18 A storm of darkness. 2 (1/2)

”Reporting for duty, sir!” The one who spoke was the healer's squad leader, Miyazaki. The healer's squad contained 13 members.

”Your orders are simple. When the storm hits us, heal any and every protector who get's burnt due to over accumulation of dark energy particles on his body. Position three healers at each of the four assigned locations atop the wall and you will continue patrolling the four points throughout the operation. Is that understood?” A busy Hisashi ordered as he was over seeing the preparations for the night's operation.

”Roger that, sir.” Miyazaki left after she gave a rigid salute to Hisashi.

”Split up into four groups, cadets.” The healer's squad in front of Miyazaki, split up as they were directed to. ”You are given the names H1, H2, H3 and H4. Is that understood?”

”MAM, YES MAM!” The cadets in front of her shouted in unison as they slipped into a salute position.

”Everything looks good so far. None of my men noticed any unusual behaviour from any civilian in the city. Looks like we were successful in maintaining the confidentiality of the situation.” Isao Sato, captain of the patrol squad approached Hisashi at a slow pace as he viewed how the preparations were going on.

”It would be great if things just continue like this. Order all the citizens to be indoors today by 8 pm. Let's just get this done with and get ourselves a drink tomorrow.” Hisashi let out a loose smile as he looked towards Isao.

”Yeah...Let's get a drink just like you said, but are paying Hisashi. See you later.” Isao marched away as he trapped Hisashi into buying him a drink.

”Wait...I never said...uh” Hisashi sighed as he saw Isao leave before he could finish his sentence. ”This guy just never changes.” He murmured to himself as he diverted his focus back towards work.

”We are almost finished. Hold the grip and the blade together Ken! Shin increase the heat. Miss Izumi, you need to concentrate...this is the last day.” Ryu ordered as he kept the spell intact.

”Got it...” A heavily panting Izumi replied with a husky tone as Ken and Shin followed Ryu's orders exactly as he said.

The tang at the edge of the blade melted slowly due to the heat. The tang slid itself into the grip and fitted exactly inside the grip's vacant space as it melted down a little bit and started to become one with the grip.

”Stop it! That would be enough. It would be my work from here onwards.” Ryu ordered as he held the fully forged Soul Sword, a Katana, in his hands.

As Izumi was about to collapse after transferring energy straight for six hours, Shin caught her and slowly sat her down as Ken handed her a glass of water.

”Thanks Ken...” Izumi slowly drank the water with heavy panting.

”Congratulations on holding yourself out till the end, Miss Izumi. I just need to shape the Katana's blade and Grip's junction we just made and let it cool for a while. You will have your sword by tomorrow evening.” Ryu congratulated as he smiled looking towards the Soul sword he made after a long time.

”Thank you, Mr. Takahashi. I will be here tomorrow evening and pay the charges in full and take my Soul sword.” Izumi thanked Ryu as she forced a smile on her exhausted face.

”Shin...take Miss Izumi home and go on with the night stroll you asked me for. Ken help me with the final touches of the Soul sword and we will close the workshop for the day after we finish this.” Ryu ordered the two around as he was checking out the Soul sword's condition.

”I will take my leave then Mr. Takahashi.” Izumi said as she left with Shin.