Ryu managed to slip through the city gates of Siren's Haven as dusk settled, the last golden rays of the twin suns disappearing below the horizon. The city was already aglow with the light of lanterns and lamps adorning its buildings. Though it was his first visit, he could immediately sense the bustling energy and the diverse throngs of people. It was a stark contrast to the quiet desolation of Ashwind Post or the small border towns he had previously scouted. Yet, beneath the vibrant facade, Ryu could still perceive the ever-watchful eyes of the Nebula Empire's soldiers, stationed at every corner, and an underlying atmosphere of strict control.
He chose an inconspicuous inn in a less crowded district. It looked rather rundown externally but had a steady flow of various travelers. After securing a room and changing into attire that blended more with the local populace, he went down to a corner of the common room, ordering a simple meal and a cheap local drink, all the while straining his ears to catch snippets of conversation from those around him. The din was filled with talk of trade at the docks, the recent surge in pirate activity, and even rumors of the Empire's harsh crackdown on resistance groups. However, nothing yet directly pointed towards the "Seven Hunters."
The next day, Ryu began his reconnaissance in earnest. He spent a significant amount of time near the bustling port, observing the loading and unloading of cargo, the imposing presence of Nebula warships, and the tight security measures. He then ambled through the crowded marketplace, his keen eyes searching for anything out of the ordinary, trying to overhear conversations that might hold a clue.
As he was navigating a particularly congested alley in the old merchant quarter, he inadvertently bumped into a figure cloaked and partially hooded. When the figure turned, Ryu's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"You... are you 'Shadow Fox'?" Ryu asked, his voice low but certain.
The cloaked figure paused for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle. "Well, I'll be. Didn't expect to see the lad from the eastern frontier here... Ryu, isn't it? What brings you to a grand city like Siren's Haven?" It was "Shadow Fox," an independent informant Ryu had previously contacted and exchanged information with during his scouting mission in the eastern border town.
"Just some personal business," Ryu replied cautiously, glancing around. "This probably isn't the best place to talk."
Shadow Fox nodded in agreement. "Follow me."
The two of them navigated a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleyways before stopping at a small, secluded tea house. Once they had ordered their drinks and were sure no one was paying them undue attention, Shadow Fox initiated the conversation. "You're here because of the Emperor's 'Shadows,' aren't you?"
Ryu frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
"The special enforcers who work directly for the higher-ups, of course," Shadow Fox whispered. "They've been unusually active in Siren's Haven lately. Rumors are thick about some sort of 'purge' or 'hunt' they're conducting, but no one dares speak of it loudly. It's too dangerous." He took a sip of his tea before continuing, "If you're on their trail, I'd advise extreme caution. Someone told me one of them just 'finished a job' last night near the old warehouses by the southern docks."
Ryu's heart quickened at the information. "The old warehouses by the southern docks, you say?"
"Yes... but I'm warning you, stay away from it. It's not worth the risk," Shadow Fox said, his tone serious. "I have to go, someone's waiting for me. Take care of yourself, lad." With that, he stood up and quickly disappeared into the dim recesses of the tea house.
Ryu sat still for a moment. The information was critical. Though he knew it was perilous, he couldn't let this lead slip away. He decided to risk investigating the old warehouses Shadow Fox had mentioned.
As night fell once more, Ryu made his way towards the southern dock district of Siren's Haven. The area was largely deserted and shrouded in darkness, with only the faint, intermittent glow of distant lanterns. Several dilapidated old warehouses lined the waterfront, the air thick with the smell of dampness and the salty tang of the sea. He moved with the silence of a wraith, flitting through the shadows cast by the decrepit buildings.
He finally arrived at one warehouse that looked different from the others. Its heavy steel door showed signs of being recently forced open, and a faint, metallic scent of blood wafted from within. Ryu drew his katana, preparing for the worst, before cautiously prying open the heavy door and slipping inside.
The sight that greeted him made his brow furrow. Inside the dark, cluttered warehouse, lay the bodies of several heavily armed men, sprawled in pools of their own blood. Each had been killed with a single, precise strike to a vital point, indicative of an exceptionally skilled assailant. And on the decaying wooden wall at the far end of the warehouse, a symbol had been clearly carved with a sharp implement. It was the image of a "Snarling Wolf," its eyes seemingly alive and staring directly at him.
"A mark of... the Seven Hunters..." Ryu murmured to himself. He felt the danger escalate. This was concrete proof of their activity within the city, and it seemed to be the work of a Hunter other than "Eagle."
Suddenly, Ryu's instincts screamed a violent warning! He felt an intense, chilling killing intent lock onto his back!
He spun around, his katana flashing upwards defensively in a split second!
CLANG!
The deafening sound of metal striking metal reverberated through the warehouse! Ryu's katana met a long, pitch-black sword that had descended with brutal, unexpected force. The man standing before him was tall and lean, dressed in a simple yet imposing dark cloak. His face was unhidden, revealing sharp, chiseled features and eyes as cold as polar ice. He appeared remarkably human, with no obvious mechanical augmentations like "Eagle," but the oppressive aura emanating from him was immense.
"Well, well, little mouse... what are you doing in my territory?" the man spoke, his voice deep, resonant, and utterly devoid of warmth. His eyes remained fixed on Ryu, unwavering. "Or perhaps... you're one of this trash heap's accomplices?"
Ryu knew instantly that this man was far stronger than him. The killing intent he radiated was unlike anything he had encountered before. This had to be... another one of the "Seven Hunters"!
[End of Chapter 14]