Chapitre 7: CHAPTER 7: FOREST TRAILS, PALACE ECHOES, AND SHADOWS IN THE RAIN

(Arthur's Point of View)

The night's chill still clung to their bones inside the hiding cave, but the burning tension in the air was far more piercing. Arthur peeked through a crack in the rocks, his senses honed by weeks of fighting and survival catching every moving shadow among the trees. The torches that were a hundred meters away were now much closer, forming a threatening half-circle formation.

"Young Master," Cici whispered from behind him, her voice faint but tense. Her hands tightly gripped the bundle containing the heirloom sword. "They're getting closer."

Arthur nodded, his mind working at an incredible speed. "We have to break through. Now."

He turned to Cici. "Follow my every step. Don't stop."

With a quick, nearly silent movement, Arthur shot out of hiding. His steps were light and agile, carrying him through the bushes like a shadow. Two soldiers checking the bushes were startled. Before they could shout, Fang of the Earth flashed.

Shink! Shink! Two quick and silent slashes. Two bodies fell without sounding an alarm.

They broke through the gap, following a steep, rocky path. Shouts from behind proved they had finally been discovered.

"OVER THERE! TO THE NORTH!"

An arrow whizzed past Arthur's ear. Reflexively, he pushed Cici to take cover behind a large boulder.

"Stay here!" Arthur commanded.

He turned to face the five pursuers coming their way. A small fire explosion—more controlled and focused than before—shot from his hand, creating a smoke screen. In the chaos, Arthur moved like the wind. His powerful sword slashes hit a soldier's shield, shattering it to pieces. A subtle yet deadly energy attack struck another opponent's vital point.

The fight was short, brutal, and efficient. In less than a minute, the five pursuers were motionless. Arthur stood panting, blood—his and the enemy's—soaking his sleeve.

He pulled Cici. "Let's go!"

They kept running, leaving the shouts and screams fading behind them. The forest grew denser, and finally, the sound of their pursuers completely disappeared, swallowed by the darkness and the savage wilderness.

They stopped at a small stream. Arthur washed the wound on his arm while Cici drank greedily.

"We made it," whispered Cici, her breath still ragged. "For now,"Arthur replied, his eyes still vigilantly scanning the surroundings. "They won't stop."

He felt a vibration on his wrist. His Oculus gave a subtle signal. Arthur activated it.

>Environmental Scan: Traces of a large group detected. Direction: Southwest, 2 kilometers. Moving fast. >Classification: Most likely a regular patrol from the Kingdom of Valoria. >Suggestion: Avoid confrontation.

Arthur sighed. The path to the southwest was blocked. Their only choice was to continue north.

"We have to pick up the pace," he said to Cici. "Northwood is our only hope now."

(The Journey & Goblin Fight)

A thin mist began to envelop the trees as they continued their journey. Humid air clung to their skin, carrying the scent of damp earth and rotting leaves.

A crow passed overhead, its hoarse caw like a curse. Arthur looked up briefly, then looked down again, his eyes remaining focused on the slippery path.

"Young Master, are we close?" Cici asked softly, wiping her sweat. "We're almost there,"Arthur replied. "I can sense human auras... but there's something else. Something dark."

The bushes ahead suddenly shook violently. From behind them, several goblins with glowing red eyes appeared.

"Goblins!" Cici exclaimed, drawing her short sword. Arthur stepped forward."Let me handle this."

The wind rustled loudly, pushing dry leaves flying, forming a whirlwind of sharp air that hit the goblins. Fang of the Earth gleamed, slashing with deadly precision. Thick green blood spattered.

Arthur cleaned his sword. Every drop of blood he spilled felt like adding a new weight on his shoulders. Mordred... your shadow always appears.

(Forest Obstacles & Troll)

The following days were spent in high alert. A large troll blocked their path, its skin as hard as stone. Arthur moved his hands, and a biting cold froze the creature's feet. One horizontal slash from Fang of the Earth severed the troll's neck with a loud crack.

