Chapter 14
While Equus was overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, Clayton was feeling troubled for a different reason—not because he knew Equus had uncovered the truth about Hank's death, but because of an increasingly intense sense of being watched.
Earlier, when Clayton had reached the outskirts of the outer ring's city center, he had briefly felt the surveillance on him vanish. It brought a fleeting sense of relief, like a heavy weight lifting from his chest. But mere steps later, the unsettling feeling returned—stronger than ever.
Clayton clenched his jaw. He wanted to tear someone apart. Still, he forced himself to act normal, even as his mind swirled with questions.
"Just how many people are watching me?" he muttered under his breath.
From the moment he stepped into the city center, Clayton had sensed prying eyes. At first, he assumed it was a single faction. But now, his instincts told him otherwise—there were multiple, unrelated parties keeping tabs on him.
He clicked his tongue in frustration.
"Why do all these powerful people have so much time to mess with a low-level magic apprentice like me?"
With every step, his vigilance heightened. His nerves screamed ambush. And sure enough—just as he passed a narrow alleyway, the dreadful sensation peaked.
"Fire Magic—Fireball Spell!"
"Sword Technique—Spinning Slash!"
Two attacks launched simultaneously. A blazing fireball shot toward Clayton, followed by twin slashes from knights flanking him on both sides.