Chapter 58: Four Wings

In the center of the Kugo clan’s dojo stood the Four Wings, dressed in white, and before them knelt more than a dozen pupils in black. And between these two groups stood Leonard Midwit, dark-eyed, dark-haired, and in a black barracks cap, captain of Moon Killers base six.

No other clan members occupied the dojo besides the Four Wings, and their faces were unreadable regarding Leonard’s presence.

“Captain of Base 6? I thought you were running Paramount. When did Barbados start falling under your control?”

One of the Four Wings, Haste, spoke first.

The eager, driven one. He had dark, penetrating eyes and an inscrutable expression, his hand always resting on the two swords sheathed at his side. A dragon’s head, the Kugo clan emblem, marked the back of his right hand.

Isa stood behind him, the only female Wing. A recent addition, elevated due to her Royal Knight background. Dark-haired with blue eyes that seemed perpetually moist, she looked deceptively gentle for a fighter. The dragon emblem adorned her throat, its horns curving across her neck and extending below her lower lip.

The youngest Wing was Mike: dark skin, shaved head, golden eyes, and prominent brows. The dragon emblem wrapped his fingers. Though the junior member, he’d been raised and trained here by the clan’s Father himself. His skill was undeniable, even to the other Wings.

And Kaito, leaning casually against the wall, katana held close, dark hair in a ponytail. The senior Wing, longest in his position. Though his emblem was on his chest, he habitually adjusted his collar to keep it visible, a matter of pride.

Leonard turned to Haste with a practiced smile.

“Do restrain yourself. I am merely acting under orders. And pray tell… why should it concern you?”

Seeing the wariness in their eyes, Leonard let out a disbelieving sigh.

“I had intended to feign sickness. The journey from Paramount to Barbados is no small undertaking. Yet she insisted on lying and was caught. Now, because of Haven’s deceit, even the mere act of pretending to be unwell invites scrutiny.”

He muttered to himself.

Mike took a step forward. “What was that? Are you trying to insult us?”

Awkwardly, Leonard motioned in contrast.

“On what grounds would I? I am present only to oversee your selection. As per our agreement, the outcome of this assembly will be conveyed to the Supreme Council.”

Both sides knew that wasn’t the whole truth. The Kugo clan wanted to help eliminate V specifically because he was a Zheng, their bitter rivals.

Taking down V would damage the Zheng clan, which suited both Purple Vey and the Kugo perfectly. The consequences the Zheng would face afterward would be severe.

Four Zheng clan members had been murdered not long ago. Naturally, suspicion pointed at the Kugo. The Supreme Council insisted on monitoring every aspect of the Kugo’s operation against V. Human casualties were unacceptable, particularly since Aina, a Council member, came from the Zheng clan.

Sending the sixth base captain instead of the expected fourth was deliberate, preventing possible collaboration. The Kugo might be connected to that captain, helping cover their tracks. The Supreme Council was staying unpredictable.

Dismissing Leonard’s bullshit, Haste moved toward the kneeling figures in black. One immediately rose to his feet.

Leonard stepped back, adjusting his red banner. The cloth marked the difference between an ordinary Supreme Academy student and a Moon Killer.

“All of you have passed your training and are ready to join the Kugo Clan. But this assessment was done in haste, and we cannot fully vouch for your devotion.”

He gave his words a beat.

“Ages ago, one man brought this clan to the brink of extinction, V. Now he rises again, not just as our enemy, but as the world’s. We cannot permit such a catastrophe. Prove your resolve. Let us see that you are ready to stake your life on the survival of the Kugo Clan.”

When he spoke, the standing man among those in black replied with fierce devotion and determination.

“We shall not fail you, Sensei Haste. We have pledged our faith and loyalty to the Kugo Clan until our final breath.”

Kaito let out a quiet laugh from his position against the wall and spoke up.

“You were orphans. The Kugo Clan saved you—gave you food, shelter, and a place to belong. Understandably, you feel indebted. But the one we’re up against… he’s not an ordinary human like us.

“He is effectively an army on his own. With the Supreme Academy’s promising students at his side and the ability to control souls, anyone under his spell becomes another soldier. Even if we endure this clash, the Zheng Clan’s Trinity will be the final obstacle. The timing of their strike is unpredictable.”

Exhaled.

“These aren’t ordinary enemies. They can snuff us out with the slightest flick of a finger. Tell me… are you ready for that?”

The young man was quick to answer for his comrades, restating their unwavering position.

Psst.

Mike spoke, unsheathed his sword, and advanced toward the man.

“Simple. Let them confront death. That will be enough for me.”

Reaching striking distance, he slashed, severing the man’s ear entirely. Isa immediately intervened, restraining him.

Leonard felt the same shock. The victim hadn’t flinched at the strike, hadn’t blinked. His severed ear fell, but his determination held steady. He showed no pain whatsoever. More disturbingly, the other students didn’t move a muscle.

The young man smiled and spoke:

“Pardon my boldness, but if devotion is proven through death, then I would willingly give my life for my comrades.”

Leonard’s mouth parted in confusion.

Mike hurried to speak, while Isa restrained him.

“Oh, yeah? Do it then.”

The young man’s smile held steady. He reached to the comrade beside him and took a short sword. Then, calmly, as if savoring the pain, he dragged the blade across his own throat in brutal fashion.

By now, everyone was shocked by such devotion. Leonard even caught himself wishing his Moon Killers showed half as much dedication.

When the young man’s body hit the floor, another rose to his feet, taking his place at the head of the black-robed group.

Isa sneered.

“Are you happy now, Mike?”

He’d been the one to start this, but honestly, he hadn’t imagined it would breed such devotion.

Haste stood with his head held high, expression characteristically unreadable.

“That’s it. You’ve all passed. You now belong to the Kugo Clan.”

Leonard stepped forward, amused.

“That may well be the fiercest spirit of devotion I have ever observed. Regardless, the Kugo Clan will be providing seventeen of its own to see V brought to an end. And let me be perfectly clear… every move you make shall be reported directly to the Supreme Council.”

Without wasting more time, he started to leave. None of the Four Wings were paying him any attention now.

Still, he couldn’t fault them. His grudge was with Haven, who’d lied to leave her post days before. She’d been caught and now faced severe labor punishment. The lie had been to see Scar, though only Leonard knew that. Her recklessness meant he couldn’t slack off anymore.

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