Jackson narrowed his eyes at the bloodied girl sprawled on the ground. "They're not our problem now," he muttered, then clenched his fists. "But we can't abandon that girl they're molesting."
"That was the answer I was expecting," Marcel replied, stepping forward with him.
The girl coughed weakly, her voice breaking through the tension. "Run away... these guys are dangerous... You can't stop them."
One of the criminals sneered and stomped on her back. "Don't interfere, brat. We're already done with you."
He turned, leading the others toward Jackson and Marcel with heavy, threatening steps.
"Hey Marcel," Jackson said calmly. "You take two. I'll take the other two. We're finishing this with few moves—we've got no time to waste."
"Okay to that," Marcel said, cracking his knuckles.
The leader of the gang chuckled. "You? Take us? What can you kids do without a sword? Even with one, you'd be nothing. Get them!"
Three of the thugs charged forward, blades gleaming in the narrow space between the surrounding buildings. It was a tight alley—no room to maneuver. But Jackson had no need for space.
He leaped straight up, landing with light feet on the shop wall and ran across it with a burst of Renshi-enhanced speed.
"What the—did that brat just run on the wall?" one of the criminals gasped, skidding to a stop.
Before they could react, Jackson launched himself down like a falling star, slamming his fist at the gang leader. The man crossed his arms to block as Jackson landed, then was forced into a backpedal as a flurry of brutal punches came at him like hail.
"Not bad for a kid," the leader grunted, hopping back. "But I've got something you don't."
Jackson's eyes narrowed. "I don't have time to waste here, you fat rat."
As Jackson clenched his fists, Renshi cloaked around them like flaming gauntlets.
The gang leader grinned. "You're full of surprises, brat. I never expected you to be a Renshi user But I don't need fancy Renshi. This sword's enough—it took down a Shinra once,it's a Renshical sword from a powerful mage. You're next brat!"
He lunged with vicious strikes. Jackson ducked, twisted, and somersaulted under the swing. As he spun, he gathered the Renshi from his fists and channeled it down to his legs. In a flash, he struck upward with a powerful double kick to the man's chin, flipping backward and landing smoothly.
The gang leader staggered back, blood trailing from his lip. "You little—"
Jackson didn't wait. He surged forward, fists blazing, and unleashed a rapid combo straight into the man's gut, chest, and jaw. The onslaught forced the gang leader onto his knees.
Marcel, watching from the side, blinked. "I never knew Jack could use his Renshi to this level... I guess I'm still slacking."
Two of the other criminals turned to flee.
"No, you don't!" Marcel shouted, dashing forward.
The third tried to stop him with a downward slash. Marcel ducked low, slipped behind him, and jumped onto his shoulders. In a blur, he tapped a pressure point on the man's neck—an old trick from his papa. The criminal crumpled unconscious.
Marcel landed smoothly, snatched the man's fallen sword, and turned to face the last two.
"You're not done yet," Jackson said, dragging the unconscious leader toward Marcel.
"This is impossible... the boss lost... to a kid?" the last thug stammered before turning tail and fleeing with the other.
Marcel wiped his brow. "That was... fast."
"You fool. We don't have time to waste!" Jackson shouted.
"Huh?! Right—the plan! I forgot!"
Before Jackson could respond, a weak voice called out. "Um... I hope I'm not interrupting... I just wanted to say thank you... for helping me."
The girl stood shakily, wiping blood from her face.
"It's fine," Jackson said with a nod. "You can go home now. They're unconscious. You'll be safe."
She gave a small smile, nodded, and limped out of the alley.
Marcel watched her go, then turned to Jackson. "What do you think happened?"
"You idiot. Weren't you listening? They tried to strip us. I'm sure they stole something from her too."
"Then... why didn't she ask us to get it back?" Marcel asked, puzzled.
Jackson narrowed his eyes, fists clenched. "That's a good question. There's definitely something off—but whatever it is, it's not our problem right now. Focus."
