In the quiet morning, a week after the harrowing incident with the guards, Kazu and his family had settled into a semblance of normalcy. The girls, Tara and Ari, had become regulars at the house, relishing movie nights and the refreshing ice water from the refrigerator door. Even the male members of their team had paid a couple of visits during the week, further cementing the camaraderie among them.
On this particular morning, Kazu and Anna were preparing for the day ahead when the familiar sound of a knock disrupted their routine. Lina, always attentive, had rushed downstairs to greet the visitors and inform Kazu of their arrival.
"The Guard Commander is here to talk to you," Lina said, her voice carrying a hint of respect.
Kazu, ever the gentleman, placed a gentle hand on Lina's shoulder and patted her head, his warm smile offering comfort. "Thank you, Lina. Let's go greet our esteemed guests."
Descending the stairs, Kazu and his companions were met by the Commander, his imposing figure accompanied by two guards. The group exchanged nods, and Kazu, ever the host, offered, "Gentlemen, please, come inside. If our discussion is to be an extensive one, we can retire to the dining room."
The Commander, a man of few words, nodded his assent. "The dining room will suffice."
Leading the way, Kazu guided the Commander and his guards to the designated room, while Lina, ever efficient, darted into the kitchen to prepare refreshments. The Commander, having taken note of Kazu's consideration, requested the presence of all the hunters in the house, prompting Anna to scurry off to gather them.
As they entered the dining room, the atmosphere grew tense. The guards laid out a meticulous array of papers and maps, the very documents that held the secrets of their predicament. The Commander, his eyes narrowed in concentration, began to organize the information, sorting it into distinct piles, each presumably representing a different aspect of their investigation.
Finally, with everyone seated around the table, the Commander commenced his briefing. "I am Lord Behlah Bon Chevalier, Guard Commander of Touren Village, and son of the province's lord. Over the past week, we've interrogated the guards who invaded your home. The insights provided by Kazu during his interrogation have been invaluable, leading to further revelations about Warlord Ozul Casimir and his intentions. I'm afraid the news is not encouraging."
With a deliberate gesture, the Commander shifted the map on his right, positioning it in the center of the table. "This is the area currently under Casimir's control," he explained, his finger tracing the outline. "And here," he continued, indicating a much smaller area, "is where we reside, a mere 10 kilometers from the edge of his domain. Intelligence and interrogations all point to the Kingdom of Albion as his next target, with Touren Village as the first conquest in this province."
A palpable tension filled the room as the Commander revealed the grim numbers. "If we were to gather every soldier and hunter in the kingdom, we could muster around 12,000 troops. However, Casimir's forces are estimated to number nearly 50,000. Our current strategy involves delaying tactics, buying time to train more soldiers, but neither the King nor my father is overly optimistic."
Kazu, ever pragmatic, interjected. "To stall their advance, we must target their supply lines. An army of that size requires an immense amount of food, not to mention provisions for horses and support personnel. Disrupting just a few shipments and injuring some soldiers should force them to either retreat or divert troops to safeguard their supplies, either way slowing their momentum."
The Commander, his eyes narrowing in thought, pondered Kazu's suggestion. "How large a force would we need for such raids? A hundred? A thousand?"
Kazu's smile held a touch of mischief. "A small strike force should suffice. As their path to the village seems to traverse my property, I volunteer my services. This warlord, the same one who ravaged Anna's hometown, must be stopped. My family is my priority, and I will ensure their safety. Disrupting their supply lines far from our home is the better option. My loved ones, especially those left behind, will be spared the chaos of battle, stray arrows, and unwanted attention."
The Commander, intrigued by Kazu's proposition, inquired further. "Wait, earlier you said injure them? Wouldn't it be more effective to kill them?"
Kazu's response was thoughtful. "In theory, killing a soldier reduces the enemy's strength. However, in practice, injuring a soldier often removes two extra soldiers from the battlefield, as they must be dragged to safety. Leg injuries, in particular, are ideal, as they are rarely life-threatening and can remove the maximum number of soldiers. Anna once shared that the men in her village were forced to join the warlord's army under the threat of death. I'd prefer to give these conscripted soldiers a chance at redemption, allowing them to return to their homes and families when this is all over."
Lord Behlah, impressed by Kazu's strategic insight and compassion, agreed. "According to our intelligence, Casimir funds his wars through the enslavement and sale of women and children. The beastkin children you rescued were intended for this purpose. When you intervened and threatened them, you became a target. They believed that with you out of the way, they could take your girls and the beastkin children. Astonishingly, they thought you'd allow yourself to be arrested for something that isn't even illegal."
