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It was a warm spring afternoon. The air brushed against Lie’s skin as he swung his sword. Wood cracked and splintered as training dummies flew into walls.
Lie stood in the middle of it all, breathing heavily. Footsteps approached the training grounds, now two presences stood in it “I found something, you might want to see it.”
Lie looked up after catching his breath, "what is it, Feng?” he spoke with short breaths. A scroll flew from Feng’s hands and it hurled through the air until it landed in Lie’s hands with a loose and clumsy grip. “What’s this?” he questioned. Examining the scroll in his hands carefully; it had intricate designs and red lining, historical and ancient.
“It’s a clue.” Lie paused at Feng’s words.
He took a deep breath, his fingers fiddling with the scroll less. “Are you sure?” Lie asked Feng, his hand holding the scroll waved it. Feng nodded, but his grip tightened around the strap of his bag. His gaze lingered on the house behind them before he finally looked away. “Are we going?”
Lie had already begun rolling up the map before Feng finished speaking..
Lie straightened his shoulders. “Of course we’re finding Dad. No matter what.” He glanced at the floor “Mom wants us to too. I know it.”
Feng nodded in agreement, “Pack up then, I’m ready when you are.” In just a few hours, they were ready to depart. Lie and Feng stood outside their door, saying their goodbye’s to their mother. Feng had furrowed brows when their mother hugged them goodbye and packed them lunch.
“We are not children anymore, ma.” Feng grumbled, Lie chuckled, agreeing mentally. “Nonsense! You’re 16, barely an adult. Remember: I know you two are strong, but you’re still young and inexperienced… Be safe.” Their mother, Mei, warned.
Mei adjusted Lie’s collar for the third time.
“Ma…”
“Hold still.”
“We’re not children.”
Her hands froze.
For a moment, neither brother spoke.
“I know,” she said quietly.
They soon set off, their journey confusing and rough, but they got through. Soon they reached a village, it took them 5 hours to reach the village the scroll wrote about. It didn’t take them 5 hours because it was far away, Lie just had a horrible sense of direction, and Feng took 30 minutes scolding him.
“Well, that was a lot of time spent…” Lie groaned, chugging his water. “Jeez, I wonder why.” Feng took slow careful breaths, drinking his water slowly.
Lie looked around the deserted village, noting its silence and unnatural emotion. It was quiet, almost like no one lived there — A cart sat overturned in the middle of the road. Flies buzzed around fruit left rotting in the dirt. “Isn’t it too quiet for a village? It’s barely night.” Lie mumbled to Feng. “Yes, you’re right. I noticed.” He replied, taking wary steps toward one of the houses.
Every door stood open.
Not broken.
Open.
As though the villagers had stepped outside and never returned.
“What happened here?” Feng whispered, the closer Feng got, the more uncanny it felt. He touched the deep slashes on the wood. It would mean—
“Assassins.”
Lie finished the thought for him. The two brothers exchanged uneasy glances.
Feng crouched beside the wall, running his fingers over the deep grooves. The cuts were clean despite their size. Whatever had made them had been sharp.
“Not an animal,” Feng muttered.
Lie knelt beside him. “How can you tell?”
“Look.” Feng pointed toward the edge of one of the marks. The wood had been sliced cleanly instead of torn apart. “Claws leave uneven damage,” Feng explained. “These are blade marks.”
Lie frowned. “That’s one big blade.” Feng glanced at Lie from the corner of his eye, “Why would they do this?” Lie asked Feng. Feng responded with silence as they continued deeper into the village.
Every house told the same story. Doors hung open. Windows were shattered. Furniture had been overturned. Yet strangely, nothing had been stolen. A merchant's cart sat abandoned in the middle of the road. Coins were scattered across the dirt beneath it. Lie bent down and picked one up.
“Who leaves money behind?”
“Someone who wasn’t interested in robbing people,” Feng replied .The answer settled heavily between them.
As they walked, Lie noticed another detail.
No bodies.
No blood.
No signs of a struggle.
The villagers hadn’t fought back.
Or they hadn’t been given the chance.
A cold breeze swept through the empty streets. Lie shivered.
“Do you hear that?”
Feng stopped. “Hear what?”
“Exactly.” The village was silent. No barking dogs. No livestock. Not even birds. It felt as though life itself had abandoned the place. The brothers reached the village square. Something glinted beneath the fading sunlight. Feng spotted it first.
“There.”
He hurried forward and knelt beside a stone well. Half-buried in the dirt was a small metal object. A knife. Lie picked it up carefully.
