We Have A Mission

"This... It's the Guardians... The strongest team in Neville." Andrew murmured, his voice laced with awe. He had heard tales of their exploits, their legendary battles against the most powerful demons.

"That's Ms. Kelly, she's both a Knight and a Healer... Two highly needed attributes." Juliet whispered, her eyes fixed on the leader of the group. She knew Kelly's reputation, her ability to both heal and fight making her an invaluable ally.

Kyle simply growled in annoyance and turned to face the five figures. He recognized their strength, but he also sensed their hidden agendas, the subtle power plays that lurked beneath their smiles.

"I thought you moved solo, so why the Healer and Knight?" Kelly asked, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.

"Ms. Kelly, I am a Swordsman." Andrew said, his voice laced with a desperate attempt to impress.

Kelly glanced at him dismissively and turned back to Kyle.

"Stupid, Swordsmen might be good, but they're under Knights, if you don't have a good skill, you're technically useless... Like now, you are." Juliet whispered, her words laced with a biting sarcasm.

"That hurts!" Andrew yelled back, his voice a hushed whisper.

Kyle looked at the two, and they immediately fell silent, their argument forgotten in the face of his chilling gaze.

"It's my job to look after Juliet, but he just tagged along without asking for permission." Kyle said, his tone flat, devoid of emotion.

"Uh?"

Andrew was speechless, caught off guard by Kyle's bluntness.

"I see."

Kelly nodded thoughtfully and then announced their mission.

"Lord Kyle, you're invited to join my party." Kelly's voice, though polite, held an underlying tone of command. The invitation, in reality, was less of a request and more of an expectation.

"I refuse." Kyle's response was immediate, blunt, and devoid of any attempt at diplomacy. He wasn't one for pleasantries, especially when they masked a thinly veiled order. Kelly, however, simply chuckled, a low, melodious sound that seemed to mock his defiance.

"Always so predictable," she murmured, reaching into the inner pocket of her black overcoat. She produced a folded piece of parchment, its edges worn, and extended it towards Kyle. "Perhaps this will change your mind."

With a raised eyebrow, Kyle took the parchment, his movements deliberate. He unfolded it slowly, his eyes scanning the elegant script. The words, penned in the Imperial Seal, spoke of an urgent request, a direct order from the Emperor himself. He looked up at Kelly, his expression unreadable.

"Yeah, I know you'll be surprised," she said, a hint of amusement in her golden eyes. "The Emperor asked you to join us, not permanently... just a temporary alliance. He wants us to check out a village."

She stretched out her hand, and Carl, the young Mage, quickly placed a rolled scroll on her palm. She handed the scroll to Kyle. "We got intel that the village of Oakhaven was raided by demons. Not just any demons, but a significant force, far beyond what's usually seen in the outskirts. Our task is to investigate, rescue any survivors, and eliminate every demonic presence we find."

Kyle read the scroll, his eyes absorbing the details of the mission. Oakhaven, a small farming village nestled in the rolling hills bordering the Whispering Woods, was known for its tranquility, not its battles. The sudden demonic incursion was a stark departure from the norm, a sign of something larger, something more sinister. He nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the task at hand.

"Come on," he said, handing back the parchment and scroll. He turned to leave, Juliet and Andrew automatically falling into step behind him. They were accustomed to following his lead, even when they didn't fully understand his intentions.

"Sorry, Lord Kyle, but they can't come along," Kelly said, her voice firm. Kyle stopped, his back to her, and turned slowly.

"And why is that?" His voice was cold, a chilling reminder of his power.

"Always serious," she sighed, a hint of exasperation in her tone. "The demons in Oakhaven are far more powerful than what you encountered here. The weakest are Rank 19. I don't think it's wise bringing a Rank 17 and Rank 15 along on this mission. It would be a liability, not an asset."

Kelly's words were pragmatic, a cold assessment of their combat capabilities. She wasn't trying to be cruel, merely realistic.

The Guardians were a team of elite Hunters, their reputation built on their ability to handle the most dangerous threats. Adding two lower-ranked Hunters to their ranks would only compromise their effectiveness.

Kyle stared at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers, trying to discern her true intentions. He knew she was right, but he also knew Juliet and Andrew were capable, determined. But this mission was different, the stakes were higher. He let out a low sigh, a rare display of resignation.

"Wait for me at home," he said, turning to Juliet. "I'll be back."

"But..." Juliet began, her voice filled with concern.

"Don't worry," he said, cutting her off. "I'll be back." He turned and walked away, the other Guardians followed, as they headed towards the city gates.

Juliet stared at his departing figure, her heart heavy with worry. She knew Kyle was powerful, but even he wasn't invincible. She turned to Kelly, her eyes pleading.

"Help me look after him, Ms. Kelly," she said, bowing her head in respect.

Kelly didn't even acknowledge her plea, her attention already focused on Kyle's retreating form. She turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing in the quiet alleyway.

Juliet and Andrew watched as the six figures disappeared into the bustling city streets, leaving them alone in the alley. The silence was heavy, broken only by the distant sounds of the city.

"Do you also feel something is off with the Guardians?" Juliet asked, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Really? What?" Andrew asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. He was a skilled fighter, but his perception of social dynamics was often lacking.

"Dumbbell, you only know how to hunt and kill weak demons!" Juliet retorted, her voice laced with exasperation. She turned and walked away, her mind filled with unanswered questions.

"What did I do wrong?" Andrew asked, his voice filled with genuine confusion. He watched Juliet's retreating figure, wondering if he would ever understand the complexities of human interaction.