Chapter 7: Smith And Espada

(Side scene)

The Hidden Forces of Mezolith

The world was not ruled by nations alone.

Beneath the banners of kings and warlords lurked factions, each with their own ambitions, shaping events from the shadows. Some were driven by wealth, others by power, faith, or vengeance.

Among them were the mercenaries of The People's Shop, selling their blades to the highest bidder. The rogues of The Crow, raiding and killing for their own twisted sense of freedom. The fanatics of the Order of Isus, believing war was a sacred path. The reclusive mages of the House of Arcana, protecting secrets that should not exist. And finally, the Obsoletes, a faction shrouded in mystery—known only for their relentless hunt of Quas-blooded individuals.

Kaiser had no knowledge of them.

But soon, he would.

The clash of metal and the crunch of boots on dirt echoed in the clearing as Kaiser gritted his teeth, his body tensed.

His Phantom Step had failed—the bandit leader had reacted faster than expected, blocking the attack effortlessly.

The towering brute sneered, lifting his massive club onto his shoulder. "That little trick of yours might scare the weak ones, but it won't work on me, kid."

The other bandits chuckled, already anticipating the brutal beating Kaiser was about to receive.

Kaiser's breathing was labored. His stamina was draining fast. His enhanced movements burned energy faster than his body could recover.

Alzalel's voice whispered in his mind.

"You charge recklessly. Learn from your enemy. Watch. Anticipate. Then strike."

Kaiser narrowed his eyes, shifting his stance. He couldn't afford another mistake.

The bandit leader moved first.

With a burst of speed unexpected for his size, he swung his club in a powerful arc, aiming to crush Kaiser's ribs.

Kaiser barely dodged, rolling to the side. The ground where he had just stood exploded into dust and splinters.

The brute kept swinging, relentless in his assault. Kaiser ducked, sidestepped, and twisted away, each attack missing him by inches.

The bandit leader growled. "Stop running and fight me, coward!"

Kaiser ignored the taunt. His mind was racing.

Alzalel had been right. This wasn't a battle of strength—it was a battle of patience.

And he was starting to see an opening.

The bandit leader's swings were powerful but predictable. With each attack, he overcommitted, his weight shifting forward just slightly too much.

Kaiser took a deep breath, watching carefully.

Then, as the club came down in a crushing overhead blow—Kaiser moved.

Instead of dodging backward, he stepped in close, sliding past the brute's defenses.

His daggers flashed in the dim light as he slashed across the bandit's side—a deep, clean cut.

The bandit roared in pain, staggering back.

Kaiser didn't let up. He lunged again, but—

A fist slammed into his chest.

The sheer force sent Kaiser flying back, his body crashing into the dirt.

Pain exploded through his ribs. He gasped for air, his vision briefly flickering.

The bandit leader spat blood, grinning despite the wound. "Not bad… but not good enough."

Kaiser struggled to push himself up. He needed something stronger. A finishing move.

Kaiser locked eyes with the bandit leader and activated Gaze.

Alzalel's presence flooded the space between them, the air growing thick with something unnatural.

The bandit's body froze. His pupils dilated. A sharp, horrified gasp escaped his lips.

His hands trembled as if an unseen force gripped his soul.

Kaiser felt it, too. A weight pressing down on him.

A battle of wills.

The bandit was stronger than expected. He fought back.

His body shook violently, veins bulging from his forehead as he clawed against the abyss. His willpower was immense—he was breaking free!

Kaiser had seconds to act.

He forced himself beyond his limit.

Summoning the last of his energy, he activated Phantom Step.

His body flickered, disappearing—

Reappearing behind the bandit leader.

With his last burst of strength, Kaiser drove both daggers into the man's back.

The bandit leader stiffened. His body twitched. Then—he collapsed forward, face-first into the dirt.

The other bandits froze.

For a moment, there was only silence.

Then—one of them panicked and ran.

The others, seeing their leader fall, made a choice—they turned and fled.

The fight was over.

Kaiser stood over the fallen bandit leader, his breath ragged, his limbs numb.

He had won.

But he was at his limit.

From the trees, the two mysterious figures finally stepped forward.

One was a tall man, wearing a long black coat, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. His silver eyes studied Kaiser with mild amusement.

The other was a woman, shorter but carrying herself with a confident ease. A strange, curved sword rested on her hip, its design unlike any Kaiser had ever seen.

Kaiser barely had time to react before the man spoke first.

"That was a sloppy fight, but at least you survived." His tone was calm, almost bored.

The woman tilted her head slightly, smiling faintly. "He's got potential, though."

Kaiser tensed, still struggling to stay on his feet. "Who… are you?"

The man gave a small smirk. "The name's Elric Smith. And this here is Espada Harmony."

Espada gave him a two-finger salute, her voice smooth. "Nice work back there, kid. But you're gonna need more than that to last in Mezolith."

Kaiser's eyes narrowed. These two weren't bandits.

And from the way they watched him fight instead of interfering… they weren't just travelers either.

Kaiser stared at the two figures before him, his body still aching from the fight. His breathing was heavy, but his grip on his daggers remained firm—he wasn't sure if these two were friend or foe.

The man, Elric Smith, was tall and broad-shouldered, his posture relaxed yet imposing. His black coat shifted slightly in the breeze, revealing a heavy mace strapped to his belt and a flail hanging loosely from his hip. His sharp silver eyes studied Kaiser with amusement, like a teacher watching an inexperienced student.

Beside him, Espada Harmony had a more playful air. She was shorter, lean, and moved with an effortless grace, her scimitar resting lazily against her shoulder. She had a mischievous smirk on her face, but her amber eyes were sharp, always scanning.

Before Kaiser could respond, a sound echoed through the trees.

Voices. Multiple footsteps.

Elric and Espada turned...