The morning air was sharp and cold.
Liza's sword cut through it in a clean arc as the sun climbed over the horizon. Wind rushed past the training field, tugging at cloaks and loose hair.
"Why are we training so early in the morning?" Kai groaned.
"Because Jeff told us to visit him this evening," Liza replied.
She stepped forward again.
Whoosh.
Kai leaned back just in time, the blade passing inches from his chest.
"I wonder what kind of job he'll give us now," Kai said, circling her. "Hopefully something better than carrying weapons."
"He'll probably give us the usual—assisting, holding equipment, adjusting grips," Liza said, advancing without hesitation.
Kai ducked under her next strike, boots sliding slightly on the damp ground.
"But Jeff sure is a weird man."
Liza stopped and steadied herself. "Why?"
"Whenever I ask about his leg, he goes quiet and says it's just a memory of someone," Kai said. "And when I ask why all his workers left, he just says they weren't loyal."
"He's just someone who doesn't like talking about himself," Liza replied—and charged.
Steel rang as their swords collided.
The impact forced Kai back a step. He grinned and twisted his wrist, knocking Liza's blade aside. Her sword slipped from her grasp and landed in the grass.
"You were open again," Kai said.
Liza exhaled. "I understand."
Kai turned toward Eris, resting his sword on his shoulder. "Now, Eris."
"Hey! Don't you dare do that again!" Liza snapped.
"But Eris needs a wound to practice healing."
"She can practice on animals. You're not cutting yourself."
Kai raised his hands. "Okay, okay."
Eris giggled.
Evening
The sky had begun to darken when they reached Jeff's shop.
"Hey, Jeff! What job do you have for us today?" Kai asked.
Jeff looked up slowly. "I have a difficult one. I'll pay well—if you succeed."
Liza crossed her arms. "What is it?"
"There's a rare stone inside a cave deep in the forest," Jeff said.
"And what makes it difficult?" she asked.
"People say a dangerous monster lives there."
"That's easy," Kai said instantly. "Let's go."
Before Liza could protest, Kai grabbed her wrist and Eris's sleeve and started running.
"Hey!" Liza shouted.
"Jeff! We'll be back by tomorrow evening!" Kai yelled over his shoulder.
They stopped after a while.
"Why do you pull us every time?" Liza asked.
"Sorry, sorry," Kai said.
"I find it fun," Eris added.
"Stop encouraging him!" Liza yelled. "So, what now?"
"We'll take them," Kai said, pointing at a nearby shop where Marcos and Sara were working. "Then we'll go find the stone."
He walked toward them.
"Why doesn't he ever listen to others?" Liza muttered.
"That's why I find Big Brother funny," Eris said.
"He's not your brother," Liza replied.
"Hey, Marcos!" Kai shouted.
"What the hell is he doing here?" Marcos said.
Sara stood up. "What are you all doing here?"
"Ahh, did I ruin your alone time with Marcos?" Kai teased.
"No! Just tell me why you're here," Sara said.
"We need your help for a job," Kai replied.
"You want us for a job?" Marcos said. "Stop kidding."
"I think it'll be fun if we all go together," Kai said.
"No!" Marcos replied. "We have work."
"P-Please," Kai begged.
"No!"
"Okay, I'll take Sara," Kai said.
"No!" Marcos shouted again.
"Why are you only saying no?" Kai asked.
"Because you're saying foolish things," Marcos replied.
"Please, let all of us go," Kai said.
"Let's go, Marcos," Sara said.
"Huh… fine," Marcos sighed. "But first, finish this job."
"Yeah!" Kai cheered.
Night fell as they left Redscar. The forest grew colder with every step.
"So," Kai said, breaking the silence, "what do you think?"
"About what?" Liza asked.
"The monster in that cave."
"He said it was dangerous," Liza replied. "But you can handle it, right?"
"Of course," Kai said.
They reached the cave just as the moon rose.
The entrance was wide—and silent.
Too silent.
Eris slowed down. "It's… quiet."
Liza nodded. "No wind."
Inside, deep marks scarred the cave walls. Stones lay crushed along the ground, as if something heavy had passed through again and again.
Kai tightened his grip on his sword.
"Stay close," Liza said.
From deep within the darkness—
something moved.
Kai stepped forward, eyes fixed ahead.
"Alright," he said quietly.
"Let's go."