Selena nodded, though her hands trembled as she adjusted the straps. Mia clung to her, crying against her chest, while Selena tried to reassure her daughter despite the fear threatening to overwhelm her.“Mommy, I don’t want to jump,” Mia sobbed.“I know, sweetheart. Just hold on to me.” Selena pressed a kiss to her daughter’s forehead, forcing herself to remain calm. “I’m not going to leave you.”The soldier moved toward the side door, preparing to carry out his plan. He knew the jump was dangerous, especially with a child, but allowing the impostor to continue flying them toward an unknown destination was even worse. He would rather risk a desperate escape than deliver the general’s family into the enemy’s hands.Unfortunately, the pilot had heard every word.“You really think you’re leaving this helicopter alive?” he snarled.Before the soldier could respond, the impostor abruptly pulled the controls, sending the helicopter into a violent maneuver. The cabin lurched sideways, throw

The helicopter lifted from the airport and headed south. Below them, the landscape stretched toward the vast Nile River, which separated the direct air route from the mountainous region beyond. At their current speed, reaching the last known coordinates would take approximately thirty minutes.Jaden stared through the window, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.He had spent years facing enemies who wanted him dead. He had survived countless battles, defeated powerful opponents, and protected the country through some of its darkest moments. Yet none of those battles had ever frightened him as much as the thought of Selena and Mia being in the hands of his enemies.He had known Ravenmoor was dangerous. He had warned Selena against coming, but she had insisted on making the journey because she wanted to see him.Now she and their daughter had disappeared before they could even reach him.Hold on, Selena. Mia. I’m coming.Jaden’s eyes hardened as he looked toward

Blackridge Mountain Village was a remote settlement on the southern edge of Ravenmoor, separated from the main city by the vast Nile River. Although it technically remained part of Ravenmoor, the difficult journey across the river had isolated the village for generations. Over time, its residents established their own governing system, operating almost like an independent territory where outsiders rarely interfered.Tonight, however, the village had become a meeting point for the Black Covenant.Several trucks and vans were parked on a rocky stretch of land outside the settlement. Around twenty armed men stood nearby, smoking and chatting while waiting for their companions to arrive. Most carried rifles, while a few had pistols tucked into their waistbands. They appeared relaxed, as though they had nothing to fear in this remote corner of the world.The sound of approaching rotors interrupted their conversation. A helicopter descended toward the clearing, stirring up dust and loose gr

The leader stared at Ronan for several seconds before his initial fear gave way to ridicule. He glanced at the unusually long katana in Ronan’s hand and burst into laughter, prompting several of his men to follow suit. “You gook! You think walking in here with a long sword makes you formidable? What can a sword possibly do against guns?” He raised his pistol and sneered. “You’re either brave or stupid. Either way, you’re not leaving this place alive.” Ronan showed no reaction to the insult. Instead, he brought his palms together and closed his eyes, positioning his katana between his forearms as though he were offering a prayer. The weapon was approximately 1.2 metres long, considerably longer than an ordinary katana, and its unusual proportions made it look almost impractical in his hands. “The Kurotsuki,” Ronan began, his voice calm and measured, “was forged to imitate the legendary Muramasa blades. In the hands of a novice, it is nothing more than a piece of metal. In the hands o

Victor Halberg regarded Ronan with an amused smile, seemingly unconcerned by the hundreds of armed men surrounding the swordsman.“I was actually expecting to meet the King of War here. Oh, that’s right. He’s dead.”He suddenly burst into laughter, his voice carrying across the road. Several of his subordinates joined in, though their laughter sounded more like an attempt to impress their leader than genuine amusement.Ronan’s jaw tightened. His grip on Kurotsuki grew firmer as he stared at Victor.“You’re a fool if you believe a missile is enough to kill the General. He’s not dead.”Victor raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by his confidence.Ronan continued, his voice growing colder. “Even if he were dead, he’d find a way to come back to life just to put an end to vermin like you.”A few of the operatives shifted uneasily. They knew the Phantom Blade’s reputation, and none of them wanted to become the target of his anger.Victor, however, remained unfazed.“No, you’re the fool h