A few days later, a savage bear attacked. Cici threw a calming potion. Arthur waited until it was weakened, then slashed its neck.

(Encounter with the Unorthodox Sect & Overdrive Activation)

That afternoon, by the edge of a clear stream, the sound of unfamiliar footsteps was heard. Men in black robes with a symbol of a blood-tearing eye appeared. The Unorthodox Sect.

"Look what we got," one of them said, his eyes sweeping over Cici's body. "A pretty girl. Tonight will be ours."

Arthur tightened his grip on the hilt of the Ancient Valorian Katana now sheathed at his waist. The heirloom sword felt warm and pulsating. "Leave... or die."

They laughed. A battle broke out. Poison dripped, black smoke blinded, illusionary shadows appeared.

Arthur drew his Ancient Katana. Its hiss was soft and deadly. Fang of the Earth remained sheathed on his back as a backup. He moved nimbly, slashing, parrying. Every movement with the Ancient Katana felt lighter and more precise.

Cici scattered sand, threw burning potions. "Young Master, behind you!"

A first-generation disciple stepped forward. A mask covered his face. His sword danced cunningly, stabbing at every opening. Arthur was pushed back.

It was then that a memory assaulted him. Maria stood in the pouring rain. "Rain for seven days and seven nights... True power will rise..."

"GRAHHHH!" Arthur groaned. A latent energy EXPLODED from within him. His Qi raged wildly, burning every cell. His eyes glowed blue for a moment. Everything slowed down. OVERDRIVE!

With nearly invisible speed, his Ancient Valorian Katana flashed in a cross-cut. The disciple's body was split in two. The mask fell off, revealing a scarred face.

Seeing their leader killed horribly, the remaining sect members panicked and fled. But Arthur in Overdrive was merciless. He chased them like a wind of vengeance, cutting them down one by one.

After the last enemy fell, Arthur's energy collapsed. He fell to his knees, gasping for breath, his body trembling violently. Overdrive had drained his energy completely. Cici hugged him tightly. "Young Master! You're safe..."

Arthur nodded weakly, a bitter smile on his lips. The Ancient Katana still pulsed coldly in his hand.

(Forest Warden's Necklace)

Not far from the battle site, Cici found a necklace made of bone and feathers. Arthur took it. His Oculus vibrated.

[ Item: Forest Warden's Necklace ] [Effect: Increases alertness. Grants resistance to mild poison. ] [Durability: Low ]

Arthur stored it. "This might be useful... or at least can be sold."

(Arrival in Northwood)

Two weeks later, the sturdy city walls of Northwood loomed ahead.

"Identity and purpose?" asked the gate guard. "We are wanderers.Hurta Volir." "And you?" "Ici Volir." "Without documents,pay a security deposit--one gold coin per person." Arthur handed over two gold coins. The heavy iron gate opened."Welcome to Northwood. Don't cause trouble."

(Using the Oculus to Claim Property)

The city of Northwood was bustling. Arthur activated his Oculus.

[ Searching: Abandoned Property - Northwood ] [Found: Property #4421 - Status: Derelict ] >Claim Ownership (Hurta Volir) [Confirm? ] Y/N [Ownership Successfully Transferred. ]

[ Searching: Small Commercial Property - Northwood ] [Found: Inn #118 - Status: Old Owner Wants to Relocate ] >Claim Ownership (Ici Volir) [Confirm? ] Y/N [Ownership Successfully Transferred. ]

Arthur turned to Cici. "Now you are the innkeeper, Ici Volir." Cici bowed her head."I will do my best, Young Master."

