Chereads / Shadow Archipelago / Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Testing Grounds

Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Testing Grounds

Ryo and Kira spent the next few days laying low, preparing for the coordinated strike against the Obsidian Order's distribution hub. They knew that once they made their move, there would be no going back. The Order would retaliate with everything they had, and Ryo and Kira would be at the top of their target list. But for now, they had the element of surprise on their side, and they intended to use it to full effect.

As the night of the attack approached, Ryo found himself restless, pacing the length of their temporary hideout. The weight of their mission pressed down on him, a constant reminder of the stakes. They had gathered a small but capable team of hunters willing to stand against the Order, but Ryo knew that every one of them was putting their life on the line.

Kira watched him from her spot by the window, her eyes following his movements. "You're going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up," she remarked, a wry smile tugging at her lips.

Ryo stopped, running a hand through his hair. "I just… I can't shake the feeling that we're not ready. That there's something we're missing."

Kira shrugged, her gaze shifting to the darkened street outside. "We've done everything we can. Now it's about execution. Trust yourself, Ryo. You've got the skills, and you've got us. That's more than most people have when they go up against the Order."

Ryo nodded, but his mind kept drifting to the thought of his father. Alaric had faced these same challenges, standing against a powerful enemy with nothing but his wits and a handful of allies. And now, Ryo was continuing that fight, walking a path that was both familiar and fraught with danger.

As they finalized their plans, Kira brought up something that had been on her mind. "Ryo, have you given any more thought to taking the hunter exam?"

Ryo looked at her, surprised. "Now? In the middle of all this?"

Kira shrugged. "Not now, but soon. The Order is after you, and the more legitimate power you have, the better. Being a licensed hunter comes with perks—access to resources, information, connections. You need all of that if you're going to keep fighting them."

Ryo considered her words. Becoming a professional hunter had always been in the back of his mind, but his focus had been solely on surviving and dismantling the Order's operations. However, Kira had a point. The legitimacy and backing of a hunter's license could open doors that were currently closed to him.

"I've thought about it," Ryo admitted. "But I don't even know where to start. The exam is tough, and it's not just about fighting. There's strategy, tactics, the ability to lead… I'm not sure I'm ready."

Kira smirked. "You're more ready than you think. You've already proven you can hold your own against the Order. The exam's just another test—one that plays to your strengths. Besides, it's not like you're going in alone. I'll help you prep. We'll make sure you're ready."

Ryo nodded slowly, the idea taking root in his mind. It wasn't just about taking down the Order anymore—it was about building something that would last, something that could stand against whatever came next. A hunter's license would give him the authority and recognition he needed to be more than just a rogue operative.

"All right," Ryo said, a spark of determination lighting his eyes. "I'll do it. But first, let's take care of this mission. The Order's not going to wait for me to get my license."

Kira grinned. "That's the spirit. Now, let's go over the plan one more time."

The night of the strike arrived, and the team gathered in the shadows of the old railway yard, their expressions tense but resolute. They were outnumbered, but not outmatched. Ryo's plan was simple: strike fast, disable the Order's guards, and destroy the shadow-infused weapons before they could be distributed. It was a risky maneuver, but if they succeeded, it would deal a significant blow to the Order's operations.

Ryo crouched behind a stack of crates, his heart racing as he peered through the darkness. The yard was crawling with guards, each one armed with the same corrupted weapons that Ryo and Kira had seen before. The faint glow of shadow energy pulsed ominously from their gear, casting an eerie light over the area.

Kira was beside him, her expression focused and calm. She gave him a nod, signaling that the others were in position. Ryo took a deep breath, steadying himself. This was it—the moment they had been preparing for. He could feel the shadows stirring around him, the power he had copied from previous encounters thrumming in his veins.

"On my mark," Ryo whispered, his voice barely audible over the night breeze. "Three… two… one… go."

The team sprang into action, moving with coordinated precision as they struck at the guards. Ryo surged forward, his movements a blur as he tapped into the speed and agility he had stored. He slipped through the defenses like a wraith, his knife flashing as he took down the first guard with a swift, silent strike.

Kira was right behind him, her silenced pistol snapping off shots with deadly accuracy. The guards fell one by one, their attempts to raise the alarm cut short by Ryo's team. They moved through the yard like a well-oiled machine, each member playing their part with practiced efficiency.

As Ryo reached the main storage area, he spotted the crates containing the shadow-infused weapons. He signaled to the others, and they quickly surrounded the crates, setting charges to destroy them. The weapons pulsed with dark energy, and Ryo felt a chill run down his spine. These were tools of corruption, designed to twist and control. He was glad to see them reduced to rubble.

The charges were set, and Ryo gave the signal to retreat. The team moved quickly, slipping back into the shadows as the charges detonated, lighting up the yard with a series of controlled explosions. The crates shattered, and the weapons inside were consumed in bursts of dark flame, the shadow energy dissipating into the night.

Ryo and Kira watched from a safe distance, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. The yard was in chaos, the remaining guards scrambling to contain the damage. But the mission was a success—the Order's weapons were destroyed, and their distribution plans had been thrown into disarray.

As they regrouped, Ryo felt a sense of triumph, tempered by the knowledge that this was just the beginning. The Obsidian Order would strike back, and the battles ahead would be even more dangerous. But they had shown that the Order was not invincible, that they could be hurt.

"Good work, everyone," Ryo said, addressing the group. "We hit them hard, and we made it out. Let's keep this momentum going."

The hunters nodded, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination. They had taken a risk, but it had paid off. And now, they were ready to keep fighting.

As the team dispersed, Kira approached Ryo, her expression unreadable. "You did good, Ryo. Your father would be proud."

Ryo smiled, a sense of warmth spreading through him. "Thanks, Kira. And thanks for believing in me."

Kira shrugged, but there was a softness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. "You're a good leader, Ryo. And you're stronger than you know. When you take that hunter exam, you're going to ace it."

Ryo nodded, his resolve solidifying. The exam would be his next challenge, a step toward legitimizing his fight against the Obsidian Order. He was ready to prove himself, not just as a rogue with a grudge, but as a true hunter.

As they walked away from the smoldering remains of the Order's operation, Ryo felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was uncertain, but he wasn't walking it alone. He had allies, a plan, and the legacy of his father to guide him.

And soon, he would have the recognition of a professional hunter, a badge that would open doors and give him the power to fight the Order on equal footing. It was a daunting prospect, but Ryo was no stranger to challenges. He had faced down monsters, operatives, and his own fears.

The hunter exam would be no different. It was just another test, and Ryo was ready to pass it with flying colors.