Ray looked at the group of men gathered before him. Backpacks slung over their shoulders, weapons strapped tightly in place. He couldn't help the sigh that escaped his lips.
The village was small… and these were the only men he could spare.
They weren't many but they were the strongest fighters and magic users he had left.
Still, when he remembered Amber and Yami's terrifying strength, his throat went dry.
Fear crept into his chest like a dark cloud, heavy and suffocating.
But he couldn't let it show.
He straightened slightly, forcing that fear down.
He had to believe.
Because if he didn't… then this mission was already doomed.
His gaze shifted, landing briefly on Dante.
Shadow magic.
A rare and dangerous ability.
Perhaps… just perhaps… that alone could tip the scale in their favor.
Then his eyes moved to Elena.
The girl was… strange.
She was weak. Anyone could see that.
But her will?
Unshakable.
There was something about her spirit… something that refused to bend, no matter the pressure.
And sometimes, that kind of resilience was more important than raw strength.
She could become the anchor his men needed.
A reason to keep going when things got ugly.
If she could control her magic ability, the chances of them winning would have increased in two folds.
Ray exhaled slowly, then cleared his throat.
The chatter died instantly.
All eyes turned to him.
"This mission is going to be very dangerous," he began, his voice firm, carrying across the group.
A heavy silence settled.
"But I believe I have chosen the best people for it."
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across them.
"We don't know how many men Yami has. And with those potions in his possession, his strength has likely doubled… maybe even more."
A few of the men shifted uneasily.
"But I believe," Ray continued, voice hardening, "that we have what it takes to take him down."
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Am I right?"
"Yes, sir!" The response came in unison. It was loud, but not entirely confident.
Ray gave a small nod.
"Good."
He clasped his hands behind his back.
"I would have preferred to lead this mission myself… but someone has to remain here and protect the village in case of another attack."
His gaze swept the group again, slower this time.
If they were going to survive this… they needed a leader.
A real one.
Someone who could hold them together when things fell apart.
His eyes stopped.
Dante.
The boy was saying something animated, earning an annoyed frown from Leo, who shifted away from him.
Lena, on the other hand, laughed softly at whatever joke he made.
Ray watched quietly.
Then he made his decision.
"Dante. Step forward."
The sudden call made Dante blink.
"What the hell…" he muttered under his breath, but stepped forward anyway.
A few men snickered.
Leo was one of them.
"Finally," someone muttered. "This loudmouth is about to get put in his place."
Ray ignored them.
"This is Dante," he said calmly. "And he will be leading this mission."
Silence.
Then...
"What?!"
The protest came from everywhere at once.
Dante himself looked just as shocked.
"Sir, you can't be serious," one of the men stepped forward. "This guy isn't fit to lead us."
"Yeah," another added. "He's all looks and no substance."
"He was flirting with a girl while you were giving your speech," Leo chimed in, arms crossed.
A few men nodded in agreement.
Elena shook her head slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself.
"They've got a point," Dante added casually, raising his hands. "I don't think I'm fit for this either. You should pick that big guy over there."
He pointed lazily.
"He looks like a leader."
Ray didn't even acknowledge the suggestion.
"I have made my decision," he said firmly. "And I will not hear another word of objection."
The tone in his voice shut them up instantly.
Murmurs still lingered but quieter now.
Dante frowned slightly.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked, lowering his voice. "It's clear they don't want me."
"It's not about what they want," Ray replied simply.
Dante's gaze sharpened.
"Then why do you trust me so much? You don't even know me. You're putting their lives in my hands."
Ray chuckled softly.
Then stepped closer.
"Kid… you and I both know you're far more experienced in matters of war than I am."
Dante froze.
His eyes widened slightly.
"How did you—"
"Lead them well, Dante," Ray interrupted quietly. "I'm counting on you."
For a moment, something shifted.
The easygoing expression Dante always wore…
disappeared.
Completely.
What replaced it was sharper.
Colder.
Dangerous.
Elena noticed it immediately.
From where she stood, she couldn't hear their conversation but she saw the change.
And it made her chest tighten slightly.
One moment he was joking…
And the next,
He looked like someone else entirely.
She didn't question Ray's decision.
If anyone could help her save Amber…
It was him.
Not far off, Leo lowered his gaze.
He had been listening.
His magic was subtle... quiet perfect for picking up conversations not meant for him.
Ray hadn't said everything.
But he had said enough.
Leo clenched his fists.
So tight his knuckles turned white.
He didn't stand a chance.
Not against someone like that.
"Everyone."
Dante's voice rang out.
Clear.
Sharp.
Commanding.
The chatter died instantly.
A strange stillness settled over the group.
Even the wind seemed to pause.
Something about him had changed.
The air felt… heavier.
A few men shifted unconsciously.
One took a step back before realizing it.
No one spoke.
"I need each of you," Dante continued, his tone calm but firm, "to give me a clear breakdown of your abilities."
His eyes swept across them.
"If your magic is weak—say it. If you don't have any—say what you do have. Weapons. Skills. Anything useful."
No hesitation.
No room for pride.
Slowly, one by one, they began to speak.
And just like that—
they listened.
Not long after, they set out.
"Leo."
Dante's voice cut through the movement.
Leo looked up, startled.
"Your ability is useful," Dante said simply.
Leo blinked.
"W-what?"
"I mean it," Dante continued. "You might be the reason we even stand a chance against Yami."
Leo didn't know what to say to that.
"…Right," he muttered eventually.
"Elena," Dante added, turning slightly. "Stay with me. Wherever I go, you go."
Elena nodded.
"What about me?" Lena asked quietly.
Dante glanced at her.
"You'll be more useful with the others," he said. "Your frost magic could help stabilize things… especially if Yami uses the potions again."
Lena hesitated for a moment.
Then nodded.
"…Okay."
Dante smirked faintly.
"This is going to be interesting."
Elena swallowed hard as she rode beside him.
The village was already fading behind them.
There was no turning back now.
The conversation she had with Ray echoed in her mind.
The doubts.
The fear.
The hope.
Her grip tightened slightly.
Would she really be able to save Amber when the time came?
She exhaled slowly.
No.
That wasn't the right question.
Her eyes hardened with quiet resolve.
She would save her.
No matter what stood in her way.
Even if it meant walking straight into danger.
Even if it meant facing something far worse than she imagined.
She wasn't turning back.
Not this time.