Before heading to the vault, Ryo requested to stop by his room first to grab a few things for the investigation.
Shahira and Amina led him through the grand palace halls, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. The towering archways, adorned with intricate golden patterns, made Ryo feel like he was walking through a museum of history and wealth.
Ryo let out a sigh. "Man, this palace is huge. I wouldn't be surprised if I get lost just trying to find the bathroom."
Amina chuckled. "Don't worry, Ryo. Just make sure to ask a staff member if you ever lose your way."
After ten minutes of walking—long enough to make Ryo wonder if his room was in another time zone—Shahira finally stopped in front of a set of tall, beautifully carved double doors.
"Here's your room," she said as she pushed them open.
Ryo stepped inside and immediately froze. His eyes widened as he took in the luxurious sight before him.
"Wow… This is like a five-star hotel room!"
The chamber was breathtaking. The high, domed ceiling was adorned with intricate golden calligraphy and a stunning chandelier of hanging crystals that reflected soft amber light. The walls were decorated with silk tapestries embroidered with golden thread, depicting desert landscapes, gallant warriors, and celestial constellations.
In the center of the room stood a massive king-sized bed, draped in deep sapphire and gold fabrics. The pillows were plump and inviting, while the carved wooden headboard featured geometric patterns and delicate mother-of-pearl inlays. Ryo could already tell—this bed was at least 900 times more comfortable than the lumpy bed in his shabby office.
To the side, an open balcony revealed a breathtaking view of Al-Munira. The city stretched out like a dream, with its golden domes, bustling markets, and winding streets glowing under the setting sun. A warm breeze carried the scent of spices and jasmine, adding to the enchantment of the moment.
Amina grinned. "How do you like it, Ryo?"
Ryo scoffed. "Are you kidding? I might never leave!"
Shahira pointed to a grand wooden desk near the window. "Your bags are over there."
Ryo walked over and placed a hand on the desk, admiring the craftsmanship. "Man, even the furniture is top-tier. This desk alone is probably worth more than my entire office."
But then, something caught his attention—a tiny, almost imperceptible detail. Most people wouldn't have noticed it, but Ryo's sharp detective instincts made him pause. There was something… off. He kept his expression neutral, deciding not to mention it just yet.
Turning back to the girls, he put on a casual smile. "Alright, ladies, please wait outside while I get ready."
Shahira raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you just grabbing a few things? Why do we need to leave?"
Ryo chuckled. "I need to change, you know…"
Amina smirked. "Oh? Don't you want two beautiful ladies watching?"
Ryo blinked, momentarily stunned. "Sigh… Shouldn't it be the guy's job to say something like that?"
Ignoring his flustered reaction, Amina simply grinned, while Shahira rolled her eyes.
Ryo nudged them both out of the room. "Come on, out you go."
As he shut the door behind them, Shahira sighed. "Amina, leave the teasing to me, will you?"
Amina giggled. "Relax, I just wanted to see how he'd react. His expressions are too funny!"
Fifteen minutes later, Ryo emerged from the room, now clad in his signature gray trench coat.
Shahira and Amina stared for a moment.
"Wow…" they said in unison.
Ryo frowned. "What?"
Shahira smirked. "I guess you really want to look the part of a detective before starting your investigation."
Amina teased, "Or maybe he just wants to impress us by looking cool."
Ryo sighed, adjusting his collar. "I'm not trying to impress anyone… Let's just get going."
Shahira and Amina exchanged knowing looks, grinning as they led him to the elevator.
As they reached the elevator area, a royal guard stood firmly in front of it, blocking their path.
"Hold it," the guard commanded, raising a hand. "Only the royal family and guards are permitted beyond this point."
Shahira stepped forward. "This is the detective assisting with the investigation."
The guard eyed Ryo before turning to Amina. "I see. However, Lady Amina, even though you are the king's trusted attendant, I'm afraid you're not authorized to enter."
Amina sighed dramatically. "I see… Well, I guess this is as far as I go. I'm not royalty, after all."
She crossed her arms and pouted. "Hmph! I really wanted to see your detective skills in action, Ryo!"
Ryo chuckled. "Some other time, I guess."
Then Amina's expression brightened mischievously. "I suppose I can just pass the time by watching Jamil's butt get handed to him by the king and queen's sandals."
Shahira froze mid-step. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead as childhood memories of her parents' sandal-based discipline flooded back.
Before she could say a word, Amina spun on her heel and dashed off, laughing gleefully. "Alright, see you guys!"
