Team Fujimoto vs Aioze

The training grounds were located in a rocky, arid, and deserted area. The sun beat down harshly, reflecting off the rocks and making the air almost unbearable.

Aioze sat on a rock, crossed his arms, and observed us with that calm gaze, but I could sense that he was assessing every detail.

"Now I'm going to give you a jar with your names on it," he said.

He looked at Hymen .

"You'll be the first to draw. If you draw your own name, you draw again," he said . Aioze .

"Okay," she replied, going over to him.

Aioze handed over the pot. Himeno turned his hand inside and pulled out a small piece of paper.

"The name drawn was... Koharu ," she said . Hymen .

"So the first fight will be between Himeno and Koharu ," Aioze announced .

They both agreed.

"The rest stay here with me, watching," he said . Aioze .

Shana crossed her arms.

I noticed Yuuki smiling discreetly.

"You're not going to use any weapons, are you?" he asked . Koharu .

"I don't need to," replied Himeno confidently.

Koharu clenched her fist.

As soon as Aioze gave the signal, Koharu charged forward. She attempted a straight kick, but Himeno raised her hands and blocked, deflecting the blow with precision. Himeno leaped back, spun in the air, but stumbled upon landing.

She crouched down. Koharu took advantage of the opening and tried to kick her in the face, but Himeno dodged at the last instant and appeared behind her.

Before Koharu realized it, Himeno grabbed both of her arms and threw her backward onto the ground.

Koharu tried to use her FEELINGS, but Himeno stomped on her stomach forcefully.

— Aaarrghh ! — he screamed Koharu .

— Hymena is the winner. — Aioze raised her voice.

Shana , Max, and I were speechless.

" Koharu ... lost?" he murmured. Shana .

Yuuki crossed her arms, smiling.

"She's been training non-stop since yesterday," he said . yuuki .

Aioze called them both.

" Himeno and Koharu , come back here ," he said . Aioze .

Koharu smiled, panting.

"You are very strong," Koharu praised Himeno .

— Thank you. You fought well too. — she replied . Hymen .

Aioze analyzed both with that cold, technical gaze.

" Koharu lost because she underestimated her opponent. And you, Himeno , need to practice your movements more. Sometimes you were slow," she explained . Aioze .

They both nodded and joined us.

Aioze then looked at Yuuki .

"Now it's your turn to draw lots," he said . Aioze .

Yuuki went to the jar and took out a piece of paper.

"The name written here is... Shana ," she said . Yuuki .

"But... I'm a healer," she said . Shana , taking a deep breath.

Aioze raised an eyebrow.

"And who said that's my problem?" Aioze questioned.

— But… — Shana tries to speak.

"Being a healer doesn't stop you from fighting," he interrupted.

"That's right," Shana replied , clenching her fist.

The two took their positions.

"You're a swordsman, but you're not going to use your swords?" he asked . Shana .

"That won't be necessary," Yuuki said calmly.

Shana lunged forward and attempted a punch, but Yuuki easily dodged. In a swift movement, she knelt and delivered a knee strike to Shana 's stomach , followed by a kick that sent her rolling on the ground.

"Our levels are very different. Even if you get back in shape, you'll come out injured," she said . Yuuki .

Shana remained silent, breathless.

" Yuuki is the winner," he announced . Aioze .

" Yuuki is absurdly strong."

The two returned. Aioze looked at Shana .

"You need to train in hand-to-hand combat urgently," he said . Aioze .

"That's right," she replied, without arguing.

Aioze turned to me and Max.

"Now it's your turn," Aioze said.

I looked at Max. He nodded.

"Let's go," said Max.

We took our positions. The wind was blowing hard. I could feel the weight of the rivalry between us, and something else… that recent wound that I still hadn't healed.

Max activated his Strengthening ability and came at me. His punches were fast and heavy.

I could only dodge.

"Since when does Fujimoto have this speed?" Yuuki said quietly.

"Impressive…" Shana said , observing.

"I can't just keep dodging. I need to find an opening to counter- attack."

"You're fast, but you'll get tired eventually," Max said , smiling.

I kept backing away, studying his rhythm. Then I saw the opportunity and attacked his left elbow with a kick.

But the result was the opposite of what he expected.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch!" I cried , feeling the impact. His reinforced body was as hard as stone.

Max smiled and prepared a final blow.

"Damn, I lost focus."

