Two days later.
The sun hung low over the horizon as dust kicked up behind a single black bakkie climbing the winding path to the stash house. Sphilile spotted it first from the crumbled rooftop, raising her hand.
"They're here."
Muzi adjusted the bandages on his arm — bruises from training still fresh. Every joint ached, but his movements were sharper now.
Inside, Banele nodded. "Let's see what Gold wants."
The vehicle came to a stop. Sbonelo stepped out first, boots crunching dry ground. Behind him came Shlelelwe — rifle strapped across her chest, jaw tight.
"Report," Sbonelo said flatly.
Banele answered. "Perimeter's clear. Entry points secured. No signs of enemy movement."
Sbonelo looked around, unimpressed. "Barely a skeleton crew."
"We're alive," Muzi cut in. "That's more than most can say."
Sbonelo's eyes narrowed slightly, then turned to Shlelelwe. "Test them."
She didn't hesitate.
"Muzi. Step forward."
He did.
She tossed something at his feet — a black cloth and a wooden training blade.
"You want to stand among us?" she said. "Then earn it."
> [Combat Test Initiated – Rank Trial: Gold Observation]
Muzi didn't flinch. He wrapped the cloth around his eyes.
"Who am I fighting?"
"You'll know," Shlelelwe said… and then vanished into the house.
Muzi stood still, heart slowing. Listening.
Then—
A footstep. To the left.
He moved just in time, wooden blade clashing against another. Sparks flew as his arm vibrated from the impact.
The next strike came faster.
A blur. A sweeping leg. Muzi stumbled but kept his footing.
Breathe.
He pivoted, feeling the air shift around him.
Then he struck — low and fast. The blade hit something solid.
Muzi pulled back just before a palm strike clipped his ribs.
> [Pain Registered – Minor Internal Bruising]
[Reflex Foundation: Engaged]
[Current Stamina: 73%]
He dropped, rolled, and swung up from a crouch.
This time, the blade landed true. A body hit the ground.
The cloth was yanked off his eyes. He squinted into the light.
Shlelelwe stood a few feet away, arms crossed. "Good instincts. Poor footwork. But you're improving."
Sbonelo gave one nod. "You're not useless. Keep it up."
Muzi exhaled, sweat soaking his shirt.
> [Trial Complete – Skill: Shadowstep Potential Detected, Incomplete Form]
[Condition: Must Master Control Through Training or Live Combat to Unlock]
No free skills. No sudden strength.
Just progress — earned one bruise at a time.
---
That night, by the fire, Muzi sat alone, blade in hand.
Across the camp, Shlelelwe watched him from the shadows.
"Tell me," Sphilile said, joining him. "What drives you?"
He looked at her, eyes hard. "I'm tired of being prey."
She said nothing… but didn't leave his side.
> [Bangani Link Stable – Emotional Echo: Determination]
[System Alert: Signs of Traitorous Activity Detected – Source Unknown]
Muzi's eyes narrowed.
The war hadn't even started yet.
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What would you do if you knew someone in your team was a traitor? Let's see your answers in the comments.
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