The Commander began to gather his papers, a sign that the meeting was drawing to a close. "When you embark on this mission, promise me you'll be careful. I'll send someone to watch over your home and those who remain."
Tara, ever the protective friend, spoke up. "If we're not accompanying you, we'll stay here and ensure the safety of your girls."
Lord Behlah acknowledged Tara's commitment with a nod of appreciation.
Kazu, his expression warm, turned to Tara. "Thank you, Tara. I trust you and your team implicitly to safeguard my family. Felina, can you transfer control of your sentries to Rask? It would add an extra layer of security."
Felina, always up for a challenge, shrugged. "I'll give it a try. It should be possible to set her up as a secondary command, or something similar."
Kazu, satisfied, smiled. "Excellent. Let me know how it goes. Everyone, gather the supplies you'll need for at least a week of camping and combat. We'll put everything in my bag, so bring as much as you deem necessary. We depart in an hour."
45 minutes later, the hustle and bustle in the house had reached a crescendo as the girls and Felix scurried around, gathering supplies for Kazu's impending mission. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stew wafted from the kitchen, where Lina, Petal, and Felina were working their culinary magic, ensuring a well-stocked larder for the journey. Kazu, meanwhile, spent the hour bolstering the property's defenses with a magician's touch, installing subtle fortifications and enchanting a set of handheld voice-activated magic devices. These new tools, larger than the matchsticks but harnessing more potent magic, were a testament to his skill and foresight.
Kazu also found the time to craft two more rings, similar to the ones he had previously given to Anna and Felina. These new rings were bestowed upon Tara and Arwain, with a brief tutorial on their usage. After a thorough preparation and the loading of the Spatial Bag, Kazu made his farewell rounds, offering hugs and goodbyes to those staying behind.
The team set off from the secluded back corner of the property, embarking on their mission. Six hours into their journey, as they traversed a serene game trail, a playful squirrel leaped onto Felina's shoulder, its presence signaling an impending encounter. The squirrel's chatter, interpreted by Felina, revealed the proximity of a substantial encampment of armored soldiers, approximately a kilometer ahead.
"It seems we have company," Felina remarked, grinning. "The squirrel says there's a feast of nuts ahead, enough to feed him for a month."
Kazu's laughter echoed through the forest, lightening the mood. "Time to crack some nuts, then! Let's show these soldiers who they're dealing with."
Orolfie and Orelfa, relishing the prospect of battle, exchanged eager smiles. As they neared the camp, Kazu made a strategic decision, swapping out their 'cut everything' weapons for 'break everything' alternatives. The sisters brandished imposing war hammers, the twins equipped themselves with sleek black steel tonfas, and Kazu and Anna readied steel-tipped bo staffs.
The camp, bustling with activity, lay just ahead. Approximately a hundred soldiers and twenty supporters were busily engaged in various tasks. Kazu's voice, calm and authoritative, "Remember, our goal is to injure a third of the soldiers. Five each, then we retreat. Precision and control are key."
The team crept forward, Felina's shadow magic cloaking her presence, while Kazu and Felix used light magic to conceal the others. A well-coordinated assault was about to unfold.
The camp loomed ahead, a bustling hive of activity with soldiers going about their duties. Felina, the master of shadows, seamlessly merged with the darkness, cloaking her presence from prying eyes. Meanwhile, Kazu and Felix employed their light magic to conceal the rest of the group, ensuring they remained unseen. With precise coordination, they advanced towards their target.
Felix, Felina, and Anna, a trio of stealthy operatives, maneuvered to the opposite end of the camp, awaiting the signal to strike. A minute passed in tense anticipation, and then the silence was shattered by Orolfie's battle cry. The soldiers, startled, turned as one towards the source of the roar.
The twins, their magic no longer necessary, unleashed their assault. With swift and precise movements, they broke the legs of six unsuspecting soldiers, sending them to the ground in agony. The chaos that ensued provided the perfect cover for Kazu's group to launch their attack.
As some soldiers rushed to aid their injured comrades, Kazu's team sprang into action. With calculated strength and agility, they inflicted injuries on their targets, carefully avoiding fatal blows. Orelfa, a force to be reckoned with, focused her efforts on the wagon wheels, rendering them useless with methodical strikes.
