The walk back to the Yamael compound was shrouded in silence, the forest seeming heavier in the aftermath of the encounter. Kazuki's mind raced with thoughts of the exorcist he had spared. Was it the right decision? Or would it come back to haunt him? He wasn't naïve enough to think the Azure Serpent would see mercy as strength. Linnea had made it clear they valued results, not sentiment.
Beside him, Ayaka moved with her usual composure, her footsteps light against the forest floor. But Kazuki could feel the unspoken questions lingering in the air between them.
"You disagree," Kazuki finally said, breaking the silence.
Ayaka glanced at him, her expression neutral but her tone carrying an edge. "It's not my place to question your decisions. You're the head of the Yamael."
"That's not what I asked," Kazuki pressed, his voice firmer. "Say what you're thinking."
Ayaka stopped walking, her sharp eyes locking onto his. "Fine. I think you took a risk we couldn't afford. That exorcist wasn't just a threat to the Azure Serpent. They were a threat to us. Letting them go might make you look weak in the eyes of Linnea and her people."
Kazuki held her gaze, unflinching. "And if I'd killed him, what then? Would it have made me look strong? Or would it have been another step toward becoming exactly what the factions want—a tool they can manipulate?"
Ayaka's expression softened slightly, but her voice remained steady. "This isn't just about what they want, Kazuki. It's about survival. Sometimes, survival demands hard choices."
Kazuki didn't respond immediately, his thoughts swirling. He hated the game they were being forced to play, the rules dictated by those who cared only for power. But Ayaka was right. Hard choices were inevitable. He just wasn't sure how many more he could make before losing sight of who he was.
When they arrived at the compound, the tension in the air was palpable. Word of their mission must have spread, and the Yamael clan's members were watching Kazuki with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. He didn't blame them. His every move was under scrutiny, not just by the Azure Serpent but by his own people.
Inside the central hall, Soren awaited them, his expression unreadable as always. He sat at the head of the long table, his fingers steepled as he regarded Kazuki and Ayaka with his piercing gaze.
"So," Soren began, his voice calm but carrying a weight that demanded attention. "How did it go?"
Kazuki met his gaze, standing tall. "The exorcist won't be a problem. They've been dealt with."
Soren raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into the faintest of smiles. "Dealt with? A curious choice of words."
Kazuki's jaw tightened. "They're alive, but they won't return."
The smile vanished from Soren's face, replaced by a look of sharp interest. "You spared them."
It wasn't a question, and Kazuki could feel the weight of judgment in the older man's tone. "Yes. I made the call. Killing them would've solved nothing."
Soren leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "And what do you think Linnea will make of this decision? You were sent to prove your strength, not your mercy."
Kazuki stepped closer, his voice firm. "Strength isn't just about killing. It's about making the right choices, even when they're difficult. If Linnea can't see that, then perhaps the Azure Serpent isn't as wise as they claim to be."
Soren studied him for a long moment before letting out a low chuckle. "Spoken like a true Yamael. Bold, idealistic, and utterly infuriating." He rose from his chair, his gaze softening slightly. "But you'll learn, Kazuki. This world doesn't reward idealism. It punishes it."
Kazuki said nothing, his fists clenching at his sides. He didn't need a lecture from Soren. He knew the risks of his decision better than anyone.
Later that evening, Kazuki found himself standing on the compound's outer wall, staring out at the darkened forest. The moon hung low in the sky, its light casting an eerie glow over the treetops. The weight of the day's events pressed heavily on him, and for a moment, he allowed himself to feel the full extent of it.
"You look like you're carrying the world on your shoulders," a familiar voice said behind him.
Kazuki turned to see Shizuka approaching, her usual playful smirk softened into something more genuine. She leaned casually against the wall beside him, her arms crossed as she looked out at the forest.
"Shouldn't you be asleep?" Kazuki asked, his tone lighter than before.
Shizuka shrugged. "Couldn't sleep. Figured I'd find you brooding somewhere."
Kazuki let out a small chuckle despite himself. "Am I that predictable?"
"Only when you're stressed," Shizuka said with a grin. Her expression softened as she added, "You did the right thing today, you know."
Kazuki glanced at her, surprised. "You think so?"
Shizuka nodded. "You're trying to be better than the system, better than the factions. That's not weakness, Kazuki. That's what makes you different."
Her words struck a chord in him, and for the first time that day, he felt a small measure of relief. But it was fleeting. He knew the road ahead would only get harder.
"I just hope it's enough," Kazuki said quietly, his gaze returning to the horizon.
Shizuka reached out and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It will be. And if it's not, well, that's what you've got us for. You're not alone in this, Kazuki."
Kazuki looked at her, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks, Shizuka."
The moment was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Ayaka appeared, her expression as serious as ever. "Kazuki. Linnea has sent word. She wants to meet with you tomorrow."
Kazuki's smile faded, replaced by a look of grim determination. The game wasn't over yet. And the next move was his to make.