Kenji
We walked until sunset, following the Emerald Road. It was quiet—too quiet, honestly. The beasts in the forest mostly just stared, didn't approach or cause any trouble.But I know what you're wondering: why was I pissed at that fat bastard, Jerry?Don't stress it. I just really wanted to punch him, that's all.
We stopped at the side of the road as the sun dipped behind the trees and started setting up camp. Once darkness settled, we gathered around the fire.
Gareth passed out some rations. We thanked him and started eating in silence.
Suddenly, Gareth stood up. "Okay, I think it's time you guys properly introduce yourselves."
He pointed a thumb at his chest. "I'm Gareth Walter, member of the Red Dragon Order."
The short guy beside him spoke next. "I'm Donovan Jasper, from the Green Dragon Order… and just so you know, I'm an assassin."
Assassin? What the hell is that?
The last one sighed. "Donovan, you're not supposed to say what you are. Just who you are."
"I know," Donovan shrugged. "But I had to make it clear."
The last guy ran a hand through his hair. "Anyway, I'm Naiz Volpen, also from the Green Dragon Order."
I stood proudly. "I'm Kenji Kimura, leader of Team 15 from Division 4!"
The three nodded at me.
"I'm Takahiro, member of Team 15," Taka said, calm as ever.
"Yushiro."Short. Simple. Neutral expression.They gave him a curious look.
Can't blame them.
"Alright," Gareth said, clapping his hands together. "Let's swap info. This is an escort mission from the 2nd Division to the 3rd, right? But we've also been told to share information with you guys."
We exchanged looks. That part was new.
"What kind of information?" I asked.
"Whatever you wanna know about the Empire—well, at least what we know. But let's save the heavy stuff for when we're walking again."
"Ohh, interesting," Yushiro murmured, already deep in thought.
"For now, let's talk strategy," Gareth continued. "Since this is an escort mission, we need to plan out a formation to defend the carriages."
"Hmm, makes sense," I nodded.
"First, we need to know each other's strengths. I'm a swordsman, Naiz uses a spear, and Donovan—well, he's already told you."
"Yeah, what is an assassin?" I asked.
They all stared at me like I'd grown a second head.
Donovan cleared his throat. "An assassin is someone trained to kill—quick, quiet, and efficient. Like how a swordsman uses a sword, I use daggers and knives."
"Ah, got it. Thanks."
Gareth nodded. "What about you three?"
"We're all swordsmen," I replied confidently.
"That makes it easy," Donovan said. "So… how far are you with your True Weapon Art?"
"Hey," Gareth warned, "you know it's rude to ask that right away."
"It's relevant!" Donovan defended with a shrug.
"Wait… what's 'True Weapon Art'?" I asked.
Yushiro, the smug bastard, stroked his imaginary beard like an old sage."Ho-ho-ho, let this old man explain. True Weapon Art is the art of mastering your weapon. Using techniques, styles—that's the foundation of it. It's divided into 16 tiers. Most beginners start at Tier 1 or 2. Ho-ho-ho."
"So… what rank am I?" I asked.
Yushiro tilted his head in thought. "You're Tier 1. Takahiro's Tier 2."
The knights nodded in agreement.
"If those are our ranks," Taka asked, "what about you three?"
Gareth opened his mouth to respond—
"Are you done choosing who's taking first watch?"The stern voice of their supervisor cut in from the darkness.
"Yes, sir! We have!" Naiz shot up to his feet.
The supervisor glared, nodded once, and disappeared into the shadows.
Gareth sighed. "Guess that's our cue. Let's assign night watch partners to get used to each other. I'll take first watch, Naiz second, and Donovan third."
"Huh? Right," I muttered, glancing at my brothers.
"I'll take first watch," Taka volunteered immediately.
Yushiro stayed silent.Of course. He didn't want the second watch.
Fine, then.
"I'll take second. Yushiro gets third."