NOVEL NEXT Chapter 48: The Predator
Ken sat silently on his throne, the first light of morning casting a cold glow across the grand hall of his tent. His fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest as Zeno knelt before him, his head bowed.
Ken's voice was laced with quiet fury as he spoke. "Where is the last batch of the Murka's samurai ? Are they here yet? Did they bring the supplies?"
Zeno remained still, his gaze fixed on the floor, his lips pressed tight. The silence stretched, thick with tension. Ken's jaw tightened, his anger simmering beneath the surface. His hand clenched into a fist, the air around him growing heavy with his frustration.
Before Ken could speak again, Kando, his ever-loyal attendant, stepped forward, his voice smooth and comforting. "My lord," Kando said, bowing low, "it is of little concern. Even if they are delayed, we have more than enough to deal with the villagers. They have no weapons like ours, no armor, no supplies. They will fall like chickens to the slaughter." A cruel smirk danced on his lips.
Ken's brow furrowed, the rage within him starting to cool. He let out a slow breath, the storm of anger passing. "You're right," he murmured, the hint of a dark chuckle in his voice. "They're nothing more than helpless prey."
He turned his gaze to Zeno, his eyes narrowing. "And how is the enemy camp?" he asked, his voice sharp, demanding.
Zeno hesitated for a moment before speaking, his tone grim. "My lord, our spies report that they are preparing for battle, but... they are hardly a threat. The villagers have broken spears and shields, and the children are helping to dig pits. The elders are making wooden traps, but it's clear they lack the skill and strength to do much more than slow us down."
Ken's laugh echoed through the chamber, a low, cruel sound. "Fufufu, how pathetic," he mocked, shaking his head. "How can such weaklings stand against my might?" His eyes gleamed with dark amusement. "They're nothing but fools playing at war."
He stood up from his throne, his posture shifting from amusement to cold determination. "Order the army to prepare for battle. And use the captives. They will be... useful." His grin twisted into something more sinister, a look that made even Kando hesitate for a brief moment.
Zeno and Kando bowed in unison, their movements practiced and obedient. They exited the room without a word, leaving Ken alone with his thoughts.
Ken stood there, staring into the distance, his expression darkening. "My little brother..." he muttered under his breath, his voice barely a whisper. "I hope you're prepared to face me."
His gaze hardened, and for a moment, it was as if the weight of the world pressed down on him, his thoughts consumed by the battle to come. His face contorted in anger as he thought of Meiji, and of the impending conflict.