《Death Gate》


 Chapter 0: The first death

    Three weeks ago, the first gate appeared in central Tokyo. A massive green portal spanning 6 meters tall, and 10 meters wide appeared.


    Panic erupted as people fled, tripping over each other, and chaos quickly engulfed the area, leaving stores abandoned and streets littered with personal belongings.


    In the ensuing panic, three mysterious figures walked out of the gate. Each clad in long flowing white robes with gold mouthless masks, they stood and waited, observing the chaos of their arrival.


    The remaining people watched, curious at the mysterious figures, although keeping their distance. The figures continued to stand steadfast, waiting until military forces arrived. With weapons drawn, they were order to surrender.


    Slowly, a brave salaryman approached the portal, his curiosity outweighing his fear. He had always been drawn to the unknown, a trait that often got him in trouble but also made him a standout in his mundane office job. Today, it seemed, his curiosity would lead him to his doom.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    *SPLAT*


    It exploded, blood splattering from his eyes and ears.


    Moments later, his body convulsed violently. People screamed and scattered in all directions. His eyes snapped open, now pure white orbs, as he gasped and let out a blood-curdling scream. He sat up abruptly, grasping his head, the pain and confusion evident on his face.


    Paramedics rushed to the scene, securing him on a stretcher and whisking him away to a hospital for further examination.


    Unbeknownst to them, this marked the birth of the Prophet. The beginning of a new era for humanity.


    End chapter 0


    (***)

 Chapter 0.1: Rules of the New World

    A day had passed since the mysterious green gate appeared in the middle of Tokyo. Doctors and scientists struggled to understand why it materialized there or what purpose it served.


    Two government agents walk into the secure hospital room of Endo Toyotomi, a patient at Tokyo Central Hospital. The room was empty except for the hospital bed and a heartbeat monitor. No windows, only the blinding white lights and the persistent smell of a sanitised room.


    On the bed, Endo Toyotomi lay. Seemingly at peace despite yesterday¡¯s unworldly experience. The hospital gown pales his skin as he lies motionless on the bed. The two agents stared down at him with an emotionless expression, waiting for him to respond.


    The first agent spoke, "I am Agent Mori, and this is my partner, Agent Ota. We have some questions for you." Agent Mori; a tall, lean man in his mid-thirties with an angular face and thin lips that almost blend with his pale skin. More like a librarian with thin glasses than an agent.


    His partner, on the other hand, is the complete opposite in comparison. Agent Ota, a tall and lean man, is a walking stereotype of an agent; he has dark sunglasses that cover his eyes, wears a long black trench coat, and sports a military buzz cut.


    Endo stared blankly and nodded ever so slightly. Agent Mori pulled out a notepad and a pencil, taking a seat next to the bed. Agent Ota stood and observed from the foot of the bed.


    "So, your name is Endo Toyotomi? Can you recount what happened?" Endo continues staring blankly at the agents. His silence unnerved them.


    Agent Mori cleared his throat and continued, "Endo, please answer our questions. It is important for us to understand what happened."


    Once more, Endo remained silent. Agent Mori sighed before his partner steps forward, "Do you know why you''re here?" Endo turned towards Agent Ota and slowly nodded again.


    "Endo, can you speak to us, or is there a reason you are remaining silent?"


    "...I can speak; you are simply asking the wrong questions, gentlemen," Endo spoke in a calm, gentle voice. The agents look at each other, "What do you mean?" Agent Ota asked, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone.


    "The information you seek is not the same as the answers you need." Agent Mori sighed once more, taking off his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose, trying to stave off the incoming headache. "Please, enlighten us with what we need to know."


    "If you insist," Endo said with a smile. "...The gate was opened, and I received a gift from them; I was given the gift of knowledge and great responsibility." He calmly responded. The agents shared another glance, this time confused.


    "Who is them?" Agent Mori asked, regaining his composure. "I cannot say, they are of no concern to you." Endo said dismissively. "What is the gift then?" Ota asked impatiently.


    Endo¡¯s smile grew wider, finally they were getting somewhere.


    "The gates. They are the gifts, hundreds if not thousands of them, scattered across the world, all containing different wonders, gifts, and secrets. Each gate holds a different purpose; some contain civilizations of unimaginable power, others vast wealth and riches. And so much more." Endo finished with a knowing grin.


    Agent Mori, in disbelief, took a moment before responding, "How can you be so sure of this? What do you know about these gates? Are they a threat to us?"


    Endo paused for a moment before speaking, "They are our salvation. These gates hold incredible potential for humanity, and I have been blessed with the knowledge to understand their power."


    Endo paused again, seemingly lost in thought. The agents remain silent, waiting for him to continue.


    "Oh, and why should you be the ''chosen one''?" Ota''s voice filled with enmity. He didn''t like Endo''s vague answers or the way he seemed to know more than them. He also had the most annoying habit of smiling as if he knew something they didn''t.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Endo sighed and shook his head, "Wrong question, Agent Ota; when given such a gift, we do not question it; we accept it graciously." Ota''s eyes narrow as Endo continues. "And I can assure you, I am not the chosen one. My role is to guide and provide knowledge."


    Agent Mori raised an eyebrow, "What kind of knowledge?"


    Endo''s smile at its peak now, "All the knowledge. I understand how the gates work, what each colour means, and what power they hold."


    "So, they''re a threat," Ota said with a grimace. "No, Agent Ota; they are a blessing."


    Ota huffs, turning away from Endo. Endo watched him for a moment before turning back to Agent Mori.


    "In the coming days portals will slowly appear across the globe, leading to unimaginable treasures and dangers. These portals represent the next step in human development."


    Agent Mori, leaning forward, "Endo, are the portals safe? How do we know what''s inside isn''t dangerous?"


    Endo kept his grin, but there is no warmth in his eyes, "It depends on the colour of the gate; each colour represents a different danger level.


    Green gates are relatively safe and will lead to valuable resources such as food, water, and even other civilizations may reside within.


    Blue gates are the most common gates with some danger and many resources.


    Amber gates are more dangerous, but they offer greater rewards for those who complete them.


    Red gates are the most dangerous and contain extreme dangers, requiring more manpower to complete. However, the rewards are equally as great for those braves enough to explore them."


    Agent Ota returned his gaze to Endo, "That''s something straight out of a video game or manga!" He scoffed. Endo remained silent for a moment before replying, "Yes, simple to understand and easily applied. Everyone can understand it, even those who are slower." Endo glanced at Agent Ota.


    "What''s that supposed to mean? Thank God we''re in a hospital cause I''m about too-" "Agent Ota, please calm down. We need to focus on the matter at hand," Agent Mori interrupted, giving him a stern look.


    Agent Ota scowled and looked away, "Yes, sir."


    "I failed to mention, there are two more gates; these gates represent something greater than the others."


    Endo continued. "White gates contain higher beings or gods who can bestow blessings and abilities that can change your very humanity. These gates are exceedingly rare and are too be treated with the utmost respect."


    Agent Mori leaned forward in anticipation, "What about the last gate?"


    "Black gates, an omen of destruction If one were to appear for a prolonged period, it would signal end times. These gates are a sign that humanity is doomed." Endo responded grimly.


    The agents fell silent, processing the information.


    After a moment, Endo continued, "However, one could argue it''s the most common portal as it appears ever so briefly once you die." Endo smiled again breaking the tension in the room. "But let us pray we never have to deal with such an apocalyptic scenario."


    Agent Mori nodded, "So what do we do?" Endo sat up in bed, his eyes blazing with passion, "We embrace this new world, we explore, we guide and teach others. We become the leader¡¯s humanity needs us to be."


    "We?" Ota asked sceptically.


    Endo nodded, "Yes, we. You, me, Agent Mori, everyone. This is a monumental event, and a prophet will lead his faithful." Endo outstretched both his hands towards the men.


    "What are you doing!" Agent Ota demanded, reaching for his gun. Endo''s smile grew wider, "Give me your hands, my disciples. I will show you the way."


    Endo''s hand glowed brightly, the light swirling around his fingers like liquid silver.


    "Grab my hands." He insisted, his voice both commanding and soothing. Ota''s heart pounded as he took a step back, his hand instinctively reaching for his gun. "No way! Stay away from me!" Agent Ota yelled.


    Agent Mori sat up, "I will do it." Endo smiled, "Good," Agent Mori grabbed hold.


    A white glow enveloped Mori. His body convulses violently as the light travels throughout his body. He grunted in pain as it reaches his head, causing his eyes to roll back into his skull before passing out.


    Endo relaxed as the body fell. "You see now?" motioning towards Ota. Ota glowered at his partner, shaking with fear.


    "What did you do to him, Endo?" Endo laughed, "I granted him sight, the understanding, the future, our future." Agent Ota pulls out his gun, "FUCK YOU ENDO!" Agent Ota cried, ready to pull the trigger.


    Agent Mori rose from the floor; eyes turned a pure white. Agent Ota turned towards Agent Mori, "Mori? what the fuck, what happened to your eyes?"


    Agent Mori raised his hand, "It''s okay, Ota, he speaks the truth. Grab his hand, brother; the prophet will show you the future," Agent Mori said in a calm, monotone voice.


    Ota looked at Agent Mori, then back at Endo, gun still aimed at him. "What the fuck are you talking about, Mori!" Agent Mori smiled with a vacant expression, "Trust me, brother, It''s all so clear now." Agent Ota hesitated for a moment, looking at Agent Mori before lowering his gun.


    "Ok," Agent Ota sighed, taking a tentative step forward.


    Agent Ota reached for Endo''s hand. His fingers brushed Endo''s palm. A white glow envelopes Ota. His body convulses violently as the light travels throughout his body. He grunted in pain as it reached his head, causing his eyes to roll back into his skull before passing out.


    Mori bowed before Endo "Thank you for the vision, prophet." Endo smiled, "Let us begin our mission to lead mankind. We have a lot of work to do."


    Agent Mori nodded as Agent Ota lifted himself. His eyes now pure white orbs, like Mori. "I see it, the future. It''s all so clear now." He speaks with awe.


    "Let''s begin."

 Chapter 0.2: The ranking begins

    A week had now passed since the first gate appeared in central Tokyo. In that short time, hundreds of gates had materialized around the world. In response, governments quickly organized military forces to secure and study them.


    Many feared what lay beyond the mysterious gates. Unsure if the words of this ¡®Prophet¡¯ were to be trusted.


    Whilst others waited on the ''Prophet'' as he was currently touring around the country. Ready to hear the message straight from the horse¡¯s mouth. Rumour has it that he was giving out superpowers for free.


    On a small university campus in the middle of Tokyo, Endo Toyotomi stood at a podium before a crowd of students. He spoke with a passionate voice, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness a monumental moment in human history; today, humanity will embark on a great journey, exploring the unknown, conquering our fears, and ushering in a new era of prosperity."


    As he spoke, the entire campus listened in silence. Endo continued, ¡°Today, I come bearing gifts.¡± The crowd started murmuring.


    Agent Mori leaned closer, whispering, "Prophet, are you certain we should be giving out the gift so freely?"


    Endo gave a confident nod, "This gift belongs to all, who are we to withhold these great powers? Trust me, Agent Mori."


    Endo addresses the crowd once more, "Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please! My gift is not one for the faint of heart; to receive this gift, you must be courageous and strong of will." He paused for a moment before continuing, "And if you do not wish to receive my gift, there is no shame in walking away now. It shall remain, waiting for you when you are ready." Endo beckoned forth a large white orb, covered by a thin veil of red.


    ¡°This orb contains the gift. Those who wish to accept the gift line up to the front, those still unsure are welcome to leave. Your new future will always be waiting,¡± Endo finished his speech as hundreds of students and faculty flood the front.


    The faculty stood at the back, whispering amongst themselves.


    "Is it true? Is the ''Prophet'' offering us superpowers?" One asks. Another responded, "I don''t know. It''s all so sudden; I don''t know if I should trust him." A third spoke, "He seems to know what he''s talking about. If it is true, we could use that power to help people."


    Endo stood next to the ball and motions for people to come up and touch it. The first person in the line walked forward. A small woman, petite and frail, her messy black hair covering half of her face. Timidly, she reached out her hand, touching the orb. Suddenly, a bright light flashes illuminating everyone behind her; as quick as the light appeared, it dissipated.


    Endo approached the young woman, ¡°Congratulations, my child, you¡¯ve received the gift of fire, an A-Rank Pyromancer.¡± Endo spoke gently as if talking to a child.


    The girl stared at her hands in confusion. "I feel no different.¡± Endo nodded, "Don''t worry, my child; your powers will reveal themselves in time." He smiled reassuringly. "Now move to the table and speak to the officials. We have many people to get through."


    "But-"


    Ota stepped in and moved her along, "Please, miss, you''re holding up the line." The girl looked at him in shock before bowing and moving along.


    "Next!"


    <hr>


    Eren Heart waited patiently in the line for this so-called gift; his friends and fellow university students, Haruto, Kyo, and Rika, are next to him.


    The four of them stand in line, watching as the orb provides powers to the students before them. "You think it''s legit?" Haruto whispered to Eren. Eren shrugs, "I don''t know, but if Endo is offering free powers, we might as well try it out."


    Rika turned towards the two, "The news has been reporting portals appearing and weird things happening in America and Russia. If what Endo is saying is true, this could be our chance to become super-powered badasses!" She beamed with excitement.


    Kyo frowned, "I don''t know, Rika; Maybe this gift bullshit is a scam, and they''re trying to get people to do some dodgy shit for them. If it¡¯s the start of some cult, I swear." He crosses his arms.


    "You guys are idiots; it''s obviously a government plot to control us," Haruto added mocking his best friend¡¯s concern about the cult like behaviour that has been reported about.


    Eren, a young man, only having turned 20 a few months ago. With raven black hair that reached the nape of his neck, usually tied back in a ponytail and striking amber eyes that belong on a delinquent. His friends always tell him he has sharp and defined features. Other people tell him he looks like a thug or someone with a shady past.


    ¡°Have you heard how they¡¯re doing it.¡± Kyo asked. Eren and Haruto shook their heads.


    ¡°It¡¯s a ranking system. It starts at F-rank which is human and goes all the way up to SSS+ rank." Kyo added.


    Eren frowned, "Wait, like a manga or manhwa? that¡¯s fucking stupid.¡±


    Kyo shrugged, "Apparently, it¡¯s been made into a ranking, so it¡¯s easier to interpret. Also, rumour has it that Endo was some big nerd before becoming all mystical and wise.¡±


    "Yeah, but SSS+ sounds stupid as hell; what does that even mean? You¡¯re a god. And who decides what the ranks mean? What determines it? Another thing-"


    "Babe, don''t worry about it." Rika interrupted, hugging Eren¡¯s arm tightly.


    "We can figure it out when we get our powers. You can be my knight in shining armour." She smiled sweetly.


    Eren looked down and saw Rika''s low-cut top. Her chest pressed against his arm, ¡°Uh yeah, maybe,¡± Eren said, blushing, averting his eyes from the low-cut top.


    Haruto elbowed Kyo, "That was smooth as hell." He chuckled. "Man, what''s her secret? I can never get him to shut up once he gets going on something he hates." Kyo whispered.


    ¡°Try two big fun bags currently squished against him.¡±


    Rika looked at the boys with a contemptuous side-eye, "Are you two idiots whispering about my breasts?" Haruto and Kyo looked at each other with a smirk before turning back to Rika, "Maybe they will have a special DD rank for Rika." They both chuckled.


    Eren scoffed, "DD my ass, you barely B-rank." He added.


    "Oi! If you keep talking shit, I''ll tell your mum you were staring at my tits." She glared. Eren went silent and stared back to the front as if nothing had happened.


    Eventually, the line dwindled and the group reached the front of the line, standing before Endo and the giant white orb. Endo gave his empty smile, "Greetings, students; are you ready to receive my gift?"


    "Yes, please!" Rika said excitedly, stepping forward. The ball illuminated a bright white accompanied by a soft humming sound. It enveloped Rika''s body before dissipating. Rika stood in awe, her eyes glistening with excitement.


    Endo spoke, "Congratulations water-kin, you have received a B-rank. A water Elementalist.¡± Endo stated. Rika smiled, jumping up and down in excitement, "I can''t believe it! This is so cool!" She turned towards Eren and the others,


    "Guys, I have superpowers!" She jumped up and down with vigour. Trying to use her powers, but nothing happened.


    Kyo chuckled, "Yeah, I can see that." He gestured to her chest. "Fucking hell Kyo, you¡¯re going to get me in trouble." Eren sighed.


    Haruto and Kyo stood next in line. "Go ahead, you go first,¡± Haruto said to Kyo. Kyo shook his head, ¡°No, you go first.¡± The two continued arguing until Agent Ota intervened,


    "That''s enough! One of you go, now!"


    Kyo stepped forward, gingerly reaching out towards the orb. It illuminated a bright white accompanied by a soft humming sound. "Congratulations, C-Rank, warrior.¡± Endo said, smiling.


    Kyo nodded "Thank you."


    Next up was Eren, looking at the ball intently. Cautiously, moving towards the orb; his mind raced from excitement, fear, and doubt. Finally, his hand touched the orb. Nothing happened.


    ¡°Come on, man, don¡¯t break it,¡± Haruto chuckled.


    Endo frowned at the inoperative orb, touching the ball again, still nothing.


    "I guess I''m not meant to be a hero." He joked. Endo inspected the orb, "Odd, it should''ve worked." Endo touched the ball again. "Ah, I see. It needs more time to read you. Try again my child.¡±


    Eren touched the ball once more. After a brief pause, the white orb turned a pitch black and a loud ringing spread through the courtyard.


    Time seemed to have stopped, and everyone stood frozen in place, the once-white light became a sinister black as it illuminated Eren''s face.


    Through the orb, a robbed figure approached Eren, its eyeless hood stared into Eren''s soul. A black skeletal hand reached out towards him; face veiled in shadow. Then suddenly, the figure disappears, and time resumed.


    Endo paused for a moment. ¡°Um...¡±


    Endo paused again, at a loss for words. ¡°B-Rank, Crusader,¡± Endo said tersely, pushing himself away. The others appeared unaffected by what had transpired.


    "Move along." Agent Mori gestured. As Eren moved over to the bench, he glanced back and saw Endo staring daggers into him. It made his skin crawl; those empty eyes with a hidden agenda behind them.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    At the table, two women with lists spread out all over the table, One woman with long flowing red hair and the other a short brunette. The redhead spoke first, ¡°Rank and class, please.¡±


    "Crusader class, B-Rank," Eren replied, his barely above a whisper.


    The woman checked her list, "Crusader; your power comes from your sense of justice, the strength of your convictions. It is not just about upholding moral values but embodying them in every aspect of your life." The redhead finished.


    "Um... Cool," Eren responded blankly, not really a concise explanation on anything really.


    "And my powers? ¡°You will have abilities suited towards melee combat, Sword skills, and weapon enhancements.¡± Eren nodded, "Got it, I guess."


    ¡°Your skills and abilities will be unlocked in due time; now, download ¡®The Gates¡¯ into your phone. It will allow you to see your status page and gain access to the store pages.¡± Eren reached into his pocket slowly and took out his phone, sceptical of this new app. He Snapped out of his daze; annoyance rises to the surface.


    "Do I really have to get an app for this? It feels like I''m downloading malware." Eren muttered to himself, adding it to his phone.


    The app opened, revealing a black screen with the title "Gates". A simple UI showing his name at the top left corner, rank, class, level, and basic stats such as health and status.


    Taken straight from an RPG. Impressive it had been made in only a couple days.


    ¡°Welcome, Crusader Eren Heart.¡± A robotic voice rang out from his phone, a series of text appeared that the voice read from.


    Eren sighed with exasperation. ¡°I''ve already had enough of this." Eren grumbled to himself.


    The brunette who had been quietly observing spoke up, "Now, young man." Her pure white eyes watching Eren intensely. "Would you like to join the-"


    "No." Eren interjected.


    The brunette frowned, "I haven''t even finished asking my question yet." Eren turned and walked away, "Excuse me!¡± The brunette called out, but Eren didn¡¯t turn around; his instincts told him something is up with that lady, and he wanted no part of it. The brunette''s white eyes pierced through his back as he left.


    Reuniting with his friends, Rika hugged Eren tightly, "I can''t believe we have superpowers! This is so cool!" Eren patted her back awkwardly. "Yeah, cool..." Rika looked up at Eren, concerned. "Are you okay? You don''t seem excited about this."


    Eren smiled, trying to hide his confusion and frustration. "It''s fine, I''m just a little overwhelmed." Their conversations were interrupted with the line muttering loudly. Something of interest was going on. They approached the line to see what was happening.


    Haruto stood with Endo, shaking his hand with excitement.


    Looking over at his friends. "You guys, you guys. I got and S-Rank. I''m a healer! I''m a healer!" He exclaimed, the pride in his achievement lighting up his face with a glow that rivals the luminescence of the mysterious orb.


    "Congratulations!" Eren calls out, raising a hand. Rika beams with excitement, rushing forward to hug Haruto, "I knew you would get something amazing! That''s so cool! We can be a badass super team together."


    Eren looked over to Endo, and for a fleeting moment, their gazes locked. The chagrin in Endo''s eyes was unmistakable; he knew something, but what? Endo turned away, moving on to the next student.


    Kyo high-fives him, ¡°Nice bro, you can heal our asses after we kick asses.¡± Kyo smirked. Haruto chuckled, "Well, I guess we''re a team now. We''ll need to learn how to use our powers if we want to go through those gates. Who knows what kind of dangerous stuff is inside."


    Rika nodded enthusiastically, "That sounds like fun! It''ll be an adventure!" Eren remained silent, watching Endo continue to work his way down the line, only a few students remained.


    Ota stepped forward, clearing his throat. "If you have downloaded the gates please leave. We thank you for your time." The group exited the courtyard, heading down the street.


    Haruto spoke first, ¡°Can you believe this shit? I¡¯m going home to tell my parents.¡± Kyo agreed, ¡°Same bro, I¡¯m going home now to tell them.¡± His excitement barely contained as he rushed off, a spring in his step.


    Haruto walked off waving, ¡°I¡¯ll catch up with you tomorrow."


    Rika turned to Eren, "I¡¯m so happy; it feels like a dream.¡± Eren patted her head, ¡°How about we go back to your place? You can show me how you uphold justice and moral values.¡± She said, biting her lip.


    Eren nodded, ignoring her flirting, as usual.


    <hr>


    Arriving back at Eren''s house, his parents were yet to return home from work. The interior dimly lit by the pale orange light of the setting sun.


    A modest apartment, sufficient for a family of four with a small kitchen, dining area, and living room. A short staircase leading to three bedrooms and a bathroom. Despite its compact nature, it seemed bigger than it let on, well-kept too, giving off an air of tranquillity. It was home.


    ¡°No one is home yet,¡± Eren mumbled.


    Rika gave a predatory smile, "Well that just means we have the place to ourselves." She licked her lips, walking towards Eren.


    Eren flicked the light on, breaking the intimate atmosphere. "Let''s just relax for a bit first," Eren replied, moving into the living room, and plopping down onto the couch. Rika followed him, sitting beside him. Snuggling up close, she leaned her head against his shoulder.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong,¡± Rika asked softly, noticing the look of discomfort and lack of colour on his face.


    Eren paused, contemplating whether to tell her what had happened. "I''m just... Confused. It doesn''t make any sense." He finally admitted.


    "Thinking?" "About what?" She asked, playing with his hair absentmindedly.


    ¡°Nothing much, just thinking about what¡¯s next.¡± Rika watched him closely, frowning slightly.


    "Eren Heart, I have known you since high school, you have the lying capability of a rock. What is bothering you?" Eren smiled weakly.


    ¡°Honestly, its nothing. I am just thinking about this power ranking system and how everything will change now." Eren answered vaguely. Rika remained unconvinced, but she decided not to push any further.


    "How about I do that thing that you like?" She said seductively, wrapping her arms around his neck. Eren blushed, "Oh, uh... I guess..." He trailed off as she climbed onto his lap, straddling him.


    "Is my Eren a good boy?" Rika whispered, nibbling on his earlobe. Eren blushed even more, averting his eyes away from hers. Rika chuckled, kissing his ear gently. "You''re so cute when you''re embarrassed."


    ¡°Good boys get rewarded." She purred, trailing her lips along his ear, gently biting and licking the ear lobe. "You''re the worst." Eren grumbled. His ears had always been a weakness of his. Rika knew exactly what buttons to push.


    "Are you ready?" She asked teasingly, pressing herself against him. Eren could feel his heart racing. He nodded slowly. Rika smiled and leaned forward, however, just as their lips were about to touch, the front door began to open. Rika quickly climbed off his lap and moved away with inhuman haste, as if nothing had happened.


    Eren''s mother entered through the front door with bags of groceries in her arms, followed by Eren''s younger sister, Emi.


    "Oh, Eren, you''re home early." Eren''s mother smiled at them, setting the bags down on the counter.


    Mrs. Heart; a beautiful woman in her late thirty''s, with long brown hair and her trouble-maker blue eyes. Eren had inherited his delinquent features from her, and based on what Mr. Heart would say about past her, she had the attitude of one too.


    ¡°Oh, hello, Rika. I didn¡¯t know you were coming over today.¡± Mrs. Heart greeted her, her gaze shifting to the two of them sitting together on the couch. She knew what they were up too.


    ¡°Hi, Mrs. Heart; sorry it was a last-minute decision."


    "Onii-chan!" Emi shouted as she jumped into his lap. "Hi Emi, how was school?" Eren asked as she giggled, climbing all over him.


    "Great! I got an A on my spelling test!" She beamed proudly. Eren chuckled, patting her head. "That''s awesome, little sister. You''re getting so smart." Emi smiled widely, showing the missing teeth in her smile. "I know!" She chirped happily.


    Emi was incredible smart for a 7-year-old. She a cute kid with short raven black hair and blue eyes, so she never had trouble making friends either. Inheriting most of her features from Mr. Heart except for her cunning and mischievous nature, which she got from their mother.


    Rika looked on with envy, she always loved how close the siblings were. When it didn''t detract from her and Eren''s relationship. Rika wanted to be part of that, even if it was just a little bit.


    ¡°Eren, TV.¡± Emi ordered. "You watch too much TV." Eren ruffled her hair before grabbing the remote and switching it on. Emi quickly made herself comfortable, leaning against him as they watched anime together.


    Emi looked at Rika, curiously painting her face. ¡°Rika-nee-Chan, why are you so red?¡± Eren¡¯s eyes shifted to Rika. Who in turned covered her face with a pillow; Mrs. Heart looked on concerned, ¡°Rika, are you ok? Do you have a fever?¡± Although she already knew the answer.


    "Oh, no, I''m fine, Mrs. Heart. Just a bit tired, that''s all." Rika replied sheepishly, avoiding eye contact. Eren winked at Rika. She sent a death glare back.


    "That''s good then. How was your day? Did you get to see that man?" Mrs. Heart asked curiously.


    Rika nodded, "Yeah, we got our ranks and stuff. I got Rank B, Water Elementalist."


    Mrs. Heart clapped her hands together, ¡°Wonderful, You two are growing up so fast.¡± Mrs. Heart entered the kitchen and started to prepare dinner.


    Emi Looked up to her brother. "Onii-chan, what''s your super power?" Eren smiled softly, "A crusader, I seek Justice and uphold morals." The explanation is lost on the girl, staring blankly back at him.


    "Or um... I¡¯m going to be super strong.¡± Emi jumped up and down with glee, "Stronger than Daddy?¡± Eren chuckled, "Strong enough, so you can¡¯t escape my... tickle attacks!" Eren exclaimed as he began tickling her stomach.


    Emi fell into a fit of giggles as she tried to escape his grasp. ¡°Mommy save meeee! Mommyyyy" Mrs. Heart shook her head, smiling at the two of them playfully wrestling on the couch.


    Eventually the 7-year escaped her brother''s clutches and ran away, on his hands and feet, Eren chased after her, around and around the couch until the door opens.


    Mr. Heart walked through the front door, setting down his briefcase and taking off his shoes. "I''m home." He announced tiredly.


    "Daddy!" Emi jumped up from behind the couch, wrapping her arms around her father''s leg., ¡°Daddy, tickle monster Onii-chan, chase me.¡± Hugging her farther from behind.


    Mr. Heart, a tall man with a stern expression and piercing amber eyes, a dominant and commanding presence behind him, yet there was a warmth to his voice.


    Eren stands and greets his father. "Hey dad." Mr. Heart ruffled his hair, "Congratulations my son." Rika waves to him from the couch, "Hello, Mr. Heart."


    "Rika, Hello, you staying for dinner?" Mr. Heart asked. Rika nodded, "Yes, if that''s alright." Mr. Heart nodded, "Sure, of course. What rank did you get?"


    "A B-Rank, Water Elementalist," Rika replied proudly. Mr. Heart smiled, "That''s good, glad to see my daughter-in-law got a respectable rank."


    Eren blushed and coughed loudly, glaring at his father. Mr. Heart chuckles as Rika frowns, muttering under her breath, "And you Eren? What rank did you get?"


    Eren rubbed the back of his neck, looking away from everyone. "Um... I''m a B-Rank crusader..." Eren trailed off, sounding unsure of himself.


    Mr. Heart slumped his blazer next to the door, returning his gaze to Emi. "Now," He paused for dramatic effect.


    "Emi, your dad and brother didn¡¯t come home today." Emi smiled, looking up at her father innocently. "Where is Daddy and Onii-chan? ¡°Mr. Heart chuckles; he leans in and whispers, ¡°Only the tickle monsters have come home." Emi screamed with delight, running away as Mr. Heart chased after her.


    Eren joins back in and chases after his sister with his father. Emi is trapped in a corner by the two men, and she pleads with them, ¡°No tickle monster, no! Pleaseeee." She begged, trying to escape their clutches. However, it was too late; Eren and Mr. Heart descended upon her, tickling her mercilessly until she couldn''t breathe from laughing so hard.


    *Pop*


    "Ow!¡± Mr. Heart yelped, standing back up and grabbing his lower back. Mrs. Heart rushed towards her husband, ¡°Dear, are you alright? What happened?"


    Mr. Heart winced, rubbing his lower back. "I''m fine dear; Just my body getting older." Mr. Heart complained.


    Mrs. Heart glared at him with a disgruntled expression, "Hmph, if you would just do the exercises I told you too, you wouldn''t have this problem. Come sit dinner will be ready soon."


    Leading her husband to the table; Mrs. Heart continued to prepare a delicious meal of salmon, rice, and vegetables.


    [Later that night]


    Long after everyone had gone to bed, Eren lied awake, staring at the ceiling. His mind replaying what happened earlier today. He couldn''t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.


    Endo''s eyes haunted him; those white orbs, full of malice, hatred, and contempt.


    Glancing down at Rika sleeping next to him. She looked so peaceful, her breaths are even, starkly contrasting Eren''s current mental state.


    At that moment, with her lying so close, he found a semblance of peace. He closed his eyes, letting her presence anchor him to the present, away from the shadows of uncertainty.

 Chapter 0.3: The D-Dogs

    A month had come and gone since the prophet and the gates arrived on earth. Many new gate sightings appeared all over the world; It was difficult keeping count of them all.


    People from all over the world had rushed to become a ranker. However, not everyone was so lucky; many people never received a power, and those who did often did not receive a strong one. Many stuck in the mediocrity of E-Rank through to C-rank.


    A select few were granted B or A-Rank, and fewer were given the divine honour of S-rank. The most coveted rank in the world. An overnight sensation; the newest rockstars the world over.


    With it, came the guilds. Basically, clubs to help explore these gates. An order for the prophet.


    The D-Dogs, were one the very first guilds to be established after the gate''s appearance. Their purpose, to maintain the law and order within the gates and ensure that other guilds would abide by these laws or otherwise deal with them. Its secondary faculty, to train new the next generation into elite fighters capable of handling any situation.


    Founded under the watchful gaze of the prophet.


    "Line up dogs." The booming voice echoed across the courtyard. The voice coming from a towering man, standing over 2 meters tall with rippling muscles. A mountain of a man whose mere presence commanded respect. Short white hair, piercing amber eyes, a long scar stretching across his face, and an expression that screamed authority. This was Akira, Guildmaster of the D-Dogs.


    The courtyard filled with newly ranked adventurers; each one groaned with annoyance as they lined up.


    Akira, the Guildmaster of the D-Dogs, was known for his strict training methods and no-nonsense attitude. "Today, we''ll focus on speed and mobility," he announced sternly. "Who will step up and show me what you''ve learned?" No one responded, an awkward silence falling over the group.


    Kyo and Haruto began to silently whisper between each other. "Not another time trial. I''m still exhausted from last week." Kyo whispered. Haruto shook his head, "I know bro; Doesn''t this hard ass have any original ideas?"


    "You two, step forward." Akira''s voice crackled like lightning, stiffing the two boys. The men shuffled forward hesitantly. "You two want to speak up about something?" Both shook their heads,


    "No, sir!" They answered in unison.


    "Good, you two will be the first pups." Akira pulled out his phone, tapping the screen a few times before the courtyard¡¯s phones began to vibrate. ''New quest received.'' the message read.


    Before the message dings again, and again, and again. Akira had sent the message over and over. Kyo and Haruto stood at the front shaking, unable to contain their laughter. Turning redder and redder by the second.


    "Oi!" Akira marched with a flustered face towards them, "You think it''s funny?!" His voice boomed, spittle flying from his mouth as he spoke. He towered over the two men, using his height and muscles to intimidate them.


    "No... No sir." Kyo struggled to keep a straight face, struggling to maintain eye contact with the towering man.


    Despite his authoritative nature, Akira was an older man with a stereotypical understanding of modern technology. Akira looked down at his phone, repeatedly pressing the screen in frustration. "Why won¡¯t this thing work?!" He growled angrily. Haruto let out some muffled laughter, quickly turning into a cough when Akira''s head snapped towards him.


    "Idiots." Eren sighed from behind the ongoing scene.


    Akira''s head snapped to Eren like a dog catching a whiff of meat. His eyes zeroing in on the young man. "Something to add crusader Heart?!" Eren froze in place, caught off guard by the attention.


    "No sir."


    "Well, you can join these two jokesters then." Akira ordered as he tossed his phone aside, landing with a thud on the dirt floor. Kyo and Haruto are about to explode from holding back their laughter.


    "Whoops." Rika had fallen onto her hands and knees on the ground. Akira glanced down at her. "Rika, join these three as well. I''m sure they''d love your company." He spoke condescendingly.


    "Oh ah, sorry sir." Rika quickly responded, feigning embarrassment as she stood up. Akira''s face twitched with annoyance, "Move it!" Akira pointed to the line.


    The four lined up, side by side. Kyo and Haruto snickering quietly whilst Eren and Rika stood rigid, looking on at the forward. "You didn''t have to pretend to fall over. We''re big boys, we can look after ourselves." Eren whispered.


    "¡¯You¡¯ can look after yourself, but those two morons couldn''t save themselves if they tried." Rika retorted.


    "Alright." Akira regained his composure, addressing the four once more. "Read the quest, that will be your mission. GO!"


    ---


    Title: D-Dogs time trial.


    Received from: Guildmaster Akira.


    Gate: C-Rank


    Accept? Yes/No


    Aim: Clear the gate within 35 minutes of entering.


    Reward: 1,000 Exp.


    Note: Failure to complete this gate within the allotted time will result in 3 hours of endurance training.


    ---


    The four marched out of the courtyard, the pity and sympathy of their fellow guild members weighed on them.


    "Going first sucks." "I hear ya man." "Good luck guys!" Voices cheered from behind. Although, not too loud to alert the stern Guildmaster.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Rika led the group through the stone path to the gate; it sat in small park, a 10-minute walk from the guild headquarters. In its own quaint, tucked away corner of the city. A small blue portal swirls in the centre, illuminating the ground around it with a pale light.


    A young woman stood next to it, looking intently at a tablet in her hand. Rika greeted the young woman, "Hi, Yui. You''re look as pretty as always." Yui looked up from her tablet and smiled politely.


    "Hello, Rika." Yui greeted the group warmly. She was a beautiful woman, with long black hair tied back in a ponytail, tiny in figure and dressed in a tight-fitting jumpsuit.


    "Are you four first?" She asked. Rika nodded, "Yup, those two idiots got us in trouble again."


    Yui had an important job in the D-Dogs, she was the resident administrator, Rank-B administrator. Whilst the class possessed no inherent combat abilities or special skills, it served has an information class. An in-built ability to access gate information, create quests and distribute items. A hard requirement to start and operate any guild.


    "Ready to go?" Yui asked. Everyone nodded; Yui tapped her tablet, opening a clock timer. "On my mark." She waited for everyone to prepare themselves.


    "Ready? Go!"


    Kyo and Haruto charged forward first, followed closely by Eren and Rika. They jumped into the swirling portal with gusto, and the world around them shifted from the small park to a wide-open clearing surrounded by trees.


    ---


    Dense trees and vegetation dotted the vast landscape. The air was cool and fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth, untainted by the sounds of human life. It felt as if the world had just been created, untouched and pure. "Who¡¯s taking the lead?" Eren asked.


    "Me, I''ll take the lead." Kyo replied, taking off down the path ahead of them. The group followed with haste close behind. It was not long before they encountered their first enemy, a small pack of white wolves appeared out from behind the trees, slowly stalking towards them.


    "Get your weapons out." Kyo ordered, Drawing dual swords from his belt. Rika manifested two long water spears, Haruto equipped his staff, and Eren his great sword.


    Eren shot forward, Sword raised high above his head. Brought down in a powerful swing, slicing through the first wolf in one strike. Before the other wolves could react to their fallen comrade, they were met with the rest of the guild¡¯s relentless assault.


    Kyo quickly took down two wolves with dual slashes before continuing onwards. Haruto waved his staff, sending out a blast of energy that blew away several wolves, tearing their bodies apart on impact. Rika on the other hand, gracefully danced through the fray, piercing each wolf with her water spears as she passed them by.


    The final wolf was caught off guard by Eren''s quick attack; it tried to flee from the fight but was quickly cut down by the young crusader.


    "That''s the last of them." Eren stated. Rika nodded, "Yeah, let''s keep moving. I don''t need any more endurance training in my life."


    Kyo took point again, leading the group towards their next encounter. The quartet were making great time, the idea of additional endurance training faded from their minds as they quickly made their way through the forest.


    The path opened into a wide clearing with several wolves circling around a giant alpha wolf. The biggest of the pack, a giant mangy beast, its fur barren in places, teeth cracked and broken, bloodied by past battles. The giant wolf looked up to see the new intruders; its red eyes glowed with anger as it snarled at them.


    "What''s your call Kyo?" Haruto asked. Kyo grimaced, "The boss monster is going to be a pain in the ass. Eren you and Rika-" Before Kyo could finish his plan of attack, the alpha rushed forward towards Kyo. A crazed look in its eyes as it leapt towards the young man.


    "Kyo, move!" Rika shouted, but it was too late. The alpha landed on top of him, sending him flying backwards into a nearby tree. Kyo groaned in pain as the alpha pinned him down. Its massive claws pressing against his chest, the sheer force was enough to crack his ribs.


    Eren charged in from behind, cutting across the back of the wolf''s leg, forcing it to release its hold on Kyo.


    The alpha turned its attention to Eren, preparing to attack again, its massive body slamming against Eren''s own, pushing him off balance.


    Haruto moved to Kyo''s side, healing him. Meanwhile the alpha howled, commanding the smaller wolves to assist it in the fight. Rika moved forward to help Eren; She fired her spears into the group of wolves, killing a few but is quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of them.


    Eren dodged the alpha''s attack with a quick roll to the side. He could feel the wolf''s breath against his face as it snarled at him. Two smaller wolves appeared from behind, snapping at his legs. Eren quickly slashed at them, trying to keep them away from him. However, one managed to latch onto his ankle.


    A wave of water crashed against the small wolves, throwing them against the trees. Freeing Rika to help Eren fight the alpha wolf. Kyo stood up slowly, Haruto''s healing magic having healed his injuries.


    The Alpha charged once more towards Eren, Eren shifted to the side, dodging the wolf''s jaws. Slamming into the tree behind him. Rika attacks from behind, thrusting a water spear into the alpha''s left eye. It roared in pain, shaking its head wildly, blood and mucus flying everywhere.


    "Burning salve!" Haruto yelled, the alpha''s wound closing with intense heat, sizzling as the flesh healed over it.


    Rika held her ground, watching as the alpha turned to face her again. "Eren, finish it off now!" She screamed, striking at the wolf with her spears again. The alpha retaliated, smashing its body against hers, throwing her backwards into the trees.


    Eren used this chance to land a killing blow on the Alpha; He charged forward, leaping into the air with his great sword held high above his head. Bringing it down with force onto the wolf''s back, slashing clean through its spine, severing it in half. The alpha let out one final cry before falling limp. Its body lay lifeless, blood pouring from its wounds. The remaining wolves vanished into the dense forestry.


    The fight was over.


    "Quickly, we need to get back." Haruto called out as he rushed over to Kyo and Rika''s side. He began casting healing spells on them both, their injuries were extensive but nothing too severe.


    Rushing back towards the gate, time was running out. They needed to finish the quest fast or risk the wrath of Akira.


    As they exited the gate, they were greeted by a familiar face. The Ominous glare of Akira greeted them. Sizing up the group with a quick once over, his attention landed on Yui, standing by the gate, tablet in hand. "How much time?" Akira asked gruffly.


    "Exactly 30 minutes, sir." Yui replied, holding out her tablet for Akira to inspect. "I see, well done team." He nodded to them,


    "You have done the D-dogs proud." An ever so slight smile graced his stern face. "Enjoy the rest of your day off; You''ve earned it."


    Akira returned his attention back the other D-dogs, now lined after in groups of 5. "Next." He barked, the next group slowly walking forward.


    ---


    Haruto checked Kyo over for any signs of injury, "Are you alright?" Kyo winced as Haruto touched his ribs. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just bruised."


    "That was a crazy fight, didn''t think we would pull through with time to spare." Eren commented, putting his sword away.


    "Tell me about it, I can''t believe that stupid wolf pulled that cheap move on me." Kyo responded bitterly. "I was barely able to do anything; That damn wolf had my ass pinned down in seconds."


    Haruto chuckled, "Well, at least you''re alive. Now, who wants dinner?" Everyone nodded, following Haruto out of the courtyard towards the city centre.


    Kyo, Haruto and Rika chat away whilst Eren lagged. Something was wrong, he felt like he was being watched. Eren turned, nothing behind him but empty space.


    Turning back and looking at his reflection, he saw the black spectre staring back at him from behind. It was holding its skeletal hand out towards him. Eren spun around to confront the figure but found nothing there.


    "Is anyone there?" He called out.


    Silence greeted him, just as it had before. Eren sighed, shaking his head. ''What''s wrong with me? I''m seeing things now.'' Eren thought, rubbing his eyes tiredly. Running a hand through his hair, he let out another sigh before turning around and joining the others.


    He tried to ignore the nagging feeling in the back of his mind, but it would not leave him alone.


    For a month now he felt it. Impending catastrophe.

 Chapter 0.4: The gates open

    Three months after the gate''s appearance, the world had begun to settle into a new routine. People were getting used to the new changes, making the most of their new powers and responsibilities.


    The father of it all, Endo sat in a darkened room, alone with his thoughts. Watching intently at several screens projected around him. His eyes scanned the screens, analysing each one carefully. Some displayed information about different gates, others showed news broadcasts from across the globe. Endo watched everything with an unreadable expression.


    "Sir." Agent Mori approached from the dark.


    "Agent Mori." Endo greeted him without looking up from the screens.


    "Have you decided on what to do with the crusader Eren Heart?" Agent Mori asked, keeping his distance from Endo.


    Endo didn''t respond right away; instead, he continued to stare at the screens in front of him. "Yes." He finally spoke after a long pause.


    "Remove him from this world." Agent Mori bowed and left the room without another word.


    ''He can''t be allowed to ruin everything we will build.'' Endo thought as his white eyes watched Eren''s image on the screen. ''You may have everyone else fooled, but not me.''


    <hr>


    Eren awoke suddenly, bolting upright from his bed. Sweat dripping from his forehead, his breathing ragged. Rika sat up next to him, looking concerned, "Eren, are you alright? You look pale." Eren didn''t respond, staring blankly ahead of him. Rika put her hand on his shoulder.


    "Hey." Eren blinked a few times, turning towards her.


    "Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Bad dream is all." He mumbled, rubbing his eyes tiredly. Rika moved closer, wrapping her arms around him comfortingly. "It''s okay. We''re safe." She whispered reassuringly.


    *Buzz**Buzz*


    Eren''s phone vibrated on the nightstand beside him; he grabbed it and turned it on, the screen lit up the room with its dim light. It was a message from Yui. A new quest has been received.


    ---


    Title: D-dogs prophet meting


    Received from: Yui.


    Gate: Unknown.


    Accept? Yes/No


    Description: Report to the unknown gate for a special mission from the prophet.


    Reward: Unknown.


    ---


    Eren was surprised by the quest; why would Yui send out a vague quest? Usually, they were rich in detail?


    "Let''s ignore it." Rika grumbled, laying back down and pulling the covers over herself.


    Eren shook his head, "We are going to get in trouble again if we don''t go."


    Rika mumbled something incoherent, burying her face into the pillow. "Come on you." Eren hoisted up his girlfriend over his shoulder, carrying her like a sack of potatoes towards the bathroom.


    After the hot shower woke the pair up, they changed into their matching D-dogs gear. A modest grey jumpsuit, it''s snug and flexible, fitting like a second skin. An emblem of a barking dog that looked more like a wolf.


    Heading down the stairs, the Heart household is already awake. Mr. Heart sitting at the table, enjoying a morning cup of coffee.


    "You two are up early." He commented, glancing at them from behind his newspaper. "Have somewhere to be?"


    "A new quest was sent out." Eren answered, grabbing a piece of toast from the plate in the centre of the table. "We''ll be back later." He added before taking a bite.


    Emi sprinted to the front door, blocking the pair. "Good morning, Onii-chan and Rika nee-Chan!" She shouted excitedly, jumping up and down.


    Eren knelt to her level, ruffling her hair. "Morning, little sister. You¡¯re up early too." Emi nodded eagerly. "Mhmmm, I wanted to walk to school with Onii-chan today." Eren smiled at her cute innocence.


    "Not today, we have work to do. You go ahead with Mom." He answered. Emi frowned, her face scrunching up with a displeased expression.


    "Eren never wants to spend time with me anymore." She whined, stamping her feet on the ground.


    Eren''s time had been sent training with the D-dogs for the past few months, meaning less time with his family. Emi has felt the absence the hardest, being so close with her older brother.


    ¡°I am sorry, Emi. How about we play later tonight when I get home?¡± Emi beamed brightly. ¡°Promise?¡± Eren nodded. "I promise. I''ll be home at 6:30." Emi held out her pinkie; Eren took his sister¡¯s pinkie with his.


    ¡°Pinky Promise.¡± Emi hugged him, ¡°Ok, see you later, Onii-chan.¡± Emi walked away, going back upstairs.


    "Take care sweety." Mrs. Heart kissed the top of her head as she walked by, "Remember to stay safe."


    Rika smiled warmly, "Bye, Emi." Emi waved goodbye from the top of the stairs before disappearing into her room.


    The couple arrived at the designated gate, a swirling green portal that had opened in a secluded park just outside the local area. A decent hike from their home.


    The morning air gave a slight chill, fogging up their breath as they exhaled. The ground was damp with dew, reflecting the rays of the sun as it rose higher into the sky.


    Kyo and Haruto stood waiting for them; Kyo stretched his arms above his head, letting out a yawn. "Took you two long enough." He smirked.


    "Are we the only ones here?" Eren asked, looking around. Haruto looked towards the gate. "No, I think the rest of the guild has arrived already." Akira approached them from the other side of the portal.


    Akira greeted the group warmly, "Good morning." His eyes glancing over the four, except for Eren. His gaze averting from the young crusader.


    "Let''s get going; Endo wants to see the progress of the D-dogs." Akira ordered before turning back towards the gate.


    Eren stopped mid-step; a feeling of dread washed over him. His body was screaming out, something was amiss.


    ''This gate feels different.''


    "What." Akira exclaimed suddenly, his eyes finally landing on Eren. He frowned deeply, "Something''s wrong. Let''s go back."


    His comrades had already entered the portal. Only Eren remained on the outside, hesitating. "I''m sorry." He heard Akira whisper before disappearing into the green swirling portal.


    Eren stood all alone, the streets empty and silent around him. His heartbeat was erratic, pounding against his chest painfully. "Why am I afraid?" He asked himself quietly.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "I''m the top of the B-rank. This is just a normal gate, no different than the others." He tried to rationalize his fear, but it did little to quell the uneasiness in his heart.


    His eyes caught his reflection, the hooded spectre staring back at him. This time however, it had raised its finger towards the direction of the portal. Eren could feel its invisible gaze staring directly at him.


    "Follow..." An ethereal voice echoed through his mind, compelling him forward.


    Eren took a deep breath before stepping through the gate, the world shifted around him. Instead of a beautiful forest clearing, it opened into a large cave system, dimly lit by a handful of torches hanging on the walls. The distant sound of a man speaking guided Eren through the caverns.


    The voice grew louder with each cautious step, "You have all proven yourselves to be exceptional agents of my design. I am honoured to have you all serving under me." The voice echoed; his words carried by the cool air.


    Eren peeked around the corner; A large open room lay before him. Red flames danced in torches scattered throughout the room, casting a red hue across everything. White marbled floors and white columns decorated the space. D-Dogs lined up under a large platform, several steps high.


    "For you all to grow stronger, you must face evil in all its forms." Eren entered the room observing the D-dogs guild in a square formation; patiently listening to Endo speak. "For there is a great evil amongst us. An agent of chaos. A plague on humanity that must be removed."


    Eren moved along the wall towards a staircase, staying hidden from view. He could see everyone from his vantage point. However, Endo locks eyes with him.


    His voice rose, higher for the whole world to hear, "To grow as humans eradicate the chaos."


    "KILL EREN HEART!"


    The shock of Endo''s command rippled through the room, quickly turning into cries of confusion. "What? Kyo asked stunned.


    "Endo, what are you saying?" Haruto called out to Endo. He moved to climb the steps but was stopped by Agent Mori. The guild master Akira remained silent, staring solemnly ahead of him.


    Soldiers clad in white Armor with large black masks filled in from the cave entrance, blocking the exits. Some drew their swords and pointed them at the unsuspecting adventurers. Eren drew his sword, unsure of what to do next.


    "If you want to join the higher echelons of power. Then show me your resolve!" Endo commanded, his voice echoing off the walls. The room burst into chaos; Kyo and Haruto went on the defensive, using their skills to keep the soldiers at bay.


    Rika leapt up from the ground towards Eren. A pillar of water erupting beneath her, lifting her high into the air.


    The D-Dogs stood in confusion, except for those with white eyes. "Don''t move! Stay back!" Haruto shouted at them.


    "Why are you interfering with the prophets¡¯ orders?" One of the D-Dogs questioned. Rika dove towards Eren, sending a wave of water crashing against the incoming soldiers.


    Eren spun his sword, deflecting the strikes from one of the soldiers. The soldier was quick, moving forward with great speed, striking at him repeatedly. Their swords clashed against each other, sending sparks flying. Another guard flanked Eren, putting him on the defensive.


    "Water spears." Rika cried pinning two soldiers to the wall behind her. She reached out her hand towards another soldier, causing him to be engulfed in water and crushed against the wall. Eren struck down another guard, watching as they fell limp to the ground.


    "What did you do Eren?" Rika asked; she was breathless, her arms trembling from exhaustion. Eren looked back at her; his face contorted into a look of anger.


    "Me? I haven''t done anything! I don''t know what''s going on." He cried back.


    "End this." Endo ordered Agent Ota. "Of course, my prophet." Agent Ota unholstered a white pistol from his coat. Pointing it at Eren and Rika, without hesitation, fired off several rounds in quick succession.


    The first bullet tore through Eren''s shoulder, tearing apart muscle and bone. Blood sprayed from the wound, splattering across the floor. Eren screamed in agony, clutching at his arm desperately trying to stop the bleeding.


    "Eren!" Haruto cried out. Blasting the soldiers away, he and Kyo rushed to the aid of their friend. More guards Swarm Eren and Rika; They closed in on them from all sides, trapping them in place.


    ¡°Sto-Arggh.¡± Eren screamed as a sword pierced his abdomen. He fell forward onto the ground, his blood pooling beneath him.


    The sounds of fighting continued around him; the cries of his friends echoed in his ears. He could not see anything except the blurred figures moving around him.


    "You said this would be quick." Akira watched on in dismay.


    "It was you who trained your dog¡¯s well Akira. It will be over soon." Endo answered coldly, not even glancing at the man below him.


    Kyo burst through the lines of white eyed guards, stepping between Eren and the soldiers. His swords drawn in an offensive stance, glaring down the soldier that stabbed Eren. Haruto stumbled up next to Kyo, helping Rika with Eren''s body.


    "Eren. I need you to stay with me." Haruto pleaded as he held his hands over Eren''s wound, white light enveloping them both.


    "Why are you doing this!" Rika yelled angrily at Endo, her face red from rage. "Because you are a threat to everything we will build." Endo answered plainly, unflinching in the face of her wrath.


    "He hasn''t done anything!"


    "He will." Endo replied firmly.


    Ota drew closer aiming at the back of Haruto. Pulling the trigger with a quiet click. The bullet pierced through his chest, leaving behind a small hole as it exited out the other side. A large amount of blood pouring from the wound. Haruto let out a painful groan before falling limp on the ground. Rika rushed to his side, desperately trying to heal him, with her water magic. Anything to stop the bleeding.


    "Enough!" Akira roared, cutting off Ota''s line of fire. ¡°Is this really what you want, Akira?¡± Endo questioned calmly; his white eyes glowing.


    "No, I should have trusted my gut from the start. No bullshit about a prophecy."


    "Prophecy." Eren rasped, struggling to sit up, his wounds barley healed. "Eren, get out of here run!" Akira ordered, having just cleaved three of his guild members in half with his massive axe.


    Endo started to become increasingly worried at the sudden change in the situation. His soldiers slowly began to dwindle, no matter how many they brought. The guild was stronger than he had anticipated. Turning to his ace, Mori. "Finish this."


    "With pleasure." Mori leaped from the platform and landed next to Eren. Swinging a roundhouse kick into the young crusader''s face, knocking him to the ground.


    Mori dashed towards him, raising his sword high above his head. Bringing it down in a powerful slash, aiming for Eren''s throat.


    However, twin swords appeared blocking the fatal blow. Kyo stood over Eren, his body trembling with adrenaline and anger. Mori eyed the young man before pushing back against him. Kyo blocked the next strike, slashing at Mori''s chest. However, the agent blocked it with ease.


    "Go! Now!" Kyo ordered again, jumping away from Mori''s attack. Staggering to his feet, Eren did not hesitate this time. He stumbled past the ongoing fights towards one of the other exits in the room.


    A solider surprised Eren as they rush out of the shadows, stabbing their sword into his side. Eren cried out in pain, clutching at his wound.


    Another soldier approached from behind, thrusting their sword forward. Eren rolled to the side, more like a sloppy roll though. Narrowly avoiding the blow.


    He tried to stand up but collapsed, his strength fading quickly. Kyo threw one of his swords at Eren.


    Using the blade, he thrust it into the soldier¡¯s neck, piercing through their throat. Killing them instantly. Crimson poured down onto Eren, staining his clothes with blood.


    For a moment, the world went quiet; Eren looked up at Kyo, his eyes giving one last thank you.


    "I''m sorry." Kyo whispered under his breath, watching helplessly as Mori decapitated Kyo with a swift slash of his blade.


    "KYO!!" the faint cries of Rika echoed from behind.


    Kyo''s limp body crashed to the ground, his head rolling towards Eren. Blood still oozing from his neck, his lifeless eyes staring blankly into nothingness.


    Eren''s heart began to beat faster and harder, body temperature rising rapidly. A cold rage building within him. Eyes darting around the room like a cornered animal.


    Filled to the brim with rage, Eren used every ounce of his remaining willpower, charging at the lonely prophet, tackling him to the ground.


    Eren punched the defenceless prophet repeatedly. With each punch, Eren''s anger, pain, and despair poured out of him.


    ¡°You want to lead us all! Try doing that without your fucking eyes!¡± Eren roared, puncturing the prophets¡¯ milky white eyes, digging his thumbs into them.


    ¡°Aaaaahhh!¡± the prophet wailed in agony, desperately trying to remove Eren''s hands from his face.


    "It hurts! Stop it! Make it stop!" Endo pleaded between sobs, his body writhing beneath Eren''s grasp.


    Eren felt a sudden sharp pain radiate through his chest; looking down, Mori had thrust his sword into his heart. The cold pain was too much for Eren to handle. He collapsed onto the ground. Mori pulled the wailing Endo away, covering his bloody eyes.


    Eren lay still on the ground, watching the ceiling begin to spin.


    His eyes grew heavy, heart slowed, and the rhythmic beating lost its strength. The world around Eren starts to blur, each blink a monumental effort as darkness crept into the edges of his vision, the sounds of battle faded into a distant echo.


    He didn¡¯t think dying would be this peaceful.


    ¡°Eren.¡± a faint voice echoed. It was familiar, Rika rushed towards him, kneeling beside him. "Eren stay with me!"


    Tears fell on to him; cleaning off some of the blood split. She desperately tried to heal his wounds, but it was too late. Taking comfort in the gentle waves of her magic, Eren smiled once last time before closing his eyes. He let out a final breath as his life slipped away from him.


    ¡®I¡¯m Sorry.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m Sorry, Mum and Dad.¡¯


    His last thoughts of his dear sister. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Emi. I wish I could have been your strong brother.¡±

 Bonus chapter 0.5: A broken promise

    Emi arrived home from school, excited to finally spend some time with her brother. She had meticulously planned the night, first they¡¯ll play some games, watch some TV and then; Eren will read her some English books.


    She liked the way his voice sounded when he read her stories.


    Her mother greeted her, "Welcome home, sweetie." Emi smiled brightly at her, "Hi mummy. Where''s Onii-chan?"


    "He''s at work today, remember?" Her mother replied, frowning slightly at her daughter''s forgetfulness.


    Emi sighed, crestfallen that she would have to wait longer to play with Eren. "Why don''t you go play upstairs? I''ll call you when dinner is ready." Emi nodded, trudging upstairs to her room.


    The afternoon passed quickly for Emi, who sat alone playing her video games. Time passed by faster than she realized. Soon the sun began to set, painting the sky with warm hues of reds and oranges.


    "Emi!" Her mother called from downstairs. "Come down for dinner!" She answered back, "Ok!"


    The time was 6:20 pm, Eren should be home any minute now. She raced down the stairs to find her parents sitting at the table eating dinner.


    Her excitement reaching its peak. "Emi sit down, dinner is getting cold." Her father motioned towards the seat across from him. Emi sat down reluctantly, stealing a glance at the door.


    6:31, the door knob remained unmoved. No sign of Eren. Emi started to eat her food with chagrin, he promised.


    "Is Eren not coming home?" Emi asked, her parents glanced at each other before looking back at her. "I''m sure he''s just caught up at work." Her mother responded softly.


    "Yeah, he''ll be here soon." Her father reassured her, although his words were empty. As they shared a glance, among the many things they knew about their son, he was always tardy.


    6:40, 6:45, 6:50. Emi lost all hope in her brother, believing that she had been forgotten, again. Her dinner sat half eaten, pushing the food around the plate.


    "Why don''t you go have a bath honey?" Her mother suggested gently, reaching out and ruffling her hair. Emi nodded sullenly.


    "Ok, mom." She stood up from the table, dropping her fork onto the plate with a loud clatter. "How about I call him while you''re in the bath? It''ll be alright." Her father smiled reassuringly, trying to hide the uneasiness behind it.


    7:20, The phone rang, and rang. No one answered. Emi stepped out of the bathroom in her pink pajamas, holding her towel in hand. She dried her hair whilst walking towards her room, stopping by the stairs when she heard a conversation happening downstairs.


    "Where is he? He would call if something came up, right?" Her mother''s voice was shaking, her words filled with worry. "Maybe we should call the police." Her father spoke with equal concern.


    A chill ran down her spine; Emi could feel the dread settle in the pit of her stomach. Tears started to well up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She desperately wanted to be reassured that Eren was safe, that nothing had happened to him.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Emi sprinted to her mother''s side, hugging her tightly.


    7:50, The door was yet to be opened. Emi sat, staring at the entrance with baited breath, waiting for her brother to walk through it. Her heart pounding against her chest, her body trembling.


    ''He promised.'' She repeated in her mind over and over.


    Mr. Heart was on the phone talking to someone, anyone who might know where his son might be. Whilst Mrs. Heart, held Emi close, stroking her hair softly. "It''ll be ok sweetie, Eren will be home soon." Emi nodded slightly, but her mind was elsewhere.


    8:00, "All right, I''ll go the guild and see what''s happening." Mr. Heart spoke into the phone before hanging up. He walked towards the front door, pulling on his jacket.


    "Do you want me to come with you?" Mrs. Heart asked as she stood up from the couch, letting Emi go. Mr. Heart shook his head.


    "No, stay here just in case he comes back."


    "Emi stay here with your mother, help her out while I''m gone." Emi nodded weakly, her head hanging low.


    He turned back towards the door and stepped out into the night.


    A strong breeze blew through the empty street; the clouds were dark, and the air felt heavy. Mr. Heart pulled his jacket tighter around him as he walked briskly towards the guild.


    As he turned the corner, two shadows approached him. His spirt went up immediately. The first one he recognized was Rika.


    However, Mr. Hearts spirts dissolved quickly after seeing the state of the two. She looked distraught and shaken. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, her clothes were tattered and stained with blood.


    The other shadow was Akira, but something seemed different about him. He carried a large axe over his shoulder, its blade coated in blood. His eyes were lifeless, unreadable.


    "Rika, where is Eren?" He asked tentatively.


    8:05, The door rattled.


    "Eren''s home!" Emi sprinted to the front door, standing on her tippy toes. Excitement welled up inside of her; the past hour of worry gone, replaced by her love for her brother.


    "Onii-chan! You''re late!" She shouted eagerly. However, when she opened the door, the face staring back at her was not her brother.


    Mr. Heart walked in, his expression grim and cold. He didn''t meet Emi''s eyes as she looked up at him expectantly. She smiled happily, thinking that everything was fine now. Her big brother had come home safe.


    "Daddy, where is Onii-chan?" He kept silent, walking straight past her towards Mrs. Heart who was standing behind her.


    "Where''s Eren? What happened...Please tell me he''s okay." Mrs. Heat''s voice cracked, tears rolling down her cheeks. Mr. Heart pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. Emi stared at them, confused by their behaviour. "I''m sorry." His words were soft and broken.


    Rika and Akira followed him inside, standing by the doorway silently. The pair wore matching expressions of despair and sadness. "Rika, where is Eren?"


    Rika couldn''t hold it in any longer; her composure crumbled, and she broke down crying. "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry." She sobbed uncontrollably.


    Akira grabbed her shoulders gently, "It''s not your fault, you did everything you could." He turned to Emi, kneeling to her level. "I''m sorry little one. We did everything we could." He placed his hand on her head, rubbing it gently.


    "Where is Onii-chan?" She asked again, fear starting to take root.


    "He''s gone. Your brother won''t be coming back." Mr. Heart answered bluntly, but still refusing to look at his daughter.


    "But, but. He promised." She whispered, shaking her head in disbelief. "You''re lying! He is going to walk in!" She shouted at them, tears spilling from her eyes. Rika embraced her, holding her close to her chest. "No, No! My brother is coming, you liar!" Breaking free Emi sprinted towards the front door. Running down the street, calling out for Eren.


    "Eren! Eren... please, you promised. Come back. Please. You can''t leave me alone." She cried out between sobs, stumbling as she ran. Mr. and Mrs. Heart caught up to her quickly, picking her up from the ground. They both held onto their daughter tightly. Holding her in a tight embrace.


    A link of sorrow between the three; a loss of equal measure.

 Chapter 1: Awakening

    <h2>Arc 1: Reaper training</h2>


    <hr>


    Eren awoke from a dreamless sleep; His vision was blurry at first but soon began to focus. A warm breeze blew across his face, ruffling his hair gently. Laying on a grassy hillside overlooking a vast valley below him, that went on for eternity, blending into the orange sunset.


    No injuries remained on his body; all traces of the fight had been erased. In their place, a calm feeling washed over him, relaxing his muscles, and soothing his mind.


    ''Am I dead?'' Eren asked himself as he sat up slowly. Taking in the scenery around him, this place was ripped straight out of his dreams. It was peaceful, serene, perfect. There was no pain or suffering, only tranquillity.


    "Eren!" A familiar voice called from the distance. Turning his head towards the source,


    "Kyo?" His eyes widened at the sight before him.


    Kyo stood smiling widely at him. He looked just as Eren remembered, evidence of his demise absent from his body. His clothes were clean, without a single stain of blood on them.


    Eren ran towards him, his heart racing with excitement.


    "Kyo!" He shouted excitedly. Wrapping his arms around him tightly, squeezing him as hard as he could. The hug was returned in kind, both men laughing and smiling.


    "I''m so glad you''re alright!" Eren exclaimed, releasing Kyo from his grasp. "Yeah, you too." Kyo replied, placing his hand on Eren''s shoulder. "Where are we?" Eren asked, turning back towards the scenery in front of them.


    "I''m not sure exactly, but it feels good to be here." Kyo admitted, looking at the sky above them. "Everything feels...Right, ya know?" Eren nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Do you think this is the afterlife?" He asked, glancing at Kyo from the corner of his eye.


    "No idea." Kyo shrugged, "Wait. Haruto and Rika." He turned back towards the hills behind them. "There not here... are they safe?" Kyo asked worriedly. Eren smiled reassuringly, "I think so."


    "What makes you say that?" "Instinct. I can feel it in my gut." Kyo nodded, still looking slightly worried.


    "Come on, let''s explore this place." He began walking down the hillside towards the valley below.


    <hr>


    Whilst the pair walked, a looming shadow appeared on the horizon, growing larger with each step they took. Expansive wings began to form, spanning far above them, casting an ominous shadow. It landed gracefully in front of them, still bathed in shadow.


    "Welcome." The figure greeted them warmly, stepping forward into the light.


    A man with golden locks stood before them, clothed in a black suit and a dark red tie with fiery red accents. His skin was fair and smooth, like marble stone. He had emerald eyes that shone brightly with power.


    "Hello..." Kyo greeted him warily, looking over the figure carefully. "Who are you?" The man smiled at Eren kindly. "I am Lucifer..." Lucifer paused, lifting his hands into the air dramatically. "Welcome to the afterlife."


    "Wait, Lucifer as in the devil-"


    "Shush, that is just a human interpretation, a long story that is both awe-inspiring and-" Lucifer paused mid-sentence. His eyes focusing intently on Eren''s face, studying it carefully.


    "You." His voice seemed to echo, bouncing off the walls of Eren''s mind. A feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over him.


    "Let me look at you." Lucifer stepped forward, placing his hands on Eren''s shoulder. He examined every inch of Eren''s face, smooshing his cheeks together, squinting his eyes as if looking for something specific.


    "Have we meet before?" Eren asked quietly, uncomfortable with the sudden proximity between them.


    Lucifer was silent for a moment before replying, "Now ¡®that is¡¯ a long story." He released his cheeks, a hint of sadness in his eyes.


    "Now, come with me." Snapping back to his cheerful self. Suddenly, grabbing the pair, wings spread from his back and carried them into the sky. Soaring through the endless orange void.


    "What the hell!" Kyo yelled as they ascended into the clouds, struggling against the grip on his arm. Eren held onto Lucifer''s arm tightly, trying not to fall. The air whipped around them, sending their hair flailing wildly behind them.


    "Hold on." Lucifer whispered as he swooped down, diving straight towards the ground below.


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" The pair screamed as they plummeted towards the earth. A black void opened beneath them, swallowing them whole. The orange sky vanishing from view, darkness encasing them.


    The world shifted around them, twisting, and turning as they were transported through the darkness. Finally emerging into another world, this one however, was vastly different.


    The temperature is far colder than the grassy field, the atmosphere is gloomy. It is a decrepit landscape with no colour; the sky is overcast, and there are no grass coverings, only an ashen sandy ground that stretches on over unending dunes. A land of death.


    Lucifer floated down, releasing his grip on the pair''s arms. He landed gracefully onto the barren earth below, followed by Kyo and Eren landing next to him. Both fell forward onto their knees, gasping for air. Their lungs burned from the lack of oxygen. "What the hell was that!" Kyo yelled at Lucifer.


    "My, aren''t you a feisty little mortal?" Lucifer remarked, leaning in closer to him, grinning mischievously.


    "What do you want from us?" Eren asked calmly. Lucifer stepped away from Kyo, focusing his attention on Eren. "It¡¯s what ¡®we¡¯ want from you, my dear Eren Heart." He replied, smiling devilishly.


    "We?" Eren repeated, eyebrow raised in confusion.


    "Come along now, we have such sights to show you." Lucifer waved them over, as he began walking across the barren landscape with an almost schoolgirl like skip in his step.


    Kyo and Eren shared a look of uncertainty before following him.


    <hr>


    They travelled for a short while before coming across a long line of people, stretching as far as the eye could see. However, these humans were different from normal humans, they had pale skin and deep eyes. Some missing limbs, others completely disfigured.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    They seemed to have come from all different walks of life. Men, women, children, even some form of monsters, such as goblins and elves. All of them wore matching expressions of sorrow and despair.


    "Are those... spirits?" Kyo asked quietly, looking over the crowd with apprehension. "Indeed," Lucifer replied, his tone almost proud.


    "These are the souls awaiting their turn to be processed." He answered, motioning for the pair to follow him. They walked alongside the sea of souls towards a colossal temple, looming ominously over the bleak landscape. Its walls were built from black marble stone, decorated with intricate designs and symbols. At the entrance stood several pillars, blazers engulfed in white flames.


