17 Pink Camellia

It was not even daybreak yet when Claude woke up, he quickly checked his surroundings making sure everything was fine, he went over to the window and saw that the moon was still shining brightly. He went back to where he slept; he packed his things preparing to live once again, but instead of going through the door he took a chance to use the window as his exit

He then continues to venture on other buildings checking for any clues of what happened to the people in the small city. Despite it was not the capital such a vast city should not be easily be befallen by the demon, the fact it was also home to three Clan Members how is it possible that the city was overtaken yet the Clan Members aren't aware of it.

After checking a few of the building, it was finally sunrise when Claude went to check a nearby clinic. It was so clean and sanitize, he would have thought at least one building he had entered would show a sign of blood in them. It made him wonder could it be possible that the demons the overrun this city has any connection with the leaders. How is it possible that there are no survivors at all. As he continued to check the clinic, the storage was surprisingly complete with all medical kit, supplies, and medicines. There were even some supplies of medicine still packed in a box, which made him curious what about the other stores that supply food.

So he decided to check all the storage in the city but since it was already morning, it was challenging for him to go about everywhere since the demons were all alert. Luckily there was a nearby store by the clinic, he went to the back storage and saw some perishable foods were still looking fresh. It confuses him to why such food was still fresh; he has visited quite a few building, and some of them were fine and weren't really ruined. There were no sign of war in the city nor any rebellion event leading to any bloodshed.

When Claude realize that there are no clues at all to explain why the demons have overrun the city, he headed back to the Capital City of M City. Before heading back, he got changed to his normal attire; he put on his glasses again wore clothing making him look like a normal boy.

Since it was still a few hours before his flight, he ventured around the dark area of M City hoping to hear some rumors or gossip about the run-down city. However, as time passed by he was hopeless as if no one knew anything about it. Not a single word about the run-down city was mentioned nor any whisper of demons.

Before heading to the airport he decides to visit one of M City old local shop. It was located at the dark areas of M City; the building was small and looked worn down.

"Never thought you'll be visiting me again." an old lady said

Claude step inside the shop that was filled with materials and minerals with a magic presence in them. "Anything new?"

"Not to your interest." She said

"Any news?" he asked

"If your wondering about the run-down city doesn't bother coming to me, I do not know anything about it." She answered

Claude did not question her further since he knew she was telling the truth. She has been acquainted with her for 5 years now and has supplied most of the materials he needed for the development of his research. But the biggest reason why he trusted her was that she knew his mother, she has told him stories of her mother during her time as a hunter. Despite he still does not know her mother identity until now for he never asked Alex about it.

Before Claude boarded the plane, he brought some food souvenirs to take with him. Every time he was sent away to a different city or area for a mission, he would normally buy the local food to take home. As he was heading to the boarding gate someone suddenly collided with him.

"I'm sorry..." Claude said as he slowly picked up some of the staff they both drop on the ground.

"It's fine, I was in a hurry," she said

When Claude saw who he bump into he was stun for a moment, she has dark black hair, pale white skin like the snow, and has a familiar ash brown eye. He ponders where he saw the familiar eye, he tried hard to dig his memory but couldn't think of anyone.

"Here," Claude said giving her the staff she drops.

"Thanks." She said, "I have to go."

As the girl silhouette vanishes from his sight he could not stop wonder who she was, why do her eyes seem so familiar at the same time he felt the same magic presence as he does. He did not ponder on it any longer since he needed to board the plane however as he was about to walk away, he notices a small pink camellia flower on the ground, the same flower he found in the run-down city the pink camellia flower with the meaning of missing someone.