Gin crouched over the unconscious armored man, his hands trembling slightly as he fastened the automatic handcuffs onto the man’s wrists with a soft click.
Ao: Walking closer to Gin “Do you have to capture the whole troop?”
Gin: Turns back to Ao “Yes, they’re wanted for destroying a nearby village in the kingdom of Kamelott.”
Ao’s brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing at the armored man lying crumpled on the floor.
Ao’s Thoughts:
Silver Fang… destroying a village? That doesn’t sound like them.
He stared at the unconscious man, his expression darkening as his thoughts raced.
Gin watched him quietly, his cheerful patience contrasting with Ao’s sudden tension.
Ao: Snapping out of his thoughts, he glanced at Gin “How long are you going to wait for me?”
Gin: Looking up at Ao with shining eyes and a wide grin
“Hihihi, I’m waiting for big brother Ao to show me how we’re going to capture them!”
Ao: Exasperated, sighs loudly “Uuuuuuuuuuh…”
Something about this don't sit right with me.
The armored man’s actions, the village destruction…
Did Zack really lost control of his group—or worse…
Ao grabbed Gin by the front of his shirt, lifting him effortlessly.
Ao: “I told you I was going to help you, and that’s what I’m going to do!”
Gin: Startled “Why are you grabbing me all of a sudden?!”
Ao hoisted Gin higher, his expression serious.
Ao: “Prepare yourself!”
As Ao’s powerful aura flared to life, the air around them crackled with energy.
The shimmering blue-white light surrounded them both, making their hair and clothes ripple like they were caught in a strong wind. Gin’s eyes widened in awe—and then in panic—as Ao’s eyes began to glow with a brilliant azure light.
With a sharp inhale, Ao tilted his head slightly upward, peering through the stone ceiling above them. His aura expanded outward, allowing him to sense everything inside the tower above.
Ao’s Aura Vision:
- Ground floor: Several bandits sat around a table, laughing loudly and drinking beer.
- First floor: Stacks of provisions—food, weapons, and armor—lined the walls.
- Second floor: Zack, the leader of the Silver Fangs, stood by a round window in his office, his silhouette bathed in moonlight as he admired the night sky.
Ao: Smirking “Found them!”
Without another word, Ao bent his legs and launched himself upward, crashing through the stone ceiling of the prison with explosive force.
Gin let out a terrified yelp as Ao dragged him along, still gripping his shirt like a makeshift weapon.
The two of them burst onto the first floor of the Silver Fang tower, rubble raining down around them. The bandits, mid-celebration, froze at the sight of Ao holding Gin aloft like some kind of flailing human hammer.
Bandit #1: Dropping his beer “What the hell?!”
Gin: Spinning wildly in Ao’s grip
“WoOoOow WoOoOoOoW SsTOooOp It I’m GooOonna voOoOmit!!!”
Ao ignored Gin’s complaints, casually spinning him in the air as he turned to address the bandits.
Ao: “Call Zack. I need to talk to him.”
Bandit #1: Pulling out a knife and shouting “What do you think you’re doing, clowns?!”
Before Ao could respond, the front door of the tower suddenly slammed open, and a group of heavily armed guards stormed in. Their polished armor gleamed faintly in the firelight, their weapons drawn and ready.
Guard: “What the hell? Prisoners escaping?!”
Ao turns back to the troop of guards, while continuing to spin Gin, who is screaming
Huh... Who are these guys ?! I don't recognize them from the classic group
Bandit #2: Starts approaching Ao, twirling a knife in his hand “Come on, back to your cells, rats!“
Ao: Turns to the bandit, wields Gin's body like a nunchaku and shouts like a famous martial artist “Ouuuuuuuh!!!”
Bandit #1: Points his knife at Ao, enraged “Beat that fucking monkey!!“
The Silver Fang bandits let out war cries and charge at Ao in a drunken, chaotic mess.
Ao: Spinning Gin by the ankle like a weapon “ORA! ORA! ORA!!!”
Gin’s head slams into the charging bandits at high speed, sending them flying into the walls of the tower with loud CRASHES.
The walls crack from the impact, and bottles of beer tumble from the table, shattering on the floor.
Gin: Flailing helplessly, spinning in the air "sstOoOp It!! I’m Gonna VoOoOmit!!!”
Additional guards armed with rusty swords and wearing worn iron armor pour through the tower’s front door, freezing at the sight of the chaos inside.
Ao: Releases Gin on the ground while sneering “I just wanted to have a little fun!“
Gin: Stumbles to his feet, immediately clutching his stomach and running to a corner of the room “Urrrgh…!” He vomits violently, still dizzy from the turbulence.