    "This is Death''s temple. Where the souls are processed and sent onwards to their next life." Lucifer explained as they approached the large stone doors.


    ¡°So, who was right?¡± Eren inquired.


    ¡°Who was what?¡± Lucifer answered back a little bit perplexed.


    ¡°Which religion was right? Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism?¡±


    ¡°None. Well. Bits and pieces spread across all religions. An explanation for another time. Come we have much to see.¡± Lucifer really wasn¡¯t interested in dumping the ins and outs of the afterlife to two new arrivals. A story for another time


    Two guards stood on either side of a large temple door, clad in full black armour. Their helmets covered their entire faces, leaving only their eyes exposed.


    "Hello." Lucifer greeted with vigour, flashing them a dazzling smile. The guards turned to him, staring at him blankly for a moment before looking away, dismissing him entirely.


    "Oh, come now, don''t be like that. I''m just here to deliver these two gentlemen to our Lord and Master." Lucifer waved his hand dramatically at Eren and Kyo, emphasizing their presence.


    The guard raised its hand, pointing at the door behind it. "Thanks." Lucifer grinned happily, before walking past the guards and pushing open the doors.


    The interior of the temple was equally as grandiose as the exterior. However, whilst the exterior was of dark and gothic design the interior was more in line with modern design. White marble floors, polished to perfection. Large columns supported the massive dome shaped ceiling. In the centre of the room, the line that stretched outside began to split up into different pathways. With the smaller lines leading up a large spiral, not visible from the outside


    Eren and Kyo had seen many wonders in their time on earth. However, nothing compared to this place. Everything felt ancient beyond comprehension, radiating with power.


    "Eren..." An otherworldly voice resonated throughout the room. The entire building seemed to tremble under its weight.


    From a black shadow, emerged a tall slender figure. Its body wrapped in a dark robe, obscuring any form beneath it. Only the endless abyss could be seen within the hood. The only physical features that were visible was two burning white eyes, staring back at Eren.


    "Welcome, Eren Heart." It spoke again, the same echoing voice that rang in Eren''s mind.


    "Who... who are you?" Kyo asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "I am known by many names, Death, Lord of souls, King of shadows, Azazel."


    Eren and Kyo remained silent, unable to find the words to speak. Their minds racing with a thousand questions.


    "I''ve...been watching you Eren, for some time now." The being spoke slowly, its words weighted with purpose. "Why me? Why did you send me to my death? Why not anyone else?" Eren questioned, finding his voice once more.


    The figure seemed to consider Eren''s question for a moment before answering, "Follow..." Suddenly, a shadow enveloped them, transporting them from the temple to the outside.


    Reappearing atop a cliff, overlooking a black ocean. The waves crashed below them violently, white foam lapping against the dark rocks. Despite the eerie atmosphere the ocean brought, it was oddly soothing.


    "Your death, was a construct of fate." Death began, turning to look out at the horizon. "Fate!? What is that supposed to mean?" Eren interjected, angered by the cryptic answer.


    Death seemed to ponder before answering, "Another time." Death replied calmly. "For now, let me offer you a choice, Eren Heart." Death¡¯s voice became clearer, no longer reverberating within Eren''s mind.


    "A choice? What kind?" Eren asked cautiously. A being of death; offering a choice is not to be taken lightly.


    "I would like to offer you the chance to be reborn, a second chance at life." Death spoke with great purpose.


    Eren took a seat on the cliffs edge, mulling over his options. ''Rebirth?'' He looked out over the vast ocean. A gentle breeze blowing through his hair.


    ''Another chance at life...to be with my family again.'' His heart ached at the thought of them. "What are my choices?" He asked quietly, turning his gaze back to Death.


    "You have two options, either continue on to the afterlife and rest for eternity, or be reborn as a reaper, to serve under me. Serve as my will beyond this realm." Death explained, sitting down next to him.


    "What would I have to do?"


    "All worlds require a balance of life and death; your duty as a reaper would be to maintain that balance. Bringing death to those who avoid the inevitable..." Eren grimaced at the thought of taking more lives.


    The slashing of those soldiers, flesh tearing through his blade still fresh in his mind. Never taken a life before; self-defence it was, it still was at the back of his mind.


    "... And to bring life to those that need it most." Death added, a small ethereal bird landed on his finger, chirping happily. Eren stared at the little creature with curiosity. "Life is one balancing act after another, for there is darkness within the light, and light within the darkness." Death released the bird from his finger, allowing it to fly away.


    "What about Kyo?" Eren asked, glancing over at his friend who was sitting cross-legged on the ground, watching them silently.


    "Only one can become a reaper. Kyo¡¯s death was an unfortunate consequence of those who upset the balance."


    Eren looked back over the ocean, watching the waves crash against the cliffs below.


    "And if I decline?" Death stood up from his seat, turning towards him. "Then you will join him in eternal rest, amongst the souls." Death held out his hand towards Eren, beckoning him to take it.


    Eren paused for a moment, contemplating his choices carefully. ''Another chance at life...''


    Eren looked down at beach below. His eye''s softened, a little girl with raven hair skipped through the black sand, happily humming to herself. The small child turned her head towards Eren, staring directly at him.


    A joyous smile with a couple of missing teeth plastered across her face. Seeing her, it is a part of Eren that wishes to return to his family. To be reunited with his sister once more. To hold her in his arms again. To apologize for leaving her.


    "Fine, I''ll be your reaper then." He agreed finally. Taking Deaths hand, pulling himself up. "Very well, Eren Heart. If you will-"


    "But... there are some conditions." Eren interrupted him.


    Death stared at him for a moment before nodding his head slightly.


    "One: If Kyo can''t be brought back, then I want him sent to the highest level of paradise."


    Death nodded slowly, "Kyo had sacrificed his life for yours, for that act of valour and bravery he would have been granted your request regardless."


    A tear trickled down Kyo''s face, touched by Eren''s kindness.


    "And two: The same deal applies to my friends and family when they pass. Three: Their lives, untouched by the shadows I¡¯m about to embrace, that¡¯s my final condition."


    "Your terms are acceptable, Eren Heart." Death agreed.


    "Lucifer..." Death''s voice called out to him. The blonde reaper had spent the entire time twirling his hair in self-amusement.


    "Show Kyo the way home." Lucifer stood up, striding over to them. "Of course, my lord. It would be my pleasure." Lucifer extended his hand''s towards Kyo and Eren.


    Flying them back to the temple.


    Death remained by the cliff watching the waves ebb and flow against the rocks. Deep in thought.


    <hr>


    The flight was silent for the most part, Kyo struggling to keep himself balanced whilst holding onto Lucifer''s hand. The winds threatened to blow him away at any moment.


    But most of all, Eren could not stop thinking about the choice he made. ''Another chance at life...'' He glanced over at Kyo, smiling weakly.


    "Thanks." He spoke softly, barely audible over the wind.


    Arriving at the temple, at the base of a huge swirling blue gate that stood before them. "This is as far you can go Eren." Lucifer halted Eren with his hand.


    Kyo steeped towards Eren and held out his hand towards him. "Good luck, buddy." Eren shook it firmly, wrapping his free arm around him tightly.


    "Take care of yourself, ok?" Eren whispered into his ear.


    "Don''t worry about me; you keep yourself safe alright? And if you see my parents and Haruto again, tell them I love them." Kyo smiled warmly, letting go of Eren''s hand.


    "We will meet again." Kyo reassured Eren, tears welling up in his eyes.


    The Blue gate glowed brighter, engulfing Kyo in a blinding light.


    "Goodbye, my friend." Eren whispered softly as the light vanished, leaving only Lucifer and him behind.


    Lucifer grabbed Eren''s shoulder, not allowing him any time to process what had happened. "Your mine now." He grinned deviously, dragging him away from the gate.


    He now belonged to the realm of death. A final act of humanity.

 Chapter 2: Reaper training

    Eren and Lucifer trekked across the ashen landscape, Lucifer had a skip in his step. As if he was an eager school girl, ready to tell her friends about her latest crush. His blonde hair flowed elegantly behind him, swaying with every step.


    Eren on the other hand trudged behind him, struggling to keep up with his pace. The ground was soft beneath his feet, like walking through wet sand. A faint wind blew past them, carrying with it a bitter scent.


    The pair arrived at a grandiose arena, complete with stone pillars and arched entranceways. White concrete walls lined with veins of gold, intricately carved with archaic symbols. Although the white colour of the stone was faded, cracked, and chipped away in many places, it stood out like a sore thumb in the ashen wasteland. As if it was taken from another place, another time.


    Lucifer strode confidently towards the centre of the arena, gesturing for Eren to follow him. The white sand harder here, crunched beneath his feet as they walked.


    "So, this is where I''ll be training?" Eren asked, breaking the silence. Lucifer smiled proudly,


    "This is it! Pretty impressive, isn''t it? Many reapers have come through here. Their blood spilt upon these sands." His eyes sparkled with excitement, his voice brimming with passion.


    "It looks like a dump." Eren stated plainly, unimpressed by the arena. The interior is as decayed as the exterior, red sand covered the stone stands, the walls cracked and faded.


    "I call it personality." Lucifer countered confidently, ignoring Eren''s disinterested tone.


    "My dear Eren, you are in for a treat... For I Lucifer, shall be your trainer. Your teacher. Your MASTER." Lucifer proclaimed proudly, particularly emphasizing the last word. He took off his coat and tossed it aside.


    "What? Why?" Eren asked incredulously. Lucifer seemed surprised by the question, tilting his head to the side. "Don''t worry; I don''t bite. Well, that¡¯s a lie..." He corrected himself quickly, flashing a devilish wink.


    Before Eren could respond to the reaper¡¯s innuendo, he charged at him. Knocking him flat on his back, pinning him down with a firm hand. "Get off me!" Eren yelled angrily, struggling to free himself from the reapers grip.


    But Lucifer refused to budge, not even moving an inch.


    "Eh, feisty. I like that." A sadistic smile, amused by Eren''s resistance.


    "I said get the fuck off- Euph." Lucifer had placed an oddly shaped ¡®fruit¡¯ into Eren''s mouth. The taste was revolting, a mix of sour, tangy, soft, and hairy. Like a wet ball of fuzz. Eren could almost swear it wiggled down his throat, rather than sliding down.


    "Wha... What the fuck is this!" Eren gagged, frantically wiping his tongue with his hands. Trying to remove the disgusting sensation.


    "It will help with your transformation; you''ll thank me later." Lucifer explained cheerfully.


    "I want another trainer." Eren spat, grimacing at the taste in his mouth. Lucifer stood up and pouted, putting his hand on his hips. "How rude, I''m the best of the best. The cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me." Lucifer boasted, placing a hand over his chest dramatically.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "I thought you were going to teach me how to fight. Not flirt with me and stick weird things down my throat." Eren snapped back, standing up and dusting himself off.


    Lucifer raised his eyebrow, smiling curiously. "Aren''t we a little bit impatient? It''s only the first day, dear Eren."


    "No screw this I will go ask one of the other reapers." Eren turned around to leave.


    A sudden gust of wind rushed towards Eren, without thinking Eren grabbed Lucifers shin, mere inches from his temple. "You will not leave this arena until I say so." Lucifer spoke in a darker tone, the mask of flamboyance and joviality dropped completely. His narrowed eyes burning with cold fury.


    <hr>


    Lucifer withdrew his foot quickly, spinning around and performing a roundhouse kick to Eren''s head.


    Once again, Eren blocked it instinctively, without even realizing it. His mind felt hazy, filled with adrenaline and anticipation. Lucifer launched a flurry of kicks at him, each one getting progressively faster and harder.


    The speed eventually caught up with Eren''s defences, a direct blow into his torso; A loud crunching noise rang out as the kick connected with Eren''s ribcage. Eren''s body was thrown back several meters by the force of the attack. His feet kicking up clouds of dust as he slid across the sand.


    "Ughh!" Eren let out a strangled gasp, clutching at his side. He rolled over onto his stomach, spitting out blood onto the ground.


    The blonde reaper''s expression returned to its usual playful demeanour, "I must say, you have a strong survival instinct. A perfect starting point. A sculpture I can¡­ mould." Nearly bitting his lip off, head a buzz with crude thoughts


    Eren spat out another mouthful of blood, wincing in pain as the bitter taste filled his mouth. "Yeah..." He groaned weakly, struggling to stand up. "You know you remind me of my younger self, bold, brash and sexy..." Lucifer giggled playfully as he continued to talk about himself.


    With regained breath, Eren charged at Lucifer, determined to land a single hit on the self-absorbed reaper. However, Lucifer effortlessly caught his fist in his palm. "Ah-ah-ah." Lucifer wagged his finger disapprovingly.


    "Didn''t your mother ever teach you it''s rude to interrupt-" Eren threw another punch at him, aiming for his smug face. Only for Lucifer to dodge it effortlessly, ducking beneath the attack.


    "My, my... Someone is getting feisty." Lucifer purred, stepping away effortlessly. "I like it when you take control."


    "Stopping saying that stuff" Eren growled flustered once again, throwing several more punches at Lucifer. Each one parried with ease. His punches were a plea for seriousness, a purpose not just a playful wrestle.


    As the punches rolled on Eren noticed something, Lucifer¡¯s left side was starting to slow down. ''An opening.'' Eren thought to himself, taking advantage of the momentary gap in defence.


    He aimed for Lucifer''s face, connecting a clean hit straight into his jaw.


    Lucifer stepped back, stunned by the blow. "You, hit me." He touched his cheek gingerly, rubbing the spot where Eren had struck him.


    Eren smiled triumphantly, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. It felt good to shut the reaper up-


    "Oh my god, you actually hit me!" Lucifer squealed excitedly, bouncing around like a school girl who had just gotten her favourite idol''s autograph.


    "You are everything I thought you would be and more Eren Heart." Lucifer flashed him a devilish smile, "Let''s end that there for today, it''s been a big day" He continued.


    Eren relaxed his stance, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. He was already tired, bruised and in pain. His whole body ached from the abuse Lucifer put him through.


    "Thank you... for teaching me." He muttered quietly, averting his eyes from the reaper.


    Lucifer suddenly appeared behind Eren, whispering into his ear. "Nighty night, Eren." With a quick jab to his neck, knocking him out instantly. Lucifer caught his limp body in his arms, gently lowering him onto the ground.


    "Sleep well, my little dove."

 Chapter 3: Reaper training - Malphas

    Day 2:


    Eren awoke from his sleep feeling refreshed and alert, the taste of Lucifer''s weird fruit in his mouth had subsided. He sat up slowly, still a little bit tender. His ribs ached from the hit, however there was no evidence of any broken bones or swelling. ''Another mystery of this place.''


    "You look so peaceful when you sleep, little dove." The familiar voice broke the silence of the arena. Lucifer sat on a lawn chair, as if he was enjoying the morning sun. As if there would ever be sun in the land of the dead.


    "Are you ready to continue? We have lots to accomplish today." Lucifer grinned at him mischievously.


    Eren nodded silently, climbing to his feet, and stretching out his muscles. Lucifer strutted over to him, stopping a few meters away. "Let''s continue where we left off yesterday, I want you to try and hit me again."


    Eren stepped forward and took up a fighting stance, right foot forward, left foot back, arms raised in front of his chest. ''This is going to be painful.'' Eren thought to himself as Lucifer dashed towards him.


    A punch at the reapers head, aiming for his nose. However, Lucifer caught it easily, throwing his balance off. He threw a kick at Lucifer''s leg, hoping to trip him up. The blonde reaper jumped over it effortlessly, kneeing Eren in the face.


    Eren''s nose cracked loudly; broken, blood dripping from his nostrils, bent a little side-ways.


    ''Damn it.'' He cursed inwardly, stumbling back. Lucifer kept advancing, not giving him a chance to recover. Lucifer jabbed once more this time, Eren was prepared. He blocked the attack, deflecting it to the side. Countering with his own flurry of attacks, forcing Lucifer back.


    Unlike yesterday''s fight, Eren was able to connect with Lucifer''s nose. Sending him reeling back in pain. "Good, the fruit is starting to take effect." Lucifer smirked, wiping the blood from his nose.


    The taste of the weird fruit returned, filling Eren''s mouth. "What did you feed me?" Eren questioned, pushing down that nauseating feeling.


    "It''s called the reaper fruit, only lord death can pronounce it''s true name. Rather than give strength to the body, it allows you to grow stronger through combat with an experienced opponent. Or in other words; Anything I can do you can do better. And baby, I''m perfect." Lucifer sang happily as he twirled around.


    Eren sighed heavily, this is going to be a long journey. "Again." Lucifer smiled, charging at him once more.


    <hr>


    Hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks. Eren''s training was progressing smoothly, every day was a new challenge brought forth by Lucifer. Often it would be some form of sparring, he and Lucifer would do battle with each other for hours.


    Some days it would be martials arts of some sort, other days it would involve weapons. Swords, daggers, spears, staffs, axes, hammers. They all were tried, even a gun at one point.


    And if it weren''t sparring, it was testing his endurance. Lucifer had him run laps around the arena, swimming in the black ocean, lifting weights and all sorts of other torturous exercises. Lucifer even insisted he take off his shirt, Eren didn''t understand the reasoning for that nor did he question it.


    Something about experience channelling better with skin-to-skin contact


    With each day he stood a little bit taller, pushing a little bit harder. Finding previously difficult techniques becoming that much simpler.


    Day 25:


    "Perfect, do it again." Lucifer instructed. Eren held a black dagger in his hand, its blade coated in fresh blood. He swung it at Lucifer, who parried it easily. "Wrong, try again." Lucifer critiqued him, slapping the back of his head.


    Eren grunted in annoyance, but obeyed without complaint.


    Although, he has grown in such a short period of time. He still lacked the polish of his mentor.


    Eren gritted his teeth, swinging the blade at Lucifer''s chest. Lucifer sidestepped, catching his arm in the process. Eren used his free arm too jab Lucifer in the throat, forcing him to release his grip.


    "You are improving, my little dove." Lucifer purred, massaging his neck. ¡°Remember that variety is the spice of life.¡±


    "Next, we will do-" Before he could finish his sentence, the air around them changed. It was tense and electric. The sky above began to change, darkening and swirling with shadows.


    "Ughh...He''s here." Lucifer groaned, slumping his shoulders. A figure descended from the clouds, shrouded in black shadows. Its presence alone was enough to make even Lucifer wary.


    It landed softly on the ground, its wings dissipating into the air. The figure wore a neatly pressed black suit, and red tie. His skin was as pale as porcelain, and his eyes were cold and soulless; A full head of black hair gelled back, exposing his angular features. A lanky man with a menacing aura.


    "Lucifer." The figure spoke, his voice smooth like silk, yet as cold as ice. "Malphas... What brings you here?" Lucifer replied nervously, shifting uncomfortably in place.


    Malphas'' eyes wandered around the arena, before falling on Eren. Sneering at the young reaper with disdain. His face resembled that of a skull, his features gaunt and sunken. With little white dots to illuminate his eyes. "Is this the one?" He asked curtly, walking towards Eren.


    "Yes, he is the one, now would you please leave? We are in the middle of training here." Lucifer tried to explain, however Malphas ignored him completely.


    "Lucifer the fool, always looking for an excuse to bring in a new toy."


    Eren held his tongue as the tall man circled around him, watching his every movement. Malphas sniffed the air like a predator would do to its prey, closing his eyes and focusing. Eren resisted the urge to tell the reaper to piss off.


    "Pathetic." Malphas spat, opening his eyes once more. The blank voids filled with emotionless disgust.


    Kicking Eren with a surprise attack to his knee, sending him crashing to the ground.


    Eren hissed in pain, clutching his knee. Gritting his teeth as the pain began to fade.


    "How could Lord Azazel possibly allow a lowly creature like you to become a reaper? It''s... ridiculous." Malphas mocked him, placing his foot on Eren''s shoulder, pushing him down into the dirt.


    "Leave!" Lucifer ordered, charging at Malphas knocking him off Eren.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "He is mine to train, not yours to torment!" Lucifer roared furiously. "If he cannot handle the likes of me, then there is no hope for him." Malphas pushed him away, straightening his suit.


    "Begone Lucifer, I will handle the boy."


    Lucifer stood in consternation, unsure what to do. He looked back at Eren, who was standing up and glaring daggers at Malphas. However, an idea had struck him. Lucifer leaned down to Eren, handing him his dagger. "Survive against him, my little dove." He whispered into Eren''s ear, before stepping back, unveiling his wings, and taking flight into the air.


    Malphas stared down at Eren, unfazed by Lucifer''s display.


    "To think Lord Azazel would waste such valuable resources on a brat like you. Unfortunate-" Eren dashed towards Malphas, swinging the blade at him. Malphas sidestepped, throwing a punch at Eren''s head. The immense power behind the blow surprised Eren, such a thin man hiding that much strength.


    Eren rolled away, jumping to his feet, and raising the blade again. Malphas glanced down at the dagger with contempt, "Is that all?" Eren mocked him, an enraging smile on his face. Malphas cracked his neck from side to side, before charging at Eren. He threw another punch at Eren, who deflected it with the dagger.


    Malphas slaps Eren across the face with an open palm, sending him stumbling back. A thin line of blood dripped from the cut on his cheek, staining the white sand.


    "You fight like a little girl." Eren snarled through clenched teeth. Malphas raised his eyebrow in surprise. "Little girl? Childish insults and bravado. Do you mock me human?" Eren didn''t answer, instead delivering a headbutt to Malphas'' nose.


    *Thump*


    Malphas took a step back, wiping the blood from his nose. "Oh, it seems you aren''t entirely incompetent after all." Malphas remarked dryly, as if he was irritated by the very fact.


    Eren swung the blade at Malphas'' throat, aiming for his neck. But Malphas blocked it effortlessly, kicking Eren''s legs out from under him. Knocking him to the ground, sending up a cloud of dust.


    Eren swung with an uppercut to his jaw, Malphas evaded. Eren swung again and again, with each blow going faster and harder. Eren''s training with Lucifer was paying off, his body had become more durable and stronger. His attacks landed against Malphas'' defence, creating an opening. Eren jabbed the dagger into Malphas'' stomach, piercing through his skin.


    Malphas stumbled back, clutching his wound. The blood poured freely from the deep cut, staining his pristine suit.


    "This...Boy!" His face contorts into a grimace. "Enough of this game." Malphas reached behind him, withdrawing a black curved dagger. Dwarfing Eren''s own.


    Malphas lunged at him, thrusting the blade towards his chest. Eren parried the blow, however Malphas managed to slash Eren across the shoulder, cutting through the fabric of his shirt. Eren hissed in pain, moving away from the oncoming attack.


    The blades sleek, curved design shone brightly, despite the faint light of the cloudy sky. Malphas zipped forward, too fast for Eren''s eyes to follow. Cutting a gash across his thigh. Eren growled in frustration, leaping back, putting distance between them. His heart pounded against his ribcage as adrenaline flooded his system.


    ''Damn it! He''s strong, too strong!'' Malphas struck again, slicing his arm. Another cut formed on his arm, adding to the growing collection.


    Time began to slow for Eren; his body had quickly adapted to the situation. His senses sharpened, the adrenaline pushing his mind into overdrive. Each strike from Malphas was easy to predict, it became like second nature to him.


    Annoyed, Malphas increased the speed of his attacks, however Eren''s reaction time kept up. He moved out of the way of each attack, anticipating every move.


    "You can''t win." Malphas sneered, "You''re the pussy who can''t win without relying on tricks." Eren retorted, blood pumping through his veins.


    A smile formed on his lips as his body took control. ''Now''s my chance.'' He lunged forward, jabbing at Malphas'' throat. Malphas stepped back and parried the blow, the razor-sharp blade tearing through Eren''s forearm.


    "This ends now." Malphas declared, attacking harder and faster. With each strike that is parried, it grew in power and speed. Eventually, Malphas went to a level Eren couldn''t reach. Even with his augmented senses, Eren could barely keep up. Blood dripped from the countless cuts covering his body.


    Finally, Eren''s dagger is knocked from his hands, falling onto the soft sand. "You lost, human." Malphas glared down at him coldly, piercing his stomach with his blade. Eren''s eyes widened as the pain hits him, like fire burning through his flesh. He clutched at his stomach, blood pouring from the wound. Slumping over, gasping for air. Malphas raised his blade above his head, preparing to deliver the final blow.


    "You were never going to be one us." Malphas plunged his blade downwards, aiming for Eren''s heart.


    With no other choice, Eren caught it, stopping the blade mere inches from his chest with his open palm. The sharp steel easily cutting through his palm.


    "Argh!" Eren winced, gritting his teeth as the cold metal sliced through his flesh.


    "To think you would catch that..." Malphas snarled, pushing the blade down harder. The pain intensified as the blade pushed deeper into his hand.


    "I''m impressed, little human." He sneered, twisting the blade slightly. Eren groaned in pain, struggling to keep up the pressure.


    "Emi." He muttered under his breath, thinking about his sister. Her image driving him to keep fighting.


    <hr>


    The sky rumbled overhead, the clouds darkening and swirling with shadows. The air swirled as a sudden gust of wind came over them. Lucifer, with wings spread rips Malphas away from Eren. "I thought I told you to leave." Malphas dusted himself off, preparing to continue the fight.


    "Stop." A new voice echoed throughout the arena, commanding all their attention. Lucifer stepped back from Malphas, bowing his head slightly. Malphas snapped his gaze up to the sky, where a winged figure descended gracefully.


    "Gabriel, what brings you here?" Malphas questioned, a hint of irritation in his tone.


    "The same could be said of you, Malphas." The newcomer replied calmly, ignoring the scorn in his voice.


    Gabriel was tall, with pale skin that glowed in the gloom of the wasteland. His hair, tousled in a cascade of silver over a part of his face. A figure of elegance and menace, his most defined feature was his eyes. Emerald green, contrasting with the ethereal paleness of his skin. And finally, his wings; white and smooth like a swan''s feathers. He wore a sleek red suit with matching pants and shoes. His body emitted an aura of grace and power.


    "Lucifer has informed me that you have challenged Lord Azazel''s judgement, is that correct?" Gabriel asked, landing gently on the ground.


    "Yes." Malphas nodded curtly.


    "What was your reasoning for such an act?" Gabriel inquired, raising his magnificent eyebrow slightly.


    "This... Human!" Malphas spat the word out like it was poison, pointing at Eren.


    "I wanted to prove to our lord that he is not worthy of being one of us. If he could not best me in combat, what hope does he have?"


    "Whilst I agree with you in theory-"


    "What!" Lucifer interjected, shocked by Gabriel''s words. "You said you would help-"


    Gabriel held up his hand, silencing him. "However, you must go through the proper channels if you wish to intervene in the business of another."


    Malphas glared at Gabriel, clearly annoyed but still maintaining his mask of professionalism. "Very well, you will live for a while longer, Human." He conceded reluctantly, turning his gaze to Eren.


    His wings expanded, preparing to take flight. "Malphas." Gabriel spoke again, giving pause to the gaunt man.


    "You will do well to not question Lord Azazel''s judgment, again." Malphas remained silent, taking flight into the air without another word.


    Eren grunted, wincing in pain as the blade was pulled out of his hand. The crimson liquid poured freely from the wound. Eren clutched his stomach tightly, trying to stop the bleeding.


    Gabriel walked towards Eren, staring down in contempt at the battered young man. "Lucifer, make sure he is trained well." Gabriel turned and strode away from them. Lucifer sighed in relief, looking down at Eren worriedly.


    "Let me see what he did too you." He knelt and grabbed Eren''s hands, inspecting the damage. "That was some impressive stuff little dove, you have got to tell me how you managed to survive against him." Lucifer beamed happily, squeezing his hand tighter.


    "Ow... you''re hurting me." Eren protested weakly.


    Lucifer placed a palm on his chest and muttered something under his breath, his hand glowed with a soft blue light. The bleeding stopped; the cuts slowly closed. However, it left scars behind, marking the places where Malphas had struck.


    "It''s good as new!" Lucifer smiled, patting Eren on the back. "Thanks." Eren muttered, looking down at his hands, two deep scars were left where the blade cut through.


    "Now tell me... How did you do it?" Lucifer questioned; eyes filled with excitement. "Eren?" Lucifer poked at him impatiently.


    Eren had fallen unconscious, lying in the sand of the arena.


    "I suppose I can wait. We have all the time in the world."

 Extension Chapter 3.1 - A new home

    Eren''s eyes fluttered open, the golden strands of hair tickling his nose. ''Lucifer?'' He lifted his head slowly, groaning softly. His whole body ached from fighting against Malphas. Everything seemed blurry and hazy.


    "Oh good, you''re awake." Lucifer started, poking Eren''s forehead with his index finger. "W-what happened?" Eren mumbled, rubbing his forehead. "You fell unconscious, my little dove." Lucifer answered, twirling a strand of his hair around his finger.


    Eren glanced around at the surroundings, it was nighttime now. The black sky full of stars that glowed with a purple hue. It was strange, he had always been unconscious during the night. He wondered if this place truly had nights or if it was some illusion.


    "They are beautiful, aren''t they?" Lucifer gazed up at the sky, a content smile on his face. "I have always found comfort in the stars. They remind me of simpler times." He sighed wistfully, closing his eyes, and focusing on the sky above.


    "Simple times? What do you mean?" Eren asked, propping himself up on his elbows. Lucifer goes to speak, but stops himself, something clearly holding him back. "Another time, perhaps." He smiled weakly, shaking his head slightly.


    Eren watched Lucifer curiously as the reaper seems to get lost in thought. Lost in memories from a time long past. Eren decides not to press him further, instead enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that surrounded them.


    "Why do you sleep here?" Lucifer looked down at him with a curious expression, "Where else would I sleep?" He raised his eyebrow inquisitively.


    "Anywhere else? Wait. You thought you had to stay here all this time?¡± Lucifer asked, sounding genuinely surprised by his words.


    "Yes? Where else would I go?" Eren sat up, rubbing his neck, feeling a bit stiff from lying on the ground this whole time.


    "Oh, didn''t I tell you about the living quarters?" Lucifer scratched his chin thoughtfully. "No?" Eren replied dryly, irritation creeping into his voice.


    "Huh, I know. Come stay with me."


    "No." Eren denied him immediately, glaring at him suspiciously. Lucifer smiles innocently, as if he were an angel.


    "Why not? My place is big enough for two people."


    "You beat my ass every day, and make passes at me every chance you get." Eren deadpans, still holding onto his suspicion.


    Lucifer raised his right hand. "I Lucifer, solemnly swear that... that..." Lucifer pauses, trying to find the right words.


    "That what?" Eren probes, growing impatient with Lucifer''s stalling.


    "That I won''t touch you or make passes at you unless you give me permission." Lucifer placed his other hand on his heart, holding up the other one as if he were taking an oath.


    "Pinky promise." Lucifer smiled mischievously, extending his pinkie finger towards Eren.


    "Really?" Eren replies exasperatedly.


    "Really, really." Lucifer nodded his head enthusiastically, bouncing excitedly.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Eren rolled his eyes and reaches out with his own pinkie finger. Linking them together, forming a pinkie promise. "Ok, but no funny business." Eren states firmly, trying to keep his voice stern. "No promises." Lucifer grins devilishly, pulling his hand back and standing up. "Let''s go."


    Lucifer cradled Eren in his arms and extended his wings. Taking off into the air, leaving behind the arena. The wind rushing through his hair, causing it to tousle and blow around wildly. Eren stared at the night sky as they flew through it, marvelling at the stars that shone brightly above. ''This is incredible.'' He thought to himself, enjoying the view.


    The pair eventually reached a singular mountain, sitting in the wasteland, it''s peak soaring high into the night sky. Lucifer landed softly on the ground and set Eren down gently.


    "Welcome to my humble abode." Lucifer gestured towards one of the many mouths on the mountain side.


    "It''s a cave?" Eren asked, looking around for a house or something of the like. "Nope, it''s actually quite comfortable. It''s a house but its inside the mountain." Lucifer explained, heading towards the entrance.


    "You¡¯ll love this place. Just like me. Magnificent, beautiful and seductive." Lucifer boasted proudly, striking a pose as if he were posing for a photoshoot.


    <hr>


    It was hideous. As Eren walked through the darkness he emerged into a patchworked room. There was no style or cohesion to the loft.


    A kitchen that was ripped straight out of the 1950''s complete with mint green countertops and floral patterns on everything, yet the oven was very modern, all sleek stainless steel. A few feet away was an antique dining room table with six chairs surrounding it. A red velvet sofa sat next to it; cushions haphazardly strewn about.


    An oversized Victorian era bathtub, sat in the middle of the living room, it had clawed feet and a golden faucet. The ceiling was covered in copper pipes, which made strange sounds as the house settled. On the wall was a large bookshelf filled with tomes and artifacts. Everything looked expensive and yet nothing matched, it was a clashing mess of different styles.


    The most offensive thing of all, was the bedroom, a Scandinavian inspired log cabin, complete with a queen-sized bed that had was covered pelts of animals. At least they were real furs, at least that''s what Eren hoped. And to top it all off, a large portrait of Lucifer hang above the bed. Smiling seductively with his perfect hair, perfect skin, and perfect body.


    It was so awful, so obnoxious and vain, it had to be Lucifer''s doing. "This... Is your home?" Eren asked, spoken with a mixture of awe and disgust.


    "Yep! What do you think?" Lucifer asks, proud of himself.


    ''It''s fucking terrible.'' Is what Eren wanted to say, however, seeing Lucifer''s joyful face, not his faux happy facade. But the genuine happiness that spread across his features, Eren found himself unable to speak those words.


    ¡°It''s homey." Is what had come out instead.


    "Thank you!" Lucifer beamed happily, ruffling Eren''s hair affectionately.


    "I''m going to bed." Eren groaned, his eyelids heavy. The training was starting to take its toll on him.


    "Where do I sleep?" He asked, looking around for another room or a couch.


    "You can sleep in my bed, with me of course." Lucifer replied innocently.


    "Hell no!"


    "Oh, come on, don''t be so shy. Where I came from, we shared beds all the time." Lucifer giggled like a school girl.


    "I''m going to get my own bed." Eren grabbed some pelts and a few pillows, before leaving the room.


    He slept in the living room, building a small nest for himself. He found it surprisingly comfortable, feeling warm and snug. As he began to drift off to sleep, he felt he lacked something.


    Something that made him feel complete. ''Rika.''


    It had been years since he had slept by himself for a prolonged period, being so used to Rika''s presence. It left him feeling empty, incomplete.


    ''Fuck''s sake.'' Eren got up and took a couple of pelts with him, returning to Lucifer''s room. The blonde reaper was already in bed, reading a book.


    "I knew you would come back." He teased playfully, patting the space next to him. "Shut up. I''m only doing this because it''s hard to sleep alone." Eren grumbled, making his way towards the bed.


    Lucifer smiled, marking his page, and setting the book down on the nightstand. "Of course." He replied in a faux serious tone, unable to keep the grin off his face.


    "Goodnight, Lucifer." Eren sighed as he crawled into the bed. Laying down on the soft mattress. It was surprisingly comfortable, as if he was laying on a cloud.


    "Goodnight, my little dove." Lucifer responded softly, draping the blanket over Eren.


    It didn''t take long for Eren to fall asleep, as soon as his head hit the pillow, he drifted off into a deep slumber.

 Chapter 4: Reaper training - Are you not entertained

    Eren awoke feeling refreshed, it was the best sleep he had gotten in ages. He stretched his arms above his head, before swinging his legs over the side of the bed.


    ''How long has it been since I felt like this?'' He wondered idly as he climbed out of bed. His body felt light and nimble, like he was full of energy.


    Lucifer was nowhere to be found. His side of the bed was empty, save for a single note.


    ¡®Morning my little dove, I hope you slept well. I have already left for training.


    There is a surprise for you outside, when you are ready.


    ~ Lucifer.¡¯


    Eren placed the note on the nightstand and walked out of the bedroom.


    "Gah, what the fuck?" Eren exclaimed in shock, jumping backwards.


    Leaving the ''house'', Eren was greeted by a large figure. A giant skeleton stood before him, looming over him. Its empty eye sockets gazing down at him curiously.


    "Holy shit." Eren breathed, taking a step back from the creature.


    The giant skeleton was adorned in black plate armour, covering its bones completely, save for its face. A large staff sat in its hands, emitting a soft green glow. The pristine white skull tilted to the side as it looked down at him, staring straight into his soul. It then handed Eren a note.


    "Eren,


    Say hello to Charon, my best friend.


    He will guide you to the arena.


    See you soon.


    ~ Lucifer."


    Charon began to walk with long strides, taking large steps down the mountain path. "Hey! Wait up!" Eren shouted after it, following close behind.


    The wind blew gently as they made their way through the wasteland, the sky returned to its usual overcast appearance. Charon moved with surprising grace for a creature of such size. Its bony feet making a gentle clacking sound as it walked along the barren ground.


    <hr>


    The arena itself was rather lively today. A couple of spectators were scattered throughout the stands, watching intently. They were split into camps. Some were dressed in black suits; they were seated in groups mingling amongst themselves. Occasionally casting curious glances at the arena.


    The other half was clad in black armour, sitting separately from the others. They sat in silence, their attention focused solely on the arena.


    "Morning, my little dove!" Lucifer beamed as Eren entered the arena. He strutted over to Eren, wearing a different suit today. His blonde hair tied up into a neat ponytail. "Who are they?" Eren questioned, pointing towards the crowd.


    "Oh those? They are fellow reapers like us, they have heard tales of your exploits. And now they are here to witness it for themselves." Lucifer explained, waving to the crowd as they watched them.


    "Witness what?" Eren raised his eyebrow quizzically. "The reaper that bested Malphas!" Lucifer smiled, clapping his hands together excitedly.


    "Wait... But I didn''t win." Eren retorted, clearly confused.


    "Well, I had to flub some details." Lucifer giggled.


    "Lucifer!" Gabriel entered the arena, strolling towards them with purpose. His sleek red suit fluttered in the breeze, his hair bouncing slightly with each step. The onlookers ceased their chatter, bowing their heads slightly as Gabriel passed them.


    "Why have you summoned me?" Gabriel questioned, his one unobscured eye glaring at Lucifer.


    "Oh, Gabriel! To what do we owe the pleasure?" Lucifer asked, feigning innocence. "You summoned me." Gabriel retorted curtly, unimpressed by Lucifer''s antics.


    "Did I? I can''t recall." Lucifer mused, pretending to think.


    "I''m far too busy to be dealing with your childish nonsense." Gabriel scoffed, turning to leave the arena.


    "Wait!" Lucifer rushed forward, grabbing Gabriel by the arm. "While you are stopping by, could you... Test Eren?" He pleaded innocently, giving Gabriel his best puppy dog eyes.


    "I don''t want Malphas thinking he can interfere again."


    Gabriel paused, contemplating his request. "Fine. But quickly, I''m busy." Gabriel sighed reluctantly, moving towards the centre of the arena.


    Lucifer motioned for Eren to follow, the crowd murmuring quietly to themselves. "Shall we begin?" Gabriel asked, taking up a fighting stance. Eren stood before him, glancing nervously at the crowd watching them intently.


    "Fine, let''s go." Eren nodded, steeling himself for what was about to come. Lucifer leaped into the stands, joining Charon.


    Gabriel charged in first, dashing towards Eren, delivering a swift strike to his stomach. Knocking Eren back a few steps, winded by the attack. Gabriel followed up with a roundhouse kick to Eren''s head, who dodged out of the way, narrowly avoiding being hit.


    Eren rolled backwards, gaining some distance from Gabriel. Gabriel pursued him, stomping down hard on the ground where Eren had just been.


    ''Shit, he¡¯s quick.'' Eren thought as Gabriel continued his assault.


    Unleashing a flurry of bullet like kicks. Eren blocked most of them, using his arms and forearms to defend against Gabriel''s rapid strikes.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Gabriel clearly wanted to be elsewhere, treating Eren with little respect. Looking to end this fight as soon as possible.


    Eren rolled away further, looking for breathing room. He swung at Gabriel with a right hook, aiming for his face. However, Gabriel easily dodged it, ducking under the blow. Kneeing him in the ribs.


    Eren staggered back, clutching his side in pain. "Is this all Lucifers training has amounted to?" Gabriel sighed in exasperation.


    The brief pause allowed Eren to regain his composure, sucking in big ones.


    Gabriel, bored of the match, moved to finish it off. Rushing at Eren with full force, aiming another kick at his head.


    This time however, Eren caught it. Pushing his leg away, deflecting the attack. Gabriel looked down at him surprised.


    ''There''s an opening.'' Eren took the opportunity and swung a haymaker at Gabriel''s head, smashing into his temple. The punch connected, stunning Gabriel for a moment. The spectators sat in silence, shocked by the outcome.


    Gabriel rubbed his jaw and stared at Eren in surprise. His eyes changed, from cold and detached to intrigued. He looked Eren up and down, sizing him up. "Interesting..." He mused, his tousled hair still bouncing slightly.


    Gabriel rushed at him again, this time launching a flurry of jabs at Eren''s head. Eren ducked and weaved, trying to avoid them. Gabriel was relentless, not giving him any room to breathe.


    Eren, snuck in a jab on his hip, causing Gabriel to falter for a moment. He used the opening to uppercut Gabriel in the jaw. The punch sent Gabriel reeling back, clutching his face in pain.


    Eren wasn''t done yet, rushing in, preparing to finish off Gabriel. However, Gabriel recovered quickly, kicking Eren in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him.


    Gabriel''s kicks were clearly his strength in this scuffle. Each blow landing with deadly accuracy, every kick powerful enough to break bone. But, Eren had become resistant to pain. It still hurt, but not nearly as much as it did when they first started training.


    Grabbing Gabriel''s left leg, Eren twisted it as hard as he could. The sound of the bones in his knee popping echoed throughout the arena. Gabriel cried out in pain, stumbling backwards, clutching his injured leg.


    Eren didn''t hesitate, charging at him, returning a roundhouse kick of his own to Gabriel''s head.


    "Heh." Gabriel smirked slightly, rolling out of the way, popping his knee back into place.


    "Good enough now?" Eren panted, wiping the sweat from his forehead.


    Gabriel eyed him curiously, observing Eren for a moment. "Yes, I''m satisfied."


    Eren let his guard down for a brief second, allowing Gabriel to strike him across the face. Knocking him to the ground, splitting his lip open. Eren staggered to his feet, spitting blood on the floor.


    "Never let your guard down, even in victory." Gabriel lectured sternly, standing tall.


    "Will you keep Malphas away?" Lucifer inquired, joining them at the centre of the arena.


    "For the time being." Gabriel nodded. "Although, he has officially requested for tutelage to fall to him."


    "Will you give it to him?" Lucifer asked, sounding concerned.


    "He is in... competent hands." The words almost make Gabriel gag as they left his lips.


    "Thank you, Gabriel. You have always been my favourite silver haired reaper. " Lucifer bowed his head slightly.


    Gabriel sighed, "Until next time."


    The shadows swallowed him completely, disappearing without a trace.


    "My dear you were exceptional today!" Lucifer praised Eren happily, ruffling his hair affectionately.


    "Isn''t this exciting?!"


    He motioned for the crowd to cheer for them. The reapers shuffled out of the stands, leaving for the day. The main event was over.


    "What now?" Eren asked.


    Lucifer stood tall, his smile widening. "Now, it''s time for the encore!" He announced excitedly, throwing his arms up into the air.


    The leaving reapers stopped in their tracks, at the blondie¡¯s proclamation. Promptly, making their way back to the stands, finding their seats once again.


    "Your joking, right?" Eren asked, incredulous.


    "I never joke about cultivating my little dove." Lucifer spoke with confidence.


    "Fear not my little one, they won''t hurt you. Much."


    Eren grimaced at that. "They, who¡¯s that-"


    Before Eren could even begin to ponder the true extent of Lucifers words, growling cut him off. From the arena''s exit, shadows began to swirl like a tempest. Slowly coalescing into something... larger.


    First came the golden eyes, unblinking, and full of hatred. Followed by the ivory teeth that glinted in the light of the arena. A maw so wide it could swallow Eren whole with ease. The hulking black shadow descended from the ethereal gateway, its paws shaking the ground with each step.


    A large wolf emanated from the shadows. Standing at least two meters tall, and nearly five meters long. Its fur was as black as the void, its paws clawing at the sand below. An insatiable hunger bore into Eren, from the depths of its eyes. It regarded him like a heel would a hare.


    "Don''t go too hard on him now." Lucifer cooed. Eren was unsure if he was taking to him or the beast.


    The monster raised its nose, sniffing the air.


    "Arf!" It howled loudly, the sound piercing through the silence of the arena. The beast charged at Eren, each step sending tremors throughout the ground.


    Eren stood his ground, waiting for the beast to arrive.


    He closed his eyes, allowing his senses to take over. The thundering steps of the monster echoed in his ears. He could feel its presence, its hatred, its hunger.


    He took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. He had fought Malphas, he had fought Gabriel. This was nothing new to him.


    The monster was right upon him now, its teeth gnashing and growling.


    "Now." Eren''s eyes shot open, gazing into the creatures¡¯ eyes. They were empty, devoid of emotion.


    Slamming the monster''s head down, Eren stomped on its head. The beast let out a pained whine as its head caved under the boot.


    The few in the crowd applauded quietly. All thought few, their claps echoing throughout the arena.


    ***


    Every day was something new for Eren, the days of solitary sparring with Lucifer were over. He trained with an audience now, cheering at his triumphs and torments.


    Lucifer brought into the fanfare, every several days a new beast would enter the arena. A behemoth with huge teeth, a multi headed hydra, even a massive golem made of rock and debris. Every one of them fought with a ferocity that nearly tore Eren limb from limb. But every time, without fail, Eren would win out.


    The spectators grew larger and larger each day, filling up the stands in no time. They came to see the would-be reaper take down creature after creature. The event had become quite popular, drawing quite a crowd. The only entertainment in a wasteland of endless nothing.


    Time flew by in an instant, with Eren standing atop a recently defeated Cockatrice, a lizard-like creature with large feathered wings. It''s neck now lay broken, head hanging limp at an awkward angle. The crowd at its pinnacle, roaring with thunderous applause.


    Eren rose up, breathing heavily as blood dripped from his wounds. Sweat beaded on his brow as the adrenaline coursed through his veins. He had long since brought into the spectacle, basking in the adoration of his audience. He raised his arm high into the air, presenting the fallen creature to the crowd.


    "You want more!" He roared. "Are you not entertained!?" He threw his raven hair back, gazing into the crowd as they chanted his name.


    "Eren! Eren! Eren!" They screamed and clapped, rattling the stands. The arena became alive with energy, the spectacle bringing a new sense of life to the place.


    All except for Malphas, who sat quietly in the stands, glaring down at Eren, his expression unreadable.


    Although, behind his mask of indifference something lurked.

 Extension Chapter 4.1: Laws of the dead

    Lucifer skipped merrily along the barren wastes of the land of death. His blonde hair billowed behind him as he strode through the landscape. He held his hands behind his back as he walked, whistling to himself as he went.


    Eren followed closely behind, struggling to keep up with the flamboyant reaper. "Lucifer." Eren called out to him. "Hold up."


    "Yes?" Lucifer answered, turning around to face him. "Those reapers that watch me... why are they so different from each other?" Eren questioned, curiosity burning inside of him.


    "What do you mean?" Lucifer asked, cocking his head slightly. "The suits versus the armours." "Why is it that they look so different? And they were all separated from each other."


    Lucifer hummed thoughtfully for a moment before responding. "Ah I see what you mean now. Well... to put into human terms, they are of a lower status. Like corporate and blue-collar workers."


    "Ooh... So, there is like... a social hierarchy?"


    "Why?" Eren asked, curious about Lucifer''s answer. "Well, that is quite complicated. You see, all goes back to a time from way before I was but a mere twinkle in the universe." Lucifer finished, skipping merrily once again.


    "Stop. That''s not an answer." He called out to him. That answer was less than a response for of a side-step.


    "You are very inquisitive today, aren''t you?" Lucifer teased playfully.


    "Yes, because I want to know why you managed to be able to flick your hair all day and Charon gets to watch a line for all eternity. It seems unfair." Eren asked,


    Lucifer stood silent for a moment, contemplating his words. "Hmm... I suppose it is a bit unfair. We can''t all be me now, can we?" He chuckled softly.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "But alas, I shall put aside my vanity and divulge the information you so seek." Lucifer declared, taking a seat on the ashen sand.


    Eren joined, legs crossed, ready to listen.


    ~


    Firstly, above all is death. He or they or the void... I don''t know. Any way IT is this land, everything around you. The sand, the sky, all the energy within us, it¡¯s all death. We are propelled by its energy.


    That is the head of our structure.


    Next, the three main pillars of Death are Judgement, collection, and sovereign.


    Sovereign is headed by Azazel. Who you thought was death is in fact, a physical manifestation of death itself. He oversees all, deaths voice, it''s reason and its power. He is the only one who has power over all.


    Collection is headed by the deviously handsome Gabriel. His duty is to manage all the reapers. How many are sent out and where, he must also ensure they don''t go rouge and deals with any internal conflicts. I''m his favourite.


    Then we have judgement, headed by the intimidating, slightly sexy Anubis. His job is to pass judgement on souls, observing their life''s. Sorting them and sending them on their merry way to the beyond.


    Below them we have the second tiers. Under Collection, we have reapers like myself. We must Look gorgeous at all times. As we must be presentable for those souls we collect and pass to them on for judgement.


    Below Judgement we have sentinels, like Charon. They serve to maintain order in the land of the dead, preventing souls from wandering or getting lost. Or on the rare occasion, operating as foot soldiers for Azazel.


    And lastly, my special little dove. The third tiers. Harbingers, warriors that work within the world of the living. An extension of death and all his machinations. That will be you.


    ~


    Lucifer finished, beaming happily. "So, there you have it, the roles of us reapers. What do you think?"


    "Seems... simple." Eren replied. "But you didn''t tell me how roles are chosen or what determines the social order."


    "What, you want me to explain that too?" Lucifer groaned, throwing his hands up into the air dramatically.


    "Yes. Please." Eren responded curtly, watching him carefully.


    "Luck."


    "Luck?" Eren repeated, not quite understanding what Lucifer was getting at.


    "Yes. Luck. You see, we do not decide on our own what role we are assigned. Azazel chooses it for us. Some are more fortunate than others."


    "But... We all get the same choice."


    "Join or move on."

 Chapter 5: Reaper training - Human no more

    [ 1200 days since Eren accepted his contract. Or there abouts.]


    The faint howl of the ashen wasteland blew into the loft. Stirring Eren, a signal to arise from his slumber. The cracks in the ceiling revealed the dreary skies above, dark, and cold. Its hue not changing for years now. Not that it bothered Eren, he had grown accustomed to the new setting.


    Something else Eren had grown accustomed to was Lucifer''s ridiculous house of monstrous design decisions. It had gotten worse, somehow. More outlandish pieces of furniture began to appear over time. As well as artwork of varying taste. However, it seemed most were painted by Lucifer himself. Most were off himself, to always remind himself of his beauty. But most damming off all, a portrait of he and Eren.


    Well, Eren wasn''t happy to be painted, as shown by the fact that Lucifer captured that in his portrait.


    Eren had been given his own room, much to the disappointment of Lucifer.


    The room was sparsely furnished, only containing a bed and a dresser with a mirror stationed atop. Nothing else. He had enough variety when he left his room.


    Eren rolled out of bed staring at the mirror that hung over the dresser. A young who had become more physically developed during his time in death''s realm; his raven hair had slowly begun turning white at its roots, the tips still retaining their original colour. His delinquent fisheyes have dulled slightly, giving them a murky grey-blue tone. He gave the mirror only a fleeting glance before turning away.


    "HELLLLOOOOO!" Lucifer barged into his room without a care in the world. "Good morning my little dove!" He chirped, poking Eren''s cheek affectionately.


    "Ugh... why are you so chipper in the morning." Eren groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.


    "Oh, you know me... just happy to bask in your glory." Lucifer responded in his usual cheerful tone. Although this time he had an uncharacteristic nervousness about him.


    "Why are you here? I thought today was my one day off?" Eren questioned


    "Yeah, about that..." Lucifer fidgeted nervously.


    Lucifer had the worst poker face ever, his nervousness oozing out of him. Easier to read than a picture book.


    "Lucifer? What have you done now?"


    Lucifer shifted his eyes away from Eren; his eyes hid an uncharacteristic, uneasy nature.


    "Lucifer, Look at me."


    He didn¡¯t, instead letting his eyes wander like a dog looking to avoid its master¡¯s gaze after eating food that wasn¡¯t meant for him.


    "Lucifer, tell me." Eren attempted to meet Lucifer''s wandering gaze. "Lucifer¡­." Eren stood over the blonde reaper, finally meeting his emerald eyes.


    Letting out a loud sigh, Lucifer began to speak. "Malphas..." His words barley a whisper.


    "He has finally managed to convince Gabriel to transfer your training over to him."


    "Fuck." Eren breathed, the realization of what this meant set in. He had become accustomed to fighting creatures, being a solo act. A solitary showman. But Malphas.


    Eren took in a deep breath and stared up at the ceiling. His mind racing with possibilities, outcomes. The uncertainty of what was to come weighed heavily on his mind.


    "He won''t get to me. If anything, I will put the bastard in his place." Eren asserted, placing a hand on Lucifer''s shoulder.


    "You can count on me." He gave him a confident smile, hoping to ease his concerns.


    Lucifer beamed happily. "You don''t seem phased at all. That''s my boy." Lucifer''s tension eased with each word, his smile returning. "I''ll meet you at the arena."


    With that, Lucifer was gone, leaving Eren alone once again.


    As he left the mountain home, he noted the sand was colder than usual on his bare feet.


    Donning his D-Dogs jacket far more faded than the day he got it, covered in patches to hid the tears of battles past.


    "The hell do you want, Malphas," Eren muttered to himself. Eren has had run-ins with the reaper many times now, but none of them were ever pleasant, each time ending in pain for Eren.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    <hr>


    Arriving at the arena, the echoed whispers of the spectators greeted him from outside; as they waited for their champion to arrive. They wanted a show, and that''s exactly what Eren would give them.


    Before he could enter the arena, the gaze of a predator made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.


    Malphas approached with a steady stride, emanating an eerie presence. His tall stature and rigid posture gave a menacing appearance.


    "Malphas." Eren spat out.


    Malphas remained silent as he eyed Eren with disdain.


    "What do you want, you boney prick." Eren growled, glaring daggers at the reaper. Malphas ignored him, walking past him towards the arena entrance.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Eren shouted after him.


    "I have little time for your childish taunts." Malphas stated, disappearing in the mouth of the arena.


    Eren followed, a chest full of fire and hunger. Eren had spent the past years training, fighting monsters that only served as fodder, fuel for his pride.


    Malphas would no longer be a looming nightmare in the back of his mind, but a foe no greater than the hunger of beasts slain.


    "EREN!" "EREN!" "EREN!"


    The chants were deafening. Filled rows of both armoured and suited reapers, cheering for their champion. The noise shook the foundations of the arena, rattling the walls with fervour.


    At the centre of it all stood Malphas, motionless, waiting patiently


    To his left stood Gabriel, neat red suit, silver hair draping down his shoulders, expressionless.


    To his right was Lucifer, the natural gleeful expression had faded, replaced by unease and despair.


    Gabriel held an obsidian box, intricately decorated with ancient runes.


    "Open it." Gabriel commanded, turning the box to Eren.


    "What is it?" Eren asked cautiously, examining the container carefully.


    "A gift... from Azazel himself." Gabriel replied ominously.


    Eren was hesitant to open it, uncertain of what lie inside.


    "Open it." Malphas spoke, an unfamiliar tone emanated from his voice. A softness? No. Something else. Almost a sadness.


    Within the box lay; a severed forearm, pale as ivory, adorned with complex tattoos, wrapped in golden cloth. Its most prominent feature was a long tendril that sprouted from the palm of its hand, a hook like appendage made of bone.


    "What is that?" Eren inquired.


    "A gift from Azazel. Your new weapon." Gabriel explained, holding it out to Eren.


    Tendril twitching as it grew closer.


    "I''m sorry Eren." Lucifer finally spoke. His tone was sad and mournful, tears threatening to fall from his emerald eyes.


    Malphas produced his obsidian dagger from behind, without a breath; slicing off Eren''s left arm, a spray of crimson painting the ground.


    The searing pain shot through his entire body, panic setting in. He clutched the wound, trying to stop the bleeding.


    "Wha- What have you done!" Eren cried. The crowd jeered; their cheers of approval filled the arena.


    Malphas cast aside Eren''s arm, dropping it with a wet thud.


    The tendrils wrapped around the stump and attached to Eren. A pulse of energy travelled through him, his remaining skin at the stump rippling with the impact. Cold and alien, a sensation unlike anything he had ever felt. Eren screamed in agony as his entire being convulsed violently. His body thrashing about uncontrollably.


    Eren squeezed his eyes shut, clutching his wound tightly, hoping for the pain to subside.


    After what seemed like an eternity of torment, the pain subsided. Eren regained control over his body.


    Lucifer rushed to his wards side, kneeling next to him.


    "Eren... I''m so sorry. There was nothing I could do." His voice cracked with guilt.


    "You didn''t have to cut it off! It would have attached itself regardless." Lucifer shouted towards both Malphas and Gabriel.


    "Quiet your tongue, Lucifer. You knew as well as I, that Azazel''s gifts come with a price." Malphas spoke coldly.


    "Your accidie and vain attempts at garnering approval had created a liability. I''m here to remedy that."


    Lucifer lifted the injured Eren up. "How do you feel?" He asked gently, inspecting Eren for any injuries.


    "Fine... Just... numb." Eren responded softly, cradling his new appendage.


    "Good. Now, Let''s take a look at your arm." Lucifer gesturing towards the new arm.


    Eren extended his left arm and flexed it experimentally, twisting it at the wrist. The limb moved smoothly, fluidly. Eren inspected it closely, trying to figure out how it worked. The bone hook had vanished, hidden within his forearm.


    "Try to summon it." Lucifer encouraged.


    Eren concentrated on the energy within his body, focusing on the sensation of the hook. The sensation was like a heartbeat, thrumming through his veins. The hooked appendage emerged from his forearm, long and sharp, resembling a bladed hook. Instead of metal, it was a bone-like substance, rough and jagged.


    Eren controlled it like a third limb, twisting it around in the air, examining it.


    "Incredible..." He muttered in awe. Changing its shape with a mere thought. Strangely, it''s as if Eren had always had it. The act of using it came naturally to him, it felt normal.


    "Enough. Begone Lucifer." Malphas'' voice commanded. The very actions of Eren, an offensive act to his eyes.


    "We will begin our training now." Malphas stated firmly.


    "Lucifer what''s my training?" Eren asked as Lucifer was escorted away by Gabriel.


    "I''m truly sorry, be strong Eren." Lucifer turned back and gave him a pained look.


    "Remember you are not alone."


    With that, Lucifer disappeared into the shadows with Gabriel.


    Turning back to face his would-be tormentor who had also vanished. Leaving Eren to worry. What was Malphas planning for him?

 Chapter 6: Reaper training - Ghosts of the past.

    Eren stood at centre stage. Eyes of all kinds peering down on him, gluttonous for carnage and spectacle.


    Nerves quelled


    Fear restrained.


    Determination.


    Cold wind blew into the arena, rustling Eren''s long shoulder length hair. His blade attached to his arm, waiting patiently to be unleashed.


    From the darkness emerged a legion of humans. Or at least that is what they were supposed to be; Their movements too precise, lacking the natural fluidity of human motion. As if each step, each subtle gesture was scripted, perfected. Each face so devoid of emotion. So empty, soulless.


    "Your days of hollow amusement''s end here." Malphas commanded from the shadows of the arena.


    "You will learn what it truly means to be a harbinger."


    The figures stalked towards Eren, responding to the echoes of Malphas'' words.


    "Malphas! Where are you?! Show yourself!" Eren demanded.


    The legion swarmed liked locusts, descending like a wave of ants. Eren tore through them effortlessly, cutting down any who stood before him. Comparatively, it was like cutting through paper, unlike the great beasts and monstrous foes Eren had battled over the years. Their bodies were no more than meat sacks of bones.


    Eren cut and cut... and cut and cut. There was no end in sight to the horde of figures.


    No matter how many fell before him, another replaced them. ''These fuckers won''t quit.'' Eren thought to himself, frustrated by their seemingly endless supply of bodies.


    ''Who are they?'' He wondered. They were unlike any souls he had encountered in his time as a reaper. They showed no emotion, no pain, no fear. Just an unrelenting drive to push further.


    One step back, the legion took two forward. Another two steps for Eren, three more for them. Their formation closing in around him, cutting off any avenue of escape.


    "Shit." Eren cursed, growing tired of this endless battle. They advanced with mechanical precision, puppets dancing to the rhythm of the crowd¡¯s cheers.


    <hr>


    Breathless, Eren stood over the sea of fallen bodies. He didn''t know how long it had been since he started. Sweat dripped from his brow as his chest heaved from exhaustion. He felt numb. His entire body ached from the relentless assault. The stench of blood and viscera filled the air, making Eren feel nauseous.


    But it was done. Eren had reached the end of the endless.


    "Is that all you got!?" Eren screamed at Malphas, scouring the shadows for his nemesis.


    "Again." Malphas commanded from beyond the darkness.


    Legion began to pour from the jaws of the arena once more. However, they were different from the previous wave; Mouths wider, revealing a row of razor-sharp teeth. Pupils expanded exponentially and most terrifying of all for Eren, they were white.


    Panic began to set in as he realized what was happening. These weren''t corpses. They were walking nightmares, phantoms of Eren''s past. Flashes of his demise by the hand of Endo and his cult replayed in his mind. The chaos, the pain, the screams of his friends trying to keep him alive. All of it was unbearable.


    ''This can''t be happening.'' He thought to himself.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    The legion drew closer with each second that passed. Their hideous mouths grinning as they approached. They wanted to consume him, mutilate him as had happened before.


    Eren wasn''t going to let that happen again. His mind began to cloud with rage. ''Not again!''


    "FUCK YOU!" He roared, unleashing a tempest of whip slashes. The monsters didn''t even attempt to dodge the attack, their bodies were ripped apart by Eren''s assault. Gore painting the arena red, a grotesque macabre art show.


    But that didn''t deter them. The endless waves came and came. Unfazed by Eren''s relentless onslaught. Every one of his swings cut through air, slicing apart whatever stood before him.


    Eventually, they stopped. Encircling once again, locking Eren in place.


    The sea of white began to part, shuffling out of the way for something. "Eren?"


    Emerging from the legion was Mr. and Mrs. Heart.


    "Oh my god, Eren." The pair rushed towards him, reaching out for their son.


    "Mum, dad?" He froze in disbelief; Why are they here? How are they here? The questions rushed through him like a torrent. Both parents embracing their long-lost son.


    "It''s okay Eren, we''re here now." Mrs. Heart reassured her son.


    "How?... I... I don''t understand..." He stammered, voice cracking with emotion. Tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill.


    That was until he looked up. He forget the walking nightmares observing him.


    The legion seemed to entertained by the reunion, grinning maliciously. "How did- No!" Eren realized to late, sharp pain radiated from both shoulders.


    "ARRRGHHHHH!" He screamed, ripping his arms free. Crimson stained the dirt beneath them. Eren stepped back, holding his hands out defensively.


    "Don''t come near me!" He yelled at the pair.


    Mrs. Heart gave a crimson grin. "What''s wrong dear, don''t you recognize your own mother?" Voice gargled and distorted.


    Deep wounds covered Eren''s shoulders, blood pooling beneath him; His parents had become a part of the legion, mouths filled with razor sharp teeth. Eyes white like his nightmare from so long ago.


    "What have done to them!?" Eren screamed, voice echoing through the arena.


    Once the legion parted, out from the pack came a little raven-haired girl. "Oh no, Emi..." Eren whispered to himself. Face turned as pale as snow; voice distorted.


    "Oni-chan, you promised to come home. But you didn''t keep your promise." The girl sulked.


    "Please stop I surrender." Eren cried falling to his knees, clutching his head in despair. He was trapped. Between the hordes of nightmares, and Emi''s heartbreaking words, Eren was powerless.


    "Why didn''t you come home, oni-chan?" The girls¡¯ words ripped through Eren''s soul. A knife plunged into his heart. "I tried... I wanted to." Eren couldn''t hold back the pain. Emi walked closer; arms outstretched to the sides of his cheeks. Her mouth opening wider and wider until it reached from ear to ear. "You''re a bad brother." Emi tore into Eren''s throat. Tearing it open, flesh and muscle tearing like paper.


    Eren accepted his fate, all the hard work and effort he had put in since coming here; gone, meaningless. In that moment, all was lost.


    ***


    Eren woke with a start.


    He sat up and clutched his chest, heart racing, gasping for air. Sweat poured down his body, his head was pounding.


    Awoken inside the temple, where the souls were stored. The flickering green torches illuminated the cold stone walls. His body ached; arms scarred where his family had ripped into him. A pain that would not fade, physical or mental. His entire being ached, exhausted beyond reason.


    The blonde reaper approached Eren cautiously. "You¡¯re awake." He spoke in a soft voice.


    "Are you okay?"


    "No... No, I''m not." Eren responded, head in his hands.


    "I''m sorry." Lucifer whispered to him; guilt clear in his voice.


    "Why am I not dead?" Eren asked


    "You can''t die in the land of the dead. You simply return here."


    Eren let out a shaky breath and closed his eyes. The memory of Emi''s disfigured face fresh in his mind.


    Lucifer placed a gentle hand on Eren''s shoulder. "He won''t let you stop until you break. You have to keep going."


    "Keep going!" Eren repeated angrily. "He wants me to kill my family."


    "There not your family, they are copies. Phantoms of your fears. If you kill them, it will be the end-"


    "No! I refuse to do this." Eren stood up abruptly, walking towards the door.


    "Eren wait!" Lucifer called after him, attempting to grab his arm.


    "Don''t touch me!" Eren screamed at the top of his lungs, ripping his arm away from Lucifer.


    "I can''t do this anymore... I-I won''t." His voice trembled, threatening to break.


    Lucifer stood silent, knowing there was nothing more to say. Eren left without another word, leaving the blonde reaper alone with his thoughts.

 Extension chapter 6.1: Ones past, Ones present

    Lucifer flew with haste, heading straight for the reaper¡¯s private chambers on the mountain side. His wings flapped hard against the ashen breeze, anger bubbling within him. The gates of hell itself would be wrenched open for this.


    "YOU CUR!" Lucifer screamed at the top of his lungs as he landed with a torrent of dust outside one of the many mountain mouths.


    "Cowardly snake! You have crossed a line you should never have crossed!" He continued to yell. His voice booming across the landscape.


    "Malphas! Show yourself!"


    A shadow loomed in the darkness of the mountain''s maw. Emerging from it was Malphas, wearing his trademark mask of indifference.


    "What is it, Lucifer?" He spoke coldly, staring down at the blonde reaper.


    "You wanted him trained in the ways of the reaper, yet you use his past as ammunition against him." Lucifer snarled.


    The mouth curled slightly, the only hint of emotion. "What''s wrong, Lucifer? Is your pet upset at you? Is it because he is a spitting image of your-"


    Lucifer lashed out in a fit of rage, thrusting his palm into Malphas'' face, slamming into the cavern maw with thunderous force.


    "Reapers don''t bring up the past. You don''t have any right!" Lucifer''s voice dripped with venom. The blonde reaper eyes tinged with crimson.


    Malphas rose from the dust cloud, adjusting his suit and popping his jaw back into place.


    "Tread carefully, Lucifer." Malphas growled. His own eyes shifting to blood red.


    "Why do you do this, Eren has done nothing to you?" Lucifer questioned. His voice losing its strength.


    "I follow the will of Azazel, that boy would have learnt nothing under your continued pampering. You''ve grown too attached."


    Lucifer remained silent, a part of him knew Malphas was right.


    "..."


    The blonde reaper let out a defeated sigh, body slumping as the anger within him subsided.


    "I don''t trust him." Malphas spoke once again. Eyes returning to its natural hue.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "His kind are capable of terrible things, Eren is no different than the rest of them. We both know that pain." His voice heavy with contempt.


    "I know your scars run deep." Sympathy seeped into Lucifer''s voice, his eyes softening.


    "Yet, you defend him?"


    "I defend more than the person. He wants to go back home, to be with his family. There was a time you and I would have given all this realm to return to the ones we love." He paused "My scars run deep as well."


    Lucifer and Malphas stood silent for what felt like an eternity, the wind howling through the mountainous rocks, dust kicking up in waves.


    "I do wish things could be different." Malphas finally broke the silence. Walking towards the cliffs edge, overlooking the ashen sand far as far as the eye can see. "There would have been a time I welcomed him like a brother just as you have."


    Lucifer joined his fellow reaper at the precipice. "He is more than a brother to me." Lucifer sighed softly. "He reminds me of... no, it doesn''t matter."


    "You can''t possibly be that foolish? Still blinded by love even after millennia." Malphas gave a slight chuckle.


    The duo stood together, looking out over the landscape. Watching the clouds roll over the waste. Moments like this give them solace from the burdens placed upon them.


    Before long, a cloud broke away, opening the sky and revealing a sea of bright lights, dancing with one another as a chorus of colours burned through the night sky.


    A shared moment of tranquillity between the two reapers is a rarity. It is reminiscent of a simpler time in their lives, free from the burden of Death. "Remarkable..." Malphas muttered to himself, his reply carried an uncharacteristic hint of admiration, one that had not been present for a long time.


    "I almost pity the living, that they miss such a sight." Lucifer spoke softly.


    "Lord Azazel wants to give Eren the ring." Malphas interrupted, breaking the peace of the moment.


    "That is why I cannot allow Eren to complete the trials."


    "I know..." Lucifer continued to watch the stars dance in the sky. "I know what the ring did to you and the ones you love."


