“ENTER.”
Mika pushes open the heavy oak door, the hinges groaning in protest. Her gaze immediately lands on three familiar faces: Luna, perched elegantly on a chair opposite the Commandant’s desk, offers a warm smile and a friendly wave. Standing next to the stern-faced Commandant Grants is a woman in her late twenties with honey-blonde hair meticulously braided in a bun - Vice-Commandant Claire Boyce.
A nervous flutter erupts in Mika's stomach. This was her first official mission outside the Kingdom of Luyas, and the unknown stretched before her like a vast, uncharted territory. Would she be able to prove herself worthy? She glances at Luna, whose composed demeanour offers a flicker of reassurance
"Ah, Mika. Just the person I've wanted to see" booms the Commandant's deep voice. "Come, have a seat." He gestures towards the empty chair beside Luna.
Commandant Grants Rogue, a man in his mid-thirties, exudes an aura of authority honed from years of dedicated service to the Kingdom. His unwavering commitment to justice and loyalty has earned him widespread respect within Luyas and beyond.
Initially, whispers of the Commandant's lingering resentment towards Spirits, fueled by the death of his grandfather, the previous Commandant, during the Great War, had filled Mika with trepidation. However, one day after a particularly gruelling training session, Grants had taken her aside, dispelling those rumours. He'd admitted to a lingering bitterness but assured her he wouldn't let personal feelings cloud his judgment.
With a relieved breath, Mika takes her seat, her apprehension slowly dissipating.
"I'll get straight to the point," Grants continues, his voice laced with a hint of urgency. "I have a crucial assignment for you both – your first official mission outside the Kingdom of Luyas."
A spark of excitement ignites in Luna's eyes, mirrored by a flicker of apprehension in Mika's. However, before either can react, the Vice-Commandant shoots them a withering glare that instantly silences them.
"Your mission requires you to embark on a journey to the neighbouring town of Andania, situated in the northeastern region of Luyas, at daybreak," Grants explains. "We anticipate your return and the successful completion of the mission by midday, so there is no time for loitering."
He reaches into a drawer and retrieves a thick scroll, its golden surface gleaming in the morning light. The document is carefully bound with red ribbons, adding an air of importance. He places it on the desk before them.
"Luna," Grants points a finger at her, his voice firm. "I am appointing you as the Captain for this mission. Your first official duty as Captain is to ensure this scroll reaches Lord Andania's hands. No matter what. Do you understand?"
Luna straightens in her chair, her expression serious. "Yes, Commandant."
"Excellent. While you're familiar with the routes to Andania, Mika here is not. Therefore, I expect you to guide her so she can familiarise herself with the area in case she needs to return for future errands."
"Understood. Is that all?" Luna inquires, eager to get started.
Grants lean back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "As I've mentioned, your main objective is to deliver this scroll to Lord Andania. However, there's one more task. Please collect the two thousand swords I've pre-ordered from the local blacksmith there. Collect the swords on your return journey and promise to bring a horse-drawn wagon to assist with transportation."
A flicker of unease crosses Mika's mind. Two thousand swords? This mission seemed far more significant than simply delivering a message. Perhaps the additional Royal Knights assigned to accompany them were more than glorified escorts. She glances at Luna, but the Captain's face remains impassive. Why the urgency for its delivery?
Grants observe their silence, his gaze lingering on Mika for a moment. He clears his throat.
"Before I forget, I have arranged for two Royal Knights to accompany you and oversee the mission. Luna, you will remain in charge, but in the event of any unforeseen circumstances, you must strictly adhere to the instructions provided by the Royal Knights. This is also an opportunity to learn from their expertise and discover more efficient team leadership methods. Pay close attention to their guidance and ensure the well-being of your fellow teammates."
"I assure you, Commandant, I will not disappoint either of you," Luna salutes, her voice filled with determination.
Grants share a glance with Vice-Commandant Boyce before giving a confirming nod. "We have great expectations for both of you. Miss Boyce and I will await your arrival at the North gates for the final briefing before sunrise. If there is nothing else, you are dismissed."
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The following morning, as the first light of dawn paints the sky in hues of rose and gold, Captain Luna and her Brigade stand assembled at the designated meeting point. The air is crisp and cool, promising a new day. A buzz of nervous energy crackles in the air, a stark contrast to the peaceful serenity of the awakening landscape.
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Mika glances around at her fellow knights, their faces etched with anticipation and apprehension, as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Commandant and the Vice-Commandant.
"...That will be all. Remember these words and keep them close: Never lower your guard, no matter the circumstances. Captain Luna, lead your team cautiously and ensure their safety. Most importantly, they work together cohesively as a unit and protect one another. I wish you the best of luck on this mission."
"Thank you, Commandant. We won't disappoint you."
"We expect you to come back right away, Captain Luna. Do not linger."
"Understood, Ma'am. I will ensure that we return safely with the preordered swords."