Pfft… Maybe I did go a little overboard with him.
Hiding his mocking smile behind his hand, Ao turns back to the scene just as one of the armored guards dashes toward him, yelling at the top of his lungs.
Armored Guard: “You’re a dead man!!!”
The guard swings his sword in a wide arc toward the back of Ao’s head. The blade connects—and immediately shatters into pieces with a deafening CLANG, sending fragments of metal clattering to the floor.
Armored Guard: Staring at his broken sword, wide-eyed “WHAT…?!”
Ao: Turns to the guard, his smile calm but dangerous
“Are you going to call your boss, or end up slammed into a wall like the others?”
The guards exchange nervous glances, their confidence crumbling as they feel the weight of Ao’s aura pressing down on them. One by one, they drop their weapons, stepping back cautiously.
Suddenly, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoes down the staircase. The guards freeze, their faces pale as they turn toward the source of the sound.
The bandits stop groaning and coughing, their attention snapping to the stairs as well.
It's probably Zack..
The armored guards at the entrance kneel immediately, their heads bowed low. One of them, trembling slightly, moves forward and addresses the figure descending the stairs.
Armored Guard: Kneeling shakily “M… Master Silver, we’ve been waiting. How do you feel?”
The footsteps stop abruptly. Silence falls over the room like a heavy blanket, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
And then, without warning, a dark blur flashes across the room. The kneeling guard’s head snaps to the side—and flies off his shoulders, blood spraying into the air. His decapitated body crumples to the floor.
The blur vanishes as quickly as it appeared, disappearing into the shadows of the room. The other guards, realizing what just happened, begin screaming in panic.
Guards: “LET US GO, MASTER!!! PLEASE!!!”
Ao: Hissing under his breath “Shut up, all of you! You’ll upset hi—”
Before Ao can finish, the silhouette moves again. In a heartbeat, two more guards are decapitated, their heads hitting the floor with sickening thuds. The remaining guards scatter, their screams filling the tower as the shadowy figure disappears once more into the darkness.
Ao shifted into a fighting stance, his sharp eyes scanning the room for Zack’s silhouette. His aura flickered around him, charged with tension.
Damnit… Zack’s definitely lost it this time. How’s the kid doing?
Ao turned his head toward Gin, but his stomach sank at what he saw.
Gin stood frozen, his wide, terrified eyes glued to the mangled bodies of the guards. Blood pooled on the stone floor, staining the boy’s boots as it trickled slowly toward him.
Gin’s trembling hands rose to his mouth as his body shook uncontrollably. His lips parted, and Ao knew what was coming.
Ao: Whispering urgently “Gin, look the other way! Hey, listen to me! Don’t—”
But Gin couldn’t tear his eyes away from the carnage. The trembling turned into sobbing, and then—
Gin: Screaming at the top of his lungs “DAD, HELP ME!”
In an instant, the shadow moved. It was so fast, it almost seemed to blink into existence.
One moment, the space in front of Gin was empty; the next, the black silhouette loomed over him, its arm raised to strike. The gleaming black nails on its hand gleamed like blades, poised to take Gin’s head off in one swift motion.
Time seemed to slow as Ao shot forward, his body a blur of motion.
Ao: “ZACK, STOP!!!”
The silhouette’s clawed hand came down with terrifying force. Ao barely reached Gin in time, crossing his arms to block the blow. The impact sent a shockwave through the room, shaking the entire tower. Dust rained from the ceiling, and cracks spread across the stone walls.
The force of the strike pushed Ao back slightly, his feet grinding into the floor as he absorbed the hit. His arms trembled under the pressure, but he held firm, gripping the silhouette’s wrist to stop its momentum.
This strength… He’s even stronger than I thought
As the dust began to settle, the figure’s features became visible.
A young man stood before Ao, his once-kind face now twisted with black veins crawling up his skin. His silver-white hair glimmered faintly in the moonlight filtering through the cracks, but his eyes—though not fully black—were dark and filled with anguish.
Small, sharp horns jutted from his head, signs of his slow descent into darkness.
Ao: “Zack! Fight it! Don’t let the dark power take you!”
The figure growled, low and guttural, his clawed hand twitching in Ao’s grip.
Zack: In a distorted, demonic voice “Help me… Ao…”
Ao’s grip tightened, his voice softening as he tried to reach his friend.
Ao: “Concentrate on good memories! Think of Isabella!”
