Warhammer 40k : Space Marine Kayvaan

This wasn't an ideal spot for a campsite. The Sanctaris was only a day's ride away on horseback. Most travelers would push through, preferring the safety of its walls to a night outdoors. Even if they misjudged the distance, a short trek through this forest would lead to villages on its outskirts. The Sanctaris wasn't some isolated desert or treacherous plateau. Here, humanity thrived; people were everywhere—even the underground waterways were bustling. There was no practical reason to sleep in the wild so close to civilization.

And then there was the matter of him being alone. These were dangerous times. Wars raged, and travelers rarely ventured out without companions. A lone man, lingering in the forest so near to the Sanctaris, raised too many questions. What was he doing here? Why avoid the crowds? Rhianna's mind spun with possibilities, each darker than the last.

"You've been staring long enough. Why don't you come out and join me?" The man's voice was calm but carried an edge of authority. Rhianna froze, her breath catching. She remained hidden, pressing further into the shadows.

The man sighed, as though disappointed. He casually picked up a pebble and flicked it with practiced precision. The small stone zipped through the air, smacking into Rhianna's forehead. "Ah!" she yelped, clutching her forehead as she stumbled out of the bushes.

The man gestured toward the fire, his expression unbothered. "It gets cold at night. You must be stiff after lying in the dirt for so long. Come, warm yourself." Rhianna hesitated, scanning the man for hidden weapons or traps. Seeing none, she reluctantly approached, sitting down across from him. The firelight danced between them as she glared at him, her eyes sharp with suspicion.

"I didn't expect my observer to be a lady," he remarked, his gaze briefly sweeping over her. "That outfit of yours is... interesting."

Rhianna's tight, black leather suit was designed for stealth, blending seamlessly with the shadows. But in the firelight, it revealed more than it concealed, accentuating her toned, athletic figure. Various tools and weapons were strapped to her belt and thighs, hinting at her profession. Ignoring his comment, Rhianna's voice was clipped. "Stop playing games. I know you're not just some wanderer out here. Who are you?"

Instead of answering, the man leaned back, still relaxed. "Why don't you call your friends over? No point in them hiding."

Rhianna's lips parted in surprise. Her brows furrowed as she considered denying it but decided against it. "Come out," she finally called, frustration lacing her tone.

A moment later, three figures emerged from the underbrush, weapons at the ready. They joined Rhianna by the fire, their expressions wary. "Well," the man said, smiling faintly. "I tried to pick a quiet spot, but it seems I've attracted some unexpected company. Why don't you all introduce yourselves?"

Rhianna folded her arms. "Name's Rhianna. I'm a thief, as you can probably tell. These three are my comrades. We're part of an adventuring team. Heard of Nighthawk?"

The man shook his head. "Can't say I have."

"What? Never heard of Nighthawk?" The large, grizzled man next to Rhianna looked incredulous. His battered leather armor and round wooden shield suggested he was a seasoned warrior. His unkempt beard and gold-toothed grin gave him a rough charm. "This guy's either an outsider or a rookie."

"And you are?" the man by the fire asked.

"Call me Jorvian," the warrior said, flashing his gold teeth with a tap. "Hear that? Real gold. Got four now, but I'm working on adding more."

"Stay alert," warned another of Rhianna's companions. He was tall and lean, his long arms taut as he gripped a large bow. His sharp eyes never left the man by the fire. "No one just wanders out here alone. This stinks of a setup."

The last member of their group, a wiry man with a sharp face and piercing eyes, nodded. His black leather jacket creaked as he shifted, the subtle gleam of daggers visible at his side. "I don't trust him either. This guy's too calm. Feels like he's been waiting for us."

Rhianna sighed. "This is Rathor" she said, gesturing to the wiry man. "He's our leader."

Rathor chuckled as he rummaged through his bag, pulling out a collection of small, scattered parts. With practiced ease, he began tinkering, his hands moving with mechanical precision. Within moments, he had assembled an intricate hand crossbow. With a swift motion, he strung the bow, loaded it with a sharp bolt, and casually held it aloft. The weapon's direction wavered slightly but unmistakably pointed toward Kayvaan, a silent threat hanging in the air. "The four of us have introduced ourselves," Rathor said coldly, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Your turn. Who are you, and what are you doing out here?"

Kayvaan offered a calm smile. "My name is Kayvaan. I'm just a traveler passing through. No need to worry—I don't mean you any harm." He glanced at the crossbow, nodding appreciatively. "That's a finely crafted piece. Impressive work."

Rathor's lips twitched in irritation. "'Finely crafted piece'? 'Impressive work'?" he muttered under his breath. Was this guy insane or just too confident for his own good?

The world knew crossbows were contraband, strictly forbidden by nearly every kingdom. The reason was simple: their terrifying efficiency. Even the humblest peasant, armed with a crossbow, could bring down a noble knight. Their power was enough to pierce the finest armor, making them a weapon feared and despised by the upper class. Black market crossbows were rare and expensive, yet here was this man, staring down the weapon like it was nothing more than a child's toy. Rathor sneered, baring his teeth. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. Standing there, all smug, in front of a loaded crossbow. Are you really that brave, or just stupid?"

The tension in the camp spiked. The archer's fingers twitched, hovering near his bowstring, ready to release an arrow at a moment's notice. Rhianna's hand gripped the dagger at her waist, her eyes locked on Kayvaan. Even Jorvian, usually the most relaxed of the group, smiled grimly, his fingers tapping the hilt of his blade. It was clear they were waiting for a signal. Kayvaan sighed, his expression almost apologetic. "There's really no need for all this hostility. Trust me, it'd be better for everyone if you didn't attack me." He chuckled lightly, his tone softening. "I've got a pretty good temper, but my brother's... well, let's just say he's not as patient as I am. It'd be a shame for things to get messy, don't you think?"

Rathor's eyes narrowed. "Brother? What brother? I don't see anyone else here."

Kayvaan leaned forward, picking up a stick from the ground. He casually lit it in the fire and tossed it over his shoulder into the darkness. The stick landed with a faint crack, the firelight spilling across the shadows to reveal a massive figure sitting motionless on a rock. The adventurers froze.

The figure's size was almost unreal. Broad shoulders, towering height, and thick limbs that seemed more suited to a statue than a man. The faint glow of the fire illuminated his features, highlighting a face that seemed carved from stone. "What the hell..." Jorvian muttered, his voice barely a whisper. After a long pause, he added, "Is he a barbarian from the north?"

"No," Rhianna said, her voice trembling slightly. "That's... that's a Titan."

"Damn it," Rathor hissed through clenched teeth, sweat forming on his brow. "What kind of mess did we walk into?"