The Koja Atelier.

The old, abandoned two-story building stands as a solemn reminder of its former glory days, its weathered façade revealing the passage of time.

Windows, once proudly reflecting the sun, are now broken and boarded up, while faded paint peels from its crumbling walls. Nature reclaims the building, with overgrown vines snaking their way up its sides, adding to the sense of desolation...

Despite its current state, the building's history whispers through the cracks, hinting at the bustling activity it once held within its now dilapidated walls.

"I can't believe this place now looks like this. We used to visit here with my father when I was just a little girl." (Melodia)

Melodia said, her finger tracing the scratches and the carved names etched into the dusty old surface as she dragged an index across an old table.

"The Koja atelier used to be the center of art in our Kingdom, drawing many prestigious visitors across the Kingdom and beyond. The Dwarves ran this place as their love for art and sculpture is well known."

The hooded woman spoke with a nostalgic tone, the hint of sadness within her tone was as clear as day.

There were three other hooded figures accompanied the mysterious women this time. Ryuji—thanks to his sharp instincts—immediately understood that fighting these people will definitely have mortal consequences. Each of them were significantly strong fighters.

One of them was tall, he stood as tall as Milgard Tetsugo, the red haired muscle man. He was carrying a massive two-handed long sword behind his wide back.

Even though he wore a big cloak, it was obvious that he had heavy armor on.

The other one was very short, almost as short as a member of a Dwarf race.

While the other one was about the same height as Ryuji, however they were slimmer.

"So, are we going to meet this patron of yours now?" (Clovea)

The Elf ignored the words of their leader. Her lustrous blue hair bounced behind her as she walked alongside Ryuji and Melodia. Her eyes were glowing with a subtle green hue, an indication that she was using her racial skill [Elven Eyes].

From the moment she met Shinobu Ryuji, she felt a sense of unease about the immense magical energy lying dormant within him despite the lack of Prana Heart.

A magical heart that naturally produces magicules unlike the other beings, who use the magicules within the air itself.

And upon witnessing his abilities during a mock battle with Saull Nastriark, the Guiria Guild Master, she was certain that Ryuji was undoubtedly as strong as a Gold ranked Scavenger.

He was a great person with a passionate personality with him, though his lack of knowledge despite his abilities made her grow suspicious of Ryuji.

(The other two are probably not suspecting a thing, but I know you are not a normal person, Ryuji)

"Not today, no. Our patron has other businesses to attend. She is a very busy person after all."

The answer that came from the hooded woman made Milgard grow impatient and snap.

"But what about the safety of my family?! Even my family was attacked last night! I know we took this job on a whim, but we want some answers!" (Milgard)

Milgard's massive fists clenched like boulders as he took a daring step towards the hooded woman, whose back was turned against the Ivorystand members.

Abruptly, the large man accompanying the hooded party stood before the tall, red-headed man, stopping him in his tracks.

"I've been told that you are an impatient, hot headed man, however if you need someone to play, I'll gladly play with you, kid."

"What did you say?!" (Milgard)

Ryuji put a hand on Milgard's large bicep, which was tightened due to his frustration.

"Relax, Buraza. Leave the talking to me. This isn't a situation that should be approached with anger." (Ryuji)

Ryuji, unlike his usually carefree and immature behavior, spoke wisely. Surprising both Melodia and Clovea.

"Tsk." (Milgard)

As Milgard folded his arms, Ryuji stood before the tall man with a sharp glare from his slanted tawny eyes, directed towards his large, intimidating posture.

"We took this job with risk included, as there always is with this sort of work. However, after last night we believe that we deserve some answers. An innocent person could've died from my friend's family." (Ryuji)

Ryuji continued, however this time his tone was much more serious as he directed his bloodlust towards the tall man with a great sword.

"And you. Don't threaten my friend again if you want your limbs to stay on your body." (Ryuji)

Instinctively, the tall man's hand moved towards his colossal sword on his back, as he took a cautious step back from Ryuji, who nonchalantly kept his hands in his pockets.

(This kid... He is not half-assed!)

"That is enough, both of you. Please refrain from emitting your bloodlust, Ryuji-dono. We are not enemies."

Ryuji's tawny gaze trailed towards their leader who kept her composure rather well.

"I hope not. Because that would be rather unfortunate for you all." (Ryuji)

The tall hooded man returned to his former position as Ryuji suppressed his bloodlust.

"The group responsible for the attack is a highly secretive and dangerous underground organization called The Scorpions, who we suspect may be targeting the Princess."

The hooded woman continued with her usual formal tone.

"And we have concrete evidence that they are helping Prince Rodolf—and it's highly probable that the Red Cloak Mercenary Company is a front for their activities."

Ivorystand members, who were usually known for their quick wit and astuteness, were left utterly confounded by the shocking and unexpected revelation unraveling before their eyes.

(That means these guys are working for the Princess... This is really a quest line after all!)

As a top ranked Shinobi, Ryuji immediately formed the connection.

"Are you really sure about that? That is not a light claim!" (Melodia)

"And that means... You guys are probably working for the Princess. Or should I say the Order of the Crescent." (Clovea)

"Clovea!" (Melodia)

Melodia protested, however it was too late.

"As expected from the Nightingale's Runaway Princess. Or should I say your real name here?"

The arrogant comment of the tall man with the great sword caused Clovea's blue eyebrows to furrow with anger.