The blade was black, almost swallowing the light around it. Strange markings curled across the metal.
Feng’s face darkened. “I know this symbol.” Lie looked at him with his brows in a tight knot. “You do?” Feng nodded slowly.
“My instructor showed it to me once.”
He pointed to the engraving near the handle. A circle pierced by three narrow lines. “The Owls.” Lie felt his stomach drop. The name sounded familiar.
“They’re real?”
“Unfortunately.”
Feng stood. “They aren’t ordinary assassins. They’re mercenaries. Killers for hire.” Lie examined the blade again. “If they were here…” “Then someone paid them to come.” A sudden crack echoed from somewhere nearby. The brothers froze.
The sound had come from one of the houses overlooking the square.
Lie instinctively reached for his sword. Feng did the same. For several seconds neither moved. Another creak. This time from inside the building. Lie swallowed. “Tell me that’s just the wind.” Feng’s grip tightened around his weapon.
“If it was the wind,” he whispered, “it wouldn’t be hiding.”
“Hold on, it?-” A loud roar interrupted them, a hybrid of multiple animals of some sort burst through the home. “Looks like the Owls left a surprise for us, us whoever would’ve came here.” Lie chuckled, voice shivered with anxiety.
The creature charged before either of them could react.
Its heavy body tore through the village square, sending dirt and broken stone flying into the air. Lie barely managed to dive out of the way as the beast's horn slammed into the well behind him. Stone exploded from the impact.
“That thing is huge!” Lie shouted. “No kidding!” Feng snapped.
The beast let out another roar. Its scales glimmered beneath the moonlight like armor. The creature lowered its head and charged again.
Lie rushed forward to meet it. “Lie, wait—” Too late.
Lie swung his sword with all his strength. The blade struck the creature’s side with a loud clang. The beast didn't even flinch. Instead, its tail whipped around and struck Lie square in the chest.
“AGH!”
Lie crashed through a wooden fence and landed in a pile of broken planks. Feng groaned. His sword groaned too, it whirred with the power inside it.
“One day you’ll learn to think before attacking.”
“Today’s not that day!” The creature turned toward Lie. Feng noticed something strange. Most of its body was covered in thick scales, but a patch beneath its neck remained exposed. A weak point.
“Lie!” Feng yelled. “The neck!” Lie scrambled to his feet. “That’s all you had to say!” The beast charged once more. This time the brothers moved together. Feng sprinted left while Lie ran right. The creature hesitated. For a moment it didn’t know which target to follow. That was all they needed.
Feng leapt onto a nearby cart and launched himself into the air. The beast turned toward him, opening its jaws with a furious roar.
“Now!”
Lie dashed forward. His sword flashed, the blade whirred. The blade struck the exposed patch beneath the creature’s neck. It sent shockwaves, a poisonous glare of green burning through the beasts body from the sword. The beast cried out in pain.
Feng landed behind it and drove his weapon into the same wound. The monster stumbled. Then collapsed. The ground shook beneath them from the heavy weight. Silence returned to the village, but it wasn’t empty.
For several moments neither brother moved. Then Lie dropped onto the ground, sighing. He looked at his sword, his thumb tracing the handle. His eyes bright. “We won.”
Feng nodded, chest heaving. “obviously. “Something caught his eye. Tied around the creature’s neck was a strip of black cloth. The same symbol from the knife was stitched into the fabric. The circle pierced by three lines.
The mark of the Owls.
Feng’s expression darkened.
“This wasn’t random.”
Lie stared at the symbol.
“No.” He tightened his grip around his sword. “Someone sent that thing.”
After defeating the creature, Lie and Feng spent the rest of the night searching the village. By morning, they had gathered enough evidence to know that the Owls were responsible. The knife, the symbol, and now the monster itself all pointed toward the same group.
As the sun rose, Feng noticed a trail of footprints leading away from the village. Kneeling beside them, he examined the tracks carefully. There were dozens of boot prints pressed into the dirt, all heading in the same direction. Lie stared at the ground, struggling to see what Feng was looking at.
“You can tell all that from footprints?” Lie asked.
Feng sighed. “Somebody has to be observant.”
The tracks led them into a dense forest. For hours they followed the trail, finding more clues as they traveled. Broken branches, scraps of black cloth caught on thorns, and the remains of campfires told them they were heading in the right direction. Around midday, Lie spotted a faded blue ribbon hanging from a branch. Feng picked it up and examined it.
