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Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: Blood for Silence

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The moment Kael stepped beyond the ruined gate of Viremoor, he felt it.

> Eyes.

Not the beasts of the wild.

Not the watchers in the trees.

These were trained, human, and hungry for coin.

He didn't stop walking. Didn't turn his head.

But his fingers slipped to the book on his belt.

> "Come on, then."

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The first bolt flew silently.

Kael ducked, caught it midair… spun… and threw it back.

A scream echoed. Then came the roar of steel.

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They emerged from the trees in layered armor and worn cloaks, five of them, all masked. Not Pale Flame. Not Church. But killers-for-hire.

> "He's alone. Finish him and burn the body!"

"We get double if we bring the book!"

Kael flicked blood from his thumb across the book's surface.

> [Crimson Core Engaged – Combat Assist Active]

▸ Trait Triggered: Bloodburn Overload, Lv.1

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His veins ignited.

The world slowed.

He saw their footsteps before they moved.

Felt their blades before they swung.

And in three blinks, the first two were down, throats sliced, weapons shattered.

The third hesitated.

Kael grabbed him by the collar, slamming him against a tree.

> "Who sent you?" he growled.

The mercenary coughed, blood spilling from his lips.

> "Doesn't matter…"

"Everyone knows now. The Pale Flame… isn't the only one looking…"

> "Looking for who?"

The mercenary's eyes flared with recognition.

> "You, Kael… Vire."

That name. Again.

Kael let go.

The man crumpled.

Behind him, the last mercenary ran. No fight left.

Kael didn't chase.

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He stood there for a long moment, the name still echoing in the trees.

> Vire.

Spoken not as mystery, but contract.

The world didn't just know now.

It was hunting.

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End of Chapter 22

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