Kagami's eyes bore into the mysterious assailant, creating an intense silence broken only by the echo of that solitary question. The weight of time seemed to stretch, creating an endless moment where silence spoke volumes.

         As Kagami locked eyes with the mysterious figure, his thoughts were a turbulent storm, torn between concern for Zephyr and Prince Eldryn and the immediate threat that loomed before him. 

         The man, an enigma in the midst of chaos, made a calculated swipe at Kagami's chestplate. The resounding clink of iron meeting iron echoed through the charged air, signaling the initiation of a battle that demanded every ounce of Kagami's focus.

         Kagami reacted with swift agility, propelling himself to the left, executing a deft arching motion that brought his blade to bear upon the adversary. 

         The ensuing thrust, executed with deadly precision, neared the assailant's side, though to Kagami’s worst nightmare, the man quite easily blocked.

         Each impact of iron against iron marking a step closer to the precipice of death.

         Each blow, a testament to the formidable opponent before him, pushed Kagami to his uttermost limits.

         This mysterious assailant, a physical powerhouse, posed a threat that demanded his strategic finesse.

         Kagami, recognizing the need for caution, subtly infused his blade with magic, stirring the air around him into a mini hurricane

         I have to play it safe.. And quickly get to his neck before he can get to mine… The wind around him began to shift and swish quickly, becoming an even stronger force of nature by the oncoming seconds. 

         However, the moment lingered only briefly, for the assailant charged forward with unfazed determination.

         Kagami, anticipating the convergence of elements, hastily kneeled low, slamming his palm into the unyielding concrete beneath him. A seismic upheaval echoed through the village as the ground broke down in response.

         Seizing this opportune moment, Kagami's blade sliced through the air, sending the makeshift tornado hurtling toward the disoriented man.

         “Gaah! Damn you, you Seseri knight!” The man's furious shout reverberated, accompanied by a desperate attempt to regain balance.

         The man growled with rage, flicking up his right arm and flattening his palm, simultaneously, the air around the assailant's palm began to intensify, a searing heat that Kagami felt even from a distance.

         A small, foreboding orb materialized, drawing in the surrounding pressure like a voracious black hole, amplifying its energy.

         Flames erupted from the orb, cocooning the man within their fiery embrace. With a forceful backward thrust, he launched the fireball toward Kagami at windbreaker speeds.

         Grimacing, Kagami stepped back, anchoring his blade into the fractured ground. Palms clapped together in a resonant rhythm as he growled an incantation.

         “Come forth, waters of Poseidon. Grant me the power, sweep my enemies away in an endless flood..!” Kagami struck his arm out as water materialized from thin air, cascading across the fragmented landscape.

         Kagami's plea echoed loudly.

        “Kill them, and my loyalty will be brought.”

         As if on cue, the water surged toward the assailant, extinguishing the smaller fireball with seamless efficiency.

         The torrent of water soared through the air, erupting upward as it slapped onto the ground, carrying the man across the land and toward the looming forest.. Yet, Kagami wasn’t finished yet.

         Undeterred, he swiftly dashed beside the waters, ready to conclude the battle that unfolded like a tempestuous dance between elements.

         As the waters gradually subsided, Kagami stood poised on the edge of resolution. 

         The sun glinted off his longsword as he swung it back. But suddenly, the ground beneath him began to rumble. It was a deep and powerful vibration that sent shivers up his spine.

         The next thing he knew, rocks were flying up into the air like startled birds, and dust was swirling around him like a horde of galloping horses.

         It was approaching fast, too fast. Kagami's attention was immediately drawn to the oncoming threat.

         He turned his head just in time to see a blur approaching him at breakneck speed.

         It was quicker than anything he had ever seen before. He barely had time to react before the blur was upon him.

         Too late, it was far too late.

        The impact was brutal. Kagami was flung back like a torpedo, a strike so fast he didn’t get the chance to even realize pain was gripping at his abdomen.

         As he tumbled through the air, all he could see were the blurred shapes of the forest around him.

         Dust and debris were everywhere, circling and eddying like a violent storm.

         Damn it.. I need to..! Kagami quickly–albeit weakly slammed his blade straight into the shifting land.

         It cracked and separated as his sword stretched and tore apart the floor underneath, 

         He struggled to get back up, but the blur was coming at him again.

         He lifted his sword, ready to defend himself, but the force of the impact sent him flying once more. 

         He careened through the forest, swaying and dodging trees in a desperate attempt to stay alive, and the chance they didn’t, they broke and withered away like ashes.

         Kagami was a skilled fighter, but he had never faced an opponent like this before. The sheer strength and speed of the blur were beyond anything he had ever encountered.

         It made no sense, the first man wasn’t anything too crazy, but this sort of strength so suddenly? Why were they here, who were they?

         He needed Zephyr’s help immediately, but he knew he couldn’t even dream for it.

         He was too far–and even if he was close enough, Prince Eldryn was the top priority. At least one of them had to keep watch of him.

