The night air hung heavy with humidity as Zeke and Miz conversed through voice transmission from a distance.
'Technically, I didn't lie. I simply chose not to disclose the full truth.'
The pale, tongueless boy communicated in the only way he could, attempting to clear up the misunderstanding between them. Hearing his explanation, Zeke finally understood why Miz had acted so cautiously around Julep and Amber earlier.
To those unsuspecting women, Zeke and Miz appeared to be promising young allies. In reality, they were enemies hiding in plain sight. Walking such a thin line demanded absolute discretion from every fledgling of the Hidden Cave of Untold Shadows.
'...I see your point. So what exactly do you want after nearly a year of silence and indifference?'
Zeke asked.
Miz remained silent for several seconds before replying.
'That was then. Circumstances have changed. We need to put aside the grudges our masters hold against one another and work together if we want to survive what's coming.'
'How convenient.'
Zeke's skepticism bled through his voice.
'Look, I don't expect us to become friends. However, I do think it's in our best interest to cooperate. We both occupy the same sinking ship.'
'Hmm. You make it sound like you already have a plan.'
'More accurately, the plan belongs to Lord Taki. It's already in motion. I only need you to play your role.'
At the mention of Taki, Zeke's curiosity sharpened.
'I'm listening.'
'Good.'
...
The red glow of the dying campfire flickered beneath a chorus of crickets and distant snores.
Having completed his watch duties, Zeke returned to camp alone. Instead of turning in for the night, he decided to indulge in a personal specialty.
Retrieving several ingredients from his spatial pouch, he poured water and coffee beans into a small cauldron before adding a measured amount of his private blend.
Soon, a rich aroma drifted upward with the steam.
Perfect.
Pouring the finished coffee into two cups, he made his way toward the northern end of the campsite where the largest tent stood.
The tent belonged to Amber and Julep.
Just as he approached, a calm voice cut through the silence.
"Oh, to be young again. It seems you're still full of energy despite being relieved from your duties."
Zeke glanced upward.
Perched atop an empty carriage sat a middle-aged man with a ponytail, dressed in a white double-breasted robe adorned with dark-blue crests.
"Sensei Haruto? You nearly startled me. I didn't even notice you up there."
"Hmm. I highly doubt that."
Haruto's lips curled slightly.
"Now then, what brings you here at such a late hour? Surely the two ladies inside would appreciate that gesture more come sunrise."
Haruto's gaze shifted toward the cups in Zeke's hands.
"Agreed. But respectfully, you're mistaken about one thing."
"And what might that be?"
Haruto asked.
With a grin bright enough to rival the moonlight, Zeke lightly hopped onto the carriage beside him.
"These aren't for Lady Amber or Senior Sister Julep."
He held up the cups.
"I made them for us."
"...How unlike me to jump to the wrong conclusion."
Haruto chuckled.
"It seems my insight isn't as sharp as I believed."
Nearly a year had passed since the day they exchanged blows. Though their paths had crossed several times since then, neither had made any effort to deepen their acquaintance.
Haruto found the golden-eyed youth intriguing.
That was precisely why he kept him at arm's length.
The elders would inevitably try to recruit Zeke into their various family and clan factions. Haruto had spent centuries navigating such politics and had long since grown weary of them.
"Here you are, Sensei."
Zeke extended one of the cups.
Haruto gently pushed it away.
"I appreciate the gesture, young one. Truly."
His tone remained warm.
"However, after three centuries of experience, I've made it a rule to avoid consuming food or drink prepared by others. I hope you take no offense to my caution."
"None taken."
Zeke shrugged.
Setting the untouched cup between them, he took a sip from his own before asking:
"If you don't mind me asking... what happened to make you adopt that mindset?"
His gaze sharpened.
"It sounds personal."
The question struck its mark.
For the first time that evening, silence lingered.
Zeke watched carefully.
The calm smile remained on Haruto's face, but something deeper stirred beneath it.
Eventually, Zeke sighed.
"Forget I asked."
He rose from the carriage.
"My apologies for prying. I won't disturb you any longer, Sensei."
With his coffee in hand, he dropped lightly back onto the grass and began walking toward his tent.
'That's a story for another day... if time ever permits.'
Haruto's voice suddenly echoed inside his mind.
Zeke stopped.
A moment later, the untouched cup floated toward him, carried by Haruto's qi.
'You forgot this.'
A grin spread across Zeke's face.
