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

My heart pounded violently against my chest as the boar surged forward with relentless speed. We traveled for 20 minutes straight, but I could feel the strain in the boars' muscles—they were pushing themselves to their limits, their pace beginning to slow. Judging by our speed, we had about 26 minutes left if we continued on foot.

When Yushiro woke me up with the news, my blood ran cold. His usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by a chilling emptiness. Kenji tapped his boar, leaping off and landing roughly before sprinting ahead at full speed. Yushiro followed suit. Snapping out of my daze, I enhanced my body with Hashi using the Way of Nature technique: Flow, and raced after them.

The moonlight barely pierced through the dense canopy as shadows swallowed the forest path. I glanced back to see the boars retreating into the woods, silently thanking them. Catching up to my brothers, I maneuvered through twisted roots and low branches. After 20 more grueling minutes, the village finally came into view.

Flames devoured wooden houses, thick smoke rising to the sky. The perimeter fence was shattered, and scattered bodies lay lifeless. Kenji clenched his jaw, the sound of his teeth grinding audible.

"I'm going ahead," he growled, unleashing a surge of Hashi and bolting toward the burning village. I followed, with Yushiro close behind.

Villagers desperately fought masked bandits while others lay bound, helpless. Kenji vaulted into the fray, roaring, "You bastards, I'll crush every one of you!" His two-handed sword gleamed as he brandished it single-handedly.

Dust and embers exploded around him as I sped toward a villager cornered by two bandits.

"Way of Nature Technique: Heavenly Soaring Wave," I whispered, slicing through the air. My katana cleaved through both bandits before they could react.

"Are you alright?" I asked the dazed villager.

"A-A Division Knight? Please help us!" he begged, dropping to his knees.

"Stand up, I'm here now," I assured him, pulling him up.

In the distance, Kenji's voice echoed, "Outta my way, you bastards!" He was heading to the village center. I stayed on the outskirts to handle the remaining bandits.

A bandit with a spear sneered, "What's a brat doing here?"

His spear thrust at me, but I parried, observing his aggressive style.

"Why are you attacking this village?" I demanded.

"None of your business, kid," he spat, lunging again.

I sighed, focusing my Hashi. "Way of Nature Technique: Soaring Waterfall Slash!" My blade sliced diagonally, knocking him down.

Scanning the area, I saw villagers regaining control, but clashes still echoed. Rushing to the village center, I found Kenji facing a thin man in metal armor wielding a short sword and shield. Kenji was bleeding but unyielding.

"Kid, step aside if you value your life," the man sneered.

Kenji's glare sharpened. "Bring it."

Bandits charged, but Kenji effortlessly subdued them, his strength overwhelming. The leader's rage boiled as he watched.

"Is that all you got?" Kenji taunted, gripping his sword tightly.

Takahiro (4)