The forest around the ridge was quieter than usual, though the silence carried a weight heavier than the thick fog that hung low over the gnarled trees. Even the wind seemed to whisper in fear. Kaien Mori tightened the straps on his gear, his hands slick with sweat despite the cool air. Today wasn't practice. Today was real.
"We're moving out," Kaida Ren said, his tone calm but commanding. He glanced at the group, eyes flicking to each member as if weighing their worth. "Stay alert. Remember what we practiced. Stick together, watch each other's backs."
Renji slung his bow over his shoulder, already scanning the area. "I hope your idea of fun, Kaida, involves not dying today," he muttered with a smirk.
Haruka adjusted her glasses, crouching slightly. "Don't underestimate them. Even smaller creatures can kill if we're careless. Keep your formation tight."
Mori swallowed, adjusting the dagger strapped to his waist. "I-I can do this," he whispered to himself. His chest tightened. His E-Rank status meant he was stronger than he was yesterday, but compared to Kaida, Renji, and even Takuro, he felt like a child with a stick against monsters.
Takuro Hoshigami walked a few paces behind him, silent as a shadow. His dark eyes didn't flicker, didn't shift, as if he were always calculating, always waiting for the exact moment to strike. "Keep up, Mori," he said finally, his voice low. "If you fall behind, it's your problem. Don't let me carry you."
Mori flinched, but he moved faster, matching Takuro's pace. There was something in Takuro's tone—almost a dare. And Mori hated the feeling that he might fail.
---
The edge of the forest opened into a clearing bathed in a sickly green light. The air quivered, and Mori felt it immediately: the **scent of predators**.
Kaida raised his hand. "Positions."
Renji nocked an arrow. "Oh, they're here all right."
From the fog emerged them—three creatures, taller than a man, their bodies twisted and sinewy, with eyes like molten coals. They hissed in unison, long tongues flicking. Their claws scratched against the rocks and roots as they circled the group.
Kaida stepped forward. "Mori, follow my lead. Observe and act."
Mori nodded, hands trembling. "O-okay."
The first creature lunged. Mori froze.
"Move!" Kaida shouted. "Left—now!"
Mori dodged just in time, rolling across the damp earth. Kaida struck the creature's side with a clean slash, and it screeched, smoke curling from the wound. Renji's arrow followed, striking its skull.
Mori tried to jab with his dagger, but it barely grazed the creature. The second lunged immediately for him, jaws snapping. He froze again, his fear choking him.
"Focus!" Takuro barked, his blade slicing clean through the air. "If you hesitate, you die!"
Mori stumbled back, adrenaline surging. "I… I can't…"
Kaida's voice cut through. "Yes, you *can*! Watch, follow, and strike when the opportunity opens!"
Mori took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The creature came again, predictable in its movements. This time, he struck the exposed flank, his dagger cutting shallowly. Renji's arrow found its mark, and the creature finally collapsed.
"Good!" Kaida shouted. "You see? You can act under pressure!"
Mori's heart raced, chest heaving. His hands shook, but for the first time, he felt a flicker of confidence.
---
The battle escalated quickly. More creatures emerged, their numbers growing. Mori's mind raced, trying to keep track of positions, timing, and attacks.
Haruka shouted from the side: "Kaida, left flank! Another pair coming!"
Renji loosed arrows, picking off one of the new creatures. Kaida moved fluidly, cutting another down. Mori followed as best he could, using Kaida's movements as a guide.
Takuro moved independently, striking with precision. Mori noticed something unsettling: Takuro never used his full strength. Each strike was measured, minimal. Almost as if he were testing Mori.
Mori's chest tightened. "Why… why isn't he fighting seriously?" he asked aloud.
Renji glanced at him, a frown forming. "Don't ask me. He's… weird. Just focus on surviving."
One creature lunged at Mori from the right. He froze. Takuro's voice rang sharp in his ears: "Move, or die. Now!"
Mori swung, barely grazing the creature. It hissed, claws slashing across his arm. Pain erupted, and his vision blurred. Kaida reacted instantly, striking the creature down with a clean cut.
"You're still slow, Mori!" Kaida barked. "Fight through it!"
Mori gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand. He attacked again, this time anticipating the creature's strike. His dagger cut deeper, and with Renji and Kaida's combined attacks, the creature fell.
---
As the last creature collapsed, the fog seemed to shift unnaturally. Mori's heart pounded, sweat streaming down his face. He was alive—but barely.
Kaida turned to him, eyes sharp. "You held your ground. That's all I ask. You've earned your E-Rank."
Mori exhaled shakily. "E-Rank… I did it?"
"Barely," Kaida said with a small grin. "But you did. Don't let it get to your head."
Renji smirked. "Barely counts when it keeps you alive, rookie."
Haruka nodded. "We've survived today, thanks to teamwork. Remember that. Strength alone won't save you."
Mori felt a mix of pride and exhaustion, but a strange unease gnawed at him. He glanced at Takuro, whose calm, dark gaze was fixed on him.
"You did well, Mori," Takuro said softly, his voice almost unreadable. "But don't think this changes anything. You'll need to do better next time."
Mori frowned. "What do you mean?"
Takuro's eyes flicked toward the clearing, then back. "This world… it doesn't forgive. You're still weak. Today, I allowed you to live. That's all."
Mori's stomach twisted. "You… you're testing me, aren't you?"
Takuro smiled faintly, not a comforting smile. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just seeing if you have what it takes to survive."
---
As the group regrouped, Kaida looked around at everyone. "We survived the first real battle together. That's important. Remember this feeling—the fear, the struggle, the victory. It's all part of what will make us stronger."
Mori sat, breathing heavily. He felt pain in every limb, but there was also a spark—something he hadn't felt since the ordinary world. A faint glimmer that maybe, just maybe, he could become someone more.
Renji clapped him on the back. "E-Rank, huh? You've got a long way to go before you're as good as me, but… you're moving in the right direction."
Haruka adjusted her glasses. "Just don't let it make you careless. Mori, strength alone won't save you. Awareness and teamwork will. Remember that."
Mori nodded. "I… I understand."
Kaida placed a hand on Mori's shoulder. "Good. Rest now. Tomorrow, we push further. You'll face harder creatures, tougher missions. But I know you can handle it."
Mori's gaze drifted toward Takuro again. The shadow behind Takuro's calm exterior seemed deeper than ever. Mori shivered, but the strange determination inside him flared. No matter what Takuro wanted, no matter the darkness ahead, he would survive.
Because he had friends.
And maybe, that was enough.
---