1 Chapter One: Emotionless Eyes

Darkness engulfed every corner...

"Demons", villagers hushed; Fear within their souls of a raid that drained their hopes to live. Their endless seeking for refuge to escape from the raging battle between the Moniyan Empire of the North of the human realm and the Demons of the Dark Abyss, located at the South of the Empire deep within the mountains, had become life to them. Brutally murdered knights and civilians were a day to day scene to every villager. Blood puddled down the barren ground, as the demons roared," Scream my prey---turn everything to darkness" thrusting every knight that comes their way.

Scorching flames burnt down every abode which was once called home. People mourned over the losses as they face their demise, nothing can compensate for the lost legends from the ancient days. It was such an unfortunate plight for the village to be caught up in the middle of both Kingdoms in hostility. The raging war caused nightmares and despair to all; countless casualties and wounded individuals---wailing are heard at every corner. It was the darkest moments for the people living in the current era.

Several months later, the war has temporarily calmed down for relief.

Children wandered around the desolate path searching for their parents, calling, wishing their parents were still breathing beneath the piles of debris. Tears stream down their dusty cheeks, crushed by the scenes and wished they had died with their parents.

Surviving civilian's aftermath was provided food and shelter by the Empire, trudging to the relief centers was at least an aide to the suffering souls, yet fear and desperation were within.

Imperial Knights of the Moniyan Empire gathered the orphaned children and brought them in carriages to the Monastery of Light to be given care until they can stand up on their own. As the children marched slowly to the Monastery, Matthaius, one of the high ranking official next to Tigreal, noticed a little boy with a dusty face, untidy black and silver hair that glitter by the ray of sun took the high ranking official's attention, but his silver hair was not what Matthaius paid attention, but it was the boy's blank stare.

Not a sign of grief nor anger was seen in the eyes...

...his eyes were emotionless.

"Hey, kid! I'm sorry about your parents."

the boy remained still.

Despite that, Matthaius wasn't hesitant.

"I rescued you from there, kid...."

Matthaius pointed towards the desolate village, expecting for an answer yet the kid stared blankly.

"I'm Matthaius what's yours?"

The boy raised his head but showed no intentions to speak.

"Not much of a talker, eh? Guess the war has done a big deal to you…"

As he was waiting for a response, Luna, one of the caretakers of the Monastery, interrupted in between.

"Excuse me, sir? but these children need some rest for now. Thank you for bringing them here."

She smiled faintly and ushered the remaining children at the entrance of the Monastery to their rooms.

The officer was quite disappointed that he could not get to know the boy's name, he scratched his beard and walked back to the barracks. His mind wondered, "That kid's eyes are emotionless. His parents died from the war, but his eyes…They look so cold… I feel that he has the potential to become our ally… I will train him well."

And the evening and morning came, the children were called to gather to inquire their names and information about themselves.

Matthaius was there to observe and be acquainted with the children, as one of his responsibility being the Officer-in-charge of the Monastery of Light.

One by one, the caretakers pointed them out from the line until the unusual boy's turn came.

"Granger."

With the same cold, blank stare, he answered.

As the children gathered round to eat and to play, Granger showed no interest in socialization, his lips remained shut, and uttered word only when was needed. Soon he was left out of the group and isolated himself away from the noisy chatters and laughter from the children.

This brought Luna along with the other caretakers to concern and asked among themselves what Granger is and what interests him. As they tried to ask, Granger, couldn't answer much, for he himself doesn't have a clue.

One evening, after finishing his usual task, he walked down the quiet aisles absorbing every light from the moon that shone the marble pillars of the monastery. As he walked near the edge of the west wing, something took his attention.

It was a sound of a stringed instrument that resonates around the entire monastery. He was mesmerized by the sound and decided to search for the origin; following the melody, he reached a room, hidden behind the pillars where the moonlight could not shine through. He attempted to knock, but his curiosity was stronger than his patience, so he opened the latch and saw Luna in the middle of the room around her were filled with every kind of musical instruments. It was a room he did not show interest before, but the instrument that Luna had in her hands took a shine on Granger.

A wood-made stringed instrument, smaller in size, that could be held by the chin and the collarbone, and a bow was used to resonate a tune. The calm and the vibrating melody that floats around the atmosphere could mesmerize the ears of the listeners.

Luna noticed Granger and was surprised to see him caught up with the scene, his eyes showed a hint of interest, a desire to play the instrument. He walked closer to Luna, and she smiled of relief as she played without a pause.

One bright morning, an announcement arrived from the Officials and the caretakers to the children.

"Upon reaching the eligible age, children are to choose a specific career---being a demon hunter or a caretaker."

As for Granger who knew had no interest, had one thing in his mind, reminded from the event that happened that night, with the music fresh in his mind and the instrument used, he thought only to play a sonata, a song like Luna.

When he was about to make the decision he noticed, Matthaius calling his attention from the back of the hall, Granger turned his back and saw the Official who spoke to him on the first day he arrived at the Monastery.

Matthaius led Granger to the army training ground and explained everything about what a demon hunter can be and how they are trained to ward off demons' attack.

"Kid, when I first saw you, I had a thought that you are special. regardless of what happened, your emotionless eyes remained, different from the other children. For several weeks I have been observing you and I believe you'll do great in the long run."

Granger kept his mouth shut.

"Hahaha, I knew you wouldn't talk. But there's something I wanna tell you."

The kid showed no interest yet Matthaius continued...

"I know the demon who killed your parents."

Granger looked at the officer's eyes with interest for first time since the day they met. Matthaius put on a winsome smile. He knew the kid would someday show few emotions and this time, it exceeded his expectations.

"Who is it?!"

Matthaius stared and smirked at him.

"Be a demon hunter and find out."