Master of the Shadow Order

Alanta took off her robe, revealing a tight-fitting suit underneath. Two scythes were holstered at her waist—Katarina's Cross Scythes!

The two moved incredibly fast, dazzling me. It was like watching Katarina and Talon fight, except these two lacked the clash of brute force, replaced by ghostly, flowing movements.

Their weapons seemed more like ornaments, never once clashing. They'd dodge each other's attacks and wait for an opening to counter. I'd never seen a fight like this before.

I drew my spear, ready to help Alanta if she was in danger. But I quickly realized I was worrying for nothing. Zed was in a bad spot, completely suppressed and only able to dodge, unable to retaliate!

Even so, their weapons rarely met, and Zed wasn't injured despite being at a disadvantage. It still felt like neither side was winning.

The silent fight continued for a while before Zed suddenly created distance. "You're still as strong as ever, Senior Sister. I remember during our sparring sessions, I was never your match. But it's different now. Are you really not coming with me?"

"I told you, I have a new life now. My thoughts have long since changed. I don't want any ties to anyone from my past. I hope you can understand!"

"Understand? When have you ever understood me? Since I can't have you, no one else will either!"

With that, Zed's body flickered, and he attacked again. Alanta met his third assault with full concentration.

This exchange was no different from the previous ones, still silent. Just as a stalemate seemed imminent, Alanta suddenly increased her speed, teleporting behind Zed. Her two scythes crossed and slashed towards his head—and landed a hit!

We all cheered in unison, but our smiles quickly faded. Zed's head didn't fall to the ground. It had only been an afterimage.

No one knew how he'd dodged, or why an afterimage could be so lifelike.

Only I had a clue. I knew Zed could use the Clone Technique. That move was precisely how he'd dodged using his Shadow Clone. I couldn't just watch anymore, because Zed had a trump card—Chains of Shadow!

Just as I was about to help, the members of the Shadow Order surrounded me. If I made a move, they'd all attack at once.

I wasn't afraid for myself, but the caravan members likely couldn't withstand them. It was better to protect them for now.

Her attack unsuccessful, Alanta didn't let up, slashing at Zed's head with her scythes again. This time, just like before, it seemed to hit, but it was another afterimage.

This repeated three times, and everyone's joy had vanished. Then, a bizarre scene unfolded.

The previous afterimages hadn't disappeared. Each one was indistinguishable from the real body! Then, the multiple afterimages attacked simultaneously, shrouding Alanta in countless blade shadows. She had nowhere to dodge and fell to the ground, struck multiple times!

"Mom!" Seeing her mother injured, Xiao Li tried to run over, but Poppy held her tightly.

"Mom? You're Senior Sister's child? Hahaha..." Zed burst into laughter, his voice filled with sorrow. "So, you really fell for another man. I thought... I thought..."

Before Zed could finish, the captain, unable to contain his rage, charged forward. But how could he be Zed's match? He was instantly impaled through the chest.

"Captain!"

The crowd surged forward. They were ordinary people with no martial arts training, now like moths to a flame, perishing under the blades of the Shadow Order.

In just a few seconds, all the caravan members had fallen. Only I remained, spear in hand, confronting them. Poppy continued to shield Xiao Li.

Earlier, I had been worried about them targeting the caravan members. Now that everyone was dead, I had nothing to hold back. I charged straight at Zed, wanting to avenge these kind-hearted people I'd known for only a short time!

Zed was heavily drained from the recent fight. Seeing my power, he had no desire to continue and led his followers in a stealthy retreat.

After they were long gone, Poppy finally released Xiao Li. The girl rushed to her mother's side, her face etched with worry.

Alanta was covered in wounds, with two short blades still lodged in her abdomen. Her mask had been torn, revealing the face I had longed to see:

It was indeed a delicate face, marred by several deep scars on her cheeks.

I wanted to take her for treatment, but she refused. Even now, she managed a faint smile, just like when she spoke to me normally:

"These blades went straight into my lungs. I can't live anymore. And I'm the one who got everyone into this. I need to apologize to them. Thank you for saving Xiao Li, but... I have one more favor to ask. Please raise her."

Alanta spoke weakly. If not for her strong vitality, she would have died long ago. I quickly nodded in agreement.

"Child, forgive me... I can't protect you anymore. You have to live strong on your own from now on. Oh, right... you don't seem to have a formal name yet. Let's call you... Akali."

With that, Alanta could no longer hold on. She closed her eyes, her breathing growing weaker. As if on cue, it began to rain, masking the fact that no one was crying.

Akali gently nudged her. "Hey, Mom, you always used to sleep after I did. Why are you going to bed earlier than me today?"

Alanta struggled, forcing her eyes open with her last bit of strength. Tears she could no longer hold back streamed down her face. "Child, your father... is still alive. He, he..."

She repeated "he" several times, but Alanta ultimately couldn't utter the name. As for why, perhaps no one would ever know, because her breathing had stopped.

The rain continued to fall. Akali still nudged her mother's body, not crying, not making a fuss. Perhaps, at her young age, she didn't yet understand that death meant eternal separation.

I didn't know how to comfort her. If she was deeply sad, I could tell her to let go of her grief. If she wanted to leave, I could take her far away from here. But just silently waiting like this... should I force her to leave?

I had thought Alanta was Akali, but it turned out this little girl was. I had already taken in Riven, who was in her teens. Now I had to adopt Akali, who was only a few years old?

Even if I adopted her, what then? Would I advise her to give up revenge? Watch her become an assassin? I couldn't choose.

Perhaps Poppy saw my dilemma, or perhaps she was accustomed to seeing unfortunate children, or maybe Yordles were unaffected by such mother-daughter bonds. She took Akali's hand and said earnestly, "Your mother has passed away and will no longer be by your side. Just as you heard, she entrusted you to us. Now you must be strong, no matter how young you are!"

After delivering the cruel reality, I cautiously observed Akali's reaction. She stood up and, with difficulty, picked up her mother's Cross Scythe. It was as if she had grown up in an instant.

"I will avenge my mother!"

The chain of hatred was officially forged the moment Akali picked up the scythe. I had no reason to stop her, nor would I help her seek revenge. Once we reach Prexian, I'll hand her over to the Kinkou Order. That place is more suitable for her growth.

I dug a few pits and buried the caravan members. They shouldn't be left to rot in the wilderness. Alanta was still wearing the ring I gave her. Perhaps she didn't know it was a token of the captain's affection.