Assassins, Swordsmen, and Night Watch Shenanigans

Kenji

We walked until sunset along Emerald Road. The path was safe—no beasts attacked, though plenty stared, their glowing eyes watching from the shadows. But they didn't dare approach.

Oh, but I'm sure you're wondering why I was pissed off at that fat bastard's attitude, right? Don't worry. I just really wanted to punch him, that's all.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we set up camp by the roadside. Darkness crept in, and we gathered around a fire. Gareth rummaged through his pack, pulling out rations and passing them around. We muttered our thanks and ate in silence.

"Alright," Gareth suddenly spoke, standing up. "I think it's time we properly introduce ourselves. My name is Gareth Walter, member of the Red Dragon Order."

The shortest of the group spoke next. "Donovan Jasper, member of the Green Dragon Order. And just so you know, I'm an assassin."

Assassin? What the hell was an assassin?

The last of the trio sighed. "Donovan, you're not supposed to say what you are, just who you are."

"I know, but I like to make things clear," Donovan said with a shrug.

The last one shook his head. "Anyway, name's Naiz Volpen, also of the Green Dragon Order."

I sat up straighter. "Kenji Kimura, leader of Team 15, Division 4." I said proudly.

All three of them nodded, taking that in.

"I'm Takahiro, a member of Team 15," Taka introduced himself.

"Yushiro." My younger brother introduced himself simply, his face unreadable.

They exchanged curious glances but didn't press.

"Alright, let's swap intel," Gareth continued. "Our mission is an escort job—protecting a carriage from the 2nd Division's territory to the 3rd Division's. But we were also instructed to share information with you guys."

We exchanged glances. This was new to us.

"What kind of information?" I asked.

"Anything you want to know about the Empire. Well, anything we know, of course. But let's talk about that while traveling."

"Ohh, interesting," Yushiro murmured, intrigued.

"For now, let's handle the basics. We're on the same mission, right?"

Kenji nodded. "Yeah, we're here to protect and escort the carriage, same as you."

"Alright, so let's talk strategy."

"Strategy?"

"Yeah. This is an escort mission, so we have to prioritize protecting the carriage. We'll need a formation to defend it properly." Gareth crossed his arms. "To do that, we need to know each other's strengths. I'm a swordsman, Naiz is a spearman, and Donovan—as he so kindly informed you—is an assassin."

I frowned. "Hey, what's an assassin?"

All three of them gave me a shocked look. Donovan was the one to answer. "An assassin is someone who specializes in killing. Just like how a swordsman uses a sword, an assassin uses daggers, knives, and stealth."

"Oh. Got it. Thanks."

Gareth nodded. "Alright, what do you three specialize in?"

"We're all swordsmen," I answered.

"That makes things simple. How far have you progressed in your True Weapon Art?" Donovan asked.

"Hey, Donovan, you know it's rude to ask that," Gareth chided.

"It's best to know," Donovan replied with a careless shrug.

"…True Weapon Art?" I repeated, confused.

Yushiro, being the arrogant know-it-all he was, stroked his imaginary beard and chuckled. "Ho-ho-ho, let this old master explain. True Weapon Art is the art of wielding and mastering a weapon. Simply using your techniques qualifies as True Weapon Art. It has ranks—sixteen in total. Right now, we're around the 1st or 2nd rank."

"Oh. So what rank am I?" I asked.

Yushiro tilted his head in thought. "You should be 1st-tier, and Takahiro is at 2nd-tier."

The knights nodded in agreement.

"If that's our ranking, what about you guys?" Taka asked.

Gareth glanced at his companions, about to answer, when a sharp voice cut through the conversation.

"Are you finished choosing who's on watch first?"

A senior knight had appeared, arms crossed, looking impatient. Naiz immediately stood up. "Yes, sir! We've decided."

The knight gave a sharp nod and left.

Gareth sighed. "Alright, time's up. Let's sort out night watch quickly. We'll pair up to get used to each other. I'll take first watch, Naiz will take second, and Donovan will take third."

I glanced at Taka and Yushiro.

"I'll take first watch," Taka volunteered.

Yushiro remained silent, clearly avoiding second watch.

"Well then, I'll take second, and Yushiro will take third."

Yushiro sighed but didn't argue.

And just like that, the first night of our mission began