The Mission (2)

The next day, Vardan, Jay, and Leo stood outside the black van, all ready for the mission. Jay's eyes flickered nervously, his hands twitching at his sides. Leo stood tall, a stern expression carved on his face, his sword hanging at his side. Vardan, however, was silent, his focus sharp.

"You sure we're ready for this?" Jay whispered, glancing at Leo.

"Leo's ready," Vardan replied, his voice calm, almost detached.

The black van rolled to a stop in front of an overgrown path leading to Johan's cabin. The evening air was thick, the trees swaying gently in the wind. As the door to the van slid open, Leo stepped out first, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Without a word, he moved forward, his footsteps steady and confident.

"Should we go with him?" Jay asked, voice trembling slightly. He wasn't used to the weight of a mission like this.

Vardan didn't answer right away, his eyes narrowed as he watched Leo march toward the cabin. "No, we wait here," he said finally, his tone firm.

Jay's nerves didn't settle, but he obeyed. They stayed back, hidden by the trees, watching as Leo advanced alone.

---

Inside Johan's cabin, the old man sat calmly, his sword resting beside him, the soft glow of the dying fire illuminating his weathered face. He looked up as Leo stepped into the clearing, drawing his own sword, his grip steady.

Leo's voice was low, a dangerous edge to it. "I've been waiting for this moment."

Johan stood slowly, his eyes unreadable. With a quiet smile, he drew his sword. "So, you've come for a fight."

Without another word, Leo rushed forward, his blade cutting through the air in a deadly arc. Johan met the strike with ease, his sword moving in perfect synchronization with Leo's. The two blades clashed, sparks flying, the sound of metal on metal ringing out in the night.

Leo pressed forward with relentless force, his attacks fast and precise. Johan parried each strike effortlessly, moving with the grace and experience of a man who had seen countless battles.

From where Vardan and Jay stood, they could hear the ferocity of the battle. Each clash of swords echoed in the air, like thunder rolling through the night. Jay's heart raced in his chest, his breath quick and shallow.

"Should we go check on them?" Jay asked, voice tight with fear.

Vardan didn't answer at first, his eyes glued to the fight. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady. "Let's go. But stay back. This isn't our fight."

---

Back at the facility, Oliver stood in the darkened room, his eyes trained on the screen. He watched the footage of the battle unfolding, his fingers drumming rhythmically on the desk in front of him. The boss remained in the shadows, his face obscured.

"Why did you send Leo for this mission?" Oliver asked, curiosity lacing his words. "Vardan and Jay are strong enough to take down Johan, and yet... you send him."

The boss's voice was low, almost amused. "Have you heard of the Great Sword Killer Organization in Japan?"

Oliver nodded slowly, his brow furrowed. "Yes. They were known for training the deadliest assassins with blades."

The boss smiled, though it was hidden in the shadows. "Johan was the one who destroyed them."

Oliver's eyes widened. "What? One man? Johan took down an entire organization by himself?"

"Yes," the boss replied, his tone filled with admiration. "Johan was the one who destroyed the 2,000 killers that made up that organization. He wiped them out without mercy."

Oliver's mind raced. He had heard stories of the Great Sword Killer Organization, but the thought of one man bringing them to their knees was unfathomable. "Then why send Leo? What's his connection?"

The boss's smile widened, though it remained hidden. "You'll see."

---

Back in the woods, Johan and Leo were locked in an intense battle, neither of them willing to give an inch. The air between them crackled with energy, the sound of their swords meeting louder than anything else in the forest.

Leo was breathing heavily now, his movements slower, but he didn't stop. Even as exhaustion crept up on him, he pressed forward, his determination unwavering.

Johan observed him, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. The boy was relentless. But then, Johan saw something that made him pause—a tattoo on Leo's arm, a sword etched into his skin. His eyes widened as memories from the past flooded his mind.

"You… you're from the Sword Killer Organization," Johan muttered, his voice soft but filled with recognition.

Leo froze, his eyes widening for a split second before narrowing. "I was just a kid back then... but I remember everything."

Johan's eyes sharpened. "You were the boy I left behind," he said, his voice low. "The one I spared."

Leo's grip tightened on his sword. "I never forgot that day. I've trained for years to defeat you. You destroyed my family. My entire world. Now, I'm here to take revenge."

Johan's eyes softened, but he said nothing. He stepped forward, his sword slashing through the air once more, but this time, there was a new intensity in his eyes.

The two men clashed again, their blades flashing like lightning in the night. Each strike was a test of skill, of will. But Johan's years of experience gave him the edge.

As they fought, Vardan and Jay approached, staying hidden in the shadows. Jay's breath hitched as he watched the intensity of the battle. His fear was palpable, but Vardan remained calm, observing the fight carefully.

"Johan's holding back," Vardan said quietly. "He could end this at any moment, but he's letting Leo fight."

Jay's eyes widened. "He's... letting him?"

Johan struck again, and this time, Leo faltered, his body slowing down as the weight of exhaustion hit him. He fell to one knee, his sword slipping from his hand.

Johan stood over him, his expression unreadable.

Jay's heart pounded. He was sure Johan was going to kill them next. But then, Johan turned his gaze toward Vardan and Jay, his eyes meeting Vardan's with a knowing look.

"You're not the ones I came here for."

Vardan smiled slightly. "I'm not here to stop you, Johan. But I am watching."

The old man nodded, his eyes lingering on Vardan for a moment longer before he looked back down at Leo.

"You have potential, boy. But not enough to defeat me."

And with that, the battle ended—not in bloodshed, but in a quiet moment of realization. Leo, defeated but not broken, stared up at Johan, his eyes filled with defiance.

But Johan wasn't finished. Not yet.

"You've grown. But you're still not ready."