"Ruby."

"Hmm? What is it, Zach?"

"Where are the others?"

"They're keeping busy, as usual. Kazaks and Yzavynne are patrolling the forest, making sure no one from the kingdom is close. Nert's outside, blending into the trees, lost in his love for nature. Jiighual's in his room, eating as always. Leeani's practicing with her crossbow."

"I see. Everyone's caught up in their routines. Thanks for letting me know, Ruby. But now, there's something I need to do."

Zach stands up, grabbing his sword and book. He stares at the ceiling, lost in thought, as if his mind was elsewhere.

Ruby watches him, noticing something different about his mood.

"What's wrong, Zach?"

"I've been thinking. We've been hiding for too long. It's time to stop resting. No more waiting. We need to move again. It's time to continue our mission."

Zach walks out of the room, stepping outside with determination. Something stirs inside him.

A clear purpose, his one and only goal. 

His face sharpens, just like when he conquered the kingdom long ago.

"Zach, something's bothering you, isn't it? Something you haven't told us."

Zach takes a deep breath, standing still. 

He looks around, taking in the peaceful sky, the smell of fresh air, the soft breeze rustling the trees, the sound of the flowing river, and the warm glow of sunlight.

"Peace. This is peaceful, but..."

Zach gazes over the landscape; something unexpected draws his attention—a single black feather, drifting silently on the breeze. 

It hovers for a moment before settling on the ground at his feet.

"Our fight isn't over yet. Even in peace, shadows follow. We're not free yet. Not until it's over. It's time to rise again. I can't turn back now."

He picks up the feather, gripping it tightly in his hand. 

The world around him, peaceful as it seems, feels fragile now. His purpose sharpens once more in his mind. 

The time for rest is done.

Ruby sits in the living room at the hideout, her mind racing with thoughts of what Zach had said earlier. 

She waits, staring at the door, wondering when he'll come back.

"He said mission, he meant his purpose. There's no mistaking it. More bloodshed, more risks. We'll be putting our lives on the line again. Taking lives, it feels so wrong, but it's what we have to do. If they fight us, we'll have no choice but to push through. Change doesn't come without a fight."

The smell of freshly cooked steak fills the room as Jiighual steps out of his room, casually chewing on a piece of meat.

"Oh hey, Ruby. You're up. Want some steak? It's fresh and juicy!"

Jiighual

"No thanks, Jiighual. I'm not hungry and honestly, I'm just not in the mood for food right now."

"Huh. That's rare for you. What's got you up so early, anyway? This time of day, you're usually still knocked out, snoozing with Leeani curled up by your side."

"I had a bad dream. Nothing serious, just one of those nights."

"A nightmare, huh? Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm all ears. But hey, don't let me keep you from enjoying the smell of this steak! Mmm! This right here—this is life! Every bite, it's like the gods themselves sent it down just for me! I'm telling you, Ruby, food is everything. You should try some!"

Jiighual takes a massive bite of his steak, savoring it dramatically.

"Yum! Yum! Delicious! A gift from the heavens! Nothing beats a good steak to brighten the soul!"

He stops mid-bite, then plops down right in front of Ruby, continuing to chomp away like he's in his own world.

"Ahh! Argh! This is the taste of pure joy! I could die happy right here!"

Ruby watches him, her lips curling into a small, faint smile.

"You're always like this, huh? Everything's about food with you."

Jiighual grins between bites, not missing a beat.

"Hey, it's the little things, Ruby. Life's tough enough as it is. You gotta find happiness where you can, and for me, it's in the taste of a perfectly cooked steak. Mmm, food makes everything better!"

"I wish it were that simple."

Jiighual looks at her thoughtfully, his chewing slowing down.

"It can be, you know. Sometimes, it's okay to just enjoy the moment. Not everything's gotta be heavy all the time. Just breathe, eat, and enjoy."

"You're something else, Jiighual. But maybe you're right."

Jiighual raises his steak in a mock toast.

"That's the spirit! Here's to steak, to life, and to whatever comes next!"

Ruby shakes her head, laughing softly as Jiighual continues devouring his meal with gusto, his carefree nature making the room feel a little lighter.

Leeani bursts into the hideout, crossbow in hand, her face beaming with excitement.