The guard, now satisfied, stepped aside and allowed Ryo and Shahira into the elevator.
Ryo took a quick look at the guard as he passed him, then muttered to himself "This guard....he kinda remind me of someone" and then brushes it off.
At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary lift—sleek, metallic, with golden engravings of the royal crest. But as it descended, the atmosphere slowly changed. The warm lighting faded into a dim, eerie glow. The smooth walls became rough and ancient, as if they were passing through layers of time itself.
The ride felt like an eternity.
Ryo groaned. "Man, that was the longest elevator ride of my life!"
Shahira smirked. "The vault has to be heavily secured. Burying it this deep is only natural."
As the doors slid open, a sinister sight awaited them.
A vast, grim dungeon stretched before them, its walls lined with torches that flickered weakly, casting unsettling shadows. The air was thick with dampness, carrying the scent of aged stone and something… older.
At the center stood the vault—a towering metal structure reinforced with layers of high-tech security mechanisms. It resembled a bank's vault, but more advanced, more unbreakable. Yet, one thing stood out.
It wasn't closed.
Ryo narrowed his eyes. "Why is it… open?"
Shahira's expression darkened. "There's no point in locking it anymore. The Celestial Compass is gone."
Ryo sighed. "Alright, time to get started."
Inside, the vault was practically empty. The only thing left was an ancient pedestal, crafted from what appeared to be sandstone. Unlike the modern technology surrounding it, the pedestal remained unchanged, untouched by time.
On it, a small, old box lay open, its thick chains discarded carelessly on the floor.
Ryo surveyed the scene. "The thief left a mess."
Then, his sharp eyes caught something else—security cameras mounted in every corner of the vault. He turned to Shahira.
"You have footage, right?"
Shahira's expression shifted—hesitation, unease.
"That's…" she muttered.
Ryo's brow furrowed. "What's wrong?"
Wordlessly, Shahira pulled out her phone and played the security feed. The screen showed the vault, pristine and untouched. The box was sealed, the chains intact.
Then, in a blink—
The box was suddenly open. The chains were on the floor. The Celestial Compass… gone.
No movement. No figure. No transition.
It simply changed.
A cold chill slithered down Ryo's spine. The timer on the footage hadn't even glitched. No missing frames. No interruptions.
His fingers tightened into a fist. "This…"
Shahira, visibly unnerved, whispered, "What do you make of it, Ryo?"
Ryo placed a hand on his chin, his mind racing.
"…It's like the culprit…..is trying to create the perfect crime."
The moment those words left his lips, the temperature in the vault seemed to drop.
From the corner of the darkened hallway outside the vault… something was there.
A figure—no, a presence.
A shadowy silhouette stood motionless just beyond the entrance, its form barely distinguishable from the surrounding darkness. But its eyes—bloodshot, filled with hatred—were locked onto Ryo.
Staring.
Predatory.
A surge of cold terror gripped his chest. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, each beat echoing like a drum of dread.
He hadn't turned around yet. But he knew.
Something was watching him.
His hands grew clammy. His breath shallow. The air around him felt… wrong. As if the shadows themselves had weight, pressing down on him.
Slowly—painfully slowly—he turned his head.
Nothing.
Outside the vault's entrance was empty.
Ryo's breath hitched, his body stiff.
Then—
"Ryo!!"
Shahira's voice snapped him back.
He blinked, his heartbeat still racing. "Oh, uh… what is it, Sha?"
She looked at him, concerned. "I called your name so many times. Your eyes… they looked terrified. Are you okay?"
Ryo swallowed hard. He glanced back at the entrance. Empty.
"…Yeah," he muttered. "I'm fine."
But he wasn't.
Because deep in his gut, he knew.
They were not alone.
A loud growl echoed through the vault.
Ryo froze. Shahira turned toward him, her lips twitching in amusement.
His stomach.
Ryo chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "Oh… uh… sorry about that, hahaha."
Shahira giggled. "I suppose it is dinner time. Let's leave the dungeon for today and continue the investigation tomorrow. I'll inform the maids to prepare a feast."
Ryo nodded, but his expression remained tense.
Shahira noticed. The way his shoulders were still stiff, the way his eyes flickered with unease. He was still thinking about it.
She placed a gentle hand on his arm. "It's been a long day. Let's eat and get some rest."
Ryo inhaled deeply, exhaling through his nose before looking at her. Then, after a brief pause, he spoke.
"…Sha, how about we go out and eat together?"
Shahira blinked.
Then, her expression changed.
