《Envy’s Embrace》


 Sickle

    I jolted awake, my body drenched in a cold sweat, heart racing. The remnants of a haunting dream clung to my mind, tormenting me with flashes of a past I wished to forget. In my dream, I witnessed the devastation caused by Leviathan, the demon of envy, as it laid waste to my village. The buildings crumbled, consumed by flames, and the anguished cries of my family echoed in my ears. I watched helplessly as they fell, their lives stolen away by the dark force that possessed me.


    I saw myself in that dream, my body twisted and distorted by the malevolent energy coursing through me. My family, innocent and unsuspecting, had fallen victim to the chaos. Their faces haunted me, etched in my mind like an indelible mark of grief. I could still see the fear in my mother''s eyes, the pain in my father''s voice as he tried to protect us. And the fear in the eyes of the village priest, the only one who dared to stand against Leviathan, haunted me. Even his faith faltered, and he abandoned me to bear the weight of the demon''s rage alone.


    As I sat up in bed, gasping for breath, the weight of guilt and sorrow settled heavy upon me. I knew the truth¡ªI was responsible for the destruction that had befallen my village. I couldn''t escape the past, nor could I undo what had been done. But I could control how I faced the future and the darkness within me.


    Leviathan''s presence still lingered within me, a constant reminder of the demon''s hold on my soul. Instead of fighting against it, I made an unexpected choice¡ªI accepted Leviathan as a part of myself. I knew that only by acknowledging the darkness within could I hope to control it, to harness its power without losing myself.


    As I stare at the mirror, Leviathan''s hissing voice slithered through my mind, a sinister melody designed to tempt and corrupt. "You cannot deny who you truly are, Noctis," it taunted. "Embrace the darkness, and together, we shall conquer all."


    I clenched my teeth, my voice firm and unwavering as I faced the malevolent presence within me. "I am not defined by the darkness that dwells within, Leviathan. I choose to harness its power, but I refuse to be consumed by it. My purpose is to protect those who cannot protect themselves."


    Leviathan responded with a cruel laughter that reverberated within my thoughts, laced with mockery and disdain. "Protect them? How noble of you, little mortal. But mark my words, the darkness will always find a way to break free. It is only a matter of time before you succumb. Do not forget, Nox: I am the embodiment of envy, The darkness that is etched in to your very being, I am your sin."


    As laughter echoed through the chamber, a surge of frustration overtook me. I couldn''t bear the condescending amusement of Leviathan any longer. In a burst of anger, my fist collided with the mirror, shattering it into countless shards that scattered across the floor.


    Gazing at the broken mirror, an unsettling chill crept up my spine. Amidst the shattered fragments, I caught sight of a faint silhouette of a dragon lurking behind me. It was just a shadow, obscure yet hauntingly present.


    Fixated on the broken mirror, my eyes narrowed, and a bitter smile formed on my lips. There was no room for hope or optimism within me. The reflection of the dragon, mirroring the eyes of Leviathan, served as a stark reminder of the battles that lay ahead, both external and within myself.


    The realization hit me like a crashing wave - I was entangled in a relentless struggle against my own darkness. The presence of Leviathan, the dragon, in the reflection taunted me, a constant reminder of the weight of my destiny. There was no escaping it, no easy way out. The reality of my situation weighed heavily upon my shoulders.


    With a silent vow, I made up my mind. I wouldn''t allow the haunting reflection or the eyes of Leviathan to sway me. Instead, I would embrace the darkness that resided within me.


    Turning away from the broken mirror, I left behind the shattered fragments. The path ahead would be treacherous, filled with uncertainty and sacrifice. But I refused to be consumed by despair. I would face it head-on, unyielding, guided by my own strength and determination.


    And so, as the echoes of Leviathan''s laughter faded into the distance, I took a resolute step forward. My heart burned with grim determination. The broken mirror and its haunting reflections were left behind, as I embraced my destiny as both the bearer of darkness and the beacon of hope for our world. Yes, for I need to shoulder this, this darkness as an atonement for my past, my sin. I said as I closed my eyes and succumb to sleep.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I woke up feeling tired and drained, the remnants of a haunting dream and of what I saw last night lingering in my mind. As I slowly got out of bed, the weight of the world seemed to settle upon my shoulders. Today was another day at Elysium Academy, the prestigious school that should have been filled with opportunities and camaraderie, but for me, it only brought feelings of isolation and rejection.


    Elysium Academy was renowned for its academic excellence and strict social hierarchy. It was a place where status and reputation defined one''s worth, leaving little room for individuality or acceptance. As an introverted individual with unconventional interests, I found myself constantly outcasted and shunned by my peers.


    As I prepared for school, my reflection in the broken mirror seemed to reflect my inner turmoil. My eyes, once filled with spark and curiosity, now held a hollow emptiness. Summoning the motivation to face another day of judgment and exclusion was a struggle.


    Leviathan, the demon residing within me, sensed my vulnerability and seized the opportunity to torment me further. Its voice echoed in my mind, whispering dark thoughts and planting seeds of doubt. "You''re worthless. They''ll never understand you. You''ll always be alone." Each word dripped with malice, amplifying my feelings of despair.


    Taking a deep breath, I mustered whatever strength I had left and repeated to myself, "I am more than their judgment. I won''t let them define me." It was a small affirmation, a glimmer of defiance against the forces that sought to break me.


    Leviathan''s voice grew louder, taunting me with its persistent presence. "You cannot escape me. I am a part of you, even until now, I can feel your envy towards everyone else," it sneered. I clenched my fist and I replied, "Maybe you''re a part of me, but I am in control. I won''t let you consume me."


    Sitting on my chair in the very back of the class, I observed the room filled with students engrossed in their cliques and social circles. It was a constant reminder of my outsider status. The teacher''s words became background noise as I tried to shield myself from the judgmental gazes and whispers that seemed to follow me wherever I went.


    But the end of the class brought a different kind of torment, one that I had become sadly accustomed to. As the final bell rang, a group of my classmates approached me with malicious grins on their faces. They dragged me away, their laughter echoing in my ears, drowning out any semblance of hope.


    No words were spoken as I became their unwilling punching bag. The pain was excruciating, both physical and emotional, but I remained silent. Their taunts and jeers were like daggers to my already wounded spirit, but I refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me broken.


    The sound of their laughter pierced through the haze of pain, a cruel symphony that echoed in the empty corridors. They mocked me for my weakness, for my inability to fight back. Their words were filled with venom, their actions fueled by a twisted desire for power and dominance.


    But as they continued their assault, I couldn''t help but feel a sense of detachment. Their blows landed, and my body ached, but their cruelty only served to strengthen my resolve. I knew deep down that retaliating with violence would only perpetuate the cycle of darkness. I had to rise above their hate, even if it meant enduring their blows in silence.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Leviathan, sensing my internal struggle, sneered and laughed at me. Its voice echoed through my mind, taunting me for my perceived weakness. "Look at you, bleeding and broken. You have the power to destroy them, yet you choose to remain passive. How pathetic." Its laughter reverberated, filling me with a bitter mix of shame and defiance.


    But I refused to engage with Leviathan''s cruel words. I knew that true strength lay not in physical dominance, but in the ability to resist the urge to succumb to darkness. So, I sat against the wall, my back pressed against the cold surface, blood trickling down my face.


    I looked up at the ceiling, I could only let out a dry laugh. I stood up, and gathered my things that was scattered around. Some were torn and others were crumpled.


    With each labored breath, I made my way through the school gate where everyone only looked at me with pity but never offered help. Even the guards who stood by the entrance, didn¡¯t even bother to look at me.


    I strolled down the familiar street, taking in the mundane sights of the houses and trees that I had grown accustomed to. The path ahead was dimly lit, with only a few flickering lights from the lampposts. Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard a cold and amused voice echo in my mind. "It seems like we''re being watched," Leviathan remarked. Letting out a sigh, I inquired, "Is it them again?" Leviathan replied, "No, this presence feels different."


    Curiosity piqued, I searched the surroundings, but there was no one in sight. The street remained desolate, illuminated by the intermittent glow of the lampposts. Before I could protest, Leviathan''s voice urgently warned, "Duck!" Reacting instinctively, I followed his command. Just in time, I narrowly avoided a swinging sickle that had been aimed at me. A man materialized behind me, clad in a white robe adorned with a cross. He coldly declared, "I had thought I erased my presence entirely. You must have a remarkable dweller." Gripping the sickle, he wasted no time in launching another attack towards me.


    With a desperate leap backward, I managed to evade the deadly strike, though not without sustaining injuries. My thigh bore a deep gash, and the pain sent a piercing scream through my body. Gasping for breath, I demanded answers, "Who are you? Why are you doing this?!" Striding closer with a sinister smile, the man introduced himself as Victor, a battle priest. He explained his cruel intentions, "I am here to exorcise the entity that dwells within you. And the easiest way to achieve that is by eliminating its vessel, which is you."


    Victor''s delight was evident as he clutched my hair, dragging me towards an empty space. His sadistic words filled the air, "Now, shall we continue?" With a forceful blow to my stomach, I convulsed in pain, coughing up blood. He then flung me against a wall, causing me to lose consciousness.


    Victor let out a relieved breath as he approached the unconscious Noctis. Raising his sickle, he murmured, "Oh divine powers, hear my plea,


    In this realm of fantasy.


    Grant me strength to face the dark,


    And banish evil with a spark.


    By the name of ancient lore,


    I call upon your sacred core.


    With sword in hand and heart ablaze,


    I command the demons to disperse and haze.


    May your light shine bright and true,


    As I fight the battles that ensue.


    Protect me with your heavenly might,


    And guide me through the darkest night.


    In this realm of magic and might,


    I stand against the forces of blight.


    For in your name, I shall prevail,


    And send the darkness back to its hell.


    Amen." As he finished his prayers a smile crept on his face, as he prepared to bring down the sickle upon Noctis'' vulnerable throat.


    However, before the sickle could make contact, an eerie, sinister laughter emanated from Noctis. The sound sent shivers down Victor''s spine, causing even a battle priest like him to tremble. Instinctively, he recoiled, creating distance between himself and Noctis, or rather, the entity now in control of Noctis'' body. "Thank you for rendering him unconscious," the being spoke, its voice dripping with malevolence.


    Standing up, the being revealed its wounds had mysteriously healed. Not a single trace of the cut on its thigh could be seen. It directed a chilling smile at Victor, intensifying the unease that had settled within him. His body sent warning signals, urging him to recognize the imminent danger.


    Victor''s heart pounded in his chest as he took in the scene before him. The once defenseless Noctis now stood upright, his wounds miraculously healed, and a haunting smile gracing his face. The air around them seemed to grow heavy with an eerie presence, as if the very essence of darkness had taken hold of Noctis'' body.


    Fear gripped Victor''s every fiber as he struggled to comprehend the situation. How could this be happening? Noctis was just a mere mortal, no match for his battle prowess. Yet here he stood, transformed into a vessel for something far more sinister, something beyond Victor''s comprehension.


    As he stared into the eyes of the being that now occupied Noctis'' body, Victor could feel an overwhelming sense of malevolence emanating from its very core. It was as if he stood in the presence of pure evil itself. The warning signs from his body grew stronger, urging him to flee, to escape this impending danger.


    But Victor was no ordinary battle priest. He had faced countless adversaries, both human and supernatural, in his quest to destroy all the vessels. With a deep breath, he summoned his courage and prepared himself for the battle that lay ahead.


    Keeping a cautious distance, Victor scanned his surroundings, searching for any advantage he could find. The being, still wearing Noctis'' face like a twisted mask, seemed to revel in the fear and uncertainty that plagued Victor''s mind. Its laughter echoed through the air, each note sending shivers down his spine.


    Drawing on his years of training and experience, Victor began to formulate a plan. He knew that brute force alone would not be enough to defeat such an otherworldly entity.


