The clang of wooden swords echoed across the open clearing just outside the main gates of Velmira.
"Form up! Hold your line!" barked Captain Velra, pacing alongside a dozen villagers in makeshift armor. "A shield wall is only as strong as its weakest link!"
Kenzo stood among them, sweat beading down his forehead, breath steady as he kept his wooden sword raised.
The morning sun had barely crested the treetops, but the Crescent Patrol didn't waste daylight. Ever since the alliance, Velra had taken to training Velmira's fledgling militia with ferocity. What began as a mismatched group of farmers, hunters, and former travelers was starting to shape into something respectable.
A bell rang once signaling a shift in drills.
"Pair off!" Velra called. "Next round is close quarters. Use your hips, not your arms!"
Kenzo took position opposite a tall, broad-shouldered man from the southern edge of the village. His name was Brann, a carpenter turned swordsman, and one of the fastest learners in the bunch.
"Ready?" Brann asked.
Kenzo grinned. "Let's go."
Wood cracked against wood as they exchanged strikes, Kenzo weaving around blows with nimble footwork, relying more on instinct and remembered moves from old games than anything formal. Each swing awakened a muscle memory born from fantasy, sharpened now by purpose.
Behind them, Rina observed quietly, taking notes in a small journal. She had elected to act as a quartermaster for the time being, organizing weapons and ration supplies.
By the time the drills ended, the sun was high, and stomachs were grumbling louder than the war cries.
A Wife's Touch
Kenzo returned to the longhouse, peeling off his sweat-drenched tunic, exhausted but energized. The moment he stepped inside, the scent of something delicious hit his nose as grilled meat, sizzling eggs, and something spicy and nostalgic.
Akina stood over a clay stove, apron tied around her waist, a wooden spoon between her teeth and her hair tied messily in a bun.
"You're back just in time," she said, without turning. "Don't even think about walking in here without washing those hands."
Kenzo chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."
He obliged, splashing cold water over his face and hands from the barrel nearby. When he sat down at their table, Akina placed a bowl in front of him that's hot, steaming, and lovingly made.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Something like your world's 'breakfast skillet,' right? You said eggs and meat were common. I used beast strips and those herbs we found yesterday."
Kenzo took a bite. His eyes widened.
"This is… better than I imagined."
Akina blushed lightly, setting her own plate down and sitting beside him. "I figured if you're going to fight and lead, someone should make sure you don't forget to eat."
Kenzo reached out, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. "You've already given me more than I ever had."
She smiled, eyes softening. "You gave me a reason to believe in something more than this village. You gave me us."
He leaned in and kissed her, tasting not just her lips, but the quiet fire of her love was consistent, warm, and ever-present.
Evening Briefing
As the sun dipped below the horizon again, Kenzo stood atop the newly reinforced wall, watching patrols walk in regular intervals. Training had gone well, morale was rising, and their supply chains were stabilizing.
Velmira was growing.
Behind him, Akina wrapped a blanket around his shoulders, pressing against his back.
"Tomorrow," she said softly, "you'll have more recruits from the east road. Word's spreading."
Kenzo nodded.
"Then tomorrow," he replied, "we begin the next step."