Code stood frozen, a chilly aura washing over him. 'This hand. What’s this feeling?' he thought, heart thudding. 'If it was a demon, then Finn should’ve sensed it.'

  “Hey, are you okay?” a voice cut into Code’s thoughts.

  “Eh?” Code spun rapidly, locking onto the owner.

  “Arrgh, you suddenly zoned out,” the boy said, a grin plastered on his lips. He was clad in tattered cloth, dirt and dust smeared across his face.

  'A boy?' Code thought, calming. Finn stood behind the boy, showing no sign of alarm.

  “Uh, ahem. Sorry about that,” Code replied. 'Guess I was overthinking it,' he admitted inwardly.

  “Ah, no problem,” the boy said. “I just wanted to ask if you’ve got some change to spare. I haven’t eaten in days.” His eyes were practically pleading.

  “Huh?” Code blinked and stared at the boy harder.

  “Hehe,” the boy chuckled, grinning wider and revealing a full set of teeth minus two at the corners of his mouth.

  “Um, yeah, okay,” Code muttered. He reached into his pocket and brought out a bronze coin. “Here you go.” He dropped it onto the boy’s outstretched palm.

  The boy eyed the money, then raised an unsatisfied look to Code and smiled harder.

  Code rolled his head away the instant they made eye contact. “Little children shouldn’t be so greedy,” he murmured.

  However, the boy refused to leave, palms still asking for more, and Code wasn’t yielding either.

  Seeing the stalemate, Finn sighed and stepped forward. He dipped into his pocket and dropped a silver coin onto the boy’s hand.

  “Heh?” Code glanced at Finn from the corner of his eye.

  Finn responded with a smile. “Adults shouldn’t be so selfish.”

  “Aww, thanks,” the boy purred, tossing the coins into his pocket.

  Code’s cheeks puffed and flushed. “Yeah, scram already,” he said harshly.

  “Huh? And I was gonna offer you guys some help,” the boy replied.

  “What help?” Finn asked, intrigued.

  “Tsk,” Code clicked his tongue. “We don’t need your help, kid. Get lost!”

  “Code, don’t be so harsh,” Finn cautioned. “We’d be glad to know what help you can offer.” He crouched in front of the boy.

  “I hear you guys are sorcerers,” the boy started, “and you’re probably here looking for a demon.”

  He leaned closer to Finn’s ear while Code stood upright with folded arms, sulking.

  “I heard a demon attacked a family of six last night,” the boy whispered.

  “Code! Did you hear that?!” Finn shouted, looking up at him.

  “Hmph!” Code snorted. “He’s probably saying nonsense just to collect more money.”

  “Jeez.” Finn shook his head and stood. “Well, this is the only lead we have, so we’ve got no choice.”

  Finn looked at the boy. “Lead the way,” he said with a smile.

  “I’m just following because I’ve gotta protect you,” Code mumbled as he followed.

  The search for the demon began as the three ventured into a narrow alley, the ambient noise quickly fading.

  “Gosh, why’s this place so dark?” Code rasped, jumping over a heap of trash.

  “Life’s tough here in the slums, you know,” Finn replied, walking ahead of him.

  The boy walked before them in silence.

  Code watched the boy’s back. 'For some reason, my survival instincts are screaming,' he thought.

  “Oi, shouldn’t we have found the demon by now?” Code finally voiced. “Feels like we’re just going deeper into this alley.”

  “Y-yeah,” Finn admitted and glanced at the boy. “Hey, kid, what’s happening?”

  “Maybe he doesn’t know the way,” Code mocked.

  The boy suddenly stopped. “According to rumors,” he began, “there was one survivor from the attacked family.”

  “What?” Finn mouthed.

  “The demon spared him and promised to let him go on one condition.” The boy slowly turned around.

  Code’s breath hitched as the sound of buzzing houseflies filled his ears. His eyes twitched and rolled left until he saw them: bodies, five in total; a man, a woman, and three children.

  Finn swallowed and stepped back. I’m sensing something strange, he thought.

  The boy turned fully, his wicked grin gleaming in the dark. “If only he’d bring you, then he’d set the boy free.”

  “Fuck!” Code bit his lip. “Finn, let’s get out of here!” He tried to turn, but sudden pressure fell over the alley.