Within a minute, the battle was over. Kazu's group retreated into the forest, leaving behind a scene of chaos and confusion. Thirty soldiers lay on the ground, their cries of pain echoing through the camp.
Five minutes later, Kazu's and Anna's groups reconvened in the forest, away from the enemy's reach. They swiftly set up camp, taking care to erase their tracks and maintain a safe distance from the enemy. Felix, Anna, and Felina worked in harmony to create a temporary sanctuary, while Kazu and the sisters patrolled the area, vigilant for any potential threats.
Dinner, prepared by Kazu, was a communal affair, with everyone seated around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter. The atmosphere, though somber, was filled with camaraderie and purpose. After the meal, Kazu excused himself, his footsteps fading into the darkness as he ventured back towards the enemy camp.
As he approached, the camp seemed eerily quiet. The tents stood tall, but the absence of horses and the stillness of the surroundings were unnerving. Cautiously, he ventured deeper, his eyes scanning the area. The sight that greeted him was macabre—soldiers lay motionless, their bodies strewn across the camp.
Kazu moved closer, his heart heavy with dread. Thirty-six soldiers, each bearing the mark of a fatal sword wound, lay before him. All but six had broken legs, a grim testament to their previous encounter. Three of the fallen, adorned with rank badges, stood out amidst the carnage.
With a heavy heart, Kazu collected the weapons and usable supplies, placing them in his bag. He paused at each fallen soldier, a silent tribute to their sacrifice. The camp, once a bustling center of activity, now lay silent, a haunting reminder of the brutality of war.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the battlefield, Kazu, his heart heavy with grief, embarked on a solemn task. With his earth magic, he crafted a grave for each fallen soldier, a final resting place for those who had lost their lives in the senseless conflict.
The young man he held with care, barely old enough to be called a man, was the last to be laid to rest. Kazu's eyes glowed with sorrow as he whispered his apologies, wishing he could have spared him from this cruel fate. "I'm sorry, young one. I wanted to keep people safe, to prevent such needless deaths. Why did they take you from your family, from a life you deserved?"
A voice, ethereal and faint, drifted from behind. "We did not want to kill the injured. But the commander and his officers..." The speaker's words were tinged with bitterness and regret. "They killed us, the three of us who dared to protest, to keep the others in line. And the other three, chosen as a grim reminder, were slain to reinforce the message, protect the officers. We were expendable, a disposable asset in their eyes."
Kazu's heart ached as he listened, placing a gentle hand on the spirit's shoulder, feeling a solidness that defied expectation. "Two-thirds of our unit was forced into this," the spirit continued. "We were farmers, tradesmen, fathers, sons... all we wanted was to return home. If you could take out the officers, we'd surrender. Just let the others know they'll live."
Kazu offered a comforting smile, his hand warm on the spirit's shoulder. "Rest now, young warrior. May you find peace and happiness in your next life."
As he finished, the spirit transformed into a radiant orb, soaring upwards, its light fading as it veered towards Albion. A moment later, the graves Kazu had created began to stir, the spirits of the buried soldiers rising as glowing orbs, each seeking its own path. Some followed the first spirit, while others dispersed in various directions.
Kazu watched, transfixed, as the glowing orbs vanished beyond the horizon. With a heavy heart, he returned to his task, engraving headstones with care. On thirty-three stones, he chiseled, 'Brave man of Vayna, laid to rest. Your sacrifice, taken by Warlord Ozul Casimir's madness, will be remembered and honored.'
But for the officers, their gravestones bore a different message, a scathing indictment of their choices: 'Willingly followed Warlord Ozul Casimir's madness. Your folly will be mocked, then forgotten.'
With a final bow, Kazu turned to leave, his heart burdened by the weight of the fallen, but determined to honor their memories and ensure their sacrifice was not in vain.
Heading back to his camp, Kazu uses the ring he gave Tara to relay the information the spirit gave him. He also asks if she can ask him to send a detachment to the current border to welcome any saved soldiers or refugees. Tara assures him she will relay the information and the request to the commander first thing in the morning.
A little while later, Kazu arrives back at his team's camp and informs his team about what he found. They discuss the ramifications of what Kazu learned, and they come up with a plan to deal with them in the future. Their collective decision was to take their supplies, send the unwilling soldiers to safety, and decimate the officers.
Anna and the twins go to bed as Kazu and the sisters keep watch. Four uneventful hours later, they wake the sleeping trio and switch places with them. The sisters cuddle up to him as they fall asleep.
