The training yard was alive with the sound of clashing steel. Kazuki ducked under Ayaka's swing, sweat dripping down his temple as her blade sliced the air where his head had been moments before. Her precision was unnerving, each strike calculated to exploit any opening in his defense.
"Faster," Ayaka snapped, her tone sharp. "You hesitate too much. In battle, hesitation gets you killed."
Kazuki gritted his teeth, deflecting her next strike and countering with a swift thrust. Ayaka sidestepped effortlessly, spinning behind him and delivering a light strike to his back with the flat of her blade.
"Too predictable," she said, stepping back to reset their stance.
Kazuki exhaled heavily, lowering his sword. "You're relentless, you know that?"
Ayaka sheathed her blade, a faint smirk crossing her lips. "And you're still alive because of it. Don't forget that."
Before Kazuki could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted their sparring session. Shizuka appeared at the edge of the training yard, her usually carefree expression replaced with a rare seriousness.
"We've got a problem," she said, her voice low but urgent.
Ayaka's demeanor shifted immediately, her hand instinctively moving to her sword hilt. "What is it?"
Shizuka gestured for them to follow. "Soren needs you both in the war room. Now."
The war room was filled with tension when they arrived. Soren stood at the head of the table, his expression grim. A handful of senior clan members were gathered, their murmured conversations halting as Kazuki entered.
"We've intercepted troubling reports," Soren began without preamble, his gaze sweeping the room. "Another faction has made a move against the Azure Serpent. A direct assault on one of their outposts near our border."
Kazuki frowned, stepping closer to the table. "Which faction?"
"The Scarlet Wraiths," Soren said, his voice dripping with disdain. "A rogue group of mercenaries with a reputation for brutality. They've been targeting smaller factions for months, and now they've decided to challenge the Azure Serpent."
Ayaka crossed her arms. "Why does this concern us? Let the Azure Serpent handle their problems."
Soren's eyes narrowed. "Because the attack occurred in Yamael territory. If we don't act, it will be seen as a sign of weakness—not just by the Azure Serpent, but by every faction watching us."
Kazuki felt a knot form in his stomach. "And if we do act? Won't that just draw us further into their conflict?"
Soren nodded, his expression unreadable. "Exactly. It's a delicate situation, Kazuki. One that requires careful handling."
Shizuka leaned against the wall, her arms crossed. "Careful handling isn't exactly the Wraiths' style. If we don't hit them hard, they'll see it as an invitation to come back."
Kazuki glanced at her, then at Ayaka. Both of them were right, in their own way. But the decision ultimately rested on him.
"What's our next move?" Kazuki asked, his tone steady.
Soren gestured to a map spread across the table. "The Wraiths are holed up in an abandoned fort near the attack site. We'll send a small team to eliminate the threat before it escalates. Quick and efficient."
Kazuki studied the map, his mind racing. The fort was positioned strategically, surrounded by dense forest that would make a direct assault risky. But if they could strike quickly and quietly, they might have a chance to neutralize the Wraiths without drawing too much attention.
"I'll lead the team," Kazuki said firmly.
Soren raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's wise? This isn't just about proving yourself. One misstep, and the consequences could be catastrophic."
Kazuki met his gaze, his voice unwavering. "I know the risks. But this is my responsibility. I won't delegate it to someone else."
Soren studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. Choose your team carefully. You leave at nightfall."
As night fell, Kazuki stood at the edge of the forest, his chosen team gathered around him. Ayaka, Shizuka, and two of the clan's best scouts—Haru and Ren—waited for his signal. Each of them was dressed for stealth, their weapons glinting faintly in the moonlight.
"Remember," Kazuki said quietly, addressing the group. "This isn't a frontal assault. We move in, assess the situation, and neutralize the Wraiths before they can regroup. Minimize casualties where possible."
Ayaka nodded, her expression as serious as ever. Shizuka gave him a small grin, her daggers already in hand. "Let's get this over with. I'm not a fan of midnight strolls."
The group moved silently through the forest, the only sounds the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional distant hoot of an owl. As they approached the fort, Kazuki signaled for the group to stop, crouching behind a cluster of bushes.
The fort was a crumbling structure, its walls covered in vines and moss. A handful of Wraiths stood guard outside, their armor mismatched but their weapons sharp and well-maintained. Kazuki counted six visible guards, but he knew there were likely more inside.
"We'll split up," Kazuki whispered, gesturing to the group. "Haru and Ren, take the left flank. Shizuka, you're with me on the right. Ayaka, cover us from the rear and be ready to engage if things go wrong."
The group nodded, and Kazuki gave the signal to move. Haru and Ren disappeared into the shadows, their movements nearly silent. Kazuki and Shizuka crept along the right side of the fort, staying low to avoid detection.
As they neared the wall, Kazuki caught sight of a small gap in the stonework. He motioned for Shizuka to follow him, and the two of them slipped through the opening, finding themselves inside the fort's outer perimeter.
The interior was eerily quiet, the air thick with tension. Kazuki could feel his pulse quicken as he scanned the area, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword.
Then, a shout rang out, shattering the silence.
"Intruders!"
Kazuki cursed under his breath, drawing his sword as the Wraiths sprang into action. Shizuka darted forward, her daggers flashing as she took down the nearest guard with deadly precision.
Kazuki parried a strike from another Wraith, his blade clashing against theirs with a metallic screech. He countered with a swift slash, disarming his opponent before delivering a final blow.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Ayaka leap into the fray, her movements a blur as she cut down two Wraiths with ruthless efficiency. Haru and Ren emerged from the shadows, their arrows finding their marks with deadly accuracy.
Despite their initial success, the Wraiths quickly regrouped, their numbers greater than Kazuki had anticipated. The battle intensified, the air filled with the clash of steel and the cries of combat.
Kazuki's focus sharpened, his movements instinctive as he fought to protect his team. But as the Wraiths continued to press their advantage, he realized the fight was far from over.
And this was only the beginning.