Chapter 55: Never Backing Down

After closing the door behind him, Niko walked away with a slow, deliberate pace, his demeanor completely unfazed, as if the tense interaction with the protectors had never happened. Yet, beneath his calm exterior, a flicker of annoyance lingered. The protectors' arrogance grated on him—their overconfidence in Tera’s dominance, their assumption that they could intimidate and coerce him into submission. It was laughable, but understandable. Tera had grown into a behemoth in the area, monopolizing everything from resources to human lives.

As Niko ascended the stairs, a small, almost sinister smile tugged at the corner of his lips. The castle around him felt eerily quiet, the stone walls echoing his footsteps like the lair of a supervillain who had just laid the final brick in a plan to rule the world. It was an image that, in any other context, might have felt unsettling. But for Niko, it was a silent promise of the power he would soon wield.

When he reached the second floor, he stopped outside a door and knocked gently. He waited for a moment before slowly pushing it open. Inside, Zheng sat on the edge of his bed, looking pale and tired, but awake. His surprise at seeing Niko quickly faded into relief, the tension draining from his shoulders as he sat up slightly.

“Niko!” Zheng said, his voice weak but filled with warmth.

“Hey, take it easy,” Niko replied with a friendly smile, stepping inside. “Don’t push yourself too hard. How are you feeling?”

“I’m a little tired, but much better than before,” Zheng answered, scratching his head as if trying to shake off the lingering fog of sleep. “How long was I out?”

“A few days,” Niko replied, watching Zheng carefully for signs of distress.

Zheng’s face darkened slightly as he processed the news. “Where are the others?” he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Niko’s expression shifted, his gaze dropping to the floor as he slowly shook his head. The weight of the losses was evident in his posture, and Zheng understood immediately.

“Everyone?” Zheng’s voice trembled slightly, a hint of sadness cracking through his words.

“Well… Fumito is still alive,” Niko replied quietly, his voice softer now, almost reluctant to say the words aloud.

Zheng’s head lowered, the sadness settling over him like a heavy cloak. They hadn’t known each other for long, but the bond forged through life-and-death experiences had been powerful. The weight of losing comrades in such a brutal world was almost too much to bear. Though the room fell into a heavy silence, the emotional atmosphere was soon interrupted.

The door creaked open, and Ivanic stepped in, smiling warmly at Zheng, clearly pleased to see him awake and recovering. Ivanic’s gaze shifted to Niko, and a different smile spread across both their faces—one of shared understanding and quiet triumph.

Zheng, still seated on the bed, looked at them both with confusion. Their expressions were far too sinister for a casual visit.

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“What’s going on?” Zheng asked, tilting his head slightly, sensing something was off.

“So?” Niko grinned, turning toward Ivanic with a glint in his eye.

“Mission… accomplished,” Ivanic stated with a steady satisfaction, his tone as cold as the mountain’s air. Slowly, he raised his arm, and with a sharp swosh and an echoing bang, a pile of items materialized, clattering heavily onto the stone floor.

Zheng’s eyes widened as he took in the sight: battered bluish armor pieces lay scattered, the insignia of Tera Settlement unmistakably emblazoned on each chest plate—a crest that was so domineering tarnished now with blood. Alongside them, a greatsword and a shortsword, both still marked with drying, crimson stains, completed the grim trophy Ivanic had brought back. The metallic scent of blood mixed with the ominous air, filled the room with an unsettling, weighted silence.

These… these are from the protectors, Zheng realized, his mind racing. A chill crept up his spine as he pieced together the gravity of what lay before him. “These are the settlement’s badges,” he murmured, his voice thick with a mix of awe and unease. Protectors weren’t mere scouts; they were elite fighters, chosen for both their combat skill and the authority they carried. They wore armor that signified allegiance, honor, and duty—a duty to Tera’s people, now lying desecrated on the floor. Zheng’s gaze moved from the blood-streaked swords to Ivanic, as the weight of what had occurred settled over him fully. Did they… kill protectors?

Ivanic watched Zheng with a smirk, the glint of satisfaction unmistakable in his eyes. For him, this scene was more than proof of success—it was a display of his own tactical prowess. There was no room for hesitation in his mind. Allowing those scouts to return to Tera with knowledge of Niko’s strength would have invited catastrophe. “The moment those protectors stepped back down that mountain,” Ivanic said, amusement flickering in his expression, “they sealed their fate.”

It became clear: while Niko had engaged the protectors, he had been plotting with Ivanic telepathically. Ivanic’s ambush had been precise, each blow timed to catch the protectors off guard as they made their way down the rugged trail. With the help of the mountain’s spirits, he had ensured they would never make it back to Tera.

Zheng’s shock began to melt into a reluctant admiration. He looked back at Ivanic, his gaze lingering on the bloodstains that marked the brothers’ victory. The plan had been as brutal as it was effective, and the evidence lay before him, undeniable. Ivanic, however, regarded the spoils with something close to pride, his hand resting on the greatsword’s hilt as if it were a trophy.

“You really… killed protectors,” Zheng muttered, shaking his head, unable to hide his amazement. "This is… more than just a warning."

Niko chuckled, a dark satisfaction in his eyes. “You’re right,” he said. “This isn’t just a warning. It’s a declaration. The mountain doesn’t welcome scouts, inspectors, or any intruders. I’m done with diplomacy.”

spirits.

Niko bent down, inspecting the greatsword with casual interest. "Separate these," he instructed Ivanic. "We’ll divide the loot among ourselves."

Ivanic nodded, already moving to organize the spoils of their ambush. The armor and weapons would be a welcome addition to their growing resources, but Niko had something more pressing on his mind. He straightened up, brushing his hands together before turning to Ivanic.

“I'm glad you're doing well Zheng, not there’s an important matter to address,” Niko said, his voice serious once again. “Let’s check on Fumito. It’s been too long.”

Ivanic hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowing. "I haven’t seen him leave his room in days. He’s… grieving, Niko. I think he needs time."

Niko nodded slowly, understanding the weight of the situation. Fumito had lost people he cared about, and the pain of that loss had clearly affected him deeply. But time was not a luxury they could afford in this world, and isolating oneself could be dangerous.

“Let’s see how he’s doing,” Niko said softly, but there was a determined edge to his voice. He was responsible for the few people who remained by his side, and he wouldn’t let Fumito slip away without at least trying to reach out.

The two men exchanged a glance before heading toward the door. Outside, the castle was still quiet, the weight of recent battles and deaths hanging heavy in the air. But Niko’s mind was already racing ahead, plotting, planning, preparing for the next move. This world had no room for weakness, and if Tera thought it could bully him into submission, they were in for a rude awakening.