  Code’s knees buckled as the force glued him to the spot. 'We were tricked by this fucking kid,' he snarled inwardly, shooting the boy a death glare.

  “Hey, hey, you can’t blame me,” the boy shrugged. “That’s the way of the slums. We exploit each other to survive.”

  “Nnggh!” Code clenched his jaw, rage building, but deep down he knew the kid was right. He could see himself in him.

  “I was really sad when my family was killed,” the boy continued, spreading his arms, “but what was I supposed to do? Let myself get killed too? Nah, that’s not how it works.”

  “Th-this power,” Finn whispered. “Code, it’s close.”

  Low footsteps sounded behind them.

  “There he is, behind you!” the boy announced and spun to leave. “Bye, and thanks for the money!” He waved.

  Suddenly, an invisible force tore from behind Code and Finn, shattering the floor in its wake as it blasted toward the boy.

  “The hell?! That wasn’t the deal!” the boy gasped, trying to jump away, but the force was too fast. It struck him, and in an instant his body was reduced to viscera pulp. The coins he’d held fell to the ground with resounding clatters.

  “Arrgh,” Finn covered his mouth in horror.

  “B-behind us,” Code stammered, wincing as he strained to look.

  He twisted his neck and saw a grotesque face inches from his own. His heart lurched.

  “Nice to meet you,” the demon said, stepping back, “I am Terror.” He held his cube in hand, which pulsed and spun with a click clack.

  "Let's not make this hard for each other," Terror continued, voice like metals scraping. "Just come with me peacefully."

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

  Code gulped, heart thudding heavily. 'What does he want with me?' His mind spiralled with thoughts and worst-case scenarios.

  "Arrgh," he swallowed, exhaled, and called, "Finn".

  "Eh...uh?" Finn replied, shivering.

  "What's his class?" Code asked, voice low and measured.

  "H-his class," Finn repeated, tone filled with fear.

  Then, came the bombshell.

  "He's an upper-class."

  "Wha?" Code's eyes went wide in trepidation. 'This is the worst luck,' he exclaimed internally.

  "Wh-what do we do?" Finn muttered. "I'm useless in combat, and you can't—"

  Code cut in mid-sentence. "Grab on," he said.

  "Huh?" Finn's gaze shifted to him. "What do you want to do?" He asked.

  Code's eyes narrowed, and he fell into stance.

  "So that's your decision," Terror said, tone cold and indifferent.

  Code's lips parted, and he announced. "We're running."

  ...

  Welles' Estate, Kaida, Eastern Province, Eldrid.

  The estate sat at the far end of a wide garden, with a large manor rising behind a long rectangular pool. Stone paths ran straight toward the building, bordered by neatly trimmed hedges and low shrubs. Several fountains stood in the water, sending streams upward that rippled across the surface.

  The manor itself was broad and symmetrical, built from pale stone with dark roofing. A central section rose slightly higher than the rest, marked by tall windows and a small balcony above the main entrance. Short stairways led up from the garden toward the doors, giving the building a sense of height without making it feel imposing.

  Trees framed both sides of the estate, enclosing the scene and drawing the eye back toward the house at its center.

  "Achoo!" A sneeze suddenly pierced the peaceful silence that filled the fortress.

  "Meow!" A shriek followed.

  The parlour was spacious, with tall windows that let in light and offered a clear view of the gardens and fountains outside. The walls were painted a soft cream, framed with simple wooden moldings, and a large fireplace of pale stone dominated one end, its mantel neatly arranged with vases and a few framed portraits. Plush armchairs and a low settee were grouped around a polished wooden coffee table, while a finely patterned rug softened the floor.

  Shelves along one wall held neatly arranged books and decorative trinkets, and a few potted plants added a touch of life to the room. Every piece of furniture and ornament spoke of comfort and royalty. A large golden chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the room in a golden light that appeared divine.

  "Van, haven't you been sneezing a lot since you arrived?" the woman opposite him asked, a hint of concern in her tone as she gently brushed her fingers through the white fur of the cat on her lap.

  "Meow," the cat purred, settling further into her lap.

  Her blonde hair gleamed with youthful shine, framing deep yellow eyes filled with pride and indifference. She wore a long black dress that exuded royalty, while a silver necklace tied to a black gem dangled from her neck.

