Chapter 44: Determination Of The Strong

Soujin’s eyes darted upward, locking onto the newcomer.

Draped in a black cloak and hood with green-striped accents, the figure moved with a ghost-like grace. Their mask obscured their features, leaving only their piercing, observant eyes visible.The atmosphere grew heavy under their silent presence.

The Lieutenant straightened her posture, offering a slight bow in acknowledgment. “Captain Ryoshima,” she said evenly with respect and an undertone of tension.

Ryoshima said nothing at first. Their gaze shifted between Soujin and the Lieutenant, assessing the situation with unnerving precision. When they finally spoke, it was in a low and calm tone.

“This... sparring session has gone far enough.”

Soujin frowned. “Sparring? Felt more like she was trying to kill me.”

Ryoshima’s gaze flickered to Soujin for a brief moment. Then, turning back to the Lieutenant, they added, “You’ve demonstrated enough. Stand down.”

The Lieutenant hesitated for a moment but after a beat, she exhaled sharply and extinguished the energy around her blade and sheathed it. “As you wish, Captain.”

Soujin relaxed slightly, though he kept his guard up. “Care to explain what’s going on, ‘Captain?’”

Ryoshima closed their eyes for a moment. When they spoke, it was measured.“The determination of one person is not something to be taken lightly. Will Blackhart... he has moved me in ways few have. His resolve, his vision—it’s unwavering. You displayed something similar during this battle.”

Soujin’s face hardened, though he listened intently.

Ryoshima continued. “I’ve seen how far you’re willing to go., and yet...” They paused for a moment and then said, “I cannot betray Will’s decision regarding the life of Cera.”

Soujin sighed, lowering his blade completely. “I get it,” he muttered, turning to leave. “You won’t betray him. Fine.”

As Soujin began to walk away, Ryoshima folded their arms and raised their voice slightly.“Regardless of that decision, Soujin, if you’re truly determined, if your resolve burns as fiercely as it seems…When the day comes, you might be able to change my opinion.”

Soujin stopped in his tracks momentarily. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said before striding out of the room,

Soujin stepped outside, letting the heavy door creak shut behind him. The cool air hit his face, carrying the faint scent of the training grounds.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Still haven’t gotten anyone to say, ‘Yes, I’ll join you.’ Always with the stipulations or cryptic nonsense.”

He exhaled sharply. “And then there’s the outright rejections…”

He darted started down the stone pathway. While doing so, his mind wandered. ‘What if I just... bribed the next Captain? Money talks, right?’ The absurdity of the idea almost made him laugh, though it quickly turned into a scoff.

“Yeah, right,” he muttered, shaking his head to clear the notion. “Like I’ve got enough coin to sway someone with a rank like that….”

Soujin stopped mid-step as the faint, rhythmic clash of swords reached his ears. The sound grew louder with each passing moment. He furrowed his brow. “Huh…I heard those Sword clashes earlier…What the hell’s going on?”

Despite the noise, the source didn’t seem to be coming from the direction of Squad 8’s building. Instead, it drifted from further down the path, beyond the orderly quarters of the Squad.

Before he could dwell on it further, a whisper slipped into his ear like a ghostly breeze.

“I would check Squad 9 first if I were you,” came Ryoshima’s voice.

Soujin stiffened, turning his head sharply, but no one was there. His eyes scanned the area for any sign of the masked Captain. Nothing. “Creepy,” he muttered while shaking his head.

It was then that he felt it—a faint ripple in the air. His Mystcry stirred as it brushed against a familiar energy, unmistakable despite its weakened state. Bellar.

His heart skipped a beat, and his eyes narrowed. “What’s she doing over there?” he murmured, quickening his pace pressed forward past Squad 8.

Soujin’s jaw tightened. Bellar was tough but if she was exerting this much Mystcry, something serious must have been going down.

As Soujin continued down the path, the surroundings began to shift dramatically. The neatly arranged tiled paths of Squad 8 gave way to dense, jungle-like terrain. The earthy scent of the foliage filled his nostrils.

“What the hell is this place?” Soujin muttered under his breath while pushing forward. The clash of blades was louder now, echoing through the trees with an intensity that made his Mystcry hum in anticipation.

