The General's Mask

Plan

Antagonists: Garan (archer), Ivolk (spear), Shar (former assassin member of Cai Fei), Gado (a fighter mainly using big swords), Ryulin (hired assassin), Agur (leader).

Agur paced back and forth in his dimly lit office, anxiety gnawing at his insides. He had dispatched two of his most skilled spies to monitor Hua Heng and Wen Ping, but they had failed to report back at the designated time. Agur's mind raced with worry and frustration.

Agur sat brooding in his dark, cavernous office, the air thick with tension. He anxiously tapped his fingers on the mahogany desk, his eyes darting toward the golden clock on his table every so often. The two spies he had sent were overdue, and their prolonged disappearance was doing nothing to ease his growing annoyance and anxiety.

"Damn it."

Suddenly, the heavy office door creaked open, and in walked Garan, Ivolk, Shar, Gado, and Ryulin. The room was filled with an array of personalities - the silent archer, the gruff spearman, the enigmatic former assassin, the brawny sword-fighter, and the mysterious hired assassin.Garan was the first to break the silence.

"Agur," he started, his voice steady and calm. "Your spies are not back yet?"

Agur's eyes flashed with irritation.

"I am well aware, Garan," he snapped, his voice echoing in the silent room.

"Heh."

Ivolk stepped forward, her spear clutched tightly in her hand."Perhaps they have run into trouble?" she suggested with a sarcastic grin.

Shar, standing at the back, scoffed. "Or perhaps they are just incompetent," he muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm.

The room fell quiet again, the only sound being the distant crashing of waves against the ship. The tension was almost a tangible entity, weaving its way around the room, binding them in a shared unease.

Garan, his eyes as sharp as his arrows, broke the silence. "If they've been captured, our plans could be compromised."Ivolk grunted in agreement.

"We should have a backup plan. We can't afford any slip-ups, especially if our goods today are in demand in other countries. If the two generals knew we were on to them, they must be on alert and would notify their comrades any minute now. We should let those mercenaries you use, Agur."

Shar smirked. "Always the strategist, aren't you, Ivolk? But you're right. What do you say, boss?"Gado nodded eagerly.

"Whatever the case, we can't just sit here and wait. I want to fight too! Let me go and try to capture them."

"Don't be so eager to go to your death now, Gado. We must observe how they fight and let their strength be depleted before we intervene," Ivolk said.

It was then that Ryulin, the hired assassin, laughed lightly.

His voice was airy, almost carefree, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere in the room."Oh, this is getting interesting. It's like a game of hide and seek, isn't it?" He leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Except the stakes are a bit higher. Life and death, freedom and captivity, success, and failure... all hinging on the next move. It's quite exhilarating, don't you think?"

There was a moment of silence as the others absorbed Ryulin's words, each with a different expression as they looked at him.

Then Agur, the leader, spoke up.

"A game, Ryulin?" he questioned, his voice laced with irritation.

"This is not a game. We have money and connections to gain from those greedy nobles. Our lives, money, and freedom are at stake, including yours."

Ryulin shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, even in a game, the goal is to win, isn't it?"

"Right...since they're here...why not capture them as hostages? It seems both of them are very important aside from being generals; they are supposed to be the children of nobles," Ryulin suggested.

Everyone nodded in agreement and looked in Agur's direction, waiting for his decision.Agur hesitated to compete against the Empire's powerful generals. Still, as Ryulin said, it is better to try capturing the two spies and use them as leverage against their lurking comrades.

He was also relieved as there are still people who can think rationally while he is still doubting what to do next. It is not a waste to lure Ryulin with a huge amount of money .

Agur assessed the determined faces of his comrades and pondered the risky yet potentially rewarding move ahead.

With a steely resolve, he finally spoke, "We proceed with the plan. Garan, Ivolk, Shar, Gado, and Ryulin, prepare for the capture. We cannot afford any missteps."

The group nodded in unison, each understanding the gravity of their upcoming mission. As they strategized and readied their weapons, Agur's thoughts raced.

This could be the defining moment for their plan, a move that could shift the balance of power in their favor.

With a silent nod to each other, the team moved out of Agur's office, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. The night was their ally, cloaking their intentions as they ventured into the shadow.

As they embarked on their mission to capture Hua Heng and Wen Ping, the night air crackled with tension and anticipation. The echoes of their determination reverberated through the ship, a prelude to the imminent clash that would decide the fate of their clandestine operation.

To be captured or to fight

To be killed or to kill

It's up to them and their skill to escape this predicament. The empire finally noticed them and ordered their best soldiers to annihilate them but they were not just an ordinary criminal group, they were confident that their strength and skills were comparable to those generals.

Agur led his team with a mix of caution and resolve, every step bringing them closer to their elusive targets. The thrill of the hunt infused their movements with a sense of urgency, and each member of the group committed to achieving their objective at any cost.

As they trod silently through the dark passageways of the ship in separate directions, each hoping to find them and start a thrilling battle. The sense of challenge only served to heighten their resolve. Agur's command was unwavering as he orchestrated their every maneuver, ensuring they stayed on course toward their high-stakes prey.

"Make sure to capture them ALIVE"

The night air aboard the vessel crackled with a potent mix of tension and excitement, the uncertain outcome of their pursuit hanging thickly in the atmosphere. The flickering glow of lanterns cast eerie shadows across the deck, intensifying the suspense of the moment and amplifying the sense of impending confrontation.

Out of nowhere, Hua Heng sneezes while enjoying her time soaking in the lake from her dimension.

"I believe it's time," she remarks.

Hi? hehehehe... :)...(^_^)v