Chapter 96: Intense Game 1
Not wanting to be caught by Nero, Khione surged forward, channeling more power into her crystal wings. Each beat sent a shimmering trail of ice particles into the air as she cut through the sky like a frozen blade.
Behind her, Nero was hot on her trail, weaving between tree branches and rocky outcrops at breakneck speed. The thrill of the chase sent a rush through his veins, and perhaps because of that heightened excitement, his Divine Sense stretched beyond its usual limits—reaching out to a full 300 meters.
That’s when he felt it.
A faint presence brushed the edge of his awareness—hidden, still, and easy to miss if not for his sharpened focus. It was near a small mountain nestled at the edge of the forest, cloaked in shadow. His lips curled into a sly grin. Khione hasn’t noticed it yet.
This was his chance.
Without hesitation, he slowed slightly and broke off from the chase, dipping low and veering toward the hidden prey. Khione, still far ahead and focused on what lay in front of her, didn’t register his sudden change in direction.
He descended quickly, wings tucking in to reduce drag. Within moments, he spotted it—an orc, tall and broad, partially concealed behind a rocky outcrop near the mountain’s base. The monster turned its head at the last second, eyes widening as it spotted the fiery-winged human descending like a meteor.
And then—it froze.
For just a second, instinct wrestled with pride. Orcs were warriors, not cowards... but the flame-winged man radiated danger. He reeked of death—the death of kin. That scent clung to his body like smoke to charcoal, undeniable and chilling.
This was not a fight.
This was execution.