    Victor''s mind raced as he tried to process the situation, his heart pounding in his chest. The choice to run had seemed like the best option at the time, but now he found himself back in the very place he had just escaped from. Panic surged through his veins as he struggled to catch his breath.


    Suddenly, a voice echoed behind him, sending chills down his spine. He turned, only to find a young man''s hand gripping his neck tightly. The grip was suffocating, and Victor felt himself being thrown back, his body crashing onto the hard ground. Gasping for air, he scrambled to get up, his eyes widening in terror as he saw Noctis approaching him with a sinister smile on his face.


    "No hard feelings, it''s just work," Noctis said, his voice dripping with a twisted amusement. Victor''s mind reeled, unable to comprehend the transformation that had taken place. The once familiar face now held an aura of darkness, a malevolence that sent shivers down his spine.


    Fear gripped Victor''s every fiber as he mustered the courage to speak. "Wh... what are you!?" he stammered, his voice trembling with a mix of confusion and terror. No longer the fearless battle priest, he felt a wave of vulnerability wash over him.


    Noctis paused, his eyes narrowing as he stopped just inches away from Victor. A moment of silence hung in the air before he finally spoke, his voice laced with a chilling intensity. "Leviathan," he whispered, his words sending a chill down Victor''s spine. Before he could react, Noctis clenched his hand tightly, crushing Victor''s heart with a cruel grip.


    As darkness closed in around him, Victor''s last thoughts were filled with regret and unanswered questions. What had happened to Noctis? How had he become a vessel for such a malevolent force? The answers remained elusive, lost in the void as Victor''s life slipped away.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    In the shadows, a woman clad in attire similar to Victor''s observed the intense battle between Victor and Noctis. Her siren brown eyes scanned the scene, unable to hear their words but keenly aware of the gravity of the situation. As her gaze locked with Noctis'', she couldn''t help but shudder, sensing the immense power of the being that possessed him. A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead, she bit her lips before she silently retreated.


    Moments later, the woman retrieved her phone and dialed a number. After a few rings, a male voice answered on the other line. "What is it, Deborah?" the voice inquired, a hint of authority in his tone. Deborah took a deep breath, composing herself before responding. "Zemo, Victor is dead, he was killed by a vessel." she revealed, the weight of her words hanging in the air.


    There was a brief pause, Zemo processing the information on the other end of the line. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with a mix of concern and determination. "I see... fall back for now and return to base," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. Deborah acknowledged his orders with a firm "Yes, Zemo," before ending the call.

 Garden

    I opened my eyes and surveyed my surroundings, realizing that I had awoken in an unfamiliar place. The room was filled with flickering candles, casting an eerie glow on the floor. My attention was drawn to the talisman papers or ofuda, inscribed with blood, scattered all around. As I attempted to stand up, I discovered my body covered in these talismans, rendering me immobile. A sudden wave of excruciating pain shot through my head, causing me to groan in agony.


    Memories of the events leading up to my loss of consciousness flooded my mind, causing my face to pale and beads of sweat to form on my forehead. I struggled to calm myself down and closed my eyes, seeking solace.


    "Leviathan, are you there?" I called out to my inner voice, hoping for a response. However, there was only silence, no sign of Leviathan''s presence. Growing more anxious, I posed another question, "Leviathan, what did you do after I lost consciousness?" The memories of the previous night flooded back, revealing the actions taken by Leviathan when he took control of my body.


    After Leviathan, who had possessed Noctis'' body, mercilessly killed Victor, a sinister smile crept across his face. His laughter soon faded, and he became aware of the numerous onlookers in the vicinity. His gaze fixated on a woman who observed him from a distance before she turned and walked away, instantly losing his interest.


    "You can come out now," Leviathan called out, his voice laced with arrogance.  With measured steps, a man approached, holding a fan with a regal air about him. Donned in a flowing dark blue haori, his silver hair cascaded like liquid moonlight, framing his captivating face. His piercing turquoise eyes seemed to hold the secrets of the universe, captivating all who dared to meet his gaze. In a word, he was breathtaking.


    The man approached Leviathan with measured steps, his fan held aloft. With a flick of his wrist, he struck his own face, the fan connecting with a resounding crack. The wind stirred, causing his silver locks to dance in the gusts of his own power. As the wind subsided, he spoke with an ethereal voice, "My... he really is dead." A smile played upon his lips, an enigmatic expression that hinted at a deeper understanding of the situation. His turquoise eyes locked with Leviathan''s, their gaze revealing a silent battle of wills.


    Sensing danger, Leviathan lunged forward, his intent to seize the man evident. But the man was prepared, his movements deft and swift. With a flourish of his fan, he summoned a powerful gust of wind, sending Leviathan hurtling backward. As Leviathan struggled to regain his footing, the man seized the opportunity and swiftly threw a talisman paper in his direction. The air crackled with an otherworldly energy, and the word "Neru (sleep)" left the man''s lips.


    The talisman paper glowed with an intense light, forming a star-shaped emblem. Leviathan''s body convulsed, his eyes fluttering shut as he succumbed to the enchantment. In that moment, he fell into a deep slumber, relinquishing his control over Noctis'' body.


    As Leviathan revealed the events of the previous night, I couldn''t conceal my shock and fear at the realization that Leviathan had used my body to take another person''s life, and that someone possessed the ability to wield magic. Just as I was about to address Leviathan, the door swung open, and before me stood a man holding a fan and clad in a haori. Strangely enough, he bore a striking resemblance to the man who had defeated Leviathan, except for the difference in eye color. The man in my memory had possessed turquoise eyes, whereas this man standing before me had deep brown eyes.


    "Yo! How are you?" he greeted me casually. "And who might you be?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. With a nonchalant expression, he replied, "Hmm? Before that..." As he removed the talisman from my body, he continued, "I''m Haruki Seimi, and I am your savior. Now, bow down before me!" His words were delivered in a pompous tone, leaving me utterly dumbfounded.


    Slowly, I sat up on the bed, regaining control of my own body. "Thank you, I¡¯m Noctis Duskvale" I murmured hesitantly, introducing myself, avoiding eye contact with this self-proclaimed savior. "Hmm? Your gratitude seems insincere Noctis, but I''ll accept it," he remarked, noticing my avoidance. "No, it''s because you claimed to be my savior, yet your eyes are different from the person who saved me yesterday," I explained. At that, Seimi raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a small smile. "Oh? I see. Your dweller must have shown you what transpired last night," he mused. Closing his eyes momentarily, he then uttered, "Abe no Seimei, look at me." His aura shifted, and as he reopened his eyes, his dark brown irises transformed into a captivating shade of turquoise. "Are you referring to this?" Seimi asked, his smile widening. His carefree demeanor had now been replaced by the presence of someone with authority.


    My eyes widened in astonishment as Seimi revealed his transformation, changing his eyes from dark brown to a mesmerizing turquoise. "Abe no Seimei?" I whispered, and he nodded in confirmation. "You don''t think you''re the only one who has accepted an entity, do you? In this state we are one. Seimi and I share the same mind" he remarked, walking towards the door. "Come, I will explain everything to you."


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    I rose from my seat and followed him, stepping through the door into a breathtaking sight. The floor, crafted from polished hardwood, showcased the intricate grains of the wood, exuding elegance. Adorning the walls were traditional Japanese shoji screens, allowing soft, diffused light to permeate and creating a serene ambiance.


    As we continued down the hallway, I couldn''t help but admire the intricate wooden panels on each side. Elaborate carvings depicted scenes from nature, such as cherry blossoms, bamboo forests, and tranquil landscapes. These panels not only showcased artistry but also provided a sense of privacy and seclusion.


    Further along, I noticed a series of low, wooden platforms, each adorned with a meticulously placed bonsai tree or a Zen garden, adding a touch of tranquility to the atmosphere.


    The ceiling boasted exposed wooden beams, lending a rustic charm and enhancing the warmth of the hallway. Soft, ambient lighting hung from these beams, casting a gentle glow throughout the space.


    Lost in the beauty of the surroundings, Seimei interrupted my thoughts. "It''s beautiful, isn''t it? This is Y¨±gen Garden. I built this place¡ªa dormitory for people like us."


    He led me to an open area, where a majestic cherry blossom tree stood. Seimi gazed at it for a moment before turning to me and saying, "Before I explain everything, I want to hear your questions first." Taking the opportunity, I inquired about his actions the previous night during the attack, whether he was involved, and the meaning of the word "vessel."


    "To answer your first question, it was merely a coincidence," he replied, noticing my perplexed expression. Seimei sighed and continued, "Seimi has always been blessed with good luck, loved by the stars. Even when I was once the most powerful onmyoji, such fortune eluded me. That night, Seimi was wandering around as usual when I sensed a spirit. It was then that I witnessed your body being possessed by your entity." He looked at me intently and asked, "Does that answer your first question?" I let out a sigh, acknowledging his response. "Though it''s not entirely satisfying, I appreciate your efforts in saving me," I replied. A smile appeared on his face before he proceeded, "Now, regarding your second question, I will explain what a vessel truly means."


    "Have you heard of spirit possession?" he asked, and I nodded in response. "Possession is an extraordinary state of consciousness where a human body is purportedly controlled by spirits, ghosts, demons, or other spiritual entities. Normally, our bodies reject them, leading to battles akin to a tug of war. Sometimes we prevail, and other times we succumb. In my past, I have encountered numerous cases like this, where I had to perform exorcisms. I managed to save most, but not all." Seimi paused briefly before continuing, "However, there are special cases where we willingly accept and coexist with these entities, allowing them to dwell within us. We become one being, yet with two distinct souls¡ªan existence known as a vessel."


    Vessel," I murmured, addressing Seimi, or rather Abe no Seimei, who now inhabited Seimi''s body. "Yesterday, the battle priest also referred to me as that. But how did he know about the entity within me?" A chill ran down my spine as I recalled the events of the previous night.


    "Yes, that''s because they possess a sixth sense," Seimei explained calmly. "They have the ability to perceive the auras and souls of others. And now that your entity has taken the life of a battle priest, they will come after you. But it''s not just them you should be concerned about." I inquired further, seeking clarification.


    "Battle priests, individuals with enhanced physical abilities and a heightened sixth sense, are blessed by their commander, the heroes," Seimei continued. "Unlike you or Seimi, who are vessels, forced to borrow power from the entity residing within, heroes are born with innate superhuman abilities and are beloved by the spirits." Seimei locked eyes with me and offered a solution.


    "Noctis, what you need now is a safe haven. A place where you can master and control the power within you. You may have accepted it, but the entity within you does not acknowledge you. Y¨±gen Garden is the sanctuary where we can help you harness and channel the power of your entity. In the name of Abe no Seimei, I vow to protect you at any cost. What say you, Noctis?"


    As he spoke those words, a surge of gratitude and happiness washed over me. With a smile, I responded,


    "No."


    "Eh?"


    "Eh?"


    Seimei''s surprise was evident as he blinked twice, his turquoise eyes reverting to their original dark brown color.


    "No, no, no! Can''t you see the opportunity right in front of you? This is the moment you say yes and embark on an epic training arc! Where you will unlock your powers! And at the end of it all, we gather around and sing kumbaya!" Seimi exclaimed, shaking my shoulders. He continued, "Why would you decline Seimei''s invitation? Look, he was so shocked that he returned my body to me!"


    ¡°No, no, no. There won''t be any training arc or singing of Kumbaya. I appreciate your help in saving me, but I can''t simply trust you so easily. I still have a home to return to,"  I responded firmly.


    Seimi released his grip on my shoulders and let out a sigh. ¡°I understand, but you need to be cautious. The heroes and battle priests have their eyes on you.¡±


    ¡°I promise I''ll be careful,¡± I said assuring him.


    He nodded at me. Seimi then led me out through the majestic Torii gate. As I glanced back, the once beautiful gate transformed into a plain and neglected structure, and the place I had just left disappeared entirely.


