The sun-drenched streets of Ganja village bustled with life, villagers going about their daily routines. Amidst the crowd, a figure in a green hooded coat blended seamlessly, obscuring his true identity.
Kushino, now dressed in humble attire, smiled to himself. The outfit, acquired at the village gate, had been a worthy investment. "Who would suspect a thing?" he thought, satisfied.
Re-focusing on his mission, Kushino scanned the village, seeking the most imposing structure. Logic dictated it would be the King's residence.
His gaze settled on a grand, intricately designed mansion, nestled at the village's heart. "That's our target," he confirmed, mental notes forming.
With a practiced air, Kushino merged back into the crowd, his movements fluid and unobtrusive. No one suspected the demon-horned warrior, clad in humble garb, was actually a key player in an unfolding scheme.
As he navigated the village, Kushino's thoughts turned to Nethercrimson and their shared objective. The Karen Sapphire, rumored to reside within Ganja, would soon be within their grasp.
Unaware of the danger lurking among them, the villagers continued their daily lives, blissful in their ignorance.
Kiseki trudged through the bustling streets, his cart loaded with an assortment of finely crafted weapons. The weight, once daunting, now felt manageable, a testament to his weekly routine.
As he navigated the King's palace, Kiseki exchanged familiar greetings with the guards. His family's craftsmanship had earned them a revered place in the village.
Upon arriving at the training base, Kiseki encountered Aka and Kaito, the same soldiers who had complained about his family's work. "Drop it off at the weaponry," Aka instructed, barely acknowledging Kiseki.
Kiseki obliged, pushing the cart past them. As he walked toward the weaponry, he passed by a soldier who seemed out of place. Kushino, disguised, blended seamlessly into the ranks, his demon horns hidden.
Their paths crossed, yet Kiseki remained oblivious to the danger lurking beside him. Kushino's gaze followed Kiseki, his thoughts aligning with the plan. "The weaponry... perfect. Nethercrimson will be pleased."
With a subtle nod to himself, Kushino fell into step behind Kiseki, maintaining a safe distance. As Kiseki delivered the weapons, Kushino mentally mapped the training base's layout, noting vulnerabilities.
"It's about time we set the wheels in motion don't you think? Crimson?," Kushino thought, his eyes never leaving Kiseki's retreating figure. Unaware of the lurking threat, Kiseki completed his delivery and began his return journey.
The sun began to set, casting long shadows across Ganja village. Kiseki trudged back to the palace, regretting his forgetfulness. "Grandfather will not be pleased," he thought, anxious about collecting the payment.
Meanwhile, within the palace's training base, Aka and Kaito conversed. "Did you hear about the Yomimaho clan?" Kaito asked.
Aka scoffed. "The Yomimaho were never that great to begin with. That could never be us. Our soldiers are so good we barely need to use our training grounds."
Kushino, now disguised as a soldier, smiled to himself as he overheard their boastful claims. He blended into the shadows, his target yet unknown.
Kaito continued, "Well, that's a good point. We've never lost in a fight after all. What are the chances-" A blood-curdling scream from the throne room shattered the air. The King's anguished cry sent the soldiers rushing toward the source.
Aka and Kaito sprinted alongside their comrades, drawing their swords. Upon entering the throne room, they froze.
Kushino, now in his true form, stood before the King. Demon horns protruded from his head, and his blue Roman attire seemed stained with the blood of the fallen guards.
The King trembled, sweat-drenched and ashen. "Ah, welcome, gentlemen!" Kushino exclaimed, his jovial tone a stark contrast to the carnage. "Please, do surrender. I'd hate for things to get... messy."
The soldiers exchanged stunned glances. Aka and Kaito's boasts seemed hollow now. Their confidence shattered, the soldiers hesitated.
Kushino's smile grew wider. "Come now, friends. Let's make this easy." The throne room fell silent, except for the King's labored breathing.
Kiseki, still en route to collect payment, remained unaware of the chaos unfolding within.
Kushino's grin broadened as he struck the King's shoulder with an invisible projectile, fueling the soldiers' fury. "Charge!" one of them shouted, rushing toward Kushino.
The demon-horned warrior smirked, relishing the impending battle. Elsewhere, in the mines, Nethercrimson navigated the dark tunnels, seeking information about the Karen Sapphire.
Miner after miner fell before him, unconscious and clueless. "Must I interrogate every fool in this village?" Nethercrimson's frustration grew.
Meanwhile, at the castle entrance, Kiseki arrived, unaware of the chaos within. Aka and Kaito, fleeing in panic, nearly collided with him.
"S-step... Keep away!" Aka stuttered, eyes wide with fear. Kiseki's confusion deepened. "Sir Kaito, Aka Sir, is something happening in the palace?" Aka's trembling subsided, replaced by a forced calm. "Kiseki, you're here for the payment, right? Well, here."
He hastily handed Kiseki two bags of coins. "That's 500 Ryoken. Now go home immediately and don't make any pit stops on the way."
As Aka and Kaito swiftly departed, Kiseki watched, perplexed. "What's gotten into them?" he wondered.
The castle gates, once welcoming, now seemed ominous. Kiseki's instincts whispered caution, but he shrugged, attributing their behavior to mere drunkenness.
Kiseki's doubts lingered, refusing to be silenced. "What if they're not just drunk?" he thought, his feet hesitating. The palace gates loomed before him, their grandeur now shrouded in unease.
"Something's not right," his instincts whispered. With a deep breath, Kiseki made a decision. He turned back toward the palace, curiosity getting the better of him.
Meanwhile, within the throne room, Kushino's battle raged on. "Your bravery is admirable, but futile," Kushino declared, his demon horns gleaming. The guards fought valiantly, but Kushino's prowess seemed unmatched.
In the mines, Nethercrimson's search continued. "Where is it?" he growled, frustration etched on his face. A faint glow caught his attention. "A hidden chamber?" Nethercrimson's eyes narrowed.
As Kiseki slipped back into the palace, the fate of Ganja village hung in the balance.
Will Kushino claim victory?
Will Nethercrimson uncover the Karen Sapphire?
Will Kiseki uncover the truth?
In the Next Chapter