SILENT BLADES IN THE DARK

The five of them took off, weaving through the bustling streets of Labre City. Towering skyscrapers with sleek, reflective surfaces loomed overhead, their tops disappearing into the clouds. The city buzzed with activity, its streets packed with pedestrians and hovering vehicles zipping by on designated lanes above. Giant holographic advertisements projected onto buildings showcased new technologies, entertainment, and agency accolades, casting colorful lights onto the crowded streets below.

Despite the overwhelming activity, the team moved at an incredible pace, with Reiten and Chosen leading the group. Their strides were effortless, each step propelling them forward like they were born to run. Behind them, Sky, Ragra, and Elza pushed themselves to keep up, their focus unwavering as they weaved through clusters of people.

Ragra, his breathing steady but slightly labored, called out, "If this mission is still in Labre, why are we running? Couldn't we have taken transport?"

Without turning his head, Reiten responded, his voice calm despite the exertion. "Probably because it's too risky. We wouldn't know what kind of tech the enemy has. A vehicle would make us an easy target, especially if they have long-range capabilities. One strike, and we're done."

"That makes sense," Ragra admitted, nodding. "Better safe than sorry."

An hour passed as the cityscape gave way to quieter outskirts. The towering buildings disappeared, replaced by a smattering of small houses and open spaces. The fields stretched out endlessly, swaying under a light breeze. Golden and green grasses shimmered under the sunlight, and scattered clusters of trees dotted the horizon. Here, the air was fresher, untainted by the mechanical hum of the city.

The group slowed briefly to adjust their formation, taking in the quieter surroundings. A dirt path stretched ahead, flanked by wildflowers and scattered fencing marking private farmland. Despite the calm of the area, an undercurrent of tension ran through the team—this was just the beginning of their mission, and the real test lay ahead.

As the squad reached the warehouse, the building loomed in the distance, stark against the fading light of day. Reiten slowed to a stop and pulled out the radio. The air around them was tense, with only the faint sounds of the wind rustling through the surrounding fields.

Reiten pressed the button on the radio and spoke firmly, "HQ, this is Reiten. The squad has arrived at the warehouse. We've reached it safely. No sign of the unidentified personnel yet. Awaiting further instructions."

The radio crackled for a moment before the voice from HQ responded, "Copy that, Reiten. Authorization to engage is granted. You are cleared to neutralize the threat. Proceed with caution and maintain communication."

"Understood," Reiten replied, tucking the radio back onto his belt. He turned to face the squad, his sharp eyes scanning the group.

"Alright," he began, his voice commanding, "here's the plan. We're splitting up. Three of us are going to scout the area, locate the enemy, and, if needed, engage them. The other two will stay behind to defend the warehouse in case they try to sneak past and access the artefacts."

Sky raised an eyebrow. "Why split up? Wouldn't we be better off sticking together?"

Reiten shook his head. "We don't have the luxury of waiting for them to make the first move. If they're Sicarii, they're already ahead of us, probably spread out and planning their next steps. A smaller scouting team can move faster and cover more ground."

Elza adjusted her katana. "So, who's going where?"

Reiten looked between them. "I'll stay behind to defend the warehouse. Chosen will stay with me. Sky, Elza, and Ragra—you three will form the scouting team. Your abilities complement each other, and you'll have a better chance of locating the enemy quickly."

Ragra hesitated before asking, "What if we find them, and they're too strong for us to handle?"

"Then you fall back immediately," Reiten said firmly. "Radio in your location, and we'll regroup. Do not take unnecessary risks. This is your first mission; focus on completing the objective, not heroics. Understood?"

Sky smirked, nudging Ragra lightly. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you don't get us killed."

Ragra rolled his eyes but managed a faint smile. "Yeah, thanks for the vote of confidence."

Reiten's voice cut through the banter. "Stay focused. If you find the enemy, don't waste time with unnecessary chatter. Report in and handle the situation. Move quickly and keep your guard up at all times."

Sky, Elza, and Ragra nodded in agreement. Without another word, the three of them turned and began heading out into the surrounding fields, their movements cautious and their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the enemy. Meanwhile, Reiten and Chosen remained near the warehouse entrance, taking defensive positions and preparing for whatever might come their way.

The three moved quickly but cautiously across the fields, the tall grass brushing against their legs as the forest loomed closer. The light of the moon was faint, casting long shadows over the trees ahead.

"There's a forest just over the fields," Ragra said, pointing towards the darkened area. "I'm sure they're hiding out there."

"Good spot," Elza replied, gripping her katana tightly. "Let's proceed with caution."

Sky scanned the treeline ahead, her expression tense. "They can probably already see us," she muttered. "They're probably preparing for us to come. We need to be careful we don't walk into a trap."

Nodding silently, the trio picked up their pace, running towards the forest with their weapons drawn, their eyes darting in every direction. The air grew heavier as they approached, the shadows of the trees swallowing the faint light of the fields behind them.

When they reached the edge of the forest, the darkness was nearly absolute. The canopy above was thick, blocking out most of the moonlight. Sky held up her kunai, focusing her Lunar inner. A soft, silvery glow emanated from the weapon, illuminating the immediate area around them like a small lamp.

The light revealed twisted tree trunks, moss-covered roots, and dense underbrush. As they ventured deeper into the forest, their movements became slower, their breathing quiet and deliberate.

Then, Ragra whispered, "Wait… over there." He pointed through the trees, where two dark figures were emerging from the shadows.

One of them held two knives, the blades catching what little light Sky's kunai provided. The other carried a katana that glinted with an orange hue, as though it were coated in some kind of fiery energy. Both figures moved with purpose, their stances calm yet predatory.

"Get ready," Elza said under her breath, tightening her grip on her weapon. "We're about to make contact."

Sky glanced at Ragra. "Ragra, radio in to Reiten. Let him know we've made contact."

Ragra quickly pulled out his radio and whispered, "Reiten, come in. We've spotted two enemies in the forest. Over."

Static.

"Reiten, do you copy?" Ragra repeated, his voice more urgent.

Still, only static came through.

"No response," Ragra said, his voice tense.

Elza gritted her teeth. "We don't have time to wait for backup. Stay sharp and follow my lead. We take them out fast, no unnecessary risks."

Sky nodded. "Watch their movements carefully. Don't overcommit."

The two figures stopped, as if sensing the group's intent. One of them tilted their head slightly, the knives in their hands catching the glow of Sky's kunai.

"Here we go," Ragra muttered, shifting into a defensive stance, his staff beginning to swirl with faint water jets as he prepared for the inevitable clash. The forest seemed to hold its breath as the tension between the two sides thickened.