“This belonged to one of the villagers,” he said. Lie’s expression darkened. “Then they’re still alive.” “Hopefully.”
The thought pushed them forward. By evening, they reached a rocky cliff overlooking a large valley. Both brothers immediately dropped to the ground. Below them sat a camp filled with black tents and armed figures. Banners displaying the Owl symbol fluttered in the wind. At the center of the camp stood a large wooden cage.
Lie narrowed his eyes. “Is that…”
“The villagers,” Feng finished.
The cage was crowded with people. Men, women, and children sat inside, exhausted and frightened. Relief washed over Lie. At least they were alive.
Unfortunately, there were far too many assassins guarding them.
“We can’t fight all of them,” Feng said.
Lie frowned. “I know.”
After spending nearly an hour observing the camp, Feng noticed several barrels stacked beside a supply wagon.
“Oil,” he whispered.
A grin spread across Lie’s face. “I like where this is going.”
Night eventually fell, covering the camp in darkness. Most of the assassins relaxed around campfires while others patrolled lazily around the perimeter. Using the shadows as cover, the brothers slipped into the camp. Every step felt dangerous. One mistake would expose them.
When they finally reached the wagon, Feng loosened one of the barrels and allowed oil to spill across the ground. Lie struck a flint and tossed a spark into the puddle.
The reaction was immediate.
Flames raced across the wagon and climbed into the night sky. Shouts erupted throughout the camp.
“Fire!”
The assassins scrambled in every direction as panic spread. While they were distracted, Lie and Feng rushed toward the cage. Lie struck the lock with his sword, breaking it apart. The cage door swung open. For a moment, nobody moved. “Go!” Lie shouted.
The villagers didn’t need to be told twice.
They rushed from the cage and disappeared into the forest. The assassins quickly realized what was happening, but by then it was too late. “The prisoners are escaping!”
Lie and Feng led the villagers through the woods, guiding them away from the burning camp. They ran until the sounds of pursuit faded behind them. Only then did everyone stop to rest. An elderly villager stepped forward. “You two saved us,” he said. Lie smiled. “We’re happy to help.”
The old man hesitated before continuing. “If you’re searching for the Owls, then you’re searching for their leader.” Lie and Feng exchanged glances.
“You know where he is?” Feng asked. The villager nodded. “Yes. His fortress lies beyond the eastern mountains.”
Neither brother noticed the strange expression that crossed the old man’s face when he spoke. If they had, they might have realized that the leader of the Owls was much closer to them than they thought.
The brothers followed the villagers’ directions through the eastern mountains. After nearly a day of travel, they finally reached the fortress.
“This has to be it,” Lie said. Feng nodded.
The stone structure towered above them, hidden among cliffs and thick forests. Guards patrolled the walls, but after everything they had faced so far, neither brother was willing to turn back.
Using the cover of darkness, they slipped inside.
The fortress was strangely quiet. Most of its halls were empty. Following the directions they had gathered from the villagers, the brothers climbed several flights of stairs until they reached a large chamber at the very top.
A man stood beside the window.
His back faced them.
He wore dark robes embroidered with the symbol of the Owls.
“The leader,” Feng whispered.
Lie drew his sword.
The man turned. His face was hidden beneath shadows.
“So,” he said calmly. “The ones causing trouble at my camps have finally arrived.” Lie stepped forward. “You kidnapped innocent villagers.” The man sighed. “And you burned one of my camps.”
“Good.” The leader shook his head. “You have courage.” His hand moved to the sword hanging at his side.
“But not wisdom.” The fight began instantly. Steel clashed against steel. The leader moved faster than either brother expected. Within moments he had forced them backward. Every strike felt precise, practiced, and impossibly strong.
Lie attacked recklessly while Feng searched for an opening, but neither strategy worked. The leader seemed to predict every move. “You’ve had training,” he observed while blocking another attack. “But you’re inexperienced.”
Lie gritted his teeth. “We’re not done yet.” The man almost smiled. “No. But you will be.”
Lie barely had time to react before steel collided with his own blade. The impact exploded through the room like thunder. Shockwaves rattled the windows and sent papers flying from nearby tables. Lie stumbled backward.
Fast.
Far too fast.
The leader pressed his attack relentlessly. His sword flashed through the air, leaving glowing trails behind every strike. Each swing carried enough force to crack stone.
Lie blocked another attack and gritted his teeth as sparks erupted around him.
“He’s stronger than the monster!”