His steps faltered when he came across a group of figures which were mostly women, tall and muscular. Their bodies were wrapped in tribal-style clothing adorned with feathers and beads. Their physiques were like warriors forged in harsh conditions,. A few men were scattered among them but their numbers were far fewer in numbers.

Soujin’s gaze darted between them. “Where am I now?” he muttered under his breath. The women paid him little attention.

Soujin pushed past the gathering, earning a few annoyed glances but no resistance. His eyes widened when he stepped into a small, tribe-like arena nestled on the side of Squad 9’s quarters.

In the center of the sandy circle stood Bellar, her stance firm despite her ragged breathing. Her long black hair was damp with sweat. On the opposite side was a young woman with striking white hair tied into a spiky tail that gave her a fierce, almost wild appearance. She was equally exhausted. The sword she held trembled sword slightly in her grasp.

Soujin’s gaze flicked between them. The crowd around the arena was raucous, their cheers and chants blended into a chaotic symphony that only seemed to fuel the intensity of the duel.

The two combatants readied themselves for their final strikes. Bellar’s chest heaved. The young woman across from her opened her mouth to speak—words that Soujin could barely catch but he saw the familiar gesture of a sword magic. "Energize…" she muttered. Her blade flashed a greenish hue.

Bellar , With a guttural scream swung her sword forward, unleashing a violent bolt of lightning from its edge. The crackling energy tore through the air like a thunderclap, hitting the young woman before she could finish her command. The force of the strike sent her stumbling backward with the sword slipping from her hands. She collapsed to the ground, twitching from the electric shock.

Bellar, still panting and clearly drained from the prolonged fight watched the young woman fall to the ground with a satisfied, albeit exhausted grin.

"Yeah… did it," she muttered, though she wobbled. Her knees buckled for a moment and she caught herself on the hilt of her weapon for support.

The crowd erupted into cheers around her but Soujin could tell she wasn’t exactly basking in the glory.

Soujin moved closer, stepping into the arena and eyed Bellar. “ I guess you’re not exactly in the best shape to be boasting, huh?”

Bellar let out a short laugh, coughing afterward. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just needed a bit more electricity to finish it. That woman… she’s good. But not good enough.”

Bellar turned towards the edge of the arena where several figures had been watching the fight. She shouted, “Took down your Lieutenant! Now, do I need to kick your ass to convince you to help, or what?”

The figure that emerged from the crowd was a woman who, at first, Soujin hadn’t noticed. Her presence almost invisible until she stepped into the light. As soon as Soujin’s eyes locked onto her, he felt an immediate shift. His chest tightened and he gained an odd sense of attraction and fear. The woman stood tall with her frame muscular and imposing but held a youthfulness in her face. The tribal attire she wore clung to her and her piercing gaze locked onto Bellar before shifting to Soujin.

Soujin had no doubt that this woman could crush him with ease if the need arose. The woman finally spoke. “Bellar, you’ve come a long way, fighting through the gauntlet. But that,” she said, nodding toward the defeated Lieutenant, “isn’t how things work here.” She paused, allowing her words to sink in. “You’ve earned some respect, I’ll give you that. You’re a strong woman. But that’s all you’ve earned.”

She turned her attention to Soujin then. “And you,” she continued with a gaze hardening. “are trespassing on my territory.”

“Territory?” Soujin’s spoke steady, though a trace of uncertainty hung in the air. He wasn’t sure what game she was playing here.

The woman’s lips curved into a small smile. “This is Squad 9, where strength is the only language the wild respects. “

Her presence seemed to stretch the very air around them,.

“I didn’t come to make enemies,” Soujin said firmly.

The woman’s piercing eyes softened slightly but retained their intensity while she Soujin. “Soujin, isn’t it?” she said with her tone carrying an earthy richness. “I am Captain Ginger, leader of Squad 9.” She tilted her head. The gold accessory on her head lit up in the sunlight . She then spoke. “Here, the law is simple: fight and survival decide everything. Strength is our currency, and respect must be earned through battle.”

