The gates of the Ancient Masters Village stood tall against the fading sky—ancient, unmoving, and unshaken by time.
Massive slabs of dark stone formed their structure, each surface etched faintly with marks of history. Time had worn them down, but not weakened them. Faint cracks ran along the edges, telling silent stories of battles long past. Above, watchtowers cast long shadows over the entrance, where guards stood alert, their presence calm but firm.
For Kaelen, this sight had always meant one thing—
Safety.
Return.
Relief.
But today—
It felt different.
As the team stepped through the gates, the world shifted instantly.
The heavy silence of the forest disappeared behind them like a fading echo.
In its place—
Life surged forward.
The streets were alive with movement.
Vendors lined both sides, their stalls filled with goods that reflected the richness of the village—brightly dyed fabrics swaying gently in the breeze, polished weapons catching the last light of the sun, baskets overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables.
"Fresh bread! Still warm!"
"Blades forged this morning—perfect balance!"
"Medic herbs! Limited stock—don't miss it!"
Voices overlapped in a constant rhythm, forming a lively hum that filled the air.
The scent hit next.
Grilled meat sizzling over open flames.
Fresh bread, soft and warm.
Spices—sharp, layered, almost intoxicating.
After days in the forest, where the air carried only damp earth and tension—
This felt overwhelming.
Children ran through the streets without fear, laughing as they chased one another. One nearly collided with Allan before stopping abruptly.
"Sorry!" the boy said quickly before running off again.
Allan blinked, then let out a small laugh.
"…I think I just got outpaced by a kid," he muttered.
Nearby, a group of young trainees practiced under the watchful eye of an instructor. Their movements were stiff, unrefined, but filled with effort.
Kaelen's gaze lingered on them.
Not long ago—
That had been him.
Standing uncertain.
Trying to prove something.
Two off-duty ninjas sat at a nearby stall, laughing loudly as they shared a meal. An older man argued over prices with a vendor, his voice rising in frustration while the vendor remained calm and unmoved.
Everything felt normal.
Everything felt alive.
And yet—
Kaelen couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Allan stretched his arms high above his head, letting out a long breath as if releasing all the tension he had been holding.
"Finally… we're back," he said, relief clear in his voice. "I swear, I'm never complaining about the village again."
Kaito glanced at him.
"You said that last time."
"…Okay, but this time I actually mean it," Allan replied quickly, scratching the back of his neck.
Ryuzen continued walking ahead, his pace steady, his presence unchanged.
"Report first," he said calmly. "Rest comes after."
Allan sighed dramatically. "You don't even take a break, do you?"
No response.
Kaelen walked a step behind them.
His gaze moved slowly across the village.
Taking everything in.
Trying to ground himself in it.
But beneath it all—
Something didn't sit right.
His hand shifted slightly.
Almost unconsciously.
Resting near his wrist.
The place where the masked man had touched him.
For a moment—
Nothing.
Then—
A faint warmth.
So subtle it could be ignored.
So brief it almost didn't exist.
But Kaelen noticed.
His fingers curled slightly.
His expression remained calm.
He kept walking.
"Kaelen?"
Allan's voice broke through his thoughts.
He looked up. "Yeah?"
"You zoned out again," Allan said. "You sure you're okay?"
There was a small pause.
"…Just tired."
Allan studied him for a moment longer than usual.
Then nodded.
"Yeah… same here."
Kaito said nothing.
But his eyes flickered briefly toward Kaelen.
Observing.
The mission office stood at the center of the village—solid, structured, and disciplined in its design.
Inside, everything was controlled.
Scrolls were neatly arranged.
Officials moved with purpose.
The noise from outside faded instantly.
Ryuzen stepped forward.
"D-Rank escort mission—completed."
An official accepted the scroll.
"Any complications?"
A brief pause.
"Yes."
Kaito stepped forward.
"The attackers were coordinated. Adaptive. Their movements changed based on our actions."
The official's expression sharpened slightly.
"They held back," Kaito continued. "They weren't trying to win. They were measuring us."
A second official approached, his expression tightening.
"…We've received similar reports."
Allan frowned. "So this isn't the first time?"
The official responded calmly, "Focus on your assigned duties. Higher matters are being handled."
Kaelen lowered his gaze slightly.
So this is bigger than just us…
Ryuzen handed over the final details.
"Mission completed. Caravan delivered safely."
The official nodded.
"Well done."
Outside, the atmosphere returned.
Ryuzen distributed the payment.
"Allan."
Allan caught it with a grin. "Now this makes everything worth it."
"Kaito."
A quiet nod.
"Kaelen."
Kaelen accepted his share silently.
Allan peeked into his pouch.
"Not bad," he said. "Still think we deserve more after what we faced."
"That wasn't a standard mission," Kaito replied.
"Exactly."
Kaelen didn't check his.
They walked slowly through the market.
The sun dipped lower.
Golden light stretched across the village.
Allan nudged Kaelen.
"You've been quiet."
"…Just thinking."
"About what?"
Kaelen hesitated.
"…Nothing important."
Allan didn't push.
Kaito walked behind them.
Silent.
Thinking.
They focused on him.
Why?
Later—
Ryuzen stood near the training grounds.
Empty.
Silent.
They ignored the others.
Focused on one.
"…Kaelen."
The village quieted.
Lights flickered.
Silence returned.
Kaelen stood alone on the balcony.
Slowly—
He pulled back his sleeve.
At first—
Nothing.
Then—
A pulse.
Stronger.
Clearer.
The mark appeared.
Lines forming.
Connecting.
Still incomplete.
A faint glow spread beneath his skin.
Kaelen frowned.
"…What are you?"
For a moment—
It felt like something answered.
Not in words.
But in presence.
Like something was watching him.
He turned sharply.
Nothing.
But the feeling remained.
Far beyond the village—
Hidden in darkness—
A figure stood.
Watching.
The same symbol flickered once.
Kaelen lowered his sleeve slowly.
His expression hardened slightly.
"This isn't over."
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Next chapter: Title- "The Missing kuro".