The Empror's Trap

Ch 29 - Reinforcements Arrive

At the entrance to the Imperial Garden, the assassins waiting to cover any potential gaps were already on high alert.

In their plan, even if someone escaped from inside, they would block any path out. They had also considered the possibility that the emperor might try to climb over the garden walls, but those walls were tall and smooth. Even with Kenji helping, it would be nearly impossible.

They were sure of their success: they sealed off the garden's entrance. When Kenji charged toward them, they released a volley of hidden weapons.

With his body reinforced by spiritual power, these small darts still gave off ear-splitting whistles. Kenji jerked his head sideways on instinct. Cold flashes sliced across his hat, ripping a slit right through it.

He broke out in a cold sweat.

He dodged by pure reflex. The darts were nearly invisible, whizzing by so fast that if he'd moved a fraction slower, one would've lodged in his skull. His spiritual aura strengthened his body, but these weapons weren't just for show either.

But because their ambush missed, Kenji was the one with the upper hand now.

In this world, there's always a gap in skill levels between cultivators. Assassins focus on stealth, speed, and covert arts. They're less capable in sustained, head-on fights. If an assassin fails in the initial ambush, even a trained soldier might handle one in open combat.

They were only about ten steps apart, which was practically nothing. The assassins knew they were the last line of defense at the garden gate, so they pulled out their blades.

Too late.

In the moment they drew their weapons, Kenji was already upon them.

Swish!

A razor-sharp slash rang out. One assassin's head separated from his body so suddenly that his mind didn't even register what happened. Nearby assassins were knocked several meters away by the force emanating from Kenji's attack and lay sprawled on the ground.

From where Kenji stood before to where he was now should have taken at least a moment. Yet it felt like he covered that distance in one stride.

"He's running! Don't let them escape!"

It happened so fast that everyone else froze. At that moment, a powerful gust shattered the silence, roaring into their ears, nearly deafening them. Lina flung one of her blades through the air like a bullet—if Kenji had seen it, that was how he'd describe it—and it tore through another assassin's defenses, ripping apart his spiritual shield and piercing his body.

She didn't stop. The wind lifted her feet, letting her leap and twist in midair. Another target was right in front of her.

"Wait! I—"

Blood sprayed.

Lina moved with calm efficiency. Surrounded by these killers, she looked more like the real assassin, weaving through them without a trace of mercy. The wind helped her glide in graceful arcs while her blades left streaks of steel and red. Screams turned to silence soon after.

... ... ...

Just after Kenji burst out of the Imperial Garden, the Dragon Guards arrived.

"Forgive our delay in coming to Your Majesty's aid!"

In an instant, every guard dropped to one knee. Pluvia noticed they were kneeling in Kenji's direction.

He's already turned the Dragon Guards to his side...

Though she was relieved to be out of danger, her stomach sank at the sight.

Just then...

"Your Majesty, you can get down now. You're crushing my waist."

"..."

Oh, right. Of course the Dragon Guards were bowing toward Kenji...because she was still clutching him like a koala. They didn't have much choice about whom to face.