Mushoku Tensei: I am the older brother of Rudeus Greyrat

The group trudged along a dirt path that cut through a dense forest, their earlier camaraderie muted by the grim aftermath of the bandit skirmish. The morning sun struggled to pierce through the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows across their path. Aedric led the way, his posture tense but purposeful, while Tatsuya, Jacken, Hiroshi, and Akane followed closely behind.

The faint sound of distant screams and the acrid smell of smoke reached them first, halting their steps. Aedric raised a hand, signalling the others to stop. As they crept closer to the source of the chaos, the sight of knights pillaging a small village unfolded before them. Homes burned, livestock scattered, and villagers lay lifeless on the ground or huddled in terror.

Akane's fists clenched as she took in the scene. "We have to do something," she whispered fiercely, her green eyes blazing with determination.

Tatsuya shook his head, his voice low. "It's too late for them. There's nothing we can do now but keep moving."

Jacken nodded reluctantly, his face pale. "We'll just end up like them if we get involved."

Akane spun to face them, her voice rising with anger. "So we just let this happen? We let them get away with it?"

"She's right," Aedric said, his tone resolute. "We can't ignore this."

Hiroshi sighed deeply, his gaze fixed on the scene. "If they're dead, they're dead for a reason. Maybe they were seen as insane or weak."

Aedric turned to him sharply, his eyes narrowing. "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."

Hiroshi blinked at the unexpected response, his guarded expression faltering as Aedric offered him a faint smile. The group exchanged uncertain glances before Aedric stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon.

"We may not save everyone," Aedric said, his voice steady, "but we can still stand for something. If we don't, we're no better than the ones causing this."

Akane stepped to his side, her dagger gleaming in the dim light. "I'm with you."

The others hesitated, the weight of the decision visible on their faces. Before anyone could say more, a knight's shout rang out. One of the armored figures had spotted them, his sword glinting as he advanced.

"Run or fight?" Tatsuya asked, his usual smirk replaced with a grim line.

"Fight," Aedric said without hesitation, drawing his weapon. "We end this."

The knight charged, his heavy armor clanking with each step. Aedric met him head-on, their blades clashing in a burst of sparks. Tatsuya and Hiroshi flanked the knight, their coordinated strikes forcing him to defend from multiple angles. Akane darted in and out, her agility making her a difficult target.

Jacken hesitated, his hands trembling as he watched the battle unfold. With a deep breath, he summoned a burst of fire magic, the flames forcing the knight to retreat momentarily.

The group pressed their advantage, their combined efforts overwhelming the lone knight. As the man fell, his helmet rolled away, revealing a face etched with fear and regret. Aedric lowered his blade, his expression unreadable.

"We keep moving," he said quietly, turning away from the fallen knight. "There will be more of them."

The group fell into step behind him, their earlier argument forgotten in the wake of the skirmish. The weight of their choices hung heavy in the air, but the bond between them felt stronger, forged in the fire of shared resolve.

As the village faded into the distance, Aedric glanced at Hiroshi, his faint smile returning. "You heard the music this time."

Hiroshi met his gaze, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "Maybe I did."

The group walked on, their footsteps carrying them closer to the Demon Continent and the challenges that awaited them there.