Taizen and Mionara sat inside a dimly lit tent, their bodies weary but their minds racing. The faint sounds of hammers and saws echoed outside as Kirkian soldiers began constructing a fortress around Heaven's Garden, ensuring the territory would remain theirs. Medics hurried between tents, tending to the wounded, and the air was thick with the scent of blood, sweat, and dirt.
Mionara leaned back against a wooden crate, his twin katanas resting at his side. "That was… something else," he said, staring at the tent's ceiling. "I've been in plenty of fights, but nothing like that. That wasn't a battle—it was chaos."
Taizen, sitting across from him, rubbed the back of his neck, his katana still strapped to his waist. "You're right. This wasn't just fighting. This was war. People dying everywhere, explosions, bullets flying… It was like the whole world was falling apart."
Mionara nodded, his voice quieter now. "And those mages… They're on a completely different level. I thought we were strong, but against them? It felt like we were nothing."
Taizen sighed, his expression darkening. "Every mage we've faced so far has been like that. From the very first one back at headquarters to these two—Ember and Ugawa. They're not just strong, Mionara. They're monsters."
Mionara looked over at Taizen, his brows furrowing. "How do you think they're so powerful? It's not just their abilities; it's the way they fight. It's like they're on a completely different plane from normal soldiers."
Taizen clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing. "I don't know, but it's not natural. And it's not just their strength—it's the way they seem to be everywhere, helping Winko, showing up when you least expect it. I have a bad feeling about them."
Mionara frowned. "You think they're planning something bigger?"
Taizen nodded. "Yeah. It's not just about this war or Heaven's Garden . I think they're using this as a stage for something much larger. They're organized, disciplined, and way too strong for their numbers to be small. If we don't get better—fast—they're going to be a real problem for us. Not just for Winko's enemies but for the entire world."
Mionara sat up straighter, determination flashing in his eyes. "Then we'll train harder. We've survived so far, Taizen. We'll keep surviving—and next time, we'll be ready for them."
Taizen smirked faintly, a flicker of confidence returning. "Yeah, next time we'll be the ones overpowering them. But it's going to take everything we've got."
The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their words settling over them. Outside, the Kirkian soldiers worked tirelessly to fortify Heaven's Garden, but inside the tent, the two Sicarii knew their battle against the mages was far from over.
A Kirkian officer approached the tent where Taizen and Mionara were resting. "Sicarii," he called out, his voice firm. "General Maddox wants to see you both in his tent immediately."
Taizen and Mionara exchanged glances, rising quickly from their spots. They followed the officer through the bustling camp, the sounds of construction and the murmurs of tired soldiers filling the air. As they entered Maddox's tent, they found the general sitting at his makeshift desk, maps and documents spread across it. He looked up, a rare smile on his weathered face.
"Ah, Taizen, Mionara," Maddox said, standing up and gesturing for them to step closer. "I wanted to congratulate you both personally. What you accomplished today saved countless lives and ensured Kirkia's victory in this battle. Your courage and skill were nothing short of extraordinary."
Taizen straightened his posture, unsure how to respond. "Thank you, General. We were just doing what needed to be done."
Maddox chuckled. "That may be, but don't underestimate the impact of your actions. Tomorrow, during the ceremony, you will both be awarded medals of valor for your service. It's the least we can do to honor what you've done for us."
Mionara's eyes widened. "A medal? Really? I've never even seen one up close before."
Maddox nodded. "You've earned it. And that's not all. As a token of appreciation from Kirkia, £5,000 poundos will be wired to each of your accounts."
The room fell silent for a moment as Taizen and Mionara processed the news.
"£5,000?" Taizen finally said, his voice almost a whisper. "That's… that's three times our monthly wage as trainees."
Mionara's jaw dropped. "We've never had that kind of money before. What are we supposed to do with it all?"
Maddox smiled, clearly amused. "Spend it however you like. Consider it a well-deserved reward for risking your lives and ensuring our nation's future."
As the initial shock wore off, Mionara tilted his head curiously. "General, can I ask you something? Why is Heaven's Garden so vital anyway? I mean, I know it's important, but what makes it worth all this—" he gestured to the ongoing war outside—"fighting and bloodshed?"
Maddox's expression grew serious as he folded his arms. "I thought you'd have noticed by now," he said, his voice measured. "This area, Heaven's Garden, is rich with inner. From the soil beneath our feet to the leaves on the trees, this place is saturated with it. That's why Winko wants it so badly."
Taizen frowned. "Rich with inner? What does that mean for Kirkia?"
