The Heart of Zero

Chapter 50: The Shadow Returns

The soft morning light filtered through the leaves and spread over the camp, as two delicate figures gradually awoke inside the tent.

Riyugi rubbed her eyes first, then turned to look at Myouka, who was still wrapped in her ever-present scarf, her eyes half-closed as sleep had yet to fully leave her. The two of them were woken by the serene and sunny morning. Once they rose, they moved lightly within the tent, preparing for the day ahead.

"The air feels especially fresh today," Riyugi said with a smile as she stretched her arms, her voice soft, almost like the morning dew itself.

Myouka yawned and nodded gently. "Yeah, yesterday was exhausting. Today, I finally feel like I got a good night's sleep."

Riyugi lifted a corner of the tent, ready to change clothes. She removed her soft nightgown, revealing her snow-white, jade-like skin. Myouka followed suit, loosening her shirt and gently slipping out of her clothes, revealing her slender, graceful shoulders and neck. Her scarf slid off as her smooth black hair spilled down her back.

"Why do you always act so nervous?" Riyugi teased, a playful tone in her voice. "We've been together for so long, and you're still afraid I'll see you?"

Myouka's face turned slightly red, but she maintained her composure. "Hmph, it's just that I'm not used to it. Besides... you haven't been shy about your own development!" She glanced at Riyugi's chest, a mischievous smile crossing her face.

Riyugi glanced down at herself, gently holding her strap dress and laughing helplessly. "I blame you for that."

Myouka giggled. "Really, you're the one who's getting fuller, you know."

The two of them continued teasing each other as they dressed for the day. Riyugi put on a white balloon-sleeve dress with delicate lace trim at the hem. The light fabric swayed with her movements, flowing like a dance with every step, elegant and graceful. She wore a pair of semi-transparent stockings that clung to her skin, revealing her smooth complexion and making her seem fresh and ethereal. Her hair was styled into playful twin tails, bouncing as she moved, the strands curling into soft arcs.

Myouka, on the other hand, wore a pale pink sleeveless blouse paired with form-fitting shorts that hugged her body, perfectly accentuating her figure. The cool breeze gently brushed her fair skin. Her scarf remained around her slender neck, an essential part of her outfit, adding a touch of elegance. She loosely tied her long, dark hair behind her head, a few strands falling to her forehead, adding to her soft beauty. The hairpin kept her bangs to the side, partially concealing her forehead and softening her features, with the sunlight glinting off it, giving her an added sparkle.

The two walked out of the tent, stepping into the early morning sunlight. Shingin was standing by the nearby stream, his untidy T-shirt covered in dust, dark circles under his eyes, clearly having not slept well the night before. He was lazily brushing his teeth when he saw them emerge from the tent, offering a resigned smile.

Myouka couldn't help but laugh at his appearance, teasing, "Good morning, how did you sleep last night?"

Just as Shingin was about to respond, his expression suddenly stiffened, his toothbrush halting midway. His eyes shifted toward the distance, and the smile quickly faded, replaced by a grave expression.

Riyugi followed his gaze and noticed the leaves in the forest ahead moving without any wind, making a rustling sound. Her heart skipped a beat, and she whispered, "Be careful, there seems to be something moving up ahead."

Myouka immediately became serious, her hand resting on her bow, her gaze sharp. "Don't worry, I'll protect Riyugi!"

Shingin furrowed his brows, the power of the Alien Soul coursing through him. He felt an ominous premonition approaching. "Everyone, be careful. This isn't a joke."

Whoosh! Two shadow-like figures shot toward them with incredible speed. Riyugi's heart tightened. "They're already here?" Myouka immediately stepped in front of Riyugi, readying her bow, but the speed of the attackers made her heart sink. Could she handle such a fast assault?

Shingin reacted swiftly, waving his hand to release his powerful Alien Soul. Boom! Blue energy swept forward like a raging storm, and then he conjured a sword, gathering power for an attack. In the next moment, all three forces collided with a tremendous crash, sending them all stumbling back.

Shingin focused, finally able to see the two attackers clearly. One of them was the shadow that had attacked him multiple times before! His gaze darkened as he realized the man's arm was completely intact. He distinctly remembered cutting off that arm in their last battle, blood gushing from the wound—there was no way this person could have survived.

How could this be? The question stabbed into Shingin's heart, refusing to leave.

The shadow coldly glared at Shingin, a sinister tone in his voice. "You really have some skill. You can predict my sneak attacks every time."

The other person mocked, "23, this is the guy who couldn't be killed despite your efforts? He doesn't seem like much."

Watcher 23 sneered and responded, "When you face him for real, you'll understand, 25."

Shingin immediately realized—these were Watchers! The same Watchers from the rooftop battle, all of them with numbered designations. But there was no time for speculation. He had to protect Riyugi and Myouka—two vulnerable girls who had clearly become targets, defenseless and easy to harm.

Watcher 25 laughed mockingly. "Hahaha! You really have it tough, protecting two delicate little girls like them? This will be fun!"

Watcher 23's gaze now rested on Riyugi and Myouka, carrying a cold murderous intent. Riyugi and Myouka both felt a chill run down their spines, instinctively wanting to huddle together for warmth. But Myouka steeled herself, pretending to be calm as she aimed her bow at the two shadows, gathering courage to shout, "It's you two, isn't it? Trying to harm Riyugi again? I'll have you arrested and thrown into the police station!"

She released an arrow with a sharp whoosh, only for Watcher 25 to effortlessly knock it down.

Myouka stared at the ease with which the arrow was dismissed, her fingers trembling slightly, her grip on the bow tightening.

Watcher 25 laughed, his tone mocking, "Miss, leave the toys to yourself. Let me show you what true power looks like!"

Before he finished speaking, Watcher 25 leaped forward like a beast. Shingin reacted quickly, swinging his sword, sending a sharp gust of energy to slash at Watcher 25! Watcher 25 had no choice but to retreat, temporarily halting his attack.

But Watcher 25's gaze met Watcher 23's, and without a word, their intentions synchronized. Shingin immediately sensed something was wrong, his heart tightening as he realized—Watcher 23 had already circled around and silently moved behind Riyugi and Myouka!

"Dammit!" Shingin yelled, rushing toward them, but Watcher 23's speed was ghostly, and he was already closing in on them…