CHAPTER 2: The First Operative Squad

Chapter 2: The First Operative Squad

They walked in silence for a while until Neriko asked a question in a rather arrogant tone:

— What's your blessing? Since they trusted you to protect me.

They descended down the steps of a small forest slope.

— Kids these days sure are cheeky, — he said, smirking.

— I guess that means, "I won't tell you anything," whatever, — Neriko thought, slightly offended.

As they walked, the trees thinned out, the forest became sparser, and soon they reached a clearing.

— We're here! — Krys didn't even finish his sentence before Neriko ran up, pressed himself against the door, and peered through a small window.

— Are you crazy?! You have the keys, don't you? — Krys asked with feigned aggression, shoving Neriko aside. He inserted a key and began turning it. For Neriko, it was the slowest door-opening of his life. With a terrible creak, the door finally opened, releasing an unpleasant smell into the air.

They began descending a staircase. Krys kept smiling. Soon, another door identical to the first appeared before them. Krys opened it, stepped inside, and started removing his cloak. Neriko only peeked his head in, but Krys immediately grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into the middle of a dimly lit room.

Four people stood before Neriko. He had never seen any of them before.

The first, the tallest man, looked about 35 with a tired face and indifferent eyes. His white hair was slicked back in separate locks. He wore a striped shirt, a worn-out cloak, black jeans, and sneakers. He leaned slightly on a large dining table.

The second was a woman around 25–28 years old. She stood closest, her face sharp, determined, but kind. Her unruly hair curled unnaturally in some places. She wore a long, tight-fitting robe unbuttoned at the top, revealing the absence of a bra. She also wore black boots with thick soles.

The third was a man slightly younger than 30, about 170 cm tall, with a slightly haughty expression. His hair was parted evenly, resembling straw. He wore a white long-sleeved shirt, a green vest, and blue jeans, along with sneakers.

The fourth was the most energetic. She beamed with a bright smile and waved energetically. She looked no older than 22, with long, silky blonde hair, though a single lock at the top curled into a spiral that drew attention. She wore a black tank top, loose white pants, and sneakers.

— Meet the first operative squad — the strongest in this country! — Krys said enthusiastically. — Since your blessing, Neriko, is late… — he adjusted his glasses, looking at Neriko, — …we can do introductions. This guy, — Krys pointed to the striped-shirt man, — is Kian. And this one, the one I call the dwarf, — he pointed at the man in the green vest, — is Kai.

— Who are you calling a dwarf?! — Kai snapped.

— The one without the bra is Leia, — Krys continued without missing a beat. The woman didn't seem embarrassed; in fact, she seemed to puff out her chest even more.

— And her name is Mao, — he pointed at the girl, who resumed waving vigorously. — And, of course, there's me.

— Yeah, hi, — Neriko said lazily and coldly. A long silence seemed inevitable, but Kian broke it:

— They're already here.

Indeed, footsteps sounded on the stairs.

— Is his hearing that good? Or is it his blessing? If so, what is it? — Neriko wondered.

The door creaked again, and two figures entered: a girl wearing a shirt and pants with handcuffs, and a young man only slightly older than Neriko.

— Alright, I'm heading out, — the young man said and turned to leave.

— Bye, Solis! — Mao called out, waving again.

— Bye! Bye! —

"It's a bit annoying that she acts like that with everyone," Neriko thought. But he quickly forgot about it, focusing on the newly arrived girl.

— Newcomer, sit at the table, — Krys ordered. She sat down with a very displeased expression.

— What do you want from me?! I won't reveal anything about my country! I'm a proud Filzian! I'll never give anything to you filthy Banjatians!

Krys began speaking, observing her rage and tears:

— No, we need only one thing, and we'll take it no matter what. We need information about your blessing…

Krys's voice was sinister and smooth, sending shivers down Neriko's spine. He moved over to Mao, the only one in the group he found tolerable, and whispered:

— Why is he asking her if I'll get her blessing anyway?

She leaned down to his ear:

— The thing is, if you don't know what your ability is, it could take years to master it. But if you know ahead of time, you can manage it in just a few days.

— Thanks a lot, — Neriko said gratefully. Mao seemed about to say more when Kian shouted:

— Krys, attack directly from behind!

Krys turned instantly, and everyone saw the girl holding a blade, ready to stab him. But her arm flew sideways, the blade stabbing the floor. Blood gushed as the girl collapsed, unconscious.

— Damn it! She grabbed my blade, — Kian cursed. — Do you understand what could have happened if she succeeded? Or even if the wound just grazed you?! — He pulled the blade from the floor and sheathed it.

— I know. I remember that this rira is cursed, — Krys said calmly. — Any wound inflicted by it will never heal.

— Guys, let me heal her, — Mao squeaked. She was clearly frightened and on the verge of tears.

— No, we can't. We'll have to kill her anyway. Her blessing is strange and powerful. If she wakes up and attacks again, it'll be worse. It's better for Neriko to absorb her blessing immediately, — Leia said calmly.

— Yeah, Neriko, hurry up and absorb her blessing, — Krys urged him.

Neriko had never used his blessing before, though he knew there was some kind of symbol on his stomach. But now it all happened on its own: a chain with a bear trap, blazing with violet flames, emerged from his stomach. Slowly but steadily, it approached the girl. When the trap reached its target, it snapped shut and began pulling back, dragging the girl's white silhouette. But just as the silhouette neared Neriko, he lost consciousness.