Danmachi : Ashen Knight

Ryu Lion sat alone in a dimly lit corner of the Hostess of Fertility, her gloved fingers wrapped around a cup of cooled tea. She had been deep in thought ever since she overheard whispers of Evilus making a move once more.

Her past would not let her ignore them.

But revenge and justice were no longer the only things that drove her. The Gale Wind had become a fugitive, a ghost lingering in the underbelly of Orario. If she involved herself in this, she would be drawing attention—not only from Evilus but from the guild and the strongest familias in the city.

Then, why had she still come here, watching, waiting?

A shadow moved beside her table. A presence she had sensed long before he spoke.

"Ryu Lion," Hermes said smoothly, sliding into the seat across from her. His golden eyes twinkled with amusement, yet there was something knowing beneath them. "You've been quite the specter lately. Watching from the sidelines doesn't suit you."

She exhaled softly, placing her cup down. "What do you want, Hermes?"

The god smiled, leaning back in his chair as he placed a small envelope on the table between them. "I thought you might be interested in a certain… proposal."

Ryu's eyes flickered to the envelope but didn't reach for it. She already had an idea of what this was about. "You want me to join the hunt against Evilus."

"Join? No. Cooperate." Hermes smirked. "There's a difference."

Ryu narrowed her gaze. "And why should I?"

Hermes' usual playfulness softened just a bit. "Because this isn't just about revenge anymore, is it?" He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You've heard the same rumors I have. Evilus is moving again—more coordinated, more dangerous. But here's the interesting part: they have something they shouldn't have."

That made Ryu pause. She stared at him, her fingers twitching. "What do you mean?"

Hermes tapped the envelope. "Inside is everything I know. But let's make a deal first."

She didn't respond, waiting for him to continue.

"You help me with this… and in return, I'll use my influence to keep the guild's eyes off you." His voice turned serious. "You're still a wanted fugitive, Ryu. If you start interfering too openly, it won't be just Evilus hunting you."

The weight of his words settled over her. She had always known that her actions would eventually catch up with her.

She reached for the envelope, sliding it towards herself without breaking eye contact. "And what is your goal in this, Hermes?"

The god grinned, standing up. "Oh, you know me. I just like a good story." He turned, walking away. "Consider it a favor. One that I might call upon in the future."

Ryu sighed, unfolding the letter. Her emerald eyes scanned the contents quickly.

Then, they widened.

She stood abruptly, her heart pounding.

If this information was true—if Evilus really had access to something unnatural—then this wasn't just about her revenge.

This was about Orario's future.

She closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself.

"…Fine."

The Gale Wind disappeared into the night.

Back to the guild.

Finn Deimne, captain of the Loki Familia, stood at the center of the room, giving orders with a composed but authoritative voice. "Riveria, Lefiya, you'll provide support for the main force. Ais, Bete, Tiona, Tione—you'll be part of the vanguard. We'll drive them into a corner and eliminate them."

"Orcbolg, you won't be with the main force. We need someone to track down alternative escape routes and unknown threats."

He turned his gaze toward a hooded figure standing beside him. "That's where you and her come in."

"You two will move ahead of the main force," Finn continued. "If you find anything unusual, report back. If you engage the enemy, proceed with caution."

Orcbolg nodded. Ryuu, standing beside him, gave a slight glance in his direction before looking back at Finn.

"I understand," she said simply.

She had no doubts about the mission. She had Heard about him for a few Times. The short encounter in the Hostess of Fertility also gave her some understanding about what he capable of. There was no need for hesitation.

Without another word, the two left the guild together.

Descending into the depths of the Dungeon, Orcbolg and Ryuu moved with practiced efficiency. Neither wasted words—only gestures and glances were needed to communicate. The deeper they went, the quieter the world became, save for the distant echoes of monsters lurking in the shadows.

Ryuu moved like a ghost, her footsteps silent even against the stone floor. Orcbolg, despite his armor, matched her pace. He was used to moving quietly—years of hunting had taught him how to minimize noise, how to read the terrain, how to predict his prey's movements.

After some time, he crouched low, pressing his fingers into the dirt. "Footprints," he muttered. "Fresh."

Ryuu knelt beside him, examining the tracks. The indentations were deep—heavy boots, more than a handful of people passing through recently.

"A hidden path," she said, glancing at the barely visible tunnel ahead. "They're using it as an escape route."

Orcbolg nodded, adjusting his grip on his sword. "We move."

Without hesitation, they proceeded forward.

The Ambush

The tunnel was narrow, barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side. A faint torchlight flickered in the distance—several figures stood guard, their weapons drawn but their postures relaxed. They weren't expecting an attack.

Orcbolg reached for a throwing knife, measuring the distance. With a flick of his wrist, the blade flew—striking the nearest guard in the throat. The man collapsed without a sound.

The others barely had time to react before Ryuu surged forward, moving with the speed of a storm.

"Luminous Wind."

A swirl of emerald light enveloped her, enhancing her movements. She cut through the first enemy before they could even raise their weapon. Blood sprayed across the walls as she turned to the next, her blade flashing like a streak of wind.

One of the Evilus members attempted to flee. Orcbolg intercepted him, grabbing the man's arm and twisting it behind his back. With a swift motion, he broke the enemy's neck.

Silence followed.

Ryuu wiped her blade clean. Her eyes, ever sharp, scanned the fallen corpses. "They were carrying something," she noted, kneeling beside one of the bodies.

Orcbolg followed her gaze. A strange insignia was branded into the dead man's forearm—a symbol he recognized.

His fingers traced the mark, his mind racing.

He had seen this before.

But where?

A memory surfaced—one buried deep in his past.

This wasn't just Evilus.

Something far worse was waiting in the darkness.