The Moonlight Swordsman

Next Day...

Aizel and Jeffrey set off on their mission, riding rapidly on their steeds towards the Whiskerkins lands.

As they rode, the terrain changed, exposing the unique beauty of the area. It was tucked away in the far right corner of the kingdom, where the borders blended into the vast seafolk territory.

The terrain changed from a simple dirt path to a rough mountain track as they proceeded deeper into the forest that served as the dividing line between the two races.

Aizel and Jeffrey slowed their horses down as they entered the zone of the other race, their senses heightened.

They knew they had to act with extreme caution and care in this uncharted territory.

"They are here," Aizel murmured.

In the midst of the quiet forest, a number of individuals suddenly appeared, some perched high in the trees and others appearing out of the shadows.

The air grew tense as five prominent members of the Whiskerkins race stepped forward, positioning themselves directly in front of Aizel and Jeffrey. 

Their intense stares followed the two strangers as they walked.

As one member of the Whiskerkins race leaned in and whispered something to his companion, all eyes turned to Jeffrey, and a murmur spread through the group. 

"You are really bold, coming to our land as a Seafolk underling," one of them said.

Why did I expect they would meow after finishing their sentence?" Meanwhile, Aizel thought.

"I have come here for a good reason. I have something that you might like," Jeffrey said with the utmost respect, trying not to piss them off.

"Oh, and what can that be human?"

"I will only speak to your leader of the group," Jeffrey replied.

"And what makes you think we will let you enter our land?"

"Because not only you will be able to get rid of some seafolk arrogant bastards, but you will also be able to wipe out the Cursed Magi forever."

*TSK*

"You are even willing to sell your members; that\'s why I hate humans the most,"

"Just kill them already....

"WAIT..."

As the Whiskerkins race members engaged in hushed conversation, Aizel discreetly observed their distinct features, carefully documenting their unique characteristics. 

They stood 8 feet tall on average, and their skin was as white as a blank canvas, in stark contrast to the red of their eyes, which seemed to shine with an otherworldly intensity.

Their hair, similar to that of humans, flowed in familiar strands, but it was their feline-like ears that stood as a testament to their heritage, adding an enigmatic touch to their overall appearance. 

As Aizel\'s gaze met the enigmatic figure\'s piercing stare, he couldn\'t help but notice that this particular Whiskerkin stood at a relatively shorter height of around 5 feet.

With a measured stride, the Whiskerkin approached Aizel, breaking the silence with words that resonated through the air.

"You are the acting leader, am I right?" he said, a shy smile appearing on his face.

From atop his horse, Aizel kept his gaze fixed ahead without showing any sign of emotion. 

"So what, Kitty?" He replied.

"Kitty?"

"What is Kitty?"

"Is he cursing us?"

"Silence!" the short one yelled.

"Shouldn\'t you be more respectful to us when you are looking for our help?"

With a deliberate and measured movement, Aizel dismounted his horse, his feet gracefully touching the ground as he approached the Whiskerkin. 

"I know even your leader is hiding here, isn\'t that disrespectful to me? 

"As a leader, you should always lead the group, not hide in the shadows,"

Emerging from the shadows, a captivating woman appeared before Aizel. 

Her red, penetrating eyes were riveted on him, and her hair was arranged in a bun that emphasized her royal features. 

Dressed like a samurai, she carried herself with an air of grace and imposing might befitting the long katana at her waist.

My Lord, I am finally standing in front of you," she thought.

This was none other than Rayla. She was a Whiskerkin.

As expected of my lord, he was able to sense me easily,"

"Don\'t stare at me like that," Aizel said, breaking her chain of thoughts.

"Follow me, both of you," she said in a deep voice.

Thanks Sekki, I wasn\'t able to sense her. She is definitely above Grade III."

[Even I hardly picked up her spirit when she got too close] 

Swiftly and without a sound, the members of the group scattered amidst the dense forest, vanishing like shadows into the foliage.

The rustling leaves obscured Rayla\'s footsteps, and Aizel and Jeffrey followed closely behind. 

"Why are you betraying your fellow members?" She asked.

"Because they treat me like shit, and I want to escape from Seafolk grasp," Jeffrey replied. 

"And why are you helping him?" she asked Aizel, glancing at him from the corner of her eyes.

"I am bored and want to fight some strong people," he replied.

This reason was good reason right, Sekki?"

[Yes Master, this way they will not doubt us]

"When do you need our help?"

"After 5 days," Jeffrey replied.

"Okay, we will help you. But you have to be with us for the next five days.

"And you," she said as she pointed her finger toward Aizel.

"You will stay with me."

"Huh?"

"I mean, I need to keep an eye on you, so you will stay with me for the next five days to make sure you are not here to mess around." 

"Okay, not a big deal," Aizel replied.

They silently followed Rayla until they arrived at a secluded encampment nestled beside a majestic waterfall and towering mountains.

Numerous little houses were scattered over the terrain, and Whiskerkins in their warrior garb could be seen milling about and working on a variety of different projects.

"We still don\'t trust you, so you will stay with us here for the next five days,"

The Whiskerkins watched curiously as Rayla escorted them through the camp. They looked at Aizel and Jeffrey, and there was a hint of animosity in their eyes. 

As they approached the largest house in the encampment, the atmosphere grew more solemn, and the Whiskerkins respectfully made way for them to enter.

"You go to your room and rest," she said to Jeffrey.

Aizel nodded toward him, and he walked toward one of the rooms. 

Rayla gracefully settled herself onto the couch, positioned opposite Aizel. Two human servants came over with glasses and poured alcoholic beverages into them.