Chapter 409: The Caught Assassin
Lyan followed the cloaked leader through the narrow alleyways, his body crackling with energy as he channeled Griselda’s power. The lightning aura around him intensified, wrapping around his limbs like tendrils of pure energy. He felt the surge of electricity flowing through every fiber of his being, urging him to move faster, to close the distance between him and his quarry. His senses sharpened, and time seemed to slow down as the world around him became a blur of dark stone walls and narrow passages.
The cloaked figure was quick, vaulting over barrels and squeezing through narrow gaps between buildings, their cloak billowing behind them. They tossed obstacles in Lyan’s way—crates, broken furniture, even conjuring illusions that distorted the path ahead. Lyan’s eyes narrowed, a grin tugging at his lips as he pushed forward. The thrill of the chase, the excitement of the hunt—it was like fire in his veins, a reminder of his strength.
(They’re trying to lose you, but it’s pointless. Just a little more, Lyan!)
Griselda’s voice echoed in his mind, sharp and filled with a fierce enthusiasm that mirrored his own feelings. Lyan let out a small chuckle, lightning flickering around his fingertips as he moved, dispelling the illusions the leader threw in his path. The sparks danced along his hands, flickering outwards, shattering the false images with ease. He could feel Griselda’s power surging, feeding his own energy, and it made the corners of his mouth lift in a self-assured smirk.
The leader pulled out another artifact, tossing it on the ground. Lyan could feel the pulse of magic as the artifact activated, creating a series of traps across the cobblestones—a web of magical threads meant to snare and bind. But Lyan wasn’t deterred. His eyes focused, tracing the flow of mana through the traps, seeing the patterns as clearly as if they were written in glowing ink.
His feet moved with practiced grace, each step precise as he vaulted over the magical snares, dodging the traps effortlessly. He felt the surge of mana beneath him, the way the traps pulsed with energy, and he adjusted his movement accordingly, his reflexes enhanced by the lightning coursing through him. It was exhilarating, the way his body responded, the way each movement felt almost effortless.
The leader glanced back, their eyes wide with surprise as they saw Lyan closing in. There was a flicker of panic in their gaze, and Lyan could feel the thrill of victory welling up inside him. They weren’t going to escape, not now, not after everything they had done. He pushed himself harder, feeling the electricity crackling around his legs, each step a burst of speed that brought him closer to his target.
The leader turned sharply, ducking down a side alley, but Lyan was right on their heels. He moved like lightning, his body a blur as he navigated the tight corners, his eyes locked on the figure ahead. The alley twisted and turned, the walls pressing in on either side, but Lyan didn’t falter. He could hear the leader’s labored breathing, see the frantic way they moved, and he knew they were running out of options.
(They’re getting desperate, Lyan. Don’t let up now!)