  Lady Anastasia Welles. 1st-tier Sorcerer, Head of the Royal House of Welles, and duchess of the Kaidan duchy.

  "Can't blame me," Van shrugged, lying on the sofa. "I sneeze a lot whenever people talk about me behind my back."

  "Totally sure none of them are saying anything good about you," Lady Anastasia scoffed.

  "Strange how you talk to your favorite cousin like that," Van pouted. "Anyway, let's get straight to the point," he said, tone turning serious.

  "You've already noticed it, haven't you? The Blackthorn Forest barrier, Vesta, has been breached."

  Lady Anastasia blinked, blowing at her fingernails. "Yeah," she replied. "But it seems like whomever breached it couldn't exceed the first layer."

  "I thought as much," Van muttered. "It also seems like old man Zoldrak hasn't found out yet. 'Cause if he has..."

  "We would've been summoned by now," Lady Anastasia completed the statement.

  She gently stroked her hands through the cat's fur, as she continued. "It really is none of our business whatever happens to the barrier. It's not like we hold the key. We royals only maintain the barrier."

  "Y'know, if the barrier is broken, it could trigger the same occurrence from twelve years ago," Van replied.

  "Did you really have to remind me of that?" Lady Anastasia's gaze darkened.

  Click. Clack.

  Footsteps echoed as a woman walked into the room, carrying a tray with two cups of tea.

  "Oh, it's been a while, Peridot," Van said, waving toward her.

  "Yes, it has," Peridot replied indifferently, nodding slightly.

  She wore a black tailcoat, over a white shirt and a bright green vest that contrasted with the dark jacket. A small green ribbon was tied around her collar. Her black pants had faint vertical lines, and her hair was short and green, fitting perfectly with her formal outfit.

  Peridot Prescott. Head Butler of the Welles' House.

  She carefully walked to the table, placed the two cups next to Van and Lady Anastasia, and without another word, walked off.

  "Eeh, I haven't had Kaidan tea in years," Van beamed, swiping the cup off the table for a quick sip.

  But then it hit him. The tea was hot.

  "Hot! Hot! Hot!" Van exclaimed, as the liquid stung his tongue.

  "Meow!" the cat jolted up in alarm.

  "Jeez," Lady Anastasia shook her head, gazing at the cat as she brushed its fur. Her eyes rolled toward the shadow behind a pillar in the distance.

  Behind the pillar stood Peridot.

  "Arrgh arrgh," she exhaled, cheeks flushed red. 'O-oh my God! It's Van Ackerman! Van Ackerman in the flesh! And he actually talked to me!' she thought, holding her cheeks in disbelief.

  Then came the voice, cutting into her fantasies.

  "Oi, what the hell are you doing?"

  "Huh?" Peridot's gaze shot up to see the girl.

  The girl was extremely beautiful. Her golden hair glistened under the chandelier's glow, and golden rings adorned her ears, brows, and lips.

  But as Peridot's gaze dropped, her expression soured.

  The girl was clad in something so revealing it barely qualified as clothing, covering only her chest, butt, and a few modest areas.

  "A-ahem," Peridot cleared her throat, gaze serious. "Lady Alpha, you're dressed in such an immodest manner!"

  "Eh?" Alpha’s gaze dropped to a cold glare. "How I dress is none of your business," she shot back.

  "Tch," Peridot clicked her tongue.

  "By the way, what were you even doing here?" Alpha asked, shifting her gaze from Peridot to the sitting room.

  "You can't go there, Lady Alpha," Peridot replied. "Lady Anastasia is having an important meeting right now."

  "That's all the more reason I want to eavesdrop," Alpha said with a smirk, walking toward the parlour.

  "No! Lady Alpha, you can't!" Peridot yelled, trying to hold her back, but she was already gone.

  ...

  "Big Sister!" Alpha shouted as she stepped into the room.

  "Huh?" Van, Lady Anastasia, and the cat turned to her.

  "Good grief," Peridot facepalmed as she reached for Alpha.

  "Alpha?" Lady Anastasia called, her gaze softening into a motherly expression. The cat’s eyes dimmed again.

  "What's happening—" Alpha began, glancing toward the visitor, but mid-sentence—

  "Alpha chan!" Van boomed.

