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I just want you to come here, physically, in this realm.
On your way here, I'll give you a few obstacles to test your strength and power.
If you are caught, it is over. You fail the test, and your family will be dead.
I won't give you a deadline, because it will be a long journey...
But you need to leave the haven tonight.
Deal ?
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[Kana]
"Don't move any closer." A voice warned when I was about to cross the borders.
"Don't breath, either. If you inhale, every virus known to mankind will overwhelm you in seconds. It's how I got you the first time."
I covered my nose and mouth and squinted my eyes in the dark.
"A supernatural can easily withstand it, but for a half like you, it can be fatal. If Alex hadn't dragged you to Phyu Sein, you could'v died."
I glared at whoever what talking.
"Perhaps I should introduce myself. My name is Evelyn. Angelica assighed me to guard the borders-"
She gasped when I suddenly appeared behind her.
"I'm not in the mood for small talk," I uttered, my nails digging into her shoulders.
"Honestly, I don't care who you are. I refuse to waste time with trash like you when my family's lives are at stake."
I grabbed her by the hair and threw her across the field.
That was easier than I expected.
I thought she was stronger than that.
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A fireball erupted from my fingertips when I heard leaves rustling behind me.
I expected to see Angelica, or Evelyn chasing after me.
But what I didn't expect, was Jackson tackling me to the ground.
"Don't- Love ?"
"Jackson ? What the hell ?" I groaned. "Wait. Don't tell me you're guarding the borders, too..."
"What ? No, I'm not. I was just patrolling, but I don't have my glasses with me. I didn't know it was you-"
I coughed and pointed to his hand, which was wrapped around my waist.
"Wait, shit ! I'm sorry- OUCH !"
Jackson clamped his hand over his treasure chest, writhling in pain.
"If you are sorry, you should've let go earlier." I snapped.
"Noted."
"What were you even patrollin' for ?"
"There's a spy in this realm." Jackson informed. "So I was looking for demons who tried to enter or exist the haven."
"I'm not a spy, bloody hell !"
"I know you're not. Don't worry about it." He laughed softly. "Wait. How did you get past Evie ?"
"I beat her. " I grinned nonchalantly.
"YOU BEAT HER ?" Jackson exclaimed. "You should be more proud of yourself. She's tough to deal with."
"You're not going to stop me ?"
"Me ? Of course not. I never liked it here. The haven is a safe place for supernaturals in need, but it gets boring the more time you spend here. But why the sudden change of heart ? WHen we were training, you didn't seem that eager to leave."
"Somethin' came up." I uttered. "It'll take too long to explain. I need to go."
"I'll come with." Jackson offered.
"Why ?" I asked, surprised.
"Like I said before, this haven is boring. I also dislike staying in one place. And, Robert saved my life twice. I won't be able to face him if I let you venture off to danger alone."
"So, you want to come with me to make Robert proud ?"
"N-no ! Not like that. I just want to make sure you're safe. You still lack suoernatural experience. Even if you and I have had our differences, I don't want you to die."
"Whatever." I muttered, a faint blush creeping on my cheeks. "Come with, if you want. I won't stop you."
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"How much farther until we're out of the haven ?" I panted.
"Oh, we're already out." Jackson replied.
"You're jokin'."
"I'm not Alex. I don't make pointless jokes."
"So, where are we ?"
"We're in the woods. It surrounds the haven and prevents mortals from entering. There's just one bad thing..."
"And that is ?"
"Half... I smell half..." I heard something growling.
"You must be kiddin' me..." I muttered under my breath.
"The obscure amount of monsters."
"Good to know." I gulped.
"We're still in the Mortal Realm, but the woods overlap with the Supernatural Realm, so many monsters tend to live here. And their favourite foods... are halves."
"You're not scarin' me." I rolled my eyes.
"Damn. I guess I need to try harder next time." Jackson faked a sob. "What I said is true, though. But don't worry about it. They're weak. They ran into the woods to catch halves as they're an easier prey."
"So, I'm considered 'easier prey' ?" I questioned, my face deadpan.
"Mmhmm."
"So that would mean that those monsters will target me. A half."
"That's right."
"Isn't that a bit of a problem ?"
"You should be fine. You're way stronger. Besides, if you're ever in trouble, you have your trump card."
"Trump card ?"
"Your other half ? You lost control while you were fighting Ava. It was pretty strong. Stronger than your current state."
"She's more like a loose cannon."
"Either way, you won't die."
"She wanted to take over me and control my body."
