The night was colder than Kain expected. The wind whispered through the clearing, stirring the leaves and carrying with it the faint scents of woodsmoke and damp earth. Around him, the resistance members stood in a loose circle, their faces illuminated by the dim light of the lantern swaying above.
Sera hovered near his side, her small hand gripping the hem of his cloak tightly. She didn't say anything, but the way her wide eyes darted between the people gathered around them told Kain everything he needed to know: she was scared. And if Kain was honest, so was he.
"Alright," Arna said, breaking the silence. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the stillness like a blade. "Now that everyone's here, let's get to it. We've got a Syndicate supply caravan moving through the north pass tomorrow at dawn. They're transporting rations and energy cores for the enforcers stationed here in Reynes. If we intercept it, we cut off their resources and weaken their hold on the town."
A murmur rippled through the group. Galen leaned against a nearby tree, his arms crossed and his smirk as sharp as ever. "Weakening their hold is putting it lightly," he said. "Take out their supplies, and they'll start making mistakes. Desperate mistakes. That's when we hit them where it really hurts."
"We're not aiming for chaos, Galen," Arna snapped, her eyes narrowing. "This is about strategy, not bloodshed."
"Bloodshed might be what it takes," Galen shot back. "You think they'll just back off because we took some food and batteries? We're playing a game of force here, and we don't have time to pretend otherwise."
Arna's jaw tightened, but she didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she turned her attention to the rest of the group. "We'll divide into two teams. One will block the road to stall the caravan, while the other moves in to secure the supplies. Minimal confrontation. We're in and out before the enforcers can mount a response."
Kain folded his arms across his chest, his expression darkening. "And what happens if the enforcers show up sooner than you expect? What's your plan for the civilians driving that caravan?"
Arna glanced at him, her gaze measured. "We handle it. No one gets hurt unless they force our hand."
"And if they do?" Kain pressed, his voice calm but insistent. "Do you really think you can control what happens once the first shot is fired?"
Arna's lips pressed into a thin line. "We're not here to debate philosophy. This isn't some ideal world where everyone walks away unharmed. If you want to be part of this, you have to accept that there are risks."
Kain exhaled slowly, his fists clenching at his sides. "There are always risks. But if you let fear and anger dictate your choices, you're no better than the Syndicate."
The tension in the clearing thickened. Several members of the resistance glanced between Kain and Arna, their expressions uncertain. Galen's smirk widened, and he let out a low chuckle.
"Here we go," he said, pushing off the tree and stepping closer. "The pacifist speaks again. Tell me something, hero—if you're so worried about how we're doing this, what exactly do you suggest? Talk them into handing over the supplies?"
Kain met Galen's gaze without flinching. "No. But there's a way to do this without turning it into a bloodbath. You just have to be willing to think beyond your anger."
"And what's that way?" Arna asked, her tone sharp. "If you've got a better plan, now's the time to share it."
Kain hesitated, his mind racing. He didn't want to be part of this at all—didn't want to get involved in their fight. But walking away now wasn't an option. If they went through with this raid the way Galen wanted, it would escalate into something no one could control. And the people of Reynes would pay the price.
"Let me handle the caravan," he said finally. "No ambush, no fighting. Just me."
The group erupted in murmurs of disbelief. Galen laughed outright, shaking his head. "You've got to be kidding me."
"You can't be serious," Arna said, her tone laced with skepticism. "What are you going to do? Ask them nicely to hand over the supplies?"
Kain's voice was steady, but his eyes were hard. "If it means avoiding unnecessary violence, yes."
Galen threw up his hands in mock surrender. "Well, that settles it. Let's all just stand back and watch the Syndicate hand over their precious rations because Kain Vallis asked politely."
"Enough," Arna snapped, silencing the murmurs. She turned to Kain, her expression unreadable. "You really think you can pull this off?"
"I know the Syndicate," Kain said. "They act tough, but most of their lower-level workers are just scared people trying to survive. If I can convince them that it's in their best interest to walk away, we can get what we need without spilling blood."
"And if you can't?" Arna asked.
Kain's jaw tightened. "Then I'll deal with it. My way."
The silence that followed was heavy. Finally, Arna nodded. "Fine. You've got until dawn. If you're not back by then, we move in. Agreed?"
"Agreed," Kain said.
The cold of the early morning bit into Kain's skin as he crouched near the roadside, the faint glow of dawn creeping over the horizon. Sera sat beside him, shivering slightly despite the blanket draped over her shoulders.
"You don't have to be here," Kain said quietly. "It's going to be dangerous."
"I don't care," Sera said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands. "You said we're not supposed to just stand by while people get hurt. So I'm staying."
Kain couldn't argue with that. Instead, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Just stay behind me. No matter what happens."
A faint rumble reached his ears, and he turned his attention to the road. In the distance, the silhouette of the caravan emerged—a line of three heavy wagons flanked by two Syndicate enforcers on bikes. The enforcers' armor gleamed faintly in the growing light, their weapons holstered but ready.
Kain took a deep breath, steadying himself. He rose to his feet as the caravan drew closer, stepping into the middle of the road with his hands raised. The wagons slowed, their drivers shouting in confusion. The enforcers' bikes skidded to a halt, and one of them dismounted, drawing his weapon.
"You've got about three seconds to move, stranger," the enforcer barked. "Or I'll move you myself."
Kain held his ground, his voice calm but firm. "I don't want to fight. I just want to talk."
The enforcer laughed coldly. "You think we're here to chat? Get out of the way."
"If you keep going, you're heading straight into a trap," Kain said, his tone unshaking. "There's a group waiting for you up ahead. You can fight them if you want, but it won't end well for anyone. Or you can leave the supplies here and walk away."
The enforcer's eyes narrowed. "You're bluffing."
"Am I?" Kain asked, tilting his head slightly. "You've heard the stories. You know what happens when resistance groups get desperate. Do you really want to risk it?"
The enforcer hesitated, glancing back at his companion, who was still sitting on the bike. The drivers shifted nervously in their seats, clearly unnerved by the exchange.
"You're outnumbered," Kain continued, pressing his advantage. "Even if you win, it'll cost you. Is it worth your life?"
The enforcer's grip on his weapon tightened, but Kain could see the doubt in his eyes. He could see the calculation—the fear. Finally, the enforcer lowered his weapon, cursing under his breath.
"Take the supplies," he spat. "But if I see you again, you're dead."
Kain stepped aside as the enforcers turned their bikes around and sped off into the distance. The drivers quickly unhitched the wagons and fled, leaving the supplies behind.
Sera emerged from her hiding spot, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You did it," she whispered.
Kain exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing. "For now."
By the time they returned to the clearing with the supplies, the resistance members were waiting, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief. Galen scowled, but Arna stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Kain.
"You took a risk," she said. "But it worked."
"It won't always," Kain replied. "But we don't win by becoming them."
Arna studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Maybe you're right. Let's hope you're ready to prove it."