Location: Isles of Tharion – Misty Highlands
A week later, the Red Blade docked at a mountainous chain of islands linked by ancient rope bridges.
Here, they searched for another relic imprint reported by Makino's old contact, a scholar named Ido.
But when they arrived… the bridge had been blocked.
By a single swordsman.
Dressed in a battered bounty coat, he leaned on a massive black blade shaped like a scythe merged with a katana.
His name was Veron Clayblade.
A bounty-capturing specialist.
He grinned through broken teeth.
"I don't want the crew. Just the boy with the twin swords. Orders are to bring him alive."
Shanks stepped forward.
"Then you're not leaving alive."
But Ankit touched his shoulder.
"Let me handle this."
Location: Broken Bell Bridge – Duel Begins
Mist curled around the creaking rope bridge. Below, a thousand-foot drop into jagged rocks.
Veron laughed, drawing his blade. "This bridge's seen more death than most graveyards. Good place for a young legend to fall."
Ankit said nothing. His swords were already drawn—stance wide, low, calm.
Clayblade struck first.
His blade was heavier, slower—but filled with sheer force. Each swing cracked wood and snapped rope strands.
Ankit dodged and returned rapid twin strikes—but Veron's size and reach made it hard to close in.
System Alert: "Opponent: Strength-based. Strategy: Drain his stamina, dodge-and-feint recommended."
But Veron grinned.
"Predictable."
He faked a high swing—then let his blade drop, aiming to slice the bridge in two.
Cliffhanger End
Ankit realized too late.
The bridge snapped.
They both fell.
But only one was ready.
Ankit twisted midair, blades spiraling.
To be continued…