Kaede leaned against the tavern wall, arms crossed, her amber eyes scrutinizing the elegantly dressed man seated at the table. His silver cloak shimmered under the dim lantern light, and a jeweled brooch pinned to his chest screamed money to burn. Haruki, ever the gentleman, sat across from him with an air of politeness that somehow felt out of place in a room full of rowdy adventurers.
“So, let me get this straight,” Kaede interrupted the nobleman mid-sentence. “You want us to break into Fort Ironclad, a place that’s literally called ironclad, and retrieve some fancy little trinket of yours?”
“It’s an artifact,” the nobleman corrected, his tone clipped. “A relic of immense historical value.”
Kaede rolled her eyes. “Relic, trinket, overpriced paperweight. Same difference.”
Haruki coughed to mask a laugh. “What my partner means to say,” he interjected smoothly, “is that this mission sounds...challenging. What’s the reward?”
The nobleman straightened, puffing his chest like a peacock. “Five thousand gold coins.”
Kaede’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s...actually impressive.” She paused, her expression turning suspicious. “What’s the catch?”
“The catch,” the man admitted with a sigh, “is that Fort Ironclad is heavily guarded. Rumors suggest the artifact is in the possession of their commander, General Ragnor.”
Haruki’s pen froze mid-note. “Ragnor? As in the Butcher of Greystone?”
“Indeed.”
Kaede grinned, the kind of grin that sent lesser men running. “Finally, a mission with some bite.”
“Kaede-san,” Haruki said, rubbing his temples, “you do realize that this isn’t just about sneaking in and out, right? It’s General Ragnor. The guy who apparently wrestled a bear for fun.”
“All the more reason to take him down a peg,” Kaede replied, stretching her arms as if preparing for a stroll in the park.
The nobleman watched their exchange with a mixture of awe and concern. “You’ll take the job, then?”
Kaede nodded, extending a hand. “We’ll get your shiny doodad back. Just make sure the gold’s ready when we return.”
Haruki sighed, shaking his head but not disagreeing.
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LATER THAT NIGHT
Kaede and Haruki stood on a hill overlooking Fort Ironclad. Its towering walls were illuminated by torches, and guards patrolled the perimeter with military precision.
“Well, this looks cozy,” Kaede said, squinting at the fortress.
Haruki unfolded a map and began pointing at various sections. “There are three main entry points: the front gate, which is suicide; the side gate, which is slightly less suicidal; and the drainage system, which smells like suicide but might actually work.”
“Drainage it is,” Kaede declared without hesitation.
“Why do I feel like I’ll be washing out sewage for weeks after this?” Haruki muttered.
Kaede patted his shoulder. “Because you probably will. Now, let’s move.”
The drainage tunnel was narrow, damp, and reeked of decay. Kaede led the way, her sword drawn, while Haruki followed with his notebook tucked safely inside his coat.
“This is the glamorous life of an adventurer,” Haruki said dryly, stepping over a particularly questionable puddle.
“You can write about it in your memoir,” Kaede replied, her tone light but her focus sharp.
They emerged from the tunnel into the fortress’s lower levels. The sound of boots on stone echoed faintly in the distance.
“Stick to the plan,” Haruki whispered.
“Plans are overrated,” Kaede replied, already moving towards the nearest staircase.
Haruki groaned but followed her.
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THE ARTIFACT
They found the artifact in a grand hall, displayed on a pedestal surrounded by intricate traps. The relic itself was a small, intricately carved orb that glowed faintly.
Kaede whistled. “Fancy.”
“Also extremely well-protected,” Haruki pointed out, his eyes scanning the mechanisms. “Touch the wrong thing, and this room will probably turn into a blender.”
Kaede grinned. “Good thing I’ve got you to handle the brainy stuff.”
Haruki stepped forward, carefully analyzing the traps. His fingers moved deftly, disarming triggers with a precision that left Kaede quietly impressed.
“You’re oddly graceful for someone who trips over his own feet,” she teased.
“I save my coordination for life-threatening situations,” Haruki replied, not missing a beat.
Finally, he disarmed the last trap and plucked the orb from its pedestal.
“Piece of cake,” he said, holding it up triumphantly.
“Don’t jinx us,” Kaede warned.
As if on cue, an alarm blared, and the sound of marching boots filled the air.
“Haruki...” Kaede growled, drawing her sword.
“You said not to jinx us! That was you!”
“No time to argue! Let’s move!”
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THE ESCAPE
Kaede and Haruki bolted through the fortress, dodging guards and fighting off the occasional unlucky soldier who got too close.
Kaede’s blade sang as she fought, her movements a blend of brute strength and precision. Haruki stayed close, using his environment to outmaneuver and distract their pursuers.
“You’re surprisingly good at this,” Kaede admitted as they ducked into a hidden passageway.
“Years of surviving your crazy plans,” Haruki quipped, slightly out of breath.
Kaede smirked. “Fair.”
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They finally made it out, collapsing on the grass outside the fortress walls.
“Well,” Kaede said, holding up the artifact, “that was fun.”
Haruki shot her a look. “Your definition of fun is deeply concerning.”
She chuckled, tucking the orb into her bag. “Come on, Shima. Let’s get this thing back to the client.”
As they walked away, the tension faded, replaced by the familiar rhythm of their banter.
Unbeknownst to them, a figure watched from the shadows, a dangerous smile playing on his lips.