The night sky over Qanbarash hung heavy, clouds veiling the moon in restless shadows. The air was thick with the pulse of danger as Michi, Veynar, Veylika, and Canberas crept through the broken terrain toward the Arklight Guild's stronghold. Every footstep was measured, every breath hushed, their eyes scanning the looming fortress where countless threats waited.
"Keep low," Veynar whispered, his hand steadying his younger sister. "The closer we get without being seen, the better."
Veylika nodded, though the tension in her shoulders betrayed her nerves. Canberas's blade gleamed faintly under the dim light, his grip ready. Michi's eyes stayed fixed forward, his determination like steel.
But stealth only lasted so long.
A sharp whistle cut the silence. From the shadows ahead, four figures stepped into view, their silhouettes framed by torchlight. Rulius, Kripton, Luo, and Escor.
"Caught you," Rulius sneered, spinning his sword with a flourish. "You outsiders think you can just sneak into our guild? You're in the wrong place."
The twins, Luo and Escor, both still children in frame yet deadly in motion, darted forward. Their twin daggers flashed as they lunged at Veynar and Veylika with startling speed.
"Careful!" Veynar barked, parrying a dagger with his spear. Veylika staggered back, barely blocking Escor's slash, sparks flying from the clash. The children's eyes burned—not with malice, but with cold obedience.
Michi's voice cut sharply through the chaos.
"Don't kill them! They're just following orders. Hold back!"
Even as he spoke, Canberas roared, swinging his greatsword in a heavy arc toward Rulius. Steel rang as Rulius blocked effortlessly, his grin widening.
"You're strong," Rulius said, pressing forward, "but strength alone won't save you."
The ground cracked beneath their clash, and quickly Rulius began to overpower Canberas, driving him back step by step. Sweat lined Canberas's brow as his arms strained under the sheer force of the guild warrior.
Nearby, Kripton stepped forward with his hatchet, smirking as his eyes locked on Michi.
"So, you're the one Drango keeps talking about," he said. "This will be fun."
Michi tightened his stance, blades ready.
"If it's a fight you want…" he growled, "then let's finish this."
The two clashed, Michi's precision meeting Kripton's brute ferocity. Sparks scattered in bursts of light as their weapons collided again and again, the sound of metal striking metal echoing into the night.
Behind them, Canberas faltered, Rulius's blade nearly knocking his weapon from his grasp. Rulius's laughter rang out.
"Pathetic. Is this the best you can do?"
But before his finishing blow could fall, Kripton suddenly moved. With startling speed, he leapt behind Rulius, pressing the edge of his hatchet to his guildmate's throat.
Rulius froze, shock flashing in his eyes.
"Kripton… you—"
Kripton smirked, his grip unrelenting.
"No hard feelings, Rulius. I got booked by the kingdom. Orders are orders."
Rulius chuckled darkly, even with the blade at his throat.
"Yeah, I get it. That's the way of our guild. For money, for contracts… we can turn on anyone. Even each other."
With that, Rulius twisted free, steel meeting steel as he engaged Kripton in a furious duel. Sparks danced around them, their blades shrieking with each clash.
Kripton shouted over his shoulder, his eyes flashing toward Michi and Canberas.
"Don't stand there like fools! Can't you see? I've been booked to stall him. Go! Now!"
Michi hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the brothers still locked in their deadly dance. But he clenched his fists. He understood. With a curt nod, he motioned to Canberas.
"Come on. We move."
Even as they slipped past, Veynar and Veylika were still struggling against Luo and Escor, their movements fluid and relentless. The young assassins pressed their attacks with flawless synchronization, forcing the siblings onto the defensive.
"Just go!" Veynar shouted, sweat dripping down his brow as he locked blades with Luo. "We'll handle this!"
Reluctance tore at Michi's heart, but there was no choice. He and Canberas darted toward the guild's main base, leaving the clash of steel and desperate cries behind them.
Deep in the basement of Arklight Guild, the air was damp and suffocating. Chains rattled faintly, and a single lantern flickered against the cold stone walls. Pandora stood there, her spellbook glowing faintly in her hands, while Shiro sat bound and wide-eyed.
The heavy footsteps of Drango broke the silence. His towering frame emerged from the shadows, his eyes gleaming with hunger.
"Pandora. Hand me the boy. Only I know how to use Rishdania's bond. Don't waste time."
Pandora raised her head slowly, her eyes narrowing.
"No, Drango. The guild master entrusted Shiro to me. It is my task, and mine alone. Do not overstep."
Drango's lips twisted into a snarl. He lifted his massive hatchet, its edge gleaming.
"You forget yourself. Then I'll take him by force."
The air split as Drango swung. Pandora's magic flared, summoning barriers of shimmering light, but his hatchet tore through them like paper. Steel slammed against spell, sparks bursting in blinding showers. Pandora countered with blasts of arcane energy, forcing him back, but his strikes were relentless.
"You're strong, Pandora… but not strong enough."
One crushing blow shattered her defenses. Blood sprayed as his weapon cut deep across her side. Pandora staggered, coughing, her knees nearly buckling.
Shiro screamed, "Stop! Please, stop!"
Drango ignored him. He strode forward, backhanding Pandora brutally across the face. She crashed against the wall, blood staining her lips.
"Enough games."
He grabbed Shiro by the collar, the boy thrashing helplessly. With a cruel grin, Drango slapped him hard, silencing his protests.
"You're coming with me, brat. You'll make the perfect leash to bind your sister. With you in my grasp, Rishdania will kneel."
Shiro's eyes widened in terror as Drango slung him over his shoulder like prey. Pandora, broken but still conscious, reached out with trembling fingers, her voice weak.
"No… don't…"
But Drango's laughter thundered through the basement as he vanished into the shadows, dragging Shiro into the depths.