    "This was an illusion, concealing Y¨±gen Garden. Seimei created it to protect us," Seimi explained when I asked about the disappearing place. I nodded in understanding and said, "Thank you for helping me. I will always remember this."


    He then asked, "Are you absolutely sure you don''t want to come to this place?"


    "Yes, I''m sorry," I replied, bowing to him and bidding farewell. He waved goodbye and returned to the other side of the Torii gate.

 Club and Gun

    "Please, there must be another way!" The man pleaded desperately with the two individuals who were forcefully pulling his daughter''s hair. "She''s just a child, I beg of you!"


    "Ugh, so annoyingly loud!" The woman clicked her tongue, pausing in her tracks to face the distressed father. "Eldric, I''m merely doing you a favor here. This ''thing'' is beyond saving. So why don''t you shut up and let us exorcise your so-called daughter?"


    "And by exorcising, you mean killing her?!"


    The woman laughed mockingly and drew her handgun. "I thought you were just a clueless man with deep pockets."


    "Dad, please help! It''s still me!" The girl cried out for assistance, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to break free from the man''s grip.


    "See! Can''t you hear her? She''s still there! I''m begging you!" The father pleaded, dropping to his knees upon hearing his daughter''s voice. "Don''t worry, Milia, Daddy is here. I won''t let you get hurt anymore," he whispered, taking a step toward them. But then, he heard a sinister laugh emanating from his daughter.


    "See? Your daughter is gone. Now, get lost!" The woman sneered, pointing her gun at Milia''s head. "Oh divine powers, hear my plea, in this realm of fantasy. Grant me the strength to face the darkness and banish evil with a spa¡ªugh! Too long! Amen!" With a loud bang that reverberated through the room, the father watched in horror as his daughter lay lifeless on the floor, her blood flowing from the hole in her head.


    "Ugh, I got blood on my clothes! I''ll need extra payment for this, won''t I, Josh?" The woman turned to the man beside her, who simply nodded.


    "We''re here to collect the payment for exorcising your daughter, old man. And I demand compensation for the inconvenience of getting blood on my beautiful clothes. Couldn''t she just die without making a mess? Disgusting."


    The old man couldn''t believe what he was hearing. He understood the words, but he couldn''t accept them. They had treated his daughter as if she meant nothing. Rage flushed his face, turning it scarlet. "You killed my daughter! Your payment will be your own deaths! You shall die by my hands, Camilla!" He called out to his men.


    Hundreds of his men flooded into the room, armed with various weapons. Just as they were about to attack the two intruders, a laugh echoed through the air, freezing them in their tracks. "Didn''t you just say ''you shall die by my hands''? And yet, you called for your men! Hahaha!" Camilla imitated Eldric''s own words, leaving him dumbfounded.


    Eldric clenched his fists and commanded, "Kill them."


    "Josh, annihilate them," Camilla ordered. In the blink of an eye, Josh, who had been a few feet away, now stood before the men. With a single swing of his fist, he sent seven of them crashing into the wall, their bones breaking, their lives extinguished. Shock and fear gripped the remaining men as they fired their guns at Josh, but their efforts were in vain. Bullets had no effect on him. What followed was a scene of pure terror.


    Eldric, too stunned to speak, bore witness to the massacre of his men by a single battle priest. And before him stood Camilla, formidable in her own right. The person he had just threatened to kill. "This is a battle priest. I shouldn''t have provoked them," he thought to himself, but it was too late. Far too late. Camilla was not known for her patience, and it was wearing thin with each passing moment.


    "Now then, will you please give me the money?" Camilla asked, her tone polite but her face betraying her true intentions.


    "Yes," Eldric answered fearfully, making his way to the safe and opening it.


    "Oh, this is nice! You see, old man, if only you had given us our payment from the start, this wouldn''t have happened," Camilla remarked, patting him on the back.


    "Does this mean I''m saved?"


    Just as Eldric was about to receive an answer, Camilla''s phone rang.


    "Yes?" There was a brief pause before Camilla responded again. "I see. Okay," she said before ending the call.


    Camilla''s face grew serious. Her phone received a message, and as she read it, a smile crept onto her lips. Then, she turned to Eldric. "Regarding your question, no. Goodbye."


    "Josh, Victor is dead. Deborah just called, and we''ve received a new mission," Camilla informed Josh, showing him the message on her phone after killing Eldric.


    ¡®Observe Noctis Duskvale¡¯


    "Roger," Josh replied, his expression unreadable.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Grandpa Philip, I''m finally home!" I exclaimed as I entered the house, only to be greeted by my grandfather''s firm smack on my head. "Where were you last night?!"


    Startled, I rubbed the spot where he hit me and stammered, "I-I was at my friend''s house."


    His expression softened as he smiled at me and patted my shoulder. But then, he suddenly pinched my ear, his voice filled with concern. "But what happened to your pants? Why are they ripped? And your mirror, why is it broken?!"


    My face turned pale, beads of sweat forming on my forehead. "I was just playing around and things got out of hand. As for the mirror, I accidentally broke it while sleepwalking last night."


    He looked at me, his worry evident in his eyes and voice. "Did you get hurt?"


    Avoiding his gaze, I lowered my head and replied, "No."


    Relief washed over his face. "I''m glad you''re safe. Go take a shower before we have dinner," he instructed, heading towards the kitchen.


    As I sat down for dinner, the warm glow of the dining room enveloped us. Grandpa Philip, with his wise eyes and gentle smile, broke the silence. "How''s school, Nox?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine concern.


    My grip tightened on the utensils, and I summoned a forced smile to mask my true emotions. "It''s alright, Grandpa. Actually, I''m having a blast. As I''ve mentioned before, I''ve made quite a few friends."


    He studied me for a brief moment, his gaze penetrating through my facade. "That''s good to hear," he said, his smile widening.


    As night descended upon the room, I settled into my chair, fixating my gaze upon the fractured mirror. "Leviathan, why did you say No?" I murmured, my voice tinged with curiosity.


    In response to my query, a mystical figure materialized within the mirror, a dragon standing ominously behind me. "That man poses a grave threat," it declared, its voice carrying a sense of urgency.


    "Abe no Seimei?" I questioned,


    Leviathan shook his head, "No, I can sense Abe no Seimei¡¯s great power, but he is not the one you should be worried."


    Perplexed, I pressed for further explanation, "What do you mean? Didn''t they rescue me? And Seimi has extraordinary luck. Without him, you would have surely consumed me by now!"


    "Believe as you wish Nox, but there¡¯s no such thing as luck or mere coincidence."


    With those cryptic words, Leviathan vanished from the mirror, leaving me to ponder the profound implications of its departure.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Yo, Noctis. Why didn''t you come to school yesterday? We were really worried, you know? So worried that I want to give you this!" A punch was thrown at me by one of my classmates as they surrounded me. And the next punch was thrown, and another one, until all of them were satisfied. "Phew! This is why we like to play with you. You just stand there like an idiot while you take all of our punches until you go down," said Bradley, a typical high school bully with blonde hair and a rich family. Basically, his parents own this school, and one day he too will run this school.


    Grandpa Philip and I could only scrape by with whatever means we had. If I tried to fight back against them, they would surely come after my family. I only got into this school because of my scholarship. That''s why, no matter what happens, I will endure this pain for my grandfather!


    "No, you''re just scared," Leviathan''s voice reverberated, mocking my resolve. She continued, "You''re too afraid to take action against them because you know, Nox, you know you can hurt them. You can break them.¡±


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Hey, look! Noctis is getting mad! Hahaha!" one of Bradley''s lackeys jeered as he saw my clenched fists. Anger and frustration burned in my eyes, and just as I was about to make a move, two figures stood there, smiling at me.


    Bradley and his gang followed my gaze, but when they looked, they saw nothing but an empty street. "Hahaha! This guy must be going crazy from all the punches!" Bradley mocked. "Here''s another one!" He threw another punch at me, but it didn''t matter anymore. I knew for sure that I saw two people standing there, wearing the same clothes that Victor had worn.


    Fear gripped my mind, and in a moment of clarity, I pushed Bradley away and ran as fast as I could.


    "Don''t touch me! Stop him! That guy is dead!" Bradley shouted at his lackeys, who tried to help him.


    "Bradley, we lost him. That guy is seriously fast."


    "You guys are seriously useless! Well, it doesn''t matter. We know where he lives. We can just wait for him to leave his house, and then we can kill him!" Bradley laughed, and his followers joined in, agreeing to his wicked plan. But their conversation was soon interrupted by a woman who spoke up, "Will you also let me in on that plan too?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Grandpa! Grandpa! Where are you?!¡± I called out to him, my voice filled with anxiety as I searched every corner of the house. After a few nerve-wracking minutes, he finally emerged from the basement, concern etched across his face.


    ¡°What''s wrong, Nox?¡± he asked, his voice laced with worry.


    ¡°We need to run away now!¡± I exclaimed, my words rushed and filled with urgency.


    His eyes widened in alarm. ¡°What do you mean? And what¡¯s wrong with your face? Who hurt you? Are you okay?¡± Concern etched lines on his face, momentarily soothing my distress. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯m okay. But more importantly, we need to leave now.¡±


    His brows furrowed in concern as he struggled to grasp the gravity of the situation. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of fear and curiosity.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to explain. Please, Grandpa, we need to lea¡ª-¡± My words hung when a  knock echoed through the room, interrupting my words. I stared at the door, sweat trickling down from my face, "I''ll go and check. That just maybe our neighbor. Stay here, Nox. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be careful." Grandpa¡¯s words held a tinge of caution and assurance as he cautiously made his way to the door, leaving me with a sense of tense lingering in the air.


    As I sat down to try to calm myself, when suddenly, Leviathan¡¯s reverberated in this quiet room, ¡°It¡¯s them.¡± My heart raced in fear as I immediately jumped up from my chair, and towards the door. "Don''t open it!" I screamed, but my warning came too late. The door was already halfway open.


    Through the narrow opening, I caught a glimpse of a man dressed in a white priest''s robe, smiling ominously. Then, without warning, the door was violently ripped open, splintering into pieces. "Good evening~" greeted the woman standing beside the man, wearing the same attire. "I''m Camilla, and this burly fellow next to me is Josh."


    Fear gripped me as I watched the scene unfold. My grandfather spoke up, his voice trembling, "W-what do you want?! Who are you!!?"


    Camilla responded, her tone filled with sinister delight, "We''re here to exorcise him." She extended her hand, revealing a menacing handgun, which she then pointed directly at me.


    Understanding the gravity of the situation, Grandpa Philip rushed towards me, his voice filled with urgency, "Noctis, run!"


    But before I could react, Camilla uttered a chilling command to Josh, "Nuh-uh. Josh, kill." In an instant, Josh retrieved a concealed object from behind his back, revealing a bloodstained club. With a sadistic grin, he lunged towards me, swinging the club with brutal force.


    Splat!


    The sickening sound filled the air, I found myself drenched in blood. I realized that only my grandfather''s feet remained, while his lifeless body had been mercilessly torn apart.


    I stared in horror as I watched the aftermath of what had been done to my grandfather, when my attention suddenly pulled towards the chilling laughter of a woman named Camilla. ¡°Kahahaha! That old man was so soft! He was torn apart with a single swing!¡± Her words echoed in my mind, igniting a mixture of fear and anger within me.


    ¡°What''s so funny?¡± I asked, my voice tinged with darkness as my heart raced from Camilla''s laughter, but more than that, I can feel Leviathan¡¯s anger resonating within me. Then something just snapped at me and the next thing I knew, a chilling words came out of my mouth,


    ¡°I''m going to kill you.¡±


    Noctis declared with a cold expression, advancing towards a man named Josh. He swung his club, but Noctis effortlessly caught it with his bare hand. Their eyes locked, instinctively, Josh quickly jumped in front of Camilla, assuming a protective stance.


    ¡°What are you doing?! Kill him too!¡± Camilla exclaimed in frustration, kicking Josh in the back. However, Josh remained unfazed, uttering only a single word: ''Danger.'' Camilla''s expression turned serious upon hearing Josh''s warning.


