Click clack.
Haruto sat at the front of the merchant's carriage, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels blending with the steady hoofbeats of the Lycansteeds pulling them forward. These creatures, a powerful blend of wolf and horse, had evolved into something unique over the years—ferocious, untiring, and perfect for long journeys through rough terrain.
It was late at night, and they'd been traveling for four days straight, only pausing briefly at small villages along the route. Haruto had hoped for some conversation to pass the time, but the merchant had been mostly silent, content to keep to himself.
As Haruto scanned the darkened forest around them, he caught a whiff of something foul—a bitter, smoky odor like burning flesh. He tensed, feeling an unsettling disturbance in the air. The trees pressed close on both sides of the path, their shadows deep and watchful. Then he saw them: faint glints of eyes, watching from the darkness.
Haruto's heart pounded as he shook the merchant awake. "We're not alone. Get to the city on your own—I'll take care of this." Without waiting for a response, Haruto jumped down from the carriage, signaling for the merchant to drive on.
The Lycansteeds lurched forward, and Haruto took a step toward the shadows that lined the path. He didn't have to wait long. From the darkness, figures emerged, stepping out silently from the trees. They were cloaked in black robes, each wearing a mask shaped like an animal's face—eerily lifeless in the moonlight.
Haruto braced himself as the first attacker lunged. He sidestepped, driving his fist into the figure's side before spinning into a sharp kick that caught a second masked figure off guard. He kneed a third one, but before he could react further, two more seized his arms from behind. He struggled, feeling his strength start to wane as they tightened their grip.
A sharp prick on his neck sent a jolt of pain through him. Haruto's vision blurred as he realized they'd injected something into him. His limbs grew heavy, and he sank to his knees, fighting to stay conscious even as the darkness closed in around him.