The group, led by Zayn, pressed deeper into the country. As they neared the kingdom’s heart, the population thinned, replaced by crumbling houses, rubble-strewn streets, and the distant glow of fires. The air carried echoes of clashes and screams.  

Zayn, riding at the front, suddenly reined in his horse. "Close ranks," he ordered. "Stay together." The group tightened into a defensive formation, their horses moving in a tight circle with Mina, Maria, and Selina at the center. Zayn took point, Ren at his side, while the other four fanned out protectively around the girls. Tension gripped everyone—except Ren and Zayn, who remained unnervingly composed.  

As they advanced, Ren’s sharp eyes swept their surroundings, analyzing every angle. Then, Zayn spotted a crowd gathered around a tall, striking man in an elaborate white military uniform studded with medals. His sharp features and piercing light-blue eyes were unmistakable.  

"Look there," Zayn muttered to Ren. "A man in a military uniform—people are swarming around him..."  

Before Zayn could finish, Ren cut in sharply, "We’re surrounded. Don’t do anything rash."  

Zayn and Ren halted abruptly, forcing the group to tense. Selina frowned. "Why are we stopping? Let’s keep moving." Lloyd turned to Zayn. "What’s wrong, sir?"  

Zayn’s voice was steel. "No sudden moves."  

Before he could elaborate, a squad of soldiers in Sifar’s military regalia encircled them, blades drawn. Ren smirked inwardly. *Here we go.*  

The man in the ornate uniform noticed the group and strode forward. One of the Sifar soldiers barked, "Drop your weapons, intruders! Are you rebels?"  

The well-dressed man stepped between them, resting a hand on his sheathed sword as he scrutinized the group. Zayn, keeping his tone diplomatic, spoke first. "Apologies for the misunderstanding, sir. You must be the kingdom’s forces. We’ve come from Ilfard peacefully. Let’s talk this through."  

Ren’s gaze locked onto the man. *This is the worst-case scenario.*  

The man slid his sword back into its scabbard. "We overreacted. Your attire matches Ilfard’s troops—except for you three." He pointed at Zayn, Lloyd, and Cargalan.  

Zayn wiped his brow. "You’re right. We’re from Verdisa, but we’re traveling together."  

The man’s focus shifted to Ren, who was still scanning the area. *What’s this man plotting?*  

"Your uniform is Ilfard’s, isn’t it?" the man asked.  

Ren met his gaze indifferently. "Yes."  

Zayn interjected, "Can we settle this without bloodshed, sir?"  

The man nodded. "My mistake." Raising his voice, he commanded, "Stand down! They’re no threat." The soldiers dispersed instantly.  

The group exhaled in unison as the soldiers withdrew.  

Mina sighed in relief. "Thank goodness they listened."  

Maria nodded. "I thought we’d have to fight."  

The man introduced himself. "I’m Yorita Manabu. Follow me—we’ll talk somewhere better."  

Zayn offered a polite smile. "Of cour—"  

Ren interrupted bluntly. "We appreciate it, Yorita, but we’re in a hurry. And given your country’s unrest, we won’t linger."  

The group stiffened at Ren’s tone.  

Yorita’s smile turned razor-thin. "You’re not wrong. And I’m sure I’ve seen you before."  

Zayn stepped in swiftly. "He was once wanted—Ren Kagero. But it was a misunderstanding. He’s a soldier now..."  

Yorita chuckled. "Ah, Category A. Though your bounty was… unusually high for that tier—no offense." A heavy silence followed.  

He muttered the name again, "Ren Kagero... Ren Kagero..." Suddenly, his expression flickered. *Impossible. The Wolf of the West operated in the Central Continent. But his group vanished nine months ago—dead or captured.*  

The group watched Yorita warily.  

Yorita studied Ren’s icy stare, masking his tension. "Mind if I ask you something?"  

Ren smirked inwardly. *I hate this question.*  

Before Yorita could continue, Ren answered flatly, "Don’t bother. I know what you’re asking, so the answer is *yes*. Now, can we go? We’ve wasted enough time."  

Shock rippled through the group at Ren’s audacity. Yorita froze momentarily before grinning darkly. "Very well, Ren Kagero. Before you leave, I have a *small request*. Consider it… compensation for trespassing."  

Zayn tensed. "We didn’t seek formal entry, but we’re pressed for time—"  

Yorita waved him off. "I’m this kingdom’s vice-captain. I’ll escort you myself. Where are you headed?"  

"To the harbor," Zayn replied. "We need passage to the Land of Doctors."  

Yorita’s smirk widened. "Your group is small. Three S-Class fighters won’t be enough to enter that country—unless you’re banking on *Ren Kagero*?"  

The group stiffened. Zayn’s mind raced. *Does he know Ren’s strength? Why did Ren answer like that?*  

Yorita continued, "To the harbor, then. I’ll guide you. Once there, I’ll name my price—simple enough, *Ren Kan*."  

The group exchanged uneasy glances at his odd phrasing.  

Zayn nodded cautiously. "As you say."  

Yorita whistled twice. The thunder of hooves followed as a horse charged toward him from a nearby street. Mounting it, he said, "Apologies for the dramatics. Follow closely."  

He spurred his horse into a gallop, the group straining to keep pace.  

Mina whispered to Selina, "Why did he act like that? Does he know Kagero? And why the rush?"  

Selina shook her head. "No idea, but his ‘request’ will be trouble."  

Yorita’s thoughts burned with anticipation. *The Wolf of the West—one of the Storm’s Children. I’ll crush him here and prove my worth to the captain.*  

Soon, the harbor emerged on the horizon. The group’s spirits lifted at the sight—five ships docked along the piers, the endless ocean stretching beyond. Waves crashed, and gulls cried overhead.  

Yorita led them to the second pier, where a midsized brown ship with multiple sails waited.  

"Here’s the vessel I’ll lend you," Yorita said. "But do any of you know navigation?"  

Ren replied coolly, "We’ll manage. Just name your price so we can leave."  

Yorita smiled. "First, load your belongings aboard. Then I’ll tell you."  

Ren’s eyes narrowed. "What’s your game? Why the sudden generosity?"  

Yorita waved dismissively. "No need for hostility, *Sir Ren*. Load your gear, then we’ll talk."  

Reluctantly, the group boarded, securing their horses and supplies. Mina and Selina marveled at the ship before regrouping.  

Yorita’s demeanor hardened. "Now, my request. Since I’ve held up my end, I ask one small thing—from *Sir Ren*."  

The group braced.  

Ren’s voice was glacial. "What do you want?"  

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