    Josh was like a machine, obediently following orders and able to speak only one word at a time. Nothing he said should ever be ignored.


    Noctis observed the pair, clicking his tongue before lunging at them. His punch was aimed at Josh and Camilla, but despite Josh''s attempt to block, Noctis''s immense strength shattered Josh''s club and sent them both flying.


    Noctis advanced slowly, repeatedly uttering the chilling words, ¡°I''m going to kill you,¡± with an empty expression.


    Josh assumed a defensive stance as Noctis threw a punch. But the strike was too swift for Josh''s eyes to follow, and although he tried to retaliate, Noctis effortlessly caught his fist. Without hesitation, Noctis tore Josh''s entire arm from his body and struck him with it.


    The impact was so powerful that even someone who has the ability of toughness and skilled as Josh, a battle priest, was nearly knocked unconscious. As he struggled to regain balance, Noctis prepared to strike him once more with his own arm.


    But just as Noctis was about to deliver the final blow, a single gunshot rang out, Bang! it echoed, grazing him from his cheek and freezing his movement.


    ¡°You had me worried there for a moment! And this is your power without even calling your dweller. What are you?¡± Camilla said, blowing the smoke from her handgun. ¡°But more importantly, you- uou messed up my clothes! I swear I''ll kill you for this!¡±


    Though Camilla was physically weaker than Josh, her speed had propelled her to become one of the high-ranking battle priests.


    Noctis couldn''t react in time to her lightning-fast movements, and before he could even blink, the gunshot had already been fired. It was as if she moved faster than the sound itself.


    Camilla targeted Noctis''s legs, knees, arms, shoulders, rendering him immobile and unable to escape. While she desired to kill him, she took pleasure in making her opponents suffer first. Once she was certain that Noctis could no longer move, she halted her advance and stood before him with a smirk on her face.


    In a swift and merciless move, Camilla delivered a powerful kick to Noctis'' gut, causing him to convulse in pain and spew forth crimson blood. A wicked grin spread across Camilla''s face as she glanced over her shoulder at Josh, who struggled to regain his balance. ¡°Try not to lose your arm so easily next time,¡± she taunted, nonchalantly kicking Josh''s fallen arm back towards him with her boot.


    ¡°You know, we were supposed to dispose of you swiftly and efficiently, but you just had to go and dirty this beautiful robe of mine!¡±, Camilla sneered, her voice dripping with venom. With a swift motion, she struck Noctis across the face with the butt of her handgun.


    Noctis, his voice trembling with grief and anguish, mustered the strength to speak through his battered and bloodied lips. ¡°You took away the only family I had left in this world, my grandfather! I swear, you will pay for that!¡± The pain coursing through his body paled in comparison to the agony of losing the one person who provided him solace and a sense of belonging.


    His eyes ablaze with fury, Noctis clenched his teeth and let out a primal scream of despair. Summoning every ounce of his remaining strength, he fought against the pain, his determination propelling him to rise once more.


    As Noctis struggled to stand, he caught sight of Josh, clutching his torn arm. It was as if a haunting memory or a deep-rooted trauma had resurfaced, causing Noctis to scream and cry in anguish. Emerging from his blind rage, he lamented, "No, no, no, I''ve done it again," his voice filled with pain.


    Camilla raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Hey, what are you doing?"


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to," Noctis repeated, his words punctuated by his tears.


    Camilla clicked her tongue, reloading her gun and aiming it at Noctis'' head. With an irritated expression, she remarked, "I don''t know what happened, but thank you for making this easy."


    "Pull that trigger, and your head will be sent flying," a woman''s voice interjected from behind Camilla.


    The woman had long brown hair that fell just below her shoulders, sharp cinnamon brown eyes, and thin lips. Her features were sharp, yet undeniably beautiful. With her sword pressed against Camilla''s neck, she issued a stern warning.


    Camilla glared at the woman and hissed, "Akaku."


    Camilla stepped away from Akaku and joined Josh''s side. "But what can you do? There''s only one of you. There are two people here, well, the other one is only half a person now."


    Akaku let out a sigh before sheathing her sword. "Did you really think I came here alone?"


    Upon hearing Akaku''s words, Josh and Camilla felt an overwhelming pressure building behind them. Beads of sweat formed on their foreheads as they slowly turned to face the source of the pressure.


    With a messy blonde hair and piercing scarlet eyes, a woman exuding an aura of pride and beauty emerged. "The King has arrived! Make way!" With those words, she struck her staff into the ground, causing it to split apart.


    Camilla, relying on her speed, managed to escape, but Josh couldn¡¯t react in time. "Stop making him lose body parts! He''s not a half person anymore, but one-fourth!" Camilla screamed, stomping her feet in frustration.


    "Leona, you''re late," Akaku remarked.


    "The King is on time when she says she''s on time," Leona replied with a smile.


    Akaku shook her head, bemused by Leona''s logic. She turned to Camilla and spoke in a cold voice, "Now, will you retreat, or do you want to die?"


    But before Camilla could respond, a footstep echoed through the air, and a woman emerged from the shadows. With pale white skin and long black hair, her siren eyes were adorned with long eyelashes. "That''s enough for now," she said.


    "Deborah," Leona greeted her with a smile, though her eyes showed a different story.


    "I''m not here for you, Leona. I''ve come for those two battle priests who disobeyed their orders," Deborah coldly stated, casting a disdainful gaze upon the two priests. "Zemo and the other heroes are waiting for you two."


    Camilla remained silent, simply nodding, and Josh did the same.


    "Before we depart, let me offer these parting words or perhaps a warning, Leona. I am now stronger than you," Deborah declared with a smile before snapping her delicate fingers and disappearing into thin air.


    "I see... So, you¡¯re underestimating now. Kahahaha!" Leona laughed, causing the ground beneath her to crack under her immense pressure. However, her attention was soon drawn to Akaku''s call.


    There, she saw Akaku with the young man lying on the ground. A young man with tousled, midnight-black hair with beautiful yet piercing azure eyes, crying and repeating the words "I''m sorry."


    "This is bad. If we don''t bring him back to the Y¨±gen Garden, he will lose his soul. Right now, he''s in a broken state. We must take him back there," Akaku explained, her gaze fixed on Noctis.


    "Isn''t this the guy who refused Abe no Seimei?" Leona questioned.


    "Yes, but Seimi also asked us to come to this place and find him. Right now, we need to bring him back," Akaku responded.


    "Interesting! To be able to refuse Abe no Seimei''s offer and catch Seimi''s attention, this young man is truly fascinating!" Leona proclaimed. "A king is someone who never forsakes her people!" With those words, Leona hoisted Noctis onto her back and sprinted back to their home, the Y¨±gen Garden.

 Candle

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    The air was heavy with tension as a deep baritone voice resonated through the dimly lit chamber, drawing everyone''s attention to the round table at its center. Camilla knelt upon the cold stone floor, beads of sweat trickling down her anxious face. She longed to lift her gaze, but the overwhelming presence of those who surrounded her forbade such an act.


    "Care to tell us, Camilla, why you chose to defy your assigned orders?" The question hung in the air, its weight matched only by the intensity of the scrutiny bearing down upon her.


    "I beg your pardon, Zemo," Camilla replied, her voice quivering with a mixture of fear and remorse. "We were unable to discern even the faintest trace of the entity that was said to have possessed the young boy. Because of this, we deemed it prudent to eliminate the him immediately."


    Laughter, at first jovial, suddenly took a menacing turn. "Hahaha! Yet, you were bested by this mere boy, without even the need to invoke his entity!" The voice that had joined the conversation belonged to someone who, despite their youthful tone, exuded an air of dominance. Rising abruptly from their seat, the figure approached Camilla, seizing her cheeks in a grip that was both chilling and forceful.


    Camilla''s eyes widened in terror as she beheld the young boy before her. His dark green hair mirrored the eerie shade of his forest-green eyes, an unsettling aura emanating from his very being. A disturbing smile graced his youthful features as he whispered sadistic words, incongruous with his tender age. "Perhaps I should consider removing your feet, just as they did to poor Josh?"


    In contrast to the boy, a man with tousled dark brown hair, piercing light brown eyes, and a sharply chiseled countenance approached Loki with an air of unwavering confidence. Fixing his gaze upon Loki, he calmly uttered, "That¡¯s enough, Loki."


    "Aww... why, Harisu?" Loki''s expression shifted to a pout, betraying his reluctance to let go.


    "The sound of her squealing is unbearable," Harisu exclaimed as he rose from his seat, approaching Loki, who had been gripping Camilla''s cheeks. "But we can still utilize her. Her speed remains an asset."


    Loki shot an annoyed glance at Harisu upon hearing those words. With his grip reluctantly releasing Camilla, muttered, "This is the last time that I will spare her."


    "Do not fret. The next time such a situation arises, I shall personally destroy her existence."


    With those ominous words, Harisu and Loki returned to their seats, instructing Camilla to provide a detailed account of what had transpired.


    Loki ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Argh! If only those two hadn''t exceeded their orders, none of this would have occurred. Now, Y¨±gen Garden is entangled in this mess!"


    Camilla flinched at Loki''s words.


    "Loki, I told you to cease that," Harisu reprimanded.


    "Tsk. I understand, Harisu," Loki replied, irritated. "No need to repeat yourself. Besides, why are there only three of us here? Zemo, care to explain?" Loki directed his inquiry to a man named Zemo, who possessed ashy grey eyes, a grey undercut hairstyle, and sharp, regal features.


    Zemo gazed at Loki, his eyes briefly closing before he responded, "Nine is currently on a mission, as are Aurora together with Ember. As for M, you know his tendencies. There''s no chance he''d join us willingly. General Astrid''s whereabouts remain unknown."


    "Ugh, they sent Aurora and Ember together on a mission? I''m relieved I didn''t accompany them."


    "Zemo, what''s our plan now? With Y¨±gen Garden involved, confronting them directly poses a considerable risk, especially with Seimi around and General Astrid missing."


    Ignoring Loki''s comment, Zemo addressed Harisu''s question, "Indeed, considering Y¨±gen Garden''s involvement and the potential challenges they present, it''s unwise to engage them head-on. We should adopt a strategic approach. Firstly, we must gather information on General Astrid''s location and develop a plan to locate her. She''s our best hope against Seimi. Furthermore, we should assess Y¨±gen Garden''s strengths and weaknesses to identify potential vulnerabilities. This new addition, Noctis Duskvale, remains an enigma. He''s already dispatched a battle priest and effortlessly disarmed another. His true capabilities are a mystery, which makes him dangerous."


    The two heroes nodded in agreement, acknowledging Zemo''s wisdom. With those nods, the meeting concluded.


    Zemo departed first, accompanied by Deborah, who followed him silently. Loki was the next to leave, skipping away with a visible excitement. Lastly, Harisu exited the room.


    As Camilla prepared to leave, she expressed gratitude, but Harisu responded with a cold, dismissive look. "Do not thank me. I saved you solely because you and Josh remain useful. If M were here, you''d be dead without hesitation."


    Camilla couldn''t raise her head with the words of Harisu for she knew that this was her last chance to redeem herself.


    Her face and eyes now aflame with anger. "If only Akaku hadn''t intervened... I swear I will be the one to kill you!" She swore to herself as blood dripped from her clenched fist.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Yo, Noctis,¡± a voice greeted me as I opened my eyes. The speaker smiled warmly and continued in a carefree manner, ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°S-Seimi¡­ my grandfather, he¡¯s de¡ª¡± I stuttered, my voice cracking as a tear trickled down my cheek. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to finish the sentence.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t comprehend what had come over me next. The next thing I knew, I witnessed the man who had taken my grandfather¡¯s life clutching his injured arm¡ªthe very arm that I had torn apart.¡±


    ¡°Hm? Perhaps your entity is responsible, just like what happened last time,¡± he suggested.


