NOVEL WEB Chapter 15: The Hunter and the Hunted
Chapter 15: The Hunter and the Hunted
John's grip on his sword tightened. The warning still echoed in his ears—
"Leave Romero… or die."
Whoever sent that message wasn't just watching. They were waiting.
Starla exhaled, crossing her arms. "So, what's the plan?"
John's cold black eyes scanned the dimly lit streets. His instincts told him they weren't alone. "We draw them out."
Starla smirked. "I was hoping you'd say that."
She cracked her knuckles, Rift energy pulsing faintly around her.
John turned, walking down the empty street. He wasn't going to run.
If they wanted him gone, they'd have to do it face-to-face.
---
The Silent Pursuit
The streets of Romero were quiet, but John could feel eyes on him.
Every alleyway, every rooftop—it was like shadows shifted just beyond his vision.
They were being followed.
John spoke without turning his head. "They're here."
Starla's smirk widened. "Took them long enough."
Suddenly—movement.
John spun, sword flashing.
CLANG!
A blade met his own, sparks flying.
A masked figure—a Shade Reaper—stood before him, their dagger pressing against his sword.
John's arms trembled slightly from the impact. They were fast. Strong.
Starla reacted instantly, Rift energy crackling in her palm. She launched a golden blast toward the assassin.
But before it could land—
The Shade Reaper vanished.
John barely had time to react before—
A second assassin attacked from behind.
SLASH!
A sharp pain tore through his arm. Blood dripped.
John gritted his teeth, twisting around to counter.
But they were already gone.
Starla cursed. "Damn it, they're playing with us."
John exhaled sharply, adjusting his stance. If they were trying to wear him down, it wasn't going to work.
His grip on his sword tightened.
They wanted a fight?
Then he'd give them one.
---
The Battle Begins
The air was thick with tension.
John closed his eyes for a second, tuning everything else out.
Then—he moved.
His sword swung in an arc, cutting through empty air.
Or at least, it seemed empty.
A Shade Reaper materialized mid-attack, their dagger inches from his throat.
But John had already anticipated it.
He shifted, dodging by a hair's breadth—then countered.
SLASH!
His blade cut across the assassin's chest.
They let out a choked gasp, staggering back. For the first time, John saw hesitation in their movements.
Starla took advantage of it.
"Gotcha."
She fired another blast, this time hitting dead center.
The assassin was blown back, crashing into a wall.
John didn't hesitate. He rushed forward, sword raised for the finishing blow—
But before he could strike—
Another shadow moved.
A second Shade Reaper appeared, blocking his attack with ease.
John's eyes widened.
This one was different. Stronger.
The moment their blades clashed, he felt it—a presence darker than the others.
A low voice spoke from behind the mask.
"Impressive. But you're still not ready."
John's grip tightened. Who were they?
The assassin suddenly pushed forward, overwhelming him with sheer speed.
John blocked, barely. His feet skidded back.
This was bad.
Starla cursed, preparing another attack—
But the assassin simply vanished into the darkness.
And just like that—
The battle was over.
---
A Message Left Behind
John breathed heavily, his wound stinging. He glanced at Starla, who was scowling.
"They left."
John nodded, frustration bubbling in his chest.
Then—he noticed something on the ground.
A small black insignia lay in the dirt.
He picked it up, turning it over in his fingers. It was a single symbol.
Chaos.
John's heart pounded.
He had seen that word before. In the book.
Chaos God.
A shiver ran through him.
This was no coincidence.
Something bigger was at play.
Starla sighed, brushing dust off her jacket. "Well, that was fun. You good?"
John stared at the insignia, his cold black eyes unreadable.
"…I will be."
Because now, he had a name.
And he was going to find out exactly what it meant.