Ndabuko was settling in well with The Mthethwas, despite there were people who still despised him, some thought and assumed he was here to annihilate King Dingiswayo, which was understandable, no one would trust someone who just showed up a couple days ago and what made them even more skeptical of him was his fighting abilities, You could tell they felt the same way when Shaka came to the Mthethwas. The training continued as always, for future threats like other clans who potentially might come and declare war. Ndabuko woke up the next morning after a brutal training yesterday. “Talk about waking up already being in pain, this sucks because this will be the norm eventually.” “Wake up you sleepy ass, you know that it’s a crime for a warrior to be asleep this long.” Sonjana said, angrily. He was still bitter that he lost to Ndabuko, “i’m already awake, for godsake, Good morning to you too” Sonjana did not say anything back, he simply walked away, outside the hut, two warriors we

Ndabuko adjusted the straps of his leopard-attired chest piece as he stood alongside Gondi, Sonjana, and Shaka. The morning sun had yet to climb too high, but the air was already thick with the scent of earth and dew. Silence stretched between them as they walked, each step deliberate, each movement attuned to the other’s presence. They were no longer in the safety of the Mthethwa village. Beyond the trees, hills, and winding river bends lay the lands of the Zwides—a clan notorious for their ruthlessness, cunning, and the kind of discipline that could break even the strongest warrior if misread. Gondi broke the quiet first, his voice calm yet carrying weight. “Remember, we are not here to challenge them. Observation only. Learn, record, and return. Dingiswayo trusts your discretion. If you make a misstep, it will not only be your life at risk.” Ndabuko felt a shiver run down his spine. The System pulsed in his mind. Warning: High threat territory. Probability of detection crit

The night had begun to settle over the Zwides’ lands as Ndabuko, Gondi, Shaka, and Sonjana crouched in a dense thicket overlooking the outer training grounds. The group had returned after the first day of observation, but the tension in Ndabuko’s chest refused to dissipate. This was not a mere training mission—it was reconnaissance in enemy territory. Every movement, every glance, had to count. The System pulsed quietly in Ndabuko’s mind. System Alert: Tactical engagement suggested. Observational intel indicates minimal suspicion but readiness must be maintained. Gondi spoke first, voice low and precise. “We move closer tonight. Watch how they interact beyond drills. We test their boundaries carefully. Do not provoke unless necessary. Learn more than you saw today.” Ndabuko’s gaze swept over the courtyard below. Shadows danced in the flickering firelight, the silhouettes of Zwides warriors sharp and coordinated. But something else caught his eye—a group of animals circling t

Ndabuko, Shaka, and Sonjana followed closely behind Gondi, their senses sharpened. Today would not merely be observation—they were to witness the Mthethwa’s strategic ace in action. The System buzzed quietly in Ndabuko’s mind. System Alert: Gondi engagement – maximum demonstration potential. Threat Level: Extreme. Observe and learn. The group arrived at a wide, open clearing at the center of the Zwides’ settlement. Warriors and hyenas were assembled in disciplined ranks, the air tense as if it were anticipating a storm. Zwide’s brothers and Ntombazana observed silently from a raised platform, their expressions unreadable but alert. Gondi stopped at the edge of the clearing, spear in hand, and turned slowly to face Ndabuko, Shaka, and Sonjana. “Today, you will see the full measure of discipline, power, and strategy. Watch carefully. This is how a warrior leads not by fear alone, but by force of presence, calculation, and unmatched skill.” Ndabuko tightened his grip on his spe

The morning sun had barely risen when the group reconvened at the Zwides’ training ground. Mist clung to the grass, curling around the legs of the warriors like ghostly fingers. The hyenas prowled at the periphery, their eyes gleaming with curiosity, but they kept their distance, restrained yet ever-alert. Ndabuko adjusted the strap of his leopard chest piece, muscles still sore from the previous day’s ordeal. Sonjana’s jaw was set tight, his fists flexing as though itching for another fight. Shaka’s eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, scanned the clearing, unreadable as ever. And Gondi, calm and silent, stood slightly apart, observing the scene with a quiet intensity that demanded respect. The bushes rustled, and without a sound, Mkhuba emerged from the shadows. He moved like a predator, silent yet exuding lethal confidence. The hyenas immediately responded, growling low, a warning to anyone who might underestimate their master. The System whispered in Ndabuko’s mind. System Alert: Mk