Four hours later, Felina wakes them just before the break of dawn. Without a moment's thought, they all begin breaking down the camp like they have been camping for years. A look of determination on each of their faces. Kazu places everything in his bag as soon as each piece is ready. From waking them up to loading everything into his bag, it takes less than 10 minutes to break down their camp.
They head back to the now-empty enemy camp. Following the very noticeable hoof and boot tracks of the retreating soldiers, they head deeper into enemy territory. They continue following the trail until they see multiple different tracks joining together. The new trail includes several wagon tracks along with hundreds of bootprints.
Several hours of walking later, they see campfire smoke over the hill. The twins and the Orc sisters move away from the road as Kazu and Anna continue their journey towards the campfires. Halfway to the camp, a dozen soldiers stop them. Three of the soldiers have rank insignia on their chests.
A soldier, his weathered face marked by a jagged scar and adorned with a polished brass rank badge, steps forward with a practiced glare. His voice cuts through the dusty air, "You're a big bastard. Who are you, and what are you doing traversing our lord's territory?"
Kazu answers, "We are merchants heading home after a month-long delivery. Who might you be? That uniform does not appear to be an Albion uniform. Must be for some rinky-dink local feefdom, I doubt someone with any power would have their soldiers wear something so tacky."
"This region is under Lord Ozul Casimir's rule now. Now show the respect he is due." The officer says with a hint of annoyance.
"Absolutely, I will show all the reverence and respect Lewd Oral Cakersore deserves," Kazu says with a serious expression.
"Wait, if you two are merchants, where are your goods?" The officer interrupts, revealing his lack of attention to Kazu's previous statement.
Kazu fixes his gaze on the officer, his voice dripping with condescension. "Let me break this down for you: we bring our goods to someone, they pay for said goods, we deliver the goods, then we head home. Which means we have money for the goods, but the goods are no longer with us." Kazu turns to Anna, "Sweetie, are merchants supposed to haul their wares back and forth like pack mules, or do they, oh, I don't know, supposed to actually sell them?" He turns back to the officer, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "I've always heard that there are no stupid questions, but you proved there are exceptions to that rule. Perhaps you might want to engage that brain of yours before asking such a spectacularly ignorant question."
Several of the unranked soldiers stifled their laughter, their grins barely concealed. The ranked officer invaded Kazu's personal space, his breath hot with anger. "Looks like someone needs to learn some respect," he snarled, "I'll teach you how to treat your superiors."
Kazu leaned in close, meeting the officer's glare with icy contempt. "When did incompetent buffoons become qualified to teach anything? You might excel at making a slug look dignified, but you're still less impressive than pond scum. I suppose that's what happens when your promotion comes from someone with a name like Lewd Anal Crapsmear."
The angry officer's hand reaches for his sword, yet he barely grazes his sword hilt before Anna erupts into motion. Her wide beam watershot strikes his knees with surgical precision. His legs buckle grotesquely, folding backward at an impossible angle with a sickening pop of cartilage. Before he can even comprehend the assault, Anna's knee drives upward with explosive force, crushing his nose into a crimson bloom of cartilage and blood. He crumples unconsciously to the dirt, reminding Kazu of a discarded marionette.
As Anna began he attack, Kazu conjured miniature cyclones that descended upon the remaining officers like vengeful spirits. The tornadoes wrap around their heads, an invisible vise that begins to forcefully extract oxygen. The officers' desperate attempts to escape become increasingly frantic - stumbling, clawing at their throats, lungs burning with primal panic. Their muffled choking sounds fade as the whirling vortexes drain their strength, and within moments, they collapse, sprawled across the ground in unconscious heaps. The unranked soldiers stand frozen, their wide eyes telegraphing a mixture of shock, fear, and something close to awe at the swift, brutal efficiency of the unexpected attack.
As the unconscious officers lay like broken marionettes in the dust, their limbs twisted at unnatural angles, Kazu turned his gaze to the stunned soldiers. "I understand that you do not want to be in this army," Kazu's voice was a low, dangerous whisper that seemed to slice through the tense silence, "am I correct?"
Every soldier stood motionless, their eyes wide and fixed on Kazu like prey transfixed by a predator. Their collective response was a ragged chorus of affirmation, voices trembling with a mixture of fear and desperate hope. "Albion is about twenty kilometers in the direction we came from," Kazu continued, his words precise and calculated. "A detachment of Albion troops waits at the border. Head that way, disarm when you see them, and they will provide sanctuary until this war concludes. Unless, of course, you wish to return to the nightmare you've just escaped."
