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Reno spoke in a tone laced with doubt: "It seems they were the ones behind that explosion..."
One of the soldiers stepped forward and asked: "We should have captured them for further questioning... Should we pursue them, Lieutenant?"
Laurent replied, gazing at the banner fluttering in the wind: "No need. This is a new banner... and how many banners have been born and vanished before a star was ever emblazoned on them? Their owners perish before their name is recorded. Our priority now is to apprehend that impostor."
Another soldier interjected with a question: "And does his banner bear a star, Lieutenant?"
Reno stared at him coldly, then said mockingly: "Are you out of your mind? Why else would we be pursuing him?" (He paused for a moment, before adding sharply:) "We must catch this scoundrel, even if his banner isn't studded with a single star."
Another soldier raised his voice — he seemed new to service:
"Sir... what's the story behind the stars on the banners?"
Reno replied without turning to face him:
"The stars represent the danger level of a rebel — from one to five. The more stars, the deadlier they are. They're called the Rebellious... those who abandoned the nation's banner and rose against justice. They claim freedom, but they are nothing more than devils in human skin. Cursed upon this land, chasing myths and delusions that never existed. As for those with five stars? They are very few."
Blue run interrupted him sternly:
"Reno... that's enough. No need to continue."
Then he turned to the soldiers and said:
"I only wanted you to know. Don't dig deeper into these matters... or you might end up cursed yourselves."
A heavy silence followed.
The soldiers' eyes froze as they met Reno's face, now wearing a sardonic smile — as if mocking them all.
The soldiers' uniforms were gray, with a black cap centered and dark military boots. Their faces were hardened, and their eyes searched for meaning in an atmosphere charged with danger.
Blue run lifted the banner from the ground, studied it intently, then said sternly:
—"Prepare yourselves... We will continue pursuing that criminal."
The soldiers shouted in unison:
—"Sir, yes Lieutenant!"
At the entrance to a dense forest, Meehon stood beside Youray.**
Mihon spoke in a lowered voice, his gaze fixed on the dark depths of the trees: "Are you ready? From now on... there's no turning back, no rest. Our path is full of thorns."
Youray smiled faintly and said: "When we chose this path... we knew exactly what awaited us. I've waited a long time for this day."
Mihon replied: "Alright then... let's set off."
In the kingdom of "Randor," a young man sat atop a towering spire.
He gazed at the sky with clear blue eyes as pure as pristine waters. His sharp features framed by black hair swaying in the wind. He wore dark blue clothes interwoven with white lines, and a vest adorned with small black stars and white shells. At his feet were tall white boots shining under the sunlight.
Someone approached him, dressed in the same attire, and said, "Amis, we must leave. The commander will be angry again at our negligence."
Amis replied with a smile, still looking toward the sky, "I'm coming..."
Then he murmured softly words no one else could hear.
Deep in the Kampor Forest, Mihon and Youray were advancing silently.
One like night, dressed in black and blood-red stripes, and the other like day, dressed in silver and gold. Between darkness and light, they walked confidently into the heart of the forest.
Youray asked, as if the sound had broken the silence of the trees: - "Why is this forest dangerous?
Mihon answered without looking at him: - It is said that there are bandits and rebels... They plunder everyone who passes through here. It is also rumored that a monster lives here and has killed many people... I read that in a newspaper, but it seems to be a false newspaper.
Youray smiled and said: - It's easy to realize that whoever wrote that article doesn't want anyone to cross this road. Bandits, rebels, and a monster...! Strange combination. There seems to be a deeper secret in these woods.
Mihon said with a warning: - "We mustn't make a fuss. We haven't reached the city yet, and if we arouse suspicion, our plan will be ruined. But don't worry... I know you're curious. Don't worry, I'm the same way, so we'll take a look around
Hours passed as they ventured deeper into the dense forest.
Suddenly, they both stopped when they heard movement behind the trees.
Youray smiled and said, "Is it a beast... bandits... or rebels?"
Mihon replied sarcastically, "Don't get too excited…"
Suddenly, a rabbit burst out from behind the trees, running wildly.
An arrow flew and struck the rabbit, killing it instantly with a hit to the head.
A boy, around sixteen years old, came running out with excitement, shouting joyfully, "I hit it! I actually hit it!"
He laughed loudly, then suddenly stopped when he saw Mihon and Youray staring at him in surprise. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
The boy was wearing the hide of an animal that covered his body, with no shoes. His hair was gray, wild, and tangled
with tree leaves. His eyes were bright green, like the fresh leaves of spring.