Her face turned slightly pink. She parted her lips as if in shock, then dramatically clutched her chest.
"Oh my gosh, Ryo…" she gasped.
Ryo frowned, confused. "What?"
Then, with the absolute smuggest grin he had ever seen, Shahira leaned toward him, and cheerfully…
"I didn't think you'd try to take me out on a dinner date!!!"
Ryo immediately flustered. "N-n-no, that wasn't my intention!"
But Shahira was already grabbing his arm, tugging him toward the elevator. "You're so bold! Come on, I know a nice place!"
"H-Hey! Don't be so forceful!" Ryo protested, his face burning as she practically dragged him inside.
Just before they stepped in, Ryo glanced back—his detective instincts nagging at him.
The presence.
That thing he felt earlier… Was it still watching?
His sharp eyes scanned the dungeon entrance. The dim torches flickered, casting long, eerie shadows. The silence was suffocating.
Nothing.
Still… unease twisted in his gut.
The elevator doors slid shut with a soft click, and the machinery hummed as they began the long ascent.
But just as the doors sealed—
Something shifted in the darkness.
A shadowy figure materialized in front of the elevator, its form barely human, its eyes like hollow voids filled with seething malice.
It didn't move. It didn't breathe.
It just watched.
As the elevator carried Ryo and Shahira away, the figure lingered… waiting.
As Ryo and Shahira stepped out of the grand palace, an awe-inspiring sight unfolded before him.
The city of Al-Munira glowed beneath the night sky, a breathtaking blend of ancient beauty and modern brilliance. The golden domes of mosques shimmered under the moonlight, their intricate carvings and towering minarets casting elegant silhouettes against the stars.
Winding streets were illuminated by a sea of lanterns and neon signs, their warm hues reflecting off the sandstone buildings. The desert breeze carried the lively chatter of the city's night owls. From the palace's high vantage point, Ryo could see the grand bazaar bustling in the distance, its colorful canopies forming a mesmerizing patchwork under the glowing streetlights.
Shahira smirked at his stunned expression. "Like what you see?"
Ryo could only utter one word.
"Wow…"
Still gripping his wrist, Shahira eagerly pulled him forward, leading him into the heart of the market district.
As they walked, the atmosphere around them became even more enchanting. The marketplace was a vibrant fusion of the old and the new—traditional Arabian architecture stood proudly alongside sleek modern storefronts, creating a mesmerizing contrast. Cobblestone streets were lined with bustling food stalls, spice vendors, and artisans selling handwoven rugs, intricate jewelry, and shimmering lanterns that flickered with golden light.
The air was rich with mouthwatering aromas—the smoky scent of kebabs sizzling on open grills, the sweet fragrance of freshly baked baklava, and the warm, earthy spice of cardamom drifting from steaming cups of Arabic coffee. Street performers played soulful oud melodies, their music blending seamlessly with the lively hum of conversation and the rhythmic clinking of teacups.
Ryo spun around, taking in the vibrant scene. "Damn… now this is truly the Arabian Nights."
Shahira grinned. "Hey, here's a good spot to eat. Let's sit here!"
She led him to a traditional restaurant nestled between two market stalls, its entrance adorned with hanging brass lanterns and delicate calligraphy. The exterior was cozy and inviting, its floor layered with plush Persian rugs and silk cushions in deep shades of crimson and gold.
Ryo blinked in confusion. "Uh… where are the tables and chairs?"
Shahira giggled. "These thick pillows are the chairs, silly. And the carpet? It acts like a table! We're eating the traditional way."
Before Ryo could respond, a small girl, no older than ten, approached them with a bright smile.
Little girl: "Yes, may I take your order?"
Shahira effortlessly listed off several dishes in her language, her words flowing smoothly. Ryo, however, sat there blinking, trying to make sense of what he just heard.
His face contorted into a look of complete confusion.
Shahira, noticing, burst into laughter. "That was adorable. You look so lost!"
After about fifteen minutes, the food arrived—and Ryo was left speechless.
The plates before him looked like artwork—a fragrant platter of golden biryani topped with crispy onions, freshly baked pita bread still steaming from the oven, creamy hummus drizzled with olive oil, and crispy falafel balls arranged neatly on a silver tray. A chilled glass of mango lassi glowed in the soft candlelight, its rich golden hue tempting him instantly.
The little waitress placed the last dish down and bowed. "Here's your order! Biryani, falafel, pita bread, hummus, mango lassi, and water!"
Ryo stared, mouth slightly agape, as the delicious aroma hit him all at once. His stomach growled again.
