The fort was a maelstrom of chaos. Wraiths poured from every shadowy corner, their weapons gleaming in the dim moonlight as they clashed with Kazuki's team. Despite their superior skill, the sheer number of opponents threatened to overwhelm them.
Kazuki ducked beneath a horizontal slash, his sword countering with a clean arc that disarmed his opponent. He pivoted, blocking another strike aimed at his blind spot, his muscles burning with effort.
"Shizuka, flank them!" he barked, glancing over his shoulder.
"On it!" Shizuka's voice came from the shadows, her daggers slicing through the air with lethal precision. Two Wraiths fell before they could even react, their bodies collapsing silently to the ground.
Ayaka fought with brutal efficiency, her blade a blur as she engaged three opponents at once. Her movements were fluid, calculated—every strike either a kill or a crippling blow. But even she seemed to be feeling the strain as more enemies surged forward.
"This isn't sustainable!" she called out, her tone sharp. "We need to regroup!"
Kazuki gritted his teeth, parrying another attack. She was right. They couldn't hold their ground indefinitely, not against this many foes. His eyes darted to the fort's inner courtyard, where a larger group of Wraiths seemed to be rallying. They were preparing for a counterassault—one that could decimate his team if they didn't act quickly.
"Haru! Ren!" Kazuki shouted. "Cover our retreat to the inner courtyard! We need to break their formation."
The two scouts nodded, quickly nocking arrows and letting them fly. Their shots were precise, forcing the Wraiths to scatter and giving Kazuki and the others a moment to maneuver.
"Move!" Kazuki ordered, leading the charge toward the courtyard.
The inner courtyard was eerily quiet compared to the frenzied battle outside. The air was heavy with anticipation, the faint rustle of movement hinting at unseen threats. Kazuki motioned for his team to spread out, their weapons at the ready.
Shizuka crouched beside him, her eyes scanning the area. "This feels like a trap."
"It probably is," Kazuki muttered. "Stay sharp."
They didn't have to wait long. A sudden roar shattered the silence as the Wraiths burst from the shadows, their leader at the forefront. He was a towering figure, clad in piecemeal armor that looked more scavenged than crafted. A wickedly curved blade gleamed in his hands, its edge stained with dried blood.
"So, the Yamael send children to do their dirty work," the leader sneered, his voice a deep rumble. "How disappointing."
Kazuki stepped forward, his sword held steady. "Disappointing is hiding in the shadows, attacking the weak, and calling it strength."
The leader's grin widened, his teeth bared like a predator. "Bold words for someone about to die."
With a bellow, the leader charged, his blade swinging in a wide arc. Kazuki barely managed to block the strike, the force of the blow reverberating through his arms. He countered with a quick thrust, but the leader sidestepped, his movements deceptively fast for his size.
The battle erupted once more, the courtyard descending into chaos. Ayaka engaged two Wraiths at once, her blade cutting through their defenses with precision. Haru and Ren picked off enemies from a distance, their arrows finding their marks even in the confusion.
Kazuki focused on the leader, their blades clashing in a fierce duel. The man was a formidable opponent, his strength and experience evident in every strike. Kazuki had to rely on speed and strategy, using his agility to stay one step ahead.
"You're not bad," the leader admitted, his tone almost conversational. "But you're out of your depth."
Kazuki didn't respond, his focus entirely on the fight. He feinted left, then pivoted sharply, his blade slicing across the leader's arm. The man growled in pain, but his grip on his weapon didn't falter.
"Not enough," the leader hissed, his strikes growing more frenzied.
Kazuki could feel his strength waning, each clash of their blades sapping his energy. He needed an opening—something to tip the scales in his favor.
Meanwhile, Shizuka was weaving through the chaos, her daggers a blur as she struck down Wraith after Wraith. She spotted Haru struggling against a particularly aggressive opponent and moved to assist, her blade finding the man's neck in a single swift motion.
"You owe me," she quipped, flashing Haru a quick grin before disappearing back into the fray.
Ayaka, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of controlled fury. Her movements were precise, efficient, and devastating. But even she was beginning to show signs of fatigue, her breathing heavier than before.
"We need to finish this!" Ayaka shouted, her voice cutting through the noise.
Kazuki heard her, but his focus remained locked on the leader. He dodged another powerful swing, his feet skidding slightly on the uneven ground. His mind raced as he searched for an opportunity to turn the tide.
Then he saw it—a momentary lapse in the leader's defense. It was brief, almost imperceptible, but it was enough.
Kazuki lunged forward, his sword driving into the man's side. The leader let out a guttural roar, his blade falling from his hands as he staggered back.
For a moment, the courtyard went still. The remaining Wraiths hesitated, their confidence faltering as they watched their leader collapse to his knees.
Kazuki stood over the man, his sword poised for a finishing strike. The leader glared up at him, defiance still burning in his eyes.
"Do it," the man spat. "Show me what kind of leader you really are."
Kazuki hesitated, his grip tightening on his sword. He could feel the weight of his team's eyes on him, waiting for his decision. The moment stretched, the air thick with tension.
Finally, Kazuki lowered his blade. "You're done," he said quietly. "Your men are done. Leave this place and never return."
The leader stared at him, disbelief flashing across his face. Then he let out a bitter laugh, blood dripping from his lips. "You think mercy makes you strong? You'll regret this."
Kazuki stepped back, his expression unreadable. "Maybe. But that's my choice to make."
The remaining Wraiths began to retreat, carrying their wounded leader with them. As the dust settled, Kazuki turned to his team, his chest heaving with exertion.
"It's over," he said, though he knew the words were only partially true.
The battle was won, but the war was far from over.