SICARII

Present ~ Back at Beast Organisation HQ

As Taizen and Mionara walked down the hall after their intense training session, their muscles ached but their spirits were high.

"I'm feeling stronger," Taizen said, cracking his knuckles with a satisfied grin. "I know it's only been two days, but damn, I can already feel the difference. Ready for the next mission whenever it comes."

Mionara walked beside him, his eyes focused ahead. "Same here. The sparring helped. I've got a better feel for my movements. But we can't let this be enough. We need to keep pushing."

Taizen nodded, his expression growing serious. "I know. But I'm not gonna lie, I'm eager for the next mission. I need something to test us. We've been training hard, but it's time to see where we really stand."

Mionara smirked. "Just don't rush into anything. You know the missions around here can be unpredictable."

"I know, I know," Taizen said, his grin returning. "But we're ready. And I'm more than ready to prove it."

Mionara chuckled. "We'll get our chance soon enough. Until then, let's make sure we're always at our best."

The two of them walked in silence for a moment, their minds both focused on what was to come. The building hummed quietly around them, but they both knew the next challenge could come at any time.

They reached their room and began to relax, taking showers and unwinding after their intense training. The weight of the past few days settled in as they each found their space to unwind and prepare for whatever the next day would bring. Taizen reclined on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, his mind racing through thoughts of the mission ahead. Mionara, as always, was quieter, but his eyes were alert, contemplating their next steps.

The following morning, as the sunlight streamed through the curtains, there came a knock at the door. Mionara stood and answered it, greeted by Lino's familiar presence.

"Morning, gents," Lino said, his tone casual but with an edge of seriousness. "I hope you're both well recovered. I've got a mission for you guys."

Taizen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean, you guys? Is the pack not coming as well?"

Lino shook his head. "Nope. The higher-ups specifically designated this mission for you two."

"A mission with just the two of us?" Mionara asked, clearly surprised. "I thought we were always going out with the pack."

Lino gave a slight shrug. "That's not always the case. Sometimes the whole pack isn't needed. This one's a bit more…specific. You'll be going in alone."

Taizen exchanged a quick glance with Mionara, the uncertainty of the situation settling in. "You think we can handle it?"

Lino's eyes held a glimmer of confidence. "You two have grown a lot. This mission will test you, but I have no doubt you'll manage just fine. You've been trained well."

Mionara nodded, his expression hardening with focus. "If it's just us, we'll make sure we get the job done."

Lino's lips twitched into a rare, approving smile. "Good. I knew you'd be ready. I'll brief you both on the details now.

Lino continued, his tone steady as he laid out the details. "We've been hired by Kirkia's military. They need our help to push the Winko soldiers out from their border so they can finally gain complete control over Heavens Garden."

He paused for a moment, letting the weight of the mission sink in.

"It's been an ongoing battle for years now," he added. "But Kirkia's forces are hoping that with our assistance, they can launch one massive, coordinated assault to break through the Winko's defenses and finally end the conflict."

Taizen's eyes sharpened. "Heavens Garden…hasn't that place's been contested for a long time. If Kirkia takes it, it's a game-changer for the entire region."

Mionara nodded, his expression serious. "Sounds like they're really putting everything on the line. But what's our role in this?"

Lino gave a small smile. "Your job is to be the hammer. They will be hitting them hard, fast, and decisively. The Kirkian forces will do their part, but you'll be the ones leading the charge."

Lino's voice grew more serious as he continued, "You'll most likely spend two to three days up there, but be ready for anything. It could stretch longer, depending on how the battle unfolds. This is your first taste of war, and trust me—it won't be anything like what you've faced before."

He looked at both Taizen and Mionara, his gaze steady and purposeful. "I was able to help get this mission assigned to you because I know one of the Kirkian army generals personally. He's a reliable contact, and I've already spoken to him. He'll ensure you're set on the right path once you're there."

Lino's tone shifted as he wrapped up. "You'll be leaving tonight, so gather all your weapons, gear, and anything else you'll need. We've arranged a boat to take you there. Be ready to move quickly."

As

 Lino left the room, Taizen glanced at Mionara, his expression serious. "This feels different, doesn't it?" he said, pulling his weapons out of the bag. "We've been in plenty of fights, but this—this is war."

Mionara was already packing his gear, his movements efficient and focused. "Yeah, it's not like what we're used to. No second chances out there, and the stakes are higher. We've got to be ready for anything."

Taizen nodded, securing his sword in place. "We will be. We've trained for this moment, and we've been through enough to know what it takes. Just… keep your head in the game."

Mionara didn't respond right away, his gaze lingering on his pack. After a moment, he added quietly, "We've got to stay sharp, more than ever. This isn't a mission where we can afford to slip up."

"I know," Taizen said. "This is our first taste of something like this, and it could get ugly. But we've got each other's backs. I trust you've got mine."

Mionara met his gaze and gave a small nod. "Always."

They continued preparing in silence, each man aware that this mission was unlike any they'd faced before. The weight of their weapons felt heavier now, not just from the metal but from the knowledge that this could be the start of something bigger—something more dangerous.

When they were ready, Taizen slung his pack over his shoulder. "Let's go," he said, voice low. "It's time."

Mionara nodded. "Time to see what war really feels like."

With a final glance at their room, they headed out together. The night had fallen, and the darkness seemed to amplify the weight of what lay ahead. They made their way to the boat, the silence between them filled with the unspoken understanding that once they left, there would be no turning back.