At the mention of her name, Zack’s expression flickered. For a moment, the black veins on his face seemed to recede slightly.
Zack: Whispering hoarsely “Isabella…”
Ao: “Yes, that’s it! Think of your wife! What would she think of you in this condition?”
But Zack’s flicker of humanity was short-lived. His expression twisted into one of rage as the veins darkened again, spreading across his face.
Zack: Roaring “THOSE DAMN PENDRAGONS! THEY TOOK HER AWAY FROM ME!”
His shout echoed through the tower, shaking it violently.
Stones tumbled from the walls, and the floor beneath them cracked. Ao’s heart sank as he realized Zack was slipping further away.
Ao: “You’ll make them pay, Zack! I promise! But you’ve got to regain control first!”
Zack’s body trembled as he growled, his claws digging into the stone floor.
His conflicting emotions played out across his face—rage, pain, and desperation battling for dominance.
Ao kept his stance firm, his glowing eyes locked onto Zack’s.
Damn it, Zack. Don’t make me do this.
In the corner of his eye, Ao saw Gin huddled against the wall, his face pale and streaked with tears.
The air inside the collapsing tower was thick with dust and despair.
Zack had been so close—so close to regaining control—but then…
The bandit staggered free from the rubble, his face pale with terror. His trembling hands found a blunt sword lying on the ground, and without thinking, he lunged forward, driving the blade into Zack’s back.
Ao: “FUCKING IDIOT!!”
Zack’s body stiffened. For a fleeting moment, his human eyes returned, wide with pain and betrayal. But then, the black veins spread rapidly across his face, and his scream echoed through the crumbling tower.
Zack: Demonic scream “UUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”
The tower shook violently, stones tumbling from above as the structure began to collapse.
Ao didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Gin by the shirt and dashed straight through the wall, shattering it with his aura and leaping into the open forest beyond.
Gin: Clinging to Ao’s back as they raced through the forest “Stop, Ao! I’ve got to capture them!”
Ao: “Are you blind? Their leader has been touched by dark power! You won’t be able to capture him!”
Gin: “The what?! What’s all this about dark power?!”
Ao gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling inside him.
How does he not know about dark power? No… It must have to do with what I saw in his aura.
Skidding to a halt on the forest floor, Ao set Gin down roughly.
Ao: “Gin, go hide!”
Gin: “What are you going to do?!”
Ao: “I’m going to stop him!”
Gin: “But we’re a long way from—”
Before Gin could finish, a chilling sound cut through the forest—the snap of a branch, followed by heavy footsteps. Zack appeared before them, his aura radiating raw, chaotic energy. His clawed hand shot forward, aiming straight for Gin’s chest.
Ao moved in a blur, intercepting Zack’s attack with a powerful push that sent the demonized man stumbling backward.
Ao: “Do as I say, Gin! Go hide!”
Gin: Panicking, nods quickly “O… Okay!”
The boy turned and ran, disappearing into the dense trees as Ao faced Zack head-on
Ao: “Zack! Wake up, you bastard!”
Zack let out a guttural, bestial scream that sent a shockwave rippling through the forest.
Trees groaned and swayed, leaves raining down as the ground beneath them cracked from the force.
He’s almost at the end of the transformation… If he doesn’t regain control now, it’ll be too late.
Zack’s body trembled violently as the transformation consumed him. Black veins covered his pale skin like a spreading disease, his teeth sharpened into jagged hooks, and his eyes were completely black, save for the piercing white pupils that glowed like embers. His face twisted in agony, and a dark, malevolent aura radiated from him, suffocating the air around them.
Zack lunged at Ao with feral intensity, his fists striking like hammers from every direction. Ao blocked and dodged as best he could, his feet digging into the dirt with each blow.
Ao: “Wake up, Silver Zack! We’ve got a revolution to lead! Have you forgotten?!”
Zack’s strikes became more erratic, each punch harder than the last. His distorted voice growled with pain and rage, but somewhere beneath it, Ao could hear the cries of his friend.
Zack: “Ao…”
Suddenly, Zack landed a devastating punch to Ao’s face, sending him flying backward into a tree. The impact shook the ground, and Ao’s body slumped momentarily before he forced himself to stand.
Touching his forehead, Ao wiped away a streak of blood and chuckled bitterly.
Ao: “Ahah… You haven’t lost your right, have you, Zack?”
Zack froze, his trembling hands clenched into fists as tears streamed down his black-veined face.
His horns glinted under the moonlight as he fell to his knees, his demonic voice breaking into something almost human.