The soldiers exchanged quick, meaningful glances, the promise of freedom hanging in the air like a tangible thing. "What do you choose?" Kazu's final question hung in the air.
The weary soldiers trudge past Kazu and Anna, their dust-caked boots leaving faint imprints in the soft earth. Each soldier offers a heartfelt "thank you" as they pass, their voices hoarse and tinged with exhaustion and gratitude. The remaining members of Kazu's team converge on Kazu's position.
Kazu asks, "What do we do with these three? They are prisoners now. It would be wrong to kill them and a waste of time to carry them to the border."
Anna smiles, "Let's see what happens when we take them to their camp. Will they be interested in getting them back, or will they also be expendable? We already know they will most likely kill the one with the broken legs, but what about the other two?"
Kazu contemplates for a moment, then responds. "Alright, but if they kill them, the officers from now on are fair game. No more being nice to them, no taking prisoners, and no second chances. If they will be ruthless to their men, we will treat them the same. I guess you can say it's an eye for an eye type of thing." Everyone nods in agreement.
As they begin walking towards the camp, Kazu hoists the officer with the broken legs over his shoulder like a sack of grain, the man's legs swaying in unnatural ways. The Orc sisters hoist the other officers over their shoulders, imitating the way Kazu is carrying his officer.
Anna, walking beside Kazu, says, "I think I bruised my knee on his face. Could you look at it later?"
Kazu smiles at her, "Absolutely, anytime you want me to inspect your legs, just let me know. I'll look as much as you want… then I'll kiss your boo-boos until you feel better."
Anna blushes at the obvious flirting, then responds. "Do not give me that option, we'd never leave the tent."
Orolfie saunters closer, her muscular Half-Orc frame swaying, and dramatically clutches her chest with exaggerated vulnerability. "I have some boo-boos too; you are welcome to kiss them as much as you want," she purrs, her green skin tinged with a hint of playful blush. Her overt, almost comically misplaced flirting and complete misunderstanding of the conversation spark an immediate and explosive reaction from Kazu and Anna, who burst into uncontrollable laughter.
After composing himself, Kazu pulls Orolfie in for a hug. "I'll keep that in mind," he says before kissing her forehead.
After a few more minutes of playful banter and flirtatious exchanges, Kazu, Orelfa, and Orolfie approach the camp's perimeter. Anna, Felix, and Felina have already melted into the dense forest's tree line, their forms becoming indistinguishable from the shadows. A dozen stern-faced soldiers, their leather armor creaking and weapons gleaming, abruptly halt their progress. Surveying the bustling military encampment, Kazu's keen eyes sweep across rows of tents, supply wagons, and soldiers moving with little to no precision. He quickly calculates that nearly 1,000 troops are in the camp, a formidable-looking force that fills the landscape with an air of impending conflict. His gaze meticulously scans the soldiers, searching for the telltale glint of brass and embroidered insignias that would mark the camp's commanding officers.
While still surveying the camp, Kazu says, "We found these men on the road and saw the smoke from your fires. I figured they were related, so we brought them to you. Seeing that your unflattering uniforms match, it looks like I was right."
One of the soldiers runs off, and a moment later comes back with a highly ornamented officer. "Who are you? Why do you have my men? Where are the rest of the men they were with? Why are you traveling with Orcs?"
Kazu responds cordially. "Calm down there, Zippy, as I was telling your men, I am a merchant. We were returning from delivering some goods and found these men lying on the road. We saw smoke from your fires and assumed the men were from here, so we carried them here. These three are the only ones we found. As for the Orcs, these lovely Half-Orc ladies are my bodyguards. I never travel with goods or money without protection."
The Officer asks with a smirk, "If you are a merchant, where are your goods?"
Kazu looks at him disappointedly, "Did you just ask why a merchant that just got done delivering goods has no goods? Do you receive a list of stupid questions to ask when you meet people, or is this just how you officers think? Please just take your unconscious men before you say anything else that proves your brain cell is lonely."
The officer angrily eyes him as the soldiers take away the unconscious men.
Five minutes pass, then ten. Kazu tells the Officer, "Well, since I am bored of standing here, and I can feel your ignorance trying to leech into me, I guess we are going to head home now, bye."
The officer and six of his men stop Kazu and the sisters before they can get far. "You are going to stay here until we know what happened to them. We will chain you if you try to leave again."
