Chapter 3: The Silent Storm
The dead of night cast a heavy silence over the kingdom. Ardyn crouched on the edge of a towering structure, his sharp eyes scanning the city below. A deep breath escaped his lips.
"This is going to be painful."
Without hesitation, he leaped from the tower. His movements were fluid—silent. The guards below stood no chance. In a blink, his dagger slashed through the air, cutting their throats before they could even register his presence. Blood pooled beneath their lifeless bodies.
Activating Silent Step, an assassination technique honed by the Izzo Clan, Ardyn moved undetected, slipping through the darkness. He walked with slow, calculated steps—until a guard turned the corner.
"Thief!" the man shouted.
The kingdom jolted awake. Within seconds, soldiers stormed the courtyard, their swords gleaming under the moonlight.
Ardyn exhaled. "Tch. So much for a clean job."
The guards lunged, spears aiming for his chest. He met them with ruthless efficiency. One slash—two—three. The sickening sound of steel slicing flesh filled the air. Throats were cut, bodies collapsed. Blood painted the ground.
But then, more guards flooded in.
Front.
Back.
Left.
Right.
Above.
Ardyn was surrounded.
Suddenly, a shadow darted across the rooftops. A flicker of movement, then—BOOM! An explosion erupted in the center of the formation, bodies flying in every direction.
A rope dropped down.
"Good job, brother," Kai called, gripping the line. "That's my job, Cap!"
Ardyn smirked. "Took you long enough."
But before he could move, a glint of steel flashed behind Kai.
A blade sank into his friend's back.
Ardyn's eyes widened. "Kai!"
The assassin who landed the strike twisted the dagger, a wicked grin on his face. Ardyn's rage ignited. His fist connected with the assassin's chest—an impact so powerful it sent shockwaves rippling through the air. The ground beneath them cracked.
Kai stumbled but clenched his teeth, forcing himself to stay upright. He reached into his pouch and tossed another bomb at their enemies. The explosion sent the assassins scattering.
But one of them, skilled in ninjutsu, darted through the smoke. Before Ardyn could react, a bo staff struck his ribs. Pain flared through his side. He staggered. Another strike hit his shoulder. A third aimed for his temple—
Kai intercepted, kicking the attacker in the ribs. "Stay focused, Ardyn!"
Gritting his teeth, Ardyn sidestepped the next blow, dagger flashing as he sliced the ninja's throat. The remaining assassins hesitated. The tide of battle had shifted.
And then—silence.
The battlefield was soaked in crimson, bodies littering the ground. But the one man they sought was missing.
Tokugawa.
A slow, deliberate set of footsteps echoed in the empty courtyard.
A man emerged from the shadows. He walked with an air of authority, his posture relaxed but commanding. His eyes locked onto Ardyn.
Tokugawa smirked. "You've grown, Ardyn."
Ardyn's grip on his dagger tightened.
"You killed my brother," he said, his voice cold.
Tokugawa sighed. "It wasn't personal, kid." He lifted his arm, a faint energy crackling around him. "And honestly? I'd rather not kill another Izzo. Your grandfather would beat the shit out of me."
Ardyn lunged without hesitation. His dagger aimed straight for Tokugawa's heart—
But Tokugawa moved.
With a flick of his wrist, a powerful gust of wind erupted around him. The air twisted unnaturally, forming violent currents.
Kai stumbled back. "What the hell is that?"
Ardyn narrowed his eyes.
Tokugawa grinned. "The Art of Bloodwind."
A storm surged to life. Wind howled through the courtyard, sharp as blades. Ardyn barely had time to brace before he was caught in the current. He tried to fight against it, but the force was overwhelming.
Kai clenched his fists. "Ardyn, we have to retreat!"
But Ardyn was stubborn. He fought against the wind, his dagger glowing with energy.
Tokugawa raised his hand—another surge of wind slashed through the air, knocking Kai to the ground. The force sent Ardyn skidding across the blood-soaked stone.
And then—everything blurred.
A shadow moved.
In an instant, Ardyn and Kai were gone.
Tokugawa's eyes narrowed. He scanned the battlefield, but there was no one left.
He sighed, brushing the blood off his coat. "Guess I'll see you again soon."
---
Morning – The Izzo Estate
Ardyn's eyes fluttered open. He was lying in a familiar room. The scent of incense filled the air. His ribs ached.
"You're awake."
His father, Vyrdyn, stood beside him, arms crossed.
Ardyn sat up. "Where's Tokugawa?"
"Alive."
His fists clenched. "Damn it—"
"Calm yourself," Vyrdyn said sternly. "Reckless revenge won't bring Phirdyn back."
Ardyn gritted his teeth but said nothing.
Across the room, Miyamoto—the Izzo Clan head—sighed. "What a shame. You got played, Ardyn."
Kai, leaning against the doorway, groaned. "We were this close. But that bastard was a Bloodwind user."
Miyamoto raised an eyebrow. "Bloodwind, you say?"
Kai nodded. "Yeah. Which means he might be a serious threat."
Miyamoto chuckled darkly. "Then my mistake, Ardyn. I shouldn't have given that mission to you."
Ardyn's eyes burned with fury.
Tokugawa... I will kill you.