"Don't you dare say another word." (Clovea)

"Ooops... I guess I should've not said that."

It looked like Melodia and Milgard knew what that name meant; however, Ryuji's eyebrows shot up in utter surprise, revealing his ignorance and complete astonishment.

(Don't tell me she's actually some sort of Princess... Good grief.)

"I'm sorry for not telling you Ryuji." (Clovea)

Ryuji shook his head in dismissal.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure you had your reasons."

(Besides, you are not the only one with secrets.)

"Thank you Ryuji. I will explain it to you later..." (Clovea)

Suddenly the air around the hooded figures changed, Ryuji noticed how they are on their guard now.

"Seems like our Red Cloak friends are here."

"What happened to the person we are supposed to meet?" (Milgard)

"I think he got discovered."

Their leader spoke, drawing a sword from her waist. Ryuji immediately recognized it— a saber that bore a striking resemblance to a Polish blade.

"Get ready. They are coming."

The Ivorystand members stood poised, weapons in hand, forming a tight-knit formation.

Suddenly, Ryuji was alerted by the sound of multiple windows shattering as figures cloaked in black hoods made a menacing entrance, each brandishing a blade coated with purple hued liquid.

(Poison, huh? How old-fashioned.)

Simultaneously, the large wooden door violently splintered open, revealing a formidable group of at least forty Red Cloak soldiers, who promptly began pouring into the abandoned workshop.

"Surround and kill them!"

A roar rose from the Red Cloaks as they began their charge with numerous pikes, swords, and shields in their hands, their battle cries echoing through the air as they closed in on their prey, determined to surround and slaughter them with swift precision.

"Milgard, keep them at bay with Ryuji! I will support with Melodia!" (Clovea)

As expected from the party leader, Clovea immediately created a defensive formation in her head. Meanwhile, the Crescent Knights in disguise were already engaged in a fierce fight with the Scorpion assassins, focused on protecting their leader.

(I've been waiting for an opportunity like this! Let's try that Jutsu!)

Ryuji thought with a wide, toothy grin drawn across his face, his hands already forming Ninja seals.

"[Ninpou: Hiding in Ash Jutsu!]

-Haijingakure no Jutsu 灰塵隠れの術 -

With a loud hissing sound, Ryuji exhaled a massive cloud of grey ash from his mouth towards the charging Red Cloak soldiers, throwing them in a state of confusion as they were already choking up from the ash in the air, even suffering light degree burns from the hot sparkles and hot ash that got stuck to their faces, eyes and even their lungs.

"Milgard, keep those two safe! Don't come into the smoke!" (Ryuji)

Ryuji knew that his own jutsu would not affect him. That was one of the principles in the Ninja Leaf Manga Series, the origins of his newly gained powers upon his reincarnation.

"Alright!" (Milgard)

As Ryuji used his [Flash Step] to blitz the blinded soldiers, he conjured a single Shadow Clone within the ash cloud, sending it towards the Scorpion assassins to assist the others. However, this clone had one particular surprise with him.

"O' Great Goddess Luminestelle, bestow upon this humble servant the power to banish the shadows! [Lumienus Protego!]" (Melodia)

Melodia's voice echoed throughout the abandoned workshop as her Ivory staff emitted a golden glow, empowering Milgard with Holy Magic significantly before he used his massive shield to swat away a single Red Cloak soldier charging at him.

The impact of Milgard's shield sent the soldier flying, crashing into the ground with a resounding thud. As the dust settled, the remaining enemies recoiled, their confidence waning in the face of the Cleric and the enchanted muscle man.

Clovea's keen [Elven Eyes] brilliantly spotted a single Magic Caster aiming at Ryuji with his wand, who was giving the Red Cloaks a hard time within the thick cloud of Ash as he cut down one enemy after another with his black Ninjato.

Her arrow whistled through the ash and hit deep and true, dropping the Magic Caster to the ground.

Ryuji knew Clovea could see anyone within the smoke screen, thus he entrusted her to support him from behind.

Clovea's curvy body twisted, and her bowstring twanged again, hitting the arrow that was aimed at her and splitting it in half in midair with inhuman precision. Though the arrow she shot kept going, successfully nailing the person through the eye who sent the arrow.

"Gaah! My eye!"

"Ooh, that Elf girl is not bad."

The tall man with a great sword said, now without his cloak concealing his identity.

He raised his massive sword, then swung it down, splitting an assassin in half with a loud crash.

"As always, you love showing off, Barnett."

Barnett Kirkmal smirked, his red eyes flashing with amusement as he displayed his sharp fangs.

"Hah-I may be a noble knight now, but old habits die hard, Fladdwyn."

The Gnome girl spun both of her knives before she mounted the shoulders of an unfortunate assassin who happened to be in her way, then her knives flashed, striking with precision that belonged to a former assassin.

"Both of you are stupid battle maniacs."

The bowl cut carmine haired girl silently struck another assassin with her extendable spear.

Ninon's spear hummed once as she displayed her masterful footwork, easily evading the incoming attacks before her spear blurred, piercing through numerous assassins with lethal precision.

As the battle raged on, the rhythmic clash of weapons and the cries of the fallen filled the air, creating a symphony of violence. The group fought with unparalleled unity, their individual skills intertwining seamlessly like a well-choreographed dance.

Men swore and swung their blades. Men died as they swung.