"At least you won't die ? I'll go get firewood. Damn it. If only that annoying fire spirit was here; it'll be a lot easier. You want to come with me ? I'll keep you safe."
"Fuck off." I retorted. "I want to test my strength. If they're really as weak as you say, then it shouldn't be a problem, right ?"
"Some advice before I go... They can't be killed by normal weapons, like knives or guns. Good news though ! You know how to manipulate your energy and make objects, right ? Weapons like that are special. They can harm, and even kill supernatural beings."
"Good to know."
"If you're ever in trouble, just call out, okay ? I have good hearing." He waved and disappeaered.
"HALF... GETTING TIRED OF ANIMAL FLESH... A HALF !"
Feels like forever since I was targeted...
This should be fun.
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[Jackson]
In normal circumstances, I can teleport just fine and get out of the woods.
But for some odd reason, as if there are multiple people, the woods start messing with my sense of direction.
The trees and plants start to shift around, which can easily make you lost.
"What a pain in the ass."
She's fine, right ?
She's hasn't called for help, right ?
No. She's fine.
She's alright.
She's strong.
But considering how prideful she is, I doubt she'll yell for help.
No. Trust her.
She's fine.
What is this feeling ? I can't help but worry about her.
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[Kana]
He's right.
They are weak.
Their moves are too simple and repetitive.
They don't even think or stragetise, they just charge.
Just like mindless, ravenous puppets...
A monster reached out to grab my ankle but I kicked her away.
"Too easy, you freak."
They're easy to kill, and their bodies dissipate after they die...
But there's way too many.
I'm not used to fightin' with my powers.
I'm already tired.
It's not life threatenin', but it's definitely a nuisance.
If they start teamin' up, I'm screwed.
I don't think I'll make it out of here unharmed...
But that's fine. This can help me train.
I want to be-
A wall of fire surrounded me suddenly, burning the nearby monsters to crisp.
A tangle of vines sneaked around my waist, yanking me backwards.
...
"WAAAASSSUUUUPPPP, KANA !" A cheerful voice exclaimed.
"What the hell ? I had them !" I groaned.
Phyu and Alex appeared in front of me.
"Hi." Phyu greeted me apologetically.
"There were about 2 dozen behind you." Alex shrugged.
"More like 5 dozen ?" Phyu frowned.
"How did you even get here ?" I scowled.
"I was taking a walk around the haven, and saw Evelyn unconscious. And since I've always wanted to leave the haven, I thought it was the perfect time." Alex clapped his hands gleefully.
"So I started looking around for Phyu. Then we ventured off the woods and found you ! You're welcome for the help."
"Are you alone ?" Phyu asked worriedly. "Are you injured ? Hurt ?"
"No. Jackson's with me. He's-"
"Jackson's here ?" Phyu shouted.
"He's back ?" Alex grimaced.
"Is it that surprisin' ?"
"The last time he left, he didn't come back for a year and a half." Phyu explained. "Where is he ?"
"He said somethin' about getting firewood."
"Why did you even escape ? I thought you were going to stay here longer."
"Somethin' ... Somethin' came up." I mumbled.
"Maybe we should sit down and talk." Phyu said in a serious tone. "There's more monsters, but none in this area. We should be fine as long as we stay alert."
"LOVE, ARE YOU-"
Jackson suddenly appeared and started shaking my shoulders.
"Oh. He is back." Alex sighed.
"Oh, you're fine. Thank god."
"What happened to the firewood ?" I gestured to his empty hands.
"I forgot." He mumbled.
"Clearly you are too worried about - Mmphhh !" Phyu covered Alex's mouth before he could say anything further.
"So, Kana. Why did you decide to leave the haven ?" Phyu adjusted her glasses and looked at me.
"I have a family in Oklahoma."
"Oklahoma ?"
"My grandma and grandpa live there. I don't know about my brother, but my sister-"
"YOU HAVE SIBLINGS ?" Alex screamed.
"Maternal half siblings." I corrected him.
"I know my sister is in prison, but I don't know where exactly... And I have no clue how my brother is doing-"
"Your sister is in prison ?" Phyu widened her eyes.
"Yeah..."
And it's all my fault.
"I just wanted to see my family again. That's why I am leaving."
The real reason is because of the fucked up dude in Hell...
But I don't want them involved in that.
This is my problem.
"What about your mother ?" Alex asked.
"She's gone." I muttered weakly.
"Oh my God. I'm so sorry-"
"It's fine." I forced a smile. "I'm gonna walk around. I need to find firewood, anyways."
"Kana- I'm really sorry-"
"It's fine. I swear."