  "Huh? That voice," Alpha whispered, a chill running down her spine as her eyes rolled and finally locked onto Van.

  "B-big brother Van, what are you doing here?!" Alpha exclaimed, staggering backward.

  "Aww, my little cousin Alpha is as cute as ever," Van beamed as he moved toward her.

  "D-don't come closer!" Alpha yelled, turning to bolt, but—

  "Gotcha!" Van muttered, grabbing her hand.

  A few minutes later...

  "Arrgh, guess I'm back to square one," Van sighed, brushing his fingers over Alpha's hair as her head rested on his lap. "Alpha chan," he said, beaming at her, while she simply rolled her eyes away.

  "Shouldn't the important thing be finding the perpetrator?" Lady Anastasia shrugged.

  "No one comes to mind," Van admitted, gaze rising to the ceiling.

  "I have a feeling this could turn into something big," he continued, his voice a mix of tension and concern. "But don't worry, Alpha chan. Your big brother will protect you," he added, caressing her hair.

  "Tsk, I never asked for your protection," Alpha scoffed.

  'What insolence!' Peridot snapped inwardly, teeth gritting in anger, as she stood behind Lady Anastasia. 'How dare you talk to Sir Van Ackerman in such manner!'

  However, Van didn’t seem concerned.

  "So cute!" he muttered, beaming at Alpha.

  "Arrgh," Lady Anastasia sighed, rolling her eyes as she rested her chin on her palm. "Might as well wait until it happens," she whispered.

  "Meow," the cat purred again.

  A beep sound rang in Van's pocket. He reached into it and pulled out his phone. The locked screen flared to life, a message from someone named Nico floating above a single line of text: Don’t forget to come watch my match??.

  "Arr... guess I'll be taking my leave," Van said, rising to his feet and tucking the phone back into his pocket as Alpha sat up.

  "You're going already?" She pouted.

  "Aww, my cute little Alpha actually misses me," Van teased.

  "Humph," Alpha murmured, turning her head away, as she crossed her arms.

  "Don't worry, I'll come visit when I'm not busy. Your big brother is always busy fighting demons," Van boasted, but his gaze quickly caught Lady Anastasia's cold glare.

  "You liar," she hissed.

  "Hehe," Van smirked smugly as he walked away. "Next time we meet, it'll be in Hazen," he said, waving, as he disappeared.

  ...

  Greystone, Azura.

  The room was filled with people whose attention was fixed on the sumo wrestlers in combat.

  "Drop your bets, who's gonna take the win today!" the commentator announced.

  The crowd shouted and squealed, watching the fight unfold.

  The entrance door slid open as Ryūma stepped out of the room and into the convenience store.

  "Finally, some silence," he exhaled. "In there is so stuffy."

  ‘I honestly don’t know what Ken sees in sumo wrestling,’ Ryūma thought, shaking his head. ‘But as long as I make money off it, I don’t care,’ he shrugged, walking forward.

  Squelch.

  He stopped mid-step.

  Squelch… plop.

  "Huh? What's that sound?" Ryūma muttered, eyes shifting to the source.

  As he saw it, he froze.

  The cashier lay collapsed on the floor, unmoving.

  A boy, who looked Ryūma's age, crouched next to the half-eaten corpse of the cashier, mouth opened wide from ear to ear, as he devoured what was left of him.

  He plucked out the man's eyes, crunching it with a pop, before tearing apart his limbs and devouring them. Then he pierced his hand into his torso, tearing his stomach apart as his intestines poured out.

  "Ah?" The boy smiled, as he tucked the cashier's intestine into his mouth, sucking it like noodles.

  He bent to the ground, sucking the pool of blood until the ground was clean.

  He drank it all, before gobbling up his organs one by one.

  He was about to ingurgitate the spine, but a voice halted him.

  "Oi!" Ryūma stepped forward. His eyes widened, a mix of disgust and rage burning through him.

  Dark lines formed beneath his eyes as his pupils glowed crimson.

  The boy slowly turned, locking onto Ryūma.

  Blood was smeared across his face, but beneath it was a disturbingly handsome expression framed by inhuman, slit-like eyes.

  Aghnis.

  Ryuma’s fist clenched as he took another step. His vessels tightened, jaw locked in fury.

  "Who the fuck are you?!" he demanded.