    "Not the ring. The man who wielded it." Malphas corrected him. "Do you not fear it?"


    Malphas'' question lingered in the air unanswered. For a moment, all was silent save for the howling wind.


    "I trust Eren." Lucifer replied finally.


    "Perhaps he will be different, be a better person than all that have come through. However, the risk of letting a monster lose. We don''t need another one. We don''t need another God eater."


    Lucifer''s eyes remained glued to the sky; however, his face showed hints of sorrow and pain.


    Malphas turned his heels, heading back to the cavern mouth. "I take no pleasure in what must be done. I do this because it is necessary."


    A nod from Lucifer was all Malphas received in response. The blonde reaper stood silently; his mind deep in thought.


    "Goodbye, Lucifer." Malphas disappeared within the shadowy mouth of the mountain.


    Lucifer took in a deep breath, exhaling loudly. His emerald eyes gazing upon the sky once more.


    "Why must you always be so far out of reach?" He whispered, a single tear running down his cheek.


    An ethereal raven-haired mirage wrapped its arms around Lucifer, squeezing tightly.


    The stars illuminated the lonely reapers features, revealing a sadness deep within.

 Chapter 7: Reaper training - A mother’s love

    With heavy lids, Eren forced his eyes open to face another day.


    It had been months since his training began with Malphas. A training that left him in a broken, battered state, body, and mind.


    His pale skin covered in scabs and scars from their many encounters.


    Each time Eren died, only to wake up within the stone temple once more.


    Trudging along the ash laden paths that he created for himself, kicking up the bone white sand with each step.


    Another day another brutal assault waiting to happen. Over the past months as well the crowd of eager spectators had dwindled, bored of seeing their champion lose repeatedly. It seemed to have become more laborious to watch Eren fall compared to the monotony of endless souls.


    With only half the crowd from before, Malphas greeted him at the mouth of the arena, hands behind his back.


    "Let''s being." Malphas commanded coldly.


    Eren would fight the legion, using his tendril to rip their bodies apart, staining the ground red with their viscera. But no matter how many fell, there were always more, just as eager to be ripped apart. Eren was tiring, struggling to keep up the momentum needed to keep the legion at bay. And finally, his parents and sister would join the fray.


    Sucking the fight out of Eren every time. Mr. Heart delivered a mighty blow to Eren''s skull, a sickening crunch and splatter followed suit. The remaining crowd gave half a cheer as they saw the lifeless body of their champion crash to the ground. Eren''s sister wasn''t far behind, dragging his body to the awaiting legion. Eren didn''t care anymore. He was done fighting.


    Revive


    Another day, another slaughter. The teeth of the legion tore through muscle and bone, dismembering him in a myriad of different ways. Blood-soaked sand and flesh, falling to the ground with wet thuds.


    Revive


    Eren did his best to fight back, cutting them down one by one. But for every one he cut down, ten more took their place. Each blow taking its toll on him, causing Eren''s will to break even further. Emi severed his spinal cord, disabling him completely. Limp like a ragdoll, unable to resist as they mutilated him further. Tearing his flesh from bone. The few in the crowd cheered for the gruesome display.


    Revive


    There was no end to respite. 1000 different ways to die and Eren would experience them all. Every manner of mutilation, evisceration, vandalization and violation imaginable. Eren didn''t fight back, not anymore. His spirit was shattered. They killed him in all the ways they could, hoping for any response, but none came.


    Lucifer sat inside the temple, tending to Eren''s wounds as best he could. The sight of Eren''s broken form made his stomach turn.


    Eren lay motionless, breathing softly. His skin was pale and bruised, his once youthful features now etched with pain. What was once raven and fair turned white and grey, dull eyes stared at nothing, devoid of life.


    Revive


    Eren stood in the empty arena; the once-busy stands are now devoid of life and cheer. Lucifer, alone, remained its last inhabitant. He had abandoned his duties, preferring to remain at Eren''s side. To offer what little support he could. But what could he do?


    Eren stared at the fissure of darkness, life all but gone from his eyes.


    The legion arrived, fronted by his family. Each one oozing with bloodlust. They stalked towards him like predators hunting prey.


    "Will you kill us today, Eren?" Mr. Heart asked bluntly. Eren glared at his father, remaining silent.


    "A real man would have done his duty." Mr. Heart''s mouth opened wide, his jaw snapping apart like a snake, revealing a maw filled with sharp teeth.


    "But you, you aren''t a real man, are-" the silence was deafening. The absence of sound is so loud that it echoes within the walls of the arena.


    The sound of flesh tearing from bone followed. Eren''s blade stabbed through his father''s mouth, piercing through the back of his skull. Mr. Heart dropped to the ground, lifeless, as the blade retracts back into Eren''s arm.


    Emi and Mrs. Heart took a couple steps back, both wary of the weapon protruding from Eren''s arm. "Eren..." Emi''s distorted voice croaked out. Her wide smile fading.


    "Wait, please don''t kill us. We-" Mrs. Heart cries were silenced by the blade slicing through her head, taking it clean off.


    Emi froze, eyes widened in horror at the scene before her. "N-no!" She screamed, eyes welling up with tears.


    The legion also seemed to react as Emi did. Running around aimlessly, fleeing for their lives. Their newfound fear resonated within Eren, watching them flee like mice from a cat.


    Eren stabbed Emi''s leg, causing her to cry out in pain. "No! Please!" She begged, sobbing uncontrollably.


    This was a failsafe if Eren managed to ever overcome his mental block against killing his family. Too late.


    Eren didn''t hear her pleas, his mind blocked out everything except the urge to survive.


    "What did I do to deserve this?!" Emi screamed in fear. Eren watched the copy beg and cry for its life, unable to stop himself from walking towards her. "Please, Eren, don''t." The whip lunged forward, puncturing through her torso, skewering her on the bladed appendage.


    Eren raised her off the ground; her blood dripped below into the sand, the crimson pooling on the ground. With a flick of his wrist, she is tossed aside, discarded like trash.


    "EREN!!" excitement descended from the stands as Lucifer celebrated by himself. Malphas dismissed the legion, their purpose has been fulfilled. The trial has finally been completed.


    Malphas stood at the exit locking eyes with Eren. Malphas was ready to fight him.


    However, it seemed there will was no need. Eren looked at him with such emptiness that it pained the reaper to look at him. Malphas'' expression softened, a rare sight.


    "Goodbye, Eren Heart." Malphas muttered to himself, and turned to leave the arena. His steps echoing loudly through the empty arena.


    "You did it, Eren!" Lucifer beamed at the reaper; his joyous aura filled the arena. Sprinting towards Eren at full pace. "You finally passed; we can move on to your final trial," Lucifer beamed.


    Eren just stared blankly at the blonde reaper. "Eren? You did it you can go home." Lucifer''s smile faded.


    "You... you don''t have to stay here anymore."


    The joy of the trial''s completion is overshadowed by the loss reflected in Eren''s vacant stare. "Eren, please, you can go home." Eren ignored Lucifer''s concerned words; trudging towards the arena''s exit, his eyes not once moving from their original position.


    "Eren... Please." Lucifer whispers to the reaper who has left the arena, the words left unheard.


    Wandering off into the ashen wasteland. Not once did he glance back, his gaze fixed ahead, but nothing awaited.


    ***


    Since Eren''s pyrrhic victory, the land of the dead returned to the normality of long lines and bored reapers. Stability ruled the land once more.


    Eren became catatonic, physically present but mentally elsewhere. It was as if Eren''s soul had been detached from his body. Spending his time sitting on the cliffs where he signed away his soul. Lucifer tried everything to try and rouse him from his catatonia, to no avail; Eren was lost in the endless grey of the ocean.


    However, one fateful day. Charon watched over the line of the dead as he had done for countless eons. Surveying for any irregularities in the flow of souls.


    A soul caught his attention.


    She mirrored her surroundings, sorrowful and empty, and yet she stood out to Charon. A reminder.


    The lone reaper approached the women cautiously. Towering over the women; personal space non-existent. Charon''s presence caused her to gasp and flinch away. Her eyes widening at the sight before her.


    "Can I help you?" The woman managed to say, voice trembling slightly.


    The silent reaper ushered the women out of the line and into the sand dunes of the eternal wasteland.


    "Where are we going?" The women asked, fear leaving her, replaced by annoyance. Charon led her across the dunes.


    The eerie quite of the world around them felt crushing to her, just their footsteps marking time.


    Eventually, a blonde-haired man emerged from the horizon; standing atop the dunes blankly watching the flow of the line.


    "Charon, to what do I owe the pleasure? My, my, what have you got here?" The blonde reaper said as he strolled towards them.


    The woman took a step back as she surveys the reaper before her, examining him with caution.


    "Where did you find her? She''s quite the looker, almost reminds me of-" Like lightning, blonde trails bolt towards the women.


    Fumbling around with her face, poking, and prodding at her. "Such beautiful features, perfect in every way. And those fish eyes, Eren..."


    The woman brushes the hands away with a hard smack. "Oi! what did you say about my eyes... Wait? Eren?!"


    The women''s eyes widen in disbelief. "It can''t be... that''s my son. Is he here?" Her voice softened, peering into the reaper''s emerald eyes.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Yes, but... Why don¡¯t we catch our breath for a-"


    "Listen you blonde prick, I''m not here to chat, take me to him. Now." She demanded, her glare burrowing into Lucifer.


    "Feisty too. I like that in a woman. I can see where Eren gets his passion-"


    "Just take me to him now." She interrupted Lucifer''s blabbering, again.


    "Mrs. Heart, your son...." Lucifer''s words trail off, trying to find the right words.


    "He''s been through a lot, more than anyone should." The woman grew impatient with the reaper, grabbing his arm and squeezing it hard.


    "Please... just take me to my son."


    "Very well, come with me." Lucifer guided the women away through the dune sea. "Eren..." Mrs. Heart muttered. Charon lumbered along silently, observing them closely.


    Eventually, they came arrived at an overlook above a black ocean. By a tree, Eren stood looking out over the abyss below. His gaze vacant.


    Lucifer led her closer to her son, but keeping a few meters distance from him. "Eren? do you remember this woman?" Eren turned slowly to face the two reapers and Mrs. Heart. He looked at her blankly, no sign of recognition or emotion in his face. "Hello Eren, it''s me... your mother."


    Mrs. Heart waited patiently for a response, anything would do, even a nod of acknowledgment. But nothing came. The eerie silence shattered Mrs. Heart''s spirit.


    She stepped forward towards her son.


    Lucifer stopped her by grabbing her arm. "I wouldn''t do that if I were you." He warned her, his tone firm but not unkind.


    "Eren, I know you are in there somewhere, just wake up. Please." She attempted to walk closer again, but the blonde reaper held her back. His grip strong, keeping her away from Eren.


    "Let me go, now!" Mrs. Heart demanded, struggling to break free from the reaper''s grasp.


    Charon pointed to Eren''s left hand, the whip snaked out from his forearm wrapping around his left arm.


    "His operating on instinct. He sees you as a threat." Lucifer explained calmly.


    "What do you mean by threat?" Mrs. Heart snapped back.


    "Well, that is a rather... lengthy story. But please allow me to handle this." Lucifer flashed a smile at the woman; a twinkle of hope glistened in the corner of her eye. Lucifer crept closer to Eren; the young reaper''s eyes never faltered as the distance closes.


    "Eren, we have company," Lucifer spoke in an upbeat tone. Eren''s eyes shifted from the blonde reaper to the women behind him. "It''s your mother." Lucifer glanced back at Mrs. Heart.


    "She''s here to see you, to say hello." Closer and closer, Lucifer made his way to Eren.


    "You haven''t said hi, why don''t you?" Lucifer was now a within arm¡¯s reach.


    The whip uncoiled itself from Eren''s arm, swaying about in anticipation. "Ahh, that''s better, isn''t it?" Lucifer extended his hand out, smiling warmly at Eren.


    Withdrawing his whip, Eren cautiously stepped towards Mrs. Heart, the long-lost mother, like a moth drawn to the flame.


    "Hello, my baby boy." She whispered softly.


    Eren reached out his left hand to touch her face, hesitantly placing it on her cheek. His body stiffened up. Mrs. Heart placed her own hand over Eren''s, squeezing it gently.


    His mother''s eyes tear up with joy, a smile spread across her lips, and a memory flashed in his mind, the image of a raven-haired child, no more than six years old. It was a time long ago, but Eren still remembered her smiling face as clear as day. The way she would hug him so tightly when she tucked him into bed, the smell of lavender and lemon from her favourite shampoo.


    The warmth of her hand against his cheek as she smiled at him. Eren stopped in place, the memory replaying over and over. The smile on his mother''s face, the twinkle in her eye, the familiar feeling. Eren''s face no longer remains emotionless; the cracks began to show.


    Mrs. Heart took a step forward, embracing the young reaper. "Eren, my darling." She whispered softly.


    Her arms wrapped around him tightly, holding him close to her chest. Eren''s body stiffened up once more the contact was almost foreign to him.


    "Mum?" His voice barely audible, like a whisper on the wind. Life finally flickered behind those vacant eyes, embers in the night.


    "My darling, I''ve missed you so much." She squeezed Eren tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I know it''s been hard for you." Mrs. Heart spoke in a gentle voice. "You can tell me everything, everything that''s happened."


    The young reaper''s voice broke as the weight of his actions pressed down on him. "I... I''m sorry, mum." His tears flowed freely as he buried his face into her shoulder.


    The woman held onto her son tightly, rubbing his back soothingly.


    After what felt like an eternity, tears all but dried, they separated.


    "What happened? Why are you here? " Eren asked weakly.


    "Don''t worry about that now, please tell me what happened. Maybe we can go somewhere else?" Mrs. Heart gently stroked her son''s cheek, wiping away the stray tears.


    Lucifer grabbed a hold of the pair unexpectedly. "Very well, off we go." Unavailing his wings, Lucifer took flight towards the mountain.


    <hr>


    Landing with all the grace of a feather on the rocks, Lucifer quickly closed his wings, Mrs. Heart however, not used to g-force was knelt over emptying her stomach of contents.


    Eren helped his mother back to her feet, before walking with her through the cave entrance. Into his abode of puzzling and irritating proportions. Lucifer following behind.


    "My, my, what a cute little house you have." Mrs. Heart commented in between vomiting sessions. "Thank you," Lucifer replied curtly. As she continued to examine however, her face twisted into a mixture of amusement and confusion.


    "Eren. I thought I taught you better interior design skills. What the fuck is this." Mrs. Heart burst into laughter, pointing at the hideous furniture arrangement. Mrs. Heart had always been a woman who spoke her mind unfiltered. A trait Eren inherited, both to his benefit and determent.


    "That was his fault." Eren pointed to the blonde idiot with a smirk.


    *Blee* Lucifer respond


    "Would you like some tea?" Lucifer asked, putting his tongue away.


    "Sure, that would be lovely." Mrs. Heart replies enthusiastically.


    Lucifer went for a pot and began preparing some hot water, steam billowing from its spout.


    Mrs. Heart sat on one of the few functional chairs in the house. The cushions were old and worn, but it was still comfortable enough to relax on.


    "Are you going to introduce me too your friends?"


    "Oh, um well that''s Lucifer." Eren answered awkwardly.


    "A pleasure, madam." Lucifer bowed.


    "I love your accent; so sophisticated and elegant." Mrs. Heart praised.


    Lucifer was a little taken aback by the sudden compliment, not expecting it at all. He had always sought positive affirmations from Eren but hearing praise from Eren''s mother sent warmth flowing through his veins.


    "Oh, well thank you. I-"


    "Anyway!" Eren interrupted the blonde reaper. Not wanting his mother to become an endless funnel for Lucifers attention seeking.


    "And this is Charon." Eren finished.


    Charon snuck up behind Mrs. Heart with silence, his bulk was concealed by the dark shadows of the cave. Only his burning eyes were visible as he peered over her shoulder, staring intently at her soul. Mrs. Heart turned to face the giant reaper, outstretching her hand.


    "Thank you for bringing me here. I appreciate your help."


    Charon nodded slightly, then returning to the shadows of the room. Watching from afar, silently observing.


    Mrs. Heart let her eyes wander around the room; there was little in terms of decoration. Save for a few pictures and paintings hanging on the walls. Focusing on the painting of Lucifer and the reluctant Eren.


    "My, my, I didn''t know you were gay." The woman jested.


    Eren nearly fell out of his chair, completely caught off guard by the comment. "Mum!" He cried out. Lucifer burst into laughter, almost falling to the ground in hysterics.


    "I''m not gay!" Eren''s face turned a bright shade of red, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    Mrs. Heart and Lucifer continued to laugh at Eren''s embarrassment. Their laughter filled the air with joy.


    "I just tease Eren." She chuckled, wiping away a tear from her eye.


    "I have nothing against it. As long as you are happy, that''s all I care about." She placed her hand on his, squeezing it gently. A small smile crept across Eren''s lips, squeezing his mother''s hand back.


    "Now tell me everything that you have been up to." She spoke in a hushed tone, leaning closer towards him. Eren hesitated for a moment, unsure if he wanted to relive the past again. His memories flashed through his mind, vividly remembering every detail. His heart began to race, palms sweating as panic set in.


    "Mum... I don''t know if I can tell you." Eren muttered, voice wavering slightly.


    "It''s okay, I''m here now. You don''t have to do this alone." She reassured her son, stroking his hand comfortingly. Eren closed his eyes tightly, letting out a shaky breath before beginning.


    The pair spoke for hours, discussing all that had happened since they last saw each other. Eren recounted his journey, sharing his hopes and dreams, along with his fears and regrets. It felt good to finally talk about what happened, but it also brought back painful memories.


    The hours rolled by, eternity would sooner take them, time meaningless between a mother and her son.


    "How did you die?" Eren asked suddenly, curiosity getting the better of him. Mrs. Heart went silent for a moment, gathering her thoughts.


    "Well... I had been sick for a while, but I didn''t want to tell anyone. I didn''t want to worry them." She began.


    "Back home it has become that much harder to live; If you don''t work for a guild life is very difficult."


    Mrs. Heart paused, sighing deeply before continuing. "Your father, desperate to find anything, joined the local guild as an accountant. He works so, very, very hard. We could barely afford the medication. Eventually, we couldn''t afford it anymore."


    ¡°And your sister, her smile kept us all going. Especially after you died.¡±


    Eren listened intently, absorbing every word. "We did our best, but the guild wouldn''t pay for me. And... Well, I guess that brought me here." Mrs. Heart gestured to the room around her, smiling sadly.


    Eren let out a frustrated sigh. "Damn them! Why didn''t they help you? If only I didn¡¯t¡­" Eren clenched his fists tightly, knuckles turning white from strain.


    Mrs. Heart smiled warmly at her son''s concern.


    "It''s alright dear, what''s done is done." She gently placed her hand on his arm, easing the anger within.


    "You can go home, Eren. You can be with your family again." Mrs. Heart spoke softly. Eren''s eyes lit up at the prospect of returning home. The thought of seeing his sister again filled him with excitement.


    But it was too good to be true. "If I go home, it won''t be the same. I''m not the same son you lost." He lowered his head, looking down at the floor in shame.


    Mrs. Heart''s face softened, pulling her son into a tight embrace.


    "You are and always be my son and I love you. Ugly white hair and all." She kissed the top of his head lovingly. "Nothing will ever change that, and nothing will change that between you and your father and sister."


    Eren broke down into tears once again. His shoulders shook as the emotions poured out. Mrs. Heart held him close to her chest, whispering soothing words to him.


    After some time, Eren managed to regain control over himself. His breathing steadied and his tears dried.


    "It''s okay, my little man." She chuckled softly, wiping away a stray tear from his cheek.


    "However, it''s time for me to go."


    "Wait... what?" Eren stammered, confused by his mother''s sudden announcement.


    "I didn''t expect to stay here for so long, I didn''t want to interrupt your life." She explained gently.


    "Please, can''t you stay a bit longer?" Eren pleaded with her. Hoping beyond hope that she would stay. Perhaps even death would permit it.


    "It''s okay dear, my instincts are pulling at me. This isn''t the end; we will meet again someday. For now, live your life as best you can. For me and for your father. To see your sisters smile one more time."


    Standing from the chair, kissing her son once more on the cheek. "Good luck with whatever task lies ahead. I''ll be cheering for you, always."


    "Take care of him, and make sure he doesn''t do anything stupid."


    "Always do, madame," Lucifer reassured her.


    Mrs. Heart nodded, turning to leave; her time done here.


    "Charon, my handsome skeleton man, be a dear and escort me home." Charon lifted his robe, revealing a boney hand beneath, extending out for her to take.


    <hr>


    Eren and Lucifer escorted her to the passing gates, the large gate at the centre of the temple loomed over them.


    Walking with pace, Eren grabs his mum from behind. A last-minute desperate hug.


    "I love you mom." He whispered.


    "I love you too." She replied.


    "I promise I''ll make you proud,"


    She smiled warmly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I''m already proud."


    Eren reluctantly let go of his mother, stepping back beside Lucifer. The two stood silently as Mrs. Heart took slow steady steps towards the gate, smiling softly before disappearing into the blinding blue of the gate.


    "Bye..." Eren trailed off, with his mother gone a part of him left too. A pain that cannot be described. But one that he was glad to feel once more.


    ¡°She will always be with you." Lucifer comforted Eren, placing a hand on his shoulder.


    "I know, but it still hurts," Eren replied solemnly. Lucifer gave him a reassuring smile, squeezing his shoulder gently. "Well, it''s time to return home and prepare for your final trial." Lucifer spoke in an excited tone.


    "I''m ready to finish this." Eren responded. Lucifer nodded, leading them back towards their abode.


    Eren took one last look at the gate, knowing that one day he would see his mother again.

 Chapter 8: Reaper training - The final trial

    The new dawn broke; although there was never any sun to guide him. Eren could tell, everything felt lighter, the air easier to breathe.


    Eren slipped out of his sheets and walked out of his cave. A renewed sense of purpose flowered in his heart, an indescribable feeling. Eren was ready to face his last trial and move on, ready to go home.


    Lucifer burst through the door, his golden locks of hair shining bright, a shimmering halo. His eyes bright as the day they met.


    "Good morning, Eren." Lucifer spoke in a joyful tone. Eren nodded, returning a half-smile.


    "It''s finally happening!" Lucifer jumped onto Eren; his excitement barely containable. "We''re going to the final trial, it''s looooong overdue. But I cannot wait to see you achieve greatness!" Lucifer gushed.


    Eren pushed the energetic reaper off him, rolling off the bed and to his feet.


    "Yeah, it''s finally going to be over," Eren remarked coldly.


    "Don''t be a gloomy goose!" Lucifer replied cheerfully. The vigour of Lucifers'' attitude was grating on Eren''s nerves, rubbing his temples to quell the mounting headache.


    Lucifer escorted Eren out of the mountain mouth, wearing only the worn and faded black shirt and matching pants, the harsh lessons of time left their mark on them both.


    The duo flew silently for a while, flapping wings carried them over the dune sea towards their destination. Eren had a feeling of melancholy, was he to miss this place? That did seem unlikely. For all its miseries, it taught him a lot, more than he could learn on Earth.


    The towering Charon stood with an imposing silhouette, the breeze carrying away the ashen dust from his cloak. Like the gentle tide of a river.


    Lucifer landed, at the feet of the Skelton. Outside of the arena where it all began.


    "We are ready. Eren, you will follow Charon from here. Good luck."


    "Wait? What? You haven''t told me anything about this trial?" Eren replied exasperated.


    "You will do well; I have faith in you." Lucifer ignored Eren''s concern, brushing him off with a nonchalant wave of his hand.


    "That didn''t answer my question. Why aren''t you coming?"


    The question spooked the reaper. "Oh, ummmm... I''m going to take over Charon''s job whilst you''re gone. I mean, we can''t have a mountain of souls lining up." He replied hastily. Eyes darting around, looking to avoid his wards ire.


    Instead catching the burning gaze of Charon''s, judging him silently.


    Words uttered without a sound, eyes speaking volumes more than lips could ever utter.


    "Ugh, fine. You''re so pushy, Charon. I''m going¡­ to occupy Malphas while you complete your last trial." Lucifer grumbled,


    Charon gave a subtle nod, before the gracefully striding away.


    "Why?" Eren questioned further.


    "Well, he really, really doesn''t want you to complete the trial." Lucifer fidgeted with his hands nervously, refusing to make eye contact with Eren.


    "Why?" Eren repeated the question, growing impatient with Lucifer''s dodging.


    "Oh, my would you look at the time. Good luck Eren." Lucifer exclaimed as he flapped away, leaving Eren alone with Charon. Eren sighed heavily, the man¡¯s antics were always an annoyance. He may have been a hollow shell for some time, but he certainly didn''t miss this nonsense.


    <hr>


    "Does he know what''s going to happen?" Eren questioned the giant reaper who stalked ahead, just out of reach.


    Charon kept his skull forward, black cape whipping about in the breeze, billowing behind him.


    The wasteland stretched out infinitely on all sides, ashen dunes rising and falling like waves upon an ocean. Melting into the darkness of the horizon, footsteps and dust clouds the only indication of progress made.


    "How much further?" Eren probed; the giant was silent as the night, never once turning his gaze towards Eren.


    "Talkative guy, aren''t you." Eren sarcastically muttered.


    Minutes turn to hours, the sky remained unchanged, and still no sight of the destination in sight.


    ''Are we going anywhere? Or is this all an elaborate mindfuck? What if wandering around like an idiot is the trial.'' Eren''s thoughts the only source of entertainment. The never-ending procession of dunes and the occasional pillar of stone was all that seemed to exist.


    Eventually, the rhythmic movements of Charon''s boots halted, standing at the peak of a dune. Down below in the trough was another temple.


    "Finally." Eren huffed in relief. His legs wobbling from the unending marching. Charon simply began walking again, taking the slope down with ease, an occasional leg stretches for support.


    The temple was far different from the main temple. This one was foreign in design, architecture unknown to the young reaper. White marble that glimmered in the pale light.


    Faces of strange entities adorned the exterior, made from a type of rock, unlike anything Eren had seen before. Faces contorted in pain and anguish, silently crying out to the heavens.


    Eren sprinted past Charon, the urge to finish this trial growing ever stronger. He needed to go home.


    The temples designs became more apparent as they got closer. Marble statues lined the grand staircase that led to a colossal doorway. Faces of death, be it ancient, reaper, skeleton or foreign, all screaming out in silent agony. A temple to monument the suffering of all.


    The arches of the temple entrance crumbling with age, the once mighty stone pillars now reduced to mere piles of rubble. Within, shadows were cast upon the cracked floor, light was absent here. Distant clicking echoed within the chamber. Like the exterior, worn away with time, small fissures running through the interior walls and ceiling. The remnants of pillars lay strewn across the ground, chunks of debris scattered around.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "Where are we Charon?" Eren questioned the silent reaper, receiving nothing but the crackling of dust and clicking of stones.


    Murals on the walls tell a story, or were intended too at least. Distorted images of battles, creatures, and beings unlike anything Eren had seen before.


    Darkness veiled the true art; chipped away, veiled under fleeting light.


    Deep rumbling began from beyond, distant at first, then growing louder with every step closer to the source. Echoes of thumping footsteps vibrated throughout the chamber, shaking the loose rubble from the ceiling.


    The archway of the chamber shuddered, fragments of stone cascading down, as a creature forced itself through.


    Large hulking, the beast stocky and thick. Heavy armour plates covered its chest and back, tapering down into a pair of abnormal small legs. Its arms were also large like trunks, ending in four long boney fingers. A black helmet infused with its skull. With eyes of pure white, illuminating the darkness, piercing through the shadows of the temple.


    Eren instinctively summoned his whip, taking a few steps back to gain ground.


    The monster stopped before Eren, eyes bored into him with an eerie sense of intelligence. Analysing the reaper.


    "What do you want?" Eren demanded. The beast lets out a roar, the vibrations rippling through the air. It charged towards the reaper.


    With practiced speed, Eren rolled out of the way. The creature narrowly missed him, skidding to a halt at the chamber wall.


    The beast produced its weapon, a morning star made from bone, a larger hammer stitched on the end.


    With its right arm, it swung downwards with a crushing force.


    Eren barely managed to dodge in time. The bone spikes cracking the floor, causing a tremor throughout the chamber.


    The creature spun around quickly, throwing a bone-breaking left hook. The fist connected with Eren''s side, launching him across the chamber, smashing into the far wall.


    ''What is this thing?'' Eren questioned, this was nothing he had faced in the arena. This creature felt different, driven, a purpose behind its whites.


    Picking himself off the ground, Eren charged at the monster, intent on fighting back. His whip pierced through the beast¡¯s shoulder. A small chunk of armour fell to the ground, rolling a few meters before settling in place. The monster roared in pain, swinging its weapon wildly in retaliation.


    Eren stepped backwards, avoiding the clumsy attacks. Parrying it with ease; slicing chunks of armour and flesh from the beast with each counter. Blood splashed across the floor.


    The creature stopped its flailing, grabbing a hold of Eren''s appendage. "Shit!" He cursed as it swung him about like a ragdoll.


    Around and around, the ceiling blurring past in a spiral of motion. His vision darkened as unconsciousness threatened.


    Letting go, the reaper was launched across the chamber, colliding with the walls in a crash. Landing near the silent reaper who had been observing the fight from afar.


    "Are you going to help?" Eren wheezed out, dazed, and confused. Charon remained motionless, silent as a statue. "Never...fucking mind." Eren muttered to himself.


    The creature approached again, wielding its massive hammer of bone, intent on ending this battle. Charon walked away whilst the monster charged towards Eren. Hitting the ground with force, breaking the floor in two. The beast let out a frustrated roar, spraying blood everywhere, turning to face Eren once more.


    Swinging wildly, Eren ducked under the attack, piercing through its left knee joint. A flurry of whip strikes pierced through armour and flesh. Crimson blood flowed freely from the beasts¡¯ wounds, landing atop Eren''s white hair. The creature stumbled forward, armouring cracking, flesh split open. The beast collapsed on the ground, body spasming from shock.


    "Good riddance." Eren huffed in exhaustion, retreating to a safe distance. The creature slowly rose to its feet once again.


    Its wounds healing themselves, flesh sizzling together, remaining amour falling to the ground; what remained were deep scars and furry skin. Sensation of sinister energy filling the air; Eren could not see it but the creature grinned behind the veil of its mask. Delighting in its long-forgotten purpose.


    ''Fuck this.'' Eren cursed in his head, realizing the futility of trying to damage it. Instead, catching up to Charon who delved deeper into the ruins. However, the creature refused to let its prey go. Quicker now with every step, chasing down the reaper.


    Smacking Eren into the ground, bouncing off the stone, skidding to a halt at the feet of Charon. "Is this part of the test?" Eren groaned. The silent reaper gave no response, proceeding deeper into the temple.


    Eren rose slowly into the air by the leg. Like a toy for the beast to play with. Throwing him through the air, cratering through into an open chamber.


    Unlike the rest of the temple, this room was well maintained. The walls, while cracked and chipped, retained much of their original splendour, the paint vibrant, and the statues majestic.


    The Reaper rolled onto his stomach, pushing himself to his knees. Vision blurry, head throbbing, the ringing in his ears drowning out the distant clicking of bone. The creature stepped through the archway, its stomps harder now, threatening to collapse the entire structure.


    "You just don''t quit, do you?" Eren muttered in annoyance. His strength had all but drained away. This monster, while easy to defeat in terms of stats, was different. Its regenerative properties a perfect counter to Eren''s offensive abilities.


    Not all was lost however; there was a glimmer of hope, the back of the room revealed a large altar, atop a flight of stairs. White stone reflecting the dim light from outside, an obsidian ring glistened at the centre of the altar.


    The obsidian ring, unlike anything he had seen before, pulsed with energy, allure of design.


    A loud crash ripped Eren out of his contemplation. Turning to see the creature up close, its white eyes burning bright as a flame, glaring down at the reaper. A fleeting glimpse was all that was allowed, the massive fist connected hard, launching Eren across the chamber into a pile of rubble.


    ¡®Reaper¡­¡¯


    Charon stood at the base of the stairs, eyeing Eren then the roof above, about to fold under the strain of battle.


    With all the speed and strength Eren could muster, Eren flicked his whip above, slicing through the ceiling; rubble and stone collapsing down. Pinning the creature within a mountain of debris.


    ¡®Reaper.¡¯


    He staggered towards the altar, ascending the on hands and knees, dragging himself up the stairs. Exhaustion creeping into every inch of his body. The rings presence more substantial now, whispers filling the young reapers mind.


    "Come to me... wield me..." It whispered.


    Every step brought a pained roar from the beast, one goal, its reason of being under threat.


    "Reaper, Reaper, Reaper." Chorus of whispers grew stronger. "Take us!"


    Now above it, the ring faintly glowed. Attraction magnetic; an invisible force pulling Eren in. As soon as the reaper made contact tendrils burst forth, wrapping around his arm, crawling up towards his shoulder.


    Clawing under his skin, turning his body black and veins dark red.


    He was gone.


    <hr>


    Moments later, he awoke. Time slowed to a crawl, voices quelled and pain dissipated. The beast having broken free, charged towards Eren. Not to toy with him longer, but a posture that screamed scurried haste.


    Its purpose now void.


    The only thing on the beast''s mind was the artifact in front of it, to ensure its safety.


    The ring now glowed an unnatural blue; with each pulsing beat the floor trembled. Exactly one thought ran through Eren''s mind.


    ''Hunger.'' The young reaper raised his left hand as he would with his whip.


    Instead of his bone appendage, volleys of tendrils erupted from the palm. They rushed towards the beast, wrapping around its massive bulk. Clinging to its flesh, breaking it down with each lash of black.


    The creature howled, swatting, protecting what little it had left. Blood spewing from the black void.


    The creature lost its will, movements low, encased in deeper despair. Nothing remained of the beast, the battle a memory soon faded.


    Waves of nausea hit Eren hard, forcing him to his knees, breathing deep gulps of air. Stomach emptying with each exhale.


    "Jesus, I''ve had enough of this place." Eren stood up, taking one last look at the mess around him. To think, once a grand temple stood here.


    Now nothing but a shattered shell, filled with stone and death.


    Charon sat at the base of the stairs, watching with silent approval. His arms rested on his staff. Eren walked past leading Charon out of the temple, triumph flowered with each step. Victory.


    The end was in sight, he just had to finish it. Although the feeling of having lost something lingered. Something that has changed within him, a loss, or a gain? For we could not tell.

 Bonus Chapter 8.5: The silent reaper

    The first day:


    Charon stood overlooking the line of souls, as he had done so for millennia, silently observing, watching a sea of despair fear and anguish flow by. A peace came with such silence, it brought about clarity in the chaos of all things.


    "Charonnnnnn!" The voice of a certain reaper broke the peace of silence, echoed across the desolate dunes. ""Charon, Charon, have you seen him?" The silent reaper does not acknowledge the call, nor does he sway from his duty. "Charon! Charon, you can¡¯t ignore me. You love the company I bring." He drew closer.


    Charon did not speak, for it was not his place to, but his actions spoke loud enough for the blonde idiot to understand. "Okay, I''ll tell you what happened." Lucifer continued. "We have a new reaper, and... Gabriel said I could be his trainer." Charon merely nodded at the announcement, unsure of why Lucifer would come all this way just to tell him that. "My god he is a cutie. Raven hair, soft skin, a tight body and those eyes, oh those sanpaku eyes."


    Charon turned away from Lucifer, attempting to escape his babbling. The endless prattle of Lucifer was becoming unbearable. "Sights to see." Lucifer continued, oblivious to Charon''s disinterest. "Of course, he won''t fall for my charm as easily as you have. He''ll need to be broken in, like a stallion." Lucifer eyes lit up, thoughts running amuck going into overdrive.


    Picking up the pace, Charon increased his stride, attempting to put more distance between himself and Lucifer. Speed became a light jog, then a sprint. Lucifer matched his pace, keeping up with Charon''s efforts. "Where are we going?" Lucifer asked excitedly. "I wonder what outfit to get him? Should I go all out and dress him up in that outfit?" The reaper rambled on and on, childlike excitement infectious.


    Charon stopped dead, turning to face the giddy reaper. However, he had vanished into thin air.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Sowhatdoyouthinkcuteisntheofcoursenooneisascuteasme..."


    Lucifer appeared on top of the towering reapers head, blonde threads dangling in front of skull eyes. Charon gave a thumbs up, hoping Lucifer would accept his acknowledgement, hoping to resume his peace.


    But alas, it fails; Lucifer continued speaking at a breakneck pace, his words coming out so fast; it was hard to make sense of what is being said. Lucifer''s voice goes up and down in volume, reaching a fevered pitch before trailing off. Lucifer stopped abruptly, hopping down from his perch, walking away from the giant reaper.


    "Do you think he has memories from his past?" His voice softer than before, more contemplative. "I doubt it. He has come and gone to many times. If anything, he''d be lucky to remember his previous life." Lucifer spoke with an odd tone of melancholy.


    "But what can I do? The past is the past, we must look forward to the future. Speaking of which." Lucifer suddenly dropped the pensive mood, regaining his normal happy-go-lucky demeanour.


    "The rumour around the dunes is that Eren is in line for the ring. Anything you care to share with you best friend in the whole wide wasteland?"


    Charon did not acknowledge the question, there were rumours among the dunes that flowed into the mountain of death, whispers that even the mighty could not keep silent.


    "I knew it; you''re such a gossip." Clapping his hands excitedly, bouncing on his toes like a school girl.


    Dismayed that Lucifer managed to deduce his secret from simple observation. The skull opened, almost wanting to speak; however, Lucifer stopped him.


    "Oh, my it''s nearly time. Always a pleasure Charon." Unveiling his wings. "I''ve got curriculum to prepare." Shooting through the air like an arrow, Lucifer flapped away leaving only a dust cloud behind.


    Charon finally relaxed; peace so merited, silence of the waste a state of enjoyment.


    The grey clouds that blanketed the sky, broke, opening to the field of stars above. Charon''s eyes watched the scene unfold, the multitudes of colours changing constantly.


    "I''m...glad...you...have...found...your...smile." Charon whispered to the stars. His voice coming deep within the bones, words carried on the wind, flowing across the dunes.

 Chapter 9: Reaper training - An end and a beginning

    ''Home''


    The word echoed throughout his mind. A word so simple, yet the implications beyond understanding. A word long forgotten, lingering in the back of the consciousness. Eren would not miss the eternal dunes, the silence, nor the cold company.


    Home was within reach now


    Eren''s body moved with purpose and determination. The familiar landmarks appeared as they approached the end. Charon silently followed Eren, attempting to match his pace.


    The temple grew closer and closer, Eren picked up speed, running as fast as his legs could carry him.


    Lucifer stood at the entrance, golden locks his first welcome to the realm of the living; now the final light at the end of the tunnel.


    "Eren, you completed it, well done." Lucifers voice filled with a sense of urgency. As he quickly ushered him inside. Something was wrong.


    "Yes, I got this ring-"


    "It looks gorgeous Eren, come, come let¡¯s get you home." Lucifer interrupted, dragging him by the hand.


    "Lucifer... I just want to say thank you-"


    ¡°Eren, darling, you can thank me when you get home." His eyes shifting around the room, fearful and alert. The stress of his nonchalance becoming more apparent.


    "What''s wrong? You usually start gloating about yourself now." Eren asked with suspicion.


    "There''s time for gloating later. We must go. Now!" Nearly ripping his fingers off as the weaved through the line of souls.


    "Lucifer! Tell me what is going on!" Eren demanded.


    "Malphas knows you have the ring." Lucifer spoke quickly.


    A sudden gust of wind blew through the chamber, the sound of beating wings soaring down the tunnel.


    "Dam, Stay behind me." Lucifer commanded, backing up slowly. Lucifer charged his body with magic, in anticipation for a fight.


    "You cannot not be allowed to leave." Malphas growled, landing with a thud, cracking the floor.


    The facade of apathy and calm is cracked; wraith and vengeance leaking into his words.


    "Eren, you have to go, I''ll buy you some time." Lucifer ordered, attempting to push Eren away. Eren stood firm, refusing to leave Lucifer alone to fight the loathsome reaper.


    "Do not interfere!" Malphas snarled.


    Malphas¡¯ wings spread wide; feathers sharpened into points. He launched himself forward, rapidly beating his wings, launching him towards the duo.


    Lucifer stood between, materializing a halberd of darkness. The obsidian blade glimmered in the faint light, spinning it above his head. Malphas'' wings bludgeoned Lucifer as he dodged the incoming blow, tucking in to a roll. He propelled himself upwards with his free hand, striking at Malphas'' unguarded back.


    Malphas twisted his body, avoiding the strike, a feather slicing across Lucifer''s cheek.


    "Go!" Once more Lucifer pleaded with Eren.


    The reaper was stuck in two minds, leave, return home to his family, or fight using all the skills he has leant. The ring helped him with his decision, vibrating with intensity, whispers crept into his mind.


    ''Fight.'' They commanded. ''Do not run, show no fear. Feed me.''


    "We''ll fight together," Eren stated with conviction.


    "What? No! This is not your battle, go! Charon take him." Lucifer roared, Malphas used the distraction to knock Lucifer down with a swing of his wing.


    Instinct driven the tendrils burst forth, snaking along the ground. Looking to fuel its hunger once more. Malphas darted through the black mass, expert precision in his movements, like practice paying off after centuries.


    "No more tricks, Eren." Malphas reached him, dagger slicing his fingers clean off. Blood spurted from the stumps.


    "ARRRGHHHH! Damn it!" He cursed, stumbling back clutching his five bloodied stumps, Malphas raised his dagger once more.


    "You should have left when you had the chance."


    Malphas thrust the blade forward, aimed at the heart. Expecting another revive, Eren braced.


    However, Charon blocked the strike, diverting the course of the dagger. The sharp edge only slicing a shallow cut across his chest.


    "You too ferryman, you would see chaos reign?" Malphas growled. Lucifer rejoined the fight, standing by Charon''s side.


    "Eren, I''ll not ask again. Your time is done here. Leave!" Lucifer ordered.


    The process of the afterlife came to a halt, the dead, reapers, and the guardians of the dammed watched on. Whispers filled the chamber, anticipation brewing within the souls.


    Lucifer and Malphas clashed, a deadly dance of blades. Swings and parries, steel on steel, the clash of metal ringing out across the chamber. Feathers spinning through the air like shrapnel, slicing through bone and flesh. Charon stayed back, keeping an eye on Eren, prepared to defend his charge at any moment.


    Eren, finally understood that he had to leave. Gathering his severed fingers, wrapping them in a bundle of torn shirt.


    Lucifer summoned his wings taking to the sky; Malphas doing the same. Higher and higher until eyes level, the duel continued. Lucifer used his halberd to block the incoming strikes, the dagger cutting deep into metal with each strike.


    This was his chance, Eren rushed to the central gate. Home was within reach. The eyes of the temple split between the battle above and the scenes below. The familiar red suit of Gabriel standing by, watching over all.


    Lucifer closed in ready to deliver a deadly blow. Malphas swiftly dogged, leveraging his wings like a scythe, severing one of the blonde reaper¡¯s wings.


    Lucifer let out a deafening scream, plummeting towards the ground, limp wing following behind.


    Landing at the foot of the gate, several bounces along the marble floor, accompanied by the sickening cracks with each bounce. Lucifer barley able to move. Bones broken, organs crushed, flesh marred by cuts and bruises. Lucifer got to one knee breathing heavy, blood dripping from his mouth.


    "Charon! help him!" Eren ordered. The giant reaper nodded in acknowledgement, walking over to assist his fellow reaper.


    Malphas landed behind the blonde reaper. His own injuries showing; wounds leaking crimson across his face, eyes red as blood.


    "You...won''t...win." Lucifer breathed out weakly.


    "And yet you sit below me, broken." Malphas raised his dagger.


    Eren and Lucifer made brief eye contact, a wink from the blonde reaper before closing his eyes, preparing himself for what was to come.


    The dagger descended, cutting clean through Lucifers neck, head landing with a thud.


    Eren froze, watching as the blonde reaper disintegrated into nothing. Malphas slowly turned to face Eren, stepping forward. Each step with more purpose than the last. Eyes burning with hate and determination. Charon charged ready to take his friends place, even though he was not as adept at fighting.


    Eren was paralysed, legs shaking, body buckling beneath its own weight. A memory that he had not thought of in years. Kyo''s head rolling along the ground; Lucifers falling the same way.


    Everything was numb, cold creeping through every inch of him. ''I''m going to die; I''ve come so far and it all means nothing.¡¯Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Charon tried to fight, but was promptly knocked across the room, slamming into the gate''s entrance. His back splintering apart, large chunks of bone scattering across the floor.


    "You have nothing left!" Malphas rasped. "You have failed."


    ''Fight...'' The whisper returned, although these weren''t the whispers of the ring. A voice long since forgotten by Eren. Only ever hearing it through one conversation.


    Death whispered into his mind.


    ''Fight... for the ones who live... The ones that died... the ones that loved you...'' Ethereal voices rippled through his mind.


    <hr>


    "You''ve already killed me a thousand times, and yet I''m still here!" Eren screamed out, red mist billowing around him. Whip dancing above his head, dancing to the symphony of pain, anger, and fear.


    Malphas snorted. "And the fault is mine, I thought if I could break you...I would spare you and all the worlds a great deal of pain." The wraith was worn, exhausted from battle. His breathing laboured.


    Eren straightened, whip coiled.


    Malphas steadied himself, malice burning deep in his eyes. "No more talk, I''ve grown tired of you. Your demise shall be my last gift."


    Dagger raised high, charging forward with heavy wing strokes. The tip of his blade angled down towards the centre of Eren''s chest.


    Eren ducked under the attack, narrowly missing the blade by an inch. He rolled backwards before getting to his feet, his body felt like it was moving on its own, dodging every attack without hesitation. Sneaking in whip strikes between attacks.


    "We took his family...Use it." The ring echoed from his severed finger.


    "Are you going to send me to hell... To meet your family?" Eren growled out. Malphas halted mid swing, the words causing him to pause.


    "What did you say?" He replied, the anger flaring in his tone.


    "Imagine if your family could see you now? What would they see?"


    "You know nothing-"


    "But I do, I know who you are. You''re a coward, a pathetic, cowardly mutt. Who couldn''t protect his family and failed in death too." Eren quipped, barb coated words sticking into Malphas'' skin. Emotions he had not felt in years; grief, sorrow, shame, guilt, and fear welled up inside him. A feeling that had long since passed within the gaunt reaper.


    "Stop talking." He roared out, throwing himself forward, enraged at Eren''s words. His blade stabbing towards Eren''s chest once more.


    However, it only hit air, Eren sidestepping the attack, ducking under the wings. Using the momentum to land a solid strike across Malphas'' back, knocking the reaper off balance.


    Malphas had become sloppy in form, emotions getting the better of him. But still a threat, each clash with the whip only stoking the fire inside him. Malphas was blinded by lost emotions, face contorted into a mask of anger and hate. He spat out the blood from his mouth, fury igniting the fires once more. His eyes burning bright red.


    Charging in, this time the ring intervened. A visage of white fire projected the surrounding area. "No... No." Malphas spoke softly. Using the distraction Eren, with precision slashed Malphas'' eye. The strike cutting clean through, blinding one side. Blackened blood flowing from the open wound.


    Malphas cried out, dropping to his knees, hand clutching the open wound. The white fire still caused greater distress. Eren gave him no quarter, jumping back to create distance.


    Unfurling his whip, slashing at the blind spot. The lash finding its mark, tearing deep into the skin. Again, and again deep cuts ran along Malphas'' torso. Screams of pain grew louder and louder with each strike.


    "Stop!" He pleaded. "Please!" Blood dribbled from his mouth, falling down his chest. His movements were slowed, unable to stand tall any longer.


    Eren paused the attack, hand held high in the air. Whatever the white fire was, it had done what blades could never do. Pity flooded through him; this wasn''t the way Eren wanted it to end.


    ''Let him be free.'' Eren thought to himself.


    After pausing to think, he readied for one final attack. To end his misery. Bring the hook down aiming for his neck.


    "I thought you lost your humanity?" Malphas'' low growl caught Eren of guard. The whip was caught before it could connect. It seemed like Malphas had regained his strength, gripping the bone whip tightly.


    Malphas forcefully pulled Eren forward, spinning and slamming him down to the ground.


    "You thought you could kill me and my family!"


    "What? I didn''t-" Malphas slammed again, marbled floor breaking off in chunks. Eren coughing up blood, vision blurry from the sudden shock.


    "I won''t let you hurt anyone else!" Malphas grabbed a chunk of marble, crushing Eren''s face. Bones bending under the impact, Eren could feel a couple of teeth in the back of his throat. Malphas kept his grip on the reaper. Continuing to bash his head into the floor. Eren spat out his broken teeth. Taking another flick with his whip, desperate to stop this madman.


    Malphas once more caught it, his wings flapped harder and harder, lifting himself up from the ground. Eren''s arm yanked towards the madman. Faster and faster until both reapers were off the ground, hovering above the marble.


    The air rushed by; their surroundings became a blur of motion. "I''m sorry my family, I''ve failed you all! But I can make sure he never hurts anyone else ever again." Reaching the top of the spire, the crazed reaper releases his grip on the bone whip.


    Eren plummeted towards the marble floor below. With one last strike, Eren latched his whip around Malphas'' neck. With every ounce of strength left, he tightened it as hard as he could. Whip digging deep into his throat. The two falling like a meteor towards the marble floor.


    Malphas controlled it as best he could, flying up, down, side-ways, anything to keep himself away from the floor.


    "Let...go...you...monster." He gasped out, desperately trying to free himself from the binds.


    "Not this time." Eren replied, pulling down even harder on the whip. Malphas spiralled out of control, colliding with the side of the gate, a deafening crack filled the chamber.


    Eren''s body collided with the marble floor, shattering his left leg on impact. The collision had forced the two apart, Eren''s whip rattled along the ground. The air was knocked from his lungs, struggling to take in air.


    He rolled onto his back, pain searing through his body, the numbness slowly creeping through.


    ''It''s done.'' He thought to himself. With his one good leg he limped to his final goal. Malphas lay on the far side of the room, wings mangled and broken, just barely hanging on.


    The gate was so close now, the energy from the ring swirling around him, empowering him to finish this trial.


    However, the onlookers painted a different picture, horror.


    "AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A roar rang out across the chamber. Malphas rose, wings fallen away, eyes are now a dark red colour, the veins in his eyes and his face are black. His appearance had changed; Teeth sharper and more jagged, his kept hair longer and changed to white, and his body is taller and more muscular than before.


    ''I tried.'' Thought Eren before the new beast pinned him against the side of the gate. Hot breath washed over his face. Death''s odour filled his nostrils.


    Heavy punches rain down upon Eren''s already battered body, breaking his nose, jaw, blood spurting with each impact. The blows continue all over Eren''s body, ribs breaking and organs rupturing.


    "NO! You! Will! Not! LIVE!" Each word, punctuated by a blow. The world around began to vanish once more, like the very first time he died. It was peaceful despite the blows, Eren couldn''t feel anything anymore.


    ''I was so close, I''m sorry I couldn''t get back to you.'' He thought before closing his eyes, awaiting what was to come. And yet, nothing came, faint shapes were visible in the distance. His consciousness fading in and out, slowly becoming a speck of light in the dark.


    The beast was held high in the air, Lord Azazel had arrived. The fight was over, a god had intervened.


    "Gabriel..." With out specification, Gabriel began to heal Eren. Vision slowly recovering with each pulse of Gabriel''s palm.


    Malphas dropped to his knees, suit in tatters, flesh bruised and bloodied, no strength left to fight. His wounds not healing as they should, remaining open and exposed.


    "You have lost... Eren will leave for the living and you... shall remain."


    "The ring..." Malphas managed to breathe out, barely above a whisper. "It cannot go back..." He reached for it weakly, using his last remaining strength.


    Lord Azazel interrupted him.


    "You lost; the ring is Eren''s to keep." His tone flat, apathetic to the creature''s plight. Malphas turned to face Eren one last time.


    "I tried to save you... from a life of endless death... One day you will end up here; on your knees, begging Death for salvation..." His voice fading into the background noise of the temple.


    Azazel reached down, offering a hand to help Malphas to his feet. The defeated Reaper swatted it away, instead picking up a broken piece of marble.


    Malphas looked at the others in the chamber, his eyes-only conveying sorrow.


    "No... more." A feeble attempt to attack Azazel is meet with his Lord easily overpowering him. Summoning his scythe, one slash killing him. Body turning into the ashen dust from a diagonal cut across his chest.


    Malphas was no more.


    <hr>


    Eren returned to full form, sitting up right with ease. His broken body whole once more, cuts healed and blood cleaned. As good as new.


    "You have done well... Reaper Eren." Azazel spoke calmly.


    "It has been many years since I''ve seen one of my own rises to greater heights." His tone as neutral as ever. Despite the death of one of his own, Azazel did not show any sign of remorse or sorrow.


    Gabriel was next to speak. "Now is your time to return to the living world. May you make good use of the gift we bestowed upon you." Eren took one last look at Gabriel and Azazel. Ready to take his place among the living.


    "Wait, what about-" The idiotic smirk of Lucifer caught his attention.


    Lucifer appeared, seemingly from nowhere. He walked over to stand with Azazel and Gabriel.


    "My Eren, how far you have come. You have made the luckiest reaper in the land. Oh, I could cry tears of joy right now." Lucifer spoke excitedly.


    "Why are you here?" Eren asked curiously. He saw the man die, death at the hands of a reaper felt like a permanent demise.


    "You can''t kill me, I''m too beautiful to die." His voice had returned to normal, any signs of stress and fear now vanished.


    "Lucifer. Stop wasting Eren''s time. It''s time for him to leave." Gabriel commanded.


    "Yes, yes of course. It is time, go forth my little dove, I will be seeing you soon." He winked before turning to Azazel and Gabriel.


    "Thank you for everything, Lucifer." Eren whispered softly.


    Lucifer looked back and smiled at the young reaper. "No, thank you for giving me a friend."


    "You too Charon, thank you." A thumbs up from the broken reaper was hall he could muster. Although, his thumb was split in half.


    Stepping through the gate, Eren vanished; with a flash of light, Eren is gone. The onlookers returned to their duties, souls returning to the line, reapers to their jobs.


    Back to the grindstone of processing and diligence

 Chapter 9.1: Malphas

    The sun rose over the ocean waves, a golden mist slowly settling over the sandy shores. Crashing waves drowned out by the shrieking seagulls circling overhead. A beautiful morning in a beautiful town.


    A man lay, basking under the warm rays that peeked through the canopy above.


    "Good morning, my love." A woman crooned, a soft smile gracing her lips.


    "Morning." He spoke quietly, eyes still closed. Enjoying the tranquillity of the morning, listening to the ocean waves, feeling the warmth of his wife''s embrace.


    "Dad!" Children''s calls stirred him from his peaceful state. The man grumbled, burying his head in the pillow, trying to hide from his responsibilities.


    "C''mon darling. They are up. They wait to fish with their father." A gentle poke and an affectionate nuzzle encouraged him to get up.


    Before becoming the reaper, Malphas was a humble fisherman by the name of Matthias. A loving wife, four kids, and a life at the ocean. Unlike his reaper form, his body was deeply tanned, years working under the blazing sun. Long unkempt blonde hair and piercing green eyes, muscles toned from labour at sea.


    "DAD! Quickly!" Urgency in their voices brought the fisherman to his feet, running to meet them at the shoreline. He stumbled out of the house, nearly tripping over himself.


    "What''s wrong?!"


    The children all huddled on the cliffs edge, pointing in silent fear. "Another one?" Matthias knelt next to his children, squinting as he peered over the edge.


    "Another monster." A giant beast lay dead at the bottom of the cliff, purple blood soaking the sand. Its massive frame dwarfed anything he had ever seen before.


    ''...Another one?'' He thought to himself.


    "That''s the third one this month." The eldest boy spoke with a mixture of awe and fear. He stood still, watching it intently.


    "No fishing today; We will go to the market for today." Matthias commanded. The two youngest, skipped back to the house. Whilst the elder pair stood watching the horizon. "It''s getting closer." The eldest pointed to the north.


    Thunderous clouds gathered across the northern sea. Their presence had been felt for months, dark ominousness, signs of war at their doorstep.


    "Come boys, back to your mother." Matthias spoke softly. Putting a brave face, his weathered features hiding his true fear.


    The march to town was silent; the sight of the beast had shaken them all. For they all knew death was on the horizon. The main road to town had a few wagons passing by, women chatted with each other in groups. Despite the sightings of monsters, the residents still went about their daily lives. It seemed that normalcy and routine had kept them calm and peaceful.


    However, the town itself was a stark contrast to the road inward. market stalls lined the streets, White gravel stretched out from one side to the other; stalls sparsely populated; the few manned were occupied by elderly faces.


    "Ah, if it isn''t our brave fisherman, Matthias." A white-bearded man sat in his stall selling fruit from the local orchard.


    "Good morning, Damas; how are you today?" He greeted back. "Nothing exciting going on out here, I''m afraid. Shouldn''t you be on the waters?" He asked in confusion.


    "Another monster washed up along the cliffs this morning." The two youngest children spoke simultaneously, gesturing wildly as they reenacted the size of the beast.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "Damas, can you convince our farther to let us fight? To join the other boys who have already enlisted." The eldest asked with a glint in his eye. The second brother smiled in agreement, his eyes pleading for permission to join the war.


    The white-bearded man looked at the pair with pity.


    "War is not as glamorous as it seems, lad. Don''t throw your life away for a cause that isn''t yours." He glanced between the children and their father. Body slumping forward in exhaustion, suddenly looking much older than his years.


    "But our friends have all gone-"


    "Enough! You will speak not further of this!" Matthias shouted, the glare cast, enough to scare them all into silence.


    "Good day Damas." Matthias paid for the fruits and headed back home.


    Atop the town stood an acropolis, marbled columns, and an immense dome. Matthias and the offering to the gods stared at each other from across the sea of gravel. Scoffing at the gods, Matthias led his brood home.


    <hr>


    The dinner table was as quite as ever, tension in the air like a thick fog. The children ate in silence, fidgeting nervously in their seats. No one spoke. Each kept their thoughts to themselves.


    "Dad... you can''t keep us from fighting. Our friends... our people, they''re fighting for our survival." The eldest spoke quietly, darning not to look into his father¡¯s eyes. Matthias continued to eat, refusing to acknowledge his son''s mumbled pleas.


    "Why won''t you let us fight?" The second eldest asked with more force than his brothers¡¯ plea.


    *WHAM*


    Matthias slammed his fists down on the table, startling everyone.


    "You would not be fighting for the ones who sit across from you. You would fight for those who sit above, who live in their palaces amongst the sky. You would die for gods, who has never once lifted a sword or stepped onto the battlefield. Let alone sat by a fire with his kin." Voice like steel and tone resolute.


    "Those beasts are just across our waters every day; the clouds draw closer. We must protect our home!" The eldest retorted.


    Matthias got up from the table. The wooden chair falling to the floor with a clatter.


    "Listen here boy, you will stay here. This fight is not ours!" He roared out, grappling the eldest by the shoulders. Shaking him back and forth.


    A soft warm hand rested on his shoulder.


    "Calm yourself Matthias. Breath." He sighed deeply, dropping his grip on his son''s shoulder. Matthias left without a word, his wife''s voice consoling the children in his absence. The door clicked shut behind him.


    The night breeze along the ocean washed over him, waves crashing softly along the shoreline. The smell of brine relaxed him, to him it was home.


    Slumping down in the sand, the field of stars reflects on its pristine surface. Rubbing his neck, Matthias sighed in frustration. Footsteps echoed behind him, kicking up sand as they drew closer.


    "They are scared, Matthias." His wife sat down next to him, her comforting touch soothing his frayed nerves.


    "They want to fight because they think It''s their only choice. You would go to war too if you knew nothing else." She leaned into his chest; arms wrapped around him. They stayed silent for a long time, listening to the crashing waves.


    "I don''t want them to be soldiers." He finally spoke. "I don''t want to send my boys to war."


    She gently cusped his cheek. Turning his face to hers. "Your stress ages you so." She smiled sweetly, affectionately running her thumb across his jawline.


    "We both have lived the consequences of war; I want a better future for them. So, they can live free. Free from the gods, free from war." Matthias whispered.


    "I know you do, my love." Her head rested on his chest. Her body softly rising and falling with each breath.


    "However, we cannot protect them from everything. Their lives will take them on different paths. You must allow them to make their own choices. One day they will leave us and embark on their own journey. As did you once, remember?" She gazed up into his eyes, peering deep into his soul.


    "What do I do?" He asked. The wisdom of his wife; the only deliverance from his worry.


    "Perhaps we could train them at home, all of them. A father¡¯s guidance is greater than anything they would offer at the capital." Matthias nodded in agreement, any excuse to keep his sons safe was worth a try.


    "You are wise as you are beautiful, my love."


    "Careful now, with talk like that, we might find ourselves with a 5th child." Her voice spoke mischievously.


    "Come let''s go home." Matthias got to his feet, offering his hand to help his wife up. The pair walked back to the house, hand in hand. Stars painting the night sky above.


    The ocean was quiet, waves now barley lapped against the shore. The sea is as if holding its breath, anticipating. On the calm surface stood a veiled figure, watching silently.


    Death was waiting.

 Chapter 9.2: Malphas (2)

    The next day was livelier; the news that Matthias would train his sons brought spring to his sons'' solemn. "Dad, dad, what will you teach us first?" The youngest squealed in delight, tugging on his father''s arm.


    "Nothing, we must fish first." He replied curtly.


    "Fishing? But dad we have to train." The eldest complained.


    "Life comes first; we cannot train on empty stomachs."


    The five set out on the ocean waters, heading south, away from the northern sea.


    The water, still as glass, only small ripples and waves slowly brushing along the deck. The two eldest began working along the small ship, barely enough room for them all. Whilst the youngest wrestled with each other on the deck.


    It was more in line with dancing with two left feet than it was wrestling.


    ''Is this really what I wanted?'' He asked himself. Second youngest knocked his brother overboard, splashing into the ocean below. Looking to his farther, eyes asking for approval. A smile worth protecting.


    ''Perhaps it''s not so pointless after all.'' A slow smile forming at the edges of his mouth.


    *Whoosh*


    A sudden gust of wind threatened to capsize the boat. A larger boat came speeding past, its wake tossed the small fishing vessel into chaos. Water soaking everything and everyone.


    "Matthias, is that you?" A man with a large beard reaching down to his chest called out.


    "Gai! What is wrong? Why are you rushing south?"


    Gai looked back towards home, terror seizing his face.


    "Run Matthias, run! Monsters have made landfall. Get out of here now!"


    The hair on Matthias'' arms stood up, heart pounding in his chest. Fear sent his stomach into knots, his world stopped.


    "Boys! Row! We must get your mother!" He bellowed, five of them worked feverishly to move the small boat. His hands gripped the side of the boat until his knuckles turned white. The southern sky darkened as they approached; black clouds filled the horizon.


    The town was cast alight, burning with white flames. Buildings blazing white, the harbor so often filled with ships now a combination of fleeing ships and burning vessels.


    A roar that belonged to no known beast came from the acropolis, erupting like a volcano. Sound creating waves through the water. It hit like a sledgehammer, knocking Matthias and his boys to the floor.


    The ringing in their ears lasted long after the impact.


    "Dad...Dad...Can you hear me?" The eldest shouted over ringing.


    "Yes...yes I can hear you." He rasped out.


    "Stay...here..." Disorientated, Matthias rolled into the water, making the desperate swim back to shore.


    As he swam, a giant lizard emerged from the burning dome of the acropolis. The size of a three-story adobe, scales black as night, contrasted by reptilian red eyes, large eaglelike wings folded. Scanning all below, its claws digging into the marbled foundations. Matthias could almost make out a smile, from all the carnage below.


    Breaching shoreline, determined to save his wife, Matthias ran towards the burning town. All around him were chaos, fires raged; Screams rang out from across the town; children cry, and men scream out in pain as they are cut open by a shadowy horde of black warriors.


    Clad in deep black armour, faces hidden beneath helmets. Some carried swords of darkness, whilst others used their bare hands to crush the townsfolk''s skulls.


    Amongst the rubble and smoke, Matthias searched for signs of his wife.


    "Matt-hias." A feeble whisper came from behind a nearby stall. He ran towards it, quickly lifting off the debris. Damas lay, a large gash ran across his torso, his eyes fading with each breath.


    "Damas! I''m here, where is my wife?" He asked hurriedly.


    "U-up...there..." Damas raised his hand pointing to the acropolis. His final breath leaving him, head falling back onto the ground.


    ''Faster'' The voice in his head urged.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Weaving through the stalls, out of sight of the shadowy warriors, cries of help ignored, fear clouding all judgement.


    The once pristine grass fields leading up to the acropolis are smothered in blood or burnt to the ground. Black knights in small groups slaughter their way through survivors.


    "No, no, no!" A cry of agony coming from behind. An elderly woman protecting a child. Matthias couldn''t stop. He needed to keep going.


    Coming to a cluster of villagers piled on top of one another, at the base of the steps leading up to the acropolis. All beaten and bloody. Some missing limbs, others their heads.


    "Matt...hias." Soft, gentle sobs greeted Matthias, barely above a whisper. Her white dress was stained red, blood covering her pale skin.


    "My love...No." Tears filled his eyes as he saw her crumpled body.


    Struggling to breathe, she gurgled and retched. Her lungs, filling with blood.


    "My...love...please...the...boys." Her chest heaved, spitting out the crimson liquid. Matthias held her tightly in his arms.


    "Shh... Keep still, you must be strong." He whispered softly, stroking her hair. Her once luscious locks were now matted with dirt and blood.


    *Clank* *Clank* *Clank*


    Marches of metal boots drew closer, descending from the top of the acropolis. Led by a taller figure; black plate armour reflecting the white flames that engulfed the town, darkened visor that resembled a skull; and a long cloak that swayed with each stride taken.


    Flanked by two women who towered over their leader, garbed in short black robes, long legs covered by thigh high boots, long flowing white hair tied in intricate braids, silver skin shone in the fire light. Faces emotionless, unfeeling; they marched silently.


    "My...love..." She whispered weakly. "They...must live." Her head lolled back into his lap. Her heart slowed to a stop. His fingers still clutched her limp hand. Eyes glazed over staring into nothingness.


    "No, no, no... No! My love please!" Matthias held her tight, not letting go.


    The dragon roosting atop the acropolis took flight, heading towards the harbor. Its shadow blotted out the sun, wings beating heavily in the air. Matthias nearly pinned under the pressure of its wing strokes.


    ¡®The boys.¡¯ He thought. Matthias let her go, cradling her head on the ground. "I''m sorry, my love." With tears in his eyes, he sprinted back towards the ocean.


    The dragon circled the fleeing vessel.


    Red eyes narrowed in on the prey, diving down from above. Reigning down white embers onto the small ships. Muffled screams reached land as the ships erupted in white flames.


    "NOOOOOO!" Matthias could only watch in horror, helpless, his sons burning in the distance. Matthias collapsed to his knees on the beach, staring out at the burning vessels. His family taken from him, everything destroyed.


    He was alone.


    "Why...why...Why!" He screamed out, gripping fistfuls of sand in each hand. White hot tears ran down his cheeks. He fell forward, body weak from exhaustion and sorrow. The legion of marching boots halted behind Matthias; the leader stood at the edge of the beach watching him.


    "Why?! WHY!?" He wailed out again, face contorted in pain. Facing the leader in black.


    "Do not dare speak to our lord." One of the guards hissed, stepping forward menacingly. A powerful black arm held her back, a silent command to stay.


    "Your temple housed a god, hiding amongst you. Your downfall is your own doing." The other female guard spoke coldly, eyes staring down on Matthias with apathy.


    "Kill me...please... just kill me!" Matthias begged for release. The faceless leader remained silent, staring into Matthias'' soul.


    "P-Please..."


    "Our Lord does not do favours."


    Hand rising, the leader gestured for the dragon circling the harbor to come. A flick of his wrist, a strange ring glowed on his finger, white leaking from it. Within a heartbeat the terror of the town, landed on the sand. Steam hissed from its scales, covering its body, shrinking it down in size. The billowing cloud bursts into flames, turning to ash.


    Rising from within, a child not much older than Matthias'' youngest son. Short cropped black hair, crimson eyes, pale skin. Clad in a white dress flowing down to her knees with matching white shoes.


    ¡°Praise me.¡± She demanded. Twirling her dress as she moved.


    Without a word, he marched once more; his legion of warriors marching in unison. Silent. Only the thumping of their boots on the gravel.


    "Aww. Did I not do good?" She pouted in disappointment. Skipping after him.


    The sight of the girl...that indifference angered Matthias greatly.


    "You will pay for what you did!" He roared charging at the girl. The girl turned meeting his eyes, a sly smile on her lips.


    Time suddenly slowed around Matthias, a pain radiated from his throat, a tightness squeezing it.


    Blood gushing, rolling down his throat, chocking him as his lungs became heavy. Gasping for air, struggling to stay upright, the nameless leader produced a tendril from his left arm, a whip made of bone, curved at the tip.


    The girl next to him giggled in delight, dipping her finger into the wound.


    "MMMMM, Oh. I see. You had family out there" Matthias'' eyes widened in fear, unable to speak or move. His skin turned cold and pale.


    "They all screamed, begging for the fire to stop." She leaned in closer. "Not even the ocean waves can cleanse my fire."


    Matthias'' vision began to blur, voice only coming out as a guttural groan. Blood oozed from his mouth.


    "You should be thankful; I''ve brought an end to your suffering." Her crimson eyes never leaving his own. The ground came up to meet him. Cold dirt filled his nose as he gasped his last breath.


    With a bright flash, Matthias awoke in the land of the dead. Tall looming cliffs surround him on all sides; the land was grey and barren, the air stale, dry, and lifeless. His chest bore no wounds, no pain or blood, and yet the memories were still fresh in his mind.