[Jackson]
Kana's family...
Now that I think about it, her mother looked familiar.
Where did I see her ?
"It was the first time she opened up, and I ruined it..." Alex said tearfully. "I should go with her-"
"No, not yet. Give her some time alone." Phyu said.
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[Kana]
"I don't understand. You should have killed him for such an unnecessary comment." A voice said.
I turned around and saw a weird looking guy with green hair smiling at me creepily.
"Who the hell are you ?"
And he was watching us...?
I didn't sense anything.
"Aclahayr. Demon strategist from Hell."
"Demon from Hell, huh ? So you're one of the 'obstacles' I need to face ? Fine, come closer. I'll beat your broccoli hair ass."
"Ha ha !" He chortled. "You're even more bold and beautiful in person ! Master was pleased that you left haven. But I'm not here on his orders. I'm here because I wanted to see you in person ! You look so much like your father !"
"Robert isn't my father." I uttered coldly. "And we don't look alike. Are you blind ?"
"No, no ! I don't mean physically. I meant your energy and your personality. I'm starting to like you ! You're very entertaining. But that's not the only reason why I'm here."
He disappeared in a flash of red.
"Where did he-"
A pair of hands gripped my shoulders from behind.
"Master stated that you have the potential to become a part of the Twenty Chaos."
"Don't. Touch-"
"Sh, sh ! No need to be so uptight ! I can sense your strength, you are really strong ! But you don't know how to control your energy that well, do you ?"
"I-"
"Plus, with that disease of yours constantly fighting back, you're having even more trouble, aren't you ?"
"None of your god damn bus-"
"You must feel so tormented... Having to quell all that painful bloodlust and anger..." He whispered. "I heard that stress is bad for humans. Why put yourself in such a miserable state ? Maybe you should let it out from time to time. I'd like to see that as well."
I wriggled free from his grasp and ran towards the opposite direction, my heart hammering in my chest.
"Hey, no need to run away ! I'm trying to help !" He called after me in an eerie voice.
"What..." I clutched my chest in pain.
Damn it, damn it !
I can feel Voice coming out...
"What the hell did you do to me ?"
"Me ? Oh, just manipulated your emotions to make you less guarded and more relaxed. What's with the displeased facial expression ? I'm just trying to help you."
"This- This isn't helpin' !" I choked.
"She can't come out. She can't! Why would you even do this ?!"
"Because it's entertaining ! I want to see your potential as a demon ! And perhaps, you'll be more reasonable and join our side-"
"Like hell I will !" I shouted, reaching for his neck.
Aclahayr blocked my hand with ease, his face creasing into a crazy smile.
"Shut the fuck up ! No way I will work with you idiotic pieces of horse shit ! You all gave me a sense of false hope."
"What false sense of-"
"I thought you were goin' to kill that stupid jackass !"
"You hate your father that much ?" Aclahayr asked in disbelieve.
"But no ! You threatened my family instead ! I'll gladly go to Hell. ***BUT ONLY TO SHOVE A KNIFE DOWN ROBERT'S THROAT AND THROW HIS CARCASS IN YOUR MASTER'S FACE !***"
"Hm... That's a shame. Also very detailed. Well, I guess I have no choice, then."
"No choice- ?"
Aclahayr pushed me on the ground and stepped his foot on my chest.
I can't...
I can't breathe.
"Did you know... in terms of raw strength, I am the weakest of the Twenty Chaos ?" He laughed in triumph. "I am an Intellect Hell Demon, you see... That means I specialise in mental and mind abilities. Brawn and power is not a good match for me."
"Arghhh..." I let out a muffled cry, feeling my breathing rate become slower.
"But did you know, in Hell, an intellect demon is rare ?" He continued. "That's why I serve as a strategist. If one kick from me is enough to make you fall..."
He leaned down and stared at my eyes, and I recoiled slightly at his rotting breath.
"What makes you think you're able to kill your father ? I came here to see your potential and power. You have great strength within you, but you don't know how to control it. That's what makes you weak. If you refuse to bring out that disease of yours... That's fine, I guess. But I'm still going to test your strength, ready ?"
He was more monstrous than anything I've faced.
His words alone were enough for me to see the harsh reality...
Enough for me to know that this fight was hopeless.
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[Kana]
"Kana ! Where are you ?" Alex's voice echoed faintly through the woods. "I'm really sorry about what I said. I didn't mean to blurt out.. You've been gone for about half an hour ! We were all worried !"
"Kana ?" Alex's voice got closer.
