From the mist emerged Ashton Ironshade, her iron armor gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Her long hair, like a dark banner, flowed behind her as she stepped forward, flanked by a group of mercenaries. Their presence was commanding, their formation tight and disciplined. Ashton’s piercing gaze locked onto PuppyGirlPrincess, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

  “Well, well,” Ashton said, her voice cold and measured. “It seems the forest’s little protector has found herself a new friend. How quaint.”

  Kitsumi bared her sharp teeth, her hackles raised as a low growl rumbled in her throat. “Oh, great. Another wannabe tyrant. What do you want, tin can?”

  Ashton’s smirk deepened, but her eyes remained hard. “You already know why I’m here,” she said, taking a slow step forward. “The organization is very interested in you, PuppyGirlPrincess. Surrender now, and I might be persuaded to show mercy.”

  PuppyGirlPrincess took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I’ll never go with you,” she said firmly. “The forest isn’t yours to take.”

  Ashton raised her sword, pointing it directly at PuppyGirlPrincess. “This sword’s name is Gelapfang. Do you understand what you’re up against, little girl?” Ashton’s voice was cold, her gaze unwavering.

  Kitsumi growled beside her, tails bristling in defiance. “Oh, please,” the fox spirit sneered, her sharp eyes never leaving Ashton. “You’d be lucky to land a scratch on her.”

  But PuppyGirlPrincess couldn’t share Kitsumi’s confidence—not yet. Her breath quickened as Ashton took a deliberate step forward, her mere presence exuding an overwhelming authority. PuppyGirlPrincess tightened her hands into fists, feeling the weight of every decision that had led her here.

  Then, a voice broke through the chaos—not from Ashton, not from Kitsumi, but from within herself. It was soft, yet firm, resonating through the enchanted collar that rested against her neck. “Summon the Asuhamoni Staff,” the voice instructed, calm and commanding.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Her eyes widened in realization. “The staff…” she murmured under her breath. PuppyGirlPrincess straightened her posture, closing her eyes for a brief moment to focus. The whispers of the forest faded, replaced by the voice guiding her.

  “Asuhamoni Staff,” she whispered, feeling a surge of warmth rush through her. In an instant, brilliant light erupted in her hand, coalescing into the shape of a staff. It shimmered with an ethereal glow, its intricate carvings pulsating with ancient energy.

  Ashton’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the staff, her smirk faltering ever so slightly. “So, the rumors were true,” she muttered, her grip on her sword tightening. “I underestimated you once—that won’t happen again.”

  Kitsumi barked a laugh, her tails wagging with renewed energy. “Now this is getting interesting,” she quipped, leaping onto a nearby rock to gain a better view of the action.

  PuppyGirlPrincess, emboldened by the staff’s power, stepped forward, meeting Ashton’s gaze head-on. “I won’t let you hurt anyone,” she said, her voice steadier than before.

  For a moment, Ashton seemed to assess her, her sharp eyes scanning PuppyGirlPrincess as if calculating her every move. Then, with a low growl, Ashton’s smirk returned—colder, sharper. “Very well,” she said, lowering her sword to her side. “You’ve piqued my interest.”

  The air around Ashton grew heavy, her aura darkening as she released a wave of malevolent energy. PuppyGirlPrincess felt it immediately—a suffocating, overwhelming pressure that weighed on her chest and made her legs tremble. Ashton’s killing intent was palpable, seeping into the very ground beneath them. The mercenaries, hardened as they were, took a step back instinctively, their hands twitching on their weapons.

  PuppyGirlPrincess gripped the Asuhamoni Staff tightly, her knuckles white as she fought to steady herself. Her breaths came in short gasps, and for the first time, doubt began to creep into her mind. She could feel Ashton’s gaze boring into her, unrelenting and merciless.

  “You wanted to protect them, didn’t you?” Ashton’s voice cut through the oppressive silence like a blade. “Let’s see if your resolve is as strong as you think.”

  The weight of Ashton’s aura pressed down harder, and PuppyGirlPrincess could feel her legs begin to tremble. The staff in her hand felt heavier now, as though summoning every ounce of her sheer will to just hold onto it.

  A flicker of irritation crossed Ashton’s face, but she quickly masked it with her usual cold composure. “Then you leave me no choice,” she said, drawing Gelapfang with a metallic hiss. “Capture them. Alive.”

  Part 2 to make it up to you! ?? Trust me, I get it. Cliffhangers are the worst, and I can totally hear you all screaming, “Why stop there?! NOOOOOO!!!” Honestly, same—I got hyped writing it and couldn’t leave you hanging any longer.

  Part 3 finale of this epic fight is dropping tomorrow. ?? What will happen to PuppyGirlPrincess and her newfound ally? How will they overcome this intense challenge? Oh, the suspense! Keep calm, keep supporting the story, and stay tuned because things are about to get even more intense.