaku Doesn't Answer Immediately
Then—
"…No."
A pause.
"…But I understand what it means."
Silence
Akari Joins Them
"…And that is?"
Kenzaku's Voice Lowers Slightly
"…This wasn't destruction."
A beat.
"…This was a message."
That Hits
Yui stiffens slightly.
"…A message… to who?"
No One Answers
Because they all feel it.
Hiroto Looks Around Again
This place—
Wasn't just attacked.
It was left like this on purpose.
Watcher Speaks Again
"…Presence increasing."
Everyone Freezes
Goro's Voice Sharpens
"…Where?"
Watcher Turns Slightly
"…Below."
Silence Drops
Hiroto's Eyes Narrow
"…There's something under this place…"
Kenzaku Stands Fully
Hand near his blade.
"…Not something."
A pause.
"…Someone."
The Ground Trembles Slightly
A faint vibration.
Barely noticeable—
But real.
Akari Steps Back Slightly
"…That's not good…"
The Enforcer Grins Slightly
"…Finally."
Goro Raises His Hand
Stopping movement.
"…Don't rush."
Hiroto Breathes In
Slow.
Steady.
He Remembers
Control.
Instinct.
Balance.
The Ground Cracks Slightly
A thin line spreading outward.
Dust Rises
Something is coming up
Hiroto lifts his blade slowly.
Eyes locked on the cracking ground.
"…Get ready."
To be continued…