Alex popped up behind the bushes.
"Kana ? Kana- OH MY GOD KANA !"
"Ugh." I moaned weakly.
My hair was a bloodstained mess, and the grass beneath me was soaked with a puddle of crimson.
Every time I take a breath, my chest shuddered in pain.
Pretty sure my ribs are fractured or broken.
"Y-you're alive ? Oh, thank God. What happened ? Who did this ?"
I let out an agonising cry as Alex propped my head up on his lap.
As my mind drifted off into unconsciousness, I asked myself.
If I die now... does that mean they're going to kill my family, too ?
Did I fail their stupid tests ?
I wonder how they're doing...
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A prison in Oklahoma // Location unknown
[Erika]
"Who's that ?" I heard inmates whispering among themselves.
I sighed and ruffled my hair.
Bunch of idiots.
"Oh ! I almost didn't recognise her !" an inmate with purple hair snorted. "Y'know that psycho girl who killed off several organisations, and escaped a high security prison 6 months ago ? Apparently, her siblings were suspected and arrested, but she was caught and confessed to her crimes ! She was found guilty, but some people think she's innocent, and was just protecting her siblings. Koroshi ! That was her name. That's her !"
Several inmates turned their attention to me, glancing me up and down.
"She's Koroshi's sister-"
I grabbed the talking inmate by the throat and slammed her back against the cell wall.
Black cracks forked outwards through the cement.
"W-what- What did I do-"
"Shut up and listen. I cut all ties with that impudent brat years ago. The only reason why I am stuck here is because of my father. He's the leader of an organisation, so the police thought it was a good idea to keep me locked up. I've never done anything illegal, much less killed anyone."
I studied the stain of dark red blood trickling down her neck.
"My name is Erika Takahashi. Don't you dare refer me as 'Koroshi's sister'. Got it ?"
"When someone asks you a question, you answer. ***I. Said. Got it ?***"
"Y-yes ! I got it, now let go of me !"
I released her and she gasped for air, collapsing to the ground as a heap.
"Erika !" Someone called.
"Yeah ?" I hummed.
"How many times have I told you not to lash out on people ?" Isabel sighed. "You're lucky the guards here are lazy as fuck. You would've been sent to solitary-"
"Hey, hey. It's fine." I soothed and hugged my girlfriend. "I would've been-"
"You look more tired than usual. Are you okay ?" Isabel caressed my cheeks gently.
"Awe, are you concerned for me ?" I smiled. "Izzy, you're such a worrywart. Of course I'm alright. Come on, give your girlfriend a kiss."
Isabel looked at me with an unreadable expression.
"Wow. You really left me hanging like that." I pouted.
"Don't wave it off like that, Erika. I'm actually worried about you. Your hatred towards your- I mean Koroshi is getting unhealthy."
"I thought you disliked her ?"
"Well, that's true... But I'm more concerned for you."
"Thanks, Izzy..." I kissed her forehead lightly. "But I really am fine ! I'm just tired. I'm sorry for making you worried. You've never told me why you dislike her ? I'm curious."
"Well, she killed many people, right ? That's pretty despicable, if you ask me..." Isabel mumbled.
"Fair enough. That was a stupid question." I chuckled. "I'm going to take a nap. Don't miss me too much."
[Isabel]
My name is Isabel Alders.
One night, after spending time with my girlfriend, I came back home.
Only to find my father's gang abolished by only one person...
And my sister and I were the only survivors.
...But that was only because she left us live.
My sister and I vowed to avenge our friends and family.
So after the massacre, we sacrificed our time and energy gathering information about the Takahashi gang.
But what really surprised me...
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One year after the massacre // Alder's mansion
[Isabel]
"Jackpot !" Alice cheered and clapped her hands. "I found good information, Izzy !"
"Yeah ?" I dragged my chair next to hers.
"Yeah ! The killer is a teenager named Koroshi. She's from the Takahashi gang. She as adopted by her grandparents, but the leader, Ethan Takahashi, takes care of her as well. She has two maternal half siblings... Magnus and Erika Takahashi."
That heartless murderer...
That cold-blooded monster...
Was the sister of my girlfriend, Erika Takahashi.
"We can definitely use this ! Let's take them as hostages, and-"
"NO !" I blurted out. "No. Let's not harm people who aren't involved..."
"What are you hiding from me ?" Alice asked, her blue eyes piercing into my soul.
"Nothing. I'll tell you later, okay ? Don't do anything, I need to call someone."
I walked into an empty room and dialled Erika's number.
