Chapter 27 – Web of Shadows
Suzuya's POV
Shadow led me through the blazing ruins of the facility. Every step felt like a gamble. Kojiro's voice still echoed in my head—his warning not to trust this man.
But I didn't have time to doubt. Mom. Akari. Akane. Their faces pushed me forward.
Suzuya: "Yamiyo… I'll tear you apart."
We finally stepped into the night air. The city before us was unrecognizable—smoke rose from skyscrapers, explosions painted the skyline red, and screams drowned beneath the sirens. It was chaos, absolute chaos.
Shadow stopped on a broken rooftop, gazing over the burning streets.
Shadow: "Beautiful, isn't it? The world collapsing under its own corruption."
Suzuya: "Beautiful? This is hell!"
Shadow smirked, his glowing eyes cutting through the smoke.
Shadow: "And yet, Yamiyo thrives in hell. You'll understand soon enough. He doesn't just burn cities. He burns truths."
Before I could speak, a voice cut through the roar of fire.
Yamiyo: "Ahhh, there you are."
He stood on the rooftop across from us, his figure outlined by flames. Katana on his shoulder, smile painted across his face.
Yamiyo: "Suzuya, you finally crawled out of your cage. I was waiting."
My blood boiled. I gripped Crimson Fang tighter.
Suzuya: "Where are they?! Where are Mom and Akari?!"
Yamiyo tilted his head, mock disappointment in his eyes.
Yamiyo: "Always so impatient. Don't worry. They're safe… for now."
He gestured toward the street below. Shadows moved—masked figures dragging hostages, their faces bound. I spotted her instantly.
Akari.
Her eyes widened when she saw me. She screamed my name, but a guard struck her down, forcing her silent.
Suzuya: "AKARI!!!"
I leapt forward, rage surging through me. But Shadow caught my arm.
Shadow: "Not yet. This is his game."
Yamiyo's laughter echoed between the burning buildings.
Yamiyo: "Yes, Suzuya… play my game. You want your family? Then survive my trial."
The ground shook. From the alleys below, twisted creatures crawled out—former test subjects, their bodies warped by failed experiments. Their eyes glowed red, their screams inhuman.
Dozens of them. Maybe more.
Kojiro suddenly appeared on the opposite side, blade in hand, glaring at both me and Shadow.
Kojiro: "Suzuya! You idiot, what have you done?!"
Shadow smirked.
Shadow: "Perfect. Now the real fun begins."
The creatures shrieked and charged, fire blazing all around us.
And Yamiyo? He just watched, smiling.