POV: Kouki Nozomi
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The guildhall's central chamber was quiet in a way that suggested the entire building was holding its breath. The torches burned with steady flames, their light catching dust in slow, drifting patterns. Maps stretched across the long oak table. Each city marked. Each threat circled. Each road drawn as if in blood.
Kouki Nozomi stood at the head of the table, hands behind his back, posture unshakable. Guildmaster not by privilege, but because the city needed someone who refused to break.
"You all know why you are here," he began.
The room was filled with the strongest Ostoria had left—men and women whose names carried stories, reputations forged in flame and hardship.
Nogare Mirai stood with arms folded, face unreadable. Kaito Mugenrei leaned on the wall, Anzuyi beside him, eyes lightly closed as if half-asleep. Kenji Katsuragi kept his arms tense, jaw set. Yoshiya and Omina stood together, quiet but steady. Others—Mikage, Ryuji, Kuroba, Mireina, Seikaku, Fukugen, Yami, Fukashi, Akihiro—watched with the intensity of soldiers about to receive their final instructions.
Kouki touched the map.
"Three missions. Three blades aimed at the throat of the war."
He pointed to Bustleburg first.
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1. Bustleburg – Decapitation Strike
A cold hush moved through the room.
"Bustleburg is no longer a city. It is a war factory," Kouki said. "Valeria controls the monsters not with fear, but with command. If we strike down the Valerian overseers, the Ogre King and Kobold King will fracture. The monster alliance collapses."
He met Kaito's gaze first. Calm, steady.
"Team Leader: Nogare Mirai."
Nogare nodded once. Acceptance without theatrics.
"Zentake Hoshigari – infiltration. Kaito Mugenrei – assault distraction. Hana Hyakui – high-ground overwatch. Ryuji Rei – magical support. Kuroba Rykeri – infiltration support and sabotage."
Six heads inclined. No one spoke. The mission required silence more than bravado.
"Your objective is simple in wording, impossible in execution. Slip in unseen. Cut the head. Leave before they know they have begun to die."
Nogare's voice was quiet. "Understood."
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2. Giggleburg – Sabotage the Betrayers
Kouki's hand moved across the map, westward.
"Dargath has betrayed us. They are not our allies. They are raiders with a general who should have been dead."
Kenji's eyes darkened, memory heavy.
"General Varric uses Giggleburg as a supply and resource hub. They are transporting crystal shards from the ruins. If those shards reach Valeria, we will lose every advantage we have."
He lifted his chin toward the next group.
"Team Leader: Kenji Katsuragi."
Kenji stepped forward slightly, expression tight with controlled anger.
"Mikage Reiken – infiltration. Mireina Katsumi – alchemical sabotage. Seikaku Entenki – long-distance suppression. Anzuyi Bizen – silent elimination. Fukugen Dokumizu – close combat guard."
The naming of Anzuyi caused a ripple of attention—but no one questioned Kouki's decision.
"Your goal is to cripple their operations. Burn caravans. Disable wagons. Sabotage stockpiles. Leave messages if you must—but do not be caught. Dargath knows us. They trained beside us. They know our techniques."
Kenji bowed his head. "We will not fail."
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3. Frostholm – Investigation of 'Winter's Kiss'
Kouki tapped the northern border.
"Frostholm is not destroyed. It is frozen in time. Something else is working there. "
He turned to the final team.
"Team Leader: Yoshiya Hazeru."
Yoshiya inhaled slowly. He did not argue. He did not hesitate.
"Omina Mizuraga – frontline support. Yami Kurikage – phenomena scouting. Fukashi Senyaku – alchemist and arcane analysis. Akihiro Kongo – spiritual and mental stabilization."
Kouki continued, voice steady.
"You are not there to fight. You are there to understand. Learn what 'Winter's Kiss' is. Determine how it works. And find a way—any way—to prevent it from striking Korvath."
Yami bowed slightly. Akihiro pressed a hand to his chest. Fukashi adjusted his spectacles with anxious resolve. Omina nodded, silent certainty.
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Kouki's Orders
"Remember this," Kouki said. "Your missions depend on one principle: remain unseen. If Valeria learns we are mobilizing, they will strike before we are ready."
His eyes traveled the room.
"This city stands because of discipline. Your survival will depend on it."
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Kouki turns his eyes to Hokuto.
Hokuto Chika stepped forward, ledger in hand.
"Effective immediately," Kouki announced, "Korvath will shift to tiered rationing."
There were no protests. Only understanding.
"Combat personnel receive full rations—your bodies must remain sharp.
Essential labor—construction and defense artisans—receive ninety percent. Civilians receive eighty percent. Announce this as conservation for endurance, not shortage."
The city would tighten its belt—but it would not starve.
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Kouki turned to Yaguro Aka, who stood near the doorway, arms crossed.
"Your assessment was correct. The will of the people is our most critical resource. Continue reinforcing it. Lead them with truth. Not pressure. Not threats."
Yaguro nodded once. Hard lines of fatigue softened, just slightly.
"The shelters are not an escape," Kouki said. "They are a promise. We are fighting for their future. Not for stone walls."
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The council bowed their heads.
No cheers. No raised fists.
Just silent understanding.
War was at the door.
But so were they.