"Waaah! It felt like I was practicing forever, but I finally nailed it! I shot the target behind me without even looking—didn't even need to rely on my tattoo this time! Isn't that amazing?"

Leeani

Ruby looks up, a small smile forming.

"That's impressive, Leeani. You must've been out there for hours."

Jiighual, mid-bite, turns to Leeani with wide eyes.

"Whoa, no way! Shooting a target behind you without looking? You've gotta teach me that! I could do it while I'm cooking—imagine flipping a steak and shooting at the same time!"

Leeani laughs, her energy filling the room.

"You? With a crossbow? While cooking? That'd be something to see, but I don't know if I trust you not to hit your own food!"

Jiighual grins, holding up his fork dramatically.

"I have excellent hand-eye coordination when it comes to food! But crossbows, eh, maybe I'll leave that to you, Leeani."

Leeani sits down beside them, resting her crossbow on her lap.

"I've been practicing for so long. I wanted to see if I could push myself, rely more on instinct than magic. It's been tough, but I think it's finally paying off."

Ruby nods, admiring Leeani's determination.

"It sounds like you're really getting the hang of it. That's not easy, especially without using your tattoo."

Leeani shrugs, but she's clearly proud of herself.

"Yeah, well, I figured if I rely on it too much, I won't get better on my own. Gotta keep pushing myself, right?"

Jiighual, still munching on his steak, chuckles.

"You're way more disciplined than me. I'd probably give up after a few tries. But hey, if it makes you feel good and you're getting stronger, that's what matters."

"Exactly! And you know what? I'm going to get even better. One day, I'll be able to do even crazier shots—maybe hit a target a mile away without even blinking!"

Ruby shakes her head, smiling.

"You've always been one to aim high, Leeani. I wouldn't be surprised if you actually did it."

Leeani grins, leaning back with a satisfied sigh.

"Just you wait! I'll show you all one day. For now, though, I'm taking a break. My arms feel like jelly."

Jiighual said.

"Sounds like the perfect time to dig into some steak!"

Leeani said.

"Eh, I'll pass on that. But thanks. You enjoy it, Jiighual."

Jiighual raises his plate, still in his world of food bliss.

"More for me then! To victory, to crossbows, and to never missing a meal!"

Leeani and Ruby share a laugh as Jiighual continues devouring his food.

The laughter fades quickly, leaving the room in an odd silence. The only sound left is Jiighual, still chewing loudly on his steak, completely oblivious to the shift in mood.

Leeani glances at Ruby, a look of curiosity crossing her face.

"Hey, Ruby. Where's Captain? I haven't seen him around."

Ruby's expression turns a bit more serious. She shifts in her seat, her eyes flicking towards the door for a second before answering.

"He's thinking. Deeply, about something. He hasn't said much, but I can tell whatever it is, it's big."

Leeani furrows her brows, sensing the weight in Ruby's words.

"Thinking, huh? That sounds serious. Should we be worried?"

"I don't know yet. But knowing Zach, when he thinks this hard, it usually means something's about to change."

Leeani sighs, leaning back with her arms crossed, her carefree energy dimming.

"I hope it's not more trouble coming our way. We've been through enough already."

Jiighual, still munching, finally looks up from his plate.

"Trouble or not, we'll handle it. Just like we always do. And hey, at least we'll have a good meal before we get into whatever Captain's planning."

His words hang in the air, but the mood stays heavy, a subtle tension lingering between them as they wait, uncertain about what's next.

 △▼△▼△▼△

Zach continues his walk through the dense rainforest, the thick canopy of trees casting shadows all around him. 

The air is fresh but heavy, filled with the sounds of chirping birds, running rivers, and rustling leaves. It's the perfect cover—mountains, ponds, and wildlife surrounding their hideout. 

The ideal place to vanish from sight, especially when millions are searching for you.

Zach pulls out his small, worn book from his pocket, its black cover completely blank—no markings, no symbols, nothing to show what secrets it holds. 

He looks down at it, deep in thought.

"Do I even need you anymore? Hiding out here, away from the enemies I once fought. Have you served your purpose?"

He talks to the book as if it can respond, though his voice is casual, as if he's used to having these conversations. 

His focus is broken when he hears a light rustle from the bushes nearby. Something—or someone—lurking.

"Hmm."

