Saying that, three elite students stepped forward, hesitation and resolve clear on their faces:
— I'm with you.
— Me too.
— And so am I.
A glimmer of joy appeared on both Zain's and Sky of the Sword's faces, while Raven remained expressionless. The three boys were dark-skinned, tall, with moderately built bodies and some visible muscles and veins on both their hands.
Raven spoke: — Are you sure? There's no turning back.
The one in the middle replied: — We understand the gravity of the situation, but shall we just stand here? To remain idle, deprived of freedom, sneaking out at night and hiding by day? — We must end this, regardless of whether we survive. What good is survival if we live underground? Are we meant to die here?
He continued: — I refuse that fate. True, I hesitated at first, but something inside me compelled me to act. — We might die today—who knows when death comes? So be it. I no longer care.
The boy looked at Zain, placed his hand on his chest, and said: — My name is Dustin. It's a pleasure to meet you, Zain. I'll support you to the end.
Zain was momentarily surprised, then said: — I'm honored to fight alongside you, Dustin. I'll do my best to make this succeed.
The one on his right stepped forward and said: — My name is Colton. It's an honor to work with you, Zain.
Zain replied: — Likewise, Colton. Nice to meet you.
Finally, the boy on the left said: — My name is Nolan. It's my pleasure and honor to work with you.
Zain's expression brightened even more, and he responded enthusiastically: — And I feel the same, Nolan. I'm honored to have you by my side.
The three turned their gazes to Raven, and the one in the middle said: — We're fully prepared to help. Just give the order, and we'll carry it out.
Raven saw them anew; he saw the firmness, resolve, and courage that could not be broken. He smiled and said: — Then let us depart immediately.
All three answered in unison: — At your command, Master.
They set off to gather their gear and weapons. Sky of the Sword and Zain also busied themselves arranging things, preparing to depart at full readiness. A few minutes passed, and the group was ready.
Everyone stood before Raven, firm and determined, waiting for his opening word. Raven stood tall and erect, hands clasped behind his back, exuding the aura of a leader determined to see things through.
Raven spoke: — Are you ready?
They all replied at once: — We are.
He said: — Then let us go now.
Raven led the way, with the others following behind. But at one of the hideout's walls, someone was peering at them; their gaze filled with sorrow and helplessness.
Sky of the Sword turned and saw who it was—it was his wife and beloved, Maya, the only person in the world he now worried about. Maya saw him too; she recoiled and hid.
Sky of the Sword suddenly stopped in his tracks. The others turned to him, finding him lost in thought with his back against the gray wall. Dustin said: — What's wrong? You look distracted.
Sky of the Sword said: — Give me a moment; I'll be right back.
The others were puzzled by his behavior, Raven included, but no one objected or stopped him. Sky of the Sword ran swiftly in that direction.
Maya was about to peek again, but before she could turn her head, Sky of the Sword was already standing before her. She felt panic at first—it was entirely unexpected—but soon sorrow and resentment appeared on her face. She avoided meeting his eyes, trying to evade him.
Sky of the Sword spoke: — What's troubling you? You seem anxious and sad. Come on, you can tell me.
Maya began to stammer: — It's nothing specific. I'm just nervous—you're about to face danger, and I'm a little worried.
Sky of the Sword said: — Is that all? I'm your husband; I know you well. There's something deeper bothering you, as I said. I'm your husband; you can tell me anything troubling you.
Maya lifted her head and met his loving eyes. She spoke: — I wanted to accompany you too, but my father forbade it outright. I begged him over and over, but he refused. — I'm just worried about you. You barely recovered from your ordeal, and now I see you heading straight into death. I want you to withdraw; they can manage on their own.
Before she could finish, Sky of the Sword pulled her into a tight embrace and began patting her head, saying: — I promise this time I'll be fine. You can trust me.
He let go of her, and they faced each other. He said: — Listen, Maya, even if I die, don't grieve for me. On the contrary, you should be proud, for I will die for a noble purpose—saving humanity. I am a soldier of fate. — This demonic gate may be a natural act of fate or a contrivance of the unknown. Only fate itself knows why it allowed the unknown to act. — But fate also wants to see how humans deal with these situations. So all those who have persecuted this matter and refused to accept this destiny are also soldiers of fate, and I'm proud to be one. As I said, even if I die, there will be no regrets.
He continued: — All I can do now is reassure you and tell you that I will cling to life; I will survive, live to take revenge, and restore justice against these demons. I will be their terror and their eternal pursuer, the one who will wipe them from existence.
Sky of the Sword spoke with immense confidence and pride. This made Maya look at him with entirely new eyes; her gaze held astonishment and disbelief. Sky of the Sword had changed 180 degrees in her mind, yet the surprise gradually faded, replaced by a broad smile and renewed confidence.
Maya spoke shyly with a smile: — I trust you.
Sky of the Sword smiled back and said: — You should. You've been neglecting yourself lately; I want you to take better care of yourself—you've started losing weight, and at this rate I'll lose interest in you.
He delivered the last line teasingly, with a broad grin. But Maya began checking herself over, alarm evident on her face.
She asked: — You didn't mean that seriously? You don't mean that you don't want me anymore?
Sky of the Sword was surprised and gently patted her head until she calmed, saying: — I was only joking. Don't you know the difference between seriousness and a jest? You startled me for a moment.
Maya replied: — You really didn't mean it? You were just joking, right?
Sky of the Sword laughed and answered: — I'm only joking—seriously! Did you think I'd ever abandon you? It's impossible.
They both smiled and began laughing together until Dustin called: — Where are you? You're holding us up; time's passing!
Sky of the Sword said: — See? They're waiting for me. I must go now. Take care of yourself.
Sky of the Sword ran back toward them, while Maya stood lost in thought, watching him with eyes full of love and blind trust.
Dustin called again: — Where were you? You're so late!
Sky of the Sword replied: — I forgot something important that I promised to fetch.
Dustin asked: — And what was this important thing that made us wait all this time?
Sky of the Sword answered: — Nothing in particular. Don't worry about it.
Before Dustin could press further, Raven cut in: — No more wasting time. Let us depart now.
Everyone immediately moved behind him, while Sky of the Sword glanced back to see Maya still watching him—this time greeting him wit
h a broad, joyful smile. Sky of the Sword smiled back, turned around, and waved at her in farewell.