The storm had finally subsided, leaving the mountain cloaked in an eerie stillness. The snow glittered under the pale light of dawn, but the beauty of the scene was lost on the group.
Kaede tightened her cloak around her shoulders, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon. “We need to move quickly. The wolves won’t stay away forever.”
Haruki adjusted his pack, glancing at her. “You’re really good at ruining quiet mornings, you know that?”
She smirked faintly. “You’d prefer I let us die for the sake of enjoying the view?”
“Hey, I didn’t say that.” He grinned. “But you could at least pretend to be a little human once in a while.”
Mira snorted, her bow slung over her shoulder. “If Kaede’s not human, what does that make you? A walking disaster?”
“Wow, Mira,” Haruki said, feigning hurt. “You’ve been spending too much time with Kaede. Her sharp tongue is rubbing off on you.”
Kaede shook her head, but there was a faint flicker of amusement in her eyes.
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A FAMILIAR FACE
They had barely resumed their trek when a figure appeared in the distance, moving toward them with surprising speed.
“Stay alert,” Kaede warned, her hand on her sword.
As the figure drew closer, Haruki’s eyes widened in recognition. “Wait... is that—?”
“Ryo?” Mira said, her voice laced with disbelief.
The man approaching them was tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair streaked with silver. His armor was battered but well-maintained, and a massive axe hung across his back.
“Well, well,” Ryo said, his voice booming as he came to a stop before them. “If it isn’t my favorite misfits.”
Kaede’s expression darkened. “What are you doing here, Ryo?”
“Nice to see you too, Kaede,” he said with a grin. “I heard you were heading into the mountains and thought I’d tag along. You know, for old times’ sake.”
Haruki frowned. “You ‘heard’? From who?”
Ryo’s grin faltered for a moment before he shrugged. “Let’s just say I have my sources.”
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UNWELCOME MEMORIES
The tension between Kaede and Ryo was palpable as they continued their journey. Haruki couldn’t help but notice how Kaede’s shoulders were more rigid than usual, her responses curt.
“Okay, someone needs to spill,” Haruki said finally, glancing between the two. “What’s the deal here?”
Ryo chuckled. “Didn’t she tell you? Kaede and I go way back.”
Kaede shot him a cold glare. “Not far enough back to make me forget what happened.”
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“What did happen?” Mira asked, her curiosity piqued.
Ryo sighed, his grin fading. “Let’s just say I made a few bad choices. Kaede hasn’t forgiven me, and I don’t blame her.”
Kaede’s voice was icy. “You betrayed us, Ryo. You nearly got us killed.”
“I was trying to protect you,” Ryo said, his tone defensive.
“By selling us out to bandits?” she snapped.
Haruki’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?”
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A FRAGILE ALLIANCE
Ryo raised his hands in a placating gesture. “I was young and stupid, okay? I’ve changed since then.”
Kaede didn’t look convinced. “You expect me to believe that?”
“No,” he admitted. “But I’m here now, and I want to help. Take it or leave it.”
Haruki glanced at Kaede. “He could be useful. And if he tries anything, we’ll deal with him.”
Kaede hesitated, her eyes narrowing as she studied Ryo. Finally, she sighed. “Fine. But if you so much as look like you’re about to betray us again, I’ll cut you down myself.”
Ryo grinned. “Fair enough.”
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THE ANCIENT RUINS
By midday, the group reached a new obstacle: a massive set of ruins carved into the side of the mountain. The stone was weathered, and the symbols etched into it were similar to those in the citadel.
“This place gives me the creeps,” Haruki muttered, his hand resting on his dagger.
Kaede studied the entrance, her expression grim. “It should. These ruins are older than anything we’ve encountered before.”
“Great,” Mira said, her sarcasm thinly veiled. “More traps and monsters.”
Ryo stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. “This is fascinating. I’ve heard stories about these ruins. Supposedly, they hold treasures beyond imagination.”
“Or death,” Kaede said sharply. “Stay focused.”
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INTO THE DEPTHS
The group ventured into the ruins, their footsteps echoing in the vast, empty halls. The air was thick and stale, and the faint glow of the symbols on the walls provided the only light.
As they delved deeper, the sense of unease grew. Shadows seemed to shift and dance at the edge of their vision, and the temperature dropped sharply.
“This place is alive,” Mira said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaede nodded. “Stay close. And keep your weapons ready.”
Haruki moved to Kaede’s side, his dagger drawn. “You think Ryo’s going to try something?”
“Not yet,” she said. “But I don’t trust him. Keep an eye on him.”
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A DEADLY TRAP
The group entered a massive chamber, its floor covered in strange, glowing runes. At its center was a pedestal holding a small, intricately carved box.
“Well, that’s obviously not a trap,” Haruki said dryly.
“Definitely a trap,” Mira agreed.
Kaede studied the runes, her brow furrowed. “These symbols... they’re similar to the ones in the citadel. If we can deactivate them, we might be able to take the box.”
Ryo stepped forward, his eyes gleaming. “Or we could just grab it and see what happens.”
Kaede grabbed his arm, her grip like iron. “If you value your life, don’t touch anything.”
Ryo raised his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine.”
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A PRICE PAID
Kaede carefully worked to decipher the runes, her focus unshakable. But just as she was about to finish, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, its form shifting and fluid.
The group froze, their weapons drawn.
“What is that?” Haruki whispered.
Kaede’s voice was steady. “Something that doesn’t want us here.”
The figure moved with unnatural speed, striking at Kaede. She dodged, her sword flashing as she countered. Haruki and Mira joined the fight, their attacks coordinated.
Ryo, to everyone’s surprise, leaped into the fray, his axe cleaving through the shadow.
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TRUST REBUILT?
After a fierce battle, the shadowy figure dissolved into nothingness. The group stood panting, their weapons at the ready.
Kaede glanced at Ryo, her expression unreadable. “You fought well.”
He grinned. “Was there ever any doubt?”
“Yes,” she said bluntly, though there was a faint hint of a smirk on her lips.
Haruki couldn’t help but chuckle. “Guess you’re not completely useless after all, Ryo.”
Ryo clapped him on the shoulder. “High praise coming from you, disaster boy.”
Kaede rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. For the first time in a long while, the group felt like a team again.