    The fear, sorrow and helplessness burned deep within his soul. A silent roar raged from his gut, hand clutched at his stomach, fist clenching tight. Unable to contain it, tears rolled down his face, teeth gritting together. A gentle hand rested on his shoulder, startling him from his sorrow. "Welcome... Matthias."


    "Who are you?" He growled out, voice laced with anger. "You are dead, a victim of the gods selfishness. However, ... I am here to give you a choice."

 Chapter 10: Take me home

    Eren breathed deeply, his eyes slowly opening. His surroundings almost familiar; Warmth spread over Eren''s body, a sensation that he had not felt for some time. Eyes began to flutter open. The smell, its clean and airy, unlike the land of the dead that were permeated with ash and sand. The white marbled floor gleamed, almost shining under his gaze. Untouched since he last saw it.


    This, was where he was killed, now empty and barren. No bodies, no weapons. Nothing remained from that day. Only a thin layer of dust and silence filled the hall.


    ''Shit.'' Eren thought.


    ''I forgot to ask what the hell I''m supposed to be doing.'' Lord Azazel only told him to go back to earth. Other than that, no instructions on how he was meant bring balance to the world. A challenge for another day. First, he was to escape the accursed gate.


    Like a moth to a flame Eren was drawn to a specific cavern, despite several tunnels leading in different directions. Not knowing what awaited him nor why he felt such a pull.


    A decrepit red cave snaked, not one soul had set foot in this tunnel for a time, and yet he followed its path. Darkness quickly replaced the light. Rust and iron, pungent odour flooded his nostrils.


    ''It¡¯s here...'' He thought, stepping further into the cavern.


    Eren marched through the lone tunnel, darkness swallowing his steps, the echo of his boots the only company.


    A slight breeze wafted over his face. Life came rushing back; temperature changed from chilled to humid, a damp scent filling his nostrils. Gradually the end came into view, a cavern illuminated by blue glow of the gate. Vortex of swirling energy pulsing, brilliant blue engulfing his vision. Eren stepped through the portal without hesitation.


    The cold air whipping at his clothes, biting at his skin - a sensation both foreign and achingly familiar. He was home, although not sure where, skyscrapers stood tall around him. Reflections of steel and glass cast into the streets below. Trees bellowed and swayed with each breath of wind. The beauty of the world, a sight that seldom few could appreciate once taken.


    Eren passed by many people; men, women, children. The company of others almost felt alien to him, after so long alone in the land of the dead.


    Through his reaper''s eyes, each passerby seemed shrouded in a familiar gloom - the same darkness he''d saw countless times within the land of the dead. Many blank faces stared into their phones, not giving a first glance to the man nor the swirling blue behind.


    For a time he walked, against the current; weaving through the masses. So much had changed. The city bigger but more beautiful, the people had changed rather the most.


    Wandering into a convenience store, a man tended the front, too distracted by his phone to notice the man who came in.


    "Hello?" Eren called out, approaching the counter.


    Shelves lined with products of various brands and colours; food stuffed in boxes, brightly coloured packaging with obnoxious references to the gates, as well as covered with people Eren had never seen before. An ever-present smile plastered on packages as he walked through the rows of egregious advertisements.


    "Hello." Eren said firmer.


    "What?" The attendant looked up briefly, eyes narrowing at Eren.


    "Do you need help?" The attendant sighed. "I need directions." Eren replied.


    "Why? You have a phone, you do it."


    "I don''t have one."


    The attendant finally looked up, giving Eren a slow, sceptical once-over, before returning to his phone with a bored sigh.


    ¡°Right... where do you need to go?¡±


    Eren explained, watching as the attendant barely listened, tapping something on his screen.


    ¡®Yeah, good luck with that, buddy,¡¯ the attendant said, eyes never leaving his phone. ¡°Bad part of town that place.¡±


    "What do you mean?" His neighbourhood wasn¡¯t a bad part of town. Or at least that¡¯s what he remembered.


    No response from the attendant.


    ''Prick.'' Eren grumbled as he walked off.


    Eren wandered aimlessly through the city streets, looking for any semblance of familiarity. Despite the directions the city had shifted, a maze of routes and concrete. Nothing was like it was; hollow faces, cold eyes and towers of glass reflected the rising dusk.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Finally." Eren spoke in relief. The long winding roads slowly gave way to unkempt pavement. Familiar buildings began to surround him. Although older and weathered, time had been and gone leaving passing ghosts behind.


    Walking briskly, his pace increased; anticipation seeping in with each step. Finally, he stopped at a familiar looking apartment complex.


    ''This is it.'' Thought Eren to himself.


    The outer wall was covered in cracks and tags. Lights dimly lit, barely beating the setting sun; time he had spent hanging around the stairwell, watching the sky turn to stars a first reminder of home.


    *Knock* *Knock*


    Eren''s stomach knotted, nerves becoming tense. He waited in silence, shuffling his feet, constantly adjusting his ruined shirt, a relic of his time away. Despite the obvious unkempt, despite everything, Eren was excited, hoping to see a familiar face after so long.


    A short pause followed by the sound of jingling locks, bolts shifting and the door slowly opening. A girl, a little shorter than he, long raven hair tied in a ponytail. Large brown eyes widened, glistening in the dim light.


    Emi. She had grown a lot since she was last seen.


    "Hello?" She spoke lowly, almost whispering.


    "Hello." Eren replied just as quiet.


    "What do you want?" She spoke softly. A warm smile crept across his face, a silent happiness washing over him.


    "I know it''s been a long time. I-"


    "O-Onii-chan?"


    Eren stood awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.


    "Hey Emi, I''m home." He said quietly. Standing quietly for a moment, both parties unsure what to do next.


    The shock eventually set in; she collapsed.


    "Shit." Eren hastily catching her before she hits the ground. Gently lifting her off the floor, her body weight nothing to him, her head resting against his shoulder.


    "Emi. Who¡¯s at the door?" A male called from deeper in the house. Eren could hear the stomping of heavy footsteps drawing closer.


    "Hey! Let go of my daughter you- Eren?" The male voice stuttered. It was Eren¡¯s farther.


    His eyes widening as if seeing a ghost. The man had aged¡ªlines of worry etched deep; his broad shoulders had slumped the weight of time


    "I''m back dad." Eren smiled wide, happy to see them both alive and well. Unfortunately, the pressure got to his farther too, fainting right there in the hallway.


    "I''m home."


    <hr>


    "Is it really you, son?" The older man spoke with disbelief.


    "It''s me." Eren replied quietly. Both sat in the kitchen. Emi resting on the couch adjacent to them.


    "How?... How are you here?" A simple question with no simple answer.


    "A very long story. I... well... another night, yeah?" Eren dodged the question behind a strained breath. Unsure of what to say or how to explain his existence.


    "If you''re not ready, we don''t have to talk about it right now." His father¡¯s words a welcome reprieve from the stress.


    "How long have a been gone? Things have changed so much, you look different."


    The older man grimaced, "10 years." Answer in sombre tone.


    "10 years! But I only trained for... How long did I train for?" Eren asked, a little shaken by the news.


    Emi stirred from the couch; sitting to watch he brother like a hawk. Unsure to believe her eyes or trust her ears. The brother that vanished, gone for over a decade. A flood of emotions filled her mind, but she sat and watched, eyes an intense stare.


    "It''s good to have you back." Patting him firmly on the shoulder.


    "It''s good to be back."


    Eren caught Emi''s stare, never taking his eyes off her. He could see the worry on her face, and although she had matured significantly since last, they met, she still possessed those same eyes, eyes of lost innocence and sorrow.


    ''I''ve missed so much'' Eren thought to himself. He wanted to rush over and hold her close, for her to know that everything was going to be alright. But instead, Eren remained silent.


    "I-I''m tired, I need to sleep."


    "Go ahead. Your old room hasn''t been touched since... well since you left." He looked at Eren with the same pained expression, memories of the past threatening to swallow them both.


    "It''s fine dad. Don''t worry about it." He returned a weak smile. Leaving to his room, stepping around his sister.


    "Good night, Emi." He whispered softly before going to his room.


    The apartment was still the same as he remembered, only emptier; family pictures hung on the wall, lacking the warmth they were meant to bring. White walls, faded, no longer clean. The air inside stale, dusty and damp, no hint of light shone through the window. Belonging once held gone with the day he left.


    In his room, bed neatly made, mattress firm to the touch, with everything tucked in neatly. Anime figures, posters, manga, the makings of a young man''s room still present. Caught in time, barely touched, photos strewn across the desk, relics of the past, displayed proudly.


    A smile formed on Eren''s lips. At last, the feeling of being home hit. Falling asleep, instantly not bothering to tuck himself in.


    After a while, Emi tip toed into the room. Standing and staring at her brother. Her face softened, taking in the sight of him sleeping peacefully. A sigh of relief escaped her lips, realising she wasn''t dreaming, that her brother had indeed returned home. A hand reached out towards his hair, gently brushing it.


    Silently leaving the room, closing the door behind her.


    ''Tomorrow...'' she thought. ''I can speak with him tomorrow.''

 Chapter 11: Welcome to the new world

    The morning light filtered through the grimy window, filling the room with a dull yellow glow. Birds sang their songs outside, chirping away in the rising dawn. Beams of sunlight painted a soft image across Eren''s bed, brushing against his white hair.


    As if waking from a dream, Eren''s eyes fluttered open, for a moment it felt as though everything that had happened was nothing more than a nightmare, it was 10 years ago and he was late for university. But all dreams end.


    Eren stood up slowly, muscles aching with each movement, the mattress lacked the comfort of Lucifer''s loft but was at least his own.


    The scent of bacon wafted in through the cracks in the door. His stomach growled like an angry wolf; his feet drawn to the kitchen before his brain had a chance to catch up.


    "Good morning." Eren spoke in a tired voice. His father flipped a few rashers over, deep black, almost charred to a crisp.


    "Morning son."


    "Do you want any help?" Eren asked, leering at the blackened pieces of meat.


    "No, no. Have a seat." The older man quickly turned, pushing him out of the kitchen. Eren had inherited his mother¡¯s love and skill in the kitchen, often being tasked with cooking during his childhood.


    "Are you sure? I could-"


    "Don''t worry son, I''ve been holding down the fort since your mother passed. This is nothing." His voice carried more confidence than his cooking, even the blind could see that the cooking was barely edible.


    "Either way, this is lunch for work today."


    "Work? Isn''t it a Saturday?" Eren questioned.


    "Times have changed Eren. People need to work harder, put in more hours just to keep us all afloat." His voice went solemn.


    "It''s a cruel world now, even more so than before. The poor get poorer, and the rich get richer. Super powers and all."


    "Yeah... it seems things haven''t gotten better." Eren agreed. The two continued the conversation until a shuffling in the hall interrupted, the creak of the floorboards gave it away.


    Emi appeared in the archway between the hallway and living room. Dark circles beneath her eyes, her face gaunt and exhausted. Sleep obviously evading her.


    "..."


    Once more shocked by her brother''s presence, Emi remained silent; hiding behind the couch once more.


    Eren waved sweetly at her, inviting her to join them. She eyed him warily, shuffling her body along the furniture, refusing to break her gaze.


    "It''s time for me to go. You two should reconnect, try to remember what being siblings used to be." The old man spoke while putting on his coat. "I''ll see you both tonight."


    Emi shot an uneasy look at him, unsure of what to do now. The door shut with a click, leaving her alone with her brother. She did not speak for what seemed like an eternity.


    To breach the divide Eren took the first step. Taking a seat by her side, turning on the tv. Like they used to do when she was young.


    "What do we want to watch?" His voice is calm and smooth, like trying to attract a stray kitten.


    "..." Emi snatched the remote from his hand, flicking through until she reached what she wanted.


    "Battle idol Season VI? Sounds¡­ interesting."


    The screen erupted into action. Two girls, wielding glowing batons, one blue, and one pink. Dancing around a large arena. Suddenly clashing together, sparks flying from their weapons. Bright flashes illuminated their faces, revealing their features, both heavily panting, sweat glistened in the light of the stage. Audience in an uproar with each exchange of blows.


    ''The arena.'' Eren thought, flashes off his own battles in the realm of death playing in his mind. Watching with intent curiosity. Neither party speaking to each other, occasionally sharing a glance or reaction to the show, a small piece of common ground to connect on.


    However, the common ground became short-lived. With the end of battle came talking, and talking. The idols continued their battle verbally, nonsensical arguing filled with childish insults. Forced laughter and egregious melodrama The stuff Eren only witnessed on western TV shows.


    In the corner of his eye, Eren spotted his younger sister smiling, even giggling at times. Her face softening at each remark, becoming engrossed with the show.


    At last, a crack in the ice, an opening to pierce her frozen heart.


    <hr>


    ''That was awful.'' Thought Eren.


    "Is this really what passes for entertainment these days?"


    "..." Emi crossed her arms, refusing to give an answer.


    "Now what? The whole day ahead of us, whatever shall we do?" He spoke in a dramatic flair. Emi continued her intense stare.


    Her brown eyes piercing him, scrutinising every fibre of his body. She wasn''t like a cat; she was a cat. If Eren made any surprising movements she would jump, hissing in anger and swiping at him before disappearing back into the shadows, never to come back out.


    "How about we go outside? I want to explore-"


    The hiss came, leaping back into the shadows behind the couch, only her glare remained visible.


    ''This is a headache.'' Eren sighed. Although a cunning plan came to mind.


    "Although, I do recall a sister that loved a certain sweet shop not far from here. Maybe some delicious strawberry candy."


    Her face flinched; mouth slow. Eyes betraying the true desire. ''Got you.''


    "Well, I guess I''ll just go to that sweet shop myself." Turning on his heel Eren slowly strode towards the exit. As the door opened, he glanced back over his shoulder.


    "Wait!" Her voice squeaked out. A slight smile peeking from Eren''s lips.


    "I-I''ll come... if... I can get... one?" Hesitant, shy, but finally able to string a sentence together.


    "Of course. Let''s go."


    Eren stepped into his first dawn in ten years. The sun, forgotten in death''s realm, pierced his eyes and wrapped him in a warmth long forgotten. It had been years since he had a chance to enjoy something so simple, time in the land of the dead always felt endless, endless days of endless nights.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Despite all the warmth, the block was barren, abandoned by the living long ago. The sidewalks cracked and littered with debris. Weeds breaking through, thriving on the broken concrete. People once bustled through the street; chatting amongst themselves in the warm morning glow.


    But the city changed; the people changed; the buildings had changed. They all changed, life had changed. He was still stuck in the land of the dead.


    ''At least it''s warmer here,'' Eren laughed internally, feeling a longing for a place he no longer knew.


    Emi trudged close, sticking to his side, nervous to enter the streets. Wrapped up in a thick winter jacket that dwarfed her size and scarf wrapped around her face; even her dark raven hair was obscured, all to cover the world outside her sanctuary.


    "Cold?" Eren asked.


    "N- no." A mumbled response came from underneath the scarf.


    ''She''s definitely cold.'' Eren thought, noting how she shivered in the gentle breeze. Eren smiled at Emi¡¯s quiet acceptance, his heart feeling just a little lighter.


    Eren himself strangely wasn¡¯t affected by the cold. Only wearing a long shirt and shorts. Never one to feel the cold; he still did feel a prick from the chilly wind.


    However, the cold didn¡¯t even tickle his skin.


    There was something pulling at him, a name echoing in his mind¡ªHaruto. He hadn¡¯t thought of him in years, not since the day everything fell apart. What had become of his best friend? Did Haruto even remember him? Eren wasn¡¯t sure what he was looking for, but he knew he had to find out.


    The pair walked for a long time in silence, the occasional car drove past but other than that; it was quiet. Darkened windows peered out at them like soulless eyes following their every move. Every shadow seemed to lurk with hidden faults; the buildings cast eerie shadows across the pavement, shrouding the pair in darkness.


    "This is the place." Eren spoke out, stopping in front of a large building. Much like home this apartment complex carried the same dimensions, but was almost immune to the march of time, retaining its white pallor; windows bright and inviting. Unlike home, this place was clearly well taken care of.


    Climbing the stairs until they reached the 5th floor, apartment 517. Eren knocked firmly on the door, only waiting a few moments before shuffling feet approached the door, a grunt sounded from behind the wood.


    A girl, no older than when he last saw Emi, short black hair, light brown eyes, fair skin, white T-shirt, and black shorts. "Good morning, is Haruto home?" He asked.


    The girl looked him up and down with narrowed eyes, "Dad! Someone is here to see you." She called back into the house.


    The sound of heavy footsteps grew closer. For a moment Haruto went un recognized, his face matured, an angular jaw line now in place of a boyish smile. His brown hair lost its youthful softness, muscles once toned as thin as paper; the only unchanged feature, his eyes. Green emeralds still shining, still full of life and warmth.


    "Eren... How?" His mouth agape, completely frozen.


    "Hey Haruto, long time no see." A smile spread across his face.


    "I saw you die... I-I don''t understand." Haruto stumbled on his words, trying to wrap his mind around what was happening.


    "You think a little thing like death can stop me?" Eren nictated playfully.


    "It really is you." Haruto smiled wide, tackling him into a hug.


    "It''s so good to see you man!" Haruto exclaimed.


    "It''s good to see you too, my friend." Eren replied warmly.


    "You''ve got a lot of explaining to do." Haruto gestured inside, inviting Eren and Emi inside.


    "Who is this little one? Do you have a kid now?"


    "Yes, where are my manners, Eren this is my daughter Maya. Maya, this is an old friend of mine from high school."


    The girl bowed her head, greeting them both.


    "Hello Maya, it''s nice to meet you." Eren bowed back.


    "Hello." Her eyes widened slightly, recognising the name from many stories she had been told in the past.


    Emi shuffled into the apartment, pulling down her scarf. Her cheeks rosy from the cold. The pair spent a time catching up, Eren relaying tales of his time in the land of the dead; Haruto sharing stories of his own.


    Maya listened intently, fascinated by the world beyond. Emi sat too, a mixture of intent listening and want of strawberry sweets. As much as she would never admit it, deep down she loved hearing about the wonders of the afterlife.


    After what seemed like hours, Eren stood up.


    "Thanks for having us, but we really must get going. Before I do you wouldn''t happen to know what happened to Rika?"


    Haruto pulled out a small piece of paper, quickly scribbling down the details. "She moved and got married.¡±


    ¡°Married? To who?¡± Shocked to hear his former lover had moved on. Anyone would feel a slight hurt at that news.


    ¡°Yeah, some ranker. I did lose contact with her a while ago. I''ve also given you Akira''s location too."


    ''Akira too?'' the traitorous dog and last gasp ally of Eren''s final days.


    "Trust me, he''d want to see you too. He never forgave himself for not being able to stop what happened." Haruto put his hand on Eren''s shoulder.


    "Thank you. I really appreciate it." Eren replied in kind, shaking hands before taking his leave.


    "I won''t lose contact this time." They both shared a smile.


    "Let''s go Emi, I promised this one some strawberry candy." A subtle look of excitement graced her face, quickly fading away into a blank stare.


    "Oh, the place by that park, I''m sorry Emi, that''s closed." He looked down at her sadly. Emi''s eyes widen in shock and disappointment.


    "We''ll find somewhere." Eren reassured her.


    <hr>


    The walk home brought back the silence from the start of the day, even more awkward than before. Emi shuffled her feet; clinking against the pavement, staring at the ground in front of her. Occasionally looking up at Eren, quickly averting her eyes when he returned her gaze.


    Lost in thought, trying to decipher what to say or do. Many ideas playing in his head but all seeming like a bad move.


    "How about... I cook my famous fried chicken tonight?" A subtle look of excitement graced her face, almost pleading him to continue.


    "I seem to recall a young lady who would gorge herself on my cooking." He winked, smiling wide.


    "..." A brief pause; her mouth slowly moved, trying to form the words.


    "I... like... chicken." Her voice a low whisper.


    "I''m sure dads got some things in the pantry, so I''ll be making my infamous fried chicken!"


    Siblings¡¯ steps now in unison, walking with a lighter step. A tiny smile crept across her face, still hidden beneath the scarf.


    However, their peace was short lived. The base of their home, infested with a gang of youths, blocking the stairwell up. Clad in matching red leathers, insignias scrawled across their jackets.


    A stench filled the air; body odour and cheap liquor reeked out; fouls smell of tobacco rooted to the side of the building


    "Hey." One whispered, causing the others to turn. Attention squarely on Eren and Emi.


    "Well, aren''t you a sweet sight." One called out, a few boys whistling behind him. "You want to join us? We can have a good time."


    Eren replied with a cold stare, Emi hiding behind in his shadow. Squeezing through the wall of thugs.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re talking to you,¡± the thug growled, stepping in front of Emi.


    "I don''t know man. The look on his face gives me the chills." One mumbled to another.


    "Relax, that shit head ain''t got no balls. His eyes tightening on Emi.


    Emi¡¯s eyes widened in fear, her breaths shallow. She struggled, her hands trembling as she tried to free herself.


    ¡°Let her go,¡± Eren said, his voice cold, controlled¡ªbut the look in his eyes was anything but. The thug chuckled, glancing back at his friends for support.


    ¡°Or what? You gonna do something about it?¡±


    Eren grabbed the young man''s wrist, grasping it tight enough to turn his skin white.


    "Let go." Eren spoke calmly.


    "Hey man, we were just messing around." The thug whined in pain. Eren didn''t relent, squeezing harder and harder.


    "S-Sorry! Please!"


    Finally, he let go. Throwing the boys hand away from Emi.


    "Keep your hands off my sister." His voice cold, carrying a hint of hostility. "Fuck man! You nearly broke my fucking arm." He nursed his hand in pain. The thugs bristled with anger, ready to pounce.


    "Fucking prick, you''re going to regret that!" One shouted out. As the siblings ascended the stairs, ignoring the passing hostility. Back home Emi walked straight to her room, disappearing into the darkness.


    "Emi I..." the door slammed shut before Eren could finish his sentence.


    ''Back to zero.'' He sighed. All the work spent breaking down the door of her heart had now been undone. The boulder had rolled back down the hill, crushing everything in its path.


    With a heavy heart Eren went to prepare dinner, picking out various ingredients from the pantry; spices, rice, chicken thighs and dashi. Faint hope that dinner would bring them together again, but his hopes were not high.

 Chapter 12: Welcome to the new world - Fly again

    Eren looked up at his clock, 11:11 PM.


    ''I can''t sleep''


    For the last hour and a half Eren had been rolling around restlessly in his bed, thoughts bouncing around his skull like a rubber ball. Thoughts of the day past, what the future holds, Emi''s feelings and of course the strange encounter on the stairwell, replayed in his mind.


    ''They seemed to be acting like they owned the place. What has this neighbourhood become?'' His train of thought continued to loop, going nowhere fast.


    Washed with darkness, Eren crept out of bed, avoiding the creaks in the wooden floor, taking each step with care. Peeking out the living room window. The moon was full and bright, illuminating the empty street below; all lights off and silent, a peaceful ambiance in the dead of night.


    Exiting into the crips air of silent night, Eren took a deep breath, letting the fresh scent fill his lungs. Jogging up to the roof; a favourite spot of his from when things got too much; the highest vantage point for miles. What he really came up here for, the stars. Millions of twinkling dots filled the heavens, stretching out as far as his eyes could see, giving off a soft blue glow.


    The one saving grace of the deadlands was its occasional breaks in clouds; a glimpse of what lied above in the cosmos.


    After witnessing the beauty of the deadlands for the first time; from that day forth Eren swore to never take the beauty of the world for granted ever again; a single speck amongst an infinite ocean of space. ''A drop in the pond.''


    A quite rustle broke Eren''s reverence, a small bird perched on nearby railing, head cocking from side to side; studying the white-haired male.


    "Hello, birdy." Eren spoke softly, greeting the creature. It continued to stare, its large eyes almost luminous in the moonlight. Without so much as a tweet, it took to the air, circling Eren a few times; a strange beckoning for him to follow.


    "Alright... I''ll bite." It wasn¡¯t like he had anything better to do, and the bird¡ªsmall and strange as it was¡ªfelt like a welcome distraction from the thoughts racing in his mind.


    ''I''ve always wanted to do this...'' The small bird gliding ahead, leading the way. Eren running, leaping off the building, twirling in the moonlight, falling through the sky like a star. Landing with grace on the building across the way, a sense of thrill shooting through his veins; wind whipping his hair.


    It was exhilarating. Freefalling through the air with no fear. Following the bird through the streets. Leaping across rooftops; parkour-style, dancing through the moonlight. Chase increasing with each obstacle, never fearing the height, always landing with a quiet thud.


    The end of the line; The final building ended; his guide had stopped leading instead, waiting. Fluttering in midair. Eren slowed, scanning the area in front of him, a chain link fence surrounding a derelict subway entrance. Unreadable signs posted every few yards, warning anyone trespassing to stay away.


    The bird chirped, before vanishing into darkness. Hesitant at first, Eren jumped over the fence, descending into the abyss. Dust, rubble, rust and dirt clogged the ground. Old advertisements flittered along the walls, long forgotten, covered in mould and mildew, obscuring their faces.


    In the distance, a light approached. A silhouette came into view. Taller than himself; cloaked in heavy jackets, unkempt beard emergent from his face, with a heavy hood shrouding his features. In his hand a lantern swinging to and fro, illuminating the hallway in dull orange light.


    "Follow me." Voice deep and calm. Not someone that one would want to encounter in the still of night; however, Eren''s instincts didn''t send up any red flags, trusting to follow.


    The man remained silent, Eren following close behind. The only sounds echoing in the tunnel, were of their boots and lantern swinging. Lights grew in the distance. Brightness washing the tunnel in vibrant yellow light, silhouettes of figures drawing clearer.


    All dressed in similar fashion; worn rags with fur lining, thick winter jackets, faces obscured by cowls. Those that were visible, downtrodden keeping glances firm on the fires, unwilling to acknowledge the two men approaching.


    "Who are they?" Eren asked curiously.


    "..."


    The gruff guide gave no response. They appeared homeless however, something was off. Some radiated immense power, unseen waves emitting from them like an aura.


    ''Rankers?'' Eren thought.


    The gruff guide stopped abruptly, pointing to a metal door, decay had not impressed on this door, well-kept and free.


    "In there." Without a word of goodbye, the man turned around disappearing into the camp.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Eren apprehensively approached the door, gently opening it.


    <hr>


    Bright light flashed, blinding him for a moment. Soft candlelight flooded his vision; walls of books lined up neatly against the walls. Floor to ceiling oak bookshelves covering the library. Thousands of texts, illuminated by the candles floating mid-air, the aroma of sandalwood


    Meticulously placed maps, charts, tapestries, and artifacts hung from the walls, elegant in design and rich in colour. Elaborate woodwork framed the objects in place, paintings depicting events and characters of past stories, bringing to life the grandeur of another time.


    So many things drew Eren''s eye, but the biggest draw was the figure sitting centre; engrossed in many papers neatly ordered in front. Blonde hair cascade past slender shoulders. Hair that rivalled that of the blonde Lucifer, surely which would make him jealous. Pointed ears peaked out, framing a handsome face. Golden eyes glanced up briefly, acknowledging Eren''s presence; a warm smile spread across the stranger''s lips.


    "Ah. So, you have arrived, Reaper. Welcome." A voice of honey and silk. "Please take a seat." With a graceful wave, the man gestured towards the chair in front of him.


    An oddly shaped chair, narrow back that reached high to the roof. But it was comfortable, so very comfortable. Eren nestled deeper into the soft cushions, he could spend the rest of his waking life in this chair.


    "Who... are you?" Eren muttered, finding it hard to take his attention off the comfort of the seat, focusing on the matter at hand.


    The man chuckled, placing the papers to the side. "You may call me Baelor. I will be your benefactor on this waking plane."


    The bird from before landed on the elves¡¯ slender shoulder, perching itself proudly, chirping its song. "You were the one leading me here?" Eren''s eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    "I did, it was prudent that we met without drawing to much attention. Thank you little one." With a small finger wave, the bird vanished into moon shade dust.


    "It seems we have much to discuss, Reaper." Eren''s eyes narrowed once more.


    "How do you know who I am?" Baelor''s smile didn''t falter, golden eyes held Eren''s own.


    "I was told. You see, a bargain was struck between your kind and myself. The fates have agreed to let us be allies."


    "What?... who, who told you this?" Confusion swept across Eren''s face. Baelor smiled warmly.


    "Ah. You have known him as Death."


    "May I?" Baelor asked gesturing towards Eren''s ring. Hesitantly, Eren extended his hand. His body stiffening.


    "Do not worry Reaper, I mean you no harm." The elf carefully inspected the ring. Hands like velvet holding his, guiding his finger along the band; eyes observing the engravings.


    "This ring... a mere child''s fable from my people, long thought to be a legend of old." His soft fingers explored the craftsmanship.


    "Has it spoken to you?"


    "Not really... only whispers and feelings. Nothing tangible." Eren''s hand returned to his lap.


    "Hmm. I wonder why... Ah. My apologies, where are my manners, would you care for some refreshments?" Eren''s throat felt parched, like a dry lakebed, nodding in reply.


    "Wonderful!" With a flick of his wrist, a silver tray floated its way over; upon its platter was a porcelain pot; delicate tea steam wafted into the air, tantalizing the nostrils. Accompanied by a dainty white teacup, embellished with small purple flowers, matching the tablecloth.


    "Qenya, a popular brew among my people." Baelor poured the beverage into the cup, handing it to Eren.


    "Thank you." Taking a sip.


    ''This taste.'' The aroma reminded him of home; a feeling of nostalgia. Its sweet floral notes reminiscent of his mother¡¯s cooking; the warmth of the drink made him feel at ease.


    "Very good. This is very, very good." Eren smiled contently, melting into the chair once more.


    "Now, tell me; How are you adjusting to time once more?" Baelor asked curiously. Eren paused, in truth it has been horrible. Everything had changed, everyone had changed, his sister barely registers his existence, people look away or seek to do violence at the first chance they get. But, could Eren trust this mysterious elf? A stranger from a whole other race; who seemingly knows much about him.


    "As well as I can."


    "An interesting answer. It would be better if you were truthful, Reaper." Baelor¡¯s voice carried a weight of authority. His demeanour shifted in an instant, an aura of nobility seeping from his pores; intimidating, yet refined; Eren felt his jaw tense and muscles freeze in place. Even his voice became more forceful, like it could cut stone with its resonance.


    "Fine... Everything''s different, everyone I love and cared for has moved on. A dead man walking amongst the living. Nothing makes sense and people either try to fight or run. At least in the dead realm there were few complications, now that I''m back it''s like trying to thread a needle with a spoon." Eren sighed deeply. Baelor listened intently, analysing his words, his face, his movements.


    "I cannot comprehend the complexity of this task you have been given, but I do understand loss. However, in my experience you can''t mourn over what you used to have; you can only embrace the challenges the future brings."


    "The future doesn''t look bright right now." Eren stared into the depths of the Qenya, the tea reflecting his sombre expression.


    "Then, let me shed a light for you; Your sister, she does indeed register your presence. She knows you''re alive and walks the same earth as her." Baelor''s voice softened to a whisper.


    "How do you know that?"


    "Observation. The bond between siblings is unlike any other, unbreakable, even by death itself. Though you are strangers now, she cares deeply for her brother, no matter how deep it''s buried."


    "I wish I had the confidence of your observation." Eren chuckled weakly. "Trust in me Master Reaper, you can win her favour again. And while you work on her, I will assist you in matters of the mission."


    "Assist me?" Eren questioned.


    The elf''s smile brightened once more; a mischievous grin spread wide across his face.


    "Indeed. I will guide you to those that have violated the laws of nature; corrupting the natural balance."


    "Balance of nature?"


    "Yes, I suppose it''s time I inform you of our arrangement." Baelor¡¯s tone was soft, but commanding. His mannerisms showed signs of age, wisdom, and pride.

 Chapter 13: Welcome to the new world - Fly again (2)

    Baelor took a long sip of his tea, letting the warmth soothe his throat.


    "I expect this conversation will take some time." Eren nodded, taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the room once more. Each painting, each book, a unique piece to an ever-growing puzzle of knowledge. The elf cleared his throat, setting the cup aside.


    "To begin, our masthead; Our binding ties, in exchange for my guidance, knowledge, and experience. You, Eren, will reclaim the lost grounds of my guild. Furthermore, you will assist in the activities within the bounds of the guild."


    "Those conditions seem fine... But what exactly is the guild?" Eren asked cautiously, having been with a guild that cost him everything, Eren was somewhat sceptical. Baelor raised his hand, gesturing to the paintings, scrolls and banners hanging from the walls.


    "This is the guild." His voice filled with pride. "We are the Silvermane, dragons of dusk, knights of the eternal star... We are the children of the fallen dawn." His words loud and confident, filled with passionate conviction. The elf''s features hardened, eyes sparkling with intense emotion, reminiscent of the legendary figures from eons past.


    "What, so the homeless outside..." Eren gestured out the door with his head.


    "Once were warriors; sons and daughters of valance. Now they reside in the darkness of this mortal coil; broken, forgotten and without hope, awaiting the day when the veil lifts and the light shines once more. The world ill just to you, more so in their eyes."


    "They were rankers?"


    "Mostly yes; some have since lost their spark. Purpose lost to time, memories dimming in the wake of light." Baelor looked towards the fire, gaze growing distant.


    A heavy silence weighed in the room; only the crackle of the flames dared disrupt it. For a time, the pair sat in quiet contemplation. Each wrapped in thoughts of their own. The fire burned low in the hearth, sputtering in the last gasps of life, desperate for another log.


    "And how can I help?" Eren asked, finally breaking the silence.


    Baelor smiled softly, golden eyes glistening.


    "As you grow in strength and experience, you will learn to harness your talents better. As such you will aid in reclaiming the fortresses of our guild, restoring us to glory. You have come across our foes already; The Crimson bandits."


    "Is that what they are called? They seem nothing more than common thugs." Baelor frowned at that statement, his eyes sharpening, piercing Eren''s skin like blades.


    "Do not mistake them for what you see on the surface; they are a parasite that seeks to gorge themselves on this cities underbelly. Extorting, stealing, killing. Low they maybe on the order of things but dangerous in number."


    "The deal is fine so far; but how will you help me? And why did Death ask this of you?" Eren asked warily, Baelor was certainly hiding much about his true motives.


    "In truth, Reaper Eren there is not much I can teach you in the art of combat and strategy. You reapers; an amalgamation of man and the abyss, wield powers beyond comprehension. I am surprised that you have gone without knowing thus far, your lord is far too capable for simple ignorance." The elf spoke kindly, finishing his tea in one fluid motion.


    "An envoy from your realm was sent; tales of your valance and power spread from his lips. Stories that impressed my ear so deeply, and then he kept speaking about you, repetition after repetition. He was quite taken with your actions..."


    "He didn''t happen to have blonde hair and emerald eyes; also, a bit of a pervert?" Eren added hastily.


    Baelor let out a hearty laugh; Only one reaper fit the description. "Oh no not-"


    "Hellllllllllllllllooooooooooooooo!" Lucifer kicked the door in; a smirk stretched across his smug face. The two others shot a quick glance his way, both expressions already exacerbated.


    "Did you miss me? I have missed you~." Lucifer walked in with the supermodels strut, swaggering across the room, flopping onto Eren''s lap dramatically; wiggling around like a puppy.


    "Get off me, your too heavy." Eren barked, pushing him away.


    A sad pout appeared on Lucifer''s face. "How dare you! I weigh the perfect amount."


    "Welcome, Reaper Lucifer." Baelor welcomed calmly, bowing his head.


    "No need for formalities, I prefer Lucifer. So, you have met my little friend." Eren resisted the reaper''s embrace, desperately trying to push his hands away. "Have you got him started on his quest yet? Hmm hmm hmm?"


    Baelor closed his eyes, breathing slowly; regaining his inner focus. "Yes, I was informing Eren of our terms-"


    "Oooh that sounds fun!" Lucifer replied childishly. "Have you given him his rank?" Lucifer continued to digress from the conversation at hand.


    "Not-"


    Lucifer interrupted again. "Honestly Baelor, what do we pay you for?" The blonde elf pinched the bridge of his nose.


    "Eren... Follow me please." Rising to his feet, the elf walked briskly to one of many bookcases, pulling on a leather-bound grimoire; sliding open revealing a set of stairs that led downward.


    <hr>


    Eren followed closely behind; descending into the earth, deeper and deeper below ground. Damp brickwork lined the walls; moisture dripped down to the floor leaving a trail of moss in its path. An uncomfortable humidity clung to his clothing, beads of sweat collecting on his skin, coolness to stave away the heat. Most annoying of all was Lucifer flicking his white locks around, like a cat playing with yarn.


    Finally, they emerged in a large open space; cold air stung his face, the warmth of before now replaced by icy chills. An orb of blue light sat at the centre, chained firmly in place, glowing brightly under cables and wires protruding from below; casting a dark ominous shadow across the room. Tables and benches lined up neatly across from it, books and papers scattered orderly.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Please touch the orb." Baelor motioned his hand towards it. The orb before him was the same one that gave Eren his abilities, as well as the beginning of his fall into darkness. But now things would be different, there was nothing to fear, no longer alone in the unknown.


    With only slight hesitation, Eren placed his palm against the surface, waiting anxiously for his fate. The orb pulsated softly beneath his touch, warming ever so slightly, shinning brighter with each second until eventually Eren had to squint to protect his sight. Light emanating in blinding arcs across the room; bathing the three in dazzling rays of multicolour.


    "Congratulations, Eren." Baelor smiled, waving his hand from the monitor he stood behind.


    "Ex - rank; Harbinger class." Lucifer leaned over his shoulder to read.


    "Harbinger; draws power from the inevitability of death destruction and decay, wielding necromantic powers and the ability to absorb souls." A strange satisfaction bloomed within him; that once great emptiness now filled with something tangible.


    "I will adjust your rank to a C-rank warrior, we want prying eyes unaware of your power." The process was a lot less complicated than last time, less hurdles needed.


    "And too finish." Baelor passed a small glass screen device Eren''s way. The screen glows with a faint blue hue; numbers, icons and words written across it.


    "The newest model, although they are very much the same as each other."


    The ring which has been dormant for the time he had been back with the living awoke. Tendrils reacting to the technology; wrapping tightly around it.


    *Crunch*


    The phone enveloped in black tentacles, bending, and twisting under unimaginable pressures; reducing to rubble and dust, crumbling to the floor. Eren held his breath, silently hoping they would say nothing.


    "It didn''t like it... Oh my god." An illusionary screen projected from the ring; ''System update in progress'' displayed across the centre in bold lettering.


    "Fuck''s sake, this is something straight out of a fantasy manhwa." Eren groaned, rubbing his temples in frustration. Lucifer just giggled. The elf held back his words, letting out a long sigh.


    "Can you see a screen Eren? Like an AR interface?"


    Eren opened his eyes; to his astonishment, a glowing holographic display lit up in front. Like the phone he just had; stats, biography, a map, skills, abilities, traits, items. All the same functions yet vastly easier to navigate and use; it even functioned without pressing keys.


    "AR screens are associated with the administrator class, that ring is certainly full of surprises."


    Eren tapped around checking the different functionalities. "I''ll go through how you can access the menus another time. Is there anything else?"


    "I have one more gift, a token of our allegiance; From my land I have brought forth this." In the palm of Baelor¡¯s hand laid a cloak black as deepest night, soft to the touch and sturdy in make, length falling to the knees.


    "May it serve you in the darkest depths, cloak you in shadows unseen. Wear it with pride Eren Heart." Bowing slightly, Baelor handed it over, gesturing for Eren to wear it.


    Slowly Eren slipped on the jacket, snugly fitting his form; tight to the body, light as a feather, flowing smoothly across his skin.


    "Until next time." Baelor bowed low, offering another phone. Perhaps one he will not break.


    Eren took his leave, closely followed by a pestering Lucifer. "Hold a moment, reaper." Baelor called after Lucifer.


    "What is it?" The reaper whined. Eren left the pair, journeying back out into the night.


    <hr>


    Clouds gathered overhead, moonlight obscured, blanket of darkness hung heavy in the sky. Skulking through shadows and alleyways; his cloak flowing gently in the wind. Streaks of azure light flash from time to time, Eren jumping high into the air, descending to another rooftop in a single bound.


    Below, only three roofs from home; a young pair walked close together. One of the two, a woman no taller than 5''6, slim built; long sleek hair tied back; wearing a thick coat to fend off the chill in the air; the other man, well-built; tall and lanky in contrast, towering above her.


    ''It¡¯s one in the morning? Who are these people?'' Eren wondered.


    Gaze unmoving from the strangers before him. Their bodies pressed against each other, his hand''s keeping her warm under the night sky.


    "It''s not safe around here." He whispered into her ear. Quickening his pace, eager to return home.


    The gang from earlier in the day emerged from a side-street, 7-strong, closing in around the couple.


    "Well, well, well, what do we have here? Jun and his dear sister. Hiding a precious gem this one is, nice and cute; just my type!" A youth with dirty blonde hair and light brown eyes sauntered over; sizing up his prize.


    "Listen, she''s done with work tonight, just let us pass." The boy pulled his sister closer into him.


    "Let you pass... Pfthahahahahaha!" The older man mocked.


    "I think she can work another shift with us." He reached his hand out; brushing his fingers gently across her cheek.


    Suddenly, the boy called Jun grabbed his wrist, stopping his advances.


    "We don''t want any trouble, please let us-" Without a moment¡¯s notice the blonde man slammed his forehead hard into Jun''s nose; cracking it on impact. His sister let out a muffled gasp, hand is reaching out.


    "Stupid bitch!" He slapped her across the face with force; knocking her to the ground. "This girl belongs to us now; I suggest you forget about her. Got it?!" Jun glared daggers at him, hatred burned in his eyes.


    "Touch her and I''ll kill you-"


    Eren felt his blood boil. Acting on instinct, Eren jumped down sticking to his favoured shadows landing with ease.


    The whip struck the dim light overhead; shattered, raining small fragments down upon the group below.


    "Whose out there!?" Someone shouted.


    Eren struck first, flesh smashed against concrete, breaking apart his slender bones on impact. The once cocky youth lay in agony, cradling his bloodied face, groaning in pain. Another blow found its mark; cracking ribs like sticks of twigs.


    "Show yourself!" the leader roared. Fists glowing red, fire coalescing around his skin. Another member attacked in the confusion; taken into the blackened folds of night; screaming in pure agony, before quickly losing consciousness.


    Fire spewed from the blonde gangster''s fists, lighting the street in amber hues.


    *Crack*


    Number 4, 5, 6 all fell in succession. Blood splattered from broken faces and whip lashes. The final members turned tail, fleeing for their lives.


    "S-Screw this!!!" The blonde leader screamed back; racing into the night.


    A sharp pain radiated from his heels, cut with one swift strike, collapsing to the ground. The figure in the night was on him; Knee digging into his back, hand grabbing his hair; pressing his face down onto the cold stone pavement, grinding hard into his skin.


    "W-Who are you?! You piece of shit!" Eren punched the man a few times, just enough to daze him.


    "Do you want to live?" Eren asked harshly.


    "Y-Yeah..." He stuttered in reply.


    "Then deliver a message to your boss; This district, your territory... is MINE." Voice a low growl in the bandit¡¯s ear. The blonde man struggled under Eren''s weight, but nodded frantically in acknowledgment.


    Eren stood releasing the pressure on his back. Leaving the writhing bandits in the street. Disappearing into the night.


    The young man and his sister quickly limped home, leaving the wreckage in their wake.


    ''That should send a message to those pricks.'' Eren thought, already feeling his new purpose coursing through his blood. Perhaps finally he has found a purpose amongst the chaos and disorder; maybe now he would find balance in the world again.

 Chapter 14: Welcome to the new world - Memories

    A bright ray of light shone through the crack between the curtains, illuminating the empty bedroom. Quiet. Still. Dust particles floating mid-air. Eren watched them dance around the room, unblinking in his trance, eyes fixated on the spinning specks.


    Eren was getting used to awakening in his own bed, no touchy reapers hands, no poorly designed rooms, and no being dragged out of your slumber to go fight monsters. Just rest, a wonderful thing after years of none. Not sure what time it was; Eren picked up his phone (which Baelor replaced) seeing several notifications pop up; mostly from his stats window.


    ---


    Name: Eren Heart


    Level: 1


    Rank: Ex


    Class: Harbinger


    Current Jobs: N/A


    Current Guild: N/A


    Gates cleared: 0


    Abilities:


    - Apex instincts: LvEx


    - Weapon proficiency (Close combat): LvEx


    - Bone tendril: LvEx


    - Human physiology (Body conditioning): LvEx


    ---


    Eren also looked at his ring, displaying the exact same message instead in AR form. However, Eren grunted at his stats.


    "Of all the human imagination; why is this the exact same as something you would see in a fantasy manhwa or anime." He sighed aloud.


    "Only an unimaginative idiot would be so lazy, they couldn''t come up with something original?"


    Eren put on his pants; throwing on a shirt and jacket, heading downstairs. In a huff, still disgruntled about the lack of creativity.


    "You''re awake Eren, Good Morning." Mr. Heart greeted, livelier than he has been recently.


    "Morning dad. Where''s Emi?" He asked inquisitively.


    "Still asleep. Teenage girl''s need their beauty sleep." His father joked.


    "Fair enough." Taking a seat at the table.


    "Any luck breaking through to your sister yesterday?" Mr. Heart inquired. Eren kept silent, a look of failure written across his expression.


    "Oh. Sorry Eren." He replied sadly, lowering his gaze, focusing on his bowl of cereal. Silence loomed heavy in the air, the two-remaining seated; lost in their own thoughts.


    "What are you doing today Eren?" His father asked after sometime.


    "Going out, there''s someone I need to visit." Rising from the chair, pushing it under the table.


    "Rika?"


    "Yeah. Rika..." Eren''s response was curt, voice lacking emotion.


    "You know that she is married?" Mr. Heart spoke softly.


    "I have no intention of interfering... She moved on and that''s fine. I would too if I was her." Eren glanced out the living room window, watching the world pass by.


    "Tell her I said hi."


    "Sure¡­¡± In truth Eren was as nervous as he had ever been. Seeing a man that betrayed him and a woman who loved him. How much have they changed?


    After Eren bid farewell, He began his journey downtown, perturbation weighing him down with every step; dreading meeting the person he left behind.


    ''Perhaps I should see Akira first. Make me feel more at ease.'' Thinking to himself, deciding on a detour, searching for his previous guild master.


    ***


    First stop is Akira:


    Glancing at Haruto''s note with the address of Akira''s new guild, via his local train station. In his previous life, his neighbourhood station was small but clean; the smell of fresh paint clung to the platform walls, floors scrubbed to a gleaming shine each night. Tracked freshly polished and maintained. Everything neat and tidy. But now, the tracks were rusted with age, no trace of polish to be seen. Station walls coated with a grey haze; a stale musty aroma seeped from its crevasses. Walls tagged with crimson ink in various designs; graffiti marring what was once a pristine building.


    The train ride was next to empty, save for a couple of families and elderly folk. Smiles wide spread among the group, laughing, and joking; joyful. All things Eren once considered normal, now only reserved for children, family, and friends, for others it was rare. Eren stared out the window blankly into the world of light; the sun now fully risen, cascading yellow rays of light, stretching out as far as his eye could see, warmth spreading throughout.


    At least Eren had something to be thankful for.


    A large white tower loomed ahead, dwarfing everything surrounding it in both size and width; smooth glass exterior reflecting the sunlight like a prism of rainbow, casting its lights on the ground below.


    ''This is the place. Kitsuwa banking group.'' The name emblazoned in golden characters and a matching tiger statue adorning the entrance.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    The lobby was just as extravagant, polished granite floors shone brightly, tall elegant columns wrapped in gold rose high to the roof, stretching out like skyscrapers themselves. Grand fountains rain down water from hidden sprinklers. Various employees scurried around like ants; moving in chaos between sections, scanning ID''s, carrying documents and packages; rushing to their destinations with frantic steps.


    "Good morning, sir. Welcome to the Kitsuwa Banking Group. Are you looking to open an account?" A young lady greeted Eren cheerfully from behind her desk, smiling warmly while bowing low.


    "No. I''m here to visit someone." Eren replied politely, handing her a slip of paper.


    "Ah, you would be looking for the gold tiger¡¯s guild. 25th floor suit number 27." Her eyes darted over the document, noting the visitor pass.


    "Here is your guests¡¯ badge. The elevator is straight across from here, press the button with the symbol of the tigers, thank you and have a pleasant stay." She responded dutifully, a robotic customer service tone permeating through every word.


    "Why is everyone working? Isn''t it a Sunday?" Eren asked curiously.


    "Yes, it is sir. However, monthly reports a due soon and everyone is busy trying to finish it off. Please enjoy your stay." Giving a dismissive smile; bags under eyes more prevalent than before.


    Eren found his way to the elevator; followed in by a flurry of workers. The ride is slow and cramped, filled with destitute strangers and uncomfortable silence. The stench is horrid, these salarymen & women smelt like they had not bathed in days. A combination of cigarettes, alcohol, and cheap cologne. They rode in silence up to their destinations; doors chimed at every level, each employee departing hurriedly. One by one leaving only three standing at the top.


    ¡®GOLDEN TIGERS¡¯


    Eren is greeted by the loud signage as he exited. ¡®A subsidiary of Kitsuwa Banking group¡¯


    This section of the building was vastly different. Considerably smaller than the lobby; yet as magnificent. Another large tiger greeted him at the entrance, made entirely from gold; its eyes glistened emeralds, and its mouth opened wide, bearing ferocious fangs of onyx.


    "Is that really necessary?" Eren grumbled aloud.


    Everywhere he walked people moved about, each wearing expensive suits, briefcases, and sunglasses. On the surface they all look calm, composed but Eren can sense that underneath it all, they are all imbued with anxiety, desperation, and hunger; a need for something unknown, or perhaps... greed.


    "Hello, sir. What may I help you with?" A polite man at the front desk welcomed Eren in. The secretary''s face is perfectly chiselled, sharp eyes like black diamonds; black hair neatly combed to the side. Face sculpted with immaculate precision.


    "I''m here to see Akira." The reception gave a look of mild amusement, giving a curt nod.


    "Oh, that old dog... I''ll lead you to him."


    He walked Eren down a hallway, stopping outside the lunch room. There Akira sat all by his lonesome, drinking a hot cup of coffee and eating a bowl of instant ramen. He had kept his hulking build through the years, his short office shirt showed faded scars of glory days past, rippling muscles covered his arms and legs. Though now they seemed tired and fatigued, no longer radiating determined vigour.


    Eren hadn''t thought about what would happen if he ever saw Akira again. The man who betrayed him, sent Eren to the world of death. And yet in the final moments tried to do right.


    ''Why?'' It bothered him, why try to protect him? Why the double betrayal? Should he punish him? Forgive him... Kill him?


    "We''re just in time for the show." The assistant broke Eren out of his trance.


    "Akira! Where are you!" A thunderous voice bellowed from behind the wall. The two peered around the corner.


    A man half of Akira''s age stood menacingly over his table. Slim and well-groomed in appearance; pale complexion, slick hair combed into place.


    "What the fuck is this! Typos, formatting errors, double sided sheets! What kind of report is this!?" The youth slapped a pile of paper hard into Akira''s face.


    Akira kept silent taking the verbal lashing head on. His assistant chuckled quietly beside Eren.


    "You¡¯ll need to start again... this... this is fucking trash!" The younger one spat venomously.


    "Yes... I understand sir. I will redo it immediately." The old warrior replied calmly, lowering his head in shame.


    "Fuckin hell, get it done by tonight!" the lad barked in response, turning to walk away; fists tightly clenched in rage.


    For a fleeting moment, their eyes locked. Eren searched for something¡ªrecognition, guilt, anything¡ªbut Akira¡¯s gaze remained empty. No spark, no flicker, just the tired, hollow stare of a shackled man. A cold feeling spread through Eren''s chest; a deep seeded disgust blooming from within. Anger. But not at Akira.


    The assistant gestured for Eren to enter. However, Eren vanished. No warning, no goodbyes, just gone.


    Back in the elevator, Eren was once more alone. ''Why did I go see him?'' The elevator arrived on the bottom floor. Stepping out. The sign of a broken man, whatever Eren thought about doing; it would pale in comparison to what Akira''s current situation must be. His own special kind of hell.


    ***


    Last stop is Rika, Eren''s Ex-girlfriend:


    ''She never cared for grand romantic gestures, always said I worried too much about those things, rather brighten her day, smile.'' Eren reminisced. Passing through several neighbourhoods, taking in his surroundings.


    Everything was different. Old haunts replaced with modern structures. People too. All absorbed into their little bubble, tapping away on their phones, ignoring the outside world. This isolation continued to fester within himself, a leech growing fat off despair.


    ''Unit 24.'' The note read.


    The apartment''s door was a rich shade of blue; fading paint on a cracked surface, blending seamlessly with the aged brickwork behind. Paint chipped at the edges, rough to the touch.


    Eren raised his hand.


    *Knock* *Knock*


    Footsteps echoed behind the door. Heavy steps drawing closer.


    Suddenly, the door opened wide. Stood in front of Eren was a young lady, short black hair with violet streaks; hazel green eyes sparkling in the light; skin lightly bronzed; bony build with some curve to the hips and bust. Her clothes fitted tight, hugging her feminine features nicely. She looked the same as last they meet, however, her face seemed gaunt


    A brief pause, neither knowing what to say. "Hi, Rika..." Eren started softly, sheepishly glancing around, trying to avoid eye contact.


    "It''s me, Eren..." The woman looked taken aback; slowly, realization dawned on her, shock washing over.


    "Eren?" She whispered in disbelief.


    Her eye¡¯s role back collapsing to the floor.


    "Shit, not again." Eren caught her; carefully pulling her close to him. Eren scooped her up into his arms, entering the house closing the door quietly. Laying her on the sofa inside, resting her head down gently, fanning her with his hand. Eren took a moment to appreciate his surroundings.


    The room was modest. Wood panelled flooring, plastered walls a beige colour, well-kept and cleaned; a brown sofa set with cushions to match; Everything kept to a high standard of cleanliness. However, a foul odour permeated through the apartment. One that Eren couldn''t quite place. Like a sickness infected the air, poisoning the very roots of the foundation.


    Suddenly a soft murmur drew his attention. "You... came back..." Rika groaned weakly. She forced herself upright, wrapping her slim arms around his shoulders; holding tight to her beloved. Tears ran from her eyes, falling onto Eren''s shoulder.


    "I mourned you... I cried every night; hoping... wishing it was all a dream." Her voice breaking with emotion.


    Eren hugged back awkwardly patting her softly, trying to comfort her in the moment. "And now you''re just... back."


    After a few minutes Rika released her grip, wiping her eyes dry.


    "I know, the world has gone and gotten itself in a big hurry." Rika let out a weak laugh; puffy cheeks stained red; eyes slightly swollen.


    "Oh, there is someone I would like you to meet..." She rose from the sofa, disappearing into a hall; returning moments later. In her hands, a small girl; pale white skin, thin black hair; bright sky-blue eyes shining from beneath.


    "Eren. I would like you to meet my daughter... Makoto."

 Chapter 15: Welcome to the new world - Memories (2)

    An audible gasp escaped from Eren''s lips. The little girl clung closely to Rika, hiding behind her mother, timidly peeking up at Eren. "Sorry, she is shy." Rika smiled softly.


    "Can you say hello to Eren, honey?" the girl shook her head.


    "This shy little one is 4 years¡¯ old."


    "Hello." Eren crouched down, giving a gentle wave. Makoto giggled, ducking further behind her mother¡¯s dress. Eren gave a faint smile in return.


    "You are as pretty as your mother." Rika laughed shyly at the complement.


    "White hair." Makoto pointed at Eren''s head.


    "Yeah, it turned like this." He replied jokingly. Her small hands reached out, wanting to touch it; fingers twirling through his hair.


    "Soft." Makoto grinned widely.


    Eren joined them on the sofa. "How long have you been back?" Rika asked softly. "A week... Or so." Eren replied uncertainly. "Why didn''t you come back sooner?" she sighed heavily. "I guess... A story for another day. Tell me about this little one. Who¡¯s the lucky man?"


    Rika shifted uncomfortably, the colour draining from her face, turning pale white.


    "W-Well... He works for the city government... Y''know helping out with administration work." She stammered nervously.


    "Yeah? Is he nice to you guys?" Eren probed inquisitively. Something felt off. The stench that Eren noted from earlier grew.


    Rika kept her gaze locked to the floor, refusing to answer. "Are you still a ranker?" He tried a different question.


    "No, I gave that long ago. I tried to join other guilds, but.... it just wasn''t the same, it wasn''t worth it anymore..." Rika replied with a far-off look, distant memories playing behind her eyes.


    "But I have this little one to look after now... Life''s full of surprises..." She stroked Makoto''s cheek with a warm grin. Eren smiled softly.


    Makoto, after a period of warming up, had run around the room, showing Eren toy after toy, telling stories and talking about her daily life. Happy and energetic. Forgetting about everything else around her.


    Rika had slowly reverted to that distant look. Eyes void of any light; staring blankly through the walls, like she wasn''t even there at all. She stood, walking robotically towards the kitchen, a slight tremble in her feet. "You mind if I smoke?" Rika asked.


    "Yes! You shouldn''t." Eren responded harshly. Eren had loathed the sight and smells of cigarettes since childhood, always associating it with inept and desperate adults; stuck in a rut, using nicotine addiction as a vice. That was never Rika, she fought hard for herself.


    "I''ll open a window then." Rika pulled a crumpled pack of cigarettes out of her bag, followed by an equally dirty lighter. Eren finally understood the stench that infected the air around her. Smoke clinging to her clothing, embedding itself in her flesh.


    "Since when do you smoke?" Eren probed; leaning in slightly, looking closely at her appearance; scrutinizing every detail.


    "Oh... Not long really, only started after..." Rika let her words trail off. She lit up her cigarette, taking a long drag, puffing it out through the window, a long trail of smoke followed the wisps.


    "Dammit Rika!" Eren hissed. Flicking the lit fag into the sink.


    "Why do you care!?" Rika snapped angrily, grabbing another stick out.


    "Because I CARE ABOUT YOU, AND THE GIRL HERE!" Eren''s temper exploded; bigger than anything he had experienced before, roaring loudly. This was an unnatural anger not his own.


    Startling both Rika and Makoto in surprise. She jumped back clutching her chest; body trembling in fear.


    Eren grimaced, quickly regaining control of his anger.


    "I''m sorry I yelled, it''s... Where is your bathroom?" Rika pointed down the hall to her left; still gripping her chest tightly, shallow breaths coming faster; tears pricking at the corners. An uncomfortable silence filled the room.


    Makoto''s tiny hands reach out touching her mother''s skin, gently rubbing the side of her head.


    "Mommy scared?" She whispered sweetly. "N-No, don''t worry..." She took her hand giving it a light squeeze. The pair embracing closely.


    Staring into the mirror above the wash basin, the reflection stared back; dull eyes surrounded by dark circles; sallow skin drawn tightly around his cheeks. Was he a fool to come? Perhaps he should have left them alone.


    "I shouldn''t have come...." Splashing his face in water.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Returning to the living room; Rika had already lit another cigarette, sitting alone on the sofa. Makoto playing away from her mother. The loathing on Makoto''s face, the same feelings that Eren held. She hated her mother¡¯s addiction.


    A solemn frown marred Eren''s expression, letting out a sigh, defeated.


    "Sorry to yell before, it won''t happen again." Rika ignored his statement, continuing to smoke with haste, refusing to make eye contact.


    "Goodbye, Rika."


    Before he could exit, the front door slammed open, revealing a tall figure adorned in heavy grey business attire. The stench of booze and musky sweat flowed in waves.


    "I''m hwome." His voice slurred, staggering towards Rika.


    "Who''s this fella?" Approaching like a wobbly bull; eyeing Eren''s form suspiciously. His glare fixated on Eren''s white locks, glowering hatefully.


    "He''s a friend of mine." She replied, voice quavering. "Friend? A friend of yours eh. Pfthahahaahah!!" He guffawed. "I''ll be going now." Eren passed by stench pushing him on.


    "Where do yu think yer going?! Didn''t your mother teach ya manners!" He bellowed, spittle flying across the room.


    "Let go!" Eren''s wrist held tightly in his grasp; his knuckles turning white from the pressure.


    "You can''t leave without introducing yourself. - Oi Bitch! What did I say about using my smokes!" The drunk quickly focused on Rika, releasing his grip.


    "Are you going to let him speak to you like that?" Eren questioned with a sneer, Rika refused to reply, remaining motionless, clutching a pillow tightly; pressing it against her stomach. The old Rika would have put this man into place. What happened to the Rika he loved? Who was this woman now?


    Leaving the apartment, his instincts are kicking in again, something was wrong, Eren felt it behind his neck. A tingling sensation warning him of danger. Eren waited just outside the door. Listening to what''s going on inside.


    Loud voices, shouting and cursing fill his ears. It seems like it was only a yelling match between a couple, when suddenly an angry slap echoes through the door. Glass shattering and wood cracking. Eren kicked the door in, witnessing the scene.


    A terrified Makoto cowering on the side, blood trickling from Rika''s lip, holding a cut hand from a broken vase. The husband standing over Rika, breathing heavily, his hands balled into fists, veins bulging out of his forehead.


    "Stop!" Eren shouted. Rika''s head darted frantically, mouth open, mouthing the words ''Leave!''


    With a single swing, the man hurled an empty bottle straight at Eren, missing wildly, crashing into the wall.


    Eren kicked the brute, slamming him into the drywall behind. Imbedding a man-sized imprint into the wall.


    Rika rushed to her daughter¡¯s side. Holding her close to keep her safe. "Mommy''s okay, mommy''s okay..." Her eyes focused directly on her daughter.


    "I-I''ll kill you!!!" The man rose again, charging blindly at Eren, wildly swinging his fist''s; each one easily dodged. A sharp kick found the soft spot of his knee, followed by a well-timed strike to his jaw. The aura of death surrounded Eren. The drunk trembled uncontrollably.


    "Please leave..." The soft whispers of Rika barely reaching his ear.


    Using the distraction the husband charged once more. Eren side-stepped, grabbing his wrist, and twisting it, painfully forcing him to his knees.


    "Eren, please... stop..." She begged weakly. He glanced over. The look of pain in her eyes, the trembling of Makoto in her arms.


    The 6ft drunk lifted into the air with ease. "Listen well, you pig." Eren hissed low.


    "If you ever raise a hand against either of these two girls again, you will experience a fate far worse than death. Understand?" Eren spoke clearly, each syllable spat with malice.


    He nodded profusely, face burning red, gritting his teeth; too afraid to make a sound; unable to resist the force keeping him captive. Eren dropped the drunken mess with a thud.


    "Go and be a father and a husband, rather than a piece of shit. Your child deserves better." The man nodded, scrambling up to his feet, rushing out of the room.


    Eren walked over to the girls, bending to eye level, looking closely at the fresh wound on Rika''s cheek.


    "You are not the person I loved, Rika." His words like ice. "But if he ever hits you or your daughter again; Come find me at my home." Rising to his full height; Turning away, leaving them alone on the floor.


    <hr>


    Stepping back into the sunlight, Eren felt disgusted with himself and the world. Every second he spent on earth the more he hated it. The death of his mother, the degradation of his world and the love of his sister that had grown cold. He feels like nothing in the universe mattered, it''s all meaningless. Everything around him just keeps getting darker and darker.


    Wandering home, aimlessly. His mind is a jumbled mess of emotions. His heart hurts, body stiff, legs working by themselves.


    ''This world is fucked...''


    The couch was a welcome site, collapsing into its cushioned embrace; taking comfort in its hold, drifting into the void. Unaware of his surrounding, he failed to notice Emi was sat nearby, quietly watching him. Her instinct to watch him prevented her from speaking up.


    From the kitchen table


    To the pillar near the front door


    To the couch where Eren sits


    Not a word spoken to her brother, yet somehow, she knew instinctively that something wasn''t right about him. On the couch next to him, Emi finally spoke.


    "Eren... Are you alright?" She asked kindly. His head rising from its place.


    "Yeah... I''m fine, just a long day." Her eyes searched for his own but they were lost. Staring out beyond what she could see.


    ''Should I have stayed dead?'' Eren wondered, did he make the wrong choice? Should he have gone with Kyo to the afterlife? Even now his soul called to it, yearning to be free from this twisted torment.


    "..."


    "..."


    "Please... don''t leave again." Emi spoke softly into his ear, gently laying her head on Eren''s shoulder, feeling her warmth. Silence filled the room; Eren''s mind had begun to relax. A sense of safety and belonging wrapping around his core.


    "I don''t want to. Never again."


    Only for a second, Eren saw the little girl he left behind. The girl he betrayed.


    "I know... I-It''s hard to get used to you being here. You may think that we don''t need you... I do." She whispered quietly, holding tightly around his chest, feeling his heartbeat thump against her cheek.


    "Thank you, Emi. I''m sorry for what I''ve done to you." Eren muttered, his own arms enclosing around his little sisters. For the first time in years that he felt close to something once more.


    "C-Could I... Have fried chicken for dinner tonight?" Emi pleaded cutely.


    "Anything for you Emi. I love you." Eren rubbed the top of her head. Wishing for moments like this.

 Chapter 16: Welcome to the new world - From youth to death

    The mornings all began to blend; wake up, dad off to work early first, Emi leaving for school and he stayed at home, alone with his thoughts.


    Not the most glamourous life. But at least he could catch up on all the anime and music he missed over the past decade. Somehow the media had gotten better not worse like the world around. Eren thanked who ever lived above for that.


    *Bzzzt*


    ~


    Baelor: I see you haven''t cleared any gates yet. None can guide you through your journey except yourself. Remember why you are here and make good use of the blessing Death gave you. Good luck, young one.


    ~


    Eren scrolled through his phone to the gates app. A list of available gates appeared before his eyes. Many smaller gates listed among the larger ones. Most are green and blue coloured.


    "Let''s start small, I guess." Choosing an amber ranked portal closest to home; not bothering to read the description or any warnings. He was impatient. Wanting to get back to doing nothing.


    Quickly he set off, wearing nothing special for the occasion. Just jeans and a long sleeve shirt, comfortable and practical enough for adventuring.


    ---


    A brisk 30 min walk later, arriving at the entrance.


    Eren had expected the gates to be crowded with people rushing in and out. Yet surprisingly, the place looked quiet. Nothing moving within the area. It was abandoned. Eren only had limited experience with the gates. Back when he was starting out, gates were filled to the brim with starry eyed rankers, all clamouring to get their shots. Now nothing.


    "Perhaps I went to the wrong gate..." He murmured to himself.


    Checking his phone however, showed that this was indeed the right location. Maybe the guilds had come through and cleared it out already?


    ''I probably should have read the description.'' Opening the gate back up, he finally read through its details.


    ---


    Gate Info:


    Location: Desert of Saryn.


    Gate cycle: Once a month for 10 days


    Danger Level: D+++


    Owners: Crimson bandits


    Last Clear: 7 months ago


    Rewards: Jewellery, weapons, materials


    Gate closing time: 03: 15: 37: 58


    ---


    Eren read over the short passage of information. His brows furrowed together, forming lines in his forehead. This was all new to him.


    ''At least it''s concise.'' He thought.


    "First time?" A stranger¡¯s voice called out, a sign of life breaking through the silence. Eren turned to find a heavily armoured man striding towards him.


    The crimson armour covering every inch of his body glowed brightly in the sunlight, a hood hung limply from his helmet. Matching waist cape flowing gently with the wind. Face obscured by a dark crimson visor. A broadsword resting to his right.


    "Yeah..." Eren was apprehensive. The crimson armour was a sign of the bandits that plagued the area, and yet, somehow this young man didn''t seem dangerous at all; friendly even, a cheery smile under that visor.


    "Ahh, I see. This one never gives that many resources, it either goes uncleared or used for training. Only a newbie would try." A chuckle slipped past his lips.


    Eren frowned; this kid''s casual condescending character was pissing him off.


    "I''m Jun member of the... Crimson bandits." The guild name spoken softly with some hesitation; a faint whisper of disdain in his tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m Eren.¡± A hesitant nod to the taller bandit.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "I''m here to collect their share of the cut... 66% of whatever you gather from this gate will be ours to claim."


    "66%!? That''s a bit high." Eren scoffed indignantly, glaring sharply into his eyes.


    Jun''s expression changed; no longer cheerful, instead his shoulders sank, condescension countermanded with empathy.


    "Sorry... Guild policy. I''m just here to collect. If I don''t, the guild will be angry... They will send someone less amicable." His mood continued to deteriorate; head lowered in shame.


    "...Understand?"


    Eren sighed deeply. He could easily force the issue but something in this boy¡¯s tone told Eren that it would not end well, regardless if Eren won the conflict.


    "Whatever, let''s get this over with." Eren turned away from Jun, returning his gaze to the towering gate of golden light before them. A pulsing beat of energy; alive and beckoning.


    A sound in the distance broke the silence though, roaring of motorbikes approaching fast. Jun reacted with alarm, suddenly ushering Eren to enter the gate quickly.


    "Let''s go in and out." Jun vanished first followed shortly by Eren.


    ''I forgot about this.'' Changing realms gave a tingling feeling, like a static shock across his body; leaving goosebumps on his skin.


    ---


    The desert of a Saryn... Was fucking hot.


    The blaze hit the pair like a steam train; heat assaulting all five senses. Sand stretched on endlessly, blending into the horizon; not a cloud in the sky.


    "Fuck, shouldn''t have worn black today." Eren hissed bitterly, already regretting his life choices. The scorching sun baking him alive; sweat running down the sides of his face; drenching his underarms and back.


    "You never get used to it." Jun replied flatly, appearing perfectly fine despite the circumstances.


