TeenSk398

Three brothers, each striving for their own dreams and goals, set out on a journey that will test the strength of their bond. They become Knights, the first step on a path that will lead them to new challenges, unfamiliar faces, and difficult decisions. Along the way, they will meet others, face obstacles, lose some, and even get lost themselves. Their individual strengths are put to the test, each determined to reach their goals. But life is never that simple—abandonment and deceit lurk around every corner. Hidden motives and dark pasts resurface, threatening to tear them apart. Yet, despite it all, they continue to press forward, fueled by their dreams. In the face of betrayal and uncertainty, will their bond persist, or will they be defeated? Comrades are made, friendships are forged, and plans begin to take shape as they move forward. This is a journey of laughs, love, friendship, dark truths, and brotherhood. This is the Journey to Knights Fall.

Knights Fall

Today, we received a mission to collect herbs in the Emerald Forest. Our reward? Straw basket backpacks. Great.

According to the cat girl who knows everything (and makes sure we know she knows everything), we'd be stepping into Black Back territory.

"Yushiro, do you think we'll get jumped by those Wind Deer Bastards?" Kenji asked, already eyeing the trees suspiciously.

"No, this is Black Back territory," I replied flatly.

"A Black Back is a third-tier gorilla beast. Brown fur, black back, grumpy attitude."

Kenji froze mid-step. "You mean like…that?" Taka pointed at a gorilla beast perched on a tree branch, hopping from foot to foot like it had too much coffee.

Kenji stared at the beast, amused. "Okay, but that's kinda funny."

The beast gave him a side-eye, then bounced off into the forest. We continued toward a small, hidden pond marked on our map, surrounded by towering trees.

Tiny yellow berries clung to a bush. We started picking them, filling our baskets in silence. Well, until—

A rock smacked Kenji square in the back of the head.

"HEY!" he yelled, clutching his head.

We turned. There it was. "WOO! WOO!" it taunted.

"Oh, you wanna go, you WOO bastard?!" Kenji roared, charging into the forest.

Taka and I exchanged glances, dropped our baskets, and sprinted after him.

When we caught up, Kenji was surrounded by a troop of Black Backs. Oh, good. Now we were surrounded too.

"You WOO bastards are dead meat!" Kenji shouted fists clenched.

One gorilla swung from a branch and clapped Kenji so hard he flew backward like a ragdoll.

"KENJI!!" Taka shouted unnecessarily.

Another beast swung down, double-kicking Taka into the pond like a diving champion. Both of them sat there, drenched and humiliated.

I chuckled. They glared at me, but, really, what could losers do?

Something wet. Something sludgy. Sliding down my silver hair.

Five Black Backs cackled, going, "Woooo! Woooo!" like they just discovered comedy.

I clenched my fists. "I'm going to kill five idiotic baboons," I growled.

Sensing my murderous intent, they bolted.

Kenji stood up, ready to chase, but I held up a hand. "Don't. My prey."

Because I was going to enjoy this.

Chapter Eight