Photograph (4)

Zaen didn't wait for the ghoul to make its next move. He had to kill it quickly before the special force got a whiff of the situation from the men he just saved. Zaen was fairly sure that no one would believe those three drunkards and will most probably think they were trying to wriggle out of their drunk driving case by making up a tale. However, the special force wasn't like the others.

They'll definitely investigate the mysterious sighting of a monster even if it was a hoax.

Soon, they'll get there and Zaen, having killed one of their officers, wasn't in a mood to hang around with people who would most probably kill him on sight.

"Despite the low visibility, I'm glad this ghoul isn't hiding like Nishimiya. Makes it easier for me to kill it." Zaen mumbled, gripping his dagger tightly.

He charged at the ghoul who had a good chunk of his face covered up with scars. The ghoul didn't back down either and flung its razor-sharp claws at Zaen's face. However, just before their fists collided, Zaen jumped over the ghoul, and with all his strength slammed the dagger viciously into its head, with the precision of a marksman.

[Novice Slasher (Level 2) and Frenzied's Slayer effects applied. Damage against humanoid monsters increased by 20%.]

[Skill: Twin Edge triggered. Your attack dealt twice the usual damage to the enemy. Damage Dealt: 480 HP]

[Camouflaged Ghoul killed! Exp +50]

[Total Exp: 610/1200]

"That was... too easy," Zaen whispered.

Zaen now understood why this quest was a daily quest and not a weekly one. If he could one-shot all of the ghouls like this, it wouldn't take him much time to take care of the three remaining ghouls either. The only problem was their changing locations after each ghoul he killed. Unlike Mr Nishimiya, this ghoul disintegrated into dust leaving behind an energy drink.

"At least I won't need to be concerned about disposing of the ghoul's body." Zaen quickly picked it up and stored it in the inventory. He then took out the smartphone to check the time, "4:15 AM. Well, looks like I'm out of time. Gotta be home before the sun rises. Also, the rest of the ghouls are on the opposite side of the city. I won't be able to get to them before sunrise."

In Astran, the daybreak always happened around 4:30 AM, unlike any other country. Zaen always found this quite annoying as he got less time to sleep at night, because as soon as the sun was up, so was Aeron. And since he had to take care of the cooking, Zaen had to be up by 5 AM at the latest.

Zaen didn't want his little brother to see him entering the house so late, that's why he wanted to get back as soon as possible. But, despite his desperate attempt he couldn't reach the house before sunrise and when he opened the door, he saw Aeron and he looked ticked off.

"Aye, you're up early!" Zaen smiled, ruffling Aeron's hair, "You shouldn't get up so early. Doc told you to rest, didn't she?"

"Where were you last night?" Aeron smacked Zaen's hand away.

"Why do you ask? I was sleeping of course." Zaen mumbled a reply before entering the kitchen to get some fruits for breakfast.

Thanks to the energy he drank a few hours ago, he didn't look tired so it was a believable lie. But despite Zaen's effort to avoid the question didn't work. Aeron was one of the only people who could look right through his poker face and Zaen knew it very well if Aeron wanted to get something out of him, he will not back down until he got the truth.

"Where were you sleeping? On the streets?" Aeron continued with his barrage of questions.

"What? No! I went for a walk. You know, I can't seem to be able to sleep peacefully these days so I thought maybe a walk would clear my head."

Hearing this, Aeron seemed to back off a bit. Unlike him, Zaen loved to do physical activities. Running and jumping being among his favourites. However, his clothes gave him away. Zaen never went running around in anything but his gym attire and being the ever-observant brother, nothing was hidden from Aeron's eyes. Nor Zaen's clothes, nor the large bloodstain on the shirt. It was a bit difficult to see the stains as Zaen was wearing dark-coloured clothes.

Aeron's demeanour did a 180 as soon as he was the stains on Zaen's shirt. He rushed inside his room and came back with a first aid kit.

"Sit down and take your hoodie off," Aeron said in an authoritative tone, but his hands were a bit shaky.

Zaen didn't know what was happening but took his shirt off and as he did, he realised why was Aeron so worried about him. There was a sizeable wet patch in his hoodie. He got a whiff and realised it was blood. His hoodie most probably got soiled from the blood of the second ghoul he slew without him realising it.

"You... you..." Aeron mumbled and before Zaen knew it, Aeron started hitting him with his fists. There were no scars on Zaen's back as he wasn't hurt in the first place, but Aeron didn't know that "You dare play a prank on me! You big, useless oaf!"

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Gimme a break, Monkey!" Zaen exclaimed before bear-hugging his brother lightly.

Finally, when Aeron calmed down a bit Zaen gave him a PG version of last night's events and quickly explained everything to him. He didn't give Aeron specific details like the fact he killed a special officer, as he didn't think Aeron should be burdened with such things.

By the time Zaen was done explaining everything to Aeron, he had only one thing to say, "I want in. I'm not letting you do all of it on your own."

"You already know my answer, Aeron." Zaen patted Aeron's head and went to take a shower.

"You too know that I'm not gonna back down. I can be as stubborn as you are. There's only so much a man can do. Because of your stupidity, you almost got caught by the special force tonight!" Aeron walked behind him, trying to reason with his brother.

"I didn't say you can't help me. But if you're thinking I'm going to take you with me to fight against the ghouls or special force, then forget about it. It's too risky for you who never even had the basic military training."

"What are you suggesting?"

"We'll do what we are good at." Zaen replied, "I'll be the brawn and you'll be the brain. That way, you'll be safe here and still provide help to me. In fact, you'll be of more help to me that way."