    Jun led Eren into the shimmering heat; a line of footprints trailed behind.


    "Your armour looks like you would boil inside." Eren muttered.


    "It''s not made from traditional metal, helps keep the coolness in, but it also uses my power so there is a bit of a drawback." The suit lit up ever so briefly, an illuminating purple glow visible through the cracks.


    Time passed for the pair as they trudged through endless dunes. Nothing at all; not a structure nor a single monster.


    "Where are we going exactly?" Eren huffed impatiently.


    "The pyramids."


    "The pyramids?" Eren echoed questioningly.


    "Yeah, the boss is usually at the Pyramid... Also the place where arachnids dwell."


    "How far away is it?" Eren inquired irritably.


    "... Dunno, the gate always appears in different spots. It could be another 10 mins could be a day-"


    "A Day!" Eren burst.


    "Shit man... you really are a baby ranker, aren''t ya? Wait until you get to the red gates, some have gone on for months." Jun chortled softly.


    ''I''ve already had enough of this. Death take me back.''


    After what seemed like hours labouring in the sun; structures began to appear on the horizon. Large stone monuments rose into view. Pyramids stretching to touch the clouds above. The unbearable air; dry and thick was soon to be a thing of the past.


    As they approached, Eren''s steps became lighter. More confident, filled with excitement.


    ''This is more like it!'' Eren thought eagerly.


    "Wait! We can''t just rush in." Jun called out, reaching out for his arm. However, the ground began to shift around them; large legs erupting from the sands beneath them.


    From the ground a spider rose; golden fur shining radiantly under the sun, towering over Eren and Jun. Its numerous beady eyes observing them warily. Mandibles dripping with gluttonous desire.


    "I knew it." Jun drew his great sword in an instant.


    "Run to the pyramid! Go now!" Eren scoffed, watching the crimson bandit step forward fearlessly.


    "I''ll hold it back, just get there before the swarm appears." Two more pairs of legs burst forth, joining the first, forming a triangular shape around them.


    The bravado of the young man amused Eren. A single person against 3 beasts would surely result in their deaths. At best they will both get seriously injured. With a flick of his wrist; his whip materialized, cutting the first spider straight down the middle. Black blood splattering across the sand.


    *Ch-Click* *Ch-Click*


    The other two charged from opposing sides, flanking the duo from behind. Jun dashed forward, launching a heavy swing, splitting the left leg spider directly in half, decapitating it from its body.


    Its upper torso flopping uselessly into the ground.


    Jun''s fighting form was... lacking, no signs of skill or technique behind his blade, just a hack and slash. Although, not lacking in courage, discipline, or spirit.


    The final spider opened its mouth, releasing a Jetstream of yellow liquid, aimed directly at Eren.


    Avoiding the barrage, Eren leapt aside, lashing out with his own attack. The bone blade slashed open a new scar along its exoskeleton. Black goo oozed out of the wound.


    With a final slash the monster crumbled, giving out a deafening screech before falling silent. Falling into the sand, the desert fell silent once more, only the howl of the desert remained.


    Jun panted heavily, hunched over onto his knees. His chest heaved like a bellow, breath coming in ragged gasps.


    "We...we should hurry. There will be more." The young man staggered towards the closest Pyramid, stumbling over his own feet; each step heavy with fatigue. The relentless heat wearing away at him.


    The cool shade of the ancient monument provided much needed respite. "You had me worried there, but I guess you are pretty strong."


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Eren questioned suspiciously.


    "Well, you didn''t bring a weapon in. And you not knowing anything about the danger level. Or... well, I thought you''d be a dead man without me. Forgive me I was wrong." Jun bowed respectfully.


    Eren waved the apology away. "Don''t worry, it seems I have a lot to learn still... So, the boss is inside?" Eren asked curiously, pointing at the massive hole that led deeper underground.


    "That''s right, the queen is somewhere down below, unless she has left the dungeon to spawn more children."

 Chapter 17: Welcome to the new world - From youth to death (2)

    The narrow tunnel leading down was barely large enough for Eren to fit inside comfortably, Jun''s bulky armour scraped and tore with every turn, the sounds grated against Eren''s ears. The stench of moulded earth and mildew wafted by, adding to his discomfort.


    Although a welcomed relief to the earlier desert sun, with a welcoming cool temperature that washed over them; Eren could finally breathe. However, the smell grew with every step further underground.


    "Fuck this place reeks." Eren grunted unhappily. Jun responded with a chuckle.


    "Welcome to the life of a ranker, shit sticks to your clothes...And your skin too." Jun groaned softly, tugging at the fabric of his shirt under his armour to provide some fresh air.


    The passage ways, curved and spiralled; branching off at irregular intervals, split tunnels disappearing into darkness, no way to see beyond a few feet from the illumination of set torches along the walls The markings along the walls of particular interest to Eren. In his studies growing up, he took history classes, specifically regarding ancient civilizations; something about the etchings seemed familiar to him. He could not quite put his finger on it; some symbols shared similarities with Egyptian hieroglyphs; yet highly detailed, in depth with images and designs he had never seen before.


    "What is with all the writing on the walls?" Eren questioned, breaking the silence.


    "Hmm? Oh, the pictures? Don''t know really, the historians who study these dungeons will get all excited whenever they find stuff like this. Gates are basically long-lost civilizations or ruins lost to time. People like studying them... Why I dunno." Jun answered with disinterest.


    Further down, a light glow shone in the distance, pulling them closer to its source. The light emanated from a large circular room. The floor, covered in gleaming golden treasure; gold bars, gems and jewellery scattered across the floor. Ancient relics and statues littering the corners, broken, and crumbling with age. All the while reclaiming its natural golden hue.


    "Up there." Jun pointed to a throne atop a golden platform; A skeleton seated upon, robed in ornate fabrics, embellished with precious gems; observing their treasure below.


    "How is this gate not filled with rankers?" Eren asked bewildered by the amount of gold and jewellery.


    "Well, the goal is not the gold but rather the unique item''s the gates are protecting. The gold in here would likely dissolve as soon as we leave the gate." Jun explained.


    "Oh, I see..." Eren responded disappointedly; hoping he could load up his inventory with wealth. Perhaps buy off Baelor to get him off his back. Help him rebuild his fallen guild or similar.


    The duo made their way to retrieve the monarch¡¯s prize. Unbeknownst to them, 8 eyes watched from the shadows above, patiently waiting for the prime moment to strike. Descending slowly, creeping carefully to not disturb the air and alert their prey.


    Eren''s skin prickled, imminent danger hung like a fog in the air.


    "Jun, above!" Eren shouted; narrowly ducking the razor-sharp leg. The pair springing backward in unison, bringing their weapons to bare; defensively raising their guard.


    This spider was vastly different from those on the surface. Its form, double the size particularly the abdomen, encrusted with golden jewels and precious metals. However, most striking instead off a head; A woman''s top half grafted seamlessly into the lower portion. Her body covered in golden skin, and her eyes. Eight golden eyes staring deeply into theirs.


    The arachnid queen, the boss of this realm. It shrieked at them with a fierce war cry, baring fangs for its unusually long mouth. A slender human tongue wagging viciously within.


    Jun moved in first, swinging his large sword from overhead. The impact of steel rang loud through the room. Blocking the blow, using her hind legs to repel Jun''s weight, slamming him to the side like a fly. Eren followed shortly after, sending a low slash against her legs; effortlessly dodging the thrust of her long limbs. The strikes clipping her ankle, although bouncing off harmlessly.


    Despite her large size and the strength of her blows; she was incredibly agile; moving from point to point with rapid accuracy. Striking one, then another, alternating between offense and defence. Eren could keep pace with her, however Jun struggled; always on the back foot; desperately blocking, parrying, and falling into the piles of treasure.


    *Crack*


    Eren unleashed a dozen quick strikes in a blink, each hitting its target; bouncing off its carapace with little effect. His focus faltered only for a fraction of a second, yet a window was all that was needed; the queen shot a jet of liquid gold from her mouth. Eren narrowly escaped the torrent, sand melted under the intense stream; creating a molten puddle.


    "Jun! Focus, I''ll distract her."


    Dashing towards the spider, whipping at her long limbs. Each one easily deflected; forcing the queen to rely on her superior agility and speed. Whilst Jun, took his moment climbing up the jewelled abdomen.


    With his sword held high, he jumped down slicing the queens head clean off; her body instantly crumpled, crashing against the treasury below. Golden dust scattered like droplets of water across the floor.


    ''Too easy, the beasts of the arena were harder to kill...'' Eren thought; finding it strange, given how powerful the spider appeared to be.


    "Did... Did I kill it? Sorry about that man, I haven''t really had a chance to practice solo gates for quite a while now... My combat skills need work." Jun''s voice betrayed a hint of sorrow, lowering his head shamefully.


    "It''s fine... you are a useful information source, after all." Eren said blankly, turning around to look at the corpse; lying motionless on its side. Jun smiled warmly underneath that dark visor, grateful for Eren''s words.


    <hr>


    *Step* *Step* *Step*


    Footsteps echoed through the tunnels; alerting the duo. From the darkness stepped a group of crimson bandits, dressed in casual wear rather than battle attire. Six strong, each a man you wouldn''t want to run into in the dead of night.


    "Well, well, what do we have here. Isn''t this our esteemed member Jun?" The leader called out, approaching with confident strides. A tall black-haired man. His hair in a dreaded top knot a white tank top and red jeans, showing off his lean muscular figure, sleeves of dragon tattoos covered both arms.


    "Kazuma." Jun mumbled; barely audible to anyone to Eren.


    "A headless queen spider? I''m impressed, but then again, you weren¡¯t the one to kill this bitch? You certainly don''t look the type... This bastard did the deed yeah?" Kazuma''s attention turned to the white-haired companion next to Jun. Scrutinizing Eren with keen eyes.


    Sauntering over slowly, observing Eren closely. "Hm, not much to look at. You¡¯re a newbie?" Eren ignored his glare, looking off elsewhere.


    "Cold aye. You''d be a great bandit. You know the drill boys, strip her." The other bandits limped towards the spider. The same ones from the other night; now covered in bandages and plaster casts, groaning loudly. Clearly still feeling the pain from their encounter with the mysterious shadow


    "Aren''t you going to thank me...?" Jun mumbled once more, unable to raise his head to look the other bandit in the eyes.


    Kazuma scoffed derisively. "Thank you?! Whatever for? Thank your little friend for killing the queen." He motioned to Eren; still standing off to the side silently.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Well... I-I did-"


    "Shut yer fucking mouth. You¡¯re lucky we even let you wear that armour." A kick to the knee found him sprawling against the sand. The boot gone straight through the metal kneecap.


    Eren stood in silence, observing the scene unfold; his expression bored, like watching children fight on the playground.


    Jun lay before him; a completely different person from moments ago. Submissive and complacent. A dog whipped into submission.


    "BOSS!" The queen spider began to stir once more; her many legs wiggled to life. Rising slowly from her prone position. Kazuma flicked his wrist, engulfing the beast in an inferno of dark violet flames. Immolating her entire form, charred remains falling to the floor with a thud. Loud pops from the scatter of burnt gold jewels, sprinkling the room with coins and dust.


    "Shit. Overdid it." Kazuma muttered to himself.


    "How are you going to pay for this Jun?" Kazuma stared directly into Jun''s eyes; demanding a reply with his glare.


    "W-Why.... Me?" Jun spoke with hesitance, trying to keep his voice firm.


    "You dragged us into this fucking gate! And all you''ve got to show is burnt treasure." Kazuma hissed with venom, looming over Jun.


    "I think we should teach him a lesson in time wasting boss." Another bandit piped up, nodding at Kazuma. The others began to surrounded Jun.


    <Feed me>


    The ring, woke up. Demanding to be feed. Demanded to bathe in blood, to revel in chaos.


    ''No. Calm yourself.'' Eren reassured the demonic ring. Gritting his teeth; fighting for control of his body. His mind and emotions running rampant.


    Jun gave a look; not a look of mercy or helplessness. It was a look telling Eren to leave. He will be fine, his lived through worse and that it will not change. "And you, do you want in?" Kazuma whispered low.


    "No? Shame. Fuck off then."


    Eren began to leave, not wanting any part of guild squabbles. It wasn''t his business.


    "Boss, can we go and see his sister afterwards?" The same bandit perked up with excitement.


    "Yea, that''s a good idea. You were interrupted the other night. We will make sure she pays for your wastefulness too!" The men cackled malevolently.


    A guttural growl emanated from deep within Jun''s chest, pushing past his lips. "Y-You stay AWAY from her! I won''t let you touch her!"


    Jumping to his feet, leaping towards them. A swift kick to the jaw put him down once more.


    ''Sister.'' Eren thought. It finally dawned on him. This was the boy he had saved the other night; beaten bloody before his eyes. He couldn''t believe he was about to abandon him. That''s not why he was put on back.


    <Sister>


    The thought repeated. Resonate sounds of punching and kicking rang out, drawing Eren back in.


    <Sister>


    The ring got him. Anger, hatred, disgust, a twisted form of love? It didn''t matter, his decision was made. Eren returned with malice burning bright.


    "Oi, the newbie came back. Maybe he wants a piece of his-" A whip sliced through the air, embedding itself into the bandits open mouth. The group froze, shocked by the sudden move; taking a moment before they could fully comprehend what happened.


    "W-what, Kill him!" Kazuma roared preparing another fire spell.


    Eren ripped the whip out, flying straight for the head of the snake. Kazuma dogged with ease.


    "Missed-" Before he finished his quip, The tip of the blade changed course; curving through the air, cleaving his arm off at the elbow.


    "ARHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Kazuma fell to the ground clutching his shoulder. Holding back tears.


    A whirlwind of violence followed; Killing each of the bandits before they could react. Their screams echoed through the hallways. Their blood splattering onto the walls, staining the ancient ruins of the dungeon with fresh crimson. Jun watched it all from the ground, frozen in terror.


    A lone figure stood amongst the carnage and mist of red.


    ''Sister.'' The though continued driving him forward.


    "I''m sorry. I''m sorry, please don''t kill me." Kazuma cried out over and over, crawling across the sandy ground. Blood leaking from the severed arm and shoulder.


    "Please I''ll pay you, anything you want." Holding up his remaining arm in a feeble attempt to stop Eren''s advance.


    "You will never hurt anyone ever again." The rings power unleashed itself; tendrils wrapping around the dead bodies, pulling them into the abyss. Filling the demon ring with strength.


    Kazuma screamed and pleaded for the tendrils to stop. All the while they slowly enveloped him, blood pouring from each touch. The last sight, his eye staring fearfully, his body being consumed and crushed within.


    <hr>


    The tendrils retreated into the ring. Leaving nor a trace of themselves, nor the six dead bandits that occupied the space, save for the blood covered sand and walls.


    Eren released a deep breath, trying to calm himself. The tension and adrenaline in his body slowly subsiding.


    ''Was this necessary?'' Eren asked himself. ''Yes, they deserved it.'' His answer, or that¡¯s what he chose to believe.


    Jun laid on the ground, cradling his hand on his knees; breathing quickly, whimpering faintly. Terrified of what he witnessed. Of this unknown person before him.


    He made eye contact; quickly closing his eyes expecting it all to end, hoping it would end quickly. But nothing happened. Instead, an extended hand waited in front of his face, calling out.


    "Jun, Let''s go." Hesitantly, he accepted it.


    Silence plagued the duo walking the halls. Jun''s eyes fixated on Eren''s back ahead.


    ''That whip, he saved me from them. Why?'' He racked his brain trying to understand, replaying the events of today and the other night; trying to piece it together. He felt conflicted, relieved that the Crimson''s men were no longer following him but also fearing what lay ahead. Eren''s intent unclear, both actions seemed genuine yet opposite.


    ''Who is this guy really?''


    The sun blinded them momentarily upon exit, heat striking like a hot iron once again; embracing them in its painful embrace. Motorbikes sat to their right, 6 lined up side by side, red accents, crimson frames, and skulls; very tacky. But to be expected from a guild of criminals.


    "Dam, nice bikes. Not a fan of the decals... Yeah, I can make it work." Eren whistled happily to himself, straddling the cassis.


    "Want to go for a ride?" Jun hesitated, weighing his options.


    ''How could he be so calm after what he did?'' Jun questioned, scratching his head; this man was a conundrum to him.


    Wrapping his arms around Eren, speeding off into the desert.


    Eren jumped through the dunes with reckless abandon. Racing across the landscape, a second nature long forgotten. However, poor Jun was holding on for dear life. Terrified by each jostling, feeling every bump and swerve in the terrain.


    "Ere- Eren!! SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!" He yelled against the rushing wind. Eren let off the gas slowly, steadily decreasing the speed. Coming to a screeching halt, releasing Jun from the tight embrace; spilling onto the ground below. Face as white as a sheet.


    "What now?" Eren asked. Having arrived back at the exit of the gate.


    "There... Will...be..." Jun struggled to catch his breath.


    "There will be an investigation into the deaths of Kazuma and the others." Jun got up with wobbly legs, back leaning against the bike.


    Exiting the Gate, the amber portal closed immediately after.


    ~


    Level up


    Level 2.


    ~


    ''That''s it? No money no gear, abilities, no fanfare?'' Eren thought, expecting more; the ring showed him the screen, but no fulfillment came with it. He felt empty. This was nothing like when he was starting out.


    It¡¯s all so monotonous.


    Despite all his whining about the system and its lazy designs; some form of reward would have made him feel better.


    "Thanks for your help, Jun. I''ll see you around." Eren spoke flatly, waving over his shoulder.


    ¡°Wait! Eren!¡± Jun¡¯s voice cracked as he shouted, eyes wide with a mix of admiration and fear. Watching Eren tear through the bandits without hesitation had shown him what true power looked like. He had to become that strong.


    ¡®I won¡¯t survive if I stay like this,¡¯ Jun thought, on all fours head buried into the ground.


    ¡®Please¡­¡¯


    ¡°Be my master!¡± His voice rose to a near-scream, echoing across the silent landscape.


    "No." Eren responded bluntly, leaving the young man with his forehead against the dirt. The motorbike engine drowning out Jun''s pleas.


    "His strong, you can teach me to be stronger!" Jun yelled out. He won''t let him go that easily.


    <hr>


    Eren made his way through the house, B-lining it to the bathroom, craving a hot shower to wash away all the sand and sweat he brought home.


    The cold water cascaded down his body, soothing his muscles. His thoughts going back to the events of today, realising that he took not just one life but several.


    ''They say you feel an immense guilt taking another life. Whether it be intended or in self-defence.'' Eren sighed internally.


    ''I felt no remorse. I can''t even remember their faces, names, they were just... faceless.''


    Eren''s heart felt cold. Not from guilt or remorse. Just a passionless beat.


    ''I didn''t enjoy killing those men. It felt like... duty.'' Eren stretching his muscles. ''Maybe I just spent too much time with the dead?''


    ¡°Eren!¡± Emi''s voice pulled him from his thoughts, shouting something about dinner. Quickly finishing up, getting dressed into some comfortable lounge wear.


    Eren walked down to see what Emi wanted, although he already knew. His own stomach grumbled with the answer.

 Chapter 18: Welcome to the new world - Take what you want

    Eren sat lazily on the couch staring at his phone. Going through all the sections of the ''Gates'' app.


    ''A store, forums, social media, and even a dating section.'' He thought intrigued.


    ''Should I... No.'' Tempted to go out and find the one again.


    Opening the store first; hoping to get some better gear, maybe something to ward off heat or cold. This list seemed endless, everything you could possibly imagine was there, every weapon and armour under the sun; they even had designer clothes. And yet all charged at exorbitant prices, higher and higher as he scrolled.


    "Dinner is ready!" Emi called out from the kitchen. Eren was too occupied with the app to notice.


    ''What the fuck? 100,000 £¤ for a pair of boots?'' Scrolling further, seeing numerous weapons priced above 500,000. Rank''s causality linked with price. This world was bizarre.


    Worst of all was subscriptions services for the gear. Paying monthly fees to keep your equipment, what an awful system. Fit for an awful world.


    *Bang* *Bang* *Bang*


    "Eren!" Emi''s voice accompanied by the slamming of pots and pans against the table.


    "Yes?" He responded, not bothering to look up.


    "Dinner''s ready." Her tone slightly irritated, Eren finally took notice.


    She wanted to impress her brother, asking nicely to show of her cooking skills.


    However, when he got to the table; what greeted him was... less than appetizing. In front of him, a barren white plate; beansprouts to the right, and what appears to be unseasoned chicken, drizzled with soy sauce and a cup of rice. Dismayed at his sister¡¯s lack of cooking ability, forcing a smile onto his face.


    ''I''ll eat anything my sister cooks for me.''


    "How is it?" Emi asked nervously. For the first time since Eren got back, she almost seemed happy.


    The food could only be described as, edible. The dish had no flow or cohesion, just thrown together. But, at the very least it is edible.


    ''Shit. I can''t lie to her... but I can''t break her heart, again.'' He swallowed his mouthful of rice.


    "It''s... Good." He managed to push out.


    A slow smile graced her lips. A light flush in her cheeks; glowing with joy.


    "Did you want seconds-"


    "No. Thank you." He replied quickly.


    Silence overtook the table. Eren was focused on consuming the little meal left. Emi however was watching him like a hawk, staring deeply into his eyes; searching for any lies, waiting for him to eat every bit.


    Even after dinner the silence continued, the pair washing dishes together; scrubbing and wiping them dry. ''How can I offer to help her cook without offending her?'' Eren pondered


    ''No, I''ll just cook from now on. She loves my cooking.'' A memory of a time he would for his sister. Relishing in the thought of his sister enjoying his cooking. The way her cheeks would light up; brushing her hair behind her ears, eating contently.


    It almost made him smile¡­Almost.


    <hr>


    *Whack* *Crash*


    Mr. Heart staggered into the house; accompanied by a larger man in an expensive suit, both reeking of alcohol and tobacco. Their faces flushed with drunkenness; eyes glazed over. The two stumbled through the doorway, knocking over the vase that sat on the table.


    "Emi! Emiiiii!" Mr. Heart called out loudly, his voice slurred and unsteady.


    "I missed you honey, come here." He stumbled towards her, arms outstretched, attempting to hug her tightly. She recoiled away, disgusted by his touch; his body odour mixed with alcohol was unbearable.


    "How was work?" Eren spoke up, drawing their attention to him. His tone flat, uninterested in the answer but wanting to keep them away from Emi.


    "Oh! it was fantastic." The larger man interjected enthusiastically.


    "Your father here has been working hard for me, and we decided to celebrate with some drinks." He chuckled jovially.


    ''They smell awful.'' Eren grimaced internally. ''I wonder how much money they wasted on alcohol.''


    "Who is this?" Eren asked bluntly, pointing towards the man next to his father. "This is my boss, mister... mister... I can''t remember his name. Phffft hahahaha!" Mr. Heart laughed loudly, slapping the man''s shoulder.


    The larger man, extended his hand towards Eren. "Nice to meet you. I''m Eric Morgan. Mr. Morgan to you." He extended his arm out to Eren.


    A tower compared to the Heart family, nearly hitting the roof, beer belly, stubble of brown and orange and a yellowed grin. A man that had jumped straight off the boat from the west. His eyes piercing and calculating; sizing up Eren like prey.


    The instincts that warned Eren of danger, blaring loudly in his mind. ''Don''t shake his hand.'' He ignored the gesture, turning away to the living room.


    "What kind of house are you running Heart? Don''t you teach your son manners? Hahahaha!" Eric laughed at his own jest, slapping his knee in amusement.


    "His only joking Eren." His father spoke up.


    "Emi, can you take Dad upstairs please-"


    "No. Go and get us some beer. We ain''t done drinking yet." Eric cut him off. Eren''s eyes narrowed, glaring at the large man.


    ''This is my house. He thinks he can come here and act like this?'' The ring began to stir, sensing his displeasure.


    "Your dad is the only man who can drink me under the table. Come join us." Eric took a seat at the kitchen table, taking up half of it.


    "Emi, be a sweetheart and grab us some beers." He winked at her. Emi looked at Eren, unsure what to do.


    "Get it yourself." Eren replied, not moving from his spot.


    "Come now, don''t be rude son after all I pay your fathers wage." Eric''s tone shifted, growing colder and more serious.


    "I can fire him at any moment. You want that? For him to lose his job?" His gaze locked onto Eren''s, challenging him to defy him.


    Emi, brokering the peace gave Eric his beer. "Thanks sweetheart. Dam that''s some fine meat." Eric slapped Emi''s ass, hard; she jumped away. His eyes filled with lust and desire.


    Emi ran from the kitchen with a squeal. Eric turned his attention to Eren.


    "If I''m being honest, she needs to gain a few kilos. Your sis needs some more meat on her bones if you know what I mean?"


    <Kill him>


    Eren fought back the rings urge for blood; wanting to kill the man where he stood. Also not wanting to paint the walls red. He looked over at his farther; silently pleading for him to stand up and defend Emi. He simply hung his head, sheepishly staring down in his bottle.


    The boss chugged his beer, belching loudly afterward; then poured himself another.


    "What''s wrong Eren? Got something to say? You look annoyed. Maybe you should go put your jammies on. The adults will talk here." His father nodded in agreement, trying to avoid the confrontation brewing between Eren and his boss.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "No. I want you to leave. Now." Eren hissed through gritted teeth; his fists clenched tightly.


    "Ha! He sure has some spunk. Is this about your sister? Is this you defending her honour? How noble of you... Boy." He spat out; savouring the taste of each swig.


    "It''s only harmless fun. Besides she will be 18 soon enough. The crimson bandits can put her to real work. Trust me, she''s built for it."


    Eric grabbed his glass and drank again, grinning wickedly at Eren. He knew exactly which buttons to press.


    "I want you to get the fuck out." Eren spoke in a low whisper, trying to suppress his rage.


    "Bhahaha! Make me kid!" He took another swig, raising the bottle in triumph.


    "Your son has some backbone, Heart. You could learn a thing or two from him." Eric cheered, patting the top of his father¡¯s head; knocking his glasses off into the barely touched beer.


    "Last warning, Leave!" Eren stepped closer to Eric, towering over his seated position.


    "Or What? You gonna hit me?" Eric sneered, placing his bottle aside and leaning forward.


    "Get the hell out of my house!" Eren demanded through gritted teeth.


    *Crash*


    Eric threw the empty bottle past Eren, nearly hitting Emi, hitting the wall shattering it into pieces.


    <Kill him!>


    The ring wanted blood and Eren was ready to bring it, in front of the ones he loved. However, a sharp jab to his cheek sent him reeling backwards. A sucker punch took him by surprise. Too focused on the ones he loved.


    Eric stood above him, leaning in stooping mere centimetres from Eren''s face. Alcohol wafting through his yellowed teeth.


    "Next time I visit, I expect an apology. Otherwise, maybe we need to have a little house party, hmm. Get the boys from the office to have a little fun here." His glare fixed directly at Emi, still smiling deviously; licking his lips with twisted thoughts.


    "That reminds me... There is another party I need to get too. Heart. Teach your son some manners. It would make life easier for everyone." Eric strode towards the door, opening it forcefully; banging against the frame, the handle puncturing the plaster, leaving a noticeable crack.


    "Yes, sir." Mr. Heart answered sombrely.


    Blood pooled inside Eren''s mouth; droplets staining the tile floor. Eren quickly spat onto the ground.


    "I''m sorry..." Mr. Heart mumbled faintly, his expression forlorn. His shoulders sagged; defeated.


    "Sorry... Doesn''t fucking cut it. You let him disrespect our family." Eren wiped his lips, tasting the salty copper.


    "I- I did... I don''t have any choice. I can''t lose this job." He pleaded desperately, hoping for understanding from his son. Eren scoffed, glaring at his father coldly.


    "No, you are nothing but a coward! What would mom think?" The words struck his father harder than any punch could. His eyes widening in pain and fury.


    "How dare you-"


    "How dare me!? HOW DARE YOU!" Eren exploded with rage.


    "Mom trusted you to protect Emi... And me. And now look at where we are." Emi watched them quietly; tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Her bottom lip trembling.


    Eren noticed his sisters state, deciding to calm down for her sake; his breathing slowing gradually, suppressing the rage boiling inside him. He walked over to her, resting a firm hand on her shoulder.


    "Emi, are you alright?" His concern clear in his voice. Her tears spilled down her cheeks freely, nodding slowly; too scared to speak lest her voice quivered.


    "Take dad upstairs. And we can talk when you come back down. No one will ¡®ever¡¯ hurt you like that ever again." She hugged him tight, snuggling her head deep into his chest.


    Emi took Mr. Heart by the hand up the stairs; guiding their father to bed. All the while Eren remained, gathering his thoughts, collecting his emotions. His anger subsiding but not dissipating. The blood on the floor taunting him. The ajar door was the final pull he needed.


    <Kill him¡­>


    Emi came back down the stairs. Alone "E-Eren?" Emi searched around for Eren but he had left.


    "...You said you wouldn''t leave again." Her voice cracked with emotion, feeling betrayed once again.


    <hr>


    Eric whistled cheerfully along the sidewalk. Still night breeze cooled him from his alcoholic stupor; desolate street and dimly lit street lamps made him feel right at home. Just like the streets of England. He recalled fondly how easy it was to mug unsuspecting women. His smile stretching wider. A quiet snigger echoed through the night air.


    "Do I detect the sweet scent of fresh vengeance?" He spun on his heel; peering into the abyss behind him. Eren approached slowly, deliberately taking measured steps until he stood directly before him.


    "Ah! I thought it was you boy. Do you have that apology?" Eric chuckled mockingly.


    "No." His eyes gleamed dangerously beneath his white locks. The man raised his posture; no longer a hunched over drunk, now poised like a viper ready to strike.


    "You''re not drunk." Eren muttered under his breath.


    "You know? My you are a perceptive one. Your dad can''t see past a bottle of wine, which makes it easier to keep in line. But you¡­ You¡¯re something else." His words flowed like honey, coated in an insincere sweetness.


    "You here to kill me? Hmmmmmmmmm" Eric rubbed his chin; pretending to ponder a question.


    "All because of some little comments and harmless touching of your-"


    "You will never lay another finger on her or speak to her, or anyone else in my family again." Eren growled. His aura growing dark, surrounding his figure, painting the concrete in shade.


    Eric feigned shock at the threat. "How ever will you stop me?"


    "You know what, you''ve given me an idea... after our little party. I''m going to bring some of the boys back, have a little afterparty." Eric continued to press Eren''s buttons. The ring began to hum lowly,


    "Bring some recoding gear, some ¡®equipment.¡¯ A video of a girl like her would sell for a fortune~" He sang the last part.


    "No." Eren stated, drawing his weapon with a flourish. In kind Eric created crimson flames from both hands.


    "If you get in the way, you can be our secondary star. You can watch helplessly~" He cackled with malice


    "Stop." Images flooded his mind; horrifying thoughts.


    "And after we''re done, we will keep her as our own pet. The use by date on girls like her are near unlimited~."


    The ring now pulsated violently. Glowing brighter with each word spoken by Eric.


    "Can you imagine that soft skin." Eric licked his lips,


    "Stop it."


    "Sweet little moans."


    "Enough." Eren pulled at his hair, trying to get the images out.


    "Subtle breasts. Soft ass~"


    "I can''t wait to hear that pop-"


    "Stop."


    "Of that tight-"


    "Stop!"


    "Little, puss-"


    "I SAID ENOUGH!" Eren¡¯s voice had an otherworldly tone, that which was not human; it was monstrous.


    Eric took a step back. An eerie quite filled the night air. A strange sensation consumed Eren, something different. The ring began to glow intensely, vibrating violently throughout Eren''s body.


    *Clang* *Clang* *Clang*


    White eyes peered from the shadows around Eric.


    *Clang* *Clang* *Clang*


    The metallic sound drew closer with every step.


    Stepping into the moonlight. Black armour adorned their form, shadowed spectre clung to them, a helmet to hide their facial features, save for the white dots; focused on its target before them. A broadsword by their sides.


    Eric chuckled, priming his fire magic in hand.


    "A necromancer ranker. You really are full of surprises." A wave of fire washed over three soldiers, yet they were unmoved.


    *Clang* *Clang* *Clang*


    Eric threw several waves of fire, creating small explosions within their lines. Yet they remain stalwart and unaffected.


    "Hey, kid. Why don''t you call of the dogs and we can settle this like grown men, Eh?" Eric gestured, trying to appeal to Eren''s sense of pride, or mercy. Eren couldn''t respond, trapped within his own thoughts.


    *Clang* *Clang* *Clang*


    The knights are within arm''s reach, Eric created a fireball in front of him. "One step and you burn fuckers." He warned.


    However, they took the step regardless. Fire engulfed them instantly, consuming their entire form. And yet they stood again.


    "Don''t you fucking touch-" One knight grabbed his wrist. Another his other hand. Together they wrenched his arms backwards. Popping out of socket.


    "Arrgh!" Eric screamed in agony. The knights twisted and turned, tearing skin; tendons fraying apart, snapping violently.


    *Pop* *Pop* *Snap*


    "ARRRGHHH!!!!!!" Blood dripped from each open wound, muscles and ligaments fell to the pavement. Blood oozed between the cracks.


    "STOPPPPPP! I''M SORRYY- ARRRRGHHHH!" Bones protruded through the skin, skin black and blue in the pale moonlight.


    "EREN! PLEASSSSSEEE!"


    More knights swarmed the first Knight smashed its head into Eric''s nose. "ARRGGH!" More blood spilling out, this time his eyes swelling up.


    Another started on his legs; crushing them against the ground with its armoured boot. Metal denting inward; grinding bone fragments into powder. Skin splitting apart. The same for the other leg. Eric screaming bloody murder.


    Then another hit broke his jaw.


    Again,


    And again,


    And again.


    Until his head resembled more of a crushed fruit, flesh bruised, discoloured; bleeding from every orifice.


    The Knights released their grip from Eric''s mutilated corpse, dropping him under the dim street light, taking his last few laboured breaths in agony before falling into oblivion. Leaving a bloodied mess upon the pavement below.


    ''Mercy....'' his final thought.


    <hr>


    Eren stood frozen amidst chaos; his thoughts return to him. Although, muffled and distant. Trying to process the events. He was sick wanting to vomit, he wanted more craving to see someone suffer, he wanted to run away, he wanted to beat the body in front of him, it was exhilarating, it was terrifying. There was no reasoning within Eren.


    The knights 6-strong, knelt at his feet. Waiting for his next command.


    "Go! Away!" Eren commanded, finding his voice once more. Their white eyes met his own. With an unknown signal; They faded into the shadows below.


    A mess of gore and bone scattered across the sidewalk remained, stained forever red.

 Chapter 19: Welcome to the new world - Blaze

    ''What have I done?'' He stared down at the mangled corpse below, fear clawed at him. Deep breathes could only delay so much.


    The mass that lay before him was unrecognisable; covered in matted crimson gore, barely human-shaped, bits of bone jutting outwards like spikes, torn flesh hanging loosely off limbs. Blood pooled beneath him forming a macabre pond, reflecting light eerily.


    The ring sat dormant once more; having feasted on the life of Eric, bathing in his blood and filling itself to the brim. ''He deserved it.'' Eren thought angrily. The fire, the rage festering once more. He spat on the remains. His disgust overflowing.


    *Bzzt**Bzzt*


    Slow vibrations came from the corpse below; buzzing gently. Eren bent down to inspect the noise, finding a smartphone hidden underneath a pool of coagulating blood. Using his already soaked clothes, cleaning the screen, revealing it in its black sleek finish. The phone displayed an incoming text message:


    ~


    Yo where are ya?


    The birthday boy will be here soon.


    Yep, I''m coming.


    Where was it again?


    Where? Where we usually meet. Fuck you must be drunk.


    Here, hurry up.


    17-A West factory.


    I''ll be there soon.


    ~


    A 20-mintue walk from there.


    Eren moved with purpose, sprinting across the rooftops; the way paved with moonlit shadows. One of his few allies guiding him onward. A faint crimson light in the distance was the destination. The breeze carried the smell of tobacco and stale smoke into his lungs.


    A skylight gave vantage to those below. Crimson bandits; 16, 17... 18. All spread amongst the warehouse filled with creates of various sizes.


    Spread evenly among makeshift tables, swords and guns lay be their side. Each man relaxed, enjoying drinks, talking, and gambling among themselves.


    What drew Eren''s ire though; a dirty mattress, surrounded my tripod mounted camera lights.


    ''No.'' He muttered to the ring, awakening once more. Grasping his left hand hard, forcing his will into obedience.


    ''Calm yourself...'' Eren breathed deeply, pushing down all emotion.


    Whilst Eren battled for self-control. A white van pulled in. Out came two men. One short and fat, not a hair on his rounded head, a lit cigarette dangling loosely from his lips; The other a tall lanky man, no older than Emi.


    "Happy birthday boss!" They all erupted as the fat man entered, a chorus of cheers greeting him. He clapped at himself, enjoying the celebration. The lankier man walked to the back off the van. Yanking on a chain, two women spilled out; hands chained together, wearing bikinis. The young man tugged harder, barking orders at them.


    One girl, blonde curls, fought against the chains; desperately kicking her captor. A solid punch to the gut silenced her. While the other girl, a short redhead, sobbed hysterically.


    However, most disturbing off all; another girl fell out the back. She was far too young, matching the bikinis of the older women.


    The ring vibrated harder, Eren was barely able to contain it in his hand. His knuckles turning white from pressure.


    ¡®Kill them all¡­¡¯


    The girls were dragged inside to the hoots and cheers of the bandits; lust filled eyes scanning every inch of their bodies. Tears flowing uncontrollably down the younger one¡¯s face.


    ''This, is the kind of people the world is full of.'' He said to himself. The ring hummed in agreement, growing louder and louder. Eren couldn''t hold it much longer.


    The two older girls are tied nearby, whilst the youngest is thrown onto the ''bed.''


    "Leave her alone!" The blonde fought hard against her binds.


    "We will give you what you want just please, not her!" The redhead cried out desperately.


    "Ladies, ladies don''t worry... you''ll get your turn." The fat man hushed them, strolling past to the bedside.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°Bring her here. I¡¯m going to take my time with this one." He said it casually, like ordering another drink, his smile widening at the sight of the terrified girl. The bandits followed suit, drinking heartily in anticipation. Their lust-filled gaze locking on the scared child below.


    <hr>


    *Crash*


    Eren dropped from above; crashing hard onto the concrete floor. A predators eyes peered through white strands; focusing intently on the fat man in front of him.


    "Oi! Who are you? Ya got guts interrupting my fun." Fat man belched out. His chubby fingers wrapped tightly around his belt.


    "Fuck off would ya." Another bandit piped up behind Eren.


    "Pre-game entertainment. Kill this asshole then we-" The bandit couldn''t finish his sentence as his tongue dangled from what remained of his jaw. Eren had learnt his lesson, kill them before they could react, no more time wasting. This isn''t training anymore.


    The warehouse stood in stunned silence before erupting into action; weapons drawn and pointed toward Eren. Swords & guns, fire, and ice, All primed for a fight.


    "B-bastard!" Screamed the bandit closest to him. He rushed Eren, swinging wildly with a katana. Whip piercing his sternum, swinging him in the air before launching him headfirst into the gunner behind him.


    <Killed 2/20> The ring showed a little screen to his right.


    "Your fucked now." 7 Bandits approached him slowly, cornering him between crates and boxes. A fireball ready to launch, instead its cleaved clean off by the whip. Falling to the crates and igniting them in flames.


    <3/20>


    Flaming swords swung down at Eren, one from above and one from below. The Reaper avoids both blows, backflipping onto the crates behind launching over the top, decapitating the offenders in midair.


    An ice spear flew towards his heart, aiming for an opening; rolling out of the hitting another fire bandit, his embers added to the growing inferno.


    The whip tracked through the air cutting the bonds of the two women, allowing them to free the younger girl and escape. Meanwhile Eren danced between blades and flames; metal slashing through thin air, inches away from striking home, parrying off an attack. He spun on his heels, twisting, and turning through the sea of attacks. Blades shattered upon contact, shards flew everywhere, peppering the ground with fragments. A shard pierces deep into his cheek. But didn¡¯t slow him.


    <Killed 8/20>


    The dwindling numbers and the growing inferno scared the fat man. "Fuck, RUN!" He yelled over the roar over the flames. "NO!" Eren shouted after them.


    "Don''t let them escape." With a raise of his ringed hand the 6 knights from before rose from outside, cutting all those unfortunates enough to draw close.


    The knights raised their swords, striking downward cleaving a couple heads. Some unfortunate souls are thrown directly into the fire, screaming filling the room as they burn alive. The remaining gangsters split up hoping they will be able to escape the


    <12/20>


    The inferno has now completely engulfed the warehouse, the fire claiming many; all except for the birthday boy.


    <16/20>


    The fat man crawled on his hands and knees, struggling to breathe, coughing constantly. His skin blistering from heat, sweat dripped from every pore.


    "Please." Eren glared down at him, watching him suffer.


    "I''m sorry. Please, have mercy." He pleaded, reaching his arm out to grab Eren. Eren held him tight, holding him directly over the open flame pit.


    "NO! NO! NO PLEASE!" His screams were deafening, his voice strained by sheer terror. The flames lashed the man¡¯s back, crackling and popping over the fire. Skin charring rapidly.


    "PLEASE!!! I''LL DO ANYTHING!!! FORGIVE ME!!!" He sobbed uncontrollably, tears streaking his cheeks.


    Too late for mercy.


    "No." Eren spoke flatly, tossing the man into the flames. Cries filled the warehouse, echoing hauntingly along its walls. Eventually fading away altogether. Nothing remained but a pile of ash.


    <19/20>


    Before Eren could leave the last remaining bandit; the young lanky man crawled along the ground, clutching his stomach. "Please... Don''t..." He struggled to catch his breath. Gasping loudly.


    "I-I, was forced to do this. I don''t want to be a criminal." The young man whimpered pathetically, blood dripping from his mouth.


    Eren''s thoughts become his again, the boy; the same age as Emi. His words spoke true.


    "Leave-" Eren''s mercy was cut short as a fiery crate crushed the young man, enveloping him in fire.


    "ARGHHHH!" His pleading eyes the last image of the kid.


    <All Killed 20/20>


    <hr>


    Charred meat and melted plastic all the remained. Eren left the inferno, stench of death his new perfume. Shirt barley keeping hold, shoes melted into the pavement. He left without looking back. A cold gaze settled upon his face.


    The knights stood guard of the girls; following an unspoken command from their master. The blonde lady stood before him. "Thank you." She bowed deeply, shaking. Eyes red, raw. Her hands still bear bruises from resisting.


    "Are you okay?" Eren asked softly, kneeling next to them. Both girls shook their heads weakly.


    "Do you know somewhere safe you can go?"


    The redhead answered, her voice barely audible. "...Yes." A spark of hope returned.


    "How about you?" Eren asked the little girl, she didn''t answer simply staring at his armoured guardians behind him.


    "We can get there. Thanks." The blonde replied shakily, standing tall. Taking charge.


    "Get home safe." Eren stood by watching the blaze. As he walked a tug on his remaining shirt. The girl embraced him tightly. Whispering quietly. "Thank you..." Eren patted her head softly, stroking her hair gently.


    "Stay safe now." He parted ways with the trio, making sure they drove off from the hellish landscape.


    The blonde glanced back at him one last time as the car pulled away, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and fear. She had seen his mercy, but she had also witnessed his wrath. What kind of man had saved her? She didn¡¯t know, and she wasn¡¯t sure she wanted to.


    *Clink* *Clink* *Clink*


    The knights all kneeled once more before him, their reverence apparent.


    He extended his right arm; calling them to attention. The white dots meet his eyes.


    "Thank you, return home now." Six nods returned; melting back into the shadows they came. Disappearing as mysteriously as they appeared.


    Distant sirens drew closer to the blaze; emergency services doing their job, but too late. Eren meet the shadows, vanishing within.

 Chapter 20: Welcome to the new world - Azure soul

    Eren staggered through the dark alleys, his clothes asunder and stained crimson. He had stumbled along all night; the night sky receding behind the horizon, revealing the soft hues of golden glow. A new dawn was approaching.


    Eren stumbled and caught himself on a wall. ''I have to keep moving.'' Eren pushed himself off and continued towards... Something.


    "Meow." A cat sat, upon the wall above him. Its illusionary haze, glimmered in the setting twilight.


    "Baelor..." The creature cocked its head slightly. Staring intently into Eren''s eyes. Like the bird from a week earlier, it beckoned for him to follow, its ethereal aura a solitary star amongst the eternal darkness.


    "Meow." Picking up the pace, Baelor trotted further ahead; leading the way.


    Eren followed closely, weaving through alleys and streets, avoiding all onlookers. Until finally the feline lead him back to the familiar chained metro station.


    He entered the heavy metal gates, a cacophony of screeches accompanied by rusty hinges welcomed him inside. Descending deeper and deeper into the abyssal depths; the air was chillier than last he visited, not helped by his lack of clothes either.


    A light approached Eren, the homeless man who greeted him last time stood in front of Eren, taking one sniff from his ragged clothes. Grumbling under his beard "Follow me."


    Eren obliged and together they walked past make shift houses, make shift shelters; a small city underground made from nothing but scraps and melancholia.


    All denizens slept save for the few weary of the battle worn reaper. It was like looking at a reflection of themselves; ravaged by life''s unforgiving cruelty, battered by hardships, but surviving nonetheless.


    The elves¡¯ quarters were as pristine as ever, candle light illuminating the living area, hisses and whisks emanated from beyond the threshold where Baelor brewed something.


    "Welcome back, Eren." Handing him a cup of Qenya.


    "Take a seat." Nodding his head, Baelor gestured towards his usual chair across from his own.


    With a groan Eren lowered himself down, finally resting his tired body. Sips of herbal tea caressing his throat with each passing second, it warmed him from within.


    "Shouldn''t you be asleep? It''s pretty early." Eren questioned curiously between sips of warm liquid.


    "As should you." The Elf shot back calmly, resting his cup delicately onto the table. "Elves need very little rest compared to humans. If one truly wishes for knowledge sleep is but a hindrance."


    The illusionary cat jumped upon Eren''s lap. Curling and purring in his lap. "It''s so light... And soft." Eren marvelled while patting the bundle of fluff.


    "Although I''m more of a dog person myself." Eren said to himself.


    "Canines are indeed loyal and trustworthy companions, that I do agree. However, I find their devotion misplaced; whereas cats possess intelligence and reason, yet still choose freely whom they associate themselves with." With that said, the cat morphed into a puppy, tail wagging, eyes pleading for head scratches.


    "What ails you my reaper friend? You certainly had an arduous night?" The elf stared directly into Eren''s eyes, searching for answers.


    Eren turned to the ring, removing it, casting it on the table. "This... Thing. I don''t want it anymore. ¡°Baelor held it up to the candle light examining its inner ring.


    "I couldn''t control it. It made me... angry. It wanted me to fight and kill, it filled my head with thoughts...about my sister..."


    The elf sat silent letting the boy spill his mind to him.


    "It took control. Making me kill anyone near me... The worst thing is I wanted to. After Eric... No, the first kill I realised how good killing someone can feel..." His eye twitched recalling the moments.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "...then I felt sick at the thought I enjoyed it."


    "And the people you killed... They deserved it?"


    "They did deserve to die.... But I shouldn''t have liked it so much..." Eren stroked the puppy faster.


    "They were disgusting, they had done things no man should be allowed to do." Eren gulped the remaining herbal tea; emptying it in one. Hoping it might ease his racing thoughts.


    "And this ring has power no one should poses." He glared at his discarded jewellery on the table.


    "This ring; that you know as the god eater has gone by many names over the ages." The elf took centre stage in Eren''s mind.


    "It feeds off of your emotions, the greater the emotion the larger the feast." Baelor explained carefully, picking his words wisely. "Hatred, Compassion, Despair, Hope, Anger, Joy; all aspects one could use to wield unimaginable strength." The elf slid it across the table returning it to its host.


    "The world you have come back too; The rot, the fester, the corruption, you can see it."


    Eren thought on those words. "I know. I just wish I took the other path, stayed in the afterlife. Maybe then I''d still be like a human." He sighed heavily, defeated by the choices made.


    "None choose the cruelty of life nor the sweetness of death, we merely live with the hands of fate. However, the hands are our guiding lights through the storm. Even when all seems lost; when the sun itself is swallowed by the sea of chaos. There always lies a chance, a moment in time, that allows for the world to change; the power doesn''t define you; you define yourself."


    He sipped from his cup of tea.


    "The choice is yours to make. Nor mine nor anyone else. It gives me great confidence that you chose to bring balance where it is needed most. You made that decision Eren Heart; the world will be a better place for it."


    A long peace between the pair; silence filled only with slurps and scratches of fur. Eren shifted his seating.


    "How do I master this thing?"


    "A simple question for an answer complex; One must conquer the beast within oneself, harness the energy surging within the soul, bind it into the core of being. This requires discipline and rigorous meditation; focusing solely upon the inner workings of the heart."


    Baelor placed his tea neatly on his desk, once more walking and opening the hidden passage. The dark tunnel waited for them once more.


    <hr>


    "What horrors are you going to show me this time?" Eren half-jokingly asked.


    Baelor gave an equally half-hearted laugh, then composed himself once again. Delving deeper into Baelor¡¯s vault. An azure lit room greeted them, flickering orbs lined the walls, hovering like moons; all orbiting in tandem, casting shimmering light across everything beneath its gaze.


    To Eren''s horror a body lay atop a slab of stone; headless, a split down the middle of a fine suit. Although missing its head, Eren would never forget that tall, lean body, nor the head that once rested there.


    "...Malphas." Eren whispered quietly.


    "How... I saw him die?"


    "Yes, Lucifer informed me of this event; your body may never leave the realm of death, only your soul may pass. This is all that remains, a husk of what once was." Eren inspected Malphas'' corpse. No blood, veins or arteries lay exposed, merely a shell of what once lived. Like a spider silk cocoon.


    "Do I want to know why you have this here?" Eren questioned Baelor sceptically. The elf walked behind the slab, searching through multiple chests.


    "This, among others was my payment. A reapers body is invaluable, a trove of resources unlike any other. A channel of mana and power."


    Finally, Baelor found his goal. "For you, Eren." Baelor handed him a carved-out skull mask, viscerocranium and frontal neurocranium re-organised into a perfect fit for a human. Its blackened eyes bore into his own. Skull a pure white under the azure light


    Eren grabbed it hesitantly.


    "This is...Malphas'' head..." His fingers trailed along the smooth bone-like texture. The bone pulsed subtly. His hatred for a reaper once thought a nemesis turned to sympathy.


    "His last words... We wanted to spare me from a life of endless death."


    Baelor placed his hand on Eren''s shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze.


    "In my people¡¯s culture we adorn ourselves with our enemies, they shaped us in life and will protect us in death. Their death brings us life." Eren turned the mask in his hands; taking in its form. Two empty holes peered at him; runes from a foreign language border the edges.


    "Designed to quell the rings voice in moments of emotional intensity. This will give you clarity, focus."


    "I don''t know... What if this doesn''t work, what if it makes me worse, or kills me."


    "The choice is yours Eren, I will always be willing to help. We both see the foulness, the rot, that lie beneath this world."


    Eren stood, staring into Malphas'' hollow eye sockets. His face devoid of emotion.


    "The world has enough heroes, people who have grown complacent, comfortable with how it is... People need a monster; a reminder to fear the shadows for where they dwell."


    Eren lifted the mask and put it on. Its silky texture fitting seamlessly over his features, enveloping his vision into complete darkness.


    Eren breathed in deeply, and let out a long breath.


    "From the ashes we rise..."


    The world burst back into existence again. A shade of blue tinge washed over everything, although subtle, noticeable to those paying attention. Baelor smiled warmly at the sight of him wearing such a relic.


    "...A demon in the darkness."

 Extension chapter 20.1: Origin of the god eater

    "Baelor? How come you know so much about this thing?" Eren inquired, arriving back to the comfort of the candle lit living room. A question which gave pause to Baelor, pondering on whether he should reveal his secret. His finger circled on a book atop his collection of shelves.


    "Well. Let me tell you the tale." Eren nodded attentively, sitting back down in his chair, sipping at his Qenya.


    ***


    We start as many tales do, in a time long forgotten by history. In a faraway land, under the watch of a pantheon of gods.


    Lived a humble man; whose name has been lost to time, worked diligently. A farther that was proud, a mother who loved him dearly and twin sisters who adored him. Their lives were simple and peaceful.


    However, peace is a fragile gift seldomly granted by the heavens. For strife would soon find a foothold in this quaint corner of the earth, followers of one of the many gods demanded tributes for their idol; gold and flesh were all that sate them.


    The man resisted, as did his father, but they were powerless against these religious zealots. They burned their house, stole their gold, and enslaved their daughters.


    The father fought and was killed for his resistance, the wife took her own life, and our humble man was left alive; a broken spirit whose hope was taken from him. All that remained was hope; the hope of saving his beloved sisters.


    So began our hero''s journey. Wandering the vast expanses of a kingdom torn by faiths dogmatic beliefs, facing all manner of beasts and trials set forth by divinity. Yet he persisted; reaching his goal, a temple of ivory columns built into an awe-inspiring peak, a monument devoted entirely to the god.


    However, the man never stood a chance.


    Made an example of, he was cast into the abyss to forever fall; the void consumed him leaving nothing but despair... The abyss was his eternity.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Until a twist of fate brought him together with a beast; For in this dark world, lay a creature of self-loathing, pride, and wrath. A fallen god, stripped from the heavens, forgotten by its brethren and mortals alike.


    The god offered our hero a choice, to wither and fade into the dark. Or, to claim the power of a godkiller, to seek vengeance; and bring ruin upon those who wrought injustices. The man readily accepted this offer.


    Thus, from the fires of the abyss forged a weapon, tempered, and imbued with the will of the fallen god; an ethereal entity woven into steel. Granting the new bearer a strength beyond imagining; to wield the wrath of oblivion, the destruction of all things divine. Gods, kings, monsters, nothing stood above his power.


    For the man who fell into abyss, arose an avatar of retribution, his mind fixated on justice. Wearing the skin of a mortal, hiding the terrible powers underneath. The temple fell before the might of his army. With every drop of blood spilt, new corpses joined their ranks, charging against their foes. They showed no mercy, sparing none.


    Finally, the aspect of wrath had reached his sisters. Their bodies and mind twisted beyond recognition; his own siblings didn''t know him; they couldn''t even speak their own name.


    He returned to his village to bury his family, a testament to the lives lost to the cruelty of gods. Yet his story was unfinished; another temple came seeking tribute. The fury that had once driven him reignited.


    He led his horde with a renewed sense of purpose, decimating the intruders. The church was slaughtered, the god a new target of retribution.


    And so began a decades long crusade against the heavens. From mountain peaks to the sands of deserts, oceans deep and jungles thick. Every land touched by the divine was besieged, thousands perished; believers, priests, champions alike. All were food for his army and kindling for his fire.


    Before eventually...


    ***


    "Eventually what?" Eren asked impatiently. Baelor''s voice softened as he reached the end.


    "The tale ends there, lost to time. Many perspectives exist of the ending; some say he marched against heaven itself until no gods remained. Others, the ring claimed his mind, leaving not a trace of our protagonist. My personal favourite is that he withdrew himself, tired of death and destruction, his heart weary from losing so many. The last scene was the man surrounded by his loyal subjects, leaving them on a hilltop; continuing alone in search of solace, peace from the chaos he had wrought."


    "And this is all that remains?" Eren held the ring, examining every detail. The metal glowing faintly in azure light.

 Epilogue: Chapter 20.5

    A brisk morning breeze swept through the air; the sun hung lazily in the sky. Light streamed between towering buildings lining a desolate street.


    Detective Kenji Mori drove through the abandoned industrial park, the morning breeze flowing through the car windows. Boarded up warehouses flanking either side, their rusty frames worn with time. The burnt husk of a building appeared on the horizon, its scorched metal standing against the dull background. "Wake up Akiko, were here." Mori''s gruff voice echoed around the car.


    Akiko was passed out in the passenger seat, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, blinking rapidly to adjust her blurry vision.


    "Ugh." She mumbled jostling her messy blonde hair. "Look at you. Your hair''s a mess." The senior detective joked to his junior.


    Kenji Mori; a seasoned office of the Tokyo Police Force. A stocky build, broad shoulders. In his early forties now, grey starting to grow through the temples. Eyes sharp, alert yet warm. A strong jawline covered in a trimmed beard, connecting to his short sideburns. Despite his appearance, his personality was quite the opposite. A gentle giant of a man.


    Akiko Bennette or Aki; was a woman in her early thirties, descended from half-Japanese half-Scandinavian. Athletic in her physique and her stature. Her dirty-blonde hair was usually tied up, although now unkempt; the product of working 14 hours non-stop. Her face featured angular, bold eyebrows paired with hazel eyes.


    The pair stepped out of the car, entering the crime scene. Men and women dressed in hazmat gear and police uniforms patrolled the perimeter, collecting evidence, bagging any traces of biological material, taking photos of the carnage. "What happened here?" Mori asked aloud as they walked through the burnt husk.


    "Fire brigade got a call at around 2:30 AM. Looks like a one-sided gang war." A fellow policeman replied to Mori.


    "Most burned beyond recognition. A few decapitated or missing parts though, bit strange. Half killed with efficiency; the other half looks like some rabid animal went at it." The cop continued.


    "A criminal guild with a monster in its ranks - and not the usual kind. This is something else entirely." Mori spoke dryly to the cop.


    "This doesn''t look like a turf war; no known gang kills like this. Rumours of sex trafficking within the crimson bandits, this looks like twisted justice, an example for others." Akiko spoke with disdain


    "A vigilante? It''s been years since we''ve had one." Mori asked, questioning the validity of his partners claim.


    "Someone had a vendetta. These guys aren''t just murdered. They''re punished." Akiko pointed out to Mori. The experienced investigator thought it over carefully.


    Joining the crime scene; the pair scout out the gruesome scene. The air filled with lingering ashes; charcoaled bodies lay scattered everywhere; blackened flesh clinging to skeletal remains. Each one twisted and contorted, faces frozen in agony; mouths stretched unnaturally wide.


    "A video set... It wasn''t filming at the time, was it?" Aki questioned grimly, holding a melted camera tripod in her gloved hands.


    "No." A cop shook his head negatively. "However, we did find previous recordings... currently being processed." The hazmat cop spoke with a hint of trepidation, his expression dark.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Do I want to know?"


    "No." A curt response returned to Akiko.


    Whilst the cops processed the bodies and evidence; A white limo pulled into the industrial park. Pristine white, clean chrome. The driver stepped out, a young man that belonged in school rather than chauffeuring. An unlit cigarette dangled from his lips.


    "Oi Detectives!" He shouted.


    "Who are you?" Kenji questioned as he turned. "Someone wants a word with you." Holding the door for open. Out stood a distinguished gentleman.


    Clearly in his 50''s maybe 60''s. Notably handsome even with his age. Wearing a pristine three-piece suit. White jacket with a crimson button-up, topped with a black tie. Greying hair gelled back; eyes hidden behind large aviators. Carrying an ornate cane in his right hand, his left in a black glove.


    "Good morning detectives. My name is Reiji Kikuchi, CEO of the crimson bandits." A toothy smile adorned his face, displaying rows of perfect teeth. Both Akiko and Kenji looked dumbfounded at the presence of someone powerful arriving unannounced.


    "What''s a corporate guy like you doing here." Akiko stepped forward, meeting Kikuchi in stride.


    "I am here to offer assistance on behalf of my guild. We want justice served for these... individuals." Gesturing to the carnage around him.


    "Like hell you are. These men worked for you!" Akiko spat venomously, disgust etched across her face.


    "Oi! Keep that halfie mouth of your-"


    "Hiro, enough." Reiji calmed his subordinate with a wave of his hand. "That was insensitive of him detective, please accept my apologies." His gaze remained hidden behind the tinted sunglasses.


    A calm demeanour emanated from him, ignoring all hostility; standing straight-backed and relaxed. His aura radiating authority.


    "These men may have waved the flag of our noble Guild; however, they acted on their own terms, neither have we condoned nor endorse any actions they committed." The words sounded sincere; however, Akiko didn''t buy into his theatrics.


    "Did you just come here to distance yourself from these ''individuals''? Cause were busy trying to find whoever did this." Akiko''s patience wearing thin.


    "The bandits, have resources. Resources that could lead to answers you require." An innocent smile grew on the old man¡¯s face.


    "... And what does it cost?" Mori stepped in front of his junior.


    "Any developments, any information, and cooperation. Of course..." Kikuchi extended his arm for a handshake. Both parties knowing the ramifications of a deal like this.


    "Mr. Kikuchi, we appreciate the offer but we have procedures in place." Mori handed him his business card, instead of returning a handshake.


    "Of course, of course detective. Please consider it." Pocketing the card without much care.


    "We''ll be sure to contact you." Mori ended curtly. Akiko following his lead; "We hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for stopping by Mr. Kikuchi." Akiko flashed a fake smile at Kikuchi.


    Reiji seemed amused by the half-Japanese''s performance; offering them both a nod before retreating towards his vehicle. "Charming gentlemen." Kenji quipped. "Assholes like him belong behind bars." Akiko snapped in anger.


    "We''re supposed to remain objective and neutral, keep that temper of yours in check." Mori advised his younger colleague.


    "Whatever. His hiding something." She scoffed. "Probably, but our job isn''t to assume guilt it''s to discover truth." Patting her lightly on the back.


    Akiko walked off in a huff. Mori stared up into the morning sky.


    "Today is going to be a long day." He mused to himself.


    In the limo:


    "Sir, that''s another group that have sex trafficked under our noses..." Hiro reported, peering into the rear-view mirror. Reiji sat, rubbing his tired eyes under his glasses.


    "This is not I wanted for our guild... Keep your ear to the ground find any clue of who is responsible and bring them to me..." Reiji sighed heavily.


    "Understood sir." The car drove off into the rising sun.

 Chapter 21: The demon in the darkness

    ''Welcome to Highland Mall''


    A soft melodic tone hummed through the mall''s speakers. The highland mall; a gate that is like those found in America. A spider-web of interconnected stores, chains, and eateries, connected the web of escalators and elevators allowing easy transportation across the vast shopping complex. An overworld to the underworld.


    Yet this was a gate; and like most gates, darkness abodes. The once pristine white walls were fading to grey, plaster cracking and dirty. Smudged with years of age. Shop fronts abandoned; window displays empty or boarded up, the once bustling paths littered with debris and trash, lights barley illuminate anything pass a few meters.


    "Why are we here?" Asked a small Weasley member of the crimson bandits. "Because we have business to attend too." A larger man berated his junior.


    "What''s the matter? You scared of a rumour?" Another member laughed.


    "Fuck yeah. Everyone is beginning to disappear at night." The smaller man asked pleadingly.


    Four men stood ready:


    Their leader, a hulking brute; beside him, a weasel-faced man clutching a metal case, An older balding man and finally, a well-dressed gentleman. Every hair slicked back and gelled in place.


    All clad in the colours of their crimson guild.


    "Why are we here again?" Weasel whined; checking the hall for the hundredth time.


    "Because business don''t stop, demon or no demon." The well-dressed bandit sniped at him. "Hey..." "Yeah?" The weasel asked softly.


    "Why do you think people keep on disappearing? I know what rumours say but... Why?" Both the leader and well-dressed bandit looked at one another;


    "Probably pissed off the wrong guy. Sold his brother or sister or whatever..."


    "Either way, stop being so scared and hurry up, these guys should be in bed about now." The leader added.


    They continued to the dilapidated old food court. Desolate tables scattered over the wide-open space. All smothered in dust and broken glass. Old tins of food lay opened.


    "Up ahead, their waiting for us." The balding man pointed ahead to a group of individuals.


    Military cameo and tanned skin; like they have just arrived from war-torn jungles. A squad of military types armed to the teeth; sporting all manner of blades and guns, all eyeing the four like predators.


    Leading the armed group; a woman, tank top and long cameo pants, hair hidden by a cap, large hazel eyes peek from below. At ease within the calm of the empty.


    "Your late." She barked, her speech riddled with a heavy accent, South American maybe.


    "We apologies, we had to take extra precautions." The band all bowed in unison.


    "Bring out the goods already." Another bandit growled from behind her. Their guns twitching slightly.


    "Oi. No shooting, we don''t want what''s in here waking up." The women ordered sternly, her squad nodded in understanding and lowered their weapons slightly.


    The weasel squirmed at her words.


    "What''s here? No, no, no... Boss we need to get-"


    "Shut it..." The leader scolded his lackey. "Give me the case and we can be on our way-"


    The weasel stuttered out in fear, clutching his metal case harder. "Hand it over, now!" The well-dressed man snapped.


    "What''s the holdup? We have other places we need to be." The women questioned impatiently; she examined them under her sharp hazel eyes. "We are very for the inconvenience however there has been some unexplained disappearance that has our team members here rattled." The well-dressed man lowered his head slightly in an apologetic bow.


    "Yeah... The usual crew is gone. They sent cachorras today." Her hazel twinkle with curiosity.


    "?Por qu¨¦ est¨¢s tardando tanto?" (What''s taking so long?) One of the camo men question their leader.


    "Las japs ??tienen miedo a la oscuridad." (The Japs are scared of the dark.) Another added, all laughing to themselves.


    "Por all¨ª algo se movi¨®!" (Over there something moved!) One of the squads shouted, pointing his gun into the shadows.


    The bandits turned around like scared dogs. Fire emerging from their fists.


    "Where is it!?" The fat man roared, twisting his neck constantly.


    "Hahahahahaha, No asustes a nuestros amigos carmes¨ª, ?vale?" (Don''t scare our crimson friends, okay?) The female looked back at her underlings. A snicker from her curved mouth.


    "Quickly now bring it here." She demanded of the weasel.


    Reluctantly he handed the case over. Inside, golden chips stacked from wall to wall.


    "Muy bonita, s¨ª. ?Verdad chicos?" (Very beautiful, yes. Right guys?) All her men nodding greedily at their haul.


    "Bring them out." Her command was answered by rustling shadows; A group of people emerged from the dark behind the squad.


    Men and women of all ages, ranging from their 20''s to 50''s all had one common trait; scars, mutilations, and an eerie silence. Chained together, arm to arm, some linked by their throat to the man in front of him.


    Among them, children. Chained in place with their parents; some carrying younger ones to their arms. All bearing the same dull eyes, emptiness; no fear, no pain.


    "The product you ordered." She gestured her arms as if she is selling them a fancy new car.


    "Fresh as morning milk."


    As they walked the woman cut the group down the middle, stopping half the group in their tracks.


    "What are you doing? We ordered 12?" The bald man shouted at the camo clad woman.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Deal''s changed Carmes¨ª. Price is double for all of them." She smirked greedily at the bandits.


    "We had a deal!" The leader interjected, but before he could get any closer one of her squad members aimed a rifle at his head.


    "Take 6 or nothing at all."


    "Boss... something is better than nothing." The slicked back bandit whispered behind the leader.


    "Prices go up in our business Carmes¨ª. If you can''t afford the game, don''t play." The bandits exchanged glances, contemplating their situation. The shadows thickened behind them, choking out any form of light in the background.


    *Clang* *Clang* *Clang*


    The echoes rang, a shiver running through every spine. "Ellas trajeron apoyo!" (They brought back up!) One of the men shouted, pointing at something in the darkness.


    "He''s here, he''s here, he''s here!" Weasel screeched like a terrified monkey. The fat bandit clenched his fists hard. Flames building behind his gloves.


    "Idiots, the deal fails and you bring in reinforcements... pedazos de mierda." (You shitheads...) She began cursing under her breath at the Bandits.


    "Que nadie dispare sus armas. Los mataremos a la antigua usanza." (No one shoot. We will kill them old school.) Unsheathing her machete.


    *Clang* *Clang* *Clang*


    The metal boots drew closer, each criminal on edge; hearts beating out of their chests, senses strained, muscles twitching erratically. Their breaths shallower. A fight would erupt; the moment of truth fast approaching. All ready to fight, save for the weasel hunched over in cowardice


    From the darkness emerged six knights. Their black plate armour matching the shadows behind, azure eyes assessing the group of criminals.


    "What the fuck is that!?" The female shouted at the bandits.


    "There here for you! Not us!" The leader bandit shot back at her.


    "Est¨¢n aqu¨ª por los carmes¨ª. Correr-" (There here for the Crimson... Run-)


    *Schlick*


    The female is hoisted up into the air, a bone whip pierced the woman''s sternum, dropping her body like a puppet. A skull faced grim reaper had skewered the woman.


    His entire body wrapped in black fabric, tight against his skin. Every muscle in his arms and torso defined and outlined. Only his mask stared back, large black eyes of pure darkness staring out coldly, only azure dots in place of its pupils. He was surrounded by another 6 nights behind him; bringing the total to 12.


    "Segador." (Reaper) The male soldiers aim their guns at the night, only for their barrels to be sliced away, by the whip wielding skeletal monster before them.


    "Fucking kill it!" The fat bandit barked the order, instantly they hurled their fire at the knights. Blue flames surged forth, scorching hot inferno, turning the once black knights into golden and black effigies. They remained unaffected, moving into the fight with swords raised high. Metal blades sliced through skin effortlessly.


    The onslaught of soldiers overwhelmed the bandits; some managed to hold back the attack, countering with fire-powered punches. Fists ablaze they faced the monstrous 6.


    The whip primed once more, with a thrust the whip cut through the mid-sections of three bandits. Their bodies plummeted to the ground in agony.


    <3/12>


    Two knights flanked the left and right bandits, all while being defended by two other knights. They swung hard at their necks, slicing it cleanly off. Blood sprayed everywhere; corpses twitched wildly as nervous systems shutdown; jerking erratically before they too lay dead upon the floor.


    <4/12>


    "RUN!" The leader ordered seeing the losing battle unfold, trying to get the weasel to his feet. Before he too is stabbed through the back.


