Chapter 7: The Betrayal
The eerie silence of Kurayami no Mori was broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves as Hikaru, Yumi, and Ryuji made their way through the dense forest. The trio had grown closer over their journey, their trust in one another solidified by countless battles and shared hardships.
Yet, as they approached the edge of the forest, a sense of unease began to settle over Hikaru. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, a nagging suspicion that danger lurked nearby.
"Stay alert," Hikaru whispered, his eyes scanning the shadows. "We're close to the enemy's stronghold."
Yumi nodded, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Ryuji, usually the jokester, was unusually quiet, his gaze darting nervously from side to side.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, blocking their path. It was Oni no Kage, his presence as menacing as ever.
"Welcome, Hikaru," Oni no Kage said, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "I've been expecting you."
Hikaru tightened his grip on Kuroi no Kiba, ready for a fight. "Your reign of darkness ends here, Oni no Kage."
Oni no Kage chuckled, the sound sending chills down their spines. "Oh, I think not. You see, I have a surprise for you."
Before Hikaru could react, Ryuji stepped forward, a smirk on his face. "Sorry, Hikaru. But the highest bidder wins."
Hikaru's heart sank as he realized the truth. Ryuji, his trusted friend and ally, had betrayed them.
"Ryuji, how could you?" Yumi cried, her voice filled with hurt and anger.
Ryuji shrugged, his expression indifferent. "It's just business. The Infinite Black offered me more than you ever could."
Hikaru felt a surge of anger and betrayal, but he forced himself to stay calm. He needed to think strategically, to find a way out of this situation.
"Fine," Hikaru said, his voice steady. "If it's a fight you want, then let's end this."
Oni no Kage laughed, signaling his minions to attack. The clearing erupted into chaos as shadowy figures lunged at Hikaru and Yumi. Despite the overwhelming odds, Hikaru fought with a renewed determination, his movements precise and deadly.
Yumi faced Ryuji, her eyes blazing with fury. "You were our friend, Ryuji. How could you betray us?"
Ryuji smirked, drawing his daggers. "Friendship doesn't pay the bills, Yumi."
Their battle was intense, each move a testament to their skills and the bond they once shared. Meanwhile, Hikaru's mind raced, searching for a way to turn the tide.
As the fight raged on, Hikaru felt the familiar surge of power within him. The light, his hidden strength, began to glow brighter. He focused on the energy, channeling it into his blade.
With a mighty swing, Hikaru unleashed a blinding wave of light, scattering the shadowy minions and forcing Oni no Kage to retreat. The forest was bathed in an ethereal glow, the darkness momentarily pushed back.
In the midst of the chaos, Yumi managed to disarm Ryuji, her blade at his throat. "It's over, Ryuji."
But Ryuji, ever the trickster, managed to slip away, disappearing into the shadows. "This isn't the end, Hikaru," he called out as he vanished. "I'll be back."
As the light faded, Hikaru and Yumi stood victorious but shaken. The betrayal had cut deep, leaving them both wary and determined to see their mission through.
Hikaru turned to Yumi, his expression resolute. "We can't trust anyone but ourselves now. We need to stay focused and press on."
Yumi nodded, her eyes hard. "Agreed. Let's find the heart of the Infinite Black and end this once and for all."
As they continued their journey, the memory of Ryuji's betrayal lingered in their minds. But with each step, Hikaru's determination grew stronger. He would uncover the truth, defeat the darkness, and bring light to Nokkur, no matter the cost.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Hikaru knew one thing for sure: the fight was far from over, and the real battle had only just begun.