He quickly slips the book back into his pocket, his posture shifting into a fighting stance. The senses sharpen, muscles ready for action. His eyes scan the area as the bushes stir again. 

Suddenly, a shadow moves so fast it's almost a blur, darting from one bush to another. It circles him, moving so quickly that it could easily make anyone else panic. 

But not Zach. 

He stands as still and calm as a stone, eyes fixed on the movement, calculating.

"Hmm."

Without warning, the shadow leaps into the air, soaring ten feet above him and aiming a strike directly at Zach's feet. 

But Zach steps aside with ease, his movement swift and controlled. 

The shadow quickly shifts, trying to catch him off-guard from behind, but Zach spins around, anticipating every move.

The shadow attacks with a fierce combo—first, a punch aimed at his chin. 

Zach raises his arm, blocking it effortlessly. 

Then two sharp kicks to his jaw, but Zach deflects them with his forearms, standing his ground. Finally, a quick jab at his abdomen. Zach meets it with a swift block, barely moving, almost as if he's mocking the attacker's speed and skill.

"Oh, it's you..."

Emerging from the shadows, Nert stands there with a playful grin, his body still in motion as if ready for round two.

"Hello, Captain. Did I do a pretty good job?"

He chuckles, clearly proud of his sneak attack. 

But Zach simply relaxes his stance, his expression unchanged, as if nothing could faze him.

"You were faster this time, but I still saw you coming."

"One day, Captain, I'll catch you off-guard. One day."

Nert

Zach smirks slightly, but says nothing, letting the silence answer for him. 

The calm of the forest returns, but the air between them still buzzes with the energy of their brief encounter.

"So, Captain, what brings you out here?"

"Just taking a look around. Observing."

"Ah, of course. You've got that love for nature, same as me."

"Hmm. What about you, Nert? Before you decided to sneak up on me like some kind of weirdo, what were you up to?"

"Ouch, Captain, that's cold. Real harsh. Just like you were back at Drakonium. Stone cold, no hesitation."

"That's just how I talk, Nert."

Nert chuckles, walking beside Zach with a grin.

"You know, I keep trying to figure you out, Captain. You've always got that same calm face. Doesn't matter if it's a battle or a peaceful walk in the woods."

"It's just focus. Nothing to figure out."

"Nah, there's more to it. You've got layers, like that book you always carry. So many secrets."

"You should focus more on your surroundings than trying to read me."

Nert laughs again, shaking his head.

"Yeah, yeah, always the serious one, Captain. But hey, at least you're still here. Good to know you've still got a soft spot for this place."

"It's not softness, Nert. It's just peace. For now."

"Well, I'm glad you're finding peace somewhere. Even if it's surrounded by danger."

They walk in silence for a moment, the sounds of the forest filling the air.

"You know, I wasn't really trying to sneak up on you. Just thought I'd test you, see if you've still got it."

"I always have it."

"Heh, I guess you do, Captain."

"You know, Captain, there's something about nature that always gets me thinking."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. It's simple, but powerful. No matter what happens—storms, fires, or wars—it keeps growing. Always finding a way to push through. Nature doesn't give up. It just... endures. I guess that's why I love it so much. It's resilient, like us."

"Resilient, huh?"

"Yeah. We could learn a lot from it, don't you think?"

Zach gives a slight nod, the quiet respect in his gaze matching Nert's thoughts.

"Do you know where I'm going?"

"Not a clue, Captain. Just tagging along to enjoy some peaceful time with you."

"You don't want to head back to the hideout and relax for a bit? I'll be hunting food for us today."

"Nah, I'm good. Wait, did you say food for the whole day? You planning on finding something that'll last that long? That's a challenge."

Just then, a loud roar echoed through the trees. They both recognized the sound immediately—deep, wild, and hungry.

"Looks like I don't need to search far. It found us."

"A grizzly bear."

Both Zach and Nert instinctively prepared themselves, their bodies tensing in readiness. 

The bear came crashing through the bushes, snarling as it stomped closer, clearly seeing them as prey.

But this grizzly didn't know that the two "prey" it was targeting were predators in their own right.

"Nert, now."

"Right behind you, Captain!"

The air buzzed with tension, but instead of fear, there was excitement—a thrill shared between Zach and Nert as they braced for the fight. 

The grizzly bear, towering and muscular, let out a fierce roar that echoed through the trees, its eyes locked onto them like a predator seeking its prey.

