Break

The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: Renidori's Shadow

As the mercenaries continued to murmur amongst themselves, exchanging speculations and theories about Kyōi, a figure approached, silent but commanding authority.

Renidori, the captain of the group, advanced with sure steps.

The air around him seemed to grow heavier, and the murmurs that filled the air gradually faded.

"Silence," ordered Renidori, his voice low but sharp as a blade.

The mercenaries, taken by surprise at his sudden intervention, fell silent instantly, their mouths closed, and their faces now focused on him.

The captain was known for being a man of few words, but his presence and command were never questioned.

"Now is not the time for conjecture or foolish whispers," Renidori continued, moving through the group with a stern gaze.

"Kyōi fought by our side and saved our lives. What happened here is not fodder for useless gossip."

Some of the mercenaries lowered their gazes, ashamed to have contributed to the growing climate of speculation.

Renidori was not a man who tolerated the waste of mental energy on matters that led nowhere.

He stopped at the center of the group, his eyes fixed on the exit of the cave, where Kyōi had disappeared just moments earlier.

"We know Kyōi is much more than he has shown," he said, his voice serious.

"But what we need to understand now is the gravity of what has happened. If a Chimera was sent here, it means there are forces at work far beyond our understanding."

He paused, letting his words sink in with the mercenaries.

"Dark forces are approaching, and we need to be ready. Forget speculating about Kyōi's past. Prepare for the future because that will determine our survival."

A silence laden with tension followed his words.

The mercenaries knew Renidori was right.

The dark threat of the Chimera was only the beginning of something larger, something that would soon overwhelm them if they weren't prepared.

"Regroup, check your gear, and tend to the wounded. We don't know when we'll have another moment of respite."

The order was clear and indisputable.

The mercenaries began to move, discipline and respect for Renidori taking over.

But even though their bodies were engaged in practical actions, each of their minds couldn't help but drift back to Kyōi and the mystery surrounding him.

The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: The Decision to Continue

Kyōi, walking alone along the rocky path leading him back to the entrance of the cave, felt the tension from the recent battle gradually fade.

His mind, always alert, continued to reflect on the true purpose of the Chimera and the dark forces moving in the shadows.

Despite everything, he knew the group needed rest before facing any other dangers.

The battle had been exhausting.

After returning to the camp, Kyōi observed the mercenaries, now regrouping and tending to the wounded as Renidori had ordered.

He noticed the furtive glances, the muffled whispers that still concerned him.

But he didn't care; he had other priorities.

He approached Renidori, the captain who, with his imposing presence, had put an end to the speculations.

The respect between the two was mutual, though Kyōi had never truly opened up to him.

"It's time to take a break," Kyōi said calmly but firmly, looking the captain in the eye.

Renidori gave a slight nod. He, too, knew that the group needed a moment to regain their strength.

Kyōi turned toward the mercenaries, who were now finishing their preparations for a brief respite.

"Take the time to rest," Kyōi said, addressing the group.

"But remember, once we've regained our strength, we will return to the mine. There are precious materials in there, and it's our duty to ensure they don't fall into the wrong hands or go to waste."

The mercenaries listened in silence. Kyōi was not only a lethal warrior but also a man of few words.

However, the words he spoke were always loaded with meaning.

"There are hidden resources here," Kyōi continued.

"Minerals and crystals that not only have economic value but could contain vital energy, something that could be useful to darker forces if left unguarded."

The prospect of further exploring the mine to secure the precious and potentially dangerous materials reinvigorated the mercenaries.

They had fought hard, and the idea of gaining a reward for their effort lifted the group's spirits.

"After the rest," Kyōi said definitively, "we'll move deeper into the mine. We need to retrieve everything valuable before others do."

With that statement, the group prepared to enjoy the brief respite they had been given.

However, their focus was already shifting toward the next step, knowing that the time for exploration and the retrieval of resources would be brief and potentially dangerous.

Kyōi, for his part, stood off to the side, reflecting on his next move.

He knew the real danger wasn't over yet.

And among the precious minerals and crystals hidden in the depths of the mine, there could be a power that would attract further threats, possibly even greater than the Chimera they had just faced.

The real battle, he felt, was not yet over.

The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: Rest Before the Descent

The mercenaries visibly relaxed, feeling relieved by Kyōi's words.

The tension from the recently concluded battle began to dissipate, and the idea of a break, even if brief, was welcomed with gratitude.

The wounds were being tended to carefully, and the air, filled with weary sighs and quiet murmurs, brought a sense of temporary peace.

They knew the mine contained treasures, but it was mostly the prospect of securing valuable resources that motivated them.

Every fighter in that group knew the worth of resources, especially in a universe full of wars, conquests, and divine powers.

Recovering precious minerals meant security: better weapons, essential supplies, and a less uncertain future.

"We can't keep fighting empty-handed forever," commented one of the mercenaries as he bandaged a cut on his arm.

"If those crystals are really that valuable, we need to take them before someone else does."

Another nodded, looking toward the entrance of the mine.

"It's risky, but if we leave them here, we're only inviting more threats… and we don't need more monsters like that Chimera."

The group seemed to agree, supporting Kyōi's decision.

They understood that the fight wasn't over, but they also knew that to keep resisting, they needed funds, resources, and means to protect themselves.

The speculations about Kyōi's past, though intriguing, were now set aside: the need to survive and thrive was the priority.

As the group settled in for their rest, each was aware that the recovery period would be short.

But that brief respite was enough to revive the mercenaries' spirits, ready to follow Kyōi deeper into the mine.