Chapter Two: The Bounty on "Isaac"
I sat in a dim corner of a bar in Dream City, the lighting like a faint yellow mist, casting a hazy glow over everything around me. In my hand, a glass of liquor swayed gently, reflecting my contemplative face.
Suddenly, a cold breeze swept through as the door was softly pushed open. A woman in a black robe entered with determined steps, walking straight up to sit opposite me with an air of elegance. I paused for a moment, an inexplicable premonition stirring within me. I took a long swallow of the fiery drink, letting its burn chase away the unease in my heart.
“Isn’t that Isabella, the infamous Black Widow, the lord of Dawn City?” I began slowly, a faint, almost teasing smile tugging at my lips, while curiosity and caution flickered in my eyes.
She didn’t answer immediately but drew out a bounty notice from her robe and placed it gently on the table. I glanced at it—boldly written in large letters was the name “Isaac.” My heart tightened sharply, a surge of uncontrollable excitement rising within me. Yet, I forced a calm mask, hiding every trace of emotion.
“I approached several of the top-ranked ‘Hounds’ and was rejected by all,” she finally spoke, her voice low and magnetic, tinged with subtle fatigue. “You’re the last one.”
I smiled coldly, a flicker of amusement in my gaze. “Oh? Then, what’s the reward?”
Without hesitation, she met my eyes steadily, her voice firm and clear: “Complete the task, and you will be the new Regent of Dawn City.”
I was momentarily stunned, a complex emotion rising within me. But I did not agree at once. Instead, I paused, letting the feeling settle before speaking slowly, “I will let you know when I’m ready. I need your help to get into the castle.”
She nodded, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. I picked up the bounty notice, my fingertips tracing the letters as if feeling the weight of the hatred it bore. Then, turning, I left with resolute steps.
Outside the bar, I looked up at the sky, my eyes moistening. The day had finally come. Bitterly, I whispered the name in my heart: “Isaac, Haijiya, I can finally avenge you.” A ruthless expression flickered across my face before being replaced by unwavering determination.
I knew the path of vengeance would be fraught with hardship and danger, but I was ready. No matter what awaited me ahead, I would walk forward without hesitation.
The night was deep and thick, enveloping the ancient castle like ink. Hidden in the shadow atop the castle roof, cloaked in black, only my sharp, eagle-like eyes were visible. In my hand was a finely crafted crossbow, etched with intricate runes that seemed to hold mysterious power. My target was inside that brightly lit tower—the residence of Isaac.
“For this day, I have waited too long. For the innocent lives, for the oppressed people, and for Haijiya. I must not fail, absolutely must not.”
---
I took a deep breath, steadying my breath and heartbeat, blending completely with the night. Silence surrounded me, broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl, adding an eerie note to the stillness. Slowly, I drew back the crossbow string and set a specially made bolt, its tip gleaming coldly in the moonlight like the scythe of death, ready to reap the souls of the wicked.
Standing, I placed my feet firmly on the roof tiles, each step light and soundless. Along the edge of the roof, I carefully approached the tower. A gentle breeze stirred my cloak and carried away some of my warmth. Squinting, I peered through the tower window, faintly seeing the figure of the leader pacing inside.
A cold smile curved my lips—both anticipation of the coming kill and contempt for the risks I was about to take.
I found the perfect shooting spot, crouched down, resting the crossbow on my knee, and aimed at the window. My heart raced, but my hands remained steady. I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as I pulled the trigger.
“Whoosh!” The bolt sliced through the night air toward the tower. But just as it neared its mark, a shadow darted out from the window, striking the bolt away with a long sword. Shocked, I realized Isaac’s alertness was far greater than I had anticipated.
“Failed! Must get out immediately!”
Turning to flee, it was already too late. Guards inside the tower had detected me and poured out, spears and shields at the ready, encircling me. Clutching my crossbow tightly, a fierce fighting spirit surged within.
Gritting my teeth, my eyes blazing with ruthless light, I was like a trapped beast ready to unleash its final roar.
Without hesitation, I fired volley after volley at the encroaching guards. Crossbow bolts rained down, and several guards fell into pools of blood. Yet their numbers were overwhelming, endless waves pressing in.
I knew this couldn’t continue. I had to break through their encirclement to escape. So, I sheathed my crossbow and drew my Kramer longsword, preparing for close combat.
Like a ferocious tiger, I charged into their ranks, swinging my blade relentlessly. Left and right, guards fell before me. But they were no pushovers; quickly they formed a solid shield wall, launching spears through the gaps.
I dodged and weaved but was pierced several times. Pain spread instantly through my body, yet I gritted my teeth and persevered. I knew I could not fall—if I did, escape would be impossible.
“I cannot die! For the innocent lives, for Haijiya’s revenge, I must live!”
---
Enduring the pain, I continued to wield my Kramer sword. Spotting an opening, I leapt forward, breaking through the guard line. But just as I broke free, another group blocked my path.
Unfazed, I swung my sword again, fighting fiercely even as I was stabbed from behind. Madness overtook me; with every strike, a spray of blood blossomed. The guards, intimidated by my ferocity, retreated.
Seizing the chance, I sprinted down the castle corridor, the guards hot on my heels. Twisting and dodging, I used the castle’s labyrinthine layout to my advantage.
But my wounds deepened and my strength waned. I knew it was only a matter of time before they caught me.I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.