    ¡°No! It wasn¡¯t Leviathan. I¡¯m certain because I¡¯ve committed the same act before¡ª my sin, the reason Leviathan resides within me.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± he said, a subtle smile forming on his lips. ¡°Rest for now. I won¡¯t press you for details about your past. I know you¡¯re not ready yet, and I¡¯m not the kind of person who would force someone to reveal their history. I¡¯m still a sensitive and considerate person, you know? Take your time to recover, and when you feel better, come find me, alright?¡± He spoke with a cheerful tone.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Get some rest. Bye for now!¡± Seimi waved and left, closing the door behind him.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    I eavesdropped behind closed doors as the footsteps of Seimi became faintly but then it grew louder and more pronounced. Suddenly, a triumphant voice rang out, ¡°The King is here!¡±


    A woman abruptly burst into the room, her scarlet eyes gleaming with pride. ¡°Ah, I see you''re awake! Come now, you must meet the others! Kahahaha!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± I protested.


    "I shall not! The King does not wait! Kahahaha!" she declared, forcefully dragging me out of bed and leading me to an open field. There, my eyes met three intriguing figures. Two faced each other, swords drawn, while the third observed with arms folded.


    ¡°Akaku, we''ve arrived!¡± Leona, the enigmatic woman, announced to the brown-haired figure named Akaku, who stood on the sidelines.


    ¡°Thank you, Leona,¡± Akaku replied nonchalantly, her attention fixed on the duel before her.


    Leona turned to me with a mischievous grin. ¡°What''s your name?¡±


    ''I''m Noctis."


    ¡°Perfect! The king¡¯s name is Leona, and this is Akaku. Over there, you see Raphael with the eagle on his back and the woman with the long black ponytail is Miya. Let''s enjoy their bout, and afterward, I''ll introduce you! Kahahaha!¡±


    Raphael and Miya stood ready, their gazes locked in intense concentration. At Akaku''s command, ¡°You may begin!¡± they lunged into action. Their swords became a blur as they exchanged lightning-fast strikes.


    Raphael''s strikes were precise and powerful, but Miya''s agility was unmatched. She weaved and dodged with astonishing speed, delivering swift counters that kept him on his toes.


    The field echoed with the rhythmic clashing of their blades as they moved with incredible swiftness. Their movements were a symphony of skill and dexterity, leaving no room for hesitation.


    Determined to test Miya''s reflexes, Raphael increased the pace. Miya, undaunted, responded in kind, their swords a whirlwind of action.


    Their intense exchange resembled a dance of blades, a testament to their mastery of the art. Beads of sweat formed on their brows as they continued their lightning-quick spar.


    With a simultaneous strike, they disengaged, chests heaving with exertion.


    My eyes widened with what I just watched, my eyes couldn¡¯t follow their movements, their swords were like a blur to me, ¡°Amazing.¡±


    ¡°Kahahaha! They are both indeed strong, but I, the king, Leona, am the strongest!¡±


    Good work,¡± Akaku said with a nod, satisfied with the bout, as she was approached by the two.


    Raphael wiped sweat from his face. ¡°That was a good workout, but I still couldn''t get Miya to use her full speed.¡±


    Miya, her expression bitter, replied, ¡°There''s no point in increasing my speed if you won''t use your main weapon. It would be useless even if I won.¡±


    ¡°Kahahaha! Both of you still have a long way to go!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. I have to go now; Banzo hasn''t eaten yet and is eager to hunt,¡± Raphael said, calling out to his eagle flying above.


    ¡°Hold on, Raphael,¡± Akaku interrupted. ¡°Before that, I want to introduce you both to the new member joining us from now on. Come forward.¡±


    I flinched as Akaku''s gaze fixed on me. ¡°Joining? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You have no choice but to join us. You killed a Battle Priest and severely injured another. They found you once; they''ll find you again. Here, we can protect you and help you harness the power of your entity, to protect yourself and others.¡±


    ¡°But what about my school? I promised Grandpa Philip that I would finish.¡±


    ¡°Did Leona not inform you?¡± I glanced at Leona, who seemed oblivious. ¡°Oh, that! The King here has informed your principal that you''re dropping out. Kahahaha!¡±


    ¡°You can''t make decisions for me without my permission!¡±


    ¡°Kahahaha! The King doesn''t need permission for anything!¡±


    Damn it! This woman never listens! I''m sorry, Grandpa Philip. I won''t be able to finish my studies. I''ll finish my school by my heart.


    "So, do you still have any complaints?" Akaku asked, a smile playing on her lips.


    I took a deep breath before responding, "No, not anymore. I''m Noctis Duskvale, my grandpa Philip calls me Nox.¡±


    "Good. My name is Akaku Dawnford."


    "You already know me, but still! The King''s name is Leona Lionhart!"


    ¡°I am Raphael Khan, and this is Banzo,¡± he introduced, pointing to his majestic eagle.


    ¡°I''m Miya Miyauchi. Nice to meet you, Noctis.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s so not nice to meet you all. Please take care of me,¡± I replied


    ¡°Wow, look at this guy.¡± Raphael remarked while both Akaku and Miya chuckled and as for Leona, ¡°Khahahaha!¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    In a hidden chamber beneath the walls of Y¨±gen Garden, a solitary candle cast a soft, flickering glow, enveloping the room in an eerie ambiance. Within this dimly lit space, a man stood before a mysterious mirror, his voice resonating with intrigue.


    "That''s the first time I''ve sensed your presence like that, Seimei," he said with a sly smile, addressing the ethereal entity that materialized within the mirror,


    "What do you mean?" Seimei responded, curiosity coloring his words.


    "No need to hide it. You know we share the same body and mind, right? So, is it true that Leviathan is his entity?"


    A momentary silence filled the room, thickening the tension before Seimei finally replied, "Yes, I sensed it for the first time. But... you seem quite thrilled about it, don''t you?"


    Seimei observed Seimi''s face light up with a mischievous grin and an unmistakable sense of excitement. "I can''t help it. We''ve always known Leviathan as the embodiment of envy, but who could have guessed he''s real?"


    Silence descended upon them once again until Seimei opened his mouth, "Leviathan is one of those seven deadly sins, a high-ranking demon from hell¡ªa creature of immense power and malevolence. That''s the extent of my knowledge about him," Seimei explained, briefly sharing what he knew of Leviathan.


    Since ancient times, long before Seimei''s birth, tales, rumors, and legends of the seven deadly sins had circulated. Yet, he had never encountered one until now¡ªa human harboring such a formidable entity. A subtle smile graced Seimei''s otherwise composed face. "Indeed, quite fascinating."


    "Yes, it is indeed fascinating. Your world, this Earth, is truly filled with captivating beings.¡±


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>

 Drink

    "Mr. Veridian! The Battle Priests are launching an attack!" The man burst into the room, gasping for breath as he found Veridian sitting before him, with a drink in hand. Despite his ragged appearance, torn clothes, battered body, and labored breathing from his escape, he paid no heed to his own condition. The urgency of the news he carried took precedence, and he needed to deliver it to his boss, Veridian.


    "Good work for bringing me this news, Vincent. Have a drink for now," Veridian said, offering the drink to his trusted right-hand man.


    "Hmm... I''m sorry, but alcohol isn''t good for your health," a man with closed eyes wearing a white robe suddenly interjected, appearing between them and swiftly slicing Vincent''s outstretched hand before sheathing his weapon.


    "Ahhh!!!" Vincent screamed in pain, staring at his severed hand on the floor.


    "Hmm... excessive screaming isn''t good for vocal cords, and it might hurt my ears," the man remarked calmly before decisively removing Vincent''s head from his shoulders.


    Veridian¡¯s cold gaze fell upon the lifeless body of Vincent. There was no hint of remorse or sorrow in his eyes, only a calculating determination. He knew that in their world, mercy was a luxury they couldn¡¯t afford.


    ¡°Clean this mess up,¡± he ordered his remaining subordinates, who quickly moved to dispose of Vincent¡¯s body, leaving no trace of the gruesome scene behind.


    Veridian¡¯s mind was already racing, considering the implications of the Battle Priests¡¯ attack. He knew it was a direct threat, and he couldn¡¯t afford to underestimate them. As he sipped his drink, he pondered the best course of action.


    ¡°It seems the Battle Priests are growing bolder,¡± Veridian mused aloud, addressing the man with closed eyes who had just taken a life so casually. ¡°We must respond in kind.¡±


    "Al Capone, join me in the fray!" Veridian''s call echoed through the tumultuous battleground. With those words, his entity Al Capone, one of history''s most notorious gangsters, manifested. Veridian''s attire shifted into a sleek black suit, complete with a classic white fedora adorning his head and a tobacco firmly gripped between his teeth.


    "Hmm¡­ Smoking is bad to your health," Katana interjected, his hand poised to draw his trusty blade. But before he could unsheathe it, Veridian halted his motion.


    "Health be damned," Veridian retorted, exhaling a plume of smoke in front of Katana''s face. He continued with a sly grin, "Did you know, Katana, that a kind word and a gun can take you further than a kind word alone? You fail to grasp that concept, don''t you? Allow me to demonstrate."


    Veridian raised his hands, declaring, "Mystic Firearm Manifesto!" A plethora of firearms and weapons materialized upon his back, all aimed at Katana. "Fire," Veridian commanded coldly. It should have been a hail of thousands of bullets unleashed upon his adversary.


    But to Veridian''s astonishment, not a single shot was fired. His plan had been thwarted.


    "This is the problem with entities. Their abilities can rival even ours," a disinterested voice remarked from outside. The speaker, a man with unkempt hair and rumpled clothing, wore a bored expression that made his disinterest unmistakable.


    Veridian clicked his tongue, quickly realizing why his skill had failed. "Nine¡­ This could be troublesome."


    Nine, seemingly uninterested, looked at Veridian and casually muttered, "Ferrokinesis." Those words were the final words that Veridian heard before he was barraged with thousands of bullets.


    "Hmm¡­ Impressive as always, hero. Dispatching Veridian with his own weapon was indeed satisfying," Katana complimented Nine with a contented smile. However, Nine''s response was nothing more than a casual yawn before he walked away. Katana bowed, maintaining his respect until Nine''s presence could no longer be detected. Then, with a command, he ordered the other battle priests, "Eliminate them all."


    ¡ª¡ª-


    "I gaze up at the sky, watching a bird gracefully glide through the azure expanse, feeling the wind beneath its wings. The sun''s warm embrace filters through the lush green leaves of the trees, dancing with the gentle breeze. As I lay in this ground, I felt it as comforting as a baby in its mother''s womb," I muse silently.


    ¡°Stop daydreaming, Noctis!¡±Akaku''s stern voice pierces my reverie, her bamboo sword resting on her shoulder. Raphael, alongside his eagle Banzo, observes the spectacle and asks, "How many times have you fallen, Noctis?"


    A concerned shout from Miya echoes from the sidelines, "Are you okay?"


    Leona, her voice filled with pride, taunts me with a smirk, "If you don''t pick up your spirit, this king will strike again, Noctis!"


    Gasping for breath, I apologize, "Y-yes, I''m sorry," as I struggle to rise from the hole-ridden field. I can''t help but protest, "Stop turning this place into a deathbed for me!"


    Leona grins, unfazed, and readies her wooden staff, declaring, "That''s the spirit the king desires! Here I come!" With those words, she leaps forward.


    It had been a month since I had begun my life in Y¨±gen Garden. Well, to be more accurate, I no longer had the option to decline their offer, especially considering Akaku''s intimidating demeanor. The relentless pursuit of battle priests and heroes had left me with no home or school to return to. It appeared that everyone in Y¨±gen Garden shared a similar plight, except for one exception ¨C Seimi. There was an unspoken understanding among them when it came to him. Whenever I inquired about it, they simply said, "he is strong." Even my entity, Leviathan, seemed to acknowledge it, though not in words, but rather in an unspoken sense.