Zack: “Ao… Kill me…”
Ao’s smile faded, and his gaze softened as he stepped closer.
Ao: “Hey… I know you want to get back to your wife. But won’t you stay with me a little while longer?”
Zack’s body shook violently, his claws digging into the ground. He raised his head to the sky and let out a guttural scream.
Zack: “KILL ME!!!”
Ao stood there, fists clenched, the weight of his friend’s plea pressing down on him like a mountain. For a moment, the world seemed to fall silent, save for the sound of Zack’s ragged breathing.
The transformation is almost complete. If I don’t do this now… I’ll lose him forever
Ao: “Is that what you really want, Zack?”
Zack lowered his head, his blackened eyes meeting Ao’s, tears streaming down his face.
Zack: “Please… do it.”
Ao took a deep breath, stepping closer. He placed his hand on Zack’s shoulder, his voice quiet but steady.
Ao: “Okay, Zack. I’ll go on three.”
Zack nodded weakly, his lips trembling as he whispered:
Zack: “Make… them… pay… for me.”
Ao raised his fist, his aura flickering faintly around him as he whispered:
Ao: “I will… Goodbye, my friend.”
Ao: “One… Two…”
Before he could say “three,” Ao drove his fist through Zack’s heart. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the clearing, and Zack’s body jolted before going limp.
Ao knelt down, cradling Zack’s head on his shoulder as the light in his eyes faded.
For the first time, Zack looked at peace.
I hope your wife is waiting for you somewhere…
Ao: “You can come out now, Gin. It’s over.”
Gin emerged from his hiding spot, his face pale and streaked with tears.
Gin: “I… I’m sorry, Ao. I couldn’t do anything…”
Ao: “Don’t worry. It’s all right.”
Ao pulled his arm away from Zack’s body, letting it fall to the ground with a quiet thud. The rain began to fall harder, washing away the blood as Ao turned to Gin.
Ao: “Come on, I’ll take you home.”
He glanced back at Zack’s lifeless body, his voice low and somber.
Ao: “We’ll take Silver Fang’s body with us. You’ll get your promotion—just say you’re the one who killed him.”
Gin’s lip quivered, and he began to cry softly. Ao placed a hand on his shoulder, his empty eyes staring into the distance.
Ao: “Let’s go.”
Under the glow of the full moon, Ao and Gin made their way back to the remnants of the tower.
The badges of the Silver Fang group were all that remained—there were no survivors of Zack’s terrible transformation.
Hours later, under the cold, moonlit rain, Ao and Gin arrived at the northern gate of Kamelott. Zack’s body rested across Ao’s back, heavy in more ways than one.
Ao: “You haven’t forgotten our deal, have you?”
Gin: “No, I haven’t.”
Ao: “Be sure to tell them my full name. Aotahi—or ‘Blue Light,’ if you like.”
Gin: “You can count on me.”
Ao and Gin continued walking in silence, the weight of their journey pressing down on them like the heavy rainclouds above. Before long, they reached the towering northern gate of Kamelott. Its imposing stone walls loomed high into the misty night sky, the faint glow of lanterns flickering along the battlements.
Ao set Zack’s lifeless body down gently near the gate, brushing some dirt off his poncho as he stood upright.
Ao: “Well, this is it. I’ll leave you here, Gin.”
Gin hesitated, his hands curling into fists at his sides.
Gin: “You… I can introduce you to my guild if you want?”
Ao: “Ahah, do it for me, will you? I’ve got people calling me about something urgent.”
Gin lowered his head, disappointment flashing across his face.
Gin: “Okay…”
Noticing the boy’s reaction, Ao stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, crouching slightly to meet his gaze. His voice softened.
Ao: “Don’t worry, kid. We’ll see each other again, right?”
Ao’s kind smile cut through Gin’s sadness like a beam of light, and Gin couldn’t help but smile back, even if it was faint.
Gin: “I… I hope so! And when we do, I’ll give you a taste of my father’s favorite recipe!”
Ao: “Hihi, I can’t wait! Now go on, make your report, third-class warrior!”
Gin: “Yes! And… thanks again, Ao.”
Ao waved at Gin, then turned and dashed into the forest at incredible speed, disappearing into the darkness in the blink of an eye.
Gin stared after him, his jaw dropping slightly.
Gin’s Thoughts:
How does he do all that…?
The sound of boots crunching against the wet ground snapped Gin out of his daze. The north gate guards approached him, their armored figures outlined by the flickering lanterns.
North Gate Guard #1: “Halt!”
Gin quickly straightened up, snapping to attention with a formal salute.
