WebNovels

Chapter 46 - Paths Beyond the Border

By dawn, the mist had thinned across the forest, rolling away to reveal the worn trail leading north — the last road before the border. The air was cool and sharp, heavy with the scent of morning dew and pine resin.

Shadow stood at the edge of camp, cloak drawn close, watching the horizon as the first rays of light brushed the treetops. Behind him, the others were quietly packing their things — practiced, cautious, and strangely synchronized after everything they'd endured.

Rena was the first to speak. "We can't stay near the capital anymore. They'll close off the southern gates soon."

Sera nodded, tightening the strap of her quiver. "If we keep heading north, we'll reach Verris, the border kingdom. There's a guild branch there — smaller, quieter. Maybe we can find information without drawing attention."

Ryn glanced up. "And if we can't?"

"Then we keep moving," Shadow replied simply. His tone left no room for doubt. "The truth doesn't end with one city."

He knelt and brushed his fingers over the dirt, leaving faint traces of mana. Instantly, the remnants of their camp faded — the fire pit smoothed, footprints vanished. "They won't be able to track us easily," he added, rising to his feet.

As they started down the forest path, Rena walked beside him. "You're thinking about those files, aren't you?"

"I can't stop," Shadow admitted. "Those experiments… those weapons. And the mention of something called Ego Integration. If it's connected to my gauntlets, I need to know."

The gauntlets hummed faintly at his wrists, reacting to his words. The cube, tucked within his satchel, emitted a soft pulse — like it was listening.

Sera fell into step behind them. "So this trip isn't just about hiding anymore."

Shadow's eyes hardened. "No. It's about answers."

The road grew steeper as they climbed through the hills. Birds scattered from the trees above, startled by unseen movement. For hours, the group pressed forward, the weight of silence between them filled only by wind and footfalls.

When they finally stopped to rest, Ryn pointed ahead. "There — the ridge. Beyond that is Verris territory."

Rena leaned against a rock, eyes distant. "Rumors say Verris was once a stronghold for rogue adventurers. Some say they keep old records — forbidden ones, even about class evolutions."

Shadow's gaze followed the direction of her finger, a faint glint of determination in his eyes. "Then that's where we start."

As the others resumed their march, Shadow lingered for a moment, watching the shifting light across the trees.

The cube stirred faintly again. He could feel its faint thoughts — wordless, instinctive. Curiosity. Readiness. A silent bond forming between them, like two forces fated to walk the same uncertain path.

The assassin smirked under his breath. "Looks like we're going hunting again."

And with that, he vanished into motion, following his companions toward the border — and the city of secrets that awaited beyond.

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