    <7/12>


    The last remainder of the squad, is cut down by the knights surrounding the reaper. Leaving crimson corpses littering the ground.


    <10/12>


    The reaper approached the captives. Speaking to the strongest looking one. Only they could lead them back. "Do you know the way back?" A low growl emitted from the depths of his mask.


    "S¨ª." (Yes.) The scarred man spoke but a single word.


    "Go." With one flick of his wrist, the chains are cut free; all taking off towards safety. Holding onto their children for dear life. Six knights an escort into the shadows.


    The weasel remained huddled on the ground. Out of fear more than a sense of smarts. The reaper lifted him by the neck, meeting his eyeline. "...Please...d-don''t k-kill-"


    "Do you wish to live?" Reaper interrupted with his same cold voice, still hoisted above the ground.


    "Yes...Please let me go, please-please-please." Pathetically begging like the rat, he was. The reaper released his grip.


    "Go, spread what you saw. The darkness is *MINE*."


    Weasel scampered away like a rat. Noises and squeaks filling the mall''s hall.


    The knights began to pile the bodies upon each other; atop one another like cordwood. Forming two separate piles. First, the white robed corpses. Then the Crimson members. Until all that remains, is a mess of blood and viscera. All except the female leader, barley clinging to life.


    "Puta...madre." (Fuck...ing.) The woman had to use all her strength just to keep her wounds closed.


    "No, me asustas, diablo." (You don''t scare me, Devil.) Her voice seething with defiance.


    The reaper stood at the piles, opening his hand. Tendrils burst forth, wrapping themselves around the corpses of the fallen. Black abyss, reducing in size until eventually the piles disappeared. Leaving nothing but pooled crimson on the yellowed floor.


    "La se?ora muerte me recibe con los brazos abiertos." (The lady death welcomes me with open arms.) The woman continued her brave display in the face of death. The masked skull offered no words. Walking towards his quarry; stopping short and instead picking up one of the assault rifles and firing into the roof.


    *RATATATATATATATATA*


    *Groan* *Bang* *Groan* *Bang**Groan* *Bang* *Groan*


    The mall seemed to come alive at the ringing gunshots, its echo seemed to piss off the entire realm.


    "Cobarde, acaba conmigo t¨² mismo." (Coward, finish me off yourself.) The woman cried, blood gurgling in her mouth as she cursed the reaper. He discarded his gun before turning back to the shadows.


    "There are things worse than death." He uttered coldly.


    *Groan* *Bang* *Groan* *Bang* *Groan* *Bang* *Groan*


    It drew closer, gnashing and grumbling from every direction; A chorus of inhuman screams rang forth, loud piercing.


    "Ven aca, acaba conmigo." (Come on, finish it with me.) The woman wept as the nightmare approached her. Reaper vanished into the shadows along with his army.


    Replaced in an instant by monsters; humanoid in appearance, yet lacking eyes or a nose just an elongated mouth that stretched along its face, like a razor. Every individual hand barbed with shards of flesh. Malformed, mutated abominations of mankind. Wearing uniforms that would have belonged to the workers of the storefronts they emerge from.


    "Cobarde ... Asqueroso cobarde." (Coward, fucking coward.) She shouted from the floor, desperately trying to crawl to safety. The crowd surrounded her. Groaning, licking, and feasting; enveloping her in a mass of bodies.


    "No...


    "No!"


    "NOOOOOOOOO..."


    <hr>


    The reaper exited the amber gate. His knights vanished and he is all alone. The masked man lowered his hood; removing the skull that haunted the shadows. Once the reaper is gone, Eren is restored.


    "That''s enough death for today." Eren lifted his phone from his pocket, its face light up. 2:45 PM in the afternoon.


    The gate stood in an abandoned factory in the middle of nowhere yet still close to his home.


    "I need to get home. Emi will be expecting me to have prepared her afternoon tea." Eren muttered as he looked around. It had only been two months since his return; yet the world felt so small to Eren. The bandits keep their operations going, at least they were too scared to go out at night.


    With his tasks for today done, Eren left for home. Skulking through shadows; keeping out of sight of all. No wanting to even hint at who could be in the shadows.


    Waiting for him there, his sister Emi. Pouting at him with her cute puffy cheeks.


    "You''re late." Emi folded her arms waiting at the door for Eren to return. Eren let out a deep sigh.


    He stood at his front door, facing down his annoyed sister.


    "Sorry Emi, traffic." She searched his body, looking for the barest trace of food. "Where is it?" "Where''s what?" Eren said as innocently as he could.


    "The food you were going to bake?"


    "You mean... This food?" From behind his back Eren produced a batch of freshly bought doughnuts. Emi''s eyes light up at the sight of the confectionery.


    She bounced around the door like a rabbit, clearly trying her best to hide her excitement.


    "Afternoon tea will be ready shortly." Eren stood at the door groaning slightly; happy in these mundane moments, but the weight of his actions all ways with him.

 Chapter 22: Under a crimson moon

    A cool morning breeze swept through the quiet blinds, gently swaying the curtains to and fro. Eren''s bedroom remained silent, tranquil; if only for a moment.


    *Thud* *Thud* *Thud*


    A small set of fists rattled against Eren''s bedroom door, screeching for his attention. "EREN! BREAKFAST IS READY!" The sound of feet thumped along the floorboards, reverberating off the walls. Emi scampered back to the kitchen for her meal.


    Eren threw himself from his warm bed, jolted out of his precious slumber. "Coming..." Eren muttered begrudgingly, fixing his ruffled white hair.


    ''Am I ever getting used to my new look?'' He stood before the mirror, white hair stark against his pale skin. The stranger staring back wore his face but not his memories. The white hair, the cold eyes¡ªwere they his? Or did they belong to the Reaper in the reflection?


    Emi and Mr. Heart were wolfing down their morning meal by the time Eren sat at the table.


    "Good morning son." Mr. Heart spoke between chews, although still not able to look him in the eye. Still working for the bandits, still a spineless coward, it was difficult for Eren to respect such a man.


    "Quickly Emi we''re both going to be late." His father continued stuffing his face with eggs and toast.


    Emi finished her breakfast leaving nothing on her plate. "Bye." She muttered softly, collecting her bag, and waving goodbye as she left the house. Mr. Heart followed his daughter, exiting with Emi to their car. As they leave, the house falls back into the uneasy quiet. A mood Eren had grown accustomed to; silence was a staple of his new life.


    ''I guess I could start my meditation...'' Eren thought quietly to himself. Meditation had become a daily routine. Under advice from his elven acquaintance to take time and practice calming his mind, quelling the whispers of the ring that gnawed within the recesses of his psyche.


    It helped somewhat. Clearing his thoughts made it easier to stave off the memories and intrusive voices that manifested around his darkest moments. Yet still the urge remained; a hunger he refused to sate; that urged Eren to feed it more.


    Under the morning breeze he relaxed on the carpet floor, closing his eyes; slowing his breath and rhythmic beating of his heart. Clearing his thoughts... of everything.


    Just allowing himself to breath; feel the slow expansion of his lungs, the warmth of sunlight beating upon his skin, the breeze that touched the tips of his hair. The meditative state aided Eren in keeping himself centred, controlled. In the days passed, the world seemed different. Sights, smells, taste, sound. All becoming-


    *Knock* *Knock*


    ''Fuck...''


    Eren already knew what it would be. A certain pesky brown-haired boy; on all fours head buried deep into the door crack.


    Ever since Jun saw Eren''s battle prowess; after saving him, he wanted to be his student, he desperately wanted to be taken under his tutorage. Every day, sometimes twice, or trebly.


    "Please teach me your ways!" Jun repeated for the umpteenth time.


    "Go away. I''m trying to meditate here." Eren waved him away dismissively. "Please teach me today, even for ten minutes... No, 5. Pleaseeee?" His hands together.


    Jun Jiao; his personal pain in the neck; A young man who won''t take a hint; who pesters Eren at almost every opportunity.


    "I don''t take on apprentices or disciples." Eren chided sharply. "While I''m under your wing I''ll ensure that the crimson bandits stay away."


    "But I don''t need them to stay away. I am far above them at this point..." Eren replied coldly, crossing his arms defensively.


    "If you really want to impress me... bring me something special. Like food, something that well help clear my mind." Eren turned his back after the offhand remark, although it would become so much more.


    "Food! Yes, I can bring you food. Tomorrow... I¡¯ll bring some tomorrow." Getting to his feet, Jun dashed down the hall. Before reaching the stairs and turning back,


    "I won''t disappoint master. I promise to return with the tastiest food tomorrow."


    "Wait, no I didn''t mean-" Jun vanished down the stairwell without another word, before Eren could finish his explanation.


    ''It better be something good...'' He thought bitterly, already wishing he had kept his mouth shut.


    Back to the centre of the living room, Eren sits cross legged. Eyes closed, focusing on his body; limbs, breathing, skin, ears, scent. All the senses were focused inward, inward toward the mana that flows through Eren. Like a steady stream, water beating along a rocky bottom, tracing it along to its source.


    *Clang**Clang* *Clang*


    Four of his knights stood before him, staring down at him as he mediated. Yet they do not say a word.


    "What?" Eren growled lowly at them. The knights unmoving, nothing but the gaze of their helmets stared back.


    "I gave you your jobs, the kitchen needs a good clean." Eren said to his subordinates. Nodding, three move to the kitchen, brushes, and clothes in hand. Not only are they sufficient for combat, they''re also fantastic helpers at menial tasks such as cleaning.


    The last knight remained; a different task in mind. "Yes?" Eren answered the silent question.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    *Pointing to the computer that sat in corner of the room*


    "Have you completed your portion?" Eren quizzed the knight. Answered by a slow nod. Eren had tasked this knight with researching key events he had missed out on during the decade gone. Anything that happened, key events, sports, major individuals, the list went on. All so that he could seem normal during conversations.


    "You have your list. Keep going." Eren commanded.


    The knight nodded, although it was waiting for something else.


    "Well done... You have done well." Eren congratulated the knight awkwardly, this time the knight gave itself a little fist pump. Before returning to the computer desk.


    In exchange for unwavering loyalty and servitude, Eren had only to give positive affirmations. Operating on a childlike level of emotional development. Complementing them where needed; reprimanding if their behaviour starts to impact his life negatively.


    Typing away with the fine motor skills of a toddler or an old man. Whichever way you prefer.


    At last, he returned to his meditation. Like an ocean wave, flowing back and forth, washing away all his troubles. Its soft continuous movement lulled him away. Away from the whispers, the dark intrusive thoughts. It kept Eren centred to all of those that had passed.


    *Ding* *Dong*


    *Sigh*


    ''For fuck¡¯s sake.'' Eren grumbled internally. Opening his eyes once more, Retuning to reality. At the door stood a delivery, a mountain of boxes sat upon his door stop.


    "Good morning, sir, delivery for Emi Heart." The delivery guy chimed.


    "Sure." Eren took the note, signed, and waved away the man. Dragging the boxes inside.


    ''How much does this girl buy...'' Eren thought incredulously, placing them inside. Some items came in smaller more rigid cases, some larger boxes, others stuffed inside odd packages.


    "Excuse me sir. We noticed that you haven''t signed up for our premium service, I can set that up for you now-"


    "No need." Eren cut the delivery guy off curtly. Closing the door.


    Instead, the man''s foot wedged his foot into the frame.


    "Wait, sir, it will really benefit you!" The man continued undeterred.


    "Nope. I''m good." Eren shoved the door, pressing against the man''s foot harder. The man spoke once more through the thin gap


    "If you change your mind sir-"


    "Piss off." Eren slapped him with the door; finally releasing the man''s foot.


    Back to his meditation. An ocean wave flowing back and forth washing over him. Soft currents-


    *Knock* *Knock * *Knock *


    "Oh, for fucks sake." Eren stormed his way back to the door.


    "I told you to piss off..." Throwing his door open. Two individuals stood on the other side, no sight of the pushy delivery guy from earlier.


    One man. One woman.


    Both with sharp facial features, dressed in formal work attire. Suits and ties all rounded off with two police badges hung from their necks.


    "Excuse me? Piss off?" The young woman chided sternly.


    "...Sorry I thought you were someone else..." Eren quickly recomposed himself, although not without suspicion.


    The pair showed their badges: Mori Kenji and Akiko Bennett.


    "May we come in?" Mori gestured to the inside of the house.


    "No." responded promptly, remembering his knights that occupied the interior and the fact they interrupted his meditation.


    "Why not?" Mori enquired with raised eyebrows.


    "You don¡¯t need to come in. Say what you want out here." Eren put bluntly.


    "Very well, we are investigating the death of Eric Morgan as well as the subsequent massacre of the crimson bandits."


    "Aren''t you a bit late to the party? That happened two months ago." Eren retorted. The officers exchanged glances briefly.


    "Well, we are currently following a new lead. You knew Mr. Morgan, correct?"


    "No." Eren said tersely. Both cops exchanged glances, they knew something;


    "...Mr. Heart, I presume? We know Eric visited this residence on the day of the event. Would you like to try again?" Eren stayed quiet. Assessing the detectives.


    "You asked if I knew him. Not if he stopped by." Eren responded defiantly. Akiko eyed him cautiously.


    "You should watch that mouth of yours. Now answer the question you-" Mori stopped her mid-sentence.


    "I apologies for my partners temperament."


    "So, was he an acquaintance?" His face scrunched slightly as he recalled Eric.


    "No. Why don''t you go and ask the shadow people who ripped him up."


    Mori stopped writing in his book, staring at Eren.


    "We never mentioned that Mr. Morgan was ripped apart or anything about ¡®shadow people.¡¯"


    ''Shit.'' Eren slipped up.


    Taking a few internal breaths, he added. "Everyone in the ward has heard about the murder. People saying he was ripped into chunks; kids are still finding bits of him all over the streets..."


    The air between the trio grew denser. No one was convinced. "Now if you will excuse me, I have-" Akiko palmed to door hard, keeping it wide open.


    "Just one more thing for you." Akiko pulled a business card from her breast pocket.


    "Please if you have any further information. Call us." A silver police badge symbol sat centre of the white card.


    "Okay." Eren reached for the card. However, his instincts; the ones that warn him of danger, that whispered to him, tells him of danger.


    It screamed out, screaming at him to ignore the card. A brief glance between both detectives, Eren saw menace in their eyes. If even for a moment; no less than a second.


    "Leave it in the mail box." Finally closing the door. The detectives lingered outside Eren''s door; both shocked.


    "How did he know...?" Mori whispered, scratching the back of his head. Akiko slid the card into the mail slot.


    "I don''t know. Something is up with this guy. Not many know that I have psychometry." Akiko replied just as quietly.


    "At least we have something now... A different approach may be needed here. Let''s regroup." Mori called an end to their visit to the Heart''s residence.


    Eren leant against the door; listening intently. To footsteps making their way away from his home. Once they fade into the distance he exhaled, a breath he hadn''t realised he was holding in. That was too close for comfort.


    ''I have the cops to worry about now...'' Eren lamented quietly. But alas, once more he was alone.


    An ocean, the sun rising steadily-


    *Clang* *Clang* *Clang*


    Knights stood at attention before him; motioning towards the kitchen, a shining beacon of cleanliness. Spotless stainless steel oven tops, the shine from the polished chrome is so bright he can see the ceiling in the reflection. Gleaming back at him, immaculate to the high heaven''s above.


    His knights would make fine housekeepers.


    At the very least he could rely on their loyalty to his cause. But like all dogs they would need feeding, "Good work." The knights all began to hi-five one another. Much to the annoyance of their creator.


    Who remained too annoyed to meditate for the rest of the day.

 Chapter 23: Under a crimson moon - The sword in the stone

    *Knock* *Knock * *Knock*


    Eren ignored it.


    *Knock* *Knock * *Knock*


    In fact, all he was doing was prolonging the inevitable. "You''re still doing this?" Eren finally opened the door, revealing Jun beaming down at him.


    "Good morning master." Jun handed over a box. "Here is your promised gift."


    In his hand Eren held a medium sized box, heavy, well packed, within lay bars of packaged food. Labelled with a girl, an idol that Eren didn''t recognize nor did he care for.


    "What is this?" Eren asked with annoyance; marketing thoroughly ruined any appeal he had for these bars.


    "These are gate bars, for when you¡¯re in a gate and you need that extra kick. Made by the greatest healing class ranker in the world." Jun declared to his master with pride.


    "Hmm..."


    Picking up the bar, unwrapped, a green gelatinous bar was laid in the palm of his hand.


    "Filled with those important vitamins and minerals, one of these bad boys can feed you for a whole day." Eren eyed it suspiciously, taking a precautionary nibble of the green gelatine. It hit him, not the taste, but a wave of vitality surging through him, running from the top of his head to his toes. A minuscule amount of life essence found in the confectionary.


    "Mmmph..."


    "Hmm."


    A gulp later. The energy trickled off, reducing back to normal levels.


    "For a day you say?" Eren proceeded to eat the bar down to the wrapper.


    ''Now I see why it¡¯s so popular with gate clearers.¡¯ Eren thought, thoroughly surprised by his new energy boost. Jun''s puppy dog eyes plead for approval. Eren sighed, admitting defeat to the boy''s perseverance.


    "It''s good I admit. Where did you get this?" Jun immediately brightened up, nodding happily.


    "Their supplied everywhere. However, I get them cheap cause of my military discount." Eren eyed him quizzically; inspecting the man for any outward signs of being military personnel.


    "Military brat aye. What you do to get caught in that mess."


    Jun rubbed his hands together nervously "Ehhh... Hehe. Well, I got conscripted, new government policy. It kept all the youths with powers in check I guess..." Jun spoke awkwardly, clearly not at peace with the military service.


    An unpleasant silence ensued. "...One gate." Eren uttered softly.


    "Yes... One gate? Where master?" Jun asked happily; both relief and gratitude radiating from his face.


    "Any gate with low rank. Get in get out Anything but a crimson bandit owned gate." Eren said bluntly.


    "Anything for you, master."


    Jun came prepared, he had several gates ready to go. None the crimson bandit owned ones. Much to Eren''s pleasure.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    <hr>


    This time Eren and Jun took the train. Out of their overrun station. Off to the nicer areas of town, only needing to travel for a couple of stops. Disembarking a far quieter and clean platform, now within the larger suburbs of the nearby ward.


    The early morning sun washed through the roof lights; the sun and air here felt much cleaner than that of the wasteland Eren now called home. "Sooo... Where to? We got plenty of blue gates to choose from." Jun queried hopefully.


    A plethora of choices; by Eren''s judgement, each of them looking the same. At random Eren picked a blue gate.


    ---


    Gate Info:


    Name: Jungles of Saryn.


    Opening Time: Once a month for 5 days


    Danger Level: D+++++ (High Ranker Zone)


    Owners: Byakko insurance


    Last clear date: 1 month ago


    Rewards: Gold, Jewellery, weapons, materials


    Gate closing time: 01: 16: 19: 55


    ---


    ''Who the fuck is Saryn.'' Eren thought to himself


    "Master this way!" Jun skipped happily down the road, completely giddy and excited to train under Eren''s guidance.


    Thankfully the destination is just down the road from the train station. A small blue gate swirling in a small park. Few pedestrians were around, the ones there choosing to give a wide berth.


    However, a small squad of men all shirtless, surround the gate. Synchronized push ups accompanied by a man acting as a platoon leader. Shouting with military-esque vigour.


    Upon closer inspection they all appear to be wearing dog ears and tails. Red, white, black, every colour of dog, is imitated on one of them.


    "What on earth is that?" Eren pointed toward the group. Jun replied after shaking his head at their weird behaviour.


    "An animal guild... I''m not sure if it¡¯s a furry fetish or some sort of theme the leader decided. Or both."


    "I don''t feel like dealing with these lunatics. Let''s try again tomorrow." As Eren began to walk off, the leader spotted them. Bounding towards them at record speed. A giant of a man, standing at roughly 6''7ft, muscles bulging and rippling like water, each bicep and pec of muscle seemed to call out. His legs are thicker than most of Eren''s torso and his arms are equally as large. His dark brown hair is cropped short. His steely silver eyes examine Jun and Eren.


    "You, my brother are looking at the man...The beast himself. Tarou Koga, alpha of the ''The Silver fangs''!" The man posed, showing off all his muscles and veins along his arm. It made for a terrible first impression as Eren continued to walk away.


    "Do not be intimidated by the Alpha of the Silver Fangs... Let us hunt together brother!"


    Eren stared at the display that is Tarou and the ''Silver Fangs.''


    "Who?" Eren spoke ignorantly.


    "Oh ho, ho, you''ve never heard of the silver fangs?" Eren eyed the shirtless beast of a man with confusion.


    "The Silver Fangs are legendary; our quests are renowned, known and coveted the world over!" The master spoke in a raised, proud voice. Like he was giving some patriotic speech.


    "We are the silver fang!" Tarou roared, with another striking pose. This time his guild mates joined with equally flamboyant poses. Sponsored by Byakko insurance." He added in a rushed whisper, the corporate tagline oddly deflating his theatrical display.


    Jun''s starry-eyed expression really seemed to invigorate their continued posing. "You guys look so cool." Tarou patted Jun on his shoulder in comradery.


    "Now to what do we owe the pleasure of young aspiring hunters." Tarou waved off his subordinates who resumed their gate prep activities.


    "You are clearly new hunters. Want to join our mighty guild? Or are you just stopping by."


    "We would like to clear this gate." Eren requested blankly.


    "Ah, I understand completely... we will escort you through the gate-"


    "Wait, no we don''t-"


    ¡°Silver fangs. We have a new mission, protect these two fine rankers." Tarou finished over the top of Eren, pumping his arms above his head and the guild rushed to him, beating their chests. They howl with ferocity towards the sky, "AROOO!"


    With no other command. The pack sprinted into the portal. Tarou leading from the front.


    Eren rubbed his temples, perhaps he should have stayed within crimson bandit territory. It was clear the ''silver fangs'' were whack jobs; Eren was very certain at this point.


    Jun followed their pack fervour with puppylike eyes, practically begging him with his soul.


    "I wanna train... Are we going?" He asked hopefully. Eren begrudgingly nodded.


    ''Let''s just get this over with quickly...'' Eren entered the gate, Jun happily hopped along.

 Chapter 24: Under a crimson moon - The sword in the stone (2)

    The immediate rush of humidity hit them like a truck. Sweat started to instantly form on the back of Eren''s neck, as if all his perspiration has been turned to max. The air suffocating the duo.


    Thankfully Eren wore his tank top so that his skin could breathe a little. However, Jun foolishly wore long black sleeves and jeans, soaking in his sweat.


    "Damn, this is fucking hot." Eren swore, adjusting his tank top.


    Tall trees surround them, blocking out most of the overhead light. Vines and moss cling to everything, covering up every surface. The ground beneath them is covered in thick roots and leaves, making walking a treacherous task. What is most notable though is the intense and vibrant colour palette of greens and browns, blues, and purples. Colours that were alien to Eren.


    With this wonder there are also creatures hidden everywhere. Insects of many varieties crawling everywhere. Birds chirping from their perches above and every so often, you see glimpses of even stranger fauna roaming in the jungle foliage.


    "Wow, this is beautiful." Jun exclaimed, surveying the jungle''s diverse and strange beauty.


    "Let''s get this over quickly; Tarou gives me a headache. I prefer to- Aw no." Said man stood proudly before the duo.


    "Never fear my friend, Tarou and the silver fangs shall be here to keep you safe." Tarou struck another pose, flexing his arms well above his head.


    Jun clapped once again, whilst Eren got a drop of his sweat in his mouth.


    "My friends, it has dawned on us we don''t know your names." The leader asked, clenching his fist.


    "I''m Jun. Jun Jiao"


    "Jun Jiao... your name rings true in your heart... Brave young Jun." Tarou roared with the boisterous laughter of a brave heart.


    "And this is my sensei, Eren Heart." Jun revealed proudly to the muscular man.


    "Eren... That rings true... A very noble name, a very honourable name for a fearless warrior."


    ''What''s this guy¡¯s problem?'' Eren thought. The guy''s overacting is not endearing him to Eren any more than a wailing dog is to its owners¡¯ neighbours.


    "We look forward to hunting alongside you." Jun bowed thankfully, causing Tarou to place a big meaty hand on his shoulder.


    "The pleasure is ours my young friend."


    "Sir, I''ve got the scent." One of the silver fangs called out; on all fours, nose to the ground sniffing it, ears twitching with every noise the jungle provided. A group of 5 crowded around Tarou.


    "Well done crazy dog, lead us to our prey." This hunter known as crazy dog, the only member in the guild wearing a shirt, one with a graphic of a chibi dragon with the words "Master of the realm"


    Crazy dog proceeded to lead the way into the jungle; Tarou and his crew followed; dashing in and out of trees and bushes, hunting; whilst Eren and Jun followed slowly behind.


    "Let''s go Eren." Jun ran forth to keep up with the party. Meanwhile Eren sighed, the temptation to go back through the portal and end it all there is growing by the second.


    ''I did promise to train Jun.'' Eren chased after him. Using his parkouring skills to bounce off the tree trunks to catch up quickly.


    Every so often they had to pause because Jun stumbles over the treacherous, roots. Helping him up; they chase after the rapidly accelerating, over eager guild.


    The sticky wet and humid jungle wasn''t exactly Eren''s favourite place to be. Poor Jun was in so much discomfort and is doing everything he can to stop himself from falling. Every step just made him struggle even more. And of course, because of this, they find themselves far behind the others who were quick in this jungle.


    After what seemed like hours, Eren is beginning to struggle to keep up with them. The lack of hydration is catching up to him. Their legs and lungs burning. Luckily, they soon arrive at a massive temple. Like that of Aztec origin. Tall walls and pyramids covered in overgrowth.


    "We''re... finally...here." Jun gasps between breaths. Eren doesn''t reply, choosing instead to focus on recovering.


    "I... need... water..." Jun fell to his knees.


    Finally catching up, Tarou and the silver fang look back over at them. "Brothers, we are exhausted after this treacherous trek. Water!" Tarou flexed. Causing the entire guild to do the same, they waited, poised in their poses.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    A couple of healthy gulps later the party is refreshed. "Well done silver fangs, they remain moistened." He proclaimed proudly. Once recovered Eren surveyed the ruin; crumbling ruins lay about. Overgrown, covered in vines. Pillars lay toppled.


    "First, we scout; seek and report anything you find." Tarou ordered. His hunters stood at attention saluted in unison.


    "ARROOO!" All split off into five different directions.


    <hr>


    A silence loomed over the temple, nothing stirred in the humid air. Eren and Jun both took their time to appreciate the peace. Eren sat on the crumbling ruin. Throwing debris at his student.


    "Foot forward Jun, if someone tries to attack you at your side, you''d be rooted like a tree." Throwing more rubble at the younger hunter. Dodging both in succession.


    "Better, again." The session continued.


    Tarou sat nearby, instructing Jun as well between the stones.


    "Good Jun. Feet shoulder width apart... That''s it, good Jun! Head down on the dodge."If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    "Boss!" A pack member returned


    "What''d you find?" Tarou asked.


    "The central chamber, guarded by the boss, no sightings of treasure though. It¡¯s warded off by more stone men." Tarou looked off pensively into the temple, hands on his hips.


    "Very good Ken-boy. Alright Eren, Jun. It¡¯s time to move."


    The clash of stone against claw echoed through ancient halls.


    The pack are engaged in battle with stone soldiers wielding spears and shields. Carved with impersonations of animal human hybrids.


    "It''s time we show these boys how we fight."


    "Right!" They roared under Tarou''s orders, and immediately, they begin to transform. Their muscles expand exponentially, fur growing over their bodies and their faces turning into snouts. Teeth turning to fangs and their nails turning into claws. They transform into wolf hybrids. They roared ferociously, charging into battle, tearing through stone sentinels.


    A brutal sight, but a quick fight. Stone sentinels falling by the hands of the silver fangs, roaring as they rip apart the army before them.


    Eren and Jun proceed through the ruined battle field and corridor, past the massive rows of destroyed statues. Each row taller than the last, looming overhead.


    Arriving in a large chamber, vines roll through the walls, enveloping everything inside it, there in the middle of the room a sword stuck in a stone. Vines a vice grip around the handle and stone.


    Eren stood before the pedestal, grasping it by its hilt. It won''t budge; clamping down harder. Still no movement, no change from the blade.


    "Looks like you need an alpha." Tarou''s shadowed fell over Eren and the sword.


    Joining Eren, Tarou grasped the hilt with his paws, veins popping out as his muscles flex.


    "Get ready to pull when I say." The wolf snarled.


    "Ok." "Three...two...one...PULL!" The wolf and Eren both pulled with all their might. Yet it remained, forever a statue for the jungle.


    "NOO! If the Alpha cannot do it. No one can..." Tarou sank to his knees dramatically, hand against his chest like he was about to rip out his heart. The rest of his party ran in the hall and knelt behind their alpha, clutching their chest as well in grief.


    ''I should have kept the door shut and just meditated.''


    Jun grasped the hilt and pulled gently, like he was opening a car door. The vines crumbled down, freeing the blade, revealing a stunning ornate blade with symbols and words in a different language covering the blade.


    Jun, utterly shocked at the draw, stared at the blade and then Eren and Tarou in awe.


    "Aww yes!" Tarou and the silver fangs roar, arms raised.


    "Well done, Jun." Eren complemented softly, although he too was not expecting it either. The whole guild surrounded Jun; giving him pats on the back.


    "How did you do that?" Eren enquired curiously.


    "I don''t know, I just reached out... And when I grabbed it, the blade suddenly seemed to get hot and tingly, so I gently pulled it."


    A rumbling broke the group from their celebration; statues that hid in the corners of the room began to move.


    The first giant statue stood at over 15 ft tall shaped like a lion, a large axe in its hand. Its body is covered in moss and ivy, and its features worn away with time. The second giant statue; shaped like a bull and had a large hammer in its hand. It too had been equally touched by time. The sound of metal on stone echoes through the room.


    "The Bosses! Arooooo!" The silver fangs roar at the new challenges.


    They charge forward in their animal forms, hitting them in unison. Hitting it over and over. However, their sharpened claws do nothing to their stone forms. Instead, just scuffing them. The silver fangs tried another tactic; climbing their forms. However, they too, failed. Slapped down, each time they reached the head of the beasts.


    The statues are agile despite their size; twirling and weaving their weapons. No matter how many times they attempted to strike, they failed to bring any significant damage.


    Jun eyed Eren, pleading for guidance. Eren could have intervened but what would he learn. Before Eren could respond the sword in Jun''s hand began to vibrate rapidly.


    *Vzzzt* *Vzzzt* *Vzzzt*


    "What on earth?!" The sword flew out of his hands, floating mid-air. The rusty sword begins to glow as runes and symbols pulse with an ethereal blue light. Blinding all within the chamber.


    The light fades revealing a reforged sword, gleaming with a new brilliance. The sword hovered in the air before instantly swinging by itself, flying towards the lion. It connected with a loud thunderclap that rocked the temple. In a matter of seconds, the lion statue was demolished. In addition to its destruction, the statue was also reduced to dust.


    The bull quickly fell too in the same way.


    "Brothers, we have slain the boss." The guild let out an earthshaking howl.


    "Well done Jun. You have a new weapon now." Eren turned his attention to the sword as it floated to Jun''s open palm.


    Tarou sniffed the sword. "Eh, a magic sword, ancient... one of great power... what do you think Jun?"


    "It''s...Speaking to me...It... It can''t remember its name. He wishes to help me..." Jun responded quizzically; holding the blade.


    "A name. A new quest fangs." Tarou once more, struck a new pose. His muscular form casting a shadow over Eren.


    "Death." Crazy dog proposed.


    "Killer." One called out, ''Nero'' On a necklace.


    "Behemoth slayer." Said a silver Fang, bearing the necklace ¡®Oni¡¯


    "Death sword." Ken boy proposed.


    "Executioner of the ancient ones." Tarou flexed once more.


    "Those are some 8th grader level names." Eren expressed, non-pulsed.


    They brainstormed many more names like Slicer, Heartbreaker, King killer and others. However, Jun and Tarou settled on one name.


    "Seraph." Jun gently stroked the sword, its blade quietly hummed along Jun''s finger tips. It chirped with a metallic voice, sharp and scratchy yet pleasant.


    "Wolves, our spoils await us." The silver fangs cheer loudly, praising their leader. Exploring the chamber, looking for their loot.


    "Eren, did you want to get anything." Jun asked his mentor.


    "Oh, didn''t I cover our assistance fee?" Tarou placed a hand on Eren''s shoulder.


    "75% of all spoils. But, because I like you brother, I''ll let you take the sword and we keep everything else. Deal?"


    "Wait-"


    "Deal." Tarou Continued


    Eren was too annoyed by their gimmick to care, deciding to leave then and there. Jun happily followed behind him, leaving behind the noisy silver fangs.


    Making their way back through the ruins and forest was relatively straightforward, even with Jun having to stop occasionally to catch his breath; the experience still proved enjoyable enough despite having endured Tarou.


    "Wait!" Tarou chased after them; tossing a scabbard towards Jun. "Your blade will need its sheath. Here you go. And if you want to join up with the Silver Fangs, here. Flicking a card at Eren. One side; Contact info, location, and application; the other a silver Fang. "Ahhh." Eren yelped at the card. The silver fangs all naked, posing in their signature one. One final blow, at the expense of Eren''s patience. "Contact us and we''ll be there, friends." Tarou flexed, much to Eren''s chagrin, exiting the gate.


    <hr>


    Now outside; the only thing Eren wanted was a cold shower. Too get rid of the sticky humidity that built up around his skin.


    "So, what do you think?" Jun asks holding Seraph out in front of him.


    "Good job." Eren praised him. As a first-time teacher he didn''t do so bad. Jun as a first time-student smashed it.


    "Take a break Jun, I''ll come get you when I think we should-"


    "Does that mean you will take me again"


    "On probation, if you keep practicing and learning." Jun seemed to shine in joy when Eren announced he would train him.


    "Actually, could I ask you a favour? You don''t have to say yes but..." Jun asked with a flushed face, hands held together, pressing his palms into each other.


    "Can you... Meet my sister, please?" Jun mumbled towards the end. The pleading looks in Jun''s eyes caused Eren to once again give in to his puppy-like desires.

 Chapter 25: Under a crimson moon - The ones we love

    "Just here." Eren had been following Jun for some time now; away from the other end of the station that Eren always seemed to travel from. Behind a row of storefronts, down a tight alley that could suffocate you. Neon lights flickered, pointing them into a metal door. Jun pushed the door open.


    A wash of indigo and violet light washed over them. A club; although empty for the time being. Tables and leather booths lined the room; a bar top stocked full of various liquors.


    "Your sister works here?"


    "Yeah, works and owns the place too." Jun took a seat at the closest table surveying around the club; waiting patiently. Whilst Eren inspected a picture frame; capturing all the staff; each scantily clad women of all shapes and sizes posed lewdly.


    ¡°Jun... what kind of bar is this-"


    Eren turned to see a woman bound towards Jun, barley a skirt to cover her lower half and two straps of little clothes to cover her nipples. Black hair tied up into a side ponytail. Large hazel brown eyes and the most eye-catching part her immense bust which bobbed with each step closer.


    Poor Eren didn''t know where to look, eyes darting from her bust to the indigo walls.


    "Who''s this handsome guy Jun?" The woman took a seat next to Eren.


    "Ahhh..." He tried to not stare, suddenly preoccupied with the picture frame, feeling his face redden. Her attire wasn''t doing him any favours.


    "This is Eren, my master."


    "Master? Oooo." She inspected Eren further leaning forward, cleavage once again pulling Eren''s gaze.


    "Quite the introduction, my name is Mei Jiao, it is very nice to meet you Eren." Mei stuck out her hand; Eren reluctantly grasped it, avoiding eye contact.


    "Nice to meet you too."


    "Anyway sis. Master Eren took me on my first gate today!" Mei smiled at him fondly.


    "Oh? Did you clear it?" Mei gave him an inquiring look.


    "Yeah!" Jun drew forth Seraph causing his sister to clap excitedly.


    "My, my... Very impressive Jun." She kissed him on the cheek; as Jun smiles giddily at the praise.


    A day of being surrounded by buff, shirtless men flexing to every little thing had taken a toll on Eren''s patience; however, upon seeing the sister''s skinship it threw him completely out of his comfort zone once more.


    "What is this place?" Eren recovered from his flustered state. Mei smiled softly at him.


    "This is my establishment... ''Club Eden'' A gentlemen''s club for all your personal desires. We cater to ''all'' your needs here."


    "And you run the place?" Mei gave a subtly frown.


    "Well, on paper I own it. The Crimson Bandits believe it''s theirs so..." Mei sighed, resigned to the gang''s ownership of her establishment.


    "Well, if we pay them, they keep themselves happy. And, it keeps this one feed." Mei jested ruffling the top of her brother''s head.


    "Does this mean your affiliated with the crimson bandits?" Eren asked suspiciously, becoming much more cautious than before.


    "No... Well not by choice at least. It''s hard to run a business when your locked in their territory."


    "This was always a dream of mine to run a business like this." Mei continued.


    ''She always wanted to run a titty business?'' Eren thought confused.


    "That is why it''s called Club Eden. Everyone can come here, relax, be in a safe environment... Without any judgement... without discrimination." Mei smiled softly.


    "And, sex sells well."


    "Fair enough."


    Mei''s lips curved into a knowing smile. ''What''s wrong, Eren? You''re acting like you''ve never been in a place like this before... or is it something else making you nervous?¡± Mei leaned closer, like a vixen she sensed Eren''s hesitance.


    It had been many years since Eren had seen a pair up close, and yet she somehow read that?


    "O-oh um... Yeah." Eren stumbled, not able to compose himself quick enough. All the while Jun sat with a doe eyed expression staring between the two. It was like he was used to this.


    "Oh. Where are my manners, a drink on the house?" Mei offered kindly.


    "Can I have a beer for me and my master Mei?" Jun requested brightly. She giggled playfully.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Sure, on the house-"


    "Just water for me thanks." Eren immediately waved off the drink. "I don''t drink in public. Personal rule."


    "Oh? So, if we were in private it would be a different story?" Mei hummed teasingly. Eren was flustered once again.


    "I have my rules, which I live by, it keeps me out of trouble." In truth this was a rule Eren did live by a long time ago. However, Lucifer had informed him that one of the many abilities of being a reaper; Is having a greatly enhanced body, including higher alcohol tolerance.


    "I would love to stay and chat, but these payrolls aren''t going to pay themselves. I''ll get Akari to bring out your drinks." Mei kissed Jun on the cheek again before bouncing her way back to the staff only doors.


    "She''s quite something."


    "Yeah, my big sister Mei; a bartender, manager, waitress... And more. She works so hard. Ever since our parents died..." Jun lowered his head, getting lost in a memory.


    "She has been my whole world. Without her I''d be... Probably like the bandits that run this place." Jun took a brief pause.


    "In a way, you¡¯re meeting her means a lot to me master." Jun once again used his puppy dog eyes.


    "Firstly, I only agreed to one gate and that was only for today. Don''t go around raising your sister''s expectations now. And secondly¡­ I''m sorry about your parents Jun."


    "Thanks, it''s been 4 years now since the Shinjuku gate collapsed."


    ''Shinjuku gate collapse? Another thing I need to look up.'' Eren logged that topic in his brain.


    "I''m lucky she works as hard as she does." Jun looked at the ground mournfully, Eren noted how downtrodden the boy was, getting lost in thought.


    <hr>


    From behind the bar a short dirty blonde-haired women emerged; hair tied in a long flowing pony tail with a gentle curl. Eren recognized her instantly. One of the girls from the blaze he caused, the one that drove away from the scene afterwards. She wore similar attire to Mei except with a collar and silver bands on her wrists and a lacy see through cami crop top.


    She had seen his face during the fire, although was yet to recognize him fully. With drinks in hand walking towards the pair, she smiled at Jun then turned to Eren, upon getting a full view of his face. The smile on her face faded; recognition swept through her eyes as she stiffened. Her stride and light step now a heavier slow shuffle.


    "Hi Akari," Jun waved to Akari as she finally approached the table. Setting the drinks down.


    "What''s wrong Akari? It looks like you''ve seen a ghost." Jun sipped at his beer.


    "O-oh... J-just a bit sick today." She gave Eren his water with a shaky hand. Eyes averting him as she set it down in front of him.


    Eren gave her an intense stare down.


    "Thanks..." He eyed the woman, no malice or intent behind his stare. It was more of an observation and out of curiosity if anything. She left without a word, back behind the bar.


    "Cheers!" Jun raised his drink,


    *Clink*


    Eren joined him. He sipped in silence. Surveying the indigo walls and then Akari.


    The image of her within the fire appeared in his mind. "I''m sorry Jun I need the bathroom."


    "Behind the bar and too the right." Jun didn''t think twice as Eren headed off behind the bar. On the way past Eren gave the hostess a signal to follow.


    The men''s room was just as colourful as the rest of the establishment, maybe more so. If that''s even possible, even the men''s room looked high-end and modern. Everything was either dark grey or dark blue, with a blue LED light around the mirror. There were six stalls and four urinals. The floor black and the walls were a dark blue with silver specks here and there. A wall mounted plasma television filled the bathroom with calming music.


    "Please, don''t kill me." She spoke gently, her voice sounded more anxious than sad or desperate.


    Eren observed the woman, no longer was she brash and rebellious as when he saw her during the fire. A mere shell of her former self. Bowing all the way down in line with the sinks looked as if she was almost cowering.


    "Have you told anyone? About the fire." Akari trembled in place, shaking her head.


    "No... I swear"


    "I''m not going to kill you. I wouldn''t have saved you if I was going to turn around and kill you afterwards." Eren assured her softly, arms crossed as he leaned against a stall door. Akari straightened up. Hands falling to her side. "Thank...you for saving me, for saving us."


    Eren walked over to her, gently raising her chin. "The girl... is she safe?" He eyed Akari for any potential signs of deceit or lies. She returned Eren''s gaze with wide eyes.


    "Yeah, thanks to you... she''s staying in the next ward over. Away from all this crap." She explained.


    "I''m glad." Eren began to leave the bathroom.


    "I-I wish someone like you existed when I was her age." Eren looked over his shoulder; The woman gave off a calm smile, gently bowing at the waist. A victim of the harsh times maybe, of something unmentionable. Yet a fire was within her, a drive to keep others from the same fate.


    "Eren!" Jun pushed through the door.


    "Something wrong Jun?"


    "Bandits... six of them, just arrived." Jun''s worried gaze lingered behind the door.


    A quick glance out the door; six men dressed in crimson, lounging about like they owned the place with weapons strapped to their hips. An entitled swagger to them, a dangerous energy swirled.


    "Jun. Take Akira and your sister out the back please. Now." Eren ordered softly.


    "Wait...are you gonna-"


    "Don''t worry, just leave." Jun obeyed. Running off to the doors across, where his sister is.


    From the ring he materialized the mask of Malphas; placing it to his face. Eren looked up at the glowing eyes in the mirror, a flash of azure blue eyes reflected in the glass. Breathing in slowly through his nose, feeling his stomach expand on each inhalation, pausing momentarily before exhaling gradually through his lips, watching his breath escape.


    "OI! Where''s our beer!?!" One of the crimson bandits smacked the counter.


    The thumping sound echoed throughout the empty club. "Relax man, we own them, they¡¯re not going anywhere..." The apparent leader laughed.


    "I want to get a drink then get out of here before it gets dark." One of the bandit''s twitched, rubbing his neck anxiously.


    "Woman! WHERE ARE YOU?" The first man banged on the table again, one hand on his waist, other knocking aggressively.


    A calm air hung around the room, suffocating silence pressing down on the party. A masked man emerged from the back. Shocked expressions on each of the bandits.


    "Y-you only come out at n-night..." The leader gulped. The man trembled, gripping the hilt of his blade, tightly.


    The reaper reached for the light switch, "Lights out."


    *Click*


    "AHHH!" Screams echoed through the void.

 Chapter 25.1: A force to be reckoned with

    Long shadows stretched through the city; fading light a creeping whisper along the towering skyscrapers. Detective Akiko and Mori returned to their precinct; exhausted from their day of chasing false leads and working up dead ends.


    With weary steps, the detectives entered their headquarters; void of life as people had left for today, crime has been on the downturn since the gates have been introduced to the world, or so it is reported.


    Inside, a large lobby area with a high ceiling and a huge chandelier in the centre. The floor marbled dark blue with lighter shades of white swirling through. There are a few leather sofas around the room and an empty reception desk at the far end of the room. There are many portraits of previous chiefs and political officials, famous rankers, hunters, and heroes. Above the desk is a big picture of prime minister Kentaro Ito, he looked stiff and strict with short slicked back hair. The man had no soul in his eyes, black like deep caves.


    Down several sets of hallways, through a maze of doors and staircases, they arrived in a small back room, away from the light of the world.


    "You two. Meeting room now." A stern voice boomed through the empty hall; Captain Shimada''s commanding voice echoed throughout the hallway.


    "Yes sir." The tired detectives responded in unison, dragging their feet towards the RCU unit''s office, (Ranker Crimes Unit). A tiny office built for a department created to monitor ranker related activities. Long since obsolete.


    There is no ranker crime any more. At least that¡¯s what Prime minister Ito wants everyone to believe.


    Through the door a small room illuminated by the setting sun and an office light dangling off the roof. Long rectangular window frames divided the small office into smaller squares. A larger meeting room nestled at the back wall of the office.


    "Good evening you two." An older gentleman greeted the duo. Senior detective Takeshi Yamanaka, a veteran of the Tokyo police department and RCU. Thin greying hair, cut neatly and sharp eyes like a hawk. Years on the job have worn him down, evident by the sags and folds that formed on his face.


    "How was your day in this great city of ours?" The older man stood up to greet the duo with handshakes and a sly smile.


    "Not good." Akiko began. "There were no leads on the murder, we searched the and asked around but there was nothing. No one saw a thing or was just glad that his dead."


    "And our new serial killer friend? Any leads on him?" Takeshi inquired, his sharp eyes scanning their faces. "Again, nothing. They''re a ghost," Kenji answered, exasperated from the long day.


    "Hey, meeting room now." Shimada''s voice cut through the hallways. Two more officers trailed behind Shimada. Detective Mai Kaizaki, with her short bob cut hair, dyed a dark purple and yellow eyes, lit up by a dark eyeliner and mascara. Accompanied by her young partner; junior detective Luca Romano, sleek dark brown hair, styled to the side and dark blue eyes. An import from Italy.


    "Evening everyone, I brought us all a lil treat." Mai reached into her bag, throwing everyone a canned coffee.


    "Ahh thanks." Everyone thanked her in response.


    "All right, detectives report!" Shimada boomed signalling the start of the meeting. Captain Shimada, with his deep commanding voice and trademark scowl, stood at the head of the table. A grumpy old man in a suit and tie, his presence demanded attention. The detectives straightened in their seats, listening with intent.


    "I''m being hounded by the suits above, demanding to know our progress on the masked serial killer." Shimada sternly asked each member. Gaze sweeping across the room.


    "We need results, and we need them now. This Reaper is making us all look incompetent. What do we have?"


    "What is there to update sir? We know nothing about this guy." Mai remarked, finishing off her coffee.


    "We don''t know if it''s a guy or a girl Mai." Luca chimed in.


    "Please, that much rage and power. You think these arms are capable of that carnage." Mai retorts flexing her right arm.


    "What we do know sir, is that whoever this reaper is, he is cunning like a fox. Sticking to the shadows, his singular purpose; exterminating the crimson bandits. My sources on the inside say that at least 300 or so bandits have been confirmed dead or missing." Kenji answered next.


    "300? That''s far too many for just crimson bandits."


    "300 is not just for the bandit¡¯s sir. But other guilds that were caught doing business in bandit territory, another source has informed me that their guilds are to scared to dare step foot in bandit territory." Kenji replied to the captain''s question.


    "This brings me back captain, long nights, coffee fuelled runs to crime scenes, chasing elusive criminals..." Takeshi sighed pensively, reminiscing about the old days. Shimada eyed his aged veteran.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "And I seem to remember you fast asleep at your desk most of the time." The captain remarked dryly, although he too had nostalgia in his eyes.


    "Anything else?"


    "Some witnesses say that the reaper could summon soldiers from the shadows. Others say they are a one-man army who doesn''t need soldiers." Luca added.


    "So, you want me to tell the higher ups is that our serial killer is possible a man or a woman, very cunning, quite possibly is a necromancer class or quite possibly not?" Captain Shimada rubbed his temples in frustration.


    "Captain, I understand that you''re in a tough spot, and we''re grasping at straws here, but there''s someone else. We have a POI (Person of interest)." Akiko announced.


    Akiko tapped her phone, projecting it to the screen mounted at the back of the room. A younger image of Eren Heart displayed, a mug shot.


    "Sir, meet Eren Heart. This was the only image we could find. Just imagine him with unkept white hair, and the grumpy eyes of the captain''s mug." Akiko held back a smile as Shimada''s brows furrowed.


    "And why has this man caught your interest detective?"


    "He saw through Aki''s psychometry, captain." Kenji interjected.


    "I offered him my card; to get a glimpse into his recent memories and he shut me down."


    "It wasn¡¯t just the psychometry,¡± Akiko added. ¡°There is something off about him. He is connected to the Crimson Bandits somehow; I can feel it. But we need more to go on."


    The table look at each other with intrigue, "Is he in the system?" Luca asked.


    "A C-rank warrior, level 14, nothing that screams suspicious..." Mai went through her phone.


    "He has a record!" Luca interrupted.


    Co-detectives turning to their junior partner with inquisitive brows.


    "Oh, well not a criminal record per se but, he is in the system."


    "...Luca, what is it?" The captain sighed.


    "14 years ago, he was arrested for assaulting his manager at a fast-food restaurant." Luca tapped his phone sending the photos to the main screen.


    A fat balding man appeared on the screen, the type you would see in certain types of films. His right side covered in welts and bruises, a slight slant in the eye.


    *Phwwwwwhht*


    Takeshi whistled. "He did a number on him, why wasn''t he formally charged?"


    "The man dropped the charges, said that he fell down the stairs." Luca continued.


    "However, there were several complaints about him touching the female staff. He is also currently serving time for possession of kiddie porn, to which he claims it was planted."


    "Good looking, a bad boy and a man of mystery." Mai leaned closer to the screen, rubbing her chin.


    "Aki why do you get all the luck?" Mai teased causing Akiko to redden, bringing herself back into the room with a cough.


    "A keen sense of justice and willing to put it into action, he would have made a fine policeman." Takeshi chimed in giving an approving nod to the mugshot.


    "A man that takes justice into his own hands is not worth having on the force. No matter how noble his intentions may seem." Akiko interjected with a bite, her eyes aflame with disdain towards the mugshot.


    The RCU detective always hated vigilantes and it was one of her reasons for joining the RCU; quitting her ranker job to pursue this career.


    "Aki''s right. I doubt that this reaper is taking out criminals from a moral high ground. If anything, this man is a criminal with an inflated ego and a superiority complex." Luca stated towards the group.


    "Perhaps, but it must be said that the ward was in a desperate need for a cleaning. The bandits are responsible for a lot of misery in ward 4. Nothing wrong with a few vigilantes making em fear the shadows." Takeshi offered.


    "And one man can decide who lives and who dies? Unaccountable to anyone but themselves? That''s anarchy." Akiko shot back heatedly.


    Takeshi gave a smug smile and shrugged his shoulders, amused by his junior¡¯s conviction.


    "Oh, to be young and naive." Takeshi snickered. Akiko was furious, mouth about to foam but the captain quickly stopped the rising tension in the room.


    "Detectives!" A pause. "You can argue ethical and moral dilemmas when your off duty but for now stick to what we know. Right now, ''Under the law.''" Eyeing Takeshi directly. "The reaper is a serial killer with little regard for life or the law, no matter who he targets." Captain Shimada asserted.


    "Thank you, Akiko, I can bring to the higher ups we have POI." He paused looking at each member in the eye.


    "You and Kenji will continue your investigation into the reaper case."


    "Mai, I want you to compile all the evidence on the deaths of the crimson bandits, anything that links back to the reaper."


    "Luca, I''m reassigning you to assist Aki and Mori. I want you to keep tabs on this ''Eren Heart'', until we can conclusively tie him to the killings."


    "Finally, Takeshi."


    "Yes sir." Replying dryly.


    "Stay out of trouble you old bag. And help your juniors, don''t piss them off even more Takeshi."


    "Good work today detectives, go home and get some rest. We will start again tomorrow. Dismissed." Captain Shimada got up and left the room, disappearing down the halls back to his office.


    Takeshi yawned, rising from his chair. "It''s been a long day, time to head home and rest up for tomorrow." Mai pushed off from the table, throwing her can into the trash.


    Aki and Kenji, left back through the warren of offices, chatting in hushed tones. "Why didn''t you back me up back there?" Aki whispered to Kenji.


    "You¡¯re a big girl you can fight your own battles." Kenji gently held her shoulder. "Plus, Takeshi is an old dog, all bark." He replied calmly as they stepped into the brisk, chilly night. Their breath misting in the air. The hum of the bustling city slowly fell silent as night nearly fell upon them.


    "WAIT!" A voice called out. Turning, Aki and Kenji saw Captain Shimada emerge from the headquarters. Accompanied by the department. "He''s struck again."


    "Again... The sun''s still up-"


    "I know, we have a live one too. The locals are holding him at the moment, let''s go before the bandits can clean up." Captain Shimada ordered the department.

 Chapter 25.5: The king in crimson.

    Reiji sat in his office suit, fingers interlocked, overlooking the city; a window to his empire. Standing 12 floors high, his building loomed in the centre of the crimson bandit''s territory.


    The office; an ode to opulence and luxury, mahogany bookshelves lined the walls and the aroma of freshly brewed tea hung in the air. His former masters vice that he had taken a liking too. A large table of cedar sat in the middle, polished to perfection. Elegantly crafted high back chairs surround the table.


    Reiji was a man of honour and pride. The recent events of his guild losing half of its members, as well as the other activities that have come to be associated with the guild, plagued his mind.


    *Knock Knock*.


    "Enter!"


    "Sir." Hiro bowed, his junior assistant, barely above a boy not nearly a man, dressed in a fitted red suit, freshly pressed hair brushed to the side; like always he held a serious face.


    "My apologies sir for interrupting, there here. The survivors you asked for." Hiro pressed.


    "Thank you, bring them in."


    Three crimson bandits scurried in; eyes glued to the floor. Almost like rats on all fours. Reiji approached his desk, unrolling his sleeves.


    "Thank you for coming in my comrades. Please take a seat."


    "Thank you, sir." They muttered with shaking voices, each too afraid to look up.


    "We humbly beg your forgiveness!" All three scrambled down to their knees once more, pressing their hands and heads down. "W-we were ambushed."


    "Yes, it has been a constant issue, no?" Reiji''s eyes filled with fire as they strolled the men, pacing between the desk.


    "I want you to tell me everything you can recall of this mysterious figure who is responsible for the destruction of our guild!" Reiji sat down once more.


    "H-he comes from the shadows... metal soldiers at his back" They started. ""They-they were human sir, but not. Black armour, didn''t die from gunfire and-" The weasel from the mall reaper encounter stammered.


    "These soldiers... are they invincible?" Reiji eyed the men''s pathetic state. "Yes boss, nothing works-" "


    Please, were sorry we failed. Don''t punish us sir!" The weasel begged over the top of all his comrades.


    Three heads almost breaking the ground with each plea. "My boys." Reiji approached them with a smile, kneeling before them. Putting his hands on their heads. "I would never punish my boys." "Thank you, sir, thank you." The bandits cried tears of joy.


    "Hiro, go and fetch Shinya." Hiro bowed leaving the room.


    "And what of our foreign associates? How did they fair?" Reiji asked the weasel.


    "I''m sorry sir, they were killed too. But..."


    "But?" Reiji looked deep into the weasel''s eyes, piercing him with intensity.


    "H-he left one too the monsters... I heard her scream and beg." The weasel whimpered.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Unfortunate, but why her? Why not you all?" He questioned in deep thought.


    "The ones he kills he consumes everything."


    "Takes the bodies and leaves one to tell the tale." Reiji paced.


    "That begs the question. All this over a drug run? Why?" The two gave each other a nervous glance, before the weasel spoke once more.


    "Sir, we were there to buy some salves-" The other two bandits grasped his shoulder, eyes begging him to keep his mouth shut.


    "Slaves?" Eyes cold like ice, Reiji stood above them once more. A shadow washing over all.


    "N-nothing sir."


    "Speak." Reiji ordered, voice low and monotone.


    "Well... W-we thought we could... use them, sir. For our businesses, and-"


    *Thwack*


    Reiji struck the weasel hard across the face. Fist like iron against the frail bandit. Blood, teeth, and bone from the weasel. "We do not partake in the skin trade, nor shall we ever." The weasel whimpered small apologies.


    *Thwack* *Thwack*


    The other two suffered the same fate as the weasel. "I have no tolerance for slavers, if we weren''t so low on numbers, I''d burn you all for this. Never, ever do something this repulsive again." Reiji slammed a fist into his desk.


    *Knock, Knock*


    "Enter!" Reiji didn''t bother looking at the door, frowning at the crimson bandit members sprawled out in a pool of blood and teeth on his office floor.


    "How may I assist you today?" Shinya inquired as he strolled in and bowed to his leader, his voice cold and monotone


    A tall, slender figure; exuding an aura of deadly calm. Eyes narrowed like a serpent''s, icy and calculating, focused on everything. His lean physique concealed beneath a perfectly tailored grey suit, tailored to accentuate his form, as sharp and elegant as the mind behind it.


    "Yes... Yes." Reiji re-composed himself, pressing his fingers together as he leaned back into his chair.


    "Hiro, get these men out of my sight," He spoke as he motioned Hiro to the beaten men.


    "My apologies, Shinya, I asked you here as I wanted to discuss the impacts on our business." Reiji continued; Shinya''s cold gaze gave nothing away.


    "Not good sir. With each strike that is one less deal we make, less income, less resources. Additionally, our former associates and other business partners are hesitant to work with us, they too fear the dark." He flatly said.


    Reiji turned once more to his window overlooking the ward. ''Have we truly exhausted all means? Perhaps not.''


    He turned once more to his right-hand man. "We will offer this monster a job with us. If we can''t beat him buy him." Shinya raised an eye.


    "Sir? How do you plan on getting a monster that leaves nothing alive to receive a job offer?"


    "Everyone has a price; behind that mask is a person just like you and me. ''Desires'', ''wants'', ''needs''. We just need to find it." Reiji asserted.


    "And if we truly can''t be brought? Sir?" Shinya stepped forward.


    "Then we will use the money that would be his; hire mercenaries to wipe him off the face of the earth." Reiji clicked his knuckles, getting lost in the view of his city.


    "Scrape together all you can, with our guild member count running low use their pays if you must. Let go of other members if need be. Weather the storm, we have come to find ourselves in."


    "It shall be done sir." Shinya bowed, exiting the room.


    "Wait, before you go. I need something else." Shinya stopped in his tracks. "Yes sir?"


    "These activities of human trafficking is beginning to pick up within our organisation." Shinya dropped his brows, a sinister look in his eyes.


    "Find them and execute them. I will not tolerate slavers Shinya, make an example of them." Reiji ordered Shinya, eyes like a furnace raging inside him.


    "Very well. However, it is worth mentioning that the practice has tripled our profit-"


    "Shinya! That will be all." Reiji pressed.


    "Yes, sir." His eyes revealed nothing about what he was thinking before turning to leave.


    ''These fixations on honour and morals are pointless if we''re broke...'' Shinya''s browed knitted with displeasure as he quietly left.


    "Boss!" Hiro barged in nearly knocking Shinya.


    "His attacked again. Club Eden." Reiji spun instantly,


    "The sun still sits in the sky? Why would he change his pattern?" Reiji rushed towards the door.


    "Come, let''s go before the police arrive!" Grabbing a nearby coat and walking out of the office with Hiro & Shinya.

 Chapter 26: Under a crimson moon - Blood on the horizon.

    Red and blue lights flashed. Bystanders clamoured around a cordoned off area around ''Club Eden''. Police officers of varying roles scrambled and dashed from inside and out. Tape ran around the whole area.


    Crowds stared with dumbfounded faces, only seeing the outside of the club. Inside however, a different story inside told a grim tale. Blood-soaked booths; splattered on the floor; painted across the walls, barely a surface left untouched by crimson viscera, nor a body left. Only the remains left in their wake were a collection of discarded weapons, belonging to their poor souls, as if no life was ever taken here.


    The RCU arrived on the scene just as the last light left the horizon. The ward 4 local cops mingled amongst themselves without a care for the scene inside. Tired and frayed from many a sleepless night this week, they knew this was the work of the vigilante nicknamed ''The Reaper''.


    Or just a general disdain to the victims of the crime.


    "Who¡¯s in charge here?" Captain Shimada announced, drawing looks of ire from the officers.


    "The big leagues finally show their pretty faces, aye?" A squat man shouted out to the arriving members of the RCU.


    "I asked you a question, go and get someone who matters," Shimada shouted back, frown pulling his scarred face even lower.


    "Yeah, yeah ya cueball, no need to get your feathers all ruffled." He shuffled away to the side, shrugging off the stern expression of the captain.


    All the remaining, cops stood around; snickering to each other, eyeing the unit paying particular attention to the half Japanese detective and the younger Italian man. An amusing sight it was, seeing them in a foreign country an in-joke to their clique.


    "All right, I''m in charge here, what ya want?" A fat cop emerged from the alleyway, white shirt barley keeping his protruding stomach contained in his straining button down. He adjusted his hat which covered his thinning hair before licking his teeth with his tongue, an unsightly sight of yellow and leftovers. Cholesterol personified, the overweight officer shuffled into the middle of the huddled officers, an amused smirk on his face as the department stiffened under his stare.


    "Captain Shimada of the RCU." Outstretching his hand to which the officer pointedly ignored, grasping his belt.


    "You can call me Takuma, and to what do we owe the pleasure of the fancy suits?" His eyes skimmed the detectives in turn, lingering on Mai and Akiko.


    "Our...Your serial killer has left you a lovely crime scene inside this establishment," Takuma barely cast a look towards the entrance.


    "We had to take the crimson bandit to hospital. You know a bit unwell." He smirked.


    "However, we''ve got some witnesses as well," He finished, strolling away back toward the alley, lighting up a cigarette as he finished.


    <hr>


    The team had seen many crime scenes before; but this, this was different. Blood coated the indigo floors; from one end of the room to the next. A scent of death a usual accompaniment for murder scenes but this place lacked it. As the officers, filled the room; silence took a hold. Unmoving, Captain Shimada began.


    "Where are the bodies?" Luca spoke first. "The lack of smell, almost like these men weren''t even killed-"


    "We got here nothing was here, only the blood and the lone survivor waiting for us." A younger officer chimed in from the other side of the bar.


    "My, my. They had to bring in new cops just for us." A woman spoke from the bar. Mei Jiao stood behind the bar washing glasses, still dressed in her revealing outfit. By the bar, sat Jun and the Akari on each side, back facing the team.


    Her outfit drawing the eyes of the men of the RCU, even a subtle glance from their captain.


    "Good evening miss...?"


    "Mei Jiao, you can call me Mei."


    "Okay Mei, I''m Captain Shimada. You- would you kindly put on something more appropriate before we continue." Shimada walked towards the trio with the RCU in tow. "Not much point now you''ve all been ogling my goods." She slinged a wet towel over her shoulder, gesturing with her hand.


    "Besides your boys seemed more... preoccupied with something else." Akiko glared at the men of her unit, mainly her partner, Kenji, whose face turned beat red. Luca desperately tried to avoid her revealing attire, Takeshi seemed to enjoy it, as did Mai.


    "Everyone who can''t be professional please go explore the crime scene." Captain Shimada ordered. Kenji, Takeshi, and Luca walked off quickly as to not cause a scene. Mai even joining them still glimpsing at the sight.


    "Now then." The captain let off an exhausted sigh. "Can you tell me what happened tonight?"


    Jun spoke for the leash. "I was enjoying a drink with my sister; helping her set up for tonight. Then, six bandits barged in..." He gestured to the main floor.


    "Demanding we open early, we couldn''t say no. So, we went out back to start moving out the drink barrels then the-" The sister chimed in.


    "Screaming started, and before we knew it... the reaper had come and gone."


    "Lights were off and blood everywhere, we immediately called the cops; as we all know they are quite fast to arrive for our... establishment." Mei followed through, giving a side eye to the cops at the main door.


    Jun and Mei were in sync in this lie, like two parts of a whole. Their demeanours contrasted one another, however; with Akari, she was less... calm. An unease clung to the air. Her leg bounced in tandem with her fingers. Restless, agitated as if she wanted to leave as soon as possible.


    Shimada gave the nod to Aki.


    "Hello, are you all, right?" Akiko reached out to her hand gently and spoke softly. Only for a moment she saw through her eyes. Eren Heart appeared like a phantom before disappearing completely. Akari yanked her hand away.


    Eren had informed Jun of a certain detectives¡¯ abilities. Who in turn concocted a plan with his sister to avoid her prying eyes.


    ''He was here.''


    "Mr. Jiao. was there anyone else in the premises during this attack?" Jun tilted his head, pondering the question.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "My master."


    "Who is he and where is he?" Shimada demanded. Jun kept silent, drinking his beer.


    "Mr. Jiao; must I remined you that withholding information is obstruction of justice." Jun didn''t care, he was ready to go to jail for a man he seldom knew.


    "Oh, don''t mind my brother. He thinks of his master like a second farther and holds the same loyalty as one too." Mei answered in his stead, giving a dagger to her brother.


    "Eren Heart." Jun mumbled.


    Aki and Shimada gave each other knowing looks. "And was he here during the attack?" Shimada pressed.


    "He left well before." He returned to his beer, ignoring further questions.


    <hr>


    "Well, by the fates, we have been brought back together." A voice from the main door spoke with cunning glee.


    Reiji entered with a wide grin across his salesman spread, "Good evening my friends." Hiro followed close behind, while Shinya moved to the main bar; not wanting to talk to the people below his rank.


    "Excuse me this is a crime scene, you can''t-" Captain Shimada protested.


    "Don''t worry about that. Your friend Takuma sends his regards." A smug grin joined his cunning glee.


    *Phwwwwwhht*


    "Quite a mess you have here." Reiji continued observing the room.


    "You must be Captain Shimada, Kenji Mori, Luca Romano, Takeshi Yamanaka and Mai Kaizaki; and of course, the ever-lovely Akiko Bennett." He smiled wide, stretching his hand only to Aki. She was reluctant but extended her own to Reiji''s. Flashes of the abuses from earlier flew in her mind, making her snatch her hand away in disgust.


    He smirked at her discomfort. He knew what he was doing. "What do you want Mr. Kikuchi." She fired back.


    "Let''s not be so formal detective, just Reiji. We are just here to ensure proper justice is brought to these fine men who were so savagely butchered in my club-"


    "My club." Mei interrupted. Reiji turning to see the trio behind the bar.


    "Ah, of course mistress my mistake. Your establishment that our guild kindly supports and maintains for you and your... brother." Reiji gave Jun a dangerous look, and with a raised brow and curled lip in response to Mei.


    Jun however, was in a staring contest with the bandit¡¯s young ward Hiro. If daggers could be thrown with looks alone both would have slain the other.


    Reiji continued. "You know growing up I wanted to be a cop." Reiji reminisced with a false nostalgia as he sauntered between the blood trails.


    "Reiji, you don''t seem to grasp what ''stay outside'' means. Either comply with that or you will be charged with obstructing an official investigation!" Akiko kept her glare on him as she passed to the bar.


    "Cops had too many rules. Not enough money either, but I found my passion and-"


    "Oi, do we need to place you under arrest." Kenji stepped forward, as Hiro and Shinya in turn stepped forward, cutting him off from their leader. Reiji smirked at Kenji from behind his barrier.


    "Rules? I bet you struggle to abide by them." He added fuel to the fire of then tension filled room.


    "Oh, you are such a tease Mr. Kikuchi." Mei flirted. Dancing through the growing tension with an elegant step. Experienced in breaking up many heated events in the clubbing scene.


    "Come now the boys and girls in blue are just doing their job as you are as well. After all we''re all here to bring justice to your butchered men as you so kindly pointed out." Mei glided over to Reiji, one hand brushing across his chest as she passed the smiling face of Reiji.


    "My dear of course, please I apologize for my intrusion. Detectives, please forgive my rudeness, I will leave you to it." Reiji smiled towards the unit before returning to the entrance.


    "Hold on Mr. Kikuchi. Before you go, we¡¯ve had to close club Eden... Could you perhaps pay for our missed income. Please." Mei requested with a sweet smile and clasped hands in her begging. A master at work to match the slick talker, Reiji.


    "How can I saw no to such a beautiful woman? Shinya will be in touch for your compensation." Shinya was annoyed by his leaders¡¯ orders, but he nodded all the same.


    "Thank you, Mr. Kikuchi." Mei hugged tightly with a gleeful smile on her face.


    Reiji returned it however, after a moment his face dropped, skin turned a pale pallor, his hands shook slightly letting go of the women. Holding his cane tight behind his back as they left.


    "Bye, Bye." With that the crimson bandit leader departed club Eden with a grim expression etched onto his face.


    And the RCU returned to their business of checking out the scene, in hopes of finding anything linking the victims to the reaper or his identity.


    <hr>


    <Driving away in the limo>


    "Reiji... what''s wrong?" Shinya questioned.


    He kept silent, leg tapping erratically. Leaning heavily on his right hand holding his head.


    "Shinya... the payoff money. Do you, have it?" He was not entirely there. Eyes peering through a haze, glazing over with each blink, far removed from his own mind.


    "Yes. But why?" Shinya frowned at Reiji''s apparent mental distress.


    "Go and get it. We''re going to deal with him tonight."


