Three figures in thick black coats walked on the sidewalk. Their leather shoes prevented them from slipping on the wet surface. The three Marked observed their surroundings, looking for something that would catch their attention.

Some soldiers were shuffling piles of snow onto the side. A large snowfall happened during the night.

‘At least it might also slow down the enemies approaching the fortress,’ Edward thought.

“Hey, do you mind at least telling us where we’re going?” Marcus complained, dragging behind the duo.

“Shush, you’ll see when we get there,” Layla answered.

“The fact that you’re unwilling to tell me makes me think it’s not somewhere I’d like to go…”

“Oh shut up, you’ll be fine.” She reached behind, grabbing Marcus by the collar of his coat and dragging him closer to her and Edward.

“Hey man, I assume you don’t know where we’re going either.” He asked Ed with a wry smile.

“Nope. Don’t worry man, I’m sure it’ll be fine… Let’s just enjoy it with her.”

“Yeah yeah, you’re right.”

Edward kept his eyes forward. Sometimes he caught the passersby sneaking glances at the sword mounted on his waist. Whether on purpose, or simply subconsciously, they always stepped a bit to the side, leaving more space for him and his friends.

Was it fear? Or simply respect? Ed wondered.

Unsure of how to feel about that, he tried to focus on other matters. His mind automatically drifted towards the thoughts of fighting, contemplating his technique. HIs precisely honed survival instinct called out to him, but he tried to push it down. There was nothing to fight right now, he wasn’t a machine made only for battle. He was also just a human at the end of the day. A person who simply wanted to enjoy the present moment.

“So… Is it far yet?” he finally asked.

“Calm down, it’s just around the corner.” Layla picked up the pace just a bit.

“Oh wait, I know where we’re going…” Marcus woke up from his daze.

“Here we go!” Layla exclaimed, turning onto a wide path, leading right towards a glass facade of a tall elegant building.

“...the shopping center.” Marcus finished his thought.

“Obviously, I’m not planning on wearing the same boring stuff as you guys all the time. I need to stand out. How else are people supposed to recognize me as the great swordmaster? The persona is important too.”

“Ugh… Is it tho? I’m pretty comfortable with what I have on right now. And you Ed?” The brown haired youth tilted his head.

“Nah, I see her point. Could be fun, don’t you think?” Edward shrugged his shoulders, and walked with Layla towards the revolving door.

“Fine, fine…” Marcus followed after them.

Layla confidently entered the first shop she saw, and not long after left it just as fast. For the next three hours the two men followed her obediently. Ed tried out some things here and there, and at some point even Marcus got into the shopping spirit. Still, at the end of their streak, Layla ended up outcompeting both of them together. She walked out with a satisfied smile, her hands full, holding bags from numerous different shops. Ed followed after her, happy with his two bags of mostly casual clothing. And even Marcus ended up hunting down something he liked, now in a much better mood than at the start.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

The trio of friends were walking out of the gallery, when a bunch of noise caught their attention.

“Is that another convoy?” Marcus thought out loud.

“Let’s check it out.” Edward walked towards where the sound was coming from.

Layla pursed her lips, looking over her newfound baggage. In the end she tightened her fists, and followed, making a bunch of noise with the shuffling paper bags.

When the three warriors reached the main road in the area, they noticed a small crowd of people blocking the view. Once they approached, and the soldiers noticed their arrival, the crowd dispersed before them on its own.

As expected, there was indeed a large convoy traveling towards the middle of the base.

“Another one, they must be calling more troops in preparation for the battle, maybe it’ll turn into an all out warfare, if the command decides to counterattack.” Marcus observed the heavy vehicles and foot soldiers traveling into the next district.

Edward nodded, busy looking over the passing squad of warriors. Some wielded swords and shields, others axes and there was even a short blonde woman holding a spear…

“Mhm, I think we won’t have a lot of leisure time left… Wait, hold on…” Ed squinted his eyes, piercing the blonde female warrior with his gaze. “Kat…?”

A long braid swung behind the woman’s every step. That was exactly how Katrina styled her hair each time she went into battle. That left Edward without any doubts.

“Katrina!” He called out louder.

That seemed to get her attention, as the girl lifted up her chin and started scanning the surroundings with furrowed brows. Finally, their eyes met and her pupils widened.

“Edward?” She said under her breath. She was visibly startled, unsure whether to run towards him or stay in line. Her eyes jumped from Ed to a warrior in the front, probably the team leader.

It didn’t take long for the young Marked to understand the situation. He jumped onto the street in front of the squad of warriors, startling the one standing in the front.

“Hey man! Don’t mind me, but I’ll be needing one of your people.” Edward pointed towards the blushing Kat.

Because of the commotion, the entire convoy stopped in its tracks. The confused team leader stared at Edward, unsure of what to say.

“Right… sorry. Edward Thornfield, I’m one of the Marked stationed at the base.” He reached out his hand.

The confused warrior quickly tightened his posture. “A Marked? Of course sir. Do as you wish, I’ll take care of her registration.”

“Thanks a lot. Let’s go Kat!” Ed waved his friend over.

Seeing her walk towards him, he decided to get out of the road to not hold back the convoy any longer. Once they were both on the sidewalk, Katrina jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly.

“Oh Edward, what are you doing here? I missed you so much…” She refused to let go for quite a while, and he embraced her with a smile on his face.

“Yeah I missed you too. I just arrived here two days ago due to some complications…” His eyes started to trail off.

“Complications? I don’t like the sound of that… What happened?”

“I think, it’s better if I explain it later…” Edward noticed Marcus and Layla approaching from the corner of his eye.

“Hmm… Are those your friends from the so-called ‘elite team’?” Kat teased.

“Oh yes we are! And you must be Katrina! Edward told us so much about you…” Marcus shook her hand. Suddenly the young man squirmed in pain, feeling Layla’s elbow hitting his ribs.

“No, he didn't. Stop messing with people.” She turned towards Kat. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’re lovely. I’m Layla.”

“Kat.” Both of them shook each other’s hands.

For a moment an awkward silence hung in the air. Edward clapped his hands, making everyone’s heads turn towards him.

“Alright, I’m thinking you Layla go with Marcus, while me and Kat catch up. You’ll all get to know each other later. How about that?”

“Fine with me.” Marcus nodded, and Layla followed.

“Kat?” Ed turned towards his friend.

“Yeah, fine with me too,” she answered calmly, but the glint in her eyes betrayed her excitement.