    Despite my initial reservations, living here wasn''t as bad as I had feared. We lived in secrecy, which raised concerns about necessities like food and clothing. However, a glance at my new companions revealed that they seemed far from deprived. Their attire was of high quality, and their vitality suggested they were well-fed. Curious about their means of sustenance, I approached Akaku.


    "We have people for that kind of thing. Come, I will show you," she said, leading me to a particular location. When we arrived, I was greeted by the sight of a colossal white building that loomed overhead. Adjacent to it was a park where children and families played together.


    "Do these families have entities as well?" I inquired. Akaku shook her head, her gaze soft but tinged with sadness as she looked at them. She explained, "They are survivors of attacks by battle priests or heroes during their so-called exorcisms. They assist us with obtaining necessities from the outside, and we, in turn, provide protection for them."


    As we conversed, a bird flew past me and landed on the arm of a tall, handsome man with a buzz-cut hairstyle and chestnut eyes. He exuded confidence as he approached us. "What Akaku said is correct; we protect them. That means you too, from now on, will also protect them," he declared. Raphael''s words triggered a flood of memories of what the battle priests had done to my grandfather. Their supposed exorcisms were nothing but excuses to execute innocent people. Determination surged within me, and I gripped my chest, looking Raphael in the eyes. "Yes," I affirmed firmly.


    Currently, I''m training with Leona, who wields a wooden staff with an incredible prowess that should have shattered it by now. "This doesn''t feel like training! It feels more like an attempt on my life!" I protest.


    "Khahaha! You won''t die unless you''re killed!" Leona responds, fuck! Her logic isn¡¯t logicing!


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "I was right, she''s not just using her strength. I can also sense her entity''s power," Leviathan told me.


    But before I can delve further, Leona''s staff descends with blinding speed, and I, "I''m going to get killed."


    ¡°Stop!¡± A booming voice from outside the training field brought Leona¡¯s staff to a sudden halt, creating a gust of wind as it came to rest. As I opened my eyes, I couldn¡¯t help but gulp when I realized the staff had stopped just millimeters from my eye. That was a close call!


    ¡°Khahaha! If that voice had come a moment later, you¡¯d be headless by now,¡± Leona remarked with a hint of amusement.


    ¡°This was supposed to be just training,¡± I muttered to Leviathan, letting out a nervous laugh. He replied, ¡°If that ever happens, I¡¯ll make sure to turn this place into rubble before I¡¯m extinguished.¡± A chill ran down my spine, not because of his words, but because I knew Leviathan would indeed carry out such a threat.


    As tension hung in the air, the newcomer revealed themselves. It was a figure draped in a haori, their presence exuding an air of authority yet there¡¯s a subtle of playfulness in his face. With a simple gesture, they summoned a calmness to the field. ¡°Noctis, Leona, enough for today. We have important matters to discuss.¡±


    Leona begrudgingly lowered her staff and shot me a smirk face, promising to continue our training later. With that, we gathered around Seimi,


    "How are you feeling, Noctis?" He inquired as soon as I stood before him.


    "Thanks to you, I barely escaped death," I replied with a mixture of gratitude and relief.


    "Hahaha, don''t worry, Leona wouldn''t kill you, even if she wanted to," he chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.


    "Fumu! That''s right! A true king shall never harm her people!" Leona exclaimed proudly, puffing out her chest at Seimi''s words. I often wondered why she referred to herself as a "king," despite being a woman. Perhaps it had something to do with her entity? I made a mental note to ask her about it later.


    "What brings you here, Seimi?" Akaku inquired. Seimi nodded gravely in response, a stark contrast to his usual carefree demeanor. The sudden change in his expression sent a ripple of tension through the group, even affecting the typically proud Leona.


    "A group of battle priests, accompanied by a hero, have obliterated a household that supports us¡ªthe Magna Familia," Seimi explained, his words carrying a weighty sense of gravity.


    One of the reasons Y¨±gen Garden managed to sustain itself was due to external support. These supporters consisted of different families¡ªalthough they weren''t bound by blood, they were individuals who had gathered together. Seimi and the others had saved them, offering refuge from a life in hiding. In return, these families vowed to provide support from the outside. Currently, there were ten of these supporting families: The Magna Familia, The Crimson Clan, The Solaris Family, Obsidian Syndicate, Raven¡¯s Wings Family, The Onyx Brotherhood, Jade Lotus Family, The Starfall Covenant Family, The Dragon¡¯s Den, and the Eyes of Family. Each of these families was protected by Vessels, individuals with entities. And the one safeguarding the Magna Familia was Veridian.


    "Veridian protected them, but he was overwhelmed by the strength and numbers of his opponents," Seimi continued.


    Upon hearing Seimi¡¯s dire news, a heavy silence descended upon our group. The weight of the situation pressed down on us, and the grim reality of the attack on the Magna Familia was impossible to ignore. It was clear that we needed to take action, and quickly.


    I turned to Miya, ¡°Who was Veridian and who is his entity?¡±


    "It was Al Capone," she answered, her voice filled with sorrow. "He''s the only one who has people working under him and can create numerous weapons. He distributed these weapons to his allies, fighting alongside them. Despite his entity having a ruthless and violent personality, he managed to be kind to everyone. That''s why we all trusted him."


    Raphael questioned further, "Who were the ones responsible for his death?"


    Seimi replied somberly, "There are two individuals you should keep in mind if you plan to seek vengeance. First is Katana, a battle priest wielding the Onry¨­ no Tsurugi, a cursed sword. He led the group of battle priests that attacked the Magna Familia''s base. However, it was the Metal Hero, Nine, who killed him. Nine rendered Al Capone''s skills useless."


    Raphael, his usual composure unwavering, said, ¡°Thank you. Katana and Nine must be held accountable for their actions. I cannot allow them to roam free after what they¡¯ve done.¡±


    ¡°Now that one of the supporting families has been targeted and killed,¡± Akaku¡¯s voice held a sense of urgency as she addressed Seimi, determination burning in her eyes. She pressed on, ¡°I believe it¡¯s imperative that we exercise extreme caution. The recent actions of the battle priests have become increasingly concerning. It appears they¡¯ve escalated to targeting individuals without entities. Moreover, it seems they¡¯re closing in on one of the families associated with us. If they¡¯ve discovered one, it¡¯s only a matter of time until they uncover the others. What course of action do you propose, Seimi?¡±


    Seimi regarded Akaku with a thoughtful expression, acknowledging the gravity of her words. He then replied with a measured tone, ¡°Akaku, you bring up an excellent point. We must tread carefully in these perilous times. The battle priests and heroes have shown their willingness to target those who support us, even without entities.¡±


    He leaned forward, his gaze unwavering, ¡°Our foremost priority is safeguarding our supporting families. We won¡¯t allow another tragedy like the one that befell the Magna Familia. To achieve this, we must implement heightened security measures across our bases and networks. But most importantly, we need to gather more information and people who can help us that shares the same values as us.¡±


    A small, confident smile played on his lips as he concluded, ¡°In this game of cat and mouse, we will be the clever mice. We¡¯ll stay one step ahead, outsmarting our adversaries at every turn. We will protect our own. That means we will be needing your power too, Noctis.¡±


    Seimi''s words hung heavy in the air, and all eyes turned to me, the weight of his request sinking in. Akaku''s voice broke the silence, addressing my apparent struggle, "Noctis hasn''t managed to summon his entity yet. It appears he harbors fear or hesitation towards it."


    I nodded in agreement with her statement. It was true; despite all the training, I hadn''t been able to call upon Leviathan. There was an inexplicable apprehension within me, a fear that if I reached out to my entity, it would consume me whole. For the past month here in Y¨±gen Garden, I could only converse with Leviathan but never fully merge with it. I had tried once, attempting to call out to him, but instead of a response, I was met with an overwhelming darkness. It felt like an abyss pulsating from the depths of my chest, and it terrified me to my core. After that experience, I never dared to try again.


    Seimi''s words cut through my thoughts, his insight probing deeper, "Perhaps there''s a part of your entity that you haven''t fully accepted yet, or perhaps there''s a hidden aspect within yourself that you''re reluctant to acknowledge."


    I struggled to find a response, my gaze falling to the ground as uncertainty gnawed at me.


    ¡ª¡ª-


    "Noctis! Found you! Khahaha! This king has been looking for you since this afternoon!" Under the moonlight''s gentle embrace, I found myself sitting alone, surrounded by the quiet solitude of the woods, when suddenly a loud voice came barging in, interrupting my peaceful evening. "You suddenly walked away after what Seimi said. Why is that?"


    I couldn''t answer her question; instead, I gazed at the seven aligned moons, bathing the night sky in their beauty, amidst a sea of stars. It was then that Leona began to reveal a side of her I had never seen before.


    "I was a general leading a group of elite warriors on the battlefield," she confessed, tears welling up in her eyes. "We were feared and renowned for our skills, and my pride turned into arrogance. We were entrusted with defending a small village against an overwhelming enemy force. I was so confident in my abilities, in my leadership, and in my pride. I believed that victory was inevitable, and I let that arrogance guide my decisions."


    Her voice trembled as she continued, her eyes filled with tears that mirrored the pain she carried. Her usual prideful demeanor had given way to vulnerability, revealing the real Leona beneath.


    "But that day, everything fell apart. Our lines crumbled, and fear gripped me. Instead of standing my ground, instead of protecting my soldiers, I panicked. And I... I abandoned them, left them to face the enemy alone."


    A heavy silence filled the room as she recounted her story, her voice breaking under the weight of her confession.


    "As night fell, I ventured back to the battlefield, hoping to find survivors, hoping to make amends. But what I found was a scene of devastation, a graveyard of fallen comrades. Their lifeless eyes seemed to accuse me, their silent cries for help echoing in my ears."


    Leona¡¯s voice broke, and she clutched her chest as if trying to hold back the pain that threatened to consume her.


    "I knelt beside them, tears streaming down my face, and whispered apologies to each of them. I promised to carry their memory, to fight for a world where no one else would suffer as they had. With every comrade that died because of me, I would repay it by saving others. But their forgiveness was something I could never earn. I battled with myself until I could accept who I had become, and that was when my entity took control, and I became a vessel."


    She then looked at me before standing up, ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened with you before, but I don¡¯t want you to forgive yourself. It¡¯s not about forgiveness; it¡¯s about accepting.¡±


    The weight of my unspoken secret bore down on me, as I look at her and think about what she confessed about her past. An unbearable burden that had festered for far too long. And tonight, I couldn''t run from it any longer.


    With a shaky breath, I began to confess, my voice quivering as I unveiled the darkest corners of my soul. "I... I had a twin brother," I admitted, my eyes welling up with unshed tears. "He was everything I wasn''t ¨C kind, talented, adored by everyone. I looked up to him, respected him, but beneath it all, there was something far more sinister ¨C envy."


    A haunting silence filled the night as I continued, my voice breaking under the weight of my confession. "We were deep in these very woods that fateful day, just the two of us. I had the chance to save him, to prevent the accident, but instead... I froze. A massive rock came hurtling down, and I simply stood there, watching as it struck him down, taking his life and leaving only his arm."


    My words hung in the air like a heavy fog, each syllable carrying the unbearable guilt of that moment. The memory of my inaction, of my envy turning into something far more sinister, was etched into the depths of my soul.


    "But the worst part," I choked out, "was what I felt when it happened. As that rock descended, a perverse sense of joy washed over me. The source of my envy, my own flesh and blood, was gone. And, in that twisted moment, I felt relief, a satisfaction I can hardly put into words."


    I hung my head in shame, my heart heavy with the weight of my confession. This was the darkest secret I had carried with me for so long, and now, under the moon''s watchful gaze, I had finally laid it bare. The world around me seemed to hold its breath, waiting for what would come next.


