CHAPTER 39: TOGETHER, WE MARCH FORWARD

After the little "scene" caused by Gale and Kaien, followed by the explanation of how Ren and Gale knew each other, the rest of the morning session went on as usual. Still, Valen, Kaien, and Gale couldn’t help but notice how fired up the squad members were.

"Your guys sure look fired up." Kaien said to Valen.

"Yeah. We’re going to war tomorrow after all." Valen replied calmly.

"When are Rago’s and Aeri’s squads arriving?" Kaien asked.

"In the afternoon. And when are you leaving?" Valen shot back, his tone carrying the clear message, the sooner, the better.

"Before they arrive. Gale and I have some work to do, we’re planning to intercept one of the Fangs."

After hearing that, Valen’s face turned serious as his usual relaxed air faded.

"Be careful out there."

As sparring began, Valen gave one last reminder. "Don’t forget, control yourselves. No serious injuries."

Even so, everyone fought with fire in their eyes. Each match pushed limits, striking with everything they had. The sparring was intense, but never reckless. They were testing strength, not breaking each other.

Then came the final match of the day.

Ren against Minato. The most awaited match.

The two stepped onto the platform, facing one another with confident smiles.

"Let’s finish where we left off last time." Minato said.

"Yeah." Ren nodded.

Ren shifted into his stance, waiting for Shin to give the signal, but Minato suddenly cut him off.

"Bring your katana. I want to face your full strength."

The entire squad froze in shock. Shin looked at Minato and understood that he was serious and won’t accept no for an answer.

"Tch. Fine, but there’s no way I’m letting him use the real thing." Shin tossed a wooden katana toward Ren.

Ren caught it with ease as he and Minato locked eyes. Both took their stances and the weight in the air shifted heavy.

The grounds went quiet, all eyes fixed on the two as they awaited Shin’s signal.

As soon as Shin signaled for the match to begin, neither wasted a single second as both moved into motion.

Just like in their first clash, Ren pressed forward with relentless pressure. But Minato felt it immediately, something was different. Unlike before, when Ren had cautiously avoided his traps, he now weaved and passed straight through them with blinding speed, rendering Minato’s setups useless before they could even trigger.

He gained this much power in such a short time? What is this guy? Minato’s thoughts raced as fast as his heartbeat.

Lightning danced wildly across Ren’s body as he cut off Minato’s routes, his speed and reach expanding with every passing second. Chains of crackling electricity emerged outward his fingertips, snapping through the arena and minimizing Minato’s routes.

As he continued being forced back, Minato found himself leading toward the edge of the stage as the lightning chains closed in from both sides like snakes about to bite him.

I have nowhere to run. I’ll have to wait for his attack and strike back.

Minato used his branches to block the lightning chains so that he could focus solely on Ren’s incoming attack, but Ren was much stronger than before.

In a flash, Ren vanished and appeared right in front of him, his wooden katana stopping just a centimeter from Minato’s neck.

"Thunderclap," Ren whispered.

This guy, he led me here on purpose. He didn’t waste a single drop of drive core energy either. Every move he made was to corner me. He knew that if it came down to a head on clash, I wouldn’t stand a chance. I’m glad. I’m glad you didn’t hold back against me. Minato thought.

"I surrender," Minato said with a smile.

The crowd instantly roared with excitement. To them, the fight wasn’t just a sparring match, it was a duel, a spectacle, a glimpse of the future warriors of ZEAL.

"Your kid’s not half bad," Gale remarked, glancing at Kaien.

"I know, right? I can tell when someone’s got potential." Kaien smirked.

"Tch. Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m the one who trained him." Valen muttered.

The crowd, meanwhile, buzzed with speculation and comparison. Some of them even compare him to Shin and Valen.

"Ren’s insane, he might be the next Shin."

"His style kind of reminds me of Warden Valen, don’t you think?"

"Do you think he’s already close to a Warden’s level?"

Ren stood still on the stage, a faint blush formed across his face as the murmurs reached his ears. He couldn’t help it, the entire squad was showering him with praise.

"Looks like you’ve made quite the impression today, huh?" Minato remarked with a grin.

"I-I’m not used to getting praised." Ren admitted, his voice awkward as Minato chuckled in response.

As the morning sessions drew to a close, Valen dismissed the group, instructing them to rest before the arrival of Squad 3 and Squad 4. Preparations for the upcoming war were underway, and they were scheduled to depart by midnight, marching there on foot.

Later, 4 figures found themselves crammed inside Valen’s room. None spoke, each simply occupied their own space while an uncomfortable silence filled the air.

Valen’s forehead began to throb, veins pulsing as though begging to burst. And in just mere seconds, he did snap.

"Why are you even here? I can understand Shin, he does this all the time. But you two, why are you here?" Valen yelled, clearly irritated.

"C’mon man, we’re leaving in an hour. Don’t worry." Kaien said.

An hour slipped by in a flash as Kaien and Gale geared up. Just as they were about to step through the door, Valen stopped them.