    <7 Hours later>


    Night''s embrace fully enveloped the ward; long dark shadows clawed over every building; Not a moonlit guide could save those lost souls who traversed it now.


    Reiji had paced up and down the street many times, in fact, any who may have viewed him in that state could have likened him to a rabid dog, chasing its own tail.


    Hiro lay in the car taking a nap, whilst Shinya was busy on his phone. Both men had become accustomed to long nights working for their boss, with Shinya far more acclimated than Hiro. Even the occasional sporadic behaviour wasn''t incredibly out of character.


    Back and forth, up, and down, twisting, twirling; Reiji had been spooked by something yet his factotum was none the wiser.


    He stopped... Looking up into the alleyway across from his limousine. Azure eyes glowering the dark. A shiver ran down his spine; breath steaming the air.


    "He''s here..." Hiro leapt awake from his dream.


    "Shinya, the case." Both men removed themselves from the vehicle, joining their leader''s side as he stood transfixed; watching those eyes. It''s what waited within the dark, past the veil of night.


    "You... have caused our guild great trouble as of late." Reiji declared to the figure. The reaper fully arose from the shadows, form of shadow and pitch, mask of bone glowered at the trio as they held their collective breath.


    "I have an offer for you... a great deal of money" Reiji pointed to his right-hand man; the ever-cold eyes of Shinya glared at the reaper. He walked forwards opening a suitcase with a several rows of golden coins to the reaper.


    The gates currency, useful for buying gear, skills, perks, and advancement within the dungeons.


    "..."


    "This is your starting bonus... come work for us and the real money rolls in." Reiji offered the case. "You will make more than that in one week with us."


    "..."


    "Alright... We''ll double it!"


    ''Double it!?'' Shinya thought looking at his leader. They could barely offer what Reiji put forward initially but to double it? The amount was beyond any worth they could''ve scrounged together.


    "So, what do you say?" Reiji waited.


    "..."


    The Reaper unfurled his bone whip, jagged hook landing with a thud. Eyeing up his targets.


    "No... no! No!" Reiji roared, eyes turning a crimson fire.


    "You dare refute us!" With a flick of his wrist a wave of crimson fire sprayed towards the dark. It screeched with an ear-ringing pitch and collapsed to the ground.


    The reaper was gone. They gazed at the ground below. Embers dying out as the concrete sizzled.


    "NO!"


    *Fwoosh*


    Aiming high above his head a crimson flame illuminating the street below. No shadow fled its form on the surrounding walls or roads.


    Next another wave at the alleyways entrance; it''s light swallowed up by the dark. It held a cavernous density; even the most determined light to venture within its form to only be rendered defunct.


    "Boss?!" Hiro grabbed his shoulders; shaking him. Reiji''s eyes returned to normal, back to his human form.


    "Boss what''s wrong?" Reiji shook his head, recovering from his episode.


    "Back at the club. What did Mei say to you." Shinya observed closely his leader¡¯s unstable demeanour.


    "...Five days... She said the reaper has given us five days until he burns us all."

 Chapter 27: Under a crimson moon - The dark crows

    <04: 11: 56: 44>


    ''Why was he so spooked Last night?'' Eren wondered, buying his head into his pillows. The morning light peaked through the cracks of his blackened curtains, casting small glimmers of light into his otherwise dark room.


    Even a long shower couldn''t get rid of the scent of smoke and burnt asphalt after his ''meeting'' with Reiji. At least Eren''s head didn''t hurt this morning.


    However, the morning had already thrown its first curve, a weight was holding down his blanket from movement. Blonde hair reflected the streams of sunlight coming into the room.


    "Lucifer!" Eren pushed the blonde reaper away from him.


    "What are you doing?!"


    "Saving my little dove from nightmares of course." Lucifer grinned mischievously, "A prince of darkness must save his fair-"


    "Go away... W-why are you naked?!" Eren pulled the blankets tight. "You''re overthinking this darling. It''s not like we haven''t shared a bed before."


    "Yeah, but you made us share a bigger bed. Get off me..." Eren pushed harder trying to move his immortal companion.


    "Interesting, you take issue with the size of the bed rather than my being there?" Lucifer smirked.


    "What... I mean... no... that''s not what I-" Eren fumbled with his words, caught off guard by lucifer. Continuing to push him away.


    "Eren... what''s wrong? I hear-" Emi peaked through Eren''s door, spotting Lucifer first in all his grandeur, standing naked by Eren''s bed.


    "I- I- I''m sorry..." Meek and low, she tried to rush through an apology. "I''ll... come back later." Her face glowed a fierce red. Like the glowing embers of last night.


    "No Emi, wait. It''s not what it looks like." Eren panicked, tumbling out of bed, tangled in the mess of blankets. Face landing into the bed with a loud thud.


    "Do not worry dear Eren, I shall take care of the situation." Lucifer strutted towards the door, moving with grace, like he wasn''t parading himself around a private home.


    "Lucifer, don''t expose yourself to my sister." Eren ordered, tackling the blonde to the ground.


    "My Eren, with your sister within earshot. How audacious." Lucifer grinned teasingly at the red faced Eren.


    "Put some fucking clothes on."


    <hr>


    "E-Eren... what''s he doing?" Emi stuttered.


    Lucifer fondled her face; cupping her cheeks as he pulled them lightly towards himself. "Wow, and what beautiful eyes you have my dear." He complimented. Emi squirmed out of his grasp.


    "Lucifer you need to introduce yourself first before getting this personal." Eren chastised.


    "My apologies. I am Lucifer, a pleasure to gaze upon those green eyes my dear Emi."


    Emi slowly stepped away. "H-hi... Mr. Lucifer, sir... uh." She spoke, bowing deeply.


    "Oh please, there is no need for formality sweet Emi, it''s just Lucifer."


    "Emi this is Lucifer my sort of... friend," Eren added, not completely sure what he was.


    "Hmmmm, I prefer a more intimate description. Destined soulmates, separated by the hands of fate, star-crossed brethren-"Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Best to ignore him." Eren dismissed him.


    Emi silently nodded, shyly inching her way to Eren''s side. She gazed at Lucifer, who continued to stare deeply, smiling, eyes unblinking, piercing into her very soul.


    "Why are you here?" Eren questioned.


    "Oh... do I need a reason to visit my former ward-"


    "Yes." Eren added flatly.


    "Well, I''m bored. Mean old Gabriel is making me do paper work and meet his inferiors, just a real drag. That''s why I decided to see what my favourite human is doing."


    *Knock, knock, knock*


    Like clockwork Jun had arrived for his daily begging to train. Eren opened the door. "Good morning, Jun-"


    "Oh, who¡¯s this?" Lucifer rushed to Eren''s shoulder as he spoke, meeting the brown-haired man¡¯s eyes.


    "Please help me master."


    ''That''s new?'' Eren thought as he replied. "What''s wrong?"


    "Well master, today I would like to request that you assist me in one of my personal goals. My old high school... Is under the control of the crimson bandits. What Akari told me, about the fire how you helped her and that girl." Eyes looking up to Eren.


    "Please help me save those kids like you saved them."


    "My you have been busy my little dove. You have your own little disciple as well it seems." Lucifer began his scrutinization. Eyes focusing on the new addition, scanning Jun. Eren too focused on Jun, though a different type of observation.


    Usually, Jun would be confident, almost arrogant as he pressed Eren for lessons. But now his confidence had fled, and replaced with unease and tension; fidgeting hands, and slow stumbling speech.


    "I need your help to save the students of Kaname boys high school.¡±


    "Okay." Eren accepted Jun''s quest.


    "You will?" Jun jumped for joy with a quick bow. Almost too easy that he so readily accepted.


    Although, Eren would never turn down a friend in need.


    Lucifer stared with his devilish gaze at Eren.


    "I quest you say? I suppose I will accompany you-"


    "No, you can stay here." Eren dismissed Lucifer and he certainly wasn''t happy.


    "Please Eren, my services would be invaluable." Lucifer begged, slithering about Eren.


    "No, you''ve given me a headache already Lucifer." Eren pushed his nose back. Lucifer however like any stray cat, continues to come back. Eren raised his right leg back. "Well, I''m bored. I don''t want to go back to Gabriel either..." Lucifer moaned.


    "C-Cook dinner?" Emi raised her hands up gently.


    "Oooh yes Eren, let me cook you dinner." Lucifer agreed.


    "Okay then sure... With what money?"


    "Good idea, Eren money." Lucifer outreached his hand to Eren. Eren sighed deeply, reluctantly handing Lucifer his wallet.


    "Thank you, little dove ~" Lucifer swiftly snagged the wallet from his hand. He flew downstairs.


    "Have a good time on your little adventure." He waved, vanishing below.


    "God, I hope he doesn''t spend all my money..." Eren lamented. Being alive for only a couple months came with very little income.


    "Quickly Eren let¡¯s go!" Jun pushed, not wanting to waste any time.


    Leaving Emi all alone in the empty apartment.


    <hr>


    Schools, in a twisted fate; Eren would have been a teacher in a different lifetime. Having studied and nearly completed his education degree, the gates appearing all over the world drew Eren''s attention.


    A new beginning; away from what he thought would be a mundane life. Mr. Heart did have a nice ring to it. Though being rich and powerful had trumped all in younger eyes.


    The streets bore no longer life; but barren and devoid of activity. People already having left for work. Children attending school and so forth. The streets had transformed into a wasteland of concrete and crimson tags, even the usual mothers with strollers and dog walkers had vanished.


    However, one sound did attract Eren, his instincts picking up movement. Silent sulking steps that even Jun had yet to hear.


    "Jun. This way." Pulling Jun into a nearby alley, shadows wrapped their form, ascending quickly to the rooftops. Hiding up high overlooking the street below. Both observing as a young man with short curly hair, skin of a bronze glow.


    "He was at club Eden last night. Detective Romano I believe." Jun observed.


    "Hmmm, they seem to be following me. Perhaps they suspect I may be involved."


    "How?"


    "That blonde detective... I had a friend look her up, a former ranker turned detective, with psychometry skills."


    "You have friends like that?" Asked a shocked Jun, he could barely comprehend that his grumpy master even had friends.


    "Yes, I do." Eren gave an annoyed glance.


    "One problem at a time, Let''s deal with your school first."


    With a knowing nod both began leaping from rooftop to rooftop. Leaving the eyes of the law blinded to the shadows.

 Chapter 28: Under a crimson moon - The dark crows (2)

    <04: 10: 12: 15>


    ''What a dump.'' Eren thought, overlooking the state of the rundown building.


    A school much like many in Japan by the name of Kaname Boys high; a compact square-layout, complete with several wings. Concrete structure held hostage by the uncontrolled rampant growth of flora and moss. Windows with cracked glass, filled with old stained copper frames. White walls once proud, overrun by tags and ''artwork'' of crimson. Even the ground itself bare not bare its green mantle for the world to gaze. Draped over by garbage, concrete and plastic. Not a place anyone could be proud of.


    "It used to be a lot better; people actually went here. A lifetime ago..."


    "How long?" Eren asked.


    "4 years or so. They came in. Offering avenues for employment; some guilds offer similar services. Helping people enter the gates, training under guild banners. However, it only really helps if the guild is prestigious. They came and I got stuck with the army." Jun lamented. A proud young man, despite his life being seemingly controlled by the world around, he wore a smile. A feat Eren wished to attain.


    "How do we want to do this?" Eren broke the silence.


    "Oh, U-um... I thought you were going to lead-"


    "No. This is your job I am along for the ride."


    "Well... Um we will sneak inside."


    "Yep."


    "And take out any bandits?"


    "Yep."


    "And Um, K-kill Mr. Hatori." Jun hesitated. Mr. Hatori was the bandit¡¯s foothold into the school. Their planted principal. After that Jun couldn''t go into any detail. But the name alone gave Jun visible stress, to the point of sweating. Mr. Hatori was not a pleasant person, a twisted sadist, but without any accusations or care for these boys, nobody could stop him.


    "Eren... I know you kill people. P-please don''t kill any-"


    "I don''t kill kids Jun." A rule that Eren decided on a long time ago. Partially fuelled by his teaching studies; even without finishing his education. He knew that often kids are byproducts of environments, external influences shape them.


    <hr>


    Jumping the gate and through the garbage filled yard, Eren and Jun were swift in approach. A blur, a job best suited for shadows. Past violated classrooms and bathrooms. Young men sit around, too busy to look past themselves. Cigarettes, BO, bad deodorant just to name a few. Vices that should have never been on school grounds. Foul language adorned the walls all throughout the school.


    Higher and higher until they reach the top. ''Principal¡¯s office.''


    "Are you ready?" Eren summoned his mask and gear, becoming the reaper before Jun''s eyes.


    "Yeah, I think so." Jun in turn wrapped a bandana around his lower half, and a hood to keep his identity secure. The Reaper and his ward, opened the door.


    A well decorated room for a dilapidated school. Two leather couches, two large armchairs with a leather upholstery, cherry wood desk with clawed feet, even a large fridge within arm¡¯s reach of the desk. Mr. Hatori sat by his desk, writing away.


    A bulky man, arms like trees under a white shirt; short buzzcut hair, clean cut look, just a bulky looking principal. Until he looked up, a squared face with a dirty stubble. Most disturbing through, his eyes. Always locked in almost a distant stare, looking past his would be assassins.


    "Well, hello there." A calm tone exuded. It hid well the murderous intent beneath his expression. He sauntered over to the pair, not fazed by the sight of the reaper before him. "You must be the one that has Reiji all riled up. And a... small little sidekick." Hatori seemed particularly interested in the taller bandana man.


    *Sniff* *Sniff*


    "Ahhh, that scent. Jun Jiao." Eyes that once were lost in a daze, turned deadly, into an intense focus. Locking onto Jun Jiao.


    "You''ve gone and found yourself a new teacher." Hatori licked his lips. Jun stiffened but said nothing, hoping that maybe, just maybe, Hatori would doubt his own senses. But the man¡¯s cold smile told him otherwise.


    "Don''t be so ashamed Jun. that Virile aroma... Every one of my boys has a scent-" As the monster seemed off-guard Eren attacked. Striking at his neck, straight for the kill. However, a shield had enveloped the principal.


    "Nice, attack. But do you think I haven''t prepared for you?" Hatori smirked. Grabbing Eren''s neck before tossing him against the wall. An extreme display of strength, cratering the brick interior. Jun struck next with a flurry of punches, each blocked with ease.


    "Looks like we have ourselves a party. Mr. Jun. please."


    A swift punch to the sternum followed by an elbow to the back, dropped Jun to the ground. "My dear Jun, I taught you everything-" A whip cracked across the room, a shield blocked it all.


    "Oh, ho, ho, was that meant to hit me? I suspect that you''ve only seen those fire wielders and warriors.¡±


    The ring began to vibrate. A challenge, finally an opponent to keep things exciting.


    "Unfortunately, I won''t be much off an opponent. I''ve seen what you can do." Mr. Hatori reached for his phone, ready to dial a number.


    *Crack* * Snap*


    The whip made no marks on the man.


    A siren blared through the school. Rumbling began in the distance. A horde fast approached.


    "I have been waiting for this day."


    Students flooded the hallway, blocking entry and exit. Scowls of malice for any intruder.


    "Well boys, go on!" Hatori ordered his ''students''.


    They surged forward, kicking and throwing wild punches at Jun and Eren. Left hooks right jabs, high kicks. Any strike, no matter how uncoordinated or haphazardly thrown, intended to strike with brutal force.


    "OI! FUCKERS!" Wild flames surged, crashing with tremendous momentum through the narrow halls. Nearly taking out his school mates.


    Rights and lefts again, Eren threw punches and kicks; not intending to kill, but keep them down. While his whip wrapped, tripping them over.


    *Crack*


    Bones break behind a punch to the skull mask.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Aghhh!" A screaming boy ran back clutching his broken hand. *Smash* A jaw split after taking a kick to the face.


    *Crack*


    Another nose breaks after another blow from a left hook. Eren was although viscous, not lethal in his attacks. Jun however, struggled to hold himself back. Each strike smashing faces or too weak to even move the students.


    "Outside." Eren leaped through the top window, rolling through the yard.


    "THE COWARDS RUNNING!"


    Jun joined him, the yard provided much more room for them. The pair only had to wait a few seconds before the rumbling down the stairs. They could nearly pinpoint through the walls where they would be.


    "Are you able to hold yourself back?" Eren had to be sure.


    "I''m sorry master, I keep trying-"


    "The bodies will start to pile up if this isn''t finished soon."


    "Wait, Master. A challenge. Challenge Hatori; that will make them stop."


    ''A challenge?''


    Before either could react, the horde reached the yard. With a dash a student blitzed Eren, at the speed of sound punching in the gut. A follow up, Eren threw him down. Twisting his ankle with a crack.


    "Arghhhh!" Followed by a knee to the face.


    <hr>


    The students surrounded Eren and Jun, all with burning auras around their form.


    "A challenge!" The reaper ordered. The bloodlust dissipated for a moment.


    "Oh, a challenge for me?" Hatori made his way through a sea of rage filled young men, eyes returning to its a thousand-yard stare.


    "It¡¯s been years since someone had the guts to challenge me. Well, I suppose what kind of teacher would I be if I didn''t set an example."


    "Although, I see that my boys haven''t died yet. If you defeat my top student then... you can fight me." The students fell into hushed whispers.


    "Yuri..." With the mention of that name the crowd seemed to descend into silence, almost reverence.


    A boy walked out from the main entrance, shorter in stature compared to his peers. Black hair that spiked up like a flame, with laser sharp eyes.


    A plain high school shirt that barley fit over his shorter form, accompanied by two taller figures. Boys well over 6 foot, his right; a blonde with a duck tale and aviators, the left; short black hair, almost shaved. Even their frames towered over Yuri''s shorter size.


    "Here he is, my little champion." Hatori gestured with a pat on the back. Although it made Yuri flinch, it was a tender stroke of twisted affection.


    "Yuri, do your master proud."


    Yuri rushed Eren, throwing a jab which Eren dodged easily. Eren retaliated with a quick jab to the face followed by an uppercut to the gut. Yuri stumbled back clutching his stomach.


    "Fuck!" Eren swung again aiming for the head. The punch is parried with a swift punch to the mask, the force stronger than any of the previous students. Eren steadied himself, taking a defensive stance.


    "You''ll have to try better than that, ya skull faced fucker."


    Next, Yuri did something strange. Not taking up any guard or stance he ran towards Eren, slowly picking up momentum until his began to turn into an explosive dash. Yuri sent Eren back with an explosive punch.


    "YEAHHHHHHH!" The audience roared as Eren went back. "Give up old man, leave me and my boys alone." Yuri declared, striking another blow.


    A kick, A punch, a kick, faster and faster, harder, and harder. Each blow was powerful rather than a form driven martial art. Eren could have easily ended this fight with a strike from his whip. Even the ring wanted the boy''s death.


    ''Now'' Eren blocked a kick, parrying with a knee strike. Hyperextending Yuri''s leg. "Arghh!" Another counter, Eren pulled back and threw an elbow. Crashing into Yuri''s chest with a crack, ribs were broken, throwing him to the ground.


    "Stop." The reaper ordered.


    "Fuck You!" With a clap of his fists a beam, bright yellow fired upwards. Eren''s own ribs felt as if they had been blasted with a shotgun. Eren staggered into the dirt, nearly crashing to the ground as well.


    "Fuck Yeah! Fuck Em up Yuri!" Yelled the taller blonde. To his feet Yuri circled his prey like a shark.


    "You wanna die, don''t ya? I thought the reaper would be an epic battle, but I guess that''s all bullshit." Yuri cocked his arms like a shotgun ready to unleash its blast.


    "Finish him my ''dear little Yuri''."


    Those words gave pause to Yuri. Which was all Eren needed.


    The bone whip flung forward, colling around Yuri''s neck. Pulling him down with great force onto the dirt pitch. A small gasp and choke broke through Yuri''s lips. The crowd feel back into silence as the ''top dog'' was tamed.


    Eren mounted On Yuri''s back, holding firm with a knee. "One chance, do you want Hatori dead?" Yuri twisted his head to look up. A broken look across his face, both stunned and relieved at the prospect.


    "Y-ye-s..."


    "Play dead." With a feigned tug Yuri dropped limp to the ground. Acting as if he''d been choked out.


    Eren rose, no cheers, no roars, just a deafening silence.


    "You are quite talented. I would have loved to have you on my roster." Mr. Hatori was impressed. Strutting with pride into the arena.


    "..." The reaper was silent.


    "Oh well, time to show you-"


    "GAAAAAAAAARGH!" Yuri grabbed at his principal¡¯s knee, twisting it as far as he could. Falling to the ground with a stunned expression.


    "Y-Yuri! You little bitch!" Yuri stood above his tormentor. Punching with light fists. Hattori''s shield was holding but clearly the force of the impact could still be felt.


    Over and over until


    *CRACK*


    A fist smashed through to Hattori''s face. Nose bent inwards; cheek bloodied. Yuri broke the ward.


    Punch after punch decimated Hattori''s face. Red became redder, until black and blue took over. Cries went unheard.


    "ARHHHHHG." Yuri screamed, each punch was a message of rage, pain, sadness. No more would this man torment anyone again. The world blurred as rage consumed him, drowning out the muffled cries of his former tormentor. And then, as if from a far-off place, he felt a hand¡ªgentle but firm¡ªgrip his wrist.


    "Stop."


    "LET GO!" Yuri wrestled with the reaper. Turning to him, his eyes beginning to water. A story told without utterance, a deep pain that hopefully would be mended somewhat by an abuser¡¯s downfall. The reaper beckoned to his two followers. Both nodded, helping Yuri. Still enraged, yet sadness further taking him. Anguished, sobs of many years¡¯ worth, bawling down his cheeks.


    The crowd dispersed, unsure whether to stay at school or flee.


    Only Hattori lay, breath barley escaping his mangled mouth. It would almost be a mercy to kill him, yet the ring was asking for him.


    It began its ritual of reaching out its tendrils to consume the dying man.


    The tendrils devoured his remains leaving nothing but the blood of his beatings.


    <hr>


    "Thank you, Master." Jun bowed deeply.


    "These boys... what they suffered. Did you?"


    "No, he would only beat me. Others..." No sentence unfinished.


    "Good work today."


    Eren took his leave, barely able to stand from the pain in his chest. Like a force was crushing his ribcage. At least he had done good today.


    Possibly the first real good he has done since becoming a Reaper. In another lifetime Eren would have loved to help these boys. As a reaper it just doesn''t cut it, only power and violence will.


    ***


    Eren pushed on his door, exhaustion at his heels. Multiple ribs clearly broken. But, will heal quickly thanks to his reaper physiology.


    The TV was blaring through the door, "Your kidding..." To his right was Emi and Lucifer watching Battle idol. Emi sitting hugging a pillow, hard. Lucifer on his knees just beneath the screen. Eyes aglow with wonderment and amazement at the young idols.


    To the left however, a mess of pots and pans, opened packages and half cooked food. A concoction that neither member could make even slightly edible.


    "Ooh Eren, your back." Lucifer said without taking his eyes off the screen. Eren''s eyes twitched in frustration.


    "M-make sure you pay close attention..." Emi''s eyes as well held the same sparkle as lucifers.


    "You said you would prepare dinner..."


    "Oh dinner. Yes dinner. I got a little bit sidetracked... Oh my Isn¡¯t this thrilling? Look at the choreography, the costumes. It''s flawless~"


    Eren sighed, rubbing his temples. "Right. Guess I¡¯m cooking then."


    The kitchen was getting worse the longer he looked at it, dreading the idea of even making a start on this.


    ''Lucifer can''t cook either...'' It was strange, a creature of aethereal grace, long living, capable of miracles and one of his many flaws; the inability to cook.


    At least the fridge was full- full of useless ingredients. Briming with multiple seafood from 5 different countries. No fruits, Vegetables barley consisting of half an onion and quartered cauliflower.


    ''And the last time I give him money.'' Eren grumbled lightly banging his head against the fridge.


    Despite it all; he looked at the pair, Emi was enjoying her show with company, a truly rare moment. A genuine smile peaked from beneath her frown.


    ''Perhaps that''s two for today.''

 Chapter 29: Against a crimson tide - A hunter’s moon

    < 3D: 12H: 43M: 24S>


    Reiji was desperate, sleepless nights hauled over the table, staring into an open hand. Bargaining with his inner voices, as they debated what next, the pressure had mounted to nearly unbearable levels.


    *Knock* Knock*


    "Come in." Hiro and Shinya entered, each a silent bow.


    "Boss. He has arrived just as you requested. Do you truly wish to have an outsider interfere with our operations?" Hiro questioned.


    "There won''t be a guild to operate Hiro, unless drastic measures are taken."


    "...Come in." Hiro called, A towering figure entered, long black hair grazing the head of the door. Built like a lumbering ox, muscles stacked and bulky. A tank top that hugged his strong frame, long black tattoos snaked up and down his arms. Eyes nearly hidden by a black fringe. Hands that could engulf another man¡¯s head.


    Not another word uttered. An unsung glare, fixated upon the crimson bandit.


    "Panic; the blood juggernaut himself. Who better to catch someone of his pedigree." Panic, an infamous ranker from the motherland of Russia. Silent and deadly, words often forgone in place of action.


    "Have you been informed of our problem?"


    "§¥§Ñ, is in paper." Producing his contract to work under the crimson bandits.


    "Good... good." Reiji massaged his head.


    "Shinya. Show him our prime suspect." Panic read slowly, one hand holding the suspect photo and the other raised above to block the glare. Reiji waited; eager in anticipation, every moment before any declaration filled him with dread.


    "§¥§Ñ." Panic affirmed. A grim sigh washed over Reiji. The weight lifted ever so slightly, but the burden of his future only kept at bay momentarily.


    "This one we believe is either the Reaper himself or at the very least connected to him. Later tonight we will go and visit him. Hopefully ending our torment once and for all."


    Panic returned a vacant gaze. Perhaps nothing was going behind those eyes; a great unfeeling warrior. More muscle than brain.


    "You''re dismissed. Hiro escort our guest to the barracks, get him comfortable."


    A deep bow, Hiro left with their foreign ally. "Shinya. I need you to do one last thing for me. Go into the underworld of Eosar; hire them."


    "Reiji, you¡¯re sure? Our coffers will run dry if we continue to throw around our wealth." Shinya dissented.


    "Shinya, my friend. I have always trusted your keen insights, especially in regards to our funds. However, they are always focused on our long-term investments. They aren''t of any use to us now if we''re all dead by the end of this week."


    "Then why are we going after Jun Jiao? Why the double security of Panic and this other group."


    "Not for a second do I believe that someone such as Jun could even pull off these massacres. This is to kill two birds with one stone. If not our prime suspect, then we will at the very least draw him out. For that, I want the pack."


    "... It will be done, Reiji." Shinya conceded, departing the office. Respect for his leader, like the countdown, dwindling by the hour. A leader at his wits end was a liability, which if persisted, would lead to ruin. Now however was not the time to act rashly; After all is cleared away then it would be his time to act.


    ***


    < 3D: 8H: 22M: 19S>


    Eosar:


    The world of Eosar; much like Earth was a vibrant ecosystem. A central interconnected hub that serviced many gates; connecting many worlds beyond. Everything one could ever want was for sale. All could be bought with coin or trade. Lusty eyes to exotic species. Adventurers to goblins to dragon-humanoid hybrids. Seemingly a city of endless fantasy.


    Eosar was one giant complex of towers reaching into the sky, built like a labyrinth. Maze of inner workings, dead ends, shops, guilds. Each new level gave its own set of laws, governed by powerful guilds.


    However, like all societies. Eosar had its own underworld. A mass of criminal guilds, the foundation of Eosar. Dark markets littered its walls; both open and secretive.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ''I hate this place...'' Shinya couldn''t stand the stench of rot. Back home it smelt of tobacco and alcohol. Eosar''s underworld however, foreign smells that couldn''t be described to its disgusting origins. Lingering within every corner; festering until the aroma melded into the walls.


    Home there was a food chain; a natural order where in humans towered over all others. Here there was no order, no structure, not a hierarchy. Lamias, goblins, orcs, beastkin, all watching the hooded figure navigate the abyss with esurient eyes.


    Shinya finally came across his destination, hidden within the walls. It looked like an abandoned bar, however inside the establishment was a bustling crowd. People of all species came to drink together; the clinking of glasses and yelling patrons. It was far deeper than the outside fa?ade.


    In the back was his goal. Shinya proceeded cautiously through the mass of bodies. Eyes covered beneath his cloak.


    *Sniff* *Sniff*


    "That scent..." A guttural whisper. Shinya walked swiftly to the voice.


    "Ahh, welcome second master. So good to see you once more. How may I help you?" A large wolf, hooded obscuring all features save for his snout, red fur poking through. Like a werewolf, tall, stocky build; a beast to give pause to any brave warrior.


    "I am in need of your services once more." Shinya gave the wolf a light bow. A dark smirk in return.


    "Sit, we are always happy to be of service to such a valued customer."


    A case was put onto the rickety table, golden light reflected under wolfs cowl. His sharp paws tracing over the golden currency.


    "You need someone dead of great value to you?" Asked the wolf, eyes returned to Shinya.


    "Our guild has angered a figure. Yet we do not know why or who he is."


    "And you want us too..."


    "I need your pack to track this individual down. Kill him."


    "Hmmmm, and this is all you have brought."


    "Excuse me?" Shinya questioned.


    "Second Master, as you sit before me, I can see in your heart, fear has taken you. We could smell it as you descended the steps to our world."


    Shinya was annoyed by the wolf¡¯s observation, though not wrong. Many within the guild fear the countdown, including Shinya himself. However, he came prepared for the wolves¡¯ cunning.


    "Half. This is your upfront payment. If you can successfully complete this request then another payment will arrive."


    "Ahhh, well. We do appreciate a discerning client. Very well-"


    "With one condition; after your contract is complete. You will execute the CEO of the guild Reiji Kikuchi."


    The wolf paused; then a wicked smile curved on his toothy lips. "Cunning, you would do well as a Lycan, second master... Or master. I expect more payment for this?"


    "Yes, thrice the price upon execution."


    Just like that a bargain had been struck. Two souls had been condemned to death. What came next Shinya wasn''t fond of. The wolf split its paw open with a slice, turning to Shinya for the same.


    A blood pact was formed and sealed. "A pleasure doing business with you. Let us begin." He stood, towering all in the bar.


    *AWOOOOOOOOOOO*


    A howl pierced through Eosar. Howls joined from all directions, within the bar even some patrons joined in chorus.


    "Soon, all of your home will be filled with our songs."


    Wolves of all shapes and sizes descended. Taking off to the gate of their target, blood red their unifying factor. Black wolves, white wolves, grey. All sprinted after one target. Swift and smooth, racing on all fours.


    ***


    <3D: 3H: 8M: 53s.>


    Within Eren''s home:


    Eren lay awake, night swept over him yet dreams escaped him. Plaguing him since he returned home, never getting more than three hours of rest a night. A blessing and a curse; starting at the roof was not an appealing activity.


    *Shuffle* *Shuffle*


    Movement outside; quiet, light steps. Coming from above. Hair raising on his neck, something was wrong. Someone or something lurked on the roof.


    "Are you sure?" "Yes. The scent ends here." "There is nothing here, the alpha said the human scent would lead us."


    Three wolves argued, each nose glued to the ground, sniffing erratically.


    "Wait, someone''s coming." Ears twitching at the light steps of footsteps approaching.


    The reaper landed softly. Masked, whip armed. The wolfs salivated at the sight, their swords readied for a fight.


    "He is here... quickly alert the alpha-"


    *Slash*


    One fell, throat gashed.


    "Awo-"


    *Stab *


    A knights thrust from behind muzzling the other, dropping them too.


    *Gurgle* *Gurgle *


    The Lycans never stood a chance, long shadows of sombre silence allowed the knights to crawl out from their void. Three bodies slumped, whilst one struggled for life.


    "What are you doing here?" The reaper spoke.


    "*Gurgle* H-hired... by S-second...master *gurgle* Kill - Reaper... F-find and *Hack* *gurgle*" Blood pooled as it sputtered.


    ¡°Where?¡±


    Weakly, pointing to the sky, "F-follow the... *Gurgle gurgle* Moon."


    *Gurgle, Gurgle* *Stab*


    Eren put the wolf down. ''Three wolves, a scouting party, hired by the guild. They are getting desperate, slipping up, giving themselves away.''


    Eren stood, devouring the scouts remains. Shadows engulfing their forms until they fell into the dark.


    The screen revealed.


    ''That''s different. It must like variety rather than quantity.'' The reaper watched the ring glow.


    Time to go wolf hunting.

 Chapter 30: Against a crimson tide - A blood wolfs moon

    < 3D: 2H: 59M: 59S>


    Following the moon:


    Eren ghosted between buildings, shadows bending to his will. Tonight, he wasn''t the hunted - he was the hunter.


    Finally, he found more of them, Lycans. Lurking within the darkness, only a crimson glint from their eyes betrayed their stealth.


    A quick descent upon the crimson pack; swiftly with one whip strike bisecting through three.


    *Snap* Cutting off their gasps. Another group; fuel for his ring''s craving.


    <36%>


    More bodies, more meat, more blood. Further in, more succumbed to his shadowy visage. More would fall before him.


    <47%>


    <62%>


    <81%>


    <93%>


    <95%>


    <100%>


    ''Ah, is it ready now?'' Just on cue, the screen flashed before him.


    <You have learned: Shadow Archers. Create archers from the souls of consumed. Capable of raining shadowy arrows of darkness. Current no of archers available. 0/7 >


    "How do I get 7?"


    <Would you like to convert shadow soldiers? 18/18.>


    "Yes?"


    <13/18 Soldiers, 7/7 archers.>


    A simple query and shadow soldiers transfigured into archers. Lacking any distinguishing features from their sword wielding brethren, save for a quiver and a long dark bow.


    All examining their new gear, clearly excited by their transformation, showing off to their master. Although their master was more exacerbated by their childish exuberance.


    Continuing in haste. Eren followed the path, he sensed it. However, if he knew then surely the wolves awaited with anticipation.


    Finally, he arrived at a construction site; concrete rings, stacked high. Long since abandoned, covered in the markings of crimson tags. Scents of treated wood and paint still lingered in the air.


    Red eyes betrayed their stealth, or was it a purposeful display. Toying with him before the finale.


    *GRRRR*


    Eren landed in the centre pit; unrefined gravel lined the ground; their construction never came to fruition. To his left was a high scaffolding; Lycans filling each steel bar with eyes ablaze, gazing down upon the spectre with ravenousness.


    "Good evening, master Reaper. Someone has paid a great deal of credit for your head." Their alpha, hidden under a deep cowl. Red furred hands held tight to a buster sword.


    "You have been busy, killing all through our ranks. Perhaps you will be worth every gold."


    "..."


    "Very well, your stoicism is admirable. Warriors!"


    *AWOOOOOOO*


    Joining the alpha''s cry, they answered back. Red eyes drawing in from the shadows; encircling the reaper, teeth bared, licking lips in anticipation for another''s meal. Weapons of swords, spears, maces and... guns?


    "Fire!" Without hesitation the guns fired.


    *TATATATATATA*


    Bullets clanging against the scaffolding. Dried mud burst through the air as the pack kept up their suppressive fire.


    The reaper used his new ward to block all bullets. Crushed against the barrier.


    ''This might actually be a challenge.'' Eren thought behind the mask. Overwhelming numbers, numerous weaponries and possibly an assortment of spells. Against a lone reaper with a whip and a shield.


    A fair fight indeed.


    ***


    < Blood pack killed: 0/57 >


    The wolves reloaded their weapons with cumbersome motions. Clearly a new addition to their arsenal, lacking familiarity. Fingers fumbling with the magazines, fiddling with the mechanisms.


    "Don''t bring guns to a sword fight." Archers emerged from the shadows before him taking aim at the gun tooting beasts.


    <6/57>


    The wolves ran in under the volley of arrows, gravel barley disturbed beneath their claws. 18 soldiers emerged, clashing with swords.


    *Crash*


    The ringing of steel against shadowed steel. Both armies battling with a vigour. Like a flurry of swords, swings and parries, bashes, and decapitations.


    Reaper swung from above, dispatching 3 in one fell swoop. Dropping to the ground and a dash towards a second pack. Rending many in two, in the wake of his form.


    <12/57>


    Three wolves broke through the ranks of knights, charging straight for their master. A volley halted them, taking two in the heart. Their swords clattering to the ground; leaving a lone wolf howling to face Reaper. Caught by the throat, the reaper crushed its throat.


    *Snap*


    No, noise or struggle just limp against his metal grasp. Slumping to the floor in a pile.


    <15/57>


    The wolves regrouped, unable to break the line; reforming into packs.


    "Smart..." Eren muttered under his mask. The alpha stood and watched with cold intrigue, unfazed by his pack slow decline. Like a true wolf of earth, testing the prey, stalking with curiosity and tact.


    *Awwoo*


    Suddenly, their leader gave a subtle growl. Instincts going into overdrive. ''Behind!''Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Picking up the wolves¡¯ sword the reaper rolled forward, narrowly avoiding a surprise attack. Sparks flying off the cold concrete. Turning in desperation to face this new foe. A larger Lycan, like the alpha but not as huge. Smaller and lithe, wielding a twinblade that danced through the air with each cleave. 13 more joined the fight.


    <17/70>


    Another strike, Eren blocked. Both sword and twinblade grinding against each other''s blades. Eren could feel its intensity, breath hot with hunger. Flanking to his right a robbed Lycan, hands out turning to fire.


    Flames flew, licking and biting as it struck Eren. Thankfully he got his ward up just in time. Barriers only hold for so long, another joined, palm of the ground a fist of concrete pummelled through the ward, knocking Eren against the steel beams behind.


    ''Broken. Ribs...'' Through haggard breathing, Eren did not know whether to curse or praise these mercenaries for giving him such a good fight.


    The lithe Lycan charged in once more. Twin blade a blur as it danced through the air. No time to waste on words; instead, the lithe Lycan charged again and again. Sparks crashing with every failed blow. One two more attacks that the reaper dogged under. Fire, concrete, even lightning struck at the reaper. Every ward faltering with each blow.


    His knights intervened, four carving their way through the fodder. Bashing the two mages off balance and finally clashing with the lithe wolf. Eren could breathe, reassess the situation.


    The whip danced like a viper once more; cutting through the elemental spell casters, bashing into the heads, and splitting skulls. Quickly into a pack. Two, then another, three, and yet another.


    <22/70>


    A wolf mace struck one archer down. Steel bending beneath a blow,


    *Clang* *BANG*


    Crushing against the scaffolding. These beasts could make an impact against shadows. All the while, the twinblade would swish, dancing through the air. Eren was waiting, the right moment will come. 2 wolves repositioned on each side, using the mace wolf¡¯s death as a diversion.


    ''NOW''


    In the half second between, Eren shot himself toward the twin blades. Just before the lithe wolfs blow landed, the blade was knocked out of her hand. Wielding its own blade against itself. A sword plunging through her gut, pinning it against the steel behind. Blood coating the once pristine blade.


    With that the knights and archers got a second wind; seeing their master deal with such a foe. Carving through more of the wolves. This pack had lost their best and they knew it. Each becoming reckless with desperate blows, leaving holes in each other¡¯s offense. Wolves faltering with the growing corpses of their allies.


    <37/70>


    One knight all by itself, waved to the reaper.


    "What?" Was it trying to get his attention?


    *Slam*


    A breaker sword split the foolish night in two, "Enough!"


    The Alpha finally dropped to the pit; eyes ablaze like ruby coals. "You fight well master Reaper. With or without your knights I suspect a mighty foe to felled."


    "Not a word spoken; truly an adversary to be feared. Withdraw your forces reaper and I the same, let us determine who has right to the other''s head." Motioned at his surviving crew. Already his knights were breaking rank, returning to their shadows.


    "Fight me, alone and if you best me then the others shall stand down." No response. Neither could backdown, Eren would like to regroup and regain his health.


    ''They would chase me down the second I got the chance.''


    Accepting with a single nod. Reaper shifted his whip in anticipation. The Alpha''s cloak removed; a fur black as night, red lines engraved. Scars layered upon scars, all healed poorly, the true prince of war before him. Blade shining like starlight, even under the moon''s veil.


    ---


    Both Lycan and Reaper sprinted towards one another. Battle once more ensued, as their weapons clashed. Sparks flew with each swing. Parry then thrusts. Parry and thrust.


    1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3. Swords clashing in a continuous beat. Each blow resounded with a symphony of steel.


    Using a salvaged sword in one hand to parry and block. Another; his whip, to lash out. Yet the alpha fought on. Keeping up with the onslaught of strike after strike. Cleaving the very shadow. Finally, a lick on the alpha''s heel. Collapsing before his foe with a stinging whip gashing through fur.


    ''Finish this.'' Eren went for the jugular until. *Pull*


    "You need more tricks, master Reaper." One hand, gripped like a vice around the whip. Dragging him into the air, sending him with a solid thwack into the maze of beams.


    ''Breath...'' Dazed from the Alpha''s throw.


    *CRASH*


    Steel wailed as they began to collapse, Eren barely missing the debris.


    *Clank* *Clank*


    The alpha used his sword as a walking stick, barely able to support himself. His heels cut down to the bone, red dripping to the cold concrete. Both heaving with heavy breath. A clash of red eyes with none. Again, they ran in, slower than before.


    Buster sword, swung overhead. With as much momentum as possible the alpha cut clean through the beams; cleaving from right to left. Ducking under the strike, the reaper retaliated with a vicious kick, colliding with the alpha''s injured leg.


    *CRUNCH*


    Another strike, another roll. Despite a wounded leg the alpha kept pace. Buster sword would clash against shadow whip, concrete indents caked the arena. A labyrinth of sorts that decreased with each strike. Parts of the scaffolding groaned, creaked under the strain of the battle.


    *THWACK*


    Using the shadows, Eren maneuvered around the arena, always on the alpha''s blindside. Aims of bringing the structure down upon the alpha.


    "You learn quick Reaper. Trying to bring down all of this, on both of us."


    "..."


    "But not quick enough." The alphas shoulder charged Eren; knocking him into a concrete pillar, proceeding to then cut more scaffolding and supports.


    *Groan*


    *Crack*


    *GROAN*


    *CRAAAACK*


    Finally, the remaining structure fell.


    Crushing concrete fell and dust billowed through the air. Alpha evacuated, watching the dust cloud settle. Eyes scanning with intense fury. Only himself remained, Reaper; nowhere to be found.


    "It has been an honour, master Reaper." Offering a short bow, the alpha would return to his pack, having slain the notorious Reaper. However, his pack members were filled with dread.


    "You missed." The reaper whispered into his ear, he had climbed onto the armour, going unnoticed by the sensory overloaded wolf. Within an instant the whip curled around the alphas neck.


    "Good fight, master Reaper." Offering a resigned sigh.


    *Slice*


    Like paper the Lycans throat split, just above his crimson red armour.


    ***


    The wolves stood in shock, looking at each other. The remaining 33 unsure what to do now. Leaderless, an exorbitant contract broken. Soon all eyes focused on their alpha. Loyal eyes moving between the Reaper and Alpha. One by one gripping weapons once more. About to do something stupid.


    "Don''t." The alpha had asked for their them to stand down; to leave, to which the reaper would agree. Unless, they stayed and risked a worse fate. Hesitantly, they primed themselves, feet shuffling forward. Weapons at the ready.


    ''Loyal till the end.''


    With a flick of the wrist the shadows swooped in. Arrows flew and blades slashed. Without a leader, with dwindling numbers; it only took 3 seconds to finish off the remaining. They fought for their leader and their pay. Now with neither, only death remained.


    Like clockwork; the knights went to work, gathering all the bodies and piling them for easy devouring. Whilst Eren stood over the Alpha attempting to claim him. A worthy addition to his growing army.


    <Error. This creature is bound. Can not claim, unless bond is severed.>


    ''What? Bonded... maybe Baelor will know.''


    Looking back the soldiers were nearly done; a role for them once done.


    ***


    "Be careful." Eren was thoroughly annoyed with his knights; carrying the corpse of a giant wolf man was no easy feat with regular humans. Yet somehow these shadows struggled. Wobbling back and forth, from left to right.


    Too many meant they would trip over each other; too few would be some crushed under the weight. Thankfully; before a calamity; they finally arrived at Baelor¡¯s base. Dragging the wolf down to the main hall, loud *Thumps* and *Clangs* reverberated.


    "Eren... Welcome back. What have you brought me?" Baelor came in with his usual eloquence, however stilted with confusion.


    "Him." Referring to the Lycan, still dressed in that crimson armour. Inside the chamber of candles and elvish finery, a Lycan contrasted heavily.


    "A fruitful night I take. What is the purpose of bringing him here?" Inspecting the fallen.


    "I couldn''t claim him, it''s bound to something. Could you break that bond?"


    "A bond... If it is what I suspect, I''m afraid this goes beyond even my magic." Baelor announced. Sullen words escaped through, that he wished he did not need to utter.


    "Explain."


    "Most likely the bond your ring spoke off is a contract with a god. If such a being has bestowed power to this Lycan then no magic within this realm could even attempt."


    ''Shame. Such a powerful corpse should not be left unused.''


    "This beast, I recognize it. It had a hand in taking the guild from us-" The door to the chamber opened with a sudden burst.


    The bearded homeless man who had so often led him into Baelor¡¯s camp approached with quickened steps.


    "Your ward has been taken." Words quick, but no ounce of fear.


    "Jun?"


    "Yes, the crimson bandits took him. I don''t know where."


    "Shit."

 Chapter 31: Against a crimson tide - A killer amongst killers

    <3D: 0H: 0M: 0S>


    "Where was he taken from?" Asked Eren.


    "His home. Baelor had asked me to watch over him. When I went to check up on him there was signs of a struggle and blood." For a haggard man who looks as though he is one cold night away from death, he spoke with such assuredness.


    "Take me there."


    Baelor was left the body of the wolf man; Eren knew he would put it too good use.


    "Eren, be careful. They are getting desperate. When a caged animal is backed into a corner; carnage is sure to follow." Words from a sage such as him should not be ignored. Eren nodded, with all the due haste they departed.


    Now his top priority was to find Jun and his sister. Night was at its peak and yet clouds still covered the moon.


    "They''re watching the apartment... around the corner." A darkened corner, the faint light of a cigarette, if the light didn''t give them away, then the smell would have. Clearly, stealth skills inferior to the wolves.


    Eren left the man behind, taking a darkened road to avoid the eyes. Inside, was much like a crime scene. Torn doors, overturned furniture, spilt rice, but the most telling of all. Spilled blood.


    Along the floor in long strokes of scarlet. Two people, forced out of a home. Eren entered further, wanting to find something, anything that could give him a clue to their whereabouts. Stepping through the broken threshold; his reaper eyes gave a gruesome tale, playing an image in his mind. Clashes with desperate manoeuvres with just enough luck to fend off one, only for another to step in.


    Thrown against the wall leaving a crater with hair and blood. Kitchen ransacked in panic to grab anything within reach. Frying pan still had strands of hair and the tiniest spot of blood. Pan broken in two then landed on the floor with a thud. Blood skids converging until out the door.


    There was nothing for Eren to work with. However, as he left for the door a brick wall of a man stepped in. Eyes meeting at the door.


    "§¨§ß§Ö§è." (Reaper)


    ''Another ranker.'' An unfamiliar face to him. A different aura to the blood pack and the bandits too. Where he could sense the cunning and hunger of a wolf, this man.


    All Eren felt was something that caused him to stand tall, arms loose. Wary and ever vigilant, as he prepared for a fight.


    Panic took one look behind the reaper, examining the damage.


    "Crimson took boy, took girl. Gone too gate by ocean." Help?


    Eren expected many things but help wasn''t one of them.


    "Where? When? Why?"


    "Follow ocean till you get to §ã§Ü§Ý§Ñ§Õ, three hours ago..." Panic looked over his shoulder, not wanting the other crimson bandits to overhear. Turning back once more to the reaper, he had vanished. Just a slight flicker of shadow on the concrete wall was all that remained of the reaper''s presence.


    "...§±§Ñ§ß§Ú§Ü§Ñ §ß§Ö §á§â§Ú§é§Ú§ß§ñ§Ö§ä §Ó§â§Ö§Õ§Ñ §Ô§â§Ñ§Ø§Õ§Ñ§ß§ã§Ü§à§Þ§å §ß§Ñ§ã§Ö§Ý§Ö§ß§Ú§ð." (Panic does not harm civilians)


    "You killed him yet? Oi where is he?!" Hiro would appear from the corner, hollering at Panic.


    "Sir, I swear I saw him enter the residence." Another bandit rounded the corner. Hiro took a deep breath their numbered days taking a toll on all.


    "There is nothing." Panic left without another word; Hiro followed close behind.


    ''§µ§Ó§Ú§Õ§Ú§Þ§ã§ñ, §Ø§ß§Ö§è.'' (''See you, reaper.'')


    Eren watched them leave from the roof. Unsure what to think of the new addition to his growing list of enemies. A potential enemy that refuses to kill civilians. Then why on earth was he with the bandits?


    A question for another day however. Right now, Jun and Mei were important. From the sound of the Russian, Eren suspected an ambush awaited.


    The trek was quicker. Sliding down from the roofs onto the concrete; barely any slow to momentum. Legs bent and slid along the floor, racing, no fear of catching himself on cracks or uneven streets. However, Panics words gave halt to his sudden boost.


    ''Civilians.'' Panics words rang over and over again.


    Jun was barley a ranker and Mei most certainly wasn''t. Neither could kill, not like him. Perhaps a chance, a chance for the law to be a foothold in the territory.


    ~


    Baelor, do you have the number of detective Akiko Bennet?


    Of course. What do you require?


    A message.


    ~


    ***


    "BHHA, that''s some good shit." Mai took a heavy gulp of her beer. Four of the RFC sat in a bar near HQ, letting off all the steam from the week. Akiko, Kenji, Mai, and Luca.


    "This overtime is gonna be the death of us." Kenji concurred, placing another order of beer.


    "Tell me about it." Luca gulped down some gyoza; deep fried pork gyoza that always seemed to hit the spot after a long week.


    "If Mai keeps drinking, she''s the one that''s gonna die." Kenji kept eyeing her bottle which seemed to find itself becoming lighter and lighter.


    The bar they sat in was a frequent spot for police personnel. Old wooden flooring, warm glow of hanging lights that wobbled gently. Walls littered with paraphernalia, photographs of officers and guild members, and other souvenirs from travels long passed. This wasn''t just any old bar, it was as Mai would call it, ''home.'' Mainly because she would frequently get wasted enough to fall asleep on the floor.


    However, they often sat separated from the main mass. Preferring instead to cluster in a back booth. Far from prying and jeers of their colleagues. For the best maybe, for Akiko was enjoying her alcohol in relative peace and quiet. Trying to think about anything other than work.


    "What''s wrong Aki? You''ve barely touched your beer. Mai is eyeing it like a hawk." Kenji asked.


    Aki wasn''t usually the loudest but there was always a wise quip or thoughtful conversation to be had with her.


    "Yeah Aki, no cop shit tonight." Mai swiped away her phone, urging her to drink.


    "Come on Mai, if she doesn''t want to drink then-"This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "Don''t be a buzzkill my lovely Italian man. Besides... If you can get me and Aki drunk... We can start making out." That shut Luca up real quick, turning his cheeks a furious red. A sly smirk upon her lips as she enjoyed watching him squirm.


    "Boys are all the same; try not to strain that brain of yours thinking."


    Flustered cheeks from Aki and Kenji.


    "MAI!" Everyone roared.


    "Drinking now. Can''t get into trouble when drinking. Drink. Drink." Mai encouraged.


    "Fuck. What do I care." Three cheers all joined in, beers knocking against each other.


    *Buzz* *Buzz*


    Akiko reached for her phone, whilst Mai dangled it high in the air.


    "No, drinking now." Mai slurred. Kenji rose to grab it off her,


    "Quick Aki, no shop talk."


    ~


    Hello? Detective Akiko Bennet speaking


    ...Do you truly want to make a difference in this city?


    What? Who is this?


    Come to the harbor gate; Desolate Dry Dock. Two innocent civilians are being held within.


    Wait, what are you-


    The Reaper will be there. Hurry along now detective.


    Wait-


    ~


    Aki stared down at her phone. ''Reaper, innocent civilians...'' Words that called her to duty, drunk or not she knew her task. Standing abruptly,


    "Huh, were do you think you¡¯re going." Mai eyed Akiko through narrow, scrutinizing eyes.


    "Something has come up. Urgent, sorry." Grabbing her badge and gun at her side.


    "Wait their missy!" Mai stumbled over herself to stop her.


    Aki couldn''t risk bringing her team; drunk and disorderly. Having only had a couple, she was only half impaired by its effects. Pushing herself through the masses of officers. This was her problem to deal with, not wanting to endanger another.


    "Aki? Where are you going?" Kenji called.


    "Sorry! Got a lead!" That was the last words Kenji, Mai and Luca would hear before the slamming wooden door.


    Left wondering where their friend had left too. ''I got this...'' Aki thought, assuring herself that this was the only course of action. Her training kicking in.


    ***


    Inside the gate:


    ---


    Gate info:


    Opening time: Once a week for 3 days.


    Danger level: F+++


    Location: Desolate Dry Docks


    Owners: Crimson bandits


    Last clear: 6 years ago


    Rewards: Fogless fish; Perfect for cooking


    Gate closing time: 00: 07: 35: 15


    ---


    Jun and Mei sat on knees; bound at the wrists and ankles; bruised. Blue and purple marks still flowering across their bodies. Kept in a dank room, deep within the bowels of an abandoned ship. Sitting atop the still muddy concrete.


    A room filled with tools of their captors. Whips, saws, hooks, bolts, hammers. So many ways to kill, yet so little time.


    "Are you alright?" Mei asked.


    "Just stay quiet." A single word might bring their captors back into the room. Jun knew that his master would save him; his master saved him once before. There is nothing that Reaper couldn''t save them from.


    ''He will come.'' The thought drummed over and over inside Jun''s mind. The only hope in a dark place. However, Mei still shivered. Whether from cold or fear; still they shivered.


    *Clank*


    Mei jumped at the sudden sound. The metal doors unlocking and dragging along the floor.


    "Good evening my two little lambs." Their captor finally revealed. As with the rest of his guild, adorned with the crimson of the guild; long trench coat, black from the side. Skinny and pale like he had gone without the sun for years. Silver eyes shone despite low light, like snake eyes; shifting between them, prey for his twisted desire.


    "W-Who are y-you?" Mei, trying to speak even against the fear.


    "Me? Oh, where are my manners. I don''t have a name... You can call me the one who paints." Finger tracing his knife as he spoke.


    ''What a fucking lunatic. Thee one who paints is a shit name.¡¯


    Whilst Jun was busy not trying to piss himself with laughter, Mei kept herself low, silent, and still. A pose not gone unnoticed by the painter.


    "Are you afraid little lamb? Fear not, you shall become beautiful under my gaze. A beauty so bold they shall talk about it for years to come. The killer with no name and his bold works of art." Whilst that speech might excite a toddler, Jun was left to suppress a snarky laugh.


    Mei meet his eyes for only a moment. Eyes wide in fright, then something else caught her eye. A pause on something beyond the artist, then a sly smirk. Mei''s attention returned to the painter.


    "A painter you say. We''ve never seen your works of art. Why should we care?"


    "Hush, you filthy lamb. They whisper about me." Leaning forward towards the siblings with his knife glinting a murderous light.


    "Mei?"


    ''What is she trying to do?''


    With the subtle shift of gaze towards a corner on the roof, Jun followed. Within a darkened corner was two azure eyes; gazing like daggers at the back of the painter.


    ''He made it.''


    "Such a big knife... Think it''s compensating for something." Mei got braver, much to the fury of the painter.


    "Little lamb, those words shall only make your suffering so much more-"


    "You must have a small pecker, cause only someone with a little pecker would need to compensate with such a large knife." The painter turned to Mei; eyes twitching.


    "Girl, you dare mock the artistry of my-"


    "Who calls themselves the painter. Your name fucking sucks." Jun joined in. Now both siblings looked at each other with knowing eyes. Reaper is here and they were safe, now they could piss off their would-be killer.


    "No-one has even heard of your ''works''. Spending all your time inside a-"


    "Silence! Your foolish, filthy lamb. You could never be enlightened to my wonders. I have painted many masterpieces-"


    "Where?" Jun interrupted. "If they were any good then surely people will know of your shit name."


    The painter had begun to turn; from calm and measured movements to heavy steps and clenched fist. All his bravado, snobbish artistry seemed to quell to those of a small boy wanting to swing his fists but couldn''t. Not yet.


    "Y-you... They wanted me to take my time with you; turn you into my finest pieces. A message for that filthy reaper to stop hunting. But I see know."


    Reaching for a long bone saw, shining amongst the overhanging light. "I must create a work of croquis, quickly, so your innards can be a testament to me."


    The reaper landed silently behind as the painter sized up Mei''s scalp. "I think I''ll start with the top. Peeling off your lovely little skin will take but a minute." The siblings not giving an utterance of fear; further driving the painter into frustration.


    "YOU SHOULDN''T BE SMILING-" Eren grabbed the artists wrist. Squeezing until a satisfying pop and crunch.


    "Your here... They said that- *CRUNCH* ARGHHHH!" Wrist bending in unnatural ways. The Reaper slowly spun their killer. Turning him to face each other.


    "W-Wait. Ple-" *TWHACK* A swift, blurred, iron clad punch straight to the artists temple. Instant death, for a man with no name no status.


    Turning to the siblings on the floor, a quick whip strike releasing the bonds.


    "Thank you, Reaper." Both siblings took an embrace around their saviour. As always Eren wanted to push them away, awkwardly struggling to lift his arms around them.


    "H-how did you find us?


    No response instead turning to Mei, "Why do they fear a countdown?" His words had more than their usual impact. Fear swept into her like a chilling breeze.


    "Oh... Well, I thought with everything going on... I''d have a bit of revenge, for everything those bandits have done. I may have told them that a countdown was triggered."


    The Reaper stood unamused by her reveal, still quiet, unmoving. "Don''t worry about that now, the reaper will lead us back."


    "No."


    "No?"


    "She will." The reaper began to leave into the shadows, leaving the siblings. "Freeze!" Detective Akiko burst into the room. Gun primed in both hands, locking onto the Reaper. However, the Reaper entered the shadows.


    "I said- Shit, where is he?" Akiko spun in all directions, finding no trace.


    "Are you two alright?" Akiko rushed over, only seeing Jun and Mei on the floor. "Yeah, thank you detective." Akiko looked on edge, despite only the three of them that remained.


    "Did you see anyone else. The reaper-"


    "Yeah, the reaper saved us. Good thing he showed up." Jun and Mei laughed. Whilst Akiko didn''t think of it as a laughing matter. In truth the phone call had her spooked her.


    ''Why did he bring me here?''


    An answer that would escape her for now. Yet to Eren, a confirmation on what he already knew. The law here could not be relied upon; too slow was the detective, if not for him then who would have saved them? This world didn''t need heroes. It needed fear for those in shadows.

 Chapter 32: Against a crimson tide - Wraith of a bastard scorned

    <2D: 14H: 30M: 4S>


    *Knock* *Knock*


    "..."


    Reiji sat alone in his darkness, his once expansive and elaborate room became nothing but a dull husk. Depression had overtaken him, resigned to wallow in a fate sealed.


    "Sir..." Hiro asked. No response would be granted too Hiro.


    Despair had stolen everything, too tired to move from his chair. Body slumped, skin lacking pallor. Patches of veins around the neck, with the growing scent of death.


    *Knock*


    "Sir... Kaito Heart is here." Without any kind of response, Hiro opened the door.


    "Kaito Heart, sir. As requested," Reiji gave a slight glance, beckoning Kaito in with his finger.


    "Good afternoon, sir, you wished to see me?" Mr. Heart quickly took a seat.


    "I''m sorry Heart; I have to let you go..." A surprise for Mr. Heart yes, but not unexpected. For his previous co-workers had also been let, absorbed up in the survival against the Reaper. Some even finding jobs in the nearby guilds and corporations.


    "I know, thank you for everything. Working with you has been wonderful."


    Reiji was slightly taken back. "You''re not angry?"


    "Why would I be. You''ve given me 6 great years. My family had a roof over their heads and stomachs full. For now, maybe retire. My sons in the gate clearing business and maybe he can take over the care of the family?" Kaito chuckled.


    "You have a son, Heart?" Mr. Hearts expression shifted in a slight sigh.


    "Well... I don''t think he would view himself as my son at the moment. I don''t blame him either. "Saying each word with regret, remembering Eren''s cold gaze from months gone.


    "He is your son whether he admits it or not. Go see him, he will find it in his heart to forgive." Although Kaito never viewed the two as family, now Reiji''s words touched deep. The love and dedication Reiji showed towards Hiro had, perhaps he may reach Eren. Reiji would gesture for Kaito to go.


    ''A son...'' A small spark within the storm of depression. One more ember of warmth was lit; all that remained was for Reiji to fan into flames once more.


    ***


    <2D: 8H 11M: 40S>


    The light of the setting sun the only source of illumination. Reiji was now going through his papers; profiles of employees, expense reports, contracts, and many other items. Not sure what he was looking for, but the words from Kaito Heart ignited him.


    *Slam*


    "Reiji." Shinya stormed into his boss¡¯s room. Purpose driven or desperate steps, quickening in pace until arriving. "What can I do for you-"


    "Cut the crap, we''re running on borrowed time. Give me something, give me anything!" With each word the heat increased in his voice. At this point the stress began to take its toll on Shinya''s composure. Shinya was used to conflict, more the politicking type. Imminent death was not an environment in which Shinya took pleasure.


    "Nothing. Our time is done."


    *Slap*


    Shinya smacked down Reiji''s papers, hovering above the boss. "Nothing? He is about to kill us all, yet you say nothing. We need to leave, now." Reiji did not look fazed, instead he took another deep breath.


    "This was coming."


    "We built this place together, on the foundation of your former master. We fought for it, taken up what was ours with blood, sweat and tears. Only to have a fucking demon tear it all down." Reiji remained impassive to Shinya''s frustration. "How could you just give up?"


    "We built this guild on honour; on loyalty. That was why we have prospered. Until recently; evidence of selling people, peddling flesh, and breaking that loyalty. For our penance we pay with our lives."


    Shinya stared bewildered at Reiji, he was seething, in despair, furious and deep down he knew, Reiji was right.


    "Fuck this... You can fight him, alone. I''m not staying." Storming off, without daring to look back. That anger permeated down his face. Brows furrowed down, teeth gnashing. Bets of sweat flying past.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ''I''m not going to die. Not today and not by him.''


    "Goodbye, Shinya." Reiji returned to his papers.


    ***


    <2D: 7H: 55M: 04S>


    The Heart Household:


    "I''m home!" Mr. Heart announced. Throwing off his coat with a certain satisfaction; like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. A nice sense of clarity from months of darkness.


    No one gave him a word of welcome or reply. Emi was in her room and Eren was preparing dinner; a sneering side stare was his only response.


    ''He still hasn''t forgiven me huh.'' Mr. Heart looked on, as his son peeled his potatoes at blinding speed. Kitchen counter, shelves, sink, and pans scrubbed with an attention to detail.


    "What''s for dinner?"


    "Katsu with potatoes and carrots." Words with cold detachment, unable to say anymore then was needed. Mr. Heart had his head facing the wall; brows furrowed with thought, an unseen nervous gulp.


    "They let me go. I am no longer employed with the crimson bandits." Surely that would make Eren happy? Good news yes but Eren only added more salt into the pan, the bubbling of hot oil the only sound.


    "This means I could-"


    "Find another job. I am not going to support you; gate clearing won''t support us all. Get back to me when you''ve found another." Again, with such detachment and dismissal. It seemed like yesterday that Eren had returned, yet he squandered his relationships and they still have not returned.


    "I''ll tell you when dinner is done."


    Kaito Heart retreated to his room with a wobbly head. Deep sighs as he walked down the corridor.


    ''How can I reconcile with him?'' A picture of the family by the bedside. A happier time; A wife that loved him, a daughter that idolized him and a son that was looking forward to learning from his father.


    ''Who is that man?'' Trying to recall his feelings as to who the man was in the picture.


    For the night he would lay on his bed, thinking about the family. Perhaps Eren was right, find another job then prove to him he was useful. A worthwhile human being after years of failure and cowardice. Just needed to work. What could go wrong with that. At least the end of the crimson bandits would make all this stress go away.


    ***


    <2D: 0H: 44M: 02S>


    Midnight, outside of the crimson bandit base:


    Shinya paced with his phone. Furious; eyes turning towards his former guild. Lights remained on like every night, the work never stopped.


    "Where, are they?" Furious tone under his breath. Turning back to his phone, checking to see that his defecting guildmates hadn''t let him down. Looking up a black van approached slowly, until arriving next to Shinya. Windows winding down to reveal the passenger and driver.


    "We have them." The door slid open, inside were 5 girls held at gunpoint by the weasel that had once survived the Reaper.


    "Good, they will be the foundations of our new beginnings." Girls shuffled in fright, uncertain and terrified to where they would be going.


    ''Honor, loyalty. There is none in crime, only profit.''


    Shinya joined the girls and traitors within the van. Leaving the lights behind; forever in his rear view.


    "When all this is done, we will start anew." Tapping at his phone.


    All the while the cold stare of a Siberian native watched on. Panic watched on the edge of the road.


    ---


    "Are you sure?" Reiji asked.


    "§Õ§Ñ."


    "Honestly, Shinya. I thought you were better than that." Rubbing his temples. His right-hand man, his business partner, his friend. Shinya was the rot that infected the foundations.


    "What will you do?"


    Reiji paused and looked the Russian ranker in the eyes. "Do you believe in karma?" A nod.


    "My sins have already damned me. However, what sins have young girls committed?" They looked to each other. Resolve made in their eyes.


    "Maybe have a little bit good for the next life."


    Pulling out his phone, he made the call


    *Buzz* *Buzz*


    ~


    Hello, this is Detective Mori; how may I help?


    Detective Mori... this Reiji Kikuchi.


    Oh, what do you want?


    Sorry to call you on such short notice. I have an important bit of information for you.


    What is it.


    My friend has turned against me, he has kidnapped girls. Five of them, he will take them into a gate and they will never be seen again.


    ...


    ¡­


    Detective?


    And you want to turn him in.


    He is committing these atrocities outside of our guild. I believe that your partner had some words for me about being a monster; I have limits. This is my only goal, to rescue these girls and nothing more. So, I say again Detective Mori, will you help me stop Shinya?


    All right then Mr. Kikuchi. Where is he and when is he going?


    I''m sorry I don''t know, but I can help you track him.


    What do you propose, Mr. Kikuchi


    Meet me at the crimson bandit''s base; let us see these young girls free.


    ~


    Next Reiji shuffled through his draws; a phone, covered in dust, battered from use pulled into the light.


    Within a couple taps the screen lit up. Reiji paused over the call button.


    Heart beating quickly, his entire being shaking as he tried to still himself. This was his last task before departing this world, perhaps atoning for what he didn''t do and for what he did.


    ~


    You still have this number... What do you want.


    Master- Um¡­ Baelor. I know you have ties to the Reaper.


    What of it?


    Shinya has betrayed me, kidnapping girls. I know what you stand for and I know what he stands for. Please, make it right.


    ...


    It will be done.


    ~


    With that, his heart returned to normal. With only 48 hours left to live he will at least die on his own terms. Tomorrow, after the business with Shinya he will face his death with honour.

 Chapter 33: Against a crimson tide - A Reaper scorned

    <2D: 0H: 33M: 39S>


    On the roof. Dark skies overhead, the air smelt of coming rain. That mugginess like the swamp before the storm, clouds almost dark as a reaper''s shadow.


    The reaper stood watching a swirling red gate below; entrance to another world. The van left abandoned by the red vortex.


    Baelor had called him, told him everything. The head of the crimson bandits had a heart; Eren couldn''t believe that.


    However, the task before him took precedent. An evil man had once again proven what lay in the hearts of the rot; those sinister intentions still corrupted this world.


    Now standing before the gate the red swirl; distorted. It pulled at the earth around; clumps of earth floated off, but didn''t just float in one direction. Rocks circled the red vortex, orbiting like planets. Powerful and ominous, Eren was yet to go through a red gate, this one proved why.


    ---


    Gate info:


    Location: School of fallen souls.


    Opening time: Twice a year for 10 days


    Danger level: B++++++


    Owners: Crimson bandits


    Last clear: N/A


    Rewards: N/A


    Special conditions: Once the bell rings, stay out of the sight of the students and teachers, they will hunt you.


    Gate closing time: 00: 06: 03: 26


    ---


    Eren noticed a pattern from all the gates the crimson bandits used to conduct their business, barley used, little resources. Shinya was intelligent in that regard; a perfect hiding space.


    However, intelligence doesn''t ward off fate. There was only one reason this gate is used, and Eren was certain there would be 5 young girls within.


    *Step* *Step* *Step*


    The Reaper turned to the echoed footsteps. Panic appeared. Eyes heavy in his usual posture, fixed to the red.


    "§¨§ß§Ö§è." (Reaper)


    Eren was half expecting a fight; yet his instincts held no warning of any ill intent from Panic.


    "Is this gate?" Asking without a doubt to where they stood.


    "Why are you here?" The Reaper asked with his guard still raised just a touch.


    "I don''t harm civilians. Little girl¡¯s innocent. You protect civilians, I respect." Panic did not offer a hand, only bowing his head in acknowledgment. The Russian understood he stood before his contract target. But priority lay first, a target and rescuing civilians. An unlikely alliance formed in the shadow.


    The pair were swallowed by the gate.


    ***


    Inside:


    Looking around the pair were no longer surrounded by the fog of red. Instead, standing within a pristine lobby of wooden floors and high walls. White light glowed in the windowless hall. A school you would find anywhere in Japan; except, there were posters on the walls. Made to look like information, yet there were no words, scribbled of lines and colours. Nonsensical like an imitation of the human form.