"Captain, maybe now would be a good time to use your sword. I'm not cut out for this kind of fighting!"

"I don't need it. Remember, we're not the prey here—the bear is."

Zach quickly adjusted his stance, adrenaline pumping through his veins. 

He exchanged a determined glance with Nert, who had dropped his camouflage, revealing his ready position, poised for action.

"Stay close, Nert. We hit it together!"

"Right behind you, Captain!"

With a powerful growl, the bear charged forward, massive paws pounding the ground. 

Zach lunged to the side, dodging the bear's initial strike as it swung its paw with terrifying speed. 

Nert, moving with agility, darted around the bear, drawing the creature's attention away from Zach.

"Hey, ugly! Over here!"

Zach seized the moment, stepping forward without his claymore sword, relying on his bare hands. He aimed a precise strike at the bear's flank. 

But the bear was quick, pivoting sharply to swipe at him. 

Zach ducked low, the bear's claws grazing the air above him, and rolled to regain his footing.

The bear turned its focus back to Nert, who was now climbing a nearby tree, using the branches for cover. 

As the bear stood on its hind legs, roaring in frustration, Nert leaped down, aiming a kick at the bear's head. 

The blow connected, stunning the bear momentarily.

"Nice shot! Now, while it's off balance!"

They coordinated their next move. 

Nert flanked the bear again, delivering quick punches to distract it, while Zach moved in for the attack. He struck at the bear's leg with a powerful kick, forcing it to stumble. 

The bear growled, turning its wrath toward Zach.

In a fierce exchange, Zach danced around the bear, dodging its swipes and retaliating with swift, calculated strikes. 

Nert darted in and out, landing quick jabs and keeping the bear occupied. 

Their teamwork was seamless, a well-rehearsed dance of survival.

The bear roared, anger echoing through the forest, but Zach and Nert pressed on, their spirits unyielding. 

With one final push, Zach lunged forward, delivering a powerful blow to the bear's shoulder with his fist. 

Nert leaped in for a finishing kick, sending the bear crashing to the ground. Breathless but victorious, they stood over the fallen beast.

The adrenaline still coursing through them.

Nert, panting and grinning, wiped sweat from his brow.

"That was awesome! I can't believe we did that!"

"We make a good team, Nert. But let's get back to the hideout before more trouble finds us."

With laughter in the air and the thrill of battle still tingling in their veins, they turned to head back, ready for whatever challenges awaited them next.

△▼△▼△▼△

Two mysterious men crouched in the shadows, quietly watching Zach and Nert as they made their way to the hideout.

"Looks like you were right, Sanaage. They're right where you said they'd be."

Xertu

"Of course! No one tracks my enemies better than me. Except maybe for that charming blonde kid. We need to take him out first. Without him, their whole group is vulnerable. He's their scout, their eyes in the wild. Lucky for us, your heavy ass footsteps were masked by that bear's roar, Xertu."

Sanaage

Xertu grinned as he observed Zach and Nert moving without a care in the world.

"But we won't strike just yet. Our bait will be here any second now."

"Oh, right! I almost forgot. You tricked those three guys into thinking there's a treasure hidden in this rainforest. That's pretty sneaky."

"Hey, whatever works! As long as we get the job done, who cares?"

Xertu chuckled, his excitement bubbling over.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Just another day in our line of work!"

Sanaage nodded, a smirk on his face.

"Let's just hope they take the bait."

Sanaage's expression darkened as he unsheathed his machete, revealing a glint of something sinister on its blade.

"You know, Xertu, I plan to make this extra special. I'll coat my machete with a poison fluid that will seep into Nert's veins. One cut, and he'll be dead before he even knows what hit him. It's a cruel world out here, and I intend to show him just how brutal it can be."

His voice dripped with malice, sending a chill through the air.

"It's not just about taking them down; it's about making a statement. With one swift strike, he'll feel the poison racing through his blood, and he'll realize there's no escape. That's the beauty of it—no struggle, just a quick end to his precious life."

Xertu watched, a mix of admiration and apprehension in his eyes.

"You really are twisted, Sanaage. But I like it."

Sanaage smiled, his gaze fixated on Zach and Nert as they moved closer to their fate.

═════ ◆ TO BE CONTINUED ◆ ═════