Hikari leans against the counter, arms crossed, his tone sharp. "So, Bachi, what's the plan? You've been hyping up these mercenaries. How are we dealing with them?"
Sumire interrupts, gesturing to the back of the shop. "Follow me."
Bachi quickly locks the door and closes the shutters as they follow her to a makeshift war table. A tattered map of the kingdom lies before them, marked with red and blue symbols.
Sumire points to the east. "We're here, on the outskirts. The mercenaries control the capital in the center. Direct attacks won't work—they'd crush us. But if we move south to Logue City, we can rally loyalists before advancing on the capital."
She pauses, her fingers trembling slightly as she traces their path on the map. A faint memory flickers in her mind—a younger Sumire sitting on her father's lap as he explained the kingdom's geography.
Flashback:
Her father's warm voice resonates:
"Sumire, every kingdom has its heart. But the strength lies in its people. Protect them, and the kingdom will endure."
Young Sumire smiles up at him. "I'll make you proud, Papa."
Back in the present, Sumire clenches her fist. "We have to move quickly. Every second we waste, they get stronger."
Before anyone can respond, the shop's window shatters.
---
Scene 2: The Attack
Glass rains down as two shadowy figures stride inside: Ms. Friday, with her twin daggers glinting menacingly, and Mr. Thursday, gripping a massive mace.
Liu Ming's hand hovers near his weapon. "Who are they?"
Sumire's face pales. "How did they find us?"
Ms. Friday grins wickedly. "Someone close to you had a price. Turns out, it wasn't very high."
Bachi's eyes narrow. "They're the weakest of the mercenaries. But don't underestimate them."
Mr. Thursday bristles, his voice booming. "Weak? You'll regret that insult!"
---
Ms. Friday dashes toward Kael, her daggers slashing through the air. Kael sidesteps effortlessly, his blade sparking against her weapons in a clash of steel.
Mr. Thursday swings his mace at Hikari, the air vibrating with its force. Hikari ducks, delivering a counterpunch that cracks the floorboards beneath them.
Liu Ming moves like a shadow, landing a precise strike to Ms. Friday's side, disarming her.
Within moments, both mercenaries lie unconscious.
Outside, Mr. Green leans against a lamppost, casually smoking a cigar. His sharp eyes scan the scene inside. He chuckles softly. "So, this is the group causing all the fuss. Pathetic."
As Bachi and the others escape into the night, Mr. Green flicks his cigar to the ground, muttering, "I know exactly where they'll go next."
---
The group treks through the endless desert, the sun beating down mercilessly. Sand whirls around them in biting gusts.
Bachi wipes sweat from his brow. "I didn't know you guys were that strong."
Kael smirks but doesn't reply. His gaze sharpens as he spots movement in the distance. "Camels," he says, pointing to a small caravan.
The caravan's owner approaches, adjusting his robe. His friendly demeanor eases the group's tension.
As they ride, Hikari shoots a sideways glance at Sumire. "What's with her? She's always so... intense."
Bachi chuckles. "She's not as tough as she pretends. This kingdom's been through hell, and she's had to harden herself to survive. But at heart? She's one of the kindest people I know."
Sumire, overhearing, glances away, her expression unreadable.
---
The scene shifts to a bleak, windswept battlefield. A colossal fortress looms in the distance, its walls scarred by past sieges.
Inside, a massive figure is bound by enchanted chains in a dimly lit cell. Guards stand nearby, their faces pale with fear despite the restraints.
"Wake up, Jude," a gruff guard sneers, poking the giant with a spear.
Jude stirs, his deep voice resonating like distant thunder. "Still afraid of a man in chains?"
The guard laughs nervously, but Jude's piercing gaze freezes him in place.