By the Fire

The sky above the training grounds was filled with a brilliant variety of stars as night fell. Shen and his crew had gathered around a raging campfire just beyond the main field to celebrate their well-deserved win. Their faces were illuminated by the warm orange glow of the flames, which reflected their growing happiness and companionship.

As Toren and Fenix laughed and joked around, Kelly sat with her bow over her shoulder and told a story with great enthusiasm. With a sincere chuckle that brightened the evening, Zara, who seldom lets her guard down, joined in their humor. Even Kael, who never spoke while wearing his mask, appeared relaxed, as evidenced by his body language.

Shen sat silently, watching his teammates with a deep sense of fulfillment. They had become a true team as a result of the rigorous training weeks, and this triumph was more than just a significant accomplishment; it was evidence of their mutual trust. Shen, however, felt the weight of responsibility bearing down on him beneath his composed appearance. Being a leader meant more than just helping them win; it meant defending them, often at considerable personal expense.

He inhaled deeply before getting up from his chair. He approached the edge of the clearing, where Sergeant Raiden sat by himself, his silhouette against the shadows, without making any noise. The sergeant was standing as stoically as before, staring at the flaming fire. Shen walked politely over and took a seat next to him. As the fire blazed between them, neither of them said anything for a long time.

Shen finally broke the silence with a gentle but earnest voice. Sergeant, we prevailed today. However. "Can I ever do it again?" Shen wondered, taking a big breath.

Raiden moved a little, nodding subtly in agreement with Shen's remarks. "You deserved it. With the weight of hard-won expertise in his voice, he responded calmly, "Every one of you." You might believe that your combat errors are a permanent part of your "skin" or something that clings to you, he said after a pause. Don't let that bother you, though. You'll succeed, and when people succeed, they grow and see that change is achievable in those circumstances. He let out a sigh, "I initially assumed you would be like your brother. However, you're not.

With a wry smile tugging at his lips, Shen lifted an eyebrow. "To be honest, I occasionally question how we're even related."

Raiden gave a dry laugh. "Geno, your brother... He was different at the beginning of his training. Though young, he fought like a lion that never gave up, a predator who never let up. His determination was unavoidable, and his strength was unparalleled.

With a note of awe in his voice, Shen remarked, "Sounds incredible."

Raiden acknowledged, "It was," but his voice grew gloomy. However, strength comes with a price. You see more as you ascend—the weight of your mistakes, the deaths of your troops. You never forget those memories. More deeply than any blade, they leave scars.

A silent uneasiness settled over Shen as he absorbed Raiden's serious remarks. His eyes fell to the floor as he confessed, "I don't think I'll ever be as strong as Geno."

Raiden firmly stated, "A great leader is not made of strength alone." "Shen, true leadership requires compassion and bravery. And you know mercy, unlike your brother. You have repeatedly demonstrated it.

Shen blinked, startled by the unexpected compliment. It was more significant coming from Raiden than any words of congratulations could ever be. "I must inquire, why would you say that?" There was a trace of anxious interest in Shen's voice.

Raiden's keen eyes shone in the firelight as he leaned back a little. "Because I've observed your teamwork." You know, I personally chose them. All of them have a troubled past that is scarred. You've gained their trust and united them in spite of their shortcomings. Despite his brilliance, I don't think Geno would have given them the same second opportunities if he had been in your shoes. Raiden glanced at Shen before turning back to the firelight. "His trust stems from his experience. Because you are inexperienced, you trust. Additionally, you both build on each other. It's neither right nor wrong for you both. However, both can draw conclusions that will help you both develop your character and future.

Shen's thoughts slipped inward as the warmth of the flames flared across his face. "Comprehension completely alters reality," he thought. It takes more than simply accepting things as they are to view someone, a problem, or even oneself in their true light; it takes the guts to ask questions, to adjust, and to be continuously conscious of the changing realities around us. He had learned that from his team. They all brought their grief, uncertainties, and scars. However, those very flaws had turned into their strength, changing his perspective on trust and leadership.

He was learning that leadership wasn't a destination he could arrive at, but a continuous path of adaptation and change.

Shen nodded slowly as he carefully considered what Raiden had said. Finally, he added in a firm voice, "Thank you." "That is very important to me."

Raiden's face changed somewhat as Shen got ready to stand, and he spoke once more, but in a warning tone this time. "Avoid becoming overly invested in your team. You will all be divided into partners and given separate missions tomorrow.

Shen's stomach tightened as he froze. "We're being separated?" he said, his voice unable to contain his worry.

Raiden affirmed, "Yes." "You are not soldiers; you are commanders-in-training. Leaders must be positioned throughout the kingdom. You will all be assigned to different tasks and matched with one another.

Shen let out a long sigh and nodded as he took it all in. "I get it," he murmured softly.

Raiden stood, his stern stare steadfast as he looked down at Shen. He dropped to a serious tone and continued, "Shen, remember one thing." "Be cautious when you're out there. Because there is no way to return once you pass away.

Like a chilling wind, Raiden's last words drew Shen's thoughts back to the eerie recollection of the hellish world he had fled. Failure was not something he could afford, either for his team or himself. He would do all in his power to remain alive because he had once battled his way back.