Chapter 14 — No More Mistakes
The sun never truly shone in Silverpine Forest.
The heavy gray sky seemed to press down on the squad, as if mourning the fallen.
They gathered before the ruins, armored and armed.
Their faces were somber — even Edward, usually arrogant, stood quietly.
Lux stepped forward.
His usual calmness was gone.
There was a sharpness in his silver eyes now, a steel that hadn't been there before.
"This is our mission's final phase," Lux said, voice cold, controlled.
"Find the main corruption source hidden beneath these ruins."
Everyone nodded silently.
Lux's hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he continued, tone deadly serious:
"Listen carefully. From this moment forward, if any of you disobey my orders..."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"...you will not only fail this mission. You will answer to me personally."
The air grew heavy.
"I don't care if you think you're helping. I don't care if you think you're saving someone. If you act alone..."
Lux's voice dropped into a low threat:
"I'll break your sword arm myself."
Shock rippled through the squad. Even Synoh blinked, surprised at Lux's ruthlessness.
Lux turned his gaze, hard and unyielding, across the squad — from Edward to Yuta, from Mina to Marcus and Emily.
"I will not lose another comrade because of foolish pride."
No one dared speak.
Fel whispered quietly in Synoh's mind:
"He has changed, Synoh... This burden has sharpened him."
Synoh nodded grimly. Lux wasn't playing Captain anymore.
He was carrying the weight of three deaths on his shoulders — and he wouldn't let it happen again.
---
The Plan:
Synoh, Lux, Edward form the main assault team.
Yuta and Mina support with magic cover.
Marcus and Emily secure the exit.
Strict radio crystal communication — no silent separation.
"If the enemy looks suspicious, if anything feels wrong — fall back immediately," Lux ordered.
"No heroes. No legends. We finish the mission and we all go home. Alive."
The squad shouted in unison:
"YES, CAPTAIN!"
For a moment, Synoh saw a flicker of pain flash across Lux's face — but it vanished instantly.
---
Later, as they moved deeper into the ruins...
Synoh walked next to Lux, their swords drawn, Fel quietly humming inside Synoh's blade.
"You alright, Lux?" Synoh whispered.
Lux didn't look at him.
"I will be... after this is over."
Synoh gave a small, understanding smile.
"You're stronger than you think, Lux."
He didn't say it out loud — because he knew Lux wouldn't believe it yet.
---
End of Chapter 14