Chapter 76: Small Challenge’s
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Sunlight leaked through thin gray clouds, spilling over the windy ridge where Kai and others had spent the night. Ashes from the tiny fire puffed away on a breath of dawn. He rose slowly, easing the heavy shape of Renna from his lap and laying the wounded ant soldier on a blanket of moss.
Renna was still unconscious. His two missing legs neatly wrapped in makeshift leaves but his breathing came strong and steady. Beside him, Vexor sat with a length of thorn‑vine, tying splints around his own cracked forearm. The three‑star fighter had slept little, yet a patient glimmer lived in his eyes.
"We’re close," Vexor said, voice raw. "One more march and the watch‑towers will greet us."
Kai nodded. From the crest of the hill the land fell away into open fields. Far in the distance, like dark nails against the bright sky, stood the tall wooden towers that marked the outer patrol ring of the Ant Kingdom. The sight set a warm tremor in Kai’s chest, a promise of clean beds, healers’ pools, and a chance to rest.
They shared the last two strips of dried root and a swallow of pond water. The moment food touched Kai’s tongue his thrust went away.
He hefted Renna carefully across his shoulders. His muscles protested, yet the stolen strength from Lomar’s essence burned inside him like a secret furnace. "Let’s move," he whispered. Vexor shouldered the battered spear shaft, and together they began the long descent.
The morning stayed bright for half a league. Then a cool mist uncoiled from the marshes, sliding between hills and drowning the world in white milk. Within heartbeats they could barely see their own feet.
"Stay close," Kai warned. He angled the spear forward, feeling rather than seeing the path. Grass slicked with dew brushed his knees; hidden rocks tried to steal his footing. Each step became a silent prayer.