'Thank you. I'll look forward to that lesson when the day comes.'
The transmission faded.
As he continued toward his tent, Zeke glanced at the cup and chuckled to himself.
"I suppose it'll take a little more effort to break through that wall of his."
...
Several days passed.
The escort team maintained a swift but steady pace across the countryside. At the front, the lone non-cultivator among them guided a pair of galloping horses.
Inside the carriage, Amber sat hunched over a journal.
"Day Six..."
Dipping her quill into a nearby bottle of ink, she began writing.
Dear Journal,
At long last, I finally have something to look forward to after enduring this miserable journey along these dusty roads.
Tonight, I shall once again sleep beneath a proper roof instead of being forced to camp in the wilderness like a commoner.
We will soon arrive at a town renowned for its hot springs!
Finally, I can rid myself of these pathetic bird baths and wash away the stench of being cooped up around so many smelly men.
Speaking of insufferable people, Julep and Zeke remain at the top of that list.
Every conversation somehow turns into an excuse for those two to tease me.
Honestly, I would be better off without them...
On second thought, perhaps that isn't entirely true.
I find myself strangely cherishing these—
"Amber!"
Julep's cheerful voice shattered her concentration.
"What is it?"
Amber snapped.
"Can't you see I'm busy?"
Pulling back the carriage curtain, she was greeted by Julep's knowing smile.
"Busy doing what, exactly?"
"Never mind you."
Amber's cheeks flushed.
She quickly shielded the journal from view.
Julep wisely chose not to press further.
"Anyway, I just wanted to tell you the good news."
"What good news?"
"We'll be arriving in Green Springs shortly."
Julep grinned.
"Considering how much you've complained about our sleeping arrangements lately, I figured you'd want to know."
"Hmph. As if I'd ever get excited over some rinky-dink little town."
Amber scoffed.
The tiny smile she tried—and failed—to suppress earned matching sighs from both Zeke and Julep.
'What an easy person to read.'
Zeke shook his head.
'I wish everyone were that straightforward.'
Before long, he found himself dragged into yet another argument while Miz quietly observed from the sidelines.
...
By sunset, they finally arrived at Green Springs.
Compared to Martial City, the town was relatively small.
As their sizeable group entered the main district, townspeople stepped aside to make room.
Many stared.
Yet after only a moment, their weary eyes drifted back toward the pavement.
"The nerve of these commoners."
Amber peered out from the carriage.
"They should be honored to host someone of my stature."
The group collectively ignored her.
After several more minutes, they approached the most prestigious resort in town.
"Strange. You noticed it too, didn't you?"
Haruto spoke quietly to the instructor walking beside him.
Yoon Gi Namgung nodded.
"Yes, Senior Brother."
His sharp eyes scanned the street.
"Most of the people we've passed are elderly by mortal standards. There are hardly any young faces. The atmosphere feels... wrong. This place wasn't like this the last time I visited."
Haruto silently agreed.
Nearby, Zeke found himself reaching a similar conclusion.
The town appeared normal on the surface.
Yet something about it felt hollow.
Soulless.
Arriving at their destination, Amber finally lost all patience.
"It's about time!"
She pushed open the carriage door and strode toward the resort's entrance.
A broad arm suddenly blocked her path.
"Pardon me."
Haruto stepped forward.
"I believe it would be wiser if I entered first."
"Fine."
Amber folded her arms and pouted.
Haruto slid open the doors.
Immediately, a heated argument spilled out from inside.
"Don't play me for a fool, old hag! I know you're hiding the agreed-upon product somewhere in here!"
A shaggy-haired man stood behind the front desk, yanking an elderly woman by her gray hair while several rough-looking thugs watched nearby.
"Please!"
Tears streamed down the woman's face.
"Have mercy! Take me instead! Leave the girls alone—they haven't even reached puberty yet!"
"You stupid bitch!"
The man sneered.
"What use would my master have for a decrepit old woman?"
His hand moved to the sword hanging at his waist.
"Since you've failed to comply, your services are no longer required."
The blade descended.
An agonized scream erupted.
Blood splattered across the lobby floor.
The man's severed hand tumbled through the air before crashing beside his fallen sword.
Clutching the stump of his wrist, he staggered backward in horror.
The old woman stared in disbelief.
The entire room froze.
Then a furious voice thundered from the entrance.
"How dare you stain my sight with such an ugly presence!"
Amber stood there with her wand raised.
At some point, she had already pushed past Haruto.