Kazu stands idly beside the sisters, the tension thick as molasses, when suddenly a breathless soldier runs up to the officer, his leather armor dusty and his face etched with a mix of fear and urgency. The soldier leans in, whispering rapid, hushed words into the officer's ear. Midway through the report, the officer's face transforms - his weathered skin flushes crimson, veins bulging at his temples as he explodes with barely contained rage. "What do you mean," he snarls, spittle flying from his lips, "that some little brunette woman and a merchant decimated twelve of my soldiers? Dispose of those incompetent vermin slowly. I want them to feel the full depth of Lord Ozul's disappointment - make their punishment a lesson etched in blood and pain."
Kazu asks, "Is everything ok? Are the three we brought in going to be ok?"
The officer looks up at Kazu's eyes, "They failed Lord Ozul. Their inability to follow orders will be paid for with their lives. Worthless officers like that do not deserve to live. They were beaten by a merchant… and a girl… Is there anyone else you are traveling with?"
Kazu asks, "So, let me get this straight: anyone beaten by an enemy is expected to die? It must be horrible for a soldier's morale. I always treat my people with respect, especially my cute little brunette…"
The officer's hand reflexively reaches towards his sword hilt, but Kazu is a blur of predatory motion. With serpentine speed, he clamps a hand over the officer's mouth, muffling any potential cry, while his other hand seizes the officer's wrist. A sharp, sickening crack echoes through the air as Kazu's grip twists and breaks the bone with calculated brutality, rendering the officer's weapon hand useless in an instant.
Kazu leans closer to the officer, his voice a razor-sharp whisper: "I told my girls that if the injured officers were to be executed, all officers in this camp would die before we leave. Congratulations, your viciousness and cruelty have sealed your fate." With predatory precision, he grabs the officer's head with the hand that was covering his mouth, a sudden, violent twist - a sickening crack echoes like a thunderclap as the neck vertebrae snap with brutal finality. Before the body can fall, Orolfie and Orelfa strike with lightning-quick vengeance. Their fists become hammers of retribution, smashing into the other two officers' faces with such devastating force that bone fragments explode like shrapnel, pulverizing skull plates and driving razor-sharp fragments deep into their brain tissue. The soldiers scatter like shadows, racing back towards the camp, their movement driven by panic. Halfway there, they drop instantly, pressing themselves into the earth like living camouflage. Three unsuspecting officers moving towards them suddenly jerk and collapse, precision throwing knives protruding from two of their necks, while the third is struck down by a razor-thin beam of water that slices through flesh and bone with practiced efficiency.
Kazu yells out, "If you are not an officer, you are not our enemy. Lay down your weapons, and you will survive. Fight alongside or defend the officers, and we will have to kill you too."
As the six warriors carved a brutal path through the enemy camp, bodies fell like wheat before a scythe. Kazu's spear danced with precision, its tip glinting crimson with each thrust. The sisters' hammers crushed armor and bone with thunderous impacts, while the twins moved like shadows, their knives finding vulnerable flesh with unnatural accuracy. Anna's WaterShot sliced through the air, liquid-sharp and merciless, complemented by searing fireballs and swift strikes from her boe staff. They moved like a single, lethal organism, consuming the camp's officers with ruthless efficiency.
An officer burst from his hiding place, his sword arcing toward Anna's head with murderous intent. She pivoted with millimeters to spare, the blade whistling past her ear. An instant later, her WaterShot erupted, a pressurized stream of liquid that sheared through his sword, cleaving it almost in half. The blade buckled and bent, a useless shard of metal. Desperate, the officer hurled the broken weapon at her, a futile gesture that missed by a meter.
He launched himself at her, raw muscle and desperation seeking to capture her beneath his weight. Anna twisted, using his momentum against him. They crashed to the ground, but she landed beside him, not beneath. Her WaterShot flared, a wide, deadly beam that struck his neck just below his chin. His head spiraled through the air, eyes still blinking in shock, before landing with a soft, obscene thud.
As Anna gets up, she says to the deceased officer, "Only Kazu gets to be on top of me, you grabby pervert." She then hits the body again with her wide beam WaterShot as she walks away.
As the team prowls through the war-torn camp, a cacophony of clanging metal erupts as soldiers frantically discard their weapons, their desperate cries of "Not an officer!" piercing the smoky air.