Shahira smirked. "It's a mix of Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine. You're in for a treat."
Ryo, still stunned by the sight of the gorgeous dishes, swallowed hard.
"…Yeah… guess it's chow time."
As they finished their meal, a comfortable silence settled between them, the warm glow of lanterns flickering softly against the night breeze. The lively hum of the marketplace had slowed down slightly, the late evening settling in.
Ryo leaned back against the plush cushions, stretching his arms. "Man… that was the best meal I've had in my entire life. You really know how to pick a good spot, Sha. And this view? Perfect."
Shahira smiled, pleased. "My parents always told me that hospitality is everything. It's a tradition to give guests the best experience possible."
Ryo tilted his head, curious. "You know, I expected you to get way more attention while we were walking. You're the princess. I thought people would be swarming you like crazy."
Shahira chuckled. "Father made sure that wouldn't happen. He told everyone in the kingdom to treat the royal family casually. No excessive bowing, no constant formalities. It's to avoid unnecessary headaches. This way, my family can move around freely, just like any other citizen—unless we're hosting an event or making an official announcement."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted away, scanning the streets, the softly lit windows of buildings, the distant golden domes of mosques reflecting under the moonlight.
Her home.
Her kingdom.
Ryo noticed the change in her expression—something wistful, almost melancholic.
"Something on your mind, Sha?" he asked.
She exhaled, a small, thoughtful smile forming. "It's just… I love this place. I grew up here, running through these streets as a child, sneaking off to eat at street vendors, laughing with my family during get-togethers. Every part of this city holds a memory for me."
Ryo watched her carefully. He could hear the emotion in her voice—the deep sense of responsibility she felt.
"Do the locals know about the compass disappearing?" he asked.
Shahira shook her head. "No. My father wants this matter kept secret. He doesn't want his people to worry. Life in Al-Munira should go on as normal, without fear."
Ryo took a sip of his mango lassi, letting her words sink in. He stared at her for a moment, taking in her quiet determination.
This wasn't just about solving a crime.
This was about protecting her home.
A slow, confident smile spread across his face. "I'll give it my all in this case, princess."
Shahira smirked, closing her eyes for a moment before looking at him again.
"Thank you, Detective."
Ryo leaned back slightly, a grin forming on his lips. "Shall we then?"
Shahira blinked, tilting her head. "Shall we what?"
Ryo simply put a finger to his lips, a silent gesture to hush her.
She raised an eyebrow, still confused. "Ryo, what are you—?"
Without a word, Ryo subtly pointed to his right ear, then gestured toward hers. His sharp eyes locked onto her earring, his expression unreadable. Then, he motioned for her to remove it.
Shahira frowned but hesitated. Something about his body language felt off—tense, calculating.
Still, she carefully removed the earring and placed it in his palm.
And then—without warning—Ryo did the unexpected.
His fingers skillfully pried something loose from the delicate jewelry. A tiny device, almost unnoticeable to the untrained eye, detached from the earring.
Shahira's eyes widened in shock.
A bug.
Before she could even react, Ryo rolled the small device between his fingers, his expression shifting from amused to deadly serious.
With a knowing smirk, he repeated, "Shall we then…"
Then—crack!
With nothing but his fingers, he crushed the device, sparks of electricity flickering for a brief second before the bug was rendered useless.
The playful glint in his eyes vanished. His tone dropped into something cold and sharp.
"…Get to the bottom of this."
Shahira's hands trembled as she stared at the broken device in Ryo's palm. A cold chill crept down her spine, her body reacting before her mind could even process the gravity of the situation.
Her lips parted, her voice barely a whisper. "What… what's going on? Could it be…?"
Ryo leaned back, crossing his arms with a smirk—one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You did mention you were looking forward to seeing my detective skills in action."
But Shahira wasn't amused. Her breath quickened, her fingers gripping the edge of the carpet beneath them. The realization of what just happened, of who might be listening, sent her into a quiet panic.
Ryo's smirk faded. He could see it—the color draining from her face, the way her body tensed like a cornered animal.
"Sha," his voice softened, though his eyes remained sharp. "I need you to calm down. Drink some water first, take a deep breath."
She didn't respond at first, but he gently gave her the glass. With a shaky grip, she brought it to her lips, the cool water grounding her as she forced herself to inhale, then exhale.
She knew.
She knew.
She was being watched.
Tracked.
The palace security, the royal guard, the thick stone walls of her home—none of it mattered. Whoever did this had already infiltrated her life without anyone noticing.