He threw a direct punch at my face, but his transformation ended just in time, and the blow was weak. I took advantage of the opening and landed a kick to his stomach.

"The fight is over!!!" he shouted . Aioze .

"But... there wasn't supposed to be a winner," I said, confused.

Aioze stared at me.

"You want to be a leader, but you don't realize something so basic," he said . Aioze .

I felt my blood rushing.

"What?!" I asked.

"Besides, you four didn't realize what I'm doing," he said . Aioze .

I looked at Shana , Max, and Koharu . They all seemed confused.

Then Koharu looked up, surprised.

"I understand now... You had already accepted us into the Mercenaries of Good guild, but you wanted to do this training to see if we could figure it out on our own, didn't you?" she said .

Aioze smiled.

— Exactly. — he said Aioze .

"And this training is to improve our strengths and weaknesses, and enhance our direct combat," she continued .

"It seems you understood correctly," he replied.

Aioze looked at me and Max.

" Fujimoto , you've demonstrated good agility, but you lack physical strength," Aioze explained.

— I understand. — I said.

"Max, only use Physical Strengthening when necessary. Using it right at the start is a waste. Observe your opponent before expending energy," he explained . Aioze .

— Understood — replied Max.

Aioze stood up.

"Now... I want the four of you to fight me," he said . Aioze .

I swallowed hard.

"Lord Aioze ... do you have a sword?" I asked.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Do you know how to use swords?" Aioze asked me.

"I'm learning. Your brother, Grinn , was teaching me," I replied.

"Ah... so he was teaching you fencing. I know what to do now." Aioze crossed his arms and spoke.

He grabbed a sword and threw it at me.

"Take her. Fight Yuuki in a sword duel. If you do well, you can keep her," Aioze said.

— Okay. — I agreed.

"Let's go," Yuuki said confidently.

— Shana , heal Fujimoto and Yuuki before the fight. — Aioze ordered.

"Okay," Shana agreed.

Shana used her healing magic, and I immediately felt renewed.

I picked up the sword and faced Yuuki .

"I can't look like a beginner. I need to be quick and precise."

I ran towards her and attacked. She dodged with a fluid movement and tried to hit me, but I blocked with my blade.

"I can't lose here."

Their swords clashed violently, sparking. Neither of them gained the upper hand.

"She's so fast... but I'm keeping up with her ."

Yuuki narrowed her eyes.

Tiredness was starting to get to me.

"She's going to try to end this now."

Yuuki raised her sword and prepared a technique, but before she could act, Aioze appeared behind her; no one saw when he moved.

He held her arm.

"What do you think you're doing?" Aioze asked with a cold look.

"I was just going to finish the fight," Yuuki replied .

"I don't recall authorizing the use of abilities," Aioze reprimanded Yuuki .

Yuuki looked away, embarrassed.

" Fujimoto is the winner," Aioze announced.

Aioze turned to me.

"Now gather your team. I want to see if you can fight me," Aioze said.

"Okay," I said.

I went over to the other three.

"I know we have our problems... but for now, we need to fight together. Let's show Aioze what we're capable of," I said.

"Okay," said Koharu .

— Understood — said Shana .

"Let's go all out," Max concluded.

We face Aioze again .

"Let's go all in," I said.

"Me too," he replied, drawing two swords from their sheaths.

Yuuki's eyes widened.

Himeno , standing beside her, seemed not to understand the reason for her fear.

And then, the real test began.

Aioze drew two swords from their sheaths. On the left, a blade with blue and white details; on the right, another, black with crimson veins that seemed to pulse.

"The one in my left hand is Tentetsutou . The one in my right hand is Kusanagi no Tsurugi ," he said . Aioze ;

Koharu and I exchanged a look, both of us shivering.

Koharu put her hand to her mouth.

"I expected this clash between the two of you," Aioze said , as if she were reading our minds.

"What do you mean?" I asked , swallowing hard.

"You know the origin of these swords, right?" he asked . Koharu .

"Yes. Tentetsutou came from Universe Two. Kusanagi no Tsurugi , from Universe Three," he replied calmly.

We all stood motionless for a moment—me, Koharu , Shana , and Max—as if the revelation had hung in the air.

"Enough talk. Let's fight," he said. Aioze .

Aioze advanced. Max activated Physical Strengthening and tried to restrain him, but Aioze merely touched the ground with the Kusanagi : ice rose in crackling bursts and trapped Max's feet.

"I'm not going to lose here!" Max shouted .