Grant watches as Captain Luna's team departs with a determined expression on his face.
"Is something bothering you, Commandant?"
"No," Grants shakes his head. "There is nothing more I could have done to prevent them from leaving at this stage anyway."
"Would you like me to recall them? We can always send a more experienced team instead—"
"As eager as I was to prevent their actions, Vice-Commandant Boyce, it is regrettable that this directive originated from Lord Ranfel himself. We are obligated not to intervene," Grants laments deeply. Gazing upwards at the now radiant sun, the Commandant beseeches the attentive deities, imploring for the safe return of the departed team.
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IN the North-West area of the continent, nestled amidst a sprawling forest, lies the hidden haven of the White Wolf Clan. Legends whisper their superhuman senses, unmatched combat skills, and unwavering loyalty. Their ancestral home, a magnificent mansion adorned with towering statues of three gigantic bronze wolves statues, serves as a constant reminder of their core values: Honour, Power, and Discipline.
The White Wolf Clan is separated into two parts: the Main House and a few Branch Houses. The Main House generally rules the Clan, while the branch house members support and protect the current Successor and their family members.
Meanwhile, nestled amidst a sprawling forest far to the northwest, an unsettling chill disrupts the tranquil morning within the White Wolf Clan's mansion. Suzumi Karou, a woman with hair like spun moonlight and eyes shimmered with jade, sat poised in the mansion's tranquil living room.
Clad in a silken robe of amethyst and rose, she was the picture of serenity and grace as she enjoyed a cup of hot tea. She has spent much of her time today knitting a scarf for her younger brother before deciding to take a short break. Suddenly, a tremor shook her composure. The delicate teacup slipped from her grasp, shattering on the polished floor.
A vivid and terrifying vision assaulted her senses. She saw flashes of steel clashing against creatures with razor-sharp claws and glowing red eyes, a scene unfolding near a bustling town—a town that vaguely resembled Andania. Panic surged through Suzumi, a primal fear clawing at her insides. The creatures… They were Spirits. She’s sure of it! From the old records, the clan had kept all these years…
With a determined glint in her eyes, Suzumi hurried towards the kitchen, the tantalising aroma of spices guiding her way. There, amidst the rhythmic clanging of pots and pans, stood her younger brother, Shinji. His dark green hair, usually meticulously styled, was pulled back in a loose ponytail, framing his face etched with concentration.
"Shinji," Suzumi called out, her voice laced with urgency. He glanced over his shoulder, a furrow forming between his brows. The man expertly dices the onions on a wooden chopping board before putting them into the sizzling oil pan. His plum eyes move from what he is doing to the presence behind him.
“Dinner won’t be ready in an hour.”
“I’m not here for that,” Suzumi says calmly.
Shinji continues his work, slicing the cabbages and dicing the mushrooms. He hates it when people come into the kitchen and disturb him while he’s making dinner. It’s the only time he can unwind from his long and hectic daily schedule. Suzumi’s presence never helps in the kitchen — especially if she’s not there for cooking lessons.
Shinji loves his big sister to death, but she cannot cook without burning half of the kitchen. And he’s not willing to be her guinea pig ever again. The last time she tried to make dinner, it gave him a stomach ulcer. Luckily for him, the family doctor was around at that time to treat him. Since then, Shinji forbids her from stepping foot in the kitchen unsupervised, much to her growing annoyance.
Shinji sighs, lowering the fire on the stove before he turns to look at her. “Well?”
Suzumi, ignoring his veiled annoyance, pressed on. "I had a vision. She's close, Shinji. I can feel her presence in Andania."
“What are you talking about?” Shinji frowns, scratching the back of his head. “Who’s she? One of your tea ceremony students?”
“Fool!” Despite their height differences, the woman yanks her brother’s collar as hard as possible so that he gets down to her eye level.
“What the hell, Suzumi? Ouch!”
Suzumi's frustration simmered. "Don't you dare play coy with me! After all these years, have you forgotten about her?”
Shinji's expression darkened. Memories, long buried, threatened to erupt. A promise, sworn in blood, echoed in the recesses of his mind. The memories he tried hard to suppress over the years suddenly rushed in, causing him to jolt and groan. He placed one head on the side of his head as he composed himself.
“...Of course, I haven’t forgotten about her. You didn’t mention her name, so how was I supposed to know who you were referring to,” Shinji says irritatingly.
The memories still ache in his mind, but Shinji shakes it off. He immediately searches for a cigarette in his pants pocket and ignites it. He knows damn well the Head Chef will be pissed when he finds out that a cigarette has been lit in his sacred kitchen, but Shinji deals with the matter later.
Meanwhile, Suzumi observes her brother silently with attentive eyes. It must have been hard for him these past six years, but the moment they had all been anxiously waiting finally arrived. There was a pause before Shinji silently made his way out of the kitchen. He stops when Suzumi pulls his arm.
“I have a bad feeling about this, Shinji. Be careful.”