Ryo's gaze remained locked onto her, studying every shift in her expression. Then, with a chilling certainty, he dropped the final bombshell.
"The person tracking us…" He let the words linger, drawing out the tension like a blade slowly unsheathing.
Shahira's heart pounded.
"…is most likely the thief who stole the Celestial Compass."
The world around her seemed to tilt. The distant sounds of the marketplace—chatter, laughter, the sizzling of street food—faded into nothing but a dull hum.
For the first time, the reality of the situation truly hit her.
This wasn't just about stolen treasure.
This was personal.
They weren't dealing with an ordinary thief.
They were being hunted.
Ryo sighed, leaning back slightly. "Sorry for the scary reveal, Sha, but I have to report everything I've found."
Shahira swallowed hard, nodding hesitantly. "Go on…"
Ryo's eyes sharpened as he began.
"It all started when you and Amina showed me to my room. The moment I saw my bags on the desk, I noticed something—a faint flicker of light. Most people wouldn't think twice about it, but for me, it was a red flag."
Shahira's breath caught in her throat.
"It was a bug. A listening device."
Her fingers curled into her sleeves.
"I had to act normal, pretend I didn't see it. That's why I asked you both to leave under the excuse of changing clothes. But in reality, I needed time to search the room properly."
His jaw tightened. "What I found was worse than I expected."
Shahira leaned forward. "Worse…?"
"There were multiple bugs. Hidden under the chairs, beneath the bed, in the desk, even in the shower. Whoever planted them wanted to monitor everything—every word, every movement."
Shahira's hands trembled slightly.
"I didn't say anything back then because I didn't know who we were dealing with. If I had reacted or confronted it too soon, we could've been in danger—cornered before we even had a chance to act."
He took a deep breath. "And then at the vault… I felt it again."
Shahira's body stiffened.
"That presence. Watching us. Waiting. And when I turned around—nothing was there. But I know it was real."
Shahira exhaled shakily.
"That's why I asked you to have dinner out here, in an open space. It's the safest place to tell you the truth without the risk of being ambushed."
Silence hung between them. The weight of Ryo's words pressed down on Shahira like a heavy storm.
"This isn't just about the Celestial Compass," Ryo said, his voice low and serious. His gaze locked onto hers.
"They aren't just after the artifact, Sha."
His eyes darkened.
"They're after us."
Shahira's voice wavered. "But why are they after us?
Ryo's expression hardened. "Because they need answers."
Shahira's brows furrowed.
"They managed to steal the compass, but there's something stopping them from using it. My guess? They don't know how to activate it. That's why they're watching us, listening in, waiting to see if we have the answers they're missing."
Shahira clenched her fists. "But how does that explain what happened at the vault? The cameras caught nothing. No movement, no figure, just—an instant disappearance."
Ryo exhaled sharply. "Your father mentioned something important. Malakar… he was said to wield dark magic, such as illusions and curses."
Shahira stiffened at the name.
"If the thief is connected to Malakar, that explains everything."
He leaned forward, voice low and serious. "Think about it. The impossible disappearance. The untouched security. The chilling presence I felt. It all points to illusion magic. They could've tricked the cameras, manipulated what was recorded, made it seem like nothing happened—when in reality, they were right there, stealing it in plain sight."
Shahira felt her stomach turn.
"Then… this person, the thief… they're part of Malakar's group?"
Ryo nodded. "Probably....The Ravens."
Shahira inhaled sharply. The name alone carried weight—whispers of a long-forgotten darkness.
Ryo continued, his tone grave. "I overheard some of the palace guards gossiping while your father went on with his history lesson. Dark magic, the illusions and curses are taboo here. Illegal. That means whoever did this is using magic that's been outlawed—magic that most people fear even speaking about."
Shahira's hands trembled. "So… that's how they bypassed the royal guards. That's how they stole the compass."
Ryo nodded. "And now? They're watching. Waiting. Trying to find a way to make it work."
A cold shiver ran down Shahira's spine.
Ryo's expression darkened. "And if we don't stop them soon… they will figure it out."
Ryo's eyes darkened. "The culprit could be anyone in the palace."
Shahira's breath hitched.
"A close friend… a trusted attendant… a maid… a royal guard." He met her gaze. "Even family."
Shahira clenched her fists. "No… that's impossible."
Ryo leaned back, arms crossed. "Is it? The vault was sealed tight. The security was flawless. No outsider should've been able to pull this off." He narrowed his eyes. "Which means the thief could be anyone within the palace."