The cut was clean. Max's legs were severed at the shins. I froze. The world seemed to shrink.

"Now there are three left," said Aioze , as if checking a list.

"You two already know the plan. Go for it!" he ordered . Shana .

Koharu left. I trembled.

"Am I... scared? Again?"

"It can't be... Fujimoto is scared." I heard Koharu think between steps.

She raised a shield of FEELINGS and faced Aioze . Kusanagi hissed: an aura of ice surrounded the shield, but it didn't freeze it.

"I made this shield thinking about defending against your ice ability," Koharu teased , smiling.

Aioze sighed.

— I understand. Then I'll finish quickly.

He switched grips and the Tentetsutou glowed red-hot. In a single arc, it burned the shield and then severed both of Koharu 's arms .

— Aaarrrghhh ! — her scream pierced my ribs.

A kick sent her flying backward.

"I give up this duel." Shana hesitated, looked at me, looked at the blood, and made her decision.

"What a surprise to hear that. So that only leaves the boy there... the one who's trembling," he said . Aioze , with a half-smile.

I remained motionless.

"I... can I really fight Aioze ?"

He sheathed both swords, walked over to me, and landed a sharp punch on my stomach.

— Aaaah ! — I fell to my knees, the taste of iron rising in my mouth.

"I can't believe my brother wanted to train someone so pathetic. If you have an ounce of dignity, stand up and show me why he saw anything in you." Aioze spoke softly, and it hurt more than the blow.

I didn't answer. The ground was spinning. Aioze looked at me with disappointment.

"You've been pathetic. I'm going to end this," he said . Angry Aioze .

"Pathetic... Am I really? No... at least..."

I closed my eyes.

"At least I should try."

A memory of my mother lit up in the darkness: "If you quiet your mind and soul and focus on one thing, you can break through any barrier."

I placed my hand on the ground, bent my knees, and lifted my face.

"This isn't over yet!" I shouted and stood up.

"It's over, yes," Aioze retorted , and a kick exploded in my ribs. Blood trickled down my lip.

"Focus only on defeating Aioze . That's all. Breathe. Dispose of the rest."

The world tightened at one point. Silence. And then:

"System Message: Attempt to unlock the temporarily granted SEISHI skill."

" I understood."

I opened my eyes.

"It's time for everyone to rest," said Aioze , turning his back.

That's when I appeared behind him. I didn't even see my own footsteps. Shouts echoed. My sword descended and Tentetsutou slashed through the air to parry the blow at the last instant.

(How did he get so fast?) — I saw that question dancing in Aioze 's eyes .

He also drew the Kusanagi . We exchanged blades: steel against steel, ice against spark. I was on the edge, but my focus held me back.

I saw Himeno at the edge of the field, watching intently. I threw my sword toward her face.

"What are you doing?!" Aioze turned around instinctively.

My fist met his face. The crack was clear.

"Your fight is here!" he shouted . Aioze .

Aioze spat blood and took two steps back. Yuuki appeared like the wind, holding the sword that had flown away.

"Sir, I grabbed the blade. With my speed, that would never have hit us," he said . Yuuki .

Aioze breathed, his gaze shifting as he returned to me.

"I understand the trick. Dishonest? Yes. But that's something only someone who trusts their companions would do. Now I see what my brother saw in that brat," he said . Smiling Aioze .

He raised his swords.

"Let's finish this quickly," he said . Aioze .

"I will continue!" I shouted , my chest burning.

"If you can continue... then continue," he replied firmly.

I lunged forward for a direct hit, and the strength drained from my legs. Everything felt light.

"System Message: SEISHI temporary usage time has expired."

"So... it's over."

The ground welcomed me.

Aioze sheathed his swords, came over to me, and lifted me onto his back without ceremony.

" Shana , it seems you've already regenerated Koharu and Max. Now that everyone is whole, let's go back to the barracks. Take a shower," she said . Aioze .

At the Headquarters of the Mercenaries of Good

Aioze introduced us to the others, and the hall vibrated with voices and footsteps.

"Everyone, welcome our new members. And I want to introduce the Pillars of the Mercenaries of Good," he said , pointing to me, Koharu , Shana , and Max.

A man in armor stepped onto the platform, alongside a woman dressed as a mage. Yuuki joined them.

I'm Myle Lysandra . Responsible for the group's magic training and magical strategy. Count on me, new members. — her voice was soft and hypnotic.