Ten minutes into their sweep, Felix's keen eyes catch a frantic movement, around thirty soldiers bolting from the camp like startled rabbits, their desperate escape aimed towards the Warlord's territory. He and Felina, moving with predatory grace, slip through the terrain like shadows, their lithe Neko bodies cutting through the landscape with supernatural speed, effortlessly intercepting the would-be escapees.
Positioned directly in the officers' path, the twins swiftly confirm their targets. A cluster of panic-stricken officers attempting a cowardly retreat runs towards them. As awareness dawns on the officers, they screech to a halt, shifting into defensive postures. Confronted by the diminutive Neko figures, no taller than children, the officers' initial terror morphs into misplaced arrogance, their overconfidence an expected miscalculation.
The battlefield trembles as Felix and Felina unleash their synchronized assault. Felina's dark magic coalesces into an impenetrable void that swallows the officers' vision, a suffocating darkness that renders them blind and panicked. A predatory smile curves her lips as she conjures her SteelClaw Lion, which materializes with a bone-chilling growl.
Not to be outdone, Felix channels earth magic, causing the ground to ripple and twist. Jagged stone tendrils erupt from the soil, ensnaring the officers' feet like grasping roots, immobilizing them in a vice-like geological grip. He begins launching a barrage of metal and stone spikes through the air with accuracy born of months of practice.
The battle quickly dissolves into chaotic carnage. Disoriented officers slice wildly at phantom sounds, killing their own comrades in their terrified frenzy. The SteelClaw Lion rips through twelve officers with supernatural brutality, while Felix methodically eliminates the remaining survivors.
Returning to the main conflict, they find a subdued scene: 684 soldiers sit defeated, like a broken army, grouped along the road. Four figures patrol their perimeter, the aftermath of battle hanging heavy in the air.
As they approach, Kazu's voice cuts through the tension-laden silence, his words crisp and authoritative. "... waiting here for my people to return. Ah, the last two have arrived. Excellent. Now we can process everyone..." His steely gaze sweeps across the soldiers. "Until the Warlord meets his fate, you regular soldiers will be relocated to Touren Village, where the Guard Commander will provide guidance and support. You will form a single, orderly line along this road. A select few will remain for a brief conversation. The majority will march towards the border, roughly twenty kilometers ahead. At the border checkpoint, you will need to surrender your weapons. Any soldier who fails to reach the border will be automatically classified as an officer and dealt with accordingly." His final word hangs in the air like a razor-sharp blade, brooking no argument. "Understood?"
The soldiers murmur a chorus of "Yes, sir," rising and falling like a hesitant tide. Kazu moves forward with grace, his boots crunching against the dusty roadside gravel. Soldiers fall into a ragged, nervous line behind him, their movements mechanical and weary. His team spreads out like sentinels, eyes sharp and vigilant, tracking every subtle movement.
Pausing just beyond the road's edge, Kazu gestures for the soldiers to continue their march, occasionally singling out individuals to join him on the roadside with a subtle wave. His gaze is penetrating, missing nothing.
As the last soldiers trudge past, Kazu's team materializes around him, forming a human net that surrounds the sixteen soldiers.
"Greetings," Kazu's voice cuts like a blade, cold and precise. "Removing your rank was clever - it bought you a few more hours of breathing time." When one officer starts to interrupt, Kazu silences him with a razor-sharp gesture. "I never forget a face. Names, clothing, the precise shade of fear in your eyes, they are all etched in my memory. Also, your bloodlust seeps from you like a toxic mist, unlike the genuine relief of those soldiers we released."
His eyes sweep the group. "Which of you has the highest rank?"
The officers exchange uncertain glances, six fingers pointing simultaneously at a bewildered comrade. A moment of tense silence hangs in the air.
"Excellent, so this is the one who lives?" Kazu's question rings more like a statement.
Suddenly, a cascade of voices erupts, each officer claiming supreme rank, desperation making them shout over one another. Kazu's irritation manifests in a cutting gesture that freezes them mid-argument. Remembering the camp's events, they sink back into terrified silence.
Kazu's piercing gaze locks onto one of the officers, his finger pointing accusingly. "You had the most medals and insignias cluttering your chest," he says, a sardonic smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "I'm guessing that means you're the highest-ranking brown-nosing weasel left among this sorry lot. Stand up and come here."
The officer rises, his movement hesitant and jerky, metallic armor clinking softly as he steps forward. Sweat beads on his forehead, trickling down pale, drawn cheeks. He stands trembling before Kazu, his eyes darting nervously.