He turned to Marcel with fierce determination. "Here's the plan. About a year ago, my papa gave me hints about a bloodline tracking spell. He said once I turned sixteen, he'd teach me the real thing."
Marcel blinked. "Bloodline tracking? Never heard of it."
"Then shut up and listen." Jackson crouched, scooping up one of the fallen criminals' swords. "If I can cast even a piece of the spell, I might be able to sense if my papa's nearby."
Marcel watched with alarm. "Wait—what're you doing?!"
Jackson ignored him, slicing a shallow cut across his palm. Blood trickled down as he dropped the sword and held his bleeding hand steady, closing his eyes.
He began to chant:
"Blood is one… heart is one… bodies apart… bring the bodies of my blood together…"
He repeated it over and over, each time his voice more intense, more focused. The blood in his palm swirled unnaturally, forming a glowing Renshical circle that pulsed with power.
Marcel stood stunned. You've really come far, Jackson… I need to step up.
He leaned closer and muttered, "You said you barely remembered the chant, liar. You're practically reciting the whole thing."
But Jackson was too deep in concentration to respond.
Then, with a final chant, the Renshical glow faded. Jackson collapsed to one knee, panting hard.
"Hey—are you okay?" Marcel rushed to his side and helped him up.
"Yeah... it just drained a lot of my Renshi," Jackson muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
Marcel glanced around nervously. "So? What now? Did it work?"
Jackson nodded. "My papa once explained the signs. A sharp headache means the target is close. A mild one means they're far. My head nearly split open—it's clear they're nearby,the aches are from the reactions of your blood to the other human with same bloodline,if we're Lucky he or she with same bloodline might be my father or not,it's still a gamble."
Marcel's eyes lit up. "Then we're on the right track. Let's move,I'm going to optimistic about this one without doubting!"
Before they could take a step, a deep voice rang out behind them.
"You two—what're you doing here? Was that Renshi flare your doing?"
A Shinra emerged from behind the shop, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Crap—Marcel, run!" Jackson shouted as he bolted in the opposite direction.
"Wait for me, you moron!" Marcel yelled, tearing off behind him.
"You brats! Stop! The kingdom Shinras are already heading this way—you're not getting out of this!" the Shinra roared as he gave chase.
Jackson cursed under his breath. I forgot. That spell was bound to attract attention. We have to hide fast.
He veered sharply toward the forest on the outskirts of the town. "In here! It's our best chance!"
"The forest? Are you serious?" Marcel called out as he followed. "We're still inside the kingdom, how are we supposed to track your papa if we're just running?"
"I don't know, okay! I just hope he's close enough to find us and saving us the stress!" Jackson shouted, not slowing.
Meanwhile, deeper within that same forest, Lyon came to a stop beneath a canopy of trees.
"This'll do," he muttered, scanning the area. "I doubt anyone's around."
Even cloaked by the aura-concealing spell, Sasaki's presence still made Lyon's skin crawl. He may look calm, but one wrong move and I'm dead. Just play it cool.
Sasaki grinned behind him. "Partner, I've got an idea. Bit of a gamble, but it might work."
Lyon turned, already exasperated. "What is it this time?"
"Teleport us three kingdoms ahead. That should bring us close to the kid and the woman."
"Three kingdoms? Are you insane?! What if we miss them entirely?"
"If they're nearby, I can sniff them out," Sasaki said with certainty.
Lyon frowned. "Impossible. The woman sealed the kid's Renshi. Even the tiniest leak wouldn't be drowned out in a kingdom full of Shinras."
Sasaki crossed his arms confidently. "Don't worry. I already memorized the boy's Renshi signature. If they're there—or even passed through—I'll know. And if not? We wait."
Lyon stared at him, skeptical. "So what, you want me to trust you now?"
Sasaki smirked. "That's the idea."
Lyon sighed heavily. "I guess… I have no choice."