Bronze Stars and Brotherly Brawls

Kenji

It's been two months since we joined the Division Knights. Two days ago, we were officially recognized as full-fledged members. Right now, on my left shoulder sleeve and the collar of my black Division uniform, a single bronze star gleams under the fading sunlight. We earned it after saving the villagers of Marine Village from a bandit raid. The star marks my rank as a Division Knight. Taka and Yushiro have the same star on their uniforms.

After a brief celebration with the others, we picked up a four-day mission from the board. Missions usually range between three to five days, but we have a habit of finishing them early—three-day missions take us two, and five-day ones only four.Hah! Beat that.

Right now, we're on the road, delivering herbs and medicine from one village to another. Some of the villagers who got to know us during these last two months stopped us to congratulate us. Even old man Ru, whom I had a small argument with earlier, grumbled out a "Congrats." So all's good.

"I can't wait to fly on dragons." I said excitedly, pushing the wagon toward Marine Village.

"Aren't we still far from that?" Taka asked, eyeing me skeptically.

Taka—my brother with golden blonde hair and emerald green eyes—was just a few months older than me, but he always acted like that meant something.

"Nah, it'll take two days, maybe five months, or three years—then I'll be 'The Greatest Knight,' and you, Taka, will be 'The Strongest Swordsman.' Yushiro, you'll be... whatever you wanna be."

"Right," Taka responded flatly. Not exactly reassuring.

I turned to Yushiro, hoping for some enthusiasm, but the silver-haired bastard wasn't paying attention. He was looking around as if he were seeing everything for the first time. We've been using this road for the past two months, but somehow, he's still fascinated by it.

Yushiro—our youngest brother—walked on my left, his violet eyes gleaming with curiosity as he took in every sight. The evening light reflected off his silver hair, making him look like a walking snowball. A smug, oblivious snowball.

"Yu. Shi. Ro." I called out.

He finally turned to face me, tilting his head like a confused puppy. "What?"

I wanna punch you right now.

As if reading my mind, he smirked. "This old man would like to see you try." His voice was full of misplaced confidence, as if he had just accomplished something grand.

I glared at him.

I really am going to punch him.

And as if to further provoke me, my bastard younger brother grinned mischievously and took off running.

"Oh, you're dead!" I shouted, shoving the wagon forward at full speed. Yushiro laughed as he sprinted ahead, dodging roots and rocks. Taka sighed but followed behind us anyway.

Why did I suddenly want to punch my younger brother? I don't know. He's just too damn smug for his own good sometimes. Someone has to humble him before it goes to his head.

After finally delivering the wagon back to Marine Village, we helped with some rebuilding efforts before heading back to base as night fell. We arrived at the Division 4 Base just as the moon settled high in the sky. The building stood tall with eight floors, but I had only ever explored the first three.

I pushed open the doors and immediately scanned the room. My target was already in sight—standing behind the bar.

"Welcome back, Sir Kenji, Sir Takahiro. Thank you for your hard work," Miss Annette greeted us warmly.

Despite my urge to throttle my brother, I wasn't about to make Miss Annette mad, so I took a deep breath and greeted her back.

"It's good to be back," I said.

Taka echoed my words, already moving to take a seat at one of the free tables. But I had unfinished business.

"Now that the greetings are out of the way—Yushiro, come here so I can punch you!"

"Ho-ho-ho, my dear older brother, would you really harm this fragile old man with your bare hands?"

"Don't worry, old man, I won't kill you. I'll just beat the crap outta you."

"Ho-ho-ho, then you shall never lay a finger on this old man."

My eyebrow twitched.

I turned to Miss Annette with a pleading look. "Miss Annette, please hand over that old man behind you."

Miss Annette glanced at Yushiro, who immediately switched tactics.

"My dear Miss Annette, if you conveniently forget what my dear older brother just said, this humble old man will handle 70% of the cleaning and owe you a favor."

Miss Annette paused, tapping a finger on her cheek in thought. Then, with a small nod, she agreed.

Damn it. Cunning little bastard.

I lunged for Yushiro, jumping over the bar. But the little snowball dodged effortlessly, leaping over tables and rushing toward the stairs. I vaulted over the bar again and chased after him, my fists itching to knock the smug grin off his face.

By the time I reached the second floor, he was already out of sight.

"Yushiro! If you don't show yourself right now, I swear I'll beat the crap out of you!" I yelled.

A soft chuckle echoed from the shadows. "Didn't you already say that, ho-ho-ho?"

But I couldn't see him. I couldn't hear him. I couldn't even sense him.

Stealthy bastard.