         Which means… I’ll have to do this handicap. Kagami’s eyes narrowed realizing his situation. Doubt crept into his mind, but he pushed it aside.

         He had a job to do, a mission to complete. He couldn't let his fear get the best of him.

         He wasn’t sure if he could even win a battle against a monster like that. No, it didn’t matter anymore.

         He didn’t have a choice. It wasn’t about winning or fleeing anymore.

         It wasn’t about honor either.

        He had to fight or die.

—

         Zephyr's eyes darted around frantically, scanning the area for any signs of danger. He was worried to death about Kagami, but he had to worry about the prince.

         The air was thick with tension, and he knew that they were in a vulnerable position.

         If Eldryn was to so much as to be harmed and get an injury, it could spell the end of both of their journeys as a knight.

         Kagami’s absolute pride, Zephyr couldn’t let it be so easily stripped away.

         Zephyr knew that they were at risk of being attacked again. He quickly helped Eldryn into the carriage, his longsword at the ready. 

         He could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, the fate of their knighthood resting in his hands.

         “Get inside, hurry!” He shouted before drawing his longsword, looking closely in defense.

         There’s no telling if there’s more of them.. Shit…

         Out of nowhere, Eldryn's voice broke through the silence. "I know these people... They're from the East!"

         Zephyr's heart sank at the mention of the east.

         Zephyr gazed to the prince, “East? You mean the Fullcrest?”

         He knew that they were a powerful enemy, ruthless in their pursuit of power. What made it worse was their hate for Seseri and Donovan. No wonder they chose now of all times to strike.

         Suddenly, Eldryn’s finger shot out from inside the carriage. He shouted a bloodcurdling warning. "LOOK OUT!"

        Zephyr reacted quickly, his longsword slicing through the air as he deflected the attack upon hearing the first syllable leave Eldryn’s lips.

         The sound of metal clashing against metal echoed through the village, the force of the impact sending the attacker skidding across the ground.

         Zephyr wasted no time, dashing towards the attacker without a second thought. The strike clashed the two into the middle of the village, the sound of wood splintering and cracking filling the air.

         As Zephyr fought, he could hear the sound of the driver urging the horses to move faster.

         He knew that they had to get out of there as quickly as possible before the Fullcrest could launch another attack.

         "Leave, NOW!" Zephyr shouted, his voice ringing out loud and clear.

         The driver didn't need to be told twice, and the horses began to gallop away.

         Turning his head and gazing up, he saw a blur-like black object hurtling towards the carriage.

         It was rocketing down. Any quicker, and it would without doubt slam into the carriage and likely kill both the prince and the driver.

         His heart raced with fear and determination as he rushed towards it, his sword at the ready.

         The person confronting him was resilient, refusing to let Zephyr advance. With a burst of energy, they launched themselves at Zephyr, their attack striking his shoulder.

         If it weren't for the protective layer of his armor, he had no doubt his shoulder would be split wide open.

         Behind him, Zephyr heard a deafening noise. It was as if the land itself was erupting, the sound echoing across the vast expanse, penetrating the sound barrier and filling his ears with an overwhelming cacophony.

         His adversary gave him no chance to look back, their persistence keeping him on his toes. 

         In a swift move, he swung his blade across their waist. He could see blood beginning to seep from the wound, but he didn't pause, knowing every moment was valuable. He seized their head, his grip firm.

         A cry of pain echoed in his ears as the assailant reacted to his attack, but he ignored it, focusing only on the task at hand.

         He bolted his palm toward the ground, slamming it into the hard brick and dirt beneath. He could feel the earth's surface breaking apart under his force, the shards of tablets scattering around him.

         He could feel the dirt enveloping his arm, swallowing it as he drove it deeper into the ground. The assailant's movements stopped abruptly, their body going limp as they seemed to finally surrender.

         He shot them a menacing glare, ensuring that they were incapacitated.

         Turning his gaze to the source of the earlier blast, where the carriage had been, his eyes shot open in surprise.

         The cause of the explosion wasn't an object, but a person. A towering figure hidden behind a mask and all black attire.

         The carriage, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, remained unscathed, thankfully.

         However…

         "Ka… Kagami..?” His voice, though strained, echoed through the skies.

         His eyes, filled with disbelief, bore witness to the grim reality. Yet, his heart rejected it vehemently, not wanting to believe the horrifying sight before him, no matter how tangible and undeniable the evidence.

         The ground, once disheveled and rocky, was now painted with blood. It was as if a gruesome artist used it as a canvas, splashing the life force haphazardly onto the rocky terrain.

         Zephyr’s hand trembled, reaching up to grip his own head as if it would somehow keep his mind from shattering.

         His voice, choked with grief and desperation, managed to form one word, “You…!” He said with teary eyes.

         No, no! Please no! His thoughts spun wildly, a tornado of denial and desperation. The possibility of Kagami, his stalwart brother, being dead was just impossible...