Shahira's mind raced. "But who? Who would betray us like this?"
Ryo exhaled, shaking his head. "That's what we need to find out." His voice was low, almost a whisper. "And we need to do it before they make their next move."
After they finished talking, the little waitress girl's parents called out to her from the doorway.
"We're heading out to shop for groceries for a bit," her mother said. "Lock up when you're done cleaning, alright Layla?"
The girl nodded obediently. "Okay, Mama."
With that, the parents disappeared into the lively marketplace, leaving the girl alone to close up shop. She turned back to Ryo and Shahira, the last two customers remaining, and gave them a polite smile.
"Sorry, but we're closing now," she said sweetly.
Ryo stretched his arms, then nodded. "Alright, kid."
He was about to stand up, but his focus remained locked on Shahira. She sat there motionless, eyes unfocused, her mind a swirling storm of dark thoughts. The weight of the revelation had drained all the strength from her body, leaving her visibly shaken.
Ryo extended his hand. "Come on, Sha. I'll help you up."
Shahira barely reacted. Slowly, she lifted her trembling fingers to take his—
THUD.
A heavy sound, deep and sudden.
Then another.
THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD.
Five large sacks of flour crashed from above, hitting the ground with force. The impact split them open, releasing an explosion of fine white dust into the air.
In an instant, the entire restaurant was consumed in a choking fog of flour.
Shahira coughed violently, throwing an arm over her face. "W-What's happening?!"
Ryo clenched his jaw, shielding his eyes as the thick powder swirled around them like an unnatural blizzard. His vision blurred. Every breath was heavy, thick with flour.
Then—
A flicker of light.
Red.
Bright.
Falling.
Like a single ember descending from the heavens.
Ryo's heartbeat stopped for a fraction of a second.
Then—
He turned his head.
And saw it.
A dark figure standing just beyond the veil of flour, barely illuminated by the market's dim lanterns. Cloaked in black from head to toe, its presence felt suffocating, like a void had opened in the middle of reality.
It did not move. It only watched.
Then, slowly—
A smile began to spread beneath its hood.
Sinister. Mocking.
Its lips curled, forming words without sound.
Ryo's eyes sharpened, instinctively reading them.
"Die."
His breath caught.
The ember. The flour dust.
A dust explosion.
His body reacted faster than his mind.
He lunged at Shahira, grabbing her by the wrist. "SHA, MOVE!"
Before she could even process his voice, he spun and threw her out of the flour cloud with all his strength. She barely had time to gasp before her body hit the pavement away from the restaurant, rolling to a stop as she coughed violently.
But Ryo wasn't done.
His eyes darted back—saw the little waitress girl.
She stood in the middle of the storm, rubbing her eyes, coughing.
Crap!
He sprinted toward her.
The ember burned brighter.
Everything slowed.
The world moved in fractions of a second, every detail burned into his mind. The tiny, flickering red ember, drifting downward like a silent executioner. The little girl, completely unaware of her impending doom. The suffocating cloud of flour, a coffin waiting to ignite.
Faster, damn it!
He reached her.
Scooped her up into his arms.
Then—
BOOOOOM!!!
Hell was unleashed.
A monstrous explosion tore through the restaurant, a blinding inferno of fire and force. The blast erupted with deafening rage, a shockwave powerful enough to rattle the very streets. The sheer force of it sent debris flying in every direction, flames roaring like a beast set loose upon the world.
The marketplace was instantly thrown into chaos. Glass windows shattered. Tables and chairs were obliterated. The ground itself seemed to shake from the sheer power of the explosion.
Shahira barely had time to lift her head before the shockwave hit her.
WHAM.
She was thrown backward, rolling across the pavement like a ragdoll, her ears ringing, her body stinging from the impact.
For a brief moment, all was silence.
Nothing but the distant hum of fire. The dull ringing in her ears. The taste of smoke in her mouth.
Then, she gasped.
Her vision spun as she pushed herself up, hands trembling. Her eyes darted toward the restaurant—
Or what was left of it.
Nothing remained.
The once-vibrant eatery had been reduced to charred rubble and raging fire. The wooden structure had collapsed, its remains twisted and blackened. Flames consumed everything, reaching hungrily for the sky.
And Ryo—
Ryo was nowhere.
Shahira's breathing hitched. Her hands clenched into fists so tight they trembled.
Her heart pounded, faster, harder, louder.
Then, her face contorted with raw terror as she let out a desperate, bloodcurdling scream.
"RYOOOOOOOO!!!"