𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬

21: Snakes and Vultures

"How much longer will we be waiting, Cap?" Prime's impatience was evident in her voice.

Squad Five had been waiting in the communication room for what felt like over an hour, their anticipation growing with each passing minute. This wasn't unusual, though it seemed the Grandmaster was taking longer than usual today. Captain Pent stood before a large cauldron, smoke curling up from the warm charcoal inside. Around them, several smaller cauldrons emitted faint wisps of smoke.

"That's not up to us, Prime. We wait as long as the Grandmaster requires," Captain Pent replied.

Prime leaned back against a pillar, effortlessly twirling one of her many daggers between her fingers. To the untrained eye, it might seem like a simple parlor trick, but those with keen observation would notice that each impossible turn was aided by the knife being subtly attached to her palm through internal energy.

"Captain, about the boy—"

It was Deca who spoke up this time, his tone hesitant. The two others beside him exchanged glances, clearly waiting for him to relay the news to Captain Pent.

"I'm already aware, brother. There's nothing we can do right now."

"If you know, then—"

"The Divine One has ordered us to stand down," Captain Pent interjected, his face neutral. He made sure Deca understood that this was an order. "We will speak no more of this here. The Order will be meeting with us soon."

He understood their concerns. Sharing many of the same thoughts, Captain Pent had already raised the issue of Aziz entering the forest with the Divine One. From what he gathered, Aziz had decided to intervene in the Order's little exam—something that was never part of the plan. But the Divine One had ordered them not to interfere, a decision Captain Pent struggled to comprehend. The entire purpose of their plan was to keep Aziz hidden in the Pits until he was strong enough. The boy was only meant to pass the test by surviving, just barely. For him to get involved in the politics of the forest would attract the attention of the other Order Captains, putting his life at risk. If that happened, everything they'd worked for would be in vain. The mere thought made Captain Pent dig his nails into his palms, though he kept his concern hidden. His subordinates would be able to sense even the slightest waver, masks or not. As their leader, he could not afford to falter.

He must not falter.

Fire erupted from the central cauldron, flames licking the air as they formed a fiery frame. Within the blaze, an image began to coalesce—a figure slowly taking shape. The Grandmaster appeared, his presence as imposing as ever. Draped in robes of deep crimson, their edges shimmering with golden embroidery, his face was hidden beneath the hood, revealing only his piercing eyes—sharp and cold, like shards of ice. His long, silver beard flowed like a waterfall, untouched by the heat of the flames surrounding him.

"Captain Pent," the Grandmaster's voice resonated through the room, low and commanding. "How progresses the test in Peklo Forest?"

Captain Pent stood at attention, every muscle taut with respect. "The test proceeds as planned, Grandmaster. The candidates are being pushed to their limits. We anticipate they will soon face the next trial."

The Grandmaster's eyes narrowed slightly, a gesture almost imperceptible but laden with meaning.

"And what of your little toy, Captain? Is it unfolding as you envisioned? Instead of a reward for your services, you asked permission to conduct an experiment. I hope this experiment will truly produce a breed of martial artists as strong as you claim Captain. Many at the Order say I have misplaced my faith in you. From the supervisor reports I hear he mostly hides in a hole Captain Pent."