5. Strange man

The man clad in black laughed, a deep, unsettling sound that echoed through the empty cockpit. "No, I wasn't on the plane. That's why I'm asking you," he said. Neo's face contorted into a mixture of confusion and dread.

*Did he just read my mind?* Neo looked at the man, astonished.

"No, I didn't read your mind," the man continued, as if reading Neo's thoughts once again. "Your facial expression gave away what you were thinking." The featureless mask on his face made his words feel even more emotionless. Neo looked at him suspiciously.

Even if the plane was about to crash, this man radiated an aura of composure, something very uncommon—if not impossible—in such a dire situation. Despite everything, this somehow gave Neo a sliver of hope that he might escape this horror alive.

"So... how do we escape from this plane?" Neo asked, his eyebrows raised. Somehow, just somehow, he felt that this man had the answer.

The man's aura shifted to one of seriousness as he looked at Neo. "You know... these demons are actually called Oni. There are plenty of myths depicting Oni all over the world, but almost none of them are true," he said, leaning forward.

*Bruh... this plane is going to crash and you're telling me about myths? What good is a myth if I'm dead?* Neo thought, panic creeping back into his voice. But the man's tone remained serious.

"Listen," the man said, and Neo had no choice but to sit down. The gravity of this man's words weighed on him, though he didn't fully understand why. It felt as though this man was something more than human—a mythical creature himself, speaking directly to Neo.

"In reality, Oni are much more dangerous than any myth. They have the passive ability to erase anyone they come in contact with from the face of the world. Anyone unlucky enough to cross their path... will be erased," the man explained.

*BOOM!*

A thunderous sound filled the air as the plane suddenly nosedived. The man stood up calmly, stretching out his hand towards Neo. Desperate and with no other option, Neo took it, hoping this stranger would be his salvation from this nightmare.

As they exited the plane, Neo's eyes widened in disbelief. They weren't falling—they were walking. The man stood on thin air, the space around his feet rippling as if he were walking on water. Behind them, Neo heard a deafening crash as the plane plummeted into the ocean, but he couldn't bring himself to look back. Instead, he clung to the man's hand, finding himself walking on what felt like an invisible bridge.

"What is this?" Neo asked, astonished. This man seemed to defy all the laws of physics—no, he outright ignored them. *This guy is the bane of physics, the enemy of Isaac Newton,* Neo thought, incredulous.

They descended an invisible staircase, each step taking them closer to a distant ship. As they approached, the ship's grandeur became more apparent, leaving Neo in awe.

The cruise ship before them was a majestic vessel, exuding luxury and exclusivity. It was massive, spanning over a thousand feet in length, with multiple decks stacked elegantly like a floating palace. The exterior was sleek and modern, the hull painted a deep, glossy navy blue that shimmered under the sunlight, contrasted by gleaming white superstructures.

The ship's design featured smooth, curved lines that gave it a sense of motion even when anchored. Large panoramic windows stretched across the upper decks, reflecting the surrounding sea and sky, while polished chrome accents highlighted the edges of the decks and railings. The decks themselves were adorned with lush greenery—from small trees in pots to flower beds—giving the impression of a floating garden.

At the bow, a grand helipad was visible, complete with a helicopter perched on it, suggesting the ship's use by the ultra-wealthy. The stern featured an infinity pool that seamlessly blended with the ocean beyond, its water barely rippling as the ship gently swayed. Elegant outdoor lounges, private cabanas, and sun decks spread across the upper levels, each area designed for both relaxation and entertainment.

From Neo's perspective, everything about the ship screamed opulence and power, making it not just a mode of transportation but a statement of prestige. The ship's sheer size, its sleek, gleaming exterior, and the attention to detail in its design left Neo in awe. *How's that thing keeping afloat?* he wondered, as he followed the man toward the ship.

They landed softly on the very top of the ship, where the helipad was located. Neo collapsed onto the deck, relieved to finally be on a solid surface. The thought of dying had left his mind, giving way to other, more troubling thoughts.

*Oni?* Neo didn't want to admit it, but the idea that Oni could erase anyone from existence was terrifying. And since he had seen the Oni, did that mean he too had been erased? These thoughts plagued him as he lay there.

The man walked away without a glance, leaving Neo to his thoughts. *That was a bit rude. At least show some hospitality,* Neo thought, though he couldn't bring himself to be angry. The man had saved his life, and for that, Neo was grateful.

He looked out over the water, the sea stretching as far as the eye could see. "Sir, are you Neo?" a voice asked from behind him.

Neo turned to see the source of the voice—a maid standing there.

The maid was striking, her presence impossible to ignore. She had rich, dark skin that seemed to shimmer under the light, smooth and flawless. Her hair was short, jet black, and neatly styled, framing her face in a way that accentuated her high cheekbones and sharp features.

Her eyes were a mesmerizing shade of deep purple, almost glowing with an intensity that added to her mysterious aura. They were sharp, intelligent, and seemed to observe everything around her with a calm, confident gaze. Her curvy figure was accentuated by a tight, form-fitting outfit that hugged her body perfectly, highlighting every curve without being overly revealing—yet still suggestive. The outfit was tailored with precision, suggesting both luxury and practicality, yet it managed to retain an air of understated sensuality.

Despite her provocative appearance, she exuded an aura of elegance. Her posture was straight, her movements fluid, and there was a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself. Every gesture was graceful, every step purposeful, giving off the impression that she was in complete control of her surroundings. The combination of her striking looks, flawless attire, and poised demeanor left Neo momentarily captivated, sensing there was much more to this maid than met the eye.