“I noticed!” Feng shouted. Blue energy surged through Feng’s sword. The blade hummed. With a swift motion, he slashed through the air. A crescent of glowing energy flew toward the leader. The man raised his free hand, The attack shattered against an invisible barrier; the resulting blast shook the room.
“What?” Lie exclaimed. The leader stepped forward calmly. “You have talent,” he said. “But talent without discipline is worthless.”
Lie hated lectures. Green energy ignited along his blade. Power flowed through his arms and into the sword’s edge. The weapon seemed to grow brighter with every heartbeat.
“If you’re going to talk,” Lie said, lowering himself into a fighting stance, “at least do it after we win.”
He launched himself forward. The floor cracked beneath his feet. Green light streaked behind him as he accelerated across the room. His sword collided with the leader’s weapon again and again. Steel screamed. Light exploded. The chamber trembled.
Lie unleashed a barrage of strikes so quickly that only flashes of green could be seen.
The leader blocked every single one, then he counterattacked. A single slash. Lie barely raised his sword in time, the impact launched him across the room; He crashed into a stone pillar.
The pillar shattered.
Chunks of rock rained onto the floor.
“Lie!” Feng rushed forward.
Blue energy spiraled around his sword like a living river. The air grew colder. Frost formed across the floor beneath his feet. With a powerful swing, Feng drove the blade into the ground. A wave of ice erupted through the chamber. Jagged spikes burst from the stone floor, racing toward the leader. For the first time, the man moved. He leapt into the air-
The ice spikes exploded beneath him. Before he landed, Feng was already waiting. Their swords collided. Blue light and silver light crashed together.
The force generated a shockwave that shattered every window in the room. The leader smiled slightly. “Better.” Feng frowned, he knew that wasn’t a compliment. It was an evaluation. The realization sent a chill down his spine.
This man wasn’t trying to kill them quickly. He was testing them, maybe even playing. Lie rose from the rubble. Blood trickled down the side of his face.
“Next time,” he groaned, “try waiting for me.” Green flames erupted around his sword. The weapon blazed like a miniature sun. Heat washed through the chamber. Even Feng stepped back. “Lie…”
“I know.” Lie tightened his grip. One chance. That was all they needed.
The brothers exchanged a glance. Years of training together had taught them everything they needed to know. No words were necessary. They attacked simultaneously—Feng moved first.
Blue energy flooded across the floor, freezing everything in its path. Ice climbed the walls and spread across the ceiling. The leader's movements slowed.
Only slightly.
But slightly was enough.
Lie exploded forward. Green fire trailed behind him. His sword became a streak of blazing light. The leader blocked Feng. Then turned toward Lie. For the first time during the battle, surprise crossed his face.
Lie’s sword descended.
The collision illuminated the entire chamber. A deafening explosion followed. The floor beneath them cracked, the walls trembled.
The force of the impact sent all three warriors flying apart. Nobody moved. Smoke drifted through the room, broken stone covered the ground. Lie struggled to stand. Feng leaned heavily on his sword. Across the chamber, the leader remained standing. Breathing harder than before. “You actually almost got me there.”
But standing. A powerful strike knocked Feng’s weapon from his hands. Another sent Lie crashing into a table.
The brothers struggled to stand.
They were losing.
The leader advanced slowly. For the first time, uncertainty crossed Feng’s face. The man raised his sword. Then he paused. Something had fallen from Lie’s bag during the fight, a small lunch box; Dented from the journey. The leader stared, his sword lowered slightly. “No…”
Lie frowned. “What? It can’t be that bad.” The man ignored him. Slowly, he stepped closer and picked up the lunch box. His hands trembled, carved into the wooden lid was a tiny flower. A simple design — one he had seen countless times before.
Mei had carved it herself, years ago. The leader’s expression completely changed. “Where did you get this?” he asked quietly. Lie blinked. “Our mother made it.” Feng glared at Lie for revealing it.
The man’s grip tightened. “What is her name?” Neither brother answered immediately. “Why do you care?” Feng demanded. The man looked at them, not as enemies, not as intruders, but as something else; Something impossible.
“What is her name?” he repeated. “Mei,” Lie answered. The sword slipped from the man’s hand. It struck the floor with a loud clang. The room fell silent. His grip visibly tightened on the box, holding it close to his chest.
“Mei…” Feng and Lie exchanged confused glances. The leader took another shaky step forward. “Lie.” Both brothers froze, then he looked at Feng. “Feng.”
Neither had told him their names.
“How do you know us?” Lie whispered. The man laughed weakly. “I didn’t.” His voice cracked. “Not