"Oh, you think it’s already over?" Kenzo asked, before freeing herself from Ertio’s grip with a freshly conjured fire staff.

Ertio angrily retreated and vanished into the crowd of soldiers. With a second staff in hand, Kenzo prepared for a prolonged battle. She had a plan.

But to execute it, she had to wait for something specific. It could happen quickly or take longer, but either way, she knew she was in for a tough fight.

And she understood that the longer the fight went on, the harder it would be for her to survive.

Meanwhile, back in Kurani...

Kinzo and Bethany had closed their shop some time ago.

Now, they sat in the storage room, hoping that this day would end soon and that they wouldn’t be hunted down and arrested by the army.

Were their decisions right or wrong? They asked themselves this more than ever, but couldn’t find an answer.

Soon, a new day would begin. Whether it would bring hope or despair was still uncertain.

----------------------------------------

Ultis and Kuno were on their way to meet their master at an unknown location.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Although Ultis was satisfied with the outcome of their mission, Kuno couldn’t swallow her frustration at not being able to fight Kawao any longer. But she would get over it.

After all, they would meet again soon.

----------------------------------------

In the garrison, Finn was being beaten by Feratu.

Feratu had dragged him to a quiet corner and stained his fists red with Finn’s blood. There was no one to help him. But Finn was used to it.

He endured it like every other time. Only this time, he would likely be demoted or even dishonorably discharged. He always expected the worst.

Pinoir stood out of sight, behind a corner, listening to the "punishment." He wanted to help Finn but knew what would happen to him if he did.

After a while, Pinoir left the scene and let Feratu continue to "blow off steam."

Outside the city gates...

Only ten minutes had passed.

But Kenzo already had multiple bleeding wounds and was struggling to breathe. Yet, she was still standing.

She was strong, but the sheer number of enemies and the unsuitable battlefield were huge disadvantages. Moreover, her enemies knew how to fight as a team. She wouldn’t last much longer.

"Let’s finish her off and present her to the emperor!" Ertio announced, summoning his smoke once again.

This was what Kenzo had been waiting for. At that moment, all five remaining commanders charged at her.

With a tremendous bang, the battle came to an end.

When the smoke cleared after a while, Kenzo was nowhere to be seen.

She had escaped!

Unlike the soldiers, the commanders weren’t surprised. If the other two had managed to escape, why shouldn’t she be able to do the same?

They ordered their men to enter the city and search for them, while they and a few soldiers inspected the gorge more closely. Only Ertio remained behind as the others hurried.

"And so ends the 'Kurani Incident'," he said to the empty air, before disappearing into the crowd.