"Kaien, Gale, I know how strong you both are. I know what you’re capable of, and I trust your skills. But still, be careful out there. They might try something underhanded. Just don’t let your guard down."

Kaien grinned. "Oh? Look at you actually worrying about me. Don’t sweat it, if it’s the two of us, they won’t stand a chance."

With that, he and Gale walked out.

I sure hope so. Valen thought.

As the time for departure drew closer, Rago and his squad finally arrived. They were met by Squad 7, and soon the training grounds bustled with ZEAL’s members wearing their black jackets. With both squads gathered, the space felt alive with chatter as everyone tried to get along.

Rago headed straight to Valen’s office.

"Oh, so Aeri’s not here yet, huh?" Rago said with a loud and casual tone.

"Yeah. Keep it down. I’m trying to focus." Valen muttered, his eyes sharp. "We’re going to war with the Ashen Scars."

"Oh, come on. Why so tense? Are you nervous? You’re one of the strongest here."

"Of course I am." Valen admitted, his voice heavy. "Not for myself, but for our men. Some of us won’t make it back. That’s the reality of this coming war."

Rago fell silent as the weight of Valen’s words sinked in. He had only been trying to lighten the mood, to shake Valen out of his nerves. But deep down, he knew Valen was right. As wardens, the responsibility of leading their squads into battle and bringing as many of them back alive as possible is a weight they have to carry.

Back at the training grounds, Ren, Minato, Isamu, and Botan sat in silence, trying to steady themselves. Isamu and Botan were clearly nervous, while Ren felt uneasy. The thought that his brother might actually show up in this war, targeting him, gnawed at his chest.

Minato, on the other hand, couldn’t shake off what happened last time. Someone had tried to assassinate him during the defense, and that fact still lingered in his mind.

As they sank deeper into their worries, the quiet was suddenly broken by the sound of cheers. The crowd erupted as people stepped aside, opening a path for Aeri and Squad 4 to pass through.

Ren’s eyes instantly widened when he saw them. Without thinking, he jumped to his feet and rushed forward.

"Captain! Guys!" He called out, waving as he ran toward them.

"Ren!" Aeri greeted with a bright smile. "It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Look at you growing muscles now!"

The time Ren spent training in Ward 11 had changed him. His body had grown more ripped and defined, his muscles sharper, and even the aura around him felt different, as if he was no longer the same boy as before.

Seth, Miko, Kaela, and Sora rushed in at once, wrapping Ren in a crushing group hug. He was completely swallowed by the four of them, their laughter mixing together as if no time had passed.

When they finally let go, everyone’s faces were glowing with bright, genuine smiles. They didn’t even need to say it, without Ren, the squad never felt complete. And for Ren, standing there with them, he knew this was where he truly belonged.

"I missed you guys. And Miko, I’m really glad you’re back." Ren said softly.

"Yep. Took me a while, but I made it." Miko replied with a grin as they shook hands firmly.

Ren then turned and introduced Isamu, Botan, and Minato to the others. Quick nods were exchanged, and before long, they were already talking like they had known each other for years. Isamu, Botan, and Miko especially hit it off right away, their conversation and energy flowing naturally as if they were old friends reuniting.

A few moments later, Rago and Valen arrived, stepping onto the platform, and soon after, Aeri followed behind.

At last, the entire team had gathered. The squad that would march to war against the Ashen Scars was finally complete. And with that, the time for their final briefing before the battle had come.

"Thank you for coming all the way here, members of Squad 4 and Squad 3. As you all know, by midnight we march to war against the Ashen Scars. Their foot soldiers have plagued this ward and other allied ones for far too long, leaving only destruction and casualties." Valen began, his voice firm.

"My squad conducted investigations near their territory and confirmed something troubling. These so called ’Ashes’, their foot soldiers were once human. Corrupted by a core bleed technique which is made by the Shikkoku, they’ve been twisted into rampaging soldiers covered in molten and fire. Keep this in mind, end them swiftly. They are victims as much as weapons, humans who fell into darkness because of the greed of those who sought power. Grant them release, not torment." Aeri added, her words carrying a melancholic weight.

Rago stepped forward. "And one more thing, Zarveth, their leader. He’s cunning, and he’s strong. At the very least, a high 7 star threat. Do not engage him in a full confrontation. If you encounter him, report it immediately and wait for us wardens to deal with him. Now, steady your resolve. Remember our goal, our values, and the reason we must put an end to this. We will strike first, before they bring war to us. ZEAL fights for peace, and for victory! Together, we’ll reclaim this ward and end their madness!"

The crowd erupted, their cheers shaking the air with determination.

While the cheers echoed and the tension in the air grew heavier, Ren turned to face Squad 4, Isamu, Botan, and Minato.

"Before we head into this war, there’s something I need to tell you." His voice is steady and serious.

"Go ahead, tell us anything." Miko replied calmly, while the others gave quiet nods.

Ren drew in a breath before revealing the truth. "My brother, Kade. He’s one of the Twelve Fangs."