Her gaze shifted briefly to Bellar, who was still catching her breath. “As impressive as Bellar has been, there’s one fight left if she truly wants my cooperation: She still has to defeat me.”

Soujin frowned. “What kind of deal was made here?”

Ginger turned her attention back to him, crossing her arms. “Bellar came here seeking support, much like I assume you are now. But in Squad 9, we don’t simply agree to aid someone because they ask.” She glanced back at the defeated Lieutenant, then continued. “She agreed to run the gauntlet. She had to fight her way through my squad. If she could defeat the final opponent—me—then I’d consider her request.”

Soujin raised an eyebrow. “Consider?”

A sly smile touched Ginger’s lips. “Winning a fight is one thing. Earning trust and proving loyalty, that’s another. Strength without loyalty is like a blade without a hilt; it cuts both ways.”

Soujin crossed his arms. “And if she loses?”

Ginger’s smile faded and was replaced with a more serious look. “If she loses, she walks away. Respect intact, but without our help. I won’t waste my squad’s time on someone who can’t prove their worth.”

Bellar, still leaning on her sword for support interjected, “Don’t count me out just yet.” She was hoarse but defiant. “I didn’t come this far to walk away empty-handed.”

Soujin glanced between the two women. He was unsure whether to be impressed by Bellar’s resolve or concerned for her well-being. “This seems... excessive,” he said carefully. “Surely there’s another way to come to an agreement.”

Ginger chuckled softly. “Excessive? Maybe to someone who’s used to softer methods but here, in Squad 9, we live by nature’s rules. The strong lead, the weak follow. Anything less and we’d crumble.” Her gaze locked onto Soujin’s. They looked like molten gold.

Soujin let out a sharp exhale, planting his feet firmly on the ground while staring down Ginger. “Well, let me tell you how Squad 3 does things,” he began with purpose. “One for all. We don’t leave our own to fight alone when the stakes are this high.”

Ginger’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Interesting… but seems to me that Bellar chose this path on her own, or are you saying she doesn’t have what it takes?”

Soujin’s gaze flicked briefly to Bellar “That’s not it,” he replied. “Bellar is stronger than most people I know. If she didn’t care so much, she wouldn’t be here, putting everything on the line for something bigger than herself.”

Bellar scoffed. “Don’t read too much into it, Soujin. I don’t…really…”

Soujin smirked, folding his arms. “Right. And I’m sure it has nothing to do with Cera. If you didn’t care, Bellar, you wouldn’t have gone missing last night. You were pushing yourself to the edge to prepare for this.”

Bellar looked away with gritted teeth.

Soujin turned his attention back to Ginger. “Look, I get it. Bellar came here, knowing full well what she was getting into. I’m not stepping in because I think she can’t handle herself, but I want to make sure we get the job done. Both of us came here with the same goal: to save Cera. That’s all that matters.”

Ginger tilted her head. Her lips curved into a faint smile. “Bold words. What exactly are you proposing, Squad 3 Captain?”

Soujin took a step forward. “I’m proposing a new deal,” he said. “I’ll face you in her place. If I win, you give us what we need—your cooperation, your squads back up and everything. If I lose... well, then we’ll walk away. Respect intact.”

Ginger studied him. “You’d put yourself on the line for her?” she asked probing.

Soujin nodded firmly. “That’s what it means to have someone’s back. Bellar’s fought enough today. It’s my turn.”

Ginger’s silence went on for awhile. Then, to his surprise, she laughed deeply which echoed across the arena. “You’re an interesting one, Soujin,” she said with amusement. “But if you’re going to challenge me, you’d better be ready to put more on the line than just your pride.”

Soujin’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Ginger stepped closer “Here’s the deal: If you lose, Squad 3 will officially belong to Squad 9. That means your members, your resources, and you, Captain Soujin, will answer to me.”

Soujin’s eyes narrowed. “You’re suggesting I hand over my squad?”

Ginger smirked. “Not just your squad. You. If you lose, you’ll become my doormat, my errand boy, my... personal assistant, and whatever I want you to be. “

Soujin’s composure cracked for a brief moment with a faint hint of red brushing across his cheeks. “Aww….hell no!”