The group gathered around the blazing fire in the corner of the forest, where the darkness provided adequate cover after the fierce battle. Fatigue was evident on everyone, their bodies covered in wounds. Despite their exhaustion, there was a subtle sense of satisfaction gleaming in their eyes; they had saved the city from a destructive conspiracy.
Zan sat near the fire, tying a bandage around his injured arm, while Mei examined the spiritual stones they had acquired. Jian sat next to him, silently sharpening his sword, while Chen leaned against a tree trunk, gazing at the sky with a sarcastic smile on his face. As for Fai, he silently observed the group, as usual, while Lian tried to blend in, though he appeared tense.
Lian (softly):
"I want to say... I'm sorry."
The group turned to him. He continued speaking, trying to find the right words:
"If I hadn't made that mistake, we wouldn't have been in danger... and maybe we wouldn't have all been injured."
Chen chuckled lightly, saying sarcastically:
"Ah, Lian, if you're going to apologize every time you make a mistake, we'll need more time than this night."
Mei (calmly):
"Chen, let it be. Everyone makes mistakes, but the important thing is to learn from them."
Zan, who seemed preoccupied with tending to his wound, lifted his eyes and said firmly:
"Lian, you made a mistake, but you fought bravely. Mistakes teach us. Just make sure you're better prepared next time."
Lian felt some relief, but he couldn't shake the guilt weighing on his heart.
As they spoke, a familiar figure appeared from the shadows, surrounded by an aura of mystery. The mysterious agent had returned. He wore his usual gray cloak, and his eyes pierced through the darkness with a sharp gaze. He tossed a small pouch towards Zan.
Mysterious Agent (in a low voice):
"Good job. The mission is complete."
Zan carefully caught the pouch, opened it, and found a collection of glowing spiritual stones inside. He held one up between his fingers as the intertwined colors began to dance on its surface.
Lian, looking confused, asked softly:
"What are these?"
Zan answered confidently:
"Spiritual stones. A rare energy source, an invaluable treasure."
Mei (calmly):
"These stones can make us stronger, but they also attract those who covet them. We must be cautious."
Jian (mockingly):
"Ah, so now we're moving targets. How wonderful."
The mysterious agent ignored their remarks and turned to Zan directly.
"You are now part of a larger game. Caution is necessary, but don't fear. You've proven your worth."
Before leaving, Zan asked a question that had been on his mind from the start:
"Since you have such important information, that means you know people stronger than us. Why did you choose us for this mission?"
The mysterious agent smiled lightly, then answered:
"Because I didn't want to draw attention. You're an unknown group, and that's what I needed. Strong people attract attention, but you... you were the perfect choice."
Zan didn't speak but nodded his head.
The mysterious agent gave one last look at the group, then vanished into the darkness, just as he had appeared.
After the agent's departure, the group took a moment to reflect on what had happened. Lian sat beside Mei and began staring at the spiritual stones in awe.
Lian:
"Can these stones make me strong enough to avoid making mistakes again?"
Mei (reassuringly):
"Strength isn't just in the stones, Lian. It's in the heart and the mind. The stones can help, but they won't make the decisions for you."
Lian felt her words ease the weight of his guilt slightly.
Chen (with a sarcastic smile):
"If we had these stones, maybe we could buy a better place to sleep tonight instead of this forest."
Everyone laughed lightly, even Fai, who rarely spoke, gave a grunt of approval.
As the night calmed, and the group began to feel the weight of sleepiness, Lian stared into the fire. He had many questions, but for the first time, he felt like he belonged somewhere. This was just the beginning, and he knew the road ahead would be long, full of challenges and dangers.
He whispered to himself:
"I'll become stronger. I'll prove I deserve to be here."
With the arrival of morning, the group left the cave with heavy steps, making their masks a part of their unknown identities that couldn't be traced. They knew that the guards they had defeated belonged to the Silver Cloud Sect, and any mistake could reveal their identities and bring disaster.
Zan led the way cautiously, while Jian made sure the path was safe. Mei supported Lian, who seemed weak due to his injuries. As for Chen and Fai, they quietly talked in the back, exchanging sarcastic remarks about their condition.
Lian (hesitantly, looking at Mei):
"Why didn't we use the masks when we infiltrated in the first place? We could have ensured our identities weren't revealed, even if we failed."
Mei (with a slight smile):
"The masks were for direct confrontation only, Lian. The point of infiltration is that no one sees you in the first place."
Chen (smiling sarcastically):
"Well, it seems your plan was to make sure everyone saw you, right?"
Zan (interrupting seriously):
"Enough with the arguing. What matters now is that we finished the mission, and we need to leave before the sect sends reinforcements."
When they reached the city, they avoided the crowded neighborhoods and headed to a small clinic run by an old doctor who specialized in treating mercenaries and fighters.
Old Doctor (while treating them):
"Your injuries are serious, but you can survive. It's clear you were facing formidable opponents."
After they recovered somewhat, they rented a room in a small inn. They gathered around a table, and Zan began to take out the spiritual stones they had received as a reward from the mysterious agent.
Zan (thoughtfully, looking at the stones):
"These stones are our chance to become stronger. We must use them wisely." After saying this, he handed each person a spiritual stone.
They sat in a circle, each holding a spiritual stone. Pure energy flowed into their bodies like a calm river, healing their wounds and giving them a sense of renewed strength.
Lian felt the energy flow inside him, but he also felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He realized that strength wasn't just physical ability, but the decision to be wiser and less hasty.
The next day, the group headed to the local tavern to listen to rumors. The place was crowded with mercenaries and traders, each talking about the latest news. They sat in a dark corner, keeping their masks under their cloaks, ready to pick up any information.
Mercenary (quietly):
"I heard that the Silver Cloud Sect is angry about losing one of their important shipments. They say they're looking for those responsible."
Zan exchanged a look with the group, concern appearing on their faces.
Mei (softly):
"It seems what we did was just the beginning. If they're looking for us, we'll have to be more careful."
Chen (laughing sarcastically):
"Maybe we should send them a thank you note for not figuring out our identities thanks to the masks."
Jian let out a short laugh, while Fai remained silent as usual, but his sharp gaze was watching everyone in the tavern.