    "That''s when Leviathan seized me," I whispered, the words barely audible even to my own ears. "A malevolence, a darkness within me that I couldn''t control. It was as if my own envy had beckoned him forth, and I became nothing more than a vessel.¡±


    I trembled as I unveiled the truth that had tormented me for years. A sense of relief washed over me, as if a colossal burden had been lifted. "I will never forgive myself, but I will accept it. Accept that this sin, this envy, is a part of me," I confessed to Leona. I saw her nod in satisfaction, acknowledging my words.


    Suddenly, I felt something inside of me, deep within my soul, a pulsating malevolence, unlike before where it felt dark, somehow, this time, it felt like the darkness was accepting, and with a smile on my lips, I whispered,


    "Leviathan, embrace me."

 Grand Cross

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    The sun rose on the following day, casting its golden rays upon us as Seimi beckoned us to gather beneath the majestic tree. With a commanding tone, he declared, "In four days'' time, you shall venture to the Luminaria in search of any survivors from the Magna Familia. However, should you encounter any battle priests, remember that your safety takes precedence above all else."


    "Are you not accompanying us?" I inquired.


    "Regrettably, no. I have pressing matters to attend to," Seimi replied cryptically.


    The group couldn¡¯t resist prying further, ¡°Where are you off to?¡±


    Drawing nearer, Seimi leaned in and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s a se~cr~et~,¡± punctuating his response with a playful wink that elicited irked expressions, particularly from Akaku and myself.


    Leviathan¡¯s frustration became palpable as he suggested, ¡°Should we punch him?¡±


    Suddenly, Leona stepped forward, positioning herself beside Seimi, her presence commanding everyone¡¯s attention. A clear ¡°ehem¡± preceded her confident stance and hands-on-hips posture. She turned her gaze toward me and proudly announced, ¡°Hear me out, for this king has something of great import to share! Just last night, Noctis,¡± she pointed towards me, ¡°successfully called forth his entity!¡±


    "Oh! Good for you!" Raphael exclaimed.


    "I''m overjoyed that you''ve achieved it!" Miya chimed in.


    "You''ve done it, Noctis. Good job," Akaku added.


    "Yes, it''s a matter of accepting that this entity is a part of me," I explained.


    "Show us! Show us! Show us!" Akaku chanted, joined by everyone else.


    "Hehe, should I? Since you insist, here I go," I teased.


    "No," Seimi and Leviathan interjected simultaneously, halting my intentions.


    "Why? What''s the matter?" I questioned.


    "I am not some spectacle that can be summoned at will. Do not forget, I still have my pride as a demon," Leviathan retorted firmly.


    "Save that for later, Noctis. Now that you have successfully summoned your entity, we shall require your power moving forward. To aid our cause. The same goes for all of you. This is not a matter to be taken lightly," Seimi advised.


    "Too bad, huh? Noctis! Khahaha!" Leona chuckled.


    "No, no, it''s alright," I reassured.


    "Akaku, I entrust them to your care," Seimi declared.


    "You can count on me, Seimi," Akaku replied with confidence. Seimi nodded in acknowledgement, knowing he could trust her wholeheartedly with the responsibility.


    ¡ª¡ª-


    In the bustling city of Luminaria, which lay just a few hundred kilometers from our home in Aethertide, we found ourselves in an enchanting place. It seamlessly blended the charm of medieval architecture with wondrous sights. Cobblestone streets wound through lively neighborhoods teeming with people, market stalls, and at its heart, the famed Grand Cross.


    The Grand Cross towered at the center of Luminaria¡ªa majestic spire crafted from shimmering crystal. It held deep significance as a monument to two heroes who had once saved this world. Beneath it, an inscription spoke of their legacy: "Never shall malevolence find refuge in this realm. We, the protectors, guardians of the sacred, vow to keep this world free from the shadow of malevolent beings, for it is our solemn duty to safeguard its very essence."


    As I pondered these words, Akaku, her eyes smoldering with anger, remarked, "It''s as if they''re declaring us their enemies, and that we must die."


    ¡°There¡¯s something off about this place, Nox,¡± Leviathan''s voice echoed in my mind. But before I could respond, a soft voice interrupted. A young girl, clad in a white gown, sporting a straw hat and clutching a stuffed bunny toy, tugged at my pants, seeking my attention.


    "What''s wrong, little one?" I knelt to meet her gaze, perplexed.


    The girl''s mother, appearing worried and frantic, rushed over to us, realizing her daughter had likely wandered off. She apologized profusely, "I''m so sorry for my daughter''s intrusion. I hope she didn''t cause you any trouble. Maya, say sorry to the nice young man."


    "No trouble at all, ma''am," I reassured with a warm smile as I stood, offering a respectful nod to the concerned mother.


    I glanced at Maya, who remained quiet, offering only a shy bow before taking her mother''s hand as they began to walk away. Yet, just before they vanished into the bustling crowd, Maya turned back to me, her lips forming words too soft to hear but with a clear message: "Be careful."


    "Noctis! Quit daydreaming, we''re moving ahead!" Raphael''s voice pierced the eerie stillness, jolting me from my reverie. I watched the mother and daughter as they gradually fading into the crowd.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the shadow of Luminaria''s bustling facade, we confronted a haunting scene. A shattered silver gate stood before us, a grotesque blemish compared to the bustling town. Beyond that gate, the ground was marred by bloodstains and strewn with rubble, while lifeless bodies lay in eerie stillness. "Is that..." I faltered, my voice choked by dread. My face twisted with horror, and I quickly covered my mouth, desperate to contain the rising nausea. I fought back the imminent wave of sickness threatening to overtake me.


    "Yes, that was the Magna Familia''s base and Mr. Veridian''s home," Miya whispered solemnly, her eyes mirroring the grim reality. She offered, "Would you like to wait here while we investigate?"


    "No, I''m okay now. Thank you."


    We ventured deeper into the grim tableau, witnessing destitute civilians in tattered clothing scavenging amidst the ruins, looting what little remained. Disgust surged within us, a shared sentiment among my companions. This place, once the site of unspeakable tragedy, was being treated as a macabre tourist attraction.


    As we scoured the area for signs of survivors, our hope gradually waned. Until, by chance, we stumbled upon an untouched room, igniting a spark of hope within our hearts.


    With cautious optimism, we pushed open the door, only for hope to wither away before us. An eerie silence and a scene of horror greeted us¡ªan unfortunate man, his body riddled with wounds, hung lifeless from the ceiling, his vacant eyes locked onto us.


    "Raphael, Leona, lower him down. His suffering has endured long enough; let him rest," Akaku commanded with somber authority, her eyes clouded with grief.


    With gentle reverence, they brought down the lifeless form of Mr. Veridian to the floor. Miya''s keen eyes caught something on the wall. "Akaku, look," she said, pointing at words written in blood: "Death to all vessels!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    "I swear, this king will have their heads!" Leona declared, slamming her drink onto the table with a resounding thud that cut through the cheerful chatter in the bar. All eyes turned toward us, and the jovial atmosphere gave way to an uneasy silence.


    Suddenly, an inebriated man staggered our way, grinning foolishly, and said, "Hey, hey! What''s the commotion, babe?" He continued, "We should be celebrating! The battle priests and heroes just dealt a blow to another haven! Ain''t that right, folks?" His words dripped with a mischievous enthusiasm, sparking laughter and cheers from the surrounding crowd.


    "That''s spot on! Who''d have thought they were hiding a vessel after we welcomed them into our town! Those guys are disgusting!"


    "You''ve got that right!"


    "To the battle priests! To the heroes! To the church!"


    The crowd erupted into a chorus of praise for the heroes, united in their belief that the discovery and eradication of a vessel was a cause for celebration.


    Leona, known for her fiery temper, rose to her feet without hesitation and...


    "I''m glad you didn''t destroy that place, Leona," I interjected.


    "Noctis... Naturally! This king knows they''re mere pawns, manipulated by the church!" Leona replied, her clenched fist revealing the effort she put into controlling herself.


    "But you didn''t have to send that guy flying across the room. Miya had to apologize on your behalf, you know? It looked like something out of a movie, honestly."


    "Khahaha! Don''t fret! I held back; he won''t die! By the way, where are the others?" she inquired.


    "I''m not sure. On another note, I met a little girl named Maya earlier."


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Hmm? What''s this? Are you into something strange? A lolicon, perhaps?" Leona teased with a hearty laugh.


    "No, it''s not like that!"


    "Don''t worry, this king will accept you no matter what! Khahaha!"


    "No, really, it''s not like that! She just warned me to be careful."


    "A little girl told you to be careful?"


    "Yes, but I don''t know what she meant by that. Do you have any ideas?"


    Leona rested her chin on her hand, tilting her head slightly. I followed suit, deep in thought.


    "I don''t know, and frankly, this king don''t care! Khahaha!" It seemed my hopes of gaining insight from her were in vain.


    ¡ª¡ª-


    As night descended upon us, we decided it was time to regroup with the rest of our party, who were investigating different parts of the town. Leona''s fiery outburst had attracted too much attention, and we agreed it was best to steer clear of that bar. It was unfortunate, as it seemed to be the only place offering affordable food, drinks, and lodging. Raphael was stressed about finding another establishment like it, especially since his search had consumed the entire evening. When he voiced his concerns to Leona, she simply laughed them off with a booming, "Khahaha! Don''t worry about it!" Her dismissal left Raphael with no option but to relent.


    Leona then turned to Miya, saying with a warm smile, "Oh yeah! I want to thank you, Miya." As she placed her hands on Miya''s shoulders, Miya responded with a gentle nod and a smile, "Please, don''t do that again. I was really worried about what might happen to that person."


    Interrupting the moment, Akaku reminded Leona of a crucial rule. "Do you still remember our rule?" She asked. In the Y¨±gen Garden, I was taught a crucial principle: as a vessel, we must uphold a specific code at all times. Being a vessel means having two souls living within one body, coexisting and granting more power and strength than a normal person possesses. That is why there is a steadfast rule: "Never use our power against ordinary people."


    Leona chuckled, "Of course, I remember! That''s why I held back! Kahaha!"


    With the air lightened, Raphael agreed to lead us to the new place he had found, away from prying eyes, so we could discuss his discoveries.


    Once outside, the moons bathed Luminaria''s streets in an eerie glow. We moved stealthily through the winding alleyways, under the dimly flickering lanterns. The town had transformed into a surreal landscape, a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere we had first encountered. Everyone was alert, moving lightly, their footsteps silent.


    Akaku whispered to me, "Noctis, be on guard and hide your presence. Someone is following us." I nodded, not uttering a word, understanding that silence was crucial to remain undetected.


    In the shadows, a man cursed, "Tsk! We lost them. Go find them!" He commanded his companions hastily as the four figures they had been tracking vanished without a trace.


    ¡ª-


    At least more than half an hour later, we arrived at a small inn. It took us a while to get here, although it¡¯s not that far from the city; we had to make a detour since we had to lose someone who was on our tail. Raphael opened the door with caution, and there we were greeted by an old man who seemed to be the owner. ¡°Welcome to Sunshine,¡± he said.


    ¡°Owner, the room that I reserved this afternoon? Is it ready?¡± asked Raphael.


    ¡°Why yes, Sir Raphael, it¡¯s the last room on the second floor.¡±


    Raphael said his thank you to the owner after receiving the key. ¡°Please enjoy your stay.¡±


    As soon as we got inside the room, we sat down on one of the beds. Akaku took a chair and sat in front of us, then began talking about what she discovered about this city. ¡°This place is now being inhabited by battle priests. There¡¯s also a chance that every single person we saw is a battle priest.¡±


    Tension built up in the room, and breaths were held as we listened to what Akaku had just said to us. Training and spending time together with these guys had proved that they are indeed strong. I learned how they fight: Miya with her fast and swift movements using her katana, Raphael with his versatility in ranged and close combat abilities, and Leona, who is very prideful about her abilities. But that¡¯s not what makes her strong; it¡¯s the fact that she can back them up that proves she is indeed the strongest among the three of them. And then there¡¯s Akaku; until now, I¡¯ve never seen how she fights. But Leviathan, who doesn¡¯t want to admit that Seimi is strong, admitted that Akaku is strong. No matter how strong the battle priests are, they¡¯re not strong enough to beat us, but if there are hundreds, we don¡¯t know if we can escape them unscathed.