"It means everything," Maddox said, his tone firm. "We can mine and refine the inner here into materials, resources, and even advanced weapons. It's vital to our economy, our military, and our survival. Without it, we fall behind. With it, we secure the future of our nation for generations to come."
Mionara leaned back slightly, absorbing the information. "So, this place isn't just a battlefield. It's a goldmine."
"Precisely," Maddox said, nodding. "The inner here is unlike anything found elsewhere. If we can develop it properly, Kirkia won't just survive—we'll thrive."
Taizen glanced at Mionara, a sense of understanding settling between them. "That explains a lot," he muttered.
"It does," Mionara agreed. Then, turning back to Maddox, he added, "Thank you, General. For explaining—and for everything."
Maddox smiled again, though his eyes carried the weight of the day. "Rest up, both of you. Tomorrow's ceremony is a celebration, but after that, there's still much to be done. Kirkia owes you a great debt, but this war is far from over."
Taizen and Mionara nodded, saluting the general before leaving the tent. The promise of tomorrow's ceremony lingered in their minds, but so did the revelation of Heaven's Garden's true importance.
The next morning arrived with the camp buzzing in anticipation of the award ceremony. The makeshift battlefield headquarters had been transformed overnight. Flags of Kirkia flew high, their deep crimson and silver hues catching the sunlight. Soldiers, still weary from the battle, gathered in formation. Rows of chairs were set up for officers and high-ranking personnel, while a raised platform had been constructed in the center.
Taizen and Mionara stood to the side, both in their clean, black Sicarii uniforms, which contrasted sharply against the earth-toned fatigues of the Kirkian military. Despite their calm exteriors, both felt a mix of pride and unease as they prepared to be publicly honored.
The ceremony began with a trumpet's sharp call, silencing the crowd. General Maddox stepped onto the platform, his presence commanding immediate respect. His ceremonial uniform gleamed with medals from previous campaigns, and his silver hair reflected the sun.
"Soldiers of Kirkia," Maddox began, his deep voice carrying over the assembly, "yesterday, we achieved a victory that will be remembered for generations. The battle for Heaven's Garden was hard-fought, and the sacrifices made will not be forgotten. Today, we honor not only the fallen but also those who stood at the forefront of this monumental effort."
The soldiers erupted in cheers, the sound reverberating through the camp. Maddox raised a hand to quiet them.
"Among those who led us to victory are two Sicarii, agents from the Beast Organization, who risked their lives to complete a mission critical to our success. Taizen. Mionara. Step forward."
Taizen and Mionara exchanged a glance before walking to the platform. Their boots clinked against the wooden boards as they stood before Maddox.
"For their courage, skill, and unwavering determination in the face of overwhelming odds, we award them the Medal of Valor," Maddox declared. An officer stepped forward, presenting two gleaming medals. Maddox placed one on each of their chests, the weight of the honor sinking in.
The soldiers broke into thunderous applause, some shouting their thanks and admiration. Taizen and Mionara, though not Kirkian by blood, felt a swelling sense of pride and belonging.
Maddox leaned in slightly, speaking just to them. "You've done more for Kirkia than you know. Wear these medals with honor—you've earned them."
After saluting the general, the two stepped back, the applause following them. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence for the fallen and a speech of thanks from Maddox, who promised to rebuild Heaven's Garden into a beacon of strength for Kirkia.
After the ceremony, Taizen and Mionara made their way back to their tent to gather their belongings. The camp was still bustling with activity—wounded soldiers being tended to, fortifications being built, and supplies being distributed.
"Well, that was something," Taizen said, adjusting the straps on his bag. He glanced down at the medal pinned to his chest.
"Yeah," Mionara replied, his voice thoughtful. "I didn't think we'd ever get something like this. A medal of valor. Feels… strange."
"Strange good or strange bad?" Taizen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Good, I think," Mionara said with a small smile. "It's just… a lot to take in. Feels like yesterday we were just training with Lino, and now…"
"Now we're walking out of here with £5,000 each, medals on our chests, and the blood of Winko's general on our hands," Taizen finished with a smirk, though there was a heaviness behind his words.
The two made their way to the main gates, where a Kirkian officer stood waiting to escort them to their transport. A convoy of vehicles was lined up, ready to take them to the docks for their return to Delria.
As they climbed into one of the vehicles, Mionara glanced back at the camp one last time. "Do you think we'll ever come back here?"
Taizen shrugged, his expression unreadable. "I hope not. But if the mages are involved…"
"…then it might be inevitable," Mionara finished.
The convoy started moving, the dust kicking up behind them. As they drove away, the cheers of the Kirkian soldiers faded into the distance, replaced by the hum of the engine and the promise of whatever awaited them back in Delria.