"Speaking softly and confidently... I'd better stay alert."

The man cleared his throat, somewhat awkwardly.

"I am Splinton Gerald. Commander of defensive strategies. I don't talk much, but... you can count on me," the armored man introduced himself timidly.

"Shy, but... solid. He must be very strong."

Yuuki flashed a confident smile.

— As you know, I am Tachibana Yuuki . Vice-commander and commander of offensive strategies. Let's work together. — he said . Yuuki .

"Direct speech. Good leadership."

Finally, Aioze took the lead.

"I am Stuart Aioze , leader of the Mercenaries for Good. My role is to unify the three strategic fronts into a cohesive plan. Our goal is to accept only missions in the name of justice, and to maintain respect among all," he said . Aioze .

The hall erupted in applause and shouts.

"They love Aioze ... and rightly so."

"Now, rest or have fun," he concluded.

Yuuki came over to the four of us.

"After your shower, meet me in the third room on the main floor , the top floor of the building," he said . Yuuki .

We washed up, put on clean clothes, and went upstairs. Yuuki , Himeno , Lysandra , and Gerald were already in the living room.

"I called you here to propose something," Yuuki said .

"What would that be?" I asked .

— Lysandra told me about that "game" you guys played with the kings of Omeron : a box with duplicate tokens. Whoever draws a matching token sleeps in the same dormitory. I thought about repeating it here. I already spoke to Aioze . — she said Yuuki .

"It's been a while since I used the Hidden Observatory. I'd better check out Lysandra ."

Name: Myle Lysandra

Class: Mage | Level : 45

Atk : 100 | Def : 240 | Int : 223 | HP: 450 | Speed : 181

MagAtk : 122 | MagDef : 243

Abilities : METRONOME (detect sounds from a long distance); TRACKING (follow marked targets anywhere).

"Her skills... a little suspicious. But if Aioze trusts her, I will too."

"Can I ask a question?" Shana looked at Lysandra .

"You can," he said . Lysandra .

— How did you find out about this “game”? — Shana asked.

"I have informants in several kingdoms. One of them told me," he replied . Lysandra .

"Which one?" Shana narrowed her eyes.

"I can't reveal my informants," Lysandra remained calm.

"Don't judge Lysandra . Aioze trusts her. I ask that you trust her too," he interjected . Yuuki .

I sighed.

" Okay . I trust you, because of Aioze . And you?" I said.

Koharu , Shana , and Max exchanged suspicious glances.

"Let's trust... with a little bit of distrust," said Koharu .

"And what about my suggestion ?" Yuuki brought the subject back to the topic.

Gerald and I will be on this floor for two days before returning to our offices. We can participate, so you decide. — he said Lysandra .

We accept. Himeno clapped her hands, excitedly.

"I'll get the box and make the cards!" he said . Hymen .

Minutes later, everything was ready.

"Commander Gerald will be the first to draw," Himeno announced .

The knight scratched himself shyly.

"Do I... have that... privilege?" Gerald asked , embarrassed.

"Yes, Commander," Himeno smiled .

"So... when we're alone, just call me Gerald, please. 'Commander' embarrasses me," he asked, blushing.

He took out a token.

"Room number two," said Gerald.

"Now Lysandra ," said Himeno .

Lysandra caught the card.

— Room number four. — he said Lysandra .

— Now Yuuki . — she said. Hymen .

Yuuki took hers.

— Room number one. — he said Yuuki .

"My turn," said Himeno , with a glint in her eye.

— Room number two. — She revealed the file.

"Then I'll be sharing a room with Himeno ," said Gerald, adjusting his helmet.

— Now Max — called Himeno .

"I'm hoping I don't get paired with a certain person..." Max teased.

— Go now! — he growled. Shana .

Max chuckled slightly and took it off.

"Room number one," said Max.

"Then you'll stay with Yuuki ," Himeno confirmed .

— Now Shana . — he said Hymen .

Shana took a breath and drew lots.

— Room number four. — he said Shana .

I looked at Koharu . She held my gaze.

"Then I'll stick with Fujimoto ," she said, carefully choosing her words.

"Alright. Each pair, to their room. The rooms are on this floor and have numbers on the doors." He nodded. Yuuki .

I took a deep breath.

"After Aioze ... after the swords... after SEISHI... after my fear was exposed... I just want a night without nightmares. But, with Koharu by my side, maybe I'll finally sleep."