"Damn it, pick up !" I pleaded.
A video played on my phone unexpectedly.
W-what ?
What happened ?
Erika and Magnus Takahashi arrested... for killing the Alder's gang ?
What the hell ?
That's not right...
This is wrong !
Evidence from an anonymous-
Who ?
Another survivor ?
But that's impossible... only Alice and I survived.
I rushed back to my sister's bedroom and kicked open the door.
"Alice, did you-"
"What the hell is this ?" Alice shouted in frustration, pointing at her laptop screen, which was playing the same video.
"Who did this ?"
"I don't know..."
Alice was shocked and furious.
Our... I mean her plan for revenge was in shreds.
Of course, I was startled as well.
But that was for a different reason.
I told my sister that perhaps this was fate.
Instead of sacrificing our energy grasping for revenge, maybe we should focus on a better future.
But of course, she stubbornly refused and left my side.
I was alone and scared
So, in a desperate state, I turned myself in to the police for the illegal crimes I've committed in the past.
Only to see Erika once again.
I was unlucky.
I met her instead.
Her physical appearance had changed drastically.
Her charcoal hair was replaced with a warm, chestnut colour.
And her eyes...
Did she wear contacts before ?
I remember staring deep into cold, calculating white eyes.
Now they were brownish red; still glacial and intelligent, but lit with life and determination.
She looked... kinder, for some reason.
I know I didn't seek revenge anymore...
But that didn't change the fact that her existence made my blood boil.
But once again, I was humiliated.
By the time I woke up, she was gone.
I was transferred.
I was transferred to the same prison Erika was in.
I was glad that she was here, but she was a little different.
She seemed more tired and angry than before.
She dyed her hair light blue.
But I didn't care, it had been more than 2 years since I've seen her.
Even prison felt like home.
I decided to let go of my contempt.
Because if I had the energy to clutch onto hate, I would rather spend it on loving someone.
I could only hope that Alice felt the same...
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Somewhere in Oklahoma // Probably in the middle of the desert...
[Magnus]
"Alright, everyone. Thank you for all your hard work for today. For once in my life, I am going out. I'm probably not going to return for a week, at the most. Consider this a long break. You're free to do whatever you want. But if you touch any of my beer, whiskey, wine, and sake in my office, I am killing all of you."
"Boss ! What about your-"
"All alcohol from my office is off limits."
"DAMN IT !"
"Dismissed." I waved my crew off with a smile.
"Hey, Boss ?" Alice ran up to me.
"What ?"
"Where are you going ?"
"None of your business. Don't follow me. I respect your wishes, so respect mine. That's an order."
"Just give up." I heard one of my crew telling Alice. "He hasn't forget Nicholas."
"I didn't came here for Magnus." Alice sent me a chilling smile.
"***I came here for Koroshi.***"
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I knocked on the door and waited patiently.
The door creaked open slowly and an old man peeked his head out.
"Hi Ji-"
The door was slammed shut in my face.
"Jiji, I swear it's me."
"Name something stupid you did in your childhood."
"Jiji, come on-"
"No."
"... I ate your daifuku mochi and blamed it on a dog. Even though we don't own a dog."
The door swung open and Jiji grinned cheerfully, "Oh, it is you."
"Was that really necessary ?" I huffed.
"It wouldn't, if you actually visited from time to time. What happened to the police officers patrolling our house ?"
"I blew them up." I said off-handedly.
"Wow, it really is you !"
"Stop, Jiji." I sighed and pushed past him.
I sat down on the sofa and felt two pairs of eyes staring at me.
"Baba ? Jiji ?"
"It's been 2 years. You've changed. You seem more responsible and less immature." Baba commented.
"Maybe because I took over Dad's business after he retired."
"Your physical appearance, however-" Baba giggled. "Your feet aren't even touching the ground !"
Why does my family enjoy making fun of my height ?
"Daisuke may seem like that, but we're both really happy to see you here, Magnus." Baba smiled. "You never visit."
"Maybe because the police are still looking for me."
"Exactly. Visiting means you're risking your life. So there must be something wrong, right ? You're free to tell me."
"I wanted to know if you knew something about Koroshi. You don't seem that worried about her."
Baba took a deep breath, "Robert visited 6 months ago. A day before Koroshi's escape, actually. He told us that she'll disappear for a while, but to not worry because she'll be fine. And you know that he isn't... normal."
"One more thing." I held up a finger. "I found something in Dad's office... And I wanted to ask you something."
"Do you really want to know ?"
"No." I answered truthfully.
"But this is for Koroshi."