A harsh, biting wind howled through the frozen wasteland of Antarctica. Atop the temple where the World Hunter Meeting was taking place, Huey lay lazily against the wooden structure, his cloak fluttering with the wind's icy grasp. A sly smirk crept onto his face as he felt the distance growing between Draven and the temple.
"So that's how you're playing it, Shiki?" Huey mused, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement.
He chuckled, the sound almost lost in the howling winds.
"You're leading him far away from the travelers and all of the president … away from any interruptions. You want this fight to be just between the two of you, huh?" His smirk widened.
"Even as enemies, you still care for him, don't you? What a brotherly love."
The Chase Begins
"SHIKI, YOU BASTARD! STOPPPP!"
Draven's voice roared through the frozen landscape, filled with pure, unfiltered rage. But Shiki didn't stop. He moved gracefully, his black cloak rippling as his speed blurred him across the icy terrain.
Draven's All-Creation Eyes fully manifested,His body burned with raw fury, his Shen surging violently. His Jörmungandr Blade materialized instantly in his grasp. With a flick of his fingers, he telekinetically launched it forward, the massive sword ripping through the air like a bullet, aiming to skewer Shiki on the spot.
WHOOSH!
Shiki tilted his head, evading the incoming blade with effortless precision. The sword smashed into the ice, sending a cascade of frozen shards flying into the air. Shiki landed softly a few meters ahead, finally stopping his retreat.
Draven halted as well, his breath ragged from the sheer hatred coursing through his veins.
Shiki turned around slowly, a small smirk playing at his lips.
"Beautiful," he mused. "Your control over your sword is great, Draven. I'm impressed."
Draven gritted his teeth, his nails digging into his palms.
"Shut up, you arrogant piece of shit." His voice dripped with venom.
The frigid air around them thickened with tension as Draven took a step forward.
"Before I kill you, I have questions."
Shiki met his brother's glare with an almost serene expression.
"Questions?" he repeated, tilting his head. His silver eyes glowed faintly in the dim firelight of the temple.
Draven's Shen flickered wildly, his fury refusing to be contained.
"Was the Seoul Hunter Association involved in the slaughter of our family?"
For the first time, Shiki smiled,A dangerous, knowing smile.
Draven's anger ignited further.
"WHAT THE HELL IS SO FUNNY?!"
"You're asking the right questions." Shiki replied. "But the truth? It won't change the fact that you're already dead to me."
Draven's rage boiled over.
"SAY THAT AGAIN, AND I'LL RIP YOU TO SHREDS!"
Shiki finally dropped his casual demeanor, his expression hardening.
"Fine. You want answers? I'll give them to you."
He took a slow step forward, snow crunching beneath his feet.
"Yes, Draven. The Seoul Hunter Association played a role in the massacre of the Treasure family."
Draven's breath hitched, his entire body trembling with fury. His nails dug into his palm, blood seeping from his clenched fists.
Shiki's silver eyes remained cold, unwavering.
"Now, let me tell you why."
The Truth About the Treasure Family
Shiki sighed, his hands slipping into his pockets as he continued.
"You should know this, Draven. You don't just come from a powerful family… you come from a legendary bloodline. The Treasure family was once part of something greater—a lineage that dates back to the very beginning of Shen users… The First Men."
Draven's eyes narrowed, but he let him speak.
"The First Men were one of the first humans to wield Shen, the original bearers of true power. But over centuries, the lineage fractured into two factions: The Treasure Clan and The Dusk clan."
He stopped for a moment, letting the weight of those names sink in.
"The Dusk Clan were seen as the guardians of balance. Meanwhile, the The Treasure … were cursed."
A gust of wind howled through the temple as Shiki's gaze locked onto Draven's.
"And guess which side of the family you descend from, little brother?"
Draven's eyes widened slightly, a twinge of something unfamiliar creeping into his rage.
"You inherited the power of the Treasure clan. The same cursed power as Arcade like me too."
Shiki took a deep breath before continuing.
"The reason the Hunter Association allowed the massacre of our family… was because of you."
Draven stiffened, his pulse thundering in his ears.
"Before you were even born, a prophecy was made—a child of the Treasure bloodline would be born with power linked to the death itself. A power so dangerous that it could change the fate of the world."
Shiki exhaled.
"That child… was you."
Draven's breathing grew heavy, his mind racing.
"Our family planned to use you as a weapon. You were going to be the key to reviving Arcade and overthrowing Seoul current government, plunging the world into chaos."
Shiki's gaze darkened.
"I couldn't allow that to happen, Draven."
Draven gritted his teeth, his hands shaking.
"You… killed them… for me?"
Shiki nodded.
"It was either a massive war… or an internal purge. I chose to kill our family… to save you."
Draven's world shattered.
A mix of rage, confusion, and despair twisted inside of him.
"Bullshit." he spat. "I don't care about your excuses. I don't care about any of this."
His Shen surged violently, snake-like markings appearing on his chest and arms. His fingertips trembled, his All-Creation Eyes burning brighter.
"I WILL KILL YOU, SHIKI!"
Shiki shook his head, genuine sadness in his eyes.
"I already told you, Draven… I've seen your fate."
Draven's Shen exploded outward, the sheer pressure cracking the temple floor.
"I don't give a damn about fate. I'll rewrite it myself."
BOOOOOOOOM!
The ground beneath them shattered, and the two brothers charged at each other.
The battle had begun.