    Corridors that reached on in every direction, beyond the scope of sight. Most damming of all; above them was an endless sky of railings, going beyond what the eye can see.


    "§Ò§Ö§ã§Ü§à§ß§Ö§é§ß§Ñ§ñ §ê§Ü§à§Ý§Ñ." (Endless school) Panic muttered. Eyes locked onto the infinite number of stories to be had. Eren on the other hand walked along the empty corridor, deep blue shadows under foot, following a quiet resonance down the halls. Panic followed behind with short; steps, their boots barely making a sound.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Classrooms upon classrooms; students sat writing in unison without pause. Faceless teachers marched in figures 8''s around the class, reading from books. This is what some people imagined school to be like. Orderly and studious. Except there was no noise, a ghostly aura of students and teachers, endlessly reading and writing.


    All classrooms in unison to a silent pedagogy.


    "Do you know we were going?"


    "§¯§Ö§ä." (No)


    6 hours to find their goal and clear out or be stuck in repetition hell for 6 months. Thankfully, Eren could expedite the process. His knights at his command, crawled through shadows awaiting his command.


    "§¨§Õ§Ñ§ä§î." (Wait) Panic stopped and knelt. Examining a thin gold thread that flowed in all directions, "Bandits use this, follow." Panic took the lead. The knights sank back into the darkness, some disappointed they couldn''t serve their master.


    Echoes in the distance. They pair ran through halls to follow. Quickening pace through endless loops of corridors.


    *Ding* *Dong* *Ding*


    School bells rang throughout. It shook the hallways and rippled through the very fabric of the building.


    ''4th period has now ended for students. Teachers, remain in classroom or report to the staff room.''


    When the chimes stopped, doors swung open. Students filled out, orderly, without pause, marching in perfect formation. So fast were their steps that they met Eren and Panic down the corridor, surrounding them.


    "Can you fight, §¨§ß§Ö§è?"


    "..."


    With teeth barred the students charged in an orderly sprint. A quick whip slash cleaved through a batch of faceless boys. Panic unveiled his powers, cutting the tip of his index finger; a fist formed from the spilt blood. Punching through the bodies of the faceless. Heads snapping off like dandelions.


    However, the march continued, classrooms of endless faceless. Charging at the pair without end, more whip cracks and blood fists clashed. Back-to-back the reaper and giant battled endless waves.


    Seeping blood from the dead drew to panic; a ball of blood, absorbing more and more. Each splat became a larger globe of red. Eventually, with the march of faceless remaining, panic was ready. Smashing his hand in the middle,


    "§¬§â§à§Ó§Ñ§Ó§í§Û §Ô§â§Ñ§Õ!" ("Blood rain!¡±) Pinpricks of red pierced through the students. Arrows of blood pierced their bodies, then to their skin and to the surrounding classrooms.


    ''Good thing he hasn''t decided to fight me yet.'' More blood flew past him, creating another ball of red. More bodies littered on the floor, bloodless form creating hypovolemic corpses.


    "§¬§â§à§Ó§Ñ§Ó§Ñ§ñ §ã§ä§Ö§ß§Ñ." ("Blood wall")


    The horde was cut off, a wall of blood crashed through the classroom walls, engulfing everything in a red flood. A barrier stood between them.


    "We have time now. Come." Panic led. Eren managed to cut through many of them with a simple slash; or five. The remaining were no match for Panic''s superior fighting skill and strength.


    The gate although meant for higher levelled rankers, was a breeze. Two rankers with specialities in horde clearing made it easier than it would have been for any other.


    ---


    Through many more scores of halls. Some quiet, other flooded with students. Panic had three orbs of blood floating around him, ready to strike.


    Eventually, the area grew quiet. No more students, no more teachers, the area itself looked abandoned. Mold and dust forming, almost a quarantine.


    Echoes of hushed conversation bounced around the walls. Finally, it seemed they found their target. Panic stopped.


    "I leave you now. Rescue girls. You punish them. Leave." Panic returned towards the lobby.


    "Why?"


    "...I am monster. Reaper is honourable. Girls deserve better then monster." With those words said, Panic disappeared into the endless halls.


    "§¥§à §ã§Ý§Ö§Õ§å§ð§ë§Ö§Ô§à §â§Ñ§Ù§Ñ, §¨§ß§Ö§è. §®§í §ã§â§Ñ§Ø§Ñ§Ö§Þ§ã§ñ §ß§Ñ §â§Ñ§Ó§ß§í§ç." (Until next time, Reaper. We will fight equally)


    ''Honourable...'' No one had every called him such before, none that knew who he was at least. Panic respected him, enough to ensure that Eren would see them free.


    Without any more delay he moved with hast. The bandits were cornered and they wouldn''t escape him. Down a corridor of mould infested classrooms, there was one door closed, brighter lights compared to the rest. From outside looking in; 6 men spread throughout the room. At the very end of the room; a taller man, high above the rest, dressed well.


    ''Shinya...''


    What drew the eyes of the Reaper however, was a film set. More well established than the one in the warehouse; More lights on stands, several cameras, reflecting plastic to brighten up the mood. Two sets, one a dorm room with a large bed and then another an open white canvas with two chairs. Shinya remained quiet, whilst his lesser men worked to get things set up and ready.


    "Are you sure sir? It will definitely make you feel better." Eren recognized the voice. The weasel he let live from the mall. Anger burned within him.


    ''I should''ve killed him.''


    Despite the masks best efforts to keep seething anger and hatred contained within, some leaked out. Pouring from his very soul like water and running down the crack like roots.


    "No. Stop asking. The first rule of running a guild like this is to not get hooked on your own product." Shinya reprimanded.


    "Sorry boss, just wondering. Can''t let a bunch of fresh young pussies go to waste." A laugh from the crew. All laughing at the situation and discussing on who gets to ''work'' first. Whilst Shinya waited impatiently, eyeing on the shadows, wondering what danger lurked within.


    *Click*


    The door opened slowly. Reaper stood. Silence overtook the bandits. A wave of terror rippled through the crew. Each mouth shut like an iron wall, in their hurry to start anew they had not anticipated his quick intervention. They had 6 hours and they would be safe.


    "H-h-he-"


    *Shick*


    The weasels mouth filled with bone. Coughing and hacking; blood flooded out from the mouth. Dropping dead.


    The sudden death kept them frozen. Shock and horror quickly took them, the Reaper struck with cold silence.

 Chapter 34: Against a crimson tide - A Reaper scorned (2)

    *Whimper* *Sob*


    Five girls huddled in the corner of the mould-eaten storeroom, the damp wood beneath them releasing a suffocating miasma that made their stomachs churn


    4 of the girls were snivelling at their coming doom. The last however, was calm as could be, though shivering violently, trying to remain stalwart. However, even the bravest fell in despair. Chains that wrapped around their neck, too each other.


    "It w-will be a-alright." The brave one tried to reassure. Yet despite the attempts the dark weighed on them; draining optimism.


    "H-h-he-" *Shick*


    The noise was faint at first, something outside. "Something is going on." One of them managed.


    *Thud* *Thud*


    Heavy, muffled sounds, as though something¡ªor someone¡ªwas being thrown around. Then a resounding crash as whatever was causing the noises slammed against the walls next to the girls.


    "ARGGGHHHHH!!!"


    *Thud* *BAM*


    Their blood went cold, and they all trembled at the scream. Then, dead silence followed. None of them dared to utter a sound, or so much as a whisper lest they attract more attention to themselves.


    *Click*


    The door handle turned. All the girls looking onwards as the shadows stepped aside. A large cowled skeleton man stood before them. Face pale and ghostly, with hollow eyes that glowed faintly in the shadows. Behind him, the floor was splattered with something dark, smeared like paint¡ªtoo thick to be water.


    The figure stepped inside, silent as death itself. "W-who are y-you?" No response from the being. He was like something from a nightmare. Gaze sweeping over the girls.


    The girls shut their eyes, clenching legs together in hopes he wasn''t interested. Instead, all he did was walk forwards, soft steps across wooden flooring.


    The skull man knelt in front of the girls. Blue eyes filling with tears, some screams held in their mouths as they feared what happened next.


    Then warmth; hands carefully sliding off each chain. Gentle and warm like a mother¡¯s touch. Without any hesitation the girl knew, he was their salvation.


    "T-Thank you." She would manage through sobs of joy and relief. "W-Who are you?"


    After a brief pause, the Reaper removed his mask and hood. White hair revealed as it caught the low light.


    "I''m Eren..." The girl reached out to his hair, although it was near pitch black, she could make out his white, unkempt hair. It was surprisingly softer than she had expected.


    "What is your name?"


    ¡°H-Himari."


    "And your friends?" The girls were shocked, shaking; words would not leave their mouths. Himari acted for them all.


    "This is Misa-" A short girl with wide eyes. "Next to her is Karin-" Another short girl with teary eyes. "That is Sakura." The smallest girl, trying to look confident. "And final Hana." The shyest, most nervous, holding tight a stuffed panda.


    Eren, moved quickly to his work. Taking each neck chains off the girls and cradling each gently to their chests, their eyes lingering on Eren, holding a slither of trust.


    "I''m here to take you home."


    To Himari, his voice was rugged yet comforting. A father¡¯s protective voice. Warm.


    "Let''s go home."


    "...Um...w-we..." Misa began. "We can''t go home. Our p-parents... They sold us to the bandit people." All five of them looked at each other than lowered their head to Eren.


    Eren on the other hand couldn''t believe his ears. That a parent could ever sell their own for anything, especially such a sinful end as this.


    "Don''t worry about that. I can take you somewhere where you¡¯re safe. How is that?" After a pause, a collective nod was given.


    Eren offered a hand to Himari. Slow movements, to not frighten her. "Um... over there." Sakura pointed to a corner.


    Another girl laying on the ground, hair matted over her face. Skin was a ghostly pale. Barley clinging to life; Eren was too late for her, for how long had she been like this? How long had she clung to life. Cold to the touch as skin brushed against skin. Yet, warmth remained within, taking her pulse, life still yet to have drained.


    "Still alive."


    Ragged breathing; running his hand through his hair. Without the mask it was harder to supress his anger.


    ''Stay strong.'' Squeezing his hands around his white strands, clenching his eyes, all to the confusion of the children.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    *Clink* *Clink* *Clink * *Clink* *Clink* *Clink* *Clink*


    Rapid metal footsteps ran outside the room. Like crackling lightening; it frightened the children.


    "W-What is that?" Hana questioned.


    "They are going to help us." Scooping the unconscious girl. Himari gripped the rim of the Reapers sleeve.


    "It''s going to be alright." Giving her head a gentle pat.


    Mask back on he walked towards the exit.


    "I want everyone to close their eyes tight. Hold each other¡¯s hands." Five hands joined together. Closing their eyes, shutting the outside away.


    "When you open your eyes, we will be home. Be brave." Another pat on Himari and then the Reaper stepped outside, to bring them back.


    ---


    Light flooded their closed lids.


    "Be careful where you step." Slowly, with short, sharp steps. Girls clutched tight to each other, still in the darkness of their lids. Himari took slow precise steps forwards. Holding tight to the man''s sleeve.


    Every step, Himari, was mindful not to tread on the girls behind. Mindful of a certain warmth beneath the feet, it felt sticky to step in like thick tar.


    *Click*


    Another door opened on the other side. Himari recognized a change in the flooring. From wood, too cold and sterile. Walking for a time until loud sounds of metal tearing through something like paper.


    "What''s that?" Misa asked. Still holding tight to Himari''s shoulder; tightening around her.


    "Keep your eyes closed."


    *Crack*


    Like a breaking branch, several cracks made the girls jump. Again, Misa asked for clarification.


    "I-I need to see." Then Hana, then Karin. Now Sakura. Everyone, inquisitive on what was that cracking, tearing, ripping noise.


    "Keep your eyes-" *Snap*


    Misa peeked through one eye. One simple glance was all it took. A dead body, with blood pooling underneath. Shutting her eyes tighter now. Holding tighter than ever; frightened.


    "We are nearly there." Reaper spoke with his cold words.


    *Crack *Crack* *Snap* *Crack* *Crack* *Snap* *Crack* *Snap* *Crack *Crack *Snap*


    Metal and breaking bones filled their ears. Several more cracks of limbs before silence descended, even slight yelps of pain. The sounds grew louder and more numerous as the ventured on. Yet still with the occasional flicks of blood. The girls didn''t care anymore if any went on them, just kept moving slowly, to reach safety.


    The fighting stopped, no longer were there any new, growing patches beneath them. The area, wherever they were; it was in complete, cold silence. "We made it. Take a deep breath in." All inhaled sharply. "And release." All letting go, a small prick from the gate exit. They were home.


    ***


    "Drop the girls and get on your knees." Red and blue sirens flashed in the girls¡¯ eyes as they adjusted back into the real world. Rain poured down heavy; their wet hair plastered on their forehead.


    "Drop the girls!" An order from the megaphone.


    Police cars surround the red gate, preventing any quick escape. Guns pointed on the Reapers position. For a moment The Reaper considered fighting, holding tighter to Himari¡¯s hand, it began to hurt just a little bit.


    Detective Akiko stepped forward, "It''s over. Release them." Slowly he lowered the girls. They shielded their eyes, the water washing the red from their legs, clothes.


    The girls looked around, police, buildings, familiar landmarks. Tears of joy rolled down, intermixed with rain.


    "Final warning, Reaper. Drop the girls and get on your knees." A fat cop sauntered up next to Akiko.


    "No, not with the girls around. Hold fire." Akiko ordered the officers. They fidgeted at the order; tempted to shoot down the Reaper. Akiko wouldn''t have any blood spilt that night, especially to children. Not with the recent death count that had been racked up.


    Himari looked up to the fat police officer, heart sinking. She tugged desperately on his soaked sleeve.


    "H-he took me away." The fat officer even seemed to recognize Himari and the other children.


    "Right, you have to the count of three... One..." The fat cop needed these girls gone; to hide whatever sins he held.


    "Stop. The kids are still there."


    "...Two..."


    "STOP! There are kids still in the line of fire."


    *Rumble* *Rumble*


    The rain fell harder, each drop pounding against the pavement like a drumbeat. Then, in the blink of an eye, the rain turned thick and red. Blood.


    It poured down in torrents, a crimson veil that blurred vision and drowned out sound. The police officers yelled; their shouts lost in the storm of blood.


    ''Panic.''


    The reaper recognized the man''s ability. Using the distraction, The Reaper moved quickly in the confusion. Scooping up Himari, his knights appearing from the shadows to carry the others.


    The girls let out muffled gasps as they were lifted away, disappearing into the red mist before the police could react.


    Across roofs they went. Landing with soft rolls before quickly vanishing. The knights accompanied close by.


    ¡°Somewhere safe. Must take them somewhere safe, no more dangers. Where...¡± Himari overheard that low growl.


    "Baelor..." Baelor would be the best and only hope Eren had to safeguard. Six girls, each had endured something Eren hoped they would never have to, to endure again.


    ***


    Himari felt nothing but exhaustion. Legs gone numb and a slight buzz as her energy began to drain. Holding tight, she grabbed to Eren tight, alongside the dying girl.


    Arriving at a rundown metro station, they went underground. Climbing down several flights; until a taller blonde man rushed towards them.


    "It''s alright girls, come now, you are safe."


    Himari blinked up at the tall man with the funny ears. He didn¡¯t look like the others¡ªthe ones who had hurt them. His eyes weren¡¯t cold or cruel. They were kind. She felt a tiny bit safer, even though she didn¡¯t know him.


    "Eren, is there any more girls?"


    "Yes, and this one as well." Holding the unconscious girl tight.


    "This is Baelor." Himari nodded her head as she slowly got lost in her fatigue. Being inside another shelter was too much for her young mind to bear.


    Through the dark and past metal shacks, until a warm room, filled with floating candles and soothing aura. Laying down, she drifted. Watching the blonde man and the smaller skull man speak.


    "You''ve done well Eren. I will take care of them, until we can find them somewhere safe."


    A hairy man with a white beard walked in next, a grumpy look upon his face. The group talked about the sick girl.


    Away the bearded man took the girl; a sadder look on his face. A sorrow Himari had never seen in an adult, especially a scary looking one.


    The last light slowly faded away. Taking one final glance to the Reaper. Azure eyes, watching her drift off and a soft pat on the head. As sleep claimed her, fear finally released its grip on her heart. The monster in the shadows had become her guardian angel.

 Extension Chapter 34.1: Epilogue

    The five girls lay curled beneath quilted blankets, their faces finally peaceful in sleep, nightmares held at bay by the sanctuary''s warmth.


    "What is your next move?" Baelor asked with softness.


    "I don''t know. The bandits are a blight on the wards. Corruption with only one solution." A solution that required blood.


    "The corruption in this ward has festered for too long. Whilst I would not relish in more death. For those who spread despair there, an exception to be made." Baelor shared Eren''s philosophy. Balance only is maintained through extreme action; it was a role he himself undertook. He had to take.


    "So, what is the next move?" Eren knew in his mind, it was clear. So was the plan. "Take out the Crimson bandit''s heart." Baelor agreed.


    "How will you do it?" There were few ways to go about dismantling a powerful organization.


    Yet, Eren was stumped. "Any ideas?"


    "Yes, many. Taking the head of the snake; allowing the remaining members to scatter. The oldest and most reliable method.


    Total annihilation; leaving none standing.


    Letting nature take its course, the bandits will eventually be absorbed by a bigger pile of rot. Allowing another organization to take its place. However, we then start with a new enemy with unknown intentions.


    Even the law; allow justice to finally act. However, from what you have informed me, the rot has infested deep."


    After a few moments, silence had drawn over the room, Eren pondered and Baelor let him. Watching the children rest. There was only one solution to this conundrum. "We can''t let any of them live, but we can''t have a new guild moving in either."


    A slow smile spread across Baelor''s lips. "Then allow me to aid. The Silvermane will retake the ward."


    "Retake?"


    "Yes. Once our guild was one. At the time Reiji Kikuchi was a prominent leader amongst our ranks."


    "I assume you are familiar with the siege of Tokyo?"


    It was on the top of things for the knights to research, yet despite time on his side the knight was a slow research aid. "No. I''ve still got a lot more research to do. Give me a shortened version."Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Four years ago, a gate broke open. Allowing monsters of all levels to stream through. Two weeks of fighting and chaos. When the dust finally settled; heroes rose as did the rot. Reiji used our guilds broken skeleton to build a new empire."


    "And all I see outside?" Eren mentioned about all the homeless sleeping in shanty¡¯s outside.


    "The remnants of broken people. Eyes on destruction wrought before their eyes."


    ''I need to research this stuff properly when I get home.''


    "I would start with taking the one you left at the mouth of our home. Show him to Reiji, take his life before his eyes. He will know what it means."


    With a final glance at the sleeping girls. Eren departed back up through the tunnels, returning to the surface. There stood two knights; at the foot was Shinya. Arms and legs amputated; bloodied stumps covered with crude cauterization. Mouth cut from ear to ear, barley holding his jaw together.


    Eren kept him ''alive'' for deserved suffering. Not knowing what to do with the former second in command. Yet Baelor had the idea, use him to send a message.


    "Have you suffered enough?" His words cold and cruel. Shinya had blooded ears, deafness to everything. Yet he knew what he said, eyes flooded with fear.


    ***


    Reiji''s office:


    A whisky in his hand; watching the city, lights shining bright. Rain still pouring heavy, fogging the window. Droplets shattering as they crashed against the glass.


    Acceptance: After interviewing with the RFC felt as though everything, he had worked hard to achieve had become undone. Not because of a psychopathic monster, but the monsters that lay within. Everything he stood for; honour, pride, integrity, loyalty. This was nothing like the yakuza of his youth, brutal at times yes, but respectful in their violence and traditions.


    ''A fool I was.'' Taking a sip of his fine whisky.


    ''That Akiko is quite the firecracker. More balls then half my boys.'' Respect to someone so sure and capable.


    ''Maybe, I just end it all tomorrow... Turn myself in. For all the damage we have done. Surely a cushy deal, minimum time... Immunity for Hiro.'' More whisky drowned down. Fuelling his melancholy.


    "The right thing. Ha... Those old farts would be rolling over in their graves, seeing me now."


    The rain subsided; at last, the dark, grey sky dissipated. Moonlight peeked through the broken clouds, shining its light upon Tokyo.


    Azure eyes caught Reiji''s. ''Reaper.''


    Those eyes bore through the glass windows. By his side a bloodied red mess of a man. "Shinya?" Shocked by the state of the man. Blood soaked at his shoulders; legs severed off just below the kneecaps. Gruesome as he was displayed like a fresh piece of meat.


    The reaper presented Shinya to Reiji. Holding him high.


    *Swoosh*


    In one strike; the body of Shinya fell down several stories. Only the lifeless head, eyes no longer sharp as the intelligent second. Empty, void of everything.


    "So, that''s how you''re going to play it, Reaper?" Lifting his glass up. Watching the monster move back into the shadows. Despite the betrayal, the corruption and the death, Shinya was once his closest friend.


    "Perhaps I''ll see those old farts soon. To the death!" Tipping his head back; all whisky drowned down his throat. Any thoughts of doing the right thing, gone.

 Chapter 34.3: A man named Panic (1)

    16 Years ago, the city of Vladivostok, a coastal town of Russia:


    "Please mum, I don''t want to go. They will tease me, call me fatty." A tearful boy of 10 refused to leave. Every morning, he hated and wished there would be no more school. His dark hair spiked forward, trying, and failing to hide his round face. The oversized black jumper hung like a tent, another futile attempt to conceal what the other children mocked.


    "My dear Danya, they are jealous of you. Their own mothers would not love them the way I love you. Cherish yourself, let their words bounce off you." Valeriya, Danya''s mother, smiled at her young son. Knowing her sweet, wonderful child; was like her, far too kind, in a cruel cold world.


    "Mom? What''s the holdup is Danya crying again?" Danya''s older sister Katya ran up the stairs. A taller girl of 15 and blonde like her mother.


    "No! I don''t want to go to school, again."


    Katya sat beside her younger brother. Rubbing his shoulders to calm him. "Little brother. Stand up to them. Are you going to allow yourself to be walked on for your whole life?"


    "...N-no."


    "...Will you stand up to them?"


    "Maybe?" Shy and nervous on the outside; within that mountain of fat was cowardice. He wished for confidence like his sister and mother had. Strength to rival their ability to scare off all boys. Katya gave one last squeeze to the cheeks before departing for school.


    "This is your choice to make. Fear or courage."


    Rubbing the blushing pain away, Danya clutched at his school bag, swinging it over his shoulder and over the thick winter jacket. Heading out with a final farewell to his mother. Before heading down the windy and snowed in path, 30-minute walk.


    ---


    *Ring* *Ring* *Ring*


    Students filled out in mass. Slapping on winter gear like gloves, hats, and jackets. The brown brick exterior quickly filled with chatter. To Danya, a daunting experience. Keeping quiet, slowly sitting in a corner, away from the other students.


    His lunchbox brimming with food; sandwiches of all varieties, chicken wings and his favourite. Chocolate. His mother was without a doubt the best cook in the school. Regularly providing food to school events and her children''s class.


    And didn''t the kids know it.


    "Oi zhirtres." (Fatass) Three boys approached.


    "Zhirtres share your food. You don''t need all that." The lead boy; Boris, demanded the food. Short hair slicked back.


    "Fatty has a buffet today." Mocking tones from the second boy. Oleg, same slick back hair cut as Boris. The third boy Anton, just stood at the back, eyes flickering over the contents.


    "...N-No..."


    "N-N-n-no." Boris mocked. Pulling at Danya''s lunch box. Danya wouldn''t allow his mother¡¯s hard-work to be stolen away. Gently yanking back in retaliation. This aggression shocked the three boys.


    "Zhirtres thinks he is tough. What a weak and snivelling pig." Boris pulled hard. Jerking the lunch box out of Danya''s hand. Flying across the wind, box top popping off and revealing its treasure sprawled all over the cold yard.


    With gusto the three boys made a bee line to the lunch, clawing it out in glee.


    "No! Stop. T-this is my food." Danya fell into the snow, only to watch his food vanish into impudentThis narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Relax zhirtres, we are doing you a favour. Go sit in your corner, cry if you must." All three continued like vultures over a kill.


    ''Are you going to allow yourself to be walked on for your whole life?'' Katya''s words, those few words rang in Danya''s ears. Fury and rage welled up in his soul. Pushing to his feet, hands hard in a tight fist, rage swelling inside. Racing as fast as his rotund frame allowed. Ramming himself into Boris, pushing him far past his lunch.


    *Slam*


    "I said stop!" His tone caught the trio off guard; never had he shown such defiance.


    *Slap*


    Oleg was struck next. Food stuffed mouth spat out chunks. A power within rose. Fire crackling within his heart, burning through his body.


    "§á§â§Ú§Õ§å§â§à§Ü!" ("Idiot!") Anton charged from behind. Clashing hands as the pair struggled in the snow.


    There it happened, Danya''s frame his downfall; losing balance and falling backwards.


    *Crunch*


    "ARGGGHHH!" Bones cracking under fat, Danya felt a snap beneath. Boris rolled over, hands clutching around his fractured arm. Shock and then terror overtook Anton and Oleg.


    "Go get the teacher!" Anton ordered. Oleg did so; racing away like a whipped dog.


    Danya looked down at the screaming Boris, clutching his broken limb. Then his ruined lunch, tears welling up in his eyes, his mother''s love wasted.


    ---


    An isolated classroom kept Danya.


    News of what happened to Boris spread like wildfire. First physical altercation Danya had ever gotten into, resulted in a broken arm. Classmates flocked to the commotion and Anton who spread word with embellishment.


    ''A thug. Fatty lost his cool.''


    ''Did you see his rage. Barbaric.''


    ''Let¡¯s go before he cracks someone else''s arm.''


    In this empty room, Danya tried to prepare a speech, an explanation to why and how he did it.


    *Click*


    "Get up." Principal Ivan, with his snow-white hair and long beard.


    "Come with me, my office." There was no anger, no expression. Walking to his office down a wooden hall of windows overlooking snow and gardens.


    §±§Ñ§á§Ñ and §Þ§Ñ§Þ§Ñ, awaited inside.


    "Thank you, principal Ivan. What did fatty do?" His farther; a man of broad stature. Deep set dark eyes, a glare that always scared him. Even now he wanted to hide away and hopefully take his mind off this entire ordeal.


    "He has attacked three other students. Broken a boy¡¯s arm. Thankfully the nurse says it is only a minor fracture."


    "Danya! Explain!" Papa''s voice boomed.


    "...They came up to me. Demanding that I give them Mama''s food. I said no and they threw her hard work on the ground. They would not listen." Tears fell like a gushing river, it all just happened too fast. Mama placed her hand on the teary-eyed boy.


    "So, you break a boy¡¯s arm over food?" Papa stood up; hands pounding on the wooden desk, paper and pencil flung off the edge.


    "You are better than that!"


    "P-Papa It was-"


    "I''ve heard enough." Ivan interrupted.


    "Your son''s behaviour is unacceptable. You are lucky that I convinced the family to not press charges." Valeriya sighed a slight sign of relief.


    "One-month suspension as a punishment. Hopefully he can reflect on this better. Unless you want a lawsuit on your hands." Ivan continued. Even Danya knew a lawsuit would be a costly affair.


    Despite a sizeable pay check from both parents, lawsuits could cripple many.


    ---


    Later that afternoon, after returning home:


    "You. Piggy. To your room, no dinner for you. No dinner until you reflect properly on your actions!"


    "I-It-was an-accident." Danya pleaded through tears. Fear crushed any earned courage.


    "W-Why won''t a-anyone believe m-me?" Looking for his mother¡¯s support, only to see she wouldn''t intervene. It hurt so much.


    *Smack*


    Danya felt the force, rattling his brain. Spinning from the blow. Hands grasping at the swelling mark on his cheek. Falling on his fat; he only saw papa''s face. Angry and disappointed.


    "Your lies are a disgrace. You. Fat. Pig. Disgusting." Tears flooded as Danya ran upstairs to his room. Closing himself away in shame. Burying his head beneath a pillow to stop the flow of tears.


    Crying himself to sleep; thoughts plagued of loneliness and guilt. ''It was an accident.''


    Awakening later that, the dark sky provided no comfort. Eyes still stinging red. However, a small plate of food lay beside his bed. Despite papa''s words, mama had not forsaken her precious son. Leaving a note by his bedside.


    ''Your mother knows you didn''t mean it Danya. Papa will forgive you one day. Things like this just take time. Stay strong. Have courage.

 Chapter 34.6: A man named Panic (2)

    12 Years ago, Vladivostok, Russia:


    "Hey there Katya. Looking hot as always." Two boys approached the blonde from behind.


    "What do you want?" Her response flippant and dismissive. Both boys, well-groomed hair with tall and lanky frames; had eyes on Katya. Only 17, she was the star attraction for all boys to focus their attention upon.


    "We are going too-"


    "No thank you." Shutting them down. Waving a hand in a dismissive, shooing motion.


    However, one of the boys had an audacity to grasp a hand on Katya''s shoulder. "Hold up."


    "We just want to talk." Those words rang from the shorter boy¡¯s mouth. Their intentions were not kind. Katya always knew of predators that lingered in schools. Holding tight onto the boy¡¯s hand.


    "You have some nerve." Rolling her voice. Hand grasping tight, and harder until a yelp came from the boy. A large step forwards; the second boy attempted to save his friend; however, he fell backwards like a house of cards. Tripping over one another in panic.


    "You bitch. You will-" Interrupted. The boys¡¯ eyes lock onto something behind Katya. Fright caving into his eyes, skin paler than normal. Mouth a gap.


    Behind stood Danya; towering over all three. No longer the fat child but now a boulder of muscle. Katya was no small girl, breaching 6ft herself. But here younger brother made her tiny in comparison. Standing 6ft 7 inches with only 14 years of age. Eyes like daggers; penetrating through the boys.


    "Shit." Both boys scrambled away on hands and knees, shivering in their coats. Danya couldn''t care less, despite his scary, monstrous demeanour, he still lacked courage.


    "Thank you. Little brother."


    "M-Mom is waiting." Ever shy and meek, no matter how much Danya grew.


    At last, no longer was he a fat and easy target; instead, it became the other way around. Whenever Danya attempted to confront a bully. All the past children with big mouths, scampered and ran away; not wishing to repeat Boris''s mistake. A gift and a curse.


    "Hey, you there!" An older man approached. Fur overcoat, fedora hiding thin black hair and glasses. Tinted of course to hide his eyes.


    "What do you want?" Katya harsh as the winter shoot. Any who approached her in such fashion meant only trouble.


    "Your brother is quite the boy. Strong like a bear, big too."


    "Come along Danya, mother awaits." Holding tight, she led her brother away. Picking up the pace. Yet this did not deter the persistent man, walking at pace with them, following just behind.


    "My name is Leonid Ivanov. A business opportunity." Hand offered in good will. Both siblings halted with one another. Eyeing suspiciously and he eyes the pair back just the same. Danya gripped tight of his sister''s arm, cautious and always wary.


    "Danya is too young to work. Find someone else." Katya flatly refused.


    "Don''t worry about that dear girl. The pay is good, and all you must do is stand around and look tough. Let that muscle to do its work, keeping all the unlikable types at bay." Leonid''s face with all smiles, one that anyone could find deceptive.


    "Here, take my card." Digging into his inner pockets. Producing a rectangular, red card. Black text imprinted on the face. Tapping it forwards to take it.


    "I look forward to hearing from you, my boy." Spinning on his heels. Marching down the snow-covered path.


    Concern on Katya''s face, as Danya looked over the card.


    "Come along now. Mother is cooking your favourite meal tonight. We shouldn''t keep her waiting." Words that drew his attention away from the card. Anything for his mother¡¯s cooking.


    ---


    At the table Danya patiently waited for his mother¡¯s specialty: Beef Stroganoff. Her mushroom sauce, was the greatest treasure; it made people drool, it made Danya warm. Never was Danya picky, especially with his mother¡¯s cooking. He savoured every bite like it would be his last. Every meal prepared, love and care with it.


    *Slam*


    Farther stumbled into the kitchen, his dark hair that was previously neatly groomed, now tousled, and untamed. Anger riddled face smothered with beer.


    "They fired me. Bastards." An angry father at his lowest, a bitter soul drunk.


    "Sergey!" Valeriya dashed from the pot.


    "We will get through this Sergey." Arms wrapped around her bitter drunk. "There are always other options."


    "...Always other options eh." Taking a seat next to Danya and Katya. Slamming his bottle down hard, alcohol sloshing side to side, within its bottle.


    ''The card. I can help my family''


    "I can help." Sergey, looked towards his youngest son. Almost disregarding his words.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Here..." Offering the card to his parents. Sergey took one, long and slow, deliberate glare. Hands snapping up the card.


    "Boy! You would dare associate with these low lives. Don''t you dare bring shame to our house!" Rising to his feet, flipping the table in his drunken stupor. The beef stroganoff flopped to the ground with a soft thud.


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Danya stood up. Towering over his farther; falling backwards in drunken clumsiness. Alarm filled eyes replaced drunken fury. Feet scampering backwards, just like a bully fleeing with its tail between its legs.


    "S-Sorry..." Danya retreated upstairs. Head hanging low with shoulders sagging. Slamming his door closed; Danya felt tears well. Sobs escaped as he held at his stomach.


    There was only ever one real way to cry for him. Digging his face into pillows that blocked out all sights and sounds.


    "Am I worthless?" Fear swelled in the darkness; voices whispered of insults.


    *Knock* *Knock*


    "Danya. Can I come in?" Valeriya''s voice cooed through the door. Slowly twisting the handle and closing. On the bed she sat, hand cradling her son''s head. Rubbing and caressing his soft face, in motherly comfort.


    "I love you, Danya. Always. No matter what. Remember that. Remember."


    "I-I do." Trying to stifle away those tears. Wiping away with his pillow.


    "Here, it''s not your favourite. But, it''s your second favourite." Pierogi; stuffed dumplings, held tight on a plate. Each golden brown, small flakes breaking apart.


    "Have courage Danya, always courage."


    ---


    Three days passed and Sergey had yet to find another job, lazing about. Tossing about with numerous vodka bottles. Wallowing in his self-pity.


    Danya decided to do it. Look after his family. Sneaking out that night, from his upstairs window, and heading into the concrete jungle of the city. Tall shadowed buildings and spindling twists.


    A bar that matched the cards logo. ''Red lion bar.'' Nothing stood out except the sign. Stone facade and barred windows, not too dissimilar to those surrounding it. With little hesitation he knocked.


    "Ehhh, what do we have here?" A man answered, through a peephole.


    "You¡¯re a big bastard ain''t ya." The man wasn''t wrong.


    "I have this." Slipping through the bars.


    "Leonid? Leonid! There is a kid at the front door, saying you offered him work." Danya nervously fidgeted with his hands. Waiting as Leonid shuffled forwards.


    "Ah, my boy. Glad to see you took up my offer. Here, come inside."


    The bar was nothing special, just an ordinary affair with a countertop and tables. However, images of women in the most scandalous of lingerie covered the walls. Posing in promiscuous, eye candy for the bar men.


    No place for a boy just starting puberty.


    "Here take a seat." At the furthest table, Leonid pointed to the sofa, cushioned, well worn, dirty white. Danya sat down and another man sat opposite of him; on the stool, feet on the seat.


    "So, the boss got a kid in the door. The boss was right. You''re built like a fucking bull." Patting a hand on Leonid''s shoulders.


    "Danya, was it? Correct?" Earning a nod.


    "So, boy. The job is simple. Look tough. There are people that walk in and think they own the place. Leonid tells me that your eyes are just as lethal as any knife." This made him smile.


    "4 nights a week, 35000 rubles. You up for the work?" This made Danya''s eyes brighten. That was a lot of money. More than enough to keep his family afloat.


    A handshake between both cemented the deal. "My name is Yefim. Welcome aboard."


    ---


    Months flew by in a blink of an eye; nights of standing, making sure eyes said all they need to. Looking dangerous, putting people on guard, a more in control bodyguard then he initially was. Danya saw many people that frequented the bar. Tired faces and even familiar faces of friends. One person was the local doctor: Evgeniy, always arriving exhausted and left too drunk to stand.


    Women sometimes would touch him. Feeling up his muscles, calling him by many names, wanting to sleep with him. Whispers of raunchy stories that perked Danya''s ears to their wicked adventures. Still though, for a boy barley a man. Many thoughts had his heart and mind racing. As did the whispers. Too shy and fearful to ever speak to these women.


    However, whilst he earned a living, late nights meant less time for school. Often, he was told off for sleeping in class. Even his mother grew concerned as she would sometimes not see Danya until long past the sunrise. Still, money appeared in their accounts. Turning a blind eye, torn between using the money or keeping her son safe. Sometimes hard decisions must be made.


    All good things must come to an end, for darker elements began to lurk. Men would come in, make deals with Yefim and Leonid. There were whispers that this was a gang''s bar, however which gang was unclear, as multiple visited; exchanging cash and suspicious bags.


    Danya looked away; the money he is making kept away the whispers.


    One day, a group that regularly frequented the bar brought with them a girl.


    Danya circled around; wanting to see the girls face better. His eyes. Widen at the realization. It was Olesia Ivanov a friend of Katya. She had dropped out of school around a year ago. Everyone heard rumours of what had happened to her. But to see her now all but confirmed it.


    Their eyes matched and she spoke to him through eyes. Disquiet and despair. More of her body was revealed. Bruised black and blue with other large discoloration and yellow on her chest. Heavy heart racing.


    Danya felt a fire brew from within. Like when he fought those bullies it didn''t subside. It built up.


    Then that girl went away with Yefim. When she returned tears flooded her red eyes. Pain from red cheeks.


    Danya stopped them from departing. Pulling one of the men''s coats. All were clearly uneasy at Danya''s stand.


    "Kid?" Leonid said calmly, trying to calm a raging bull.


    "Danya. Stand aside."


    "No." The booming voice. Danya never spoke loudly.


    *Bang* *Crash* *Thud*


    What followed was a haze; loud sounds, crashing furniture, gunshots. Nothing brought Danya from his trance.


    When he finally regained his senses, there was blood all over. Bodies strewn about, toppled furniture and riddled bullet holes. Yefim lay dead with a hole inside his head. Leonid Clutched at a wounded shoulder. Three more men, riddled with holes through their abdomens, soaking the ground red.


    Olesia also lay dead. A singular hole on her side, a fatal accident.


    "Danya." Leonid gasped for air. "Y-You need to go before..."


    *Bang*


    Armed police crashed in. Surrounding the giant before them. "Drop to your knees and hands where we can see them." At this Danya, kneeled slowly, as he was told. Hands rising by his head.


    Handcuffs enclosed around his wrist. He couldn''t remember anything he did. Tears dripped on the crimson stained floor.


    "I didn''t mean it."


    Cops looked upon him with anger. "Didn''t mean to? Boy, you slaughtered a room. You''re never gonna see the light of day again."


    It was over. Tears fell. In those moments he wished he had his mother with him.

 Chapter 34.9: A man named Panic (3)

    "It wasn''t my fault you see." Danya; with his mother and sister watched security footage of the fighting. Danya, was pushing people over, clumsily. Taking blows from all angles.


    "I knew my Danya wouldn''t have killed these criminals." Valeriya whispered. Holding tight of her child''s hands.


    "I agree Valeriya. But..." A defence lawyer interjected; young in years, barley looking up from his piles of papers. Hair neatly styled and back, trimmed beard, gentle face.


    "But?"


    "The jury will take one look at your son, and see a brute." Placing down paperwork.


    "But the footage shows him defending himself? Won''t that count for-" Valeriya was beginning to grow frustrated at this.


    "And the prosecution will spin that however they want. His actions resulted in the deaths of the girl, he should have gone to the police, why was he working there to begin with?" Katya placed her hands over Danya. Her touch comforting in these desperate times. His sister unable to look at him.


    "What are our options?"


    "A deal has been offered...6 years. To be served in a juvenile prison-"


    "But I didn''t mean to! They were doing bad stuff!"


    "Hush Danya." Valeriya patted on his hands.


    "And if we fight?"


    "The prosecution is pushing for 20. In a men''s prison with a permanent record."


    This struck the two. A cold weight from their chest sank to their feet. All were silent. How to avoid the worst-case scenario. To take the deal or to fight and risk losing. Katya was the first to raise.


    "Danya... What do you think?"


    "I don''t want to go to prison. I didn''t do anything wrong." Fresh tears ready to flow. "... I..."


    "Have courage Danya. Do not fear what you are. Never."


    "But- I am-" Tears rolled free, flooding the surface and blurring eyes.


    "If we do take this deal. Your records will be wiped clean once you turn 18." Again, Danya started to shake like a leaf.


    "Take the deal Danya. They will twist everything against you." Katya whispered without turning her head.


    His tears stopped falling. Hands raised up to his face, to wipe the wet tracks away, and his mom rubbed a soothing circle on his shoulder.


    "W-Will you visit?"


    "Yes. As much as I possibly can." Valeriya couldn''t stop her tears. As Danya rose to sign the paperwork, accepting the prosecution''s deal. Feeling an immense dread, knowing that the decision made was unjust. However, Valeriya and Katya agreed, with both his mother and sister supporting him.


    On that day Danya was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Sentenced to 6 years inside.


    ---


    10 Years ago, inside a Juvenile detention centre of Eastern Russia. 4 Years served:


    Despite serving an unjust sentence. Time flew by, weeks, months, then years. Often, he waited in his cell; reading and writing. Only the library was Danya''s best solace. The other boys often stayed away, not wanting to draw the ire of the near 7ft Danya.


    True to her word; Valeriya came to visit Danya every month. Bringing his favourite treats. That would put a smile on any prisoner¡¯s face. Although every time she came, her features began to fade, skin wrinkles. A mother who was tired.


    When she wasn''t able to come for whatever reasons. Katya filled in.


    He had yet to see his father again. No matter what was happening at home, never did they speak on it. Valeriya felt her son had enough on his plate.


    Then one day. Changed everything. The boys were anxiously sprinting up and down the concrete corridors shouting. "Gates, Monsters!"


    "Danya. Quickly get to the common room." One boy spoke with urgency.


    "Portals to other worlds have appeared. Russia is currently investigating and is on alert. We urge the people. Stay away from them, until we learn more consider them dangerous."


    The boys were full of questions, excited by the prospect. It was like those Japanese or Korean stories. Ones Danya read plenty of, being popular in the library. Curious minds; full of the new wonders of portals and what would be found on the other side.


    ---


    Days later; and envoy of government officials arrived at the facility. Spreading pamphlets to all. Speaking to the warden and then guards and soon spreading the news to all inmates,


    ''A new chance, a new life. Join the Russian gatekeeping force. Earn your freedom!''


    Danya jumped at the offer. ''Freedom. I can see mom quicker.''


    Once again, he did not think on the consequences. His young mind lined up with all the other eager boys. Towering over the seated officials. A lady with red hair and black rimmed glasses nearly looked up at a 90¡ã angle.


    "H-Here, sign there and there." Danya did not notice the nerves in her. Barley reading the contract; freedom was on his mind. Nothing else.


    "Will I leave prison early if I sign this?" His voice like deep drums. Booming in the silence. The other boys waited on his question to be answered. Wanting it as well.


    "Um... W-well you see-"


    The man seated next to her gave a side eye. Chest of numerous badges adorned his uniform. Black short hair with a scar down his left cheek. A veteran from an older war.


    "Yes... You will gain your freedom."


    That was it. Danya needed no more. Hand pressing on the sheet, squiggling his name into the form. "Done!" Eagerly awaiting the release of these walls that would come.


    Busloads of kids left the facility later that week, nearly depleting the facility to its core. A trip to the unknown. All the boys, spoke, talked of what they would do once inside these magical portals, from becoming adventurers, knights, all manner of excitement and adventures.


    Danya was just looking forward to seeing his mama again. Sleeping in his own bed. Eating a beef stroganoff cooked with his mother¡¯s love. Perhaps this could all be a fresh new start.


    He never saw his mother or the ones he loved again.


    ***


    A large concrete building awaited them. Tall concrete walls and towers of menacing guards. Iron gates opening to a courtyard. Despair, like an iron grip squeezing on his heart.


    At least 100 boys filled out of buses, gathered around a strange white orb. Military figures barking for them to line up. Once their shuffling was complete. A bald and sturdy, beast of man stood in front, hardened milky white eyes sweeping over the boys.


    "Listen up, you ingrates." His voice, the roar of the sea, bellowing across the courtyard.


    "You''ve been granted a wonderful opportunity." Not an ounce of joy behind his words.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Touch the orb and receive your power." One by one, they filed like ants; the orb glowed under an overcast sky, boys sorted into groups of A-E. Based purely on rank.


    "A-Rank. Juggernaut class. Congratulations. Report to A camp." A woman noted, pushing Danya forwards.


    "Um excuse me... When do we get to leave?" Danya looked down with puppy eyes; scared to have broken some rule.


    She chuckled. "Leave? Honey, your ours until you reach level 100. Did you not read the contract you signed?" Blood ran cold in Danya''s veins, veins and eyes burned as all the colour drained.


    "W-wait... the lady said I will have my freedom when I signed!"


    A smug smirk on her face. "Yes. after you complete your contract. We can''t have criminals running around Russia with powers now. Can we?"


    Danya fled, past the other boys, past the guards. No one stopped him.


    *Bang* *Bang* *Bang*


    "P-Please let me out. I need to tell my mother where I went." Words slurred as hot, heavy, thick, and moist tears broke free. Harder and harder against the Iron gates he pounded; chest slamming into cold metal; pleading to anyone outside.


    *Crack*


    His head slammed against the gate. Tumbling towards the ground.


    "We have a runner already?" The white-eyed commander hovered over him.


    "An A-rank Juggernaut; with a heart as soft as pudding." Kneeling to match the still teary-eyed boy.


    "Don''t worry boy. We will make a real man of you." Patting his back like he was one of the commander''s sons.


    "Please... I want to go back to my mom..." Sniffling through, heart sinking deeper. Thinking that his mother would never let something happen to her son.


    "Don''t panic boy. You will see you mother son as a new man. Panic. Yes, that will be your new name. Panic welcome to the Gatekeepers."


    "M-my name is Danya-"


    *Smack*


    "Silence, you are no longer that boy. You are Panic. Welcome to the Gatekeepers."


    ---


    Training was a brutal ordeal, before the boys even looked upon a gate; they spent months training in combat and physical fitness. Drills on hard concrete, from dawn till dusk. Pushed to their limits.


    Food was always an odd thing. Feasted like Kings one minute and then starvation like peasants the next. Another means of moulding them into Gatekeepers. Teaching them the trials of long journeys and pushing onward when food is low. Drilling within, they had to give 110% effort, no less was allowed.


    Panic; still yearning for his mother¡¯s embrace. Every night he cried, every night the other boys were ordered to beat the tears out of the gentle giant. Just one of many ways the officials hardened up their criminals. One day those tears wouldn''t spill free.


    The initial gates were simple in nature.


    Go in, slay the enemies, strip them of resources and return home. Each day, a new gate, more training and less leveling with each day passed. The system was a cruel mistress.


    Giant spiders, ant hives, zombies, orcs, and other humanoid species. These were just some of the many instances the gatekeepers would encounter. Slaying hundreds of monsters. All becoming routine; like day-to-day workers in an office. The goal: level up, fulfill contract obligations, work for the motherland.


    ---


    8 Years ago, somewhere in Russia:


    "Attention! Today. We shall tackle a B-rank Gate." The commander; who the young men never learnt the name of, boomed over the training field.


    "This will be your most challenging endeavour yet. Prepare accordingly." By now there was no longer any enthusiasm. Just cold stares. Hard faces, no more childish excitement, only hard bodies forged by the cruel mistress.


    ''I would be home now. Mama would be cooking stroganoff. Maybe I could go to the shops with Katya. She loves shopping.'' He still wished every night to be back home, but he wouldn''t dare show it anymore. Crying now meant a beating until he spat blood. Then breakfast taken away.


    Only level 47; not even half way done. How much longer did this go on for. Memories of home seemed only to vanish with each passing day. Katya would probably have a boyfriend. Probably went on to university and left to start a happy life somewhere.


    The gate was much like the others, a dark cave system. Moss and green slime slipped down and pooled across the uneven floor. Delving in, a formula they had followed for years.


    Quickly coming to what should be the boss chamber. Instead, housed tents of all sizes with banners of a black shield and fist. The group were confused by such a setup. Never had they seen other ''people'' within a gate.


    A long-haired woman, emerged from a tent. Short with blonde hair that covered her eyes. Terror took her form. Shouting a language unknown to these gatekeepers, she vanished into a tent. Armed with spear like weapons, groups of men piled out; shields and short swords at the ready; crude weaponry pointed forward.


    "Complete our mission. Our commander has ordered. Leave none of the monsters alive." Cold words from the captain of the squad. Leading his charge towards these unknown creatures.


    Their cries of despair, all but stopped under the Russian''s magic, overwhelming by both numbers and coordination, Panic, stood there. Watching men fall.


    His commanders order. ''They are monsters that need slaying. Not people. Monsters.'' But these are no goblins, monsters, orcs, or animals; but humans.


    In the tent women huddled, covering their children. Mutterings of prayers, last breaths being uttered by those wounded. His training taught him, all in a dungeon, in the presence of a gate. Everything must die, every monster slain.


    It was as quick as it could be.


    "Panic. Are they dead?" One Russian shouted into the tent. Not brave enough to confirm for themselves.


    "§¥§Ñ."


    ***


    5 Years ago, somewhere in Russia:


    Level 100!


    Contract: Complete.


    Years were spent amongst dungeons. Earning his freedom at last. A hand slapped against Panic''s back. The first kindness shown for a long while.


    His squad stood to attention in the courtyard, The commander by his side. A grin spread wide across his wrinkling features.


    "Well done, Panic. You have done us proud, serving the motherland well. You are a free man. You can make your own choices."


    Panic watched the iron curtain open. Sun shining to the outside. Blinding and searing his eyes with a vibrant glow. A glow he hadn''t seen for years, so many endless cycles of killing in dank and gloom.


    "Although; the motherland still needs strong warriors. You have the option to remain with us. Fight for the motherland." That voice. Sounded so sweet in Panic''s ears. Years of manipulation on display.


    "Freedom..." His words without emotion. Taking a step towards his commander.


    "I knew you would. You wouldn''t abandon your comrades in- Hey! What are you-"


    *THUMP*


    The commander flew from the square. Jaw crunched shut with broken teeth flung out across the stone floor.


    "Wh-What are you doing Panic!" He muttered like a wounded beast. Clutching and clawing at its gaping wound, scrambling for its life.


    Panic stood above his fallen commander. Lifting him high above.


    *Slam* *Crack*


    "ARGGGH- Stop- I command- PLE-" With broken arms he is lifted once more.


    *Slam* *Crack*


    "AAAAAGHHH! HELP-" Broken legs now, dangling useless, and held up again, by the man who would''ve never harmed a fly as a boy.


    *Crunch*


    Once more, the commander barley held onto consciousness. Bones protruded all over the old man''s body. Once more lifted into the air.


    "I am no longer yours."


    *Crunch*


    The commander lay in a puddle of his own broken bones and blood. Panic turned away. His squad salute him, dispersing without order. A shared trauma that connects all, a tormentor no more.


    ---


    Free to see his family, Panic travelled; spending his little money on a bus ticket. Then walking. A whole day it took, feet pounding pavement, cars passing. Finally reaching the streets, on which he grew up. Familiar yet somehow not. Was the city always this rundown, trees were still and silent, snow forever buried cars, bins littered the streets.


    Black charred brick. The skeleton of his home burned down. Walls barely supporting the remains, the smell of wet and ash still lingered. He stood frozen, staring in disbelief.


    Through the ruins and up the stairs; trudging up rotten wood. Panic entered his old, blackened bedroom. Walls littered with charred marks, shelves reduced to piles, bedframe barely standing. A desolate sadness fell upon the empty room.


    At the foot of the bed frame, he sat down, charcoaled wood staining trousers. Eyes glued to his bedroom door. Would his mum would rush through, hug her son, shower him with the love he missed?


    *Step* *Step* *Step*


    Shuffling echoed in the distance. They were getting closer. Panic could feel it, breathing erratic, heartbeat rising.


    *Step* *Step* *Step*


    *Click*


    Before him was an older man. With greying brown hair and facial hair, neatly shaven to style, yet still thin and wiry. Tailored grey and white clothes. An extravagant cane in his hand, clicking as the tip bounced. Familiarity about this man.


    "So, the prodigal son has finally returned. Boy." Spitting that last word as though a curse.


    Leonid.


    "News of your crimes has spread far, boy." Panic remained locked past the man, hoping to see someone else walk in behind him.


    "The funny thing is. They¡¯re letting you go. The man you killed will die as a scapegoat for the crimes of that division you served." Spoken like a true businessman. Leonid continued with a smile.


    "An unjust action, for a just outcome. Something that the boy I knew would give anything for." Shifting towards Panic, but keeping distance.


    His eyes softened at the ruins. "I''m sorry my boy. That you must find this. A couple of years ago a gas leak caused this."


    Panic had no expression on his face. Last shreds of hope gone with the winter breeze, gliding the ash in his childhood bedroom.


    "I have work for you, if you want it. Your choice."


    Panic knew better, nothing was free. Standing up to his full height he didn''t utter a single word. Yet Leonid still smiled. "For what it¡¯s worth Danya. I really am sorry." Brushing past the Russian giant, Leonid clicking cane retraced his steps.


    Panic followed without a word. Not looking back once to his home. There was nothing left for him here.

 Chapter 35: Prelude to siege

    HQ of the Crimson bandits, 12:00 PM:


    *Bzzt* *Bzzt* *Bzzt*


    Reiji''s phone was a lightning storm of notification, messages after messages.


    ''Prepare for war.''


    A simple message that spread through the crimson bandit¡¯s network like wildfire. Members messages with concerns and questions, all answered by one.


    ''He is coming.''


    "Sir." Hiro entered without asking. Reiji was in the process of sharpening a ninjato; blade shining under his desk lights. "How goes our preparations Hiro?"


    "...Good sir. But the ''Black Legs Guild'' are asking for more." Hiro sat opposite Reiji, watching the methodical sharpening of the blade.


    *Skrrrt* *Skrrrt* *Skrrrt*


    "Double the offer. Promise them the Reapers head."


    "We can barely afford to pay them even with their first offer?" Reiji didn''t flinch at these words.


    "It''s not about the payment. We are all going to go down in flames. Those guilds who sit at our borders will pick apart our carcasses. Scorched earth tactics."


    *Skrrrt* *Skrrrt* *Skrrrt*


    "Why Reiji-" The blade halted. Pointing forward with a deadly tip. Reiji looked down its form, straight to Hiro.


    "Karma. Pure and simple. We have lived lives of decadence, profiting off our crimes." The blade returned to the desk, holstered in it sheathe.


    "For that and our ignorance to our problems. The universe has brought him. Our end."


    "And the other guilds?"


    "Those guilds make us look like saints; human trafficking and all. We will go down in a blaze of war, taking them with us. Perhaps our final good deed will be this." Reiji stood, walking over to his ward.


    "For you. Hiro. This is a weapon from my former master¡¯s armoury."


    Held in his hands and presented like the most precious of items. Unsheathed it lit up in a blue fire aura. "It will serve you well in the times ahead."


    "I can''t accept this sir. Please you should use it-"


    *Fwoosh*


    A crimson inferno grew from Reiji''s hands. A great sword of flames.


    "I already have my own. Now, get back out there. Answer questions, sooth the men''s worries, and let me know when the CEOs from the ''Sons of rising sun'' and ''Kobayashi syndicate'' arrive. I expect to see them very soon."


    "Thank you, sir." A bow followed. Then, a swift exit.


    "Perhaps there is one more thing I can do."


    *Click*


    Back at his desk, he flicked a button underneath. A screen emerged from the desk. Screen calling for a direct connection. For moments nothing happened; then a blacked-out face appeared; shadowed like a spirit without form. Its only feature; white eyes glowered through.


    "Why have you called?" There was no use of subtlety, no mincing of words. Cut straight to the point.


    "A pleasure to see you too Mr.-"


    "If you have nothing important. This conversation is done."


    "Wait. The crimson bandits require your support." Reiji began to rummage through his desk draws.


    "Why? Your guild has nothing worthwhile to offer. Your guild is priming for the end. End call-" Reiji produced a black thumb drive USB. Presenting it, like a trophy held by a winner. Entering it into the screen; the spectre looked away only for moments. Then a pause. White eyes locked upon the mysterious contents.


    "We should level your building for such insolence." Silence came from the spectre. Eerie silence, their white eyes studying something for the first time, carefully and intently. Reiji sensed the trepidation.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "And if you do. You will find this will be leaked out. What then?" Words soaked with poisonous taunts. Prying with needle sharp precision.


    The eyes narrow once more on Reiji.


    "What do you want?" Reiji grew a devious smile.


    "Weaponry." Reiji knew how this one operated. The company guild would not send in their own. Yet, weapons. A-rank gate clearing weapons is a big business. Who would suspect the crimson bandits for buying and having top class weaponry? No one, not when they could be found so easily on the black market.


    "Within the hour. Good day-"


    "One more thing." White eyes. Infuriated by Reiji''s gall.


    "I need a ticket. Passage for a restart."


    The spectre hummed. "A coward until the end. You will have your restart-"


    "It''s not for me." The spectre was puzzled. "Who then?"


    "Hiro Koboyama." Eyes narrowed sharply. Scanning through the screen like some terrifying judge.


    "Done."


    *Click*


    A ghostly image vanished from the screen. Leaving a happy Reiji. Fist slammed in a win.


    The price for his bargain would be the destruction of the thumb drive. However, Reiji had no intention of destroying or handing it over.


    He foresaw it all. He and his guild would not survive the night, a fact that he and his men accepted. Bringing down the vultures that circled them. A noble plan. In its own twisted way.


    From the ashes of destruction. A Reaper will rise; he would only be a small stepping stone in something far grander.


    Hiro will have passage to another life. He will object, fight his master. He was destined for a better life. Reiji would make sure of it on his last day.


    ***


    The Heart residence, 3:00 PM.


    <8 Hours till siege>


    "Yes, good now add the garlic, slowly, SLOWLY- stop." Eren hastily scuttled from one side of the kitchen, a hand clasped with the force of a titan.


    "I''m doing my best." Emi spoke, hovering behind the cooking chaos. "Why do I need to do this? I am really good at cooking. Aren''t I?" Her pleading eyes puffed like a puppy, reading him for any cracks. Alas, he remained hardened.


    "Yes. You are. But there is no harm in learning more advanced cooking methods. Can you fetch me the eggs?" Eren couldn''t find the courage to tell her the truth. Her cooking was shit. Plain and simple. Failing at even the most basic of dishes.


    "Now, ''Slowly'' crack them against the side like-" *Crack*


    The egg landed in the pan with a sizzle, along with half of the shell. Eren tried to keep a cool head.


    "Not bad, can you remove the shells?" Emi did as instructed, removing the shells, along with half the yolk. Again, Eren bit down frustration. Eyes in a state of perpetual pain.


    It was like leading a camel to water, and watching it drink the sand.


    "Wouldn''t it be easier if you just do it?"


    "...No Emi. You need to learn." It would be far easier; on Eren and the eggs.


    However, a new nuisance quickly approached the door.


    "Helllllloooooooo!" Lucifer shouted, barging through the doors like he owned the place. "Emi it is Saturday night. Do you know what that means?" Lucifer sang, dancing along as if some musical were underway.


    "Battle Idol." Emi completed with an excitement that outmatched Lucifer. Ditching the pink apron, she bolted to join the infernal idiot.


    "Girl. You stay here and cook." With the sharpest tone Eren could muster. Emi flinched back like a scolded dog. Lucifer was met with a similar reaction; hands firmly clasped upon those bladed shoulders.


    *Sniff* *Sniff*


    "I-I''m s-sorry Eren. I''m no good at cooking." Wet trails formed at the base of her eyes, an ability she has recently mastered. To her they were angle tears. To Eren, crocodile tears.


    Emotional manipulation of the highest level. Eren didn''t know when she developed such skills. Were these instinctive. Hidden deep in his sister''s heart. Did Lucifer teach her these dark arts?


    ''This girl. Is such a little sister. Weeping, to get out of responsibility.'' Eren couldn''t fold to such deception.


    He folded.


    "Fine. But you will help clean up after. We can do more cooking tomorrow." Tears evaporated in an instant. With a glee only a little sister can master, she scurried towards the TV. Whilst Lucifer walked with a more elegant strut.


    "No, you. Outside now Lucifer." Eren demanded.


    "Oh? Am I in trouble." Lucifer teased. As always, playing up and getting under Eren''s skin.


    He pushed his way outside, with the blonde reaper in tow. Closing the door as to keep Emi unaware.


    "Are you ready, Eren? Your first real step towards greatness." Lucifer muttered with excitement. As always, such a thing seemed to please Lucifer. Violence is in the man''s nature.


    "Yes." Eren breathed out. Pushing aside his nerves to be in control. There was a large stake. Trepidation however, isn''t in Eren''s nature.


    Tonight, perhaps the ward will experience freedom from the grips of the bandits. A new dawn for him. All within his grasp.


    "Do you require my aid? I would love to assist my little dove in flight." A grin of the most demonic intentions.


    "No, what kind of Reaper would I be if I can''t fight my own battles?"


    "Very well, I will be cheering you on from the sidelines tonight." A ruffle of his white hair, reminiscent of a dog to its master. Drawing the ire of Eren.


    "MMMMM." Eren growled. Removing the hand with a grunt.


    Lucifer skipped back inside. Like a giddy child.


    "Lucifer." The blonde stopped.


    "Thank you. For being friends with Emi."


    "My pleasure Eren. Your sister is a sweet child. I can see why you fought so hard to see her again."


    Lucifer slid inside like an apparition. Leaving Eren in his thoughts; alone on the balcony. The afternoon sun nearing the edge of the buildings. With little time left to think. A sharp inhale of the crisp air, refocused his mind on the events to come.

 Chapter 36: Once upon crimson ashes - Entrance to hell

    12:01 AM. Moon peak: Main Headquarters of the Crimson Bandits


    Under moonlit cover and chilled winds. A dark shadow stalked through the upper limits of the wards highest building. On the rooftop. Overlooking the building below, Eren watched. Waiting for the right moment to begin.


    The compound sprawled before him, buildings interconnected into a massive hexagon, a city within a city. In the centre; the largest structure a 12-floor concrete tower. Windows barely seen from outside, tinted from any prying eyes. Dismal grey, weathered and dull.


    ''A waste of power for a criminal guild. How could Baelor lose such a place?''


    Guards of all sorts patrolled and took up choke points. Equipped with a range of arms. From modern rifles, shotguns to swords and spears. Some going without.


    The crimson bandits, clad in red bandanas with crimson attire. Joined by several other guilds mingling amongst themselves.


    One dressed like imperialist Japanese soldiers with red rising sun''s stitched across their sleeves.


    Another in suits tailored to style. Slicked back hair and expensive watches. Almost all clones of each other.


    Lastly, masked ones. Like the reaper. Black armoured and skull faced. The only differences were long braids that came out of the back of the skulls. More like modern militaries, tactical gear adorns them.


    Fear radiated from the base, permeating throughout the whole ward. Taking a sharp inhale of that stale, cloying aroma of rot. Eren found his focus and aim. Now it''s time to begin.


    The Reaper dropped down into the abyss below.


    <hr>


    "Hey. You have a smoke?" Asked a fine suited man. A Kobayashi syndicate''s grunt. Posted out the front gates, he was hoping for a livelier time. Yet, found this position utterly boring.


    "Yeah, here." The crimson bandit opened his pack. "Want one too?" He offered to the imperial soldier standing guard. A thin, scrawny man; fidgeting with his fingers; was no different. Boredom taking him, but he declined the offer.


    "Don''t smoke. Prefer the tea."


    Both bandit and Kobayashi syndicate shot glares. "And you?" Asking the black legs member. Laying on a cold concrete wall.


    *Stare*


    "Suit yourself." Lighting the cigarettes; and both puffing smoke into the chill night air.Stolen novel; please report.


    "Those skulls give me the creeps; think they even have people under them?" Whispered the Kobayashi, taking a swift glance at them.


    "Probably. Just don''t look in their eyes. They hate it when people stare at them."


    "So why the hell are we working with you? Aren''t you kings who sit atop piles of credits?" Cigarette puff between words.


    "I wish. Sitting on an endless supply of credits, we¡¯d be able to take on those white eyed fuckers in ward 21." Stomping the ground. "We''ve looked and looked. Never finding any trace of those infinite credits."


    "Is he truly that strong?" The imperial added.


    "The reaper?" He gazed in the distance towards the moon. Stars glittering like sparkling diamonds.


    "Yes... Everything you heard is true and far fucking worse." The bandit taking a heavy draw. As if that smoke was all that was left.


    "Half of our guild is gone. The lucky ones we find the bodies... Most; only pools of blood remain. The only reason we know about him. He lets one live to tell the tale." Crimson member added, spitting on the ground, disgusted. As if trying to remove a terrible taste on his tongue.


    "Bha, sounds like bullshit to me. Men shouldn''t fear ghosts. Cowards the lot of you." The imperial scoffed. Those scrawny hands on the end of his hip.


    "Does your entire guild sleep with the lights on?" Countered the Kobayashi. Hands rubbing down the tip of his suit. Cigarette smoke and hot breath pluming from noses to the surrounding air.


    "Yes."


    His answer gave pause to everyone. Glances shared between the old world and new world. Perhaps there is no shame in a little fear.


    *Shick*


    "What was that?" Whispered the Kobayashi, straining his head.


    "What? The wind?" Imperial shot back.


    "No, it was something else. Oi skull face, wake up."


    The black leg remained motionless, laid across the concrete.


    "Oi." The bandit walked over to shake him. He collapsed with little more than a thud. Blood streaked from underneath the dark leg.


    "Shit his here! Go and warn-"


    *Shick* *Thud*


    *Shick* *Thud*


    The bandit turned back. Both the Kobayashi and Imperial slumped to the ground, bodies with a single slash. Spilling warm red pools to the ground below.


    Azure eyes peered at him. The Reaper stood over crimson stained pavement.


    The bandits last light, a bone blade waving through the air.


    <hr>


    With the external guards down. Eren stood upon crimson stained pavement, his assault to begin. The southern side of the HQ, is where he would breach.


    Like a wolf through the shadows; stalking all those inside. Picking off any unsuspecting men. Making his way through winding corridors of damp concrete. Every new patrol. Slaughtered with utmost stealth.


    <New ability: Unlocked>


    <Summon Brutes>


    <Would you like to convert>


    ''About time you gave me something. Show me.''


    ---


    Current Knight count:


    Swordsmen: 25/25


    Archers: 11/11


    Brutes: 0/2


    To convert to brutes, 9 Swordsmen and 7 Archers.


    Convert?


    ---


    "No."


    ''What kind of math is this. Keep them.'' The man behind the mask scoffed. A heavy sacrifice to make; a sacrifice he could ill afford.


    The ring tightened around his finger, protesting its wielder''s words.


    The reaper continued onwards. Any unfortunate soul found in the reaper''s path. However, he grew suspicious. A path was clearly laid out to him. Men guiding him down certain paths.


    Eventually, coming across a large courtyard, a mulit-purpose basketball court. Floodlights clicked on; bathing him in a scorching heat.


    Scuffling behind his back. Doors and shutters, being locked; blocking off any path he previously had.


    "Welcome Reaper!" Reiji clapped from a balcony above. His right, Hiro stood; ninjato''s fastened across his waist. His left, Panic; eyes fixated down like some cat eyeing a mouse.


    All sides covered by all guilds. Guns aimed at their prey


    "This ends tonight."

 Chapter 37: Once upon crimson ashes - Ambush at the square

    12:10 AM. Crimson HQ, ground level:


    "This ends tonight, Reaper." Reiji waved.


    To him, this is no ambush, but an execution. Men behind him had enough guns to win wars. Spread across 2 balconies; and throughout the courtyard outskirts were ''Black Legs'' armed with rifles and submachine guns; Reiji hoped it would be enough but deep down he knew better. Numbers did not matter when dealing with the reaper.


    "Any final words?" Reiji called. Eyes peered to his foe down on the crimson court.


    Reaper¡¯s finger pointing towards the floodlights.


    "Lights." He muttered quietly, much to the bemusement of Reiji.


    *Crack* *Crack* *Crack*


    One by one the floodlights were destroyed. Pitch black arrows raining down from invisible archers.


    *RATATATATATATATAT*


    Gunfire blazed, flashes and bangs rang throughout the court, bullets streamed in droves to the reaper''s spot. Bullet rain illuminating the yard. Not a sight of the Reaper.


    *FWOOOOSH*


    Reiji aimed hands high above himself. Crimson blazes billowed out; pillars of flames wiping the moonlight sky. Crimson its new hue. Hiro and Panic watched; faces washed in burning inferno.


    "Up there!" Pointed Hiro, Crimson highlighted his shadow form. Black legs ran at full pelt; Running up vertical on concrete walls. Their agility reminiscent of reptilian lizards.


    "Sir? Are you all?" Hiro asked, shaken at his master''s technique.


    "Huff- Huff- Yes. Haven''t used that spell in years..." A bead of sweat at Reiji''s brow. Fatigue gnawed at the Crimson Guild''s master. Chugging a flask from his breast pocket, revitalizing, warming, and stoking his flames.


    "Let¡¯s go!" He ordered the remaining forces "You have your positions!" In a flurry, guilds dispersed out of the courtyard, spreading across the guild''s HQ. Weapons loaded and waiting with keen anticipation.


    <hr>


    ''He took out the shadows.''


    Reