Operation Begins

The peaceful and intense atmosphere of the training ground was abruptly shattered by the sound of distant horns, their urgent blares slicing through the air like a call to arms. Moments later, Yosue appeared, running towards them with a focused urgency that signaled the immediacy of their situation. As he approached, panting slightly from his sprint, Nakatashi turned to Amukelo, Eliss, and Erohan, his expression solemn.

"It's time," he announced gravely, understanding the weight of what they were about to undertake. "Once the mission is completed, should circumstances allow, I urge you to return for another lecture. It will significantly increase your chances of success," he continued, his voice imbued with a sense of urgency and importance. "Currently, you lack the ability to create the mana flow or a protective coat from mana, skills which are crucial for mastering this technique."

He paused, letting his words sink in, then added, "Good luck," with a nod of respect and a hint of finality before turning to walk away, his figure retreating with the same quiet dignity with which he had conducted the lesson.

Yosue, now standing before the group, caught his breath and quickly shifted his focus to the task at hand. "We are heading off," he declared, the tone of command clear in his voice. He paused for a moment, his eyes lingering on his sensei's retreating back and then turning to observe the fatigue evident on the faces of Amukelo and his friends. Curiosity overtook him for a moment. "What were you doing with Nakatashi Sensei?" he inquired, his interest piqued.

Amukelo wiped a bead of sweat from his brow before answering, "He taught us the basics of the technique you used during our fight." The simplicity of his response belied the depth of the training they had just undergone.

Yosue raised his eyebrows, a hint of amusement mixing with surprise. "Nakatashi Sensei doesn't show that to just anyone," he remarked with a slight chuckle. "In our school, out of my year, only my team is taught that technique, as only we are considered worthy by him." There was a hint of pride in his voice, but also a newfound respect for Amukelo and his friends, recognizing the potential Nakatashi must have seen in them.

With a swift motion, Yosue swung his hand, a clear signal that it was time to move. "We have to go," he stated firmly, the gravity of their upcoming mission casting a shadow over the camaraderie of the moment.

As they joined the assembled warriors at the gathering point, they were somewhat taken aback by the number of people present. While they expected a massive force, what they saw was a much smaller contingent. Yosue's team, comprising about ten individuals, was clearly distinguishable, and around them were several other groups, each appearing sharp and prepared. The total count was modest—between 75 to 100 people—yet each warrior had an air of lethal proficiency.

Curious, Amukelo turned to Yosue and asked, "Why are there only so many people on the mission?" He glanced around, assessing the gathered warriors.

Yosue, adjusting his gear, responded without turning, "The Shogun instructed us to gather only the best of the best. It turns out, only this many were called." He then added with a hint of pride, "All these people are taught that technique we discussed. These are the only ones considered worthy by Nakatashi Sensei."

Before Amukelo could respond, a robust figure stepped onto a small elevation in the center of the group, commanding everyone's attention. "Stop talking," he barked in a voice that brooked no argument. The assembled warriors instantly fell silent, their focus shifting to him. "Now, I will explain the structure of this mission. The place we are heading to is three days' travel away from here. We must arrive before the enemy; we cannot afford to be late. Is that clear?" He paused, scanning the crowd for any sign of dissent. Met with silence, he continued, "Due to that, we will travel for eighteen hours a day and sleep only for six."

He paused again to let the information sink in before outlining the strategy further. "Once we arrive, we will create five groups, each containing two teams. Every group will guard a different path to the entrance; your leaders will brief you on the specifics. My group will guard the main entrance, as it is the most capable." The authority with which he spoke made it clear he expected full compliance and commitment.

After the speech, the crowd began to stir, gearing up to move out. Amid the bustle, Amukelo leaned over to Yosue, nodding towards the imposing figure who had just spoken. "Who's that guy? He seems pretty cocky," he remarked, a slight frown crossing his face.

Yosue glanced in the direction of the speaker, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's Ida," he replied. "And he has reason to be cocky. He's the best student of Nakatashi Sensei and the only one who has managed to sustain the mana technique for an entire fight."

Amukelo nodded, absorbing this new information. The revelation about Ida added another layer to the dynamics of the group and the mission ahead. It was clear that each member of this select group brought a significant depth of skill and unique capabilities to the table, setting the stage for what was undoubtedly going to be a challenging expedition.

As the group started to move out, the air filled with the sound of armor clinking and soft murmurs of strategy discussions. Amukelo, Eliss, and Erohan fell into step with Yosue's team, their minds occupied with thoughts of the journey and battles that lay ahead. The road to the artifact would be fraught with danger, but with the collective strength and expertise of Nakatashi's chosen warriors, they felt a cautious optimism. The mission was set, and the best of the best were on their way to confront whatever challenges awaited them at their destination.