    ¡°So, does it mean that they were the ones who were following us?¡±


    ¡°Yes. We don¡¯t have any leisure to stay here any longer. I also discovered that the people who were at the site of what¡¯s left of Magna Familia were the former residents of this city.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Are you telling us that the bustling city from this morning was nothing but a facade?¡±


    Akaku nodded at Miya''s question and then continued, ¡°We must leave now.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Akaku, do you want us to abandon those people?¡±


    ¡°I knew you were going to react like this, Leona. But I¡¯m afraid we don¡¯t have any choice.¡±


    ¡°If you already knew, then you do know what this king is about to do. They are part of one of the Familias.¡±


    Leona and Akaku locked eyes, neither wanting to give up. Akaku thinks about what¡¯s best for the team; she doesn¡¯t want to leave anyone, but staying here doesn¡¯t guarantee safety. And Leona, with her past and conviction that if there¡¯s someone who needs help or saving, she will go to them, no matter what happens to her.


    ¡°Leona, I don¡¯t think you understand this, but the more we stay here, the more we risk losing our lives. And we don¡¯t know yet if the heroes are also here. Not to mention we didn¡¯t bring any weapons. We came here as civilians.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, we don¡¯t know. And as long as we don¡¯t know that, then this king thinks it is worth the risk to save those people.¡±


    ¡°No. You don¡¯t understand the risk of what you¡¯re saying. If there¡¯s a hero, we would be at a disadvantage, not just with numbers. I don¡¯t think that the four of us can win against all of them.¡±


    ¡°This king doesn¡¯t care! Even if there¡¯s one person that I can save, I will go save them! Even if it means dying!¡±


    ¡°That is if they let us die, but if they capture us alive, they will know more about us, and where the Y¨±gen Garden is located along with the rest of the Families who are helping us. There will be more casualties if that ever happens.¡±


    Thuk thuk¡­


    In the midst of their conflicting values, footsteps were heard that caught all of our attention, until they stopped in front of the door, their shadows visibly peering out from the gaps of the door. Two knocks came from the door. Raphael, Miya, and I stood up as we watched the door. Leona put on a stance and Akaku slowly walked towards the door.


    ¡°Dear guests, I¡¯m sorry but I seem to forget that breakfast is free.¡± A sigh of relief washed over us as we heard the voice of the owner. Akaku opened the door and said to the owner, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we¡¯ll have to pass on the breakfast as we are about to leave now. But thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°Why is that? Did you find anything you don''t like? It''s already late, dear guest, so I hope you can enjoy your stay here even until morning.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, but we insist. And don''t worry, we didn¡¯t find anything we didn¡¯t like.¡±


    The owner paused for a moment, staring at Akaku, then for some reason, he looked at me, smiled, and slightly bowed his head. ¡°I understand. Though it might be short, I hope you enjoyed your time here.¡±


    We walked out of the room and followed the owner as he instructed us to follow him. He guided us to a door at the back of the inn and said, "If you¡¯re going to leave now, I hope you use this door. It seems you¡¯ve been followed." Suspicion arose against the owner. Then Raphael stepped forward, "Old man, who are you?" he asked in a commanding voice, but the owner didn¡¯t flinch. He smiled at him and replied, "I¡¯m just an owner. I hope you enjoyed your stay here." Raphael was about to respond, but Akaku stopped him, "That¡¯s enough, Raphael, we must leave now. All of us," she said, emphasizing "all of us" as she looked at Leona. Leona, being herself, seemed to dislike that but said nothing and walked towards the door. Raphael and Miya followed her, then Akaku. As I was about to leave, the owner stopped me and said, "We shall meet again, you who are the dweller of darkness," as he pushed me towards the door.


    ¡°Sir Gavin, I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m afraid we couldn¡¯t find them,¡± one of his subordinates reported.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯t be able to leave this city. I¡¯ve placed battle priests at all the gates. They are now trapped like small mice in a cage!¡± Gavin let out a wicked laugh, pleased with his plan. ¡°This is my chance to show the heroes that I am more important than that Katana and anything else! I can''t lose this opportunity. Every single day, I had to follow their orders like a tool. But that ends today. Today, I, Gavin, will personally exorcise those filthy vessels!¡± Always the one to command, Gavin was used to his words holding absolute authority. But ever since encountering the heroes in this world, he realized he was just an ordinary, mediocre individual. Standing before such remarkable beings, he couldn''t deny his own normalcy. It wasn''t something he despised; all he ever wanted was the respect and admiration of those he held in high regard.


    However, everything changed with Katana''s arrival. In a short time, Katana became a high-ranking battle priest, even surpassing the top ranks. Consumed by hatred and jealousy, Gavin refused to let those emotions cloud his competence. With his loyal followers and his morning star, he was determined to rise to power, vowing to exorcise every single...


    ¡°Too long!¡±


    A punching so fast was thrown at him that Gavin didn¡¯t have any time to react. It was fast, incredibly fast, and strong, so strong that his jaw was now barely hanging on by his skin.


    ¡°What the heck is with your monologue! It¡¯s too long! You¡¯re not even important, and no one¡¯s going to remember you!¡± Gavin heard the irritated voice of a woman beside him. As he tried to keep his jaw from falling off by holding it, blood flowed from his mouth. His mind was in a panic as he looked at the source of the voice and stared in surprise. A woman with blond hair and scarlet eyes was staring at him with a sinister smile, as if she saw him as prey. ¡°Only important people are allowed long monologues, like me, a King! Khahaha!¡± she exclaimed.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Gavin thought.


    A few minutes earlier...


    As the owner pushed me through the door, I saw Akaku stamping her foot on the ground. When I asked Miya what happened, she replied, ¡°Um¡­ It seems Leona disappeared.¡±


    ¡°No, she went to attack the battle priests. That Leona seriously never listens to anyone,¡± Raphael remarked, shrugging his shoulders.


    Akaku exhaled deeply, looking at us with anger and frustration. ¡°Go find her! I''ll teach that pompous, self-proclaimed king a lesson! Now go!¡± she commanded.


    ¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Yo, it seems like you¡¯re one of the battle priests who attacked the Magna Familia and killed them,¡± Leona taunted, her eyes locked on the man before her. He didn¡¯t respond verbally, but his glare was sharp enough to cut through steel. Unfazed, Leona''s smirk widened. ¡°I''ll take your silence as a yes!¡± she declared, launching herself at the battle priest with a predatory grace.


    But suddenly, a new voice cut through the tension. ¡°Sir Gavin, we¡¯re sorry we¡¯re late. Please retreat for now. Leave this to us!¡± A squad of 10 battle priests, each armed with different weapons, materialized in front of Leona. Yet, her smirk only evolved into a wild, triumphant smile.


    In a blur of motion, Leona seized one priest by the head and crashed it against another¡¯s. The sickening sound of bones cracking echoed as she moved. Blood splattered across her hand, which she then used to brutally punch through the stomach of another priest. She continued her ferocious assault, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake, until only two priests remained.


    One, gripped by fear, turned to flee, only to have Leona cruelly twist his neck, leaving his body facing one way and his head another. The last priest stood frozen in terror, awaiting his grim fate at Leona''s hands.


    Meanwhile, Gavin, overwhelmed and unable to flee, collapsed to the ground. He couldn¡¯t see the carnage, but the sounds of Leona''s ruthless onslaught reached his ears. As his life ebbed away, Gavin made a final, desperate act. Fumbling in his pocket, he drew out a whistle. With the last of his strength, he blew a soft, piercing sound that resonated throughout the city. His jaw dropped to the ground, and with his dying breath, Gavin summoned the remaining battle priests, sealing his final act in this world.


    ¡ª¡ª-


    As I frantically searched for Leona, concerns about being spotted by battle priests were the last thing on my mind. Leona''s actions were unpredictable, and her safety was paramount. "Just don''t run into any battle priests," I silently hoped. But fate had other plans. The piercing sound of a whistle cut through my thoughts. "Nox, follow that sound. That''s where she is," Leviathan instructed, and I hastened to comply. The whistle''s echo was brief but unmistakable, guiding me to its source.


    Reaching the grand cross, a staggering sight unfolded before me: Leona, encircled by hundreds of battle priests.


    ¡°Leona!¡±


    When suddenly, I heard a voice. "Noctis, it looks like you found her first." Turning around, I saw Akaku, Raphael, and Miya approaching.


    The battle priests'' focus shifted entirely to Leona. "You''re going to pay for what you did to Sir Gavin!" one shouted. Unfazed, Leona leaped atop the grand cross, her voice booming. "Noctis! Now that you can summon your entity, watch how I fight with mine! Burn this into your mind! Khahaha!" She struck a commanding pose, as if wielding a staff, and called out, "King Leonidas! Fight alongside me!"


    Her call split the grand cross in two. Descending from above, Leona''s appearance transformed: her blond hair ignited into a fiery red, her clothes morphed into golden armor.


    "Watch closely, Noctis. This is how you battle with your entity. Don''t blink, or you''ll miss everything," Akaku said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.


    In a swift, powerful motion, Leona wielded the grand cross''s half, obliterating the surrounding battle priests in one fell swoop. I watched, awestruck, as she lowered the once pristine crystal, now stained with blood.


    "Still as destructive as ever," Raphael commented dryly.


    Miya nodded in agreement, "Yes, and messy."


    "But she''s undeniably strong. I worried for nothing," Akaku added, shrugging her shoulders. She then turned to me, "What do you think, Noctis?"


    I gazed at Leona, now back in her original form, beaming at us with a triumphant V-sign. "Amazing, Leona is truly amazing," I replied, still processing the incredible display of power and prowess.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Four pairs of eyes peered at Noctis''s group from a distance, witnessing the destruction unfold. Hundreds of battle priests were annihilated with a single, devastating swing, leaving a scene of complete destruction and bloodshed.


    "Heh~ not so bad, Y¨±gen Garden, is it, Clara?" A small child, playing with her bunny stuffed toy, spoke with an air of nonchalance.


    ¡°Uhm, Ms. Maya, may I act as your mother once again? He he he,¡± a woman wriggled nearby, causing discomfort in Maya''s eyes. Gracefully hopping down from her seat, Maya approached the odd woman. ¡°Tell your entity this: if she doesn¡¯t want to be hanged again, she should stop influencing her vessel!¡± Despite her small, childlike appearance, Maya''s demeanor suggested otherwise. Turning her attention to the sulking man beside Clara, she scolded, ¡°Stop that, Sebastian. She didn¡¯t hit you that hard.¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say! I was thrown across the bar just for following your order!¡± he retorted.


    ¡°Yes, I instructed you to ensure they ended up at the Sunshine, not to anger them and wreak havoc in that poor place! I had to reserve all the other inns just so they¡¯d have no choice but Sunshine. I sometimes wish you¡¯d inherit a bit of your entity''s gentlemanliness,¡± Maya sighed.


    Then, turning to the old man, ¡°And you!¡± she pointed.


    ¡°Nothing, you did well,¡± she conceded. The old man¡¯s face lit up with joy. ¡°Such high praise! I am so unworthy! Thank you very much!¡± he exclaimed.


    Maya surveyed them with a puzzled look, wondering, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with these people?¡±


    As she contemplated, the voice inside her head chimed in, "But still, despite your efforts to avoid their confrontation with the battle priests, things unfolded exactly as I foresaw in the future." Interrupted, Maya gazed up at the night sky and closed her eyes, a smile gracing her face. ¡°Yeah¡­ I guess I still can¡¯t outdo your visions. But in the end, everything turned out well, right, Nostradamus?¡± she mused contentedly to the voice in her head.