         Kagami was the embodiment of strength, an unyielding pillar in Zephyr's life. He had always known that one day death might claim his brother and he, but to witness it here, so suddenly and brutally.. He wasn’t ready.

         His sorrow, a bitter song in his heart, quickly morphed into a roar of anger. The masked man, the insufferable wretch who had taken Kagami away from him, became the point of his wrath.

         His thoughts were lost in a whirlwind of vengeance, he pledged to avenge his fallen brother.

         Nothing else mattered.

         In a burst of uncontainable fury and despair, Zephyr's voice tore through the eerie silence, reverberating through the desolate battlefield.

         “I’LL KILL YOU!” It was a scream that echoed his desperation and anger, a primal war cry that resonated throughout the ravaged landscape.

         With a sudden surge of adrenaline, he propelled himself forward at a speed he didn't know he possessed. His heart pounded against his ribcage as he charged, determination fuelling his movements.

          The masked man appeared taken aback by Zephyr's unexpected onslaught, yet there was an unmistakable glint of anticipation in his eyes. Predictably, he responded to Zephyr's charge. A smile crept onto his face, an exhilarating thrill coursing through him with the realization of Zephyr's rapid approach.

         Oh, he’s quick~! He mused silently, nonchalantly raising his arm, and casually tossing Kagami aside as if he were a discarded toy.

         The sight of his brother being treated with such disdain ignited a surge of indignation within Zephyr, fuelling his fury further. Like a thunderbolt, he blasted forward, his blade slicing through the air with a deadly intent.

         Their confrontation was inevitable, and when Zephyr struck, the world seemed to hold its breath.

         The battlefield was shrouded in a deafening silence, the tension hanging in the air like the precipice of a cliff, teetering on the edge of plunging into the abyss.

         And then, it did.

         An explosion ripped through the silence, blazing like a nuclear detonation. The shockwave radiated outwards, disturbing the stillness and bathing the surroundings in an uneasy light.

         The masked man was sent hurtling through the air, his figure zooming across the sky like a projectile ejected from a cannon.

         Zephyr’s anger was far from quelled. His heart still seethed with the burning desire for revenge. But his immediate concern was drawn towards Kagami.

         His anger momentarily pushed aside, he dashed towards his fallen comrade with a desperation that felt as if his life hinged on it–because in a way, it did.

         He skidded across the wreckage-strewn battlefield, dust and debris flying out from under his feet, before coming to an abrupt halt beside Kagami.

         Falling to his knees, he cradled his brother in his arms. “Kagami!” His voice broke as he screamed his brother’s name, hot tears streaming down his face, staining the dust below.

         As Zephyr stood there, the sight of his silent, unmoving brother sent a chilling shiver down his spine. The silence was almost deafening, reality was harshly setting in. A stubborn denial clung to him, refusing to accept the grim scene that played out before him.

         However, just as despair threatened to pull him under, a spark of life emerged. A miracle, a beacon amidst the consuming darkness, shone as Kagami's eyes weakly flickered open. The sight was like the first ray of dawn after a long, terrifying night.

         A rush of relief swept over Zephyr like a tidal wave. He immediately wrapped his arms around Kagami's body, his touch gentle yet filled with joy. His brother was alive, he wasn't lost to the cruel hands of death.

         He was alive, he wasn’t dead!

         "Kagami... You're alive…" His voice cracked as the words tumbled out, a raw mixture of relief and joy filling each syllable.

         A faint chuckle escaped Kagami's lips as he looked up at his blue-haired brother, a soft smile gracing his features. "I wouldn’t allow you to perish before me, hah.." He managed to murmur between labored breaths. 

         Laughter bubbled up within Zephyr at Kagami's words, a sound filled with warmth and relief. He released his hug and slowly rose, dust falling from his clothes like sand slipping through fingers.

         Kagami followed, his movements slow and laborious as he pushed himself up. "I…am very injured,” He admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, revealing the painful reality of his condition.

         "Yeah, I could tell!" Zephyr cackled, a hint of his usual cheer returning to his voice.

         Kagami sighed deeply, his hand firmly gripping his longsword.

         He slowly raised it, pointing it towards the direction of the masked man who was gradually approaching them.

         "I cannot fight for long.” His words hung heavily in the air.

         "Get the prince out of here, I’ll fight for now." His voice carried a soft smile, his words promising safety and protection.

         “Get the prince out of here, I’ll fight for now.” Zephyr said with a soft smile.

         "Are you sure? He’s stronger than he looks,” Kagami cautioned, concern etched in his words.

         With a confident swing of his longsword and a determined step towards the masked man, Zephyr laughed. 

         "You know I love a good fight. Now get outta here, I wanna see just how this guy outplayed you!”

         With a soft chuckle and a nod of acknowledgement, Kagami turned away. A slight limp in his step, he began his journey towards the carriage, his role now to ensure the safety of the prince.