SAI SHINU
The room was heavy with tension when Yosuke finally spoke.
"We have three days," he said, leaning forward, his tone sharper than usual. "Three days to strengthen ourselves. That means we don't just sit here and wait for death to knock at the gate. We go out. We find a godglyph or two before the armies arrive. If we want a chance, we need to be stronger."
I looked at him, watching the fire in his eyes. This wasn't just a suggestion—this was desperation forged into resolve.
Taro's arms were crossed, but I noticed the faintest nod.
"You're right," he said. "Waiting here won't change anything. Strength will." His gaze shifted to each of us, testing our resolve. "We'll search for a gate tomorrow."
Naemi's voice was quick to follow, almost eager.
"I can help. I'll try to sense it again. If there's a godglyph nearby, I'll feel it."
"Good," Taro replied. "Then tomorrow, we move."
I glanced at Yuri. Her lips pressed together, her hand brushing against mine under the table. She didn't speak, but I knew what she wanted to say. I gave her a small nod—just enough to reassure her I understood.
The meeting ended shortly after, everyone scattering to their thoughts. But I stayed behind, staring at the wooden table, running my hand along its rough edge. A godglyph in just three days… If we succeeded, we'd be stronger. If we failed, we'd waste precious time and energy before the real war even began.
When the sun rose the next morning, we gathered outside the village walls. Taro stood at the front, as always. Jiro kept his arms folded, trying to mask his unease. Naemi closed her eyes, already searching with that strange sense of hers. Yuri walked close to me, quiet but steady. Yosuke looked determined, like a man who'd already placed his bet and wouldn't back down.
"Three days," Taro said once more, his voice cutting through the morning chill. "We use today wisely. Naemi—lead us."
And with that, we set off into the wilds, chasing the faint pull of power that could decide our fate.
We had been walking for hours, following Naemi's instinct. She'd stop every so often, close her eyes, and tilt her head slightly, as if listening to something the rest of us couldn't hear. At first, it was faint, almost like she was second-guessing herself. But then, her steps grew quicker, her breathing heavier.
"It's close," she finally said, pointing toward a grove of crooked trees. "I can feel it… stronger than before."
We pushed through the thick branches until the air itself seemed to shift. There, in a clearing, stood the gate. Its surface shimmered like liquid silver, rippling against the windless forest. Another doorway to the unknown. Another gamble with fate.
Taro stepped forward, eyes locked on the swirling surface. "This is it," he said firmly. His voice didn't waver, but I caught the tension in his jaw. "We don't have time to hesitate. We need to decide who's going in."
"I'll go," Yosuke said immediately, clenching his fists. His tone left no room for doubt. "We can't afford to hold back. Not now."
Taro glanced at me, and I nodded. "I'm in too. You'll need both hands at your side."
But before the group could settle, Jiro spoke up. His voice was quieter than usual, but steady.
"Wait." His eyes didn't leave the gate. "I'm coming too. I've been sitting back long enough. Everyone else has a godglyph now—except me. If I don't step inside, I'll always be the weakest link. I won't let that happen."
There was silence for a moment. Naemi looked worried, her lips parting as if she wanted to protest, but she didn't.
Taro studied Jiro for a long moment. Then he finally nodded. "Alright. You'll come."
"Yuri and I will stay," Namae added, stepping forward. "Naemi can't protect herself, and if the enemy comes while you're inside… someone has to hold the line."
Yuri gave me a quick glance before agreeing. "She's right. We'll keep Naemi safe."
Taro turned to face the gate once more. The mirrored ripples cast strange light across his face, making his eyes look sharper, harder.
"Then it's decided. I lead. Sai, my left hand. Yosuke, my right. Jiro, you fight with us."
His hand tightened into a fist. "The rest of you—protect Naemi with your lives."
The four of us stood before the gate, its surface calling us forward, whispering promises of strength and danger alike.
I took a slow breath, my heart steady but heavy. Another trial awaited us. Another step toward either survival—or ruin.