The horses thundered forward, hooves striking the road in perfect rhythm. Lucy led at the front, her figure calm yet commanding as her hair danced in the wind.
"Don't fall behind, Alfie!" Jackson shouted, just a few meters away from him.
Alfie smirked, tightening his grip on the reins. He pressed down, applying pressure, and his white stallion instantly surged forward. With incredible speed, it shot past Jackson and even Sasaki, closing the gap with Lucy's horse.
"What… what incredible speed!" Jackson muttered in shock. "Your horse is so fast. I had no idea… if I had known, I would've chosen that one."
Alfie turned his head slightly, flashing a gentle, proud smile. Jackson's surprised expression alone was enough to satisfy him.
For forty minutes, they rode nonstop along the well-built travel road. Chariots and lone riders occasionally passed them by, but Lucy's group pushed forward without pause.
Then, the road narrowed. The stone-paved path gave way to soil, winding into a forest road.
This path was shorter, but it was notorious—no traveler willingly took it. Dangers lurked here, dangers too great even for experienced Shinras.
"What's with this road, Master?" Alfie asked, glancing nervously at the dark trees. "There's no Shinra traveling through here."
Lucy didn't turn her head. "I'll explain later. Just keep up. Faster, all of you."
They obeyed, urging their horses on. The forest grew thicker, shadows falling over them as if the trees themselves wanted to swallow them whole.
Then it came—a violent shockwave echoing from the left side of the forest.
The horses reared slightly. Lucy raised her hand, immediately halting. The others followed suit, pulling their reins tight.
"Don't panic," Lucy said firmly, her voice calm but sharp enough to cut tension. "Stay calm, all of you."
"What was that sound?" Jackson asked, eyes darting toward the forest.
"That's no ordinary noise," Sasaki replied, narrowing his crimson eyes. "It's pursuit."
"Pursuit?" Jackson frowned. "Who's chasing who?"
"How the hell should I know? We're both here!" Sasaki snapped back.
The sound grew louder—rapid movements crashing through the undergrowth.
And then—
A boy in a black cape burst out of the forest, leaping across the road with blinding speed. Behind him, four Shinras in dark cloaks pursued relentlessly.
"What's with those people?" Alfie muttered, already reaching for his sword.
"Come with me—all of you," Lucy commanded, her tone absolute. "They're not using switch mode. We can catch them."
She leapt off her horse in one swift motion, sealing all their mounts back into her storage ring. The group immediately sprinted after the chase, feet pounding against the ground as they dashed through the trees.
The boy darted like lightning, the four masked Shinras hot on his trail. Lucy and Sasaki closed the gap, Alfie trailing just behind them. Jackson lagged at the rear, his breath heavy as he struggled to keep pace.
One of the pursuers glanced back, his masked face tilting. "What's this? Who are those people? Do they have business with the brothers as well?"
"Doesn't matter," another growled. "We finish this quickly."
Lucy surged forward, placing her hand on Alfie's shoulder—switch mode. In an instant, she appeared in front of the boy. At the same time, Sasaki grabbed Jackson, pulling him into a switch mode as well.
The boy reacted immediately. His eyes flashed red as he spun midair, slashing his blade toward Lucy.
But she moved with ease, tilting her body to avoid the strike. Her hand extended, fingertips brushing the boy's forehead.
Telepathy link—established.
"Calm down, boy. We're here to help you," her voice echoed directly into his mind.
The boy's eyes sharpened, glowing crimson as his boots touched down on a branch. "If you want to help me… then hold these four off until I escape."
Without waiting, he launched away, disappearing into the forest's depths.
Lucy's gaze followed him briefly before turning back. "I'm sorry, fellas. But you're not getting that kid."
One of the masked Shinras scoffed. "Butt out of other people's business, Miss. I don't know who you think you are, but bringing two brats to hold us off? Out of the question."
All four wore dark cloaks and masks that concealed their features. Their presence radiated danger—experienced killers.
Lucy sent her voice through telepathy to Sasaki,Alfie and Jackson: These people are strong. Don't let your guard down.
The leader snapped his fingers. "Two of you—after the boy. The other two, deal with these pests."
The two chosen pursuers prepared to use switch mode—
But suddenly, the forest shimmered. A dome of transparent energy expanded around them.
Barrier.
The Shinras froze, their attempts to switch failing instantly.
"What the—?!" one snarled, eyes widening. "This barrier… it blocks switch mode?! Who the hell are you?!"
"I'm someone you don't want to know," Lucy replied coldly. Her voice was calm, but the power behind it sent shivers through the air.
In her mind, she whispered: He should be far enough by now…
"YOU FOOLS!" one of the Shinras roared. "You let him get away!" With a furious battle cry, he charged straight toward them.
Steel clashed—Sasaki met him head-on, his twin blades striking with deadly precision. Sparks flew as the two locked into a violent contest, their sword skills equally matched.
Another Shinra tried to flank him. Alfie dashed forward, intercepting with his sword.
"Get lost, kid!" the man spat, unleashing a relentless barrage of slashes.
But Alfie grit his teeth, parrying each blow. His inexperience showed in his shaky footing, but his determination burned bright—step by step, he held his ground.
Lucy moved in a blur, switching directly into the midst of the remaining two. With a spinning kick, she struck one with her left leg and the other with her right, sending them flying in opposite directions.
"That one's yours, Jackson," Lucy called, pointing toward the enemy landing before him.
Jackson's eyes hardened. He lunged forward, blade clashing with the man's in a fierce exchange.
The forest erupted into chaos. Four duels, four battles burning at once.
Not a single one dared to release Renshi—the risk was too great. Authorities would detect it instantly, and punishment was absolute: expulsion from Ashura, forever.
But Lucy's barrier wasn't forged from Renshi.
It was The Art of Mojito. Pure spiritual energy, undetectable from afar.
The Shinra locked with her staggered back, gritting his teeth. "This woman… How?! How does she form such a powerful barrier without Renshi? Who the hell are these people?!"
Alfie, meanwhile, fought with all his might. His movements were unrefined, his style still young… but his blade carried resolve. Each swing, each block, each breath was sharpened by his will to stand side by side with his master.