Aschenfall — Two Days Later, Midnight
The team gathered in the inner courtyard, away from curious eyes.
Ten figures dressed in mercenary clothing—dark leather, mismatched armor, weapons without insignias. Nothing that connected them to Neudämmerung.
Kaito checked his own gear one last time. A sword with no decorations. A hooded cloak. Face partially covered with a scarf that could be raised when necessary.
It felt... strange. Like playing spy instead of leading openly.
But it was necessary.
Naporia approached, also disguised. Her blue imperial uniform replaced with generic brown leather. Her sword wrapped in cloth to hide its distinctive design.
"I feel weird without my proper armor."
"I know. But if someone identifies you as the Empress of the Sword..."
"Neudämmerung is guilty by association. I understand."
She raised the scarf to cover the lower half of her face.
"Better?"
"It helps. But your eyes are still distinctive."
Naporia considered that.