"I want you to choose an officer," Kazu's voice is low and dangerous, "someone who will relay a message to Ozul. Someone who can make it there without a weapon. Anyone except yourself." The command hangs in the air like a blade.
With visibly shaking hands, the officer surveys his comrades before selecting another. Kazu waves the first officer back and beckons the chosen messenger closer. In hushed, intense tones, he whispers instructions meant only for the selected officer's ears.
In a swift, brutal movement, Kazu embeds a piece of metal into the messenger's neck. "Go," he commands, and the officer runs away.
Returning to the remaining prisoners, Kazu's cold eyes survey them with calculated indifference.
Kazu's eyes sweep over the deflated officers, a contemplative furrow deepening between his brows. "What do we do with these 15 officers?" he asks.
Anna's response is measured, her hands absently checking her weapons. "Execution feels too brutal, yet releasing them is impossible. The only option left is to transport them to Touren Village. The kingdom will want to extract every drop of intelligence, put them on trial for the atrocities etched into their moronic expressions. I'm certain those soldiers carry stories that will make even hardened interrogators shudder."
A rare, soft smile breaks across Kazu's typically severe features. "Excellent plan," he murmurs, "and it means a brief respite with our family. One day feels like an eternity when you're away from home, and we were gone for two." They bind the prisoners, even without practice, their movements are synchronized and precise. Within minutes, they are leading the captive officers down the road toward home.
As twilight bleeds deep crimson across the horizon, they approach the makeshift border checkpoint. Weary soldiers process the soldiers sent ahead, creating a chaotic tableau of exhaustion and controlled disorder. After a terse explanation that carries the weight of their recent mission, the guards part like a human tide, allowing their crossing with the 15 officers. After emerging from the mass of disheveled soldiers, Commander Behlah approaches, his face a map of unspoken understanding.
Kazu, his voice measured, explains the unexpected brevity of their mission and the circumstances that led to the captured soldiers being tightly bound with ropes. Lord Behlah, his stern gaze sweeping over the prisoners, calls forth a contingent of guards who swiftly move to escort the bound men to the cold, dark confines of the jail. The conversation continues, punctuated by the clinking of armor and the shuffling of boots against the stone floor. After an intense half-hour debriefing that dissected every nuance of their expedition, Kazu and his weary team finally excuse themselves, eager to return home. They journey deeper into the familiar landscape of Albion territory, the dense forests gradually giving way to the welcoming sight of their home.
As they arrive home, the ladies of the household surge forward with unbridled excitement, their faces alight with joy and relief. A long, heartfelt round of hugs follows, conveying the depth of their emotions. Tara and Ari, bringing up the rear, complete the final greetings, their smiles warm and genuine. Little Arwain, in adorable indecision on who she wants to hold her, wavers between Kazu and Orelfa, her tiny arms outstretched. After a moment's hesitation, she ultimately nestles into Orelfa's welcoming embrace.
Once inside, Orolfie and Orelfa declare the sacred rite of family bath time, their voices melodic and playful. They gently tug Kazu upstairs, the rest of the group trailing behind like a jubilant procession. Kazu's bathroom transforms into a scene of organized chaos, with discarded clothing forming a soft, colorful mountain near the gleaming sinks. Kazu methodically fills the expansive tub with steaming water, creating a welcoming haven. Bodies shuffle and adjust, creating an intimate tableau as everyone squeezes into the bathtub, some perched comfortably on laps. Felina and Arwain claim Kazu's muscular thighs, their giggles punctuating the warm, humid air.
The bath seamlessly morphs into an impromptu mission debriefing, each team member weaving their narrative into the steam-laden atmosphere. The tight quarters and animated conversation stretch the bathing ritual far beyond its typical duration. Skin gradually prunes, they eventually emerge, water-logged but content, and disperse to their respective rooms.
As Kazu and Anna prepare for slumber, a gentle knock interrupts the evening's tranquility. Anna opens the door to find Petal, Lina, and Rask waiting expectantly. They're ushered inside, moving with a familiar, comfortable grace. They arrange themselves around Kazu and Anna like puzzle pieces, finding their perfect fit. Lina mirrors Anna's position on the opposite side of Kazu, Rask crawls atop Kazu's chest, and Petal cuddles behind Anna. Soft goodnights whisper through the room, the echoes of The Waltons' iconic farewell "goodnight John-boy" dancing in Kazu's mind. Gradually, peaceful sleep claims them all.