CHAPTER - 11 The Letter of Choices

As the smoke cleared, the squad stood frozen, their eyes fixed on the figure in the black cloak and mask before them. His presence was commanding, radiating a quiet, dangerous power.

Yoto, still stunned by what he had just witnessed, whispered aloud, "Who is this person? He's so strong... He defeated the dragon with just one punch."

The masked man said nothing, his silent demeanor only amplifying his mysterious aura. The squad exchanged uneasy glances, still processing the events that had unfolded.

Breaking the silence, Yoto stepped forward and asked, "Did you kill it?"

The masked man shook his head. "No. It's just unconscious. A dragon's healing is ten times faster than a human's. I suggest you kids move away from here."

Without another word, he turned and began to walk away.

"Wait!" Yoto called out, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Thanks for helping us... but who are you?"

The man paused, turning his head slightly. "There's no need to rush. We'll meet again soon, Yoto." His voice carried an unsettling certainty. Then, as if dissolving into the air itself, he vanished.

Yoto stood rooted to the spot, his mind racing. How does he know my name? Have we met before?

The squad hurried to his side, concern etched on their faces.

"Yoto! Yoto!" Yushin called out, her voice trembling. "Are you hurt? Are you okay?"

"Yoto, are you good?" Hayato and Akemi chimed in.

"I'm fine," Yoto assured them, though his eyes remained distant.

Hayato frowned. "Who was that masked guy? He's ridiculously strong."

Akemi nodded. "Even my slashes couldn't pierce the dragon's hide, but he took it down with a single strike. He's a master swordsman."

"Yeah," Yoto muttered, his voice heavy with thought. "He's strong."

A week ago Two days after the meeting at rooftop, Kaito and Hataki met at the designated rendezvous point. The tension was palpable as Kaito questioned Hataki

"Is your squad here?" Kaito asked, his voice sharp. "We need to get away from this place immediately."

"They're not here," Hataki admitted.

Kaito's expression darkened, anger flashing in his eyes. "What are you saying, Hataki? You know Yoto is in danger!"

"Yes, I know," Hataki replied calmly.

"Then why didn't you bring them?!" Kaito snapped.

Hataki raised his hand, his tone firm but pleading. "Just listen to me, Kaito. They don't even know how to fight with their powers yet. The world out there, the one Genta has shaped—it's brutal. They won't survive unless they're prepared. Give me ten days. I'll teach them everything they need to know to survive."

Kaito clenched his fists. "They need to know the truth! The situations they face will teach them how to fight. We don't have the luxury of time, Hataki. Genta could sense my movements at any moment. We need to get Yoto out before it's too late."

Hataki's eyes hardened. "They Don't know about the outside world. They've been on missions. But they have no idea about the conflicts between the nations or Genta. If I don't prepare them now, they won't stand a chance."

Kaito's patience snapped. "That's it. I'm taking Yoto with me right now." He pushed past Hataki, only for the latter to grab his arm.

Electricity pulsed through Hataki's grip, crackling with intensity. His voice was low but commanding. "Kaito. I said ten days. After that, I'll personally take him away from the organization."

Kaito pulled his arm free, cooling his temper. "Fine. But for the next ten days, I'm watching him. If Genta makes a move, I'll intervene."

Back to the present at the organization's building, the squad returned from their mission. A female attendant greeted them.

"Are you the squad accompanied by Sir Razor?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Yoto replied.

"Sir Razor asked me to convey a message," she said with a polite smile. "He wants you all to rest and recover. He's confident in your abilities. and said I'll meet you again in two days."

"Thank you for the message," Yoto said. "But my squad members were injured during the mission. Can you ensure they receive medical attention?"

"Of course," she replied, leading the squad away.

As they followed her, Yoto turned in the opposite direction.

"Yoto!" Yushin called. "Aren't you coming with us?"

"I'm fine," he said over his shoulder. "I'm going to the training grounds."

While Yoto trained relentlessly, his squadmates voiced their concerns during their treatment.

"Is Yoto an idiot?" Hayato fumed. "He tried to fight the ice beasts barehanded. What's he thinking?"

Akemi nodded. "Yeah, it's reckless. He doesn't even have powers. Why is he pushing himself so hard?"

Yushin hesitated. "Maybe... maybe he awakened a power."

"Then why would he hide it?" Hayato argued. "If he had powers, we'd be the happiest ones to know."

Akemi agreed, but Yushin remained silent, her worry deepening.

In Genta's office, the atmosphere was tense. Thunder rumbled outside, though the rain had yet to fall. Razor knelt silently before Genta, who sat in his high-backed chair.

"So, Razor," Genta said, his voice cold. "How is the plan progressing? Have you identified Yoto's power?"

Razor replied respectfully, "Sir, I believe the reports are accurate. Yoto doesn't seem to have any powers."

Genta's gaze narrowed. "And what leads you to that conclusion?"

"I shadowed them on their mission, as you instructed," Razor explained. "His squad showed remarkable skills, but Yoto did nothing. He stood back during the battle. And when I left to answer your call, I learned they completed the mission. Yoto returned unscathed, though his teammates sustained minor injuries."

Genta's lips curled into a dark smile. "Not a single bruise on him? Interesting. Proceed with the next phase."

"Yes, sir," Razor said, bowing low.

After hours of training, Yoto sat on a bench, sipping water. His mind swirled with questions about the masked man. Does he work here? he wondered. Maybe the attendant knows.

Returning to his room, he found it eerily quiet. The building was calm, with only the faint voices of guards echoing through the halls. When he entered the squad's quarters, he saw no one.

"Hayato? Yushin? Akemi?" he called, but silence answered him.

On the table, he noticed a letter. Opening it, he read:

Come to the location mentioned. Alone. You can only save two out of four. I'm looking forward to meeting you, Yoto.

Fear gripped him and his hands are shaking as he whispered, "What the hell is happening? Who is this person?"