Chapter 5 - Chapter 5 – Voices from the Flame

The wind blew furiously through the ancient trees that guarded the Crimson Dawn base. The leaves danced to an unfamiliar melody as the first golden glimmers of dawn caressed the treetops with their fleeting caress. The dew-drenched ground crunched beneath the feet of the squad of warriors as they entered the forest in silence, as if nature itself held its breath before the impending test. Okita, the newcomer, stood before Nael in a natural clearing, both ready to challenge fate with steel in hand. Nael, his daggers flashing between his fingers; Okita, his katana adorned only by the promise of future battles. "Do not hold back," Nael whispered with a fleeting smile. "This is the place where the soul bares itself before the steel, where trust is forged or distrust revealed." The duel began as a fluid dance of shadows and flashes. Nael glided with almost ethereal agility, launching surprising feints and twists, while Okita responded with firmness and technique. Little by little, their swords understood each other, and finally, after one last crossing of blades, Nael stepped aside. "You have mettle. That's enough for now." They both shook hands with mutual respect. Minato was next. The atmosphere changed as soon as he stepped into the clearing: the air was charged with electricity, as if an invisible storm were brewing. "Go ahead, little sun," he said with a provocative smile. "Show me if the sun truly chose you or if you are merely its glorified shadow." Wordlessly, Okita raised his katana. The clash was brutal. Minato moved like lightning, his attacks coming from impossible angles, but Okita resisted, blocked, and responded with iron will. The battle was as intense as it was brief, and by the end, both of them were panting. "That's worth it," Minato said, patting him on the back. "You're not going to die tomorrow, it seems." Then, a roar split the sky. From the clouds, a black-scaled dragon descended, slicing through the air like a living arrow. Its shadow covered the clearing as it landed, kicking up a cloud of leaves and dirt. From its back, a muscular figure launched himself into the void and landed hard: white hair, glowing purple eyes, a bare torso, and a colossal four-meter sword on his back. "What's with that surprised face? Did they stop inviting me to spar?" he laughed deeply. "Tashi…" Minato murmured. The newcomer leaned casually and stood to the side, watching. Akane was the one who made the next move. "I'll go," she said simply. The duel began immediately. Akane was swift and precise. Every blow she struck felt surgical. Okita could barely keep up. The pressure increased with every sentence she muttered. "Too slow…" "Is that your limit?" Finally, she disarmed him and placed the tip of her katana against his chest. "If you don't improve… you'll be the first to die," she said before walking away. Okita clenched his fists. Tashi moved closer. "Do you have enough energy for one more?" "Always," she replied. The fight was vicious. Tashi, with her massive sword, attacked with brutal skill. Each blow was like an earthquake. But Okita stood her ground, dodging and returning with swiftness and determination. Eventually, they both stopped, breathing heavily. Tashi smiled. "You've got guts. I like you. Welcome to hell." Okita smiled for the first time, truly. They bumped fists, and in that moment, she knew she had taken the first step toward becoming one of Crimson Dawn. And so, under the reddish dawn sky, the squad began to bond. Not through words… but through steel, sweat, and respect.