(Sensual Romantic Scene)

Night fell. The house was clean. The fireplace was lit. Arthur looked at Cici."Are you tired?" he whispered. Cici looked down."A little..." Arthur touched her cheek,drawing her into an embrace. His lips touched Cici's neck. Clothes slowly came off.Their bodies sought each other. Breath quickened, soft moans. After they finished,Arthur held her tightly. "Tomorrow I will register as a mercenary. We need allies... to take the throne from Mordred." Cici stroked his chest."I will guard the inn. But don't forget your mother's message... the rain for seven days and seven nights." Arthur closed his eyes.Mother... I will not forget your words. That night,the nightmare returned. Cici held him tightly, whispering soft words until he calmed down.

(Cici's Point of View)

Arthur was always haunted by guilt. Every time he spilled blood, a part of his soul was torn. I promised to be his support.For me, Arthur is the rightful heir to the throne of Valoria. I will stand by his side until the rain of seven days and seven nights comes.

(Mordred's Point of View)

The golden hall of Valoria shimmered. King Mordred Valior sat on his black throne. "Useless!"his voice echoed. "It's been months, and the boy still hasn't been found?!" No one dared to answer. "Silence!"Mordred snapped. "I need certainty. His corpse, or his head displayed before me!" He turned to General Erlic."Still no proof of your treason, General?" Erlic bowed."My loyalty to Valoria has never wavered, Your Majesty." Mordred narrowed his eyes."I give you one month. If there are no results, then I will consider you part of the treason itself." After the court disbanded,Mordred looked at the map. "Greenhaven... Elves... they all dare to oppose me. But as long as I sit on this throne, not a single one will win."

(Shadow Eel's Point of View)

In a corner of the hall, standing in the shadows, was Shadow Eel. Silver hair, emerald green eyes, pointed Elf ears. He heard every word Mordred said.A faint smile graced his lips. Mordred, you are growing blinder by power. And your blindness is my opening. That night,in a seedy bar, two drunk knights were talking. "You hear?The ancient Valorian samurai has been missing since that seven-night rain!" "It's the curse of Maria D.Valior. They say before she died, she swore: where the rain falls for seven days and seven nights, there true power will rise." That name pierced Shadow Eel's ears.Maria... the seven-night rain... So that's her secret key... His mind drifted to old tales.Maria, the last bridge between the Elves and Valoria. Shadow Eel rose,leaving the bar. "Arthur D.Valior..." he whispered. "If that curse is true, then you are our race's last hope. And I... will meet you myself." His shadowy figure vanished into a narrow alley.The real hunt had just begun.

ARTHUR'S STATUS & ASSETS - END OF CHAPTER 6

[STATUS] •Name: Arthur Valoria (Alias: Hurta Volir) •Cultivation Stage: Consolidated Foundation •Physical Condition: Fit, several healed wounds, high alert •Qi Mastery: Intermediate Level

[BASE ATTRIBUTES] •STR: 20 •VIT: 18 •AGI: 24 •INT: 53 •MEN: 57 •MP: 30 (Qi Quality increased) •LCK: 20

[WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT] •Ancient Valorian Katana: Heirloom sword. High affinity with Qi. •Fang of the Earth: Backup weapon. •Forest Warden's Necklace: +Alertness, +Mild Poison Resistance. •Oculus: Support device.

[MASTERED SKILLS] • Elemental Magic:

· [Dragon's Breath] | [Gale Cutter] | [Permafrost Thorn] | [Aegis Barrier] • Qi Techniques:

· [Qi Sense] | [Internal Disruption] (Qi Needle) | [Body Reinforcement] (Basic) • Qi Sword Techniques:

· [Moon Splitter] | [Gale Step] | [Needle Point] | [River's Guard] • Unique Techniques:

· [Heavenly Valoria Technique] | [OVERDRIVE] (Temporary State)

[ASSETS & WEALTH] •Gold Coins: 100 •Gemstones: Several pieces •Property #4421: House in Northwood •Inn #118: Inn in Northwood

[REPUTATION & RELATIONSHIPS] •Wanted by: Kingdom of Valoria (Mordred) •Allies: Cici (loyal), General Erlic (hidden) •Targeted by: Unorthodox Sect, Shadow Eel