Gin: “Aspirant Warrior Gin, reporting. I’m bringing the remains of the Silver Fang bandits to Kamelott’s justice!”
North Gate Guard #1: “And their leader?”
Gin gestured to Zack’s body lying nearby, his voice faltering slightly.
Gin: “I… I have his body. I had no choice… he almost killed me.”
The sadness in his voice didn’t go unnoticed by the guards. Their leader stepped forward, placing a hand on Gin’s shoulder.
North Gate Guard Leader: “Rest, warrior. Very good work. Expect a nice promotion.”
Gin relaxed slightly, lowering his salute as he nodded.
Gin: “Uh… Thank you, sir.”
As the guards began loading Zack’s body onto a stretcher, Gin stood motionless, his empty eyes fixed on the blood-stained ground.
His thoughts churned with conflicting emotions: pride at completing his mission, guilt over taking credit for a death he hadn’t caused, and sorrow for the tragic fate of the man who had once been a friend to Ao.
I wish it could’ve ended differently…
The guards beckoned him to follow, and Gin trudged after them, his boots heavy with mud and regret. They escorted him through the northern gate, leading him toward Kamelott’s adventurer management office, where he would file his report and officially conclude his first mission beyond the kingdom walls.
[center]----- Ao's side ---- [/center]
Ao perched on the highest branch of a tall tree, his sharp gaze sweeping over the landscape below. Kamelott’s northern gate glimmered faintly in the moonlight, its towering stone ramparts encircling the kingdom like a fortress. The streets within were well-lit, patrolled by guards, even at this late hour.
Ao’s Thoughts:
Classic Pendragon architecture. A perfect little nest for them.
Guards everywhere, walls thick enough to keep out an army… and yet, they still think they’re untouchable.
His lips curled into a frightening, angry smile.
After a moment, Ao climbed down from the tree and darted deeper into the forest. The ground beneath his feet blurred as he ran, the cool night air rushing past him. It wasn’t long before he reached the mouth of a cave, faintly lit by a crackling wood fire. Three figures dressed in long black hooded ponchos waited inside, their embroidered gold logos glinting in the firelight.
What else are they going to ask me to do this time?
Stepping into the cave, Ao approached the fire without hesitation.
Ao: “Thomas, Lirin, Teshi.”
Lirin: Her voice smooth and teasing “Did you have some fun, Ao?”
Ao: Glancing at her with a deadpan look “You call that fun?”
Lirin: Smirking “You’re used to killing demons now.”
Ao: “I’m not psychopathic enough yet to call it fun, unlike you.”
Thomas: A red-haired man with a calm, authoritative tone
“Come on… don’t get carried away, Ao. I know he meant a lot to you.”
Ao: Pausing for a moment, his voice quieting “He was… a very good friend.”
Teshi: Shrugging casually “That’s life.”
Ao: Fixing Teshi with a sharp glare “Do you think that’s normal?”
Teshi: “What? We can’t help it. The dark power is taking over the continent.”
Ao: “Yeah… and the best solution we have is to kill the people who are infected?”
Teshi: Sneering “You got a better solution, genius?”
Ao: Glaring silently, his jaw tightening “Tss.”
Teshi: Smirking smugly “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
Thomas: Raising a hand to stop the bickering “Have you finished?”
Ao: Sighing, crossing his arms “I’m listening, Thomas. What are you calling me about this time?”
Thomas: “We’ve got a new assignment for you.”
Ao: Dryly “No kidding.”
Thomas: Ignoring him “An inter-kingdom tournament is taking place in two weeks in the red desert of Artand. We’ve prepared a false identity for you. Take part in the tournament… and win. A very important client wants the tournament prize.”
Ao: Raising an eyebrow “A Pendragon?”
Thomas: “We can’t tell you who he is, but I know you don’t want to work for them.”
Ao: Glaring at him “Well?”
Lirin: Interjecting “He’s not a member of the Pendragon alliance.”
Ao: Pausing, studying her for a moment before letting out a sigh
“...Fine. Okay. It’s as good as done.”
Thomas: Nodding with satisfaction “As always, Ao, you never disappoint.”
Ao turned and stepped out of the cave, the firelight flickering across his back as he disappeared into the shadows of the forest.
What kind of mess have they gotten themselves into this time…?
As Ao sprinted into the night, the trees blurring around him, far away Gin stepped into the adventurers’ management office in Kamelott. The two paths, though separate now, were already weaving back together.
Little did they know… the tournament would be the spark that set their fates on a collision course once again.
