Ch245- Escape
Join my Discord!
One evening, as they sat by the luminescent crystals, Horyu glanced at Kurenai. Her face was serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil they had faced. “How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice soft but steady.
Kurenai looked up, meeting his gaze with a small smile. “Better. This place is harsh, but I’m adapting. Your support means everything to me.”
Horyu nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “We’ve come a long way. We’ll get out of here, I promise.”
She leaned closer, her hand finding his. “I believe you,” she whispered, squeezing his hand gently.
Their bond had deepened, not just as comrades but as partners facing an uncertain future.
Now that months had passed, Horyu had mostly mastered the new sage mode. The Spectral Chakra, once oppressive and alien, now flowed through him almost naturally. Though he still had a lot to learn, he could move freely within the Realm of Specters without feeling its crushing weight. He had become attuned to the energy, his body and chakra adapting to the realm's unique properties. And with that surprise summon, he was even more certain.
Horyu stood at the edge of the sanctuary, the luminescent crystals casting a soft glow on his features. He turned to Kurenai, who was practicing her genjutsu nearby. "In a week, we will leave this place," he said, his voice steady.
Kurenai looked up, her expression a mix of relief and determination. "Are you sure we’re ready?" she asked, walking over to him.
"We are," Horyu replied, his eyes meeting hers. "The longer we stay here, the greater the risk of attracting the stronger specters."
Kurenai nodded, understanding the urgency. The Realm of Specters was a dangerous place, and while they had managed to survive so far, it was only a matter of time before they faced more formidable threats.
Horyu reached out and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She smiled, her grip tightening on his hand. "I believe you."
They spent the next week preparing for their departure. Horyu focused on refining his control over the Spectral Sage Chakra, pushing his limits to ensure he could maintain the form for as long as necessary. Kurenai continued to hone her genjutsu, using the Spectral Chakra to create more powerful and complex illusions.
Every night, they would hold each other, tasting the forbidden fruit they had come to cherish in each other's embrace. Their bond had grown stronger with every shared moment, both physical and emotional. In the dim glow of the sanctuary, they found solace in each other’s presence, a reprieve from the harsh reality of the Spectral Realm.
Horyu lay beside Kurenai, feeling her warmth against him. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “Morning,” she whispered, her voice soft.
“Morning,” he replied, a small smile on his lips. “How did you sleep?”
“Better, thanks to you,” Kurenai said, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. “This place... it’s bearable because of you.”
Horyu nodded, understanding the sentiment. “We’ll get out of here today,” he reassured her.
Kurenai’s eyes held a mixture of trust and determination. “I know you will,” she said, leaning in to kiss him softly.
Kissing her back, Horyu’s hands began to map Kurenai’s body. His touch was firm yet gentle, exploring the familiar contours of her form. Kurenai blushed, turning her head away slightly. "Horyu, it’s morning," she murmured, her voice a mix of embarrassment and warmth.
Horyu smiled, his lips trailing down her neck. "Doesn't matter. There's no one else but us in here." His voice was low and reassuring, a stark contrast to the chaotic environment outside their sanctuary.
Kurenai shivered at the sensation, her resolve weakening. "We should focus on our escape," she said, trying to sound resolute but failing as her body responded to his touch.
"We will," Horyu promised, his hands continuing their exploration. "But right now, I need you." His fingers traced patterns on her skin, evoking soft gasps from her.
Despite her initial resistance, Kurenai’s arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer. "You always find a way to distract me," she whispered, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and desire.
Horyu chuckled softly, his lips finding hers once more. "Maybe because you need a distraction," he replied, his breath warm against her skin. "This might be the last time for a long time since I can taste you."
Their kisses deepened, each touch and caress speaking volumes of the unspoken bond they shared. Horyu's hand slid down her back, pulling her closer, while Kurenai’s fingers tangled in his hair, her breaths becoming more ragged.
Minutes felt like hours as they indulged in each other, the weight of their circumstances momentarily forgotten. The Spectral Realm, with all its dangers and uncertainties, faded into the background, leaving only the intimacy and connection they found in each other’s arms.
Finally, they pulled back, both breathing heavily. Kurenai’s cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of emotions. "We should get ready," she said, her voice steadier now. "We have a lot to do today."
They got up, their minds shifting back to the tasks at hand. Horyu began to pack their supplies, ensuring they had everything they needed for their journey. Their time in the sanctuary had been a mix of training and bonding, and they knew they were stronger for it.
Walking to the edge of the sanctuary, Horyu looked into Kurenai's eyes. "Wait here. I will mark near the portal and come back to get you," he instructed firmly.
Kurenai nodded, her expression serious. She understood the importance of this mission. When they had first arrived in the Plane of Specters, Horyu couldn't use his chakra without drawing the attention of the specters. Shisui had sacrificed himself to save them, a memory that still haunted Horyu. He had wanted to stay and fight, but using his chakra would have only made things worse, attracting even more specters. Now, with his mastery of Specter Sage Mode, he could travel freely and use all his techniques without fear of immediate reprisal.
Horyu stepped forward, feeling the weight of the Spectral Chakra coursing through him. The air around him shimmered as he activated his sage mode, his senses sharpening. He moved with a fluid grace, his body adapting to the oppressive atmosphere of the realm.
As Horyu entered Sage Mode, his appearance shifted dramatically. His skin paled to an almost ghostly white, dark marks forming around his eyes, which glowed with a piercing red intensity. The transformation was both unsettling and awe-inspiring, a testament to the power he had harnessed.
He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the Spectral Chakra course through him. Every muscle in his body felt energized, his senses sharper than ever. Without wasting another moment, Horyu moved toward the portal with incredible speed, his steps almost silent on the ethereal ground.
The landscape of the Spectral Realm blurred around him as he moved. The once oppressive and heavy atmosphere now felt like a second skin, something he could navigate with ease. He reached the near the opening where the gate was opened, quickly, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger.
The portal loomed ahead, a swirling vortex of dark energy. Horyu paused for a moment, assessing the area. The specters that had once roamed freely were now few and far between, likely drawn to the ongoing battle in the human realm. He needed to act quickly before they returned.
Horyu crouched low, his fingers touching the ground as he prepared to mark the area near the portal. He closed his eyes, focusing on the chakra within him. The energy responded to his command, flowing through him and into the ground. A faint glow appeared where his hand touched, the mark of his presence in the Spectral Realm.
Satisfied with his work, Horyu stood up, his gaze fixed on the portal. He could feel the pull of the other side, the chaos and conflict that awaited him. But he couldn't go through just yet. He had promised Kurenai he would come back for her.
--
Please rate and review! Much appreciated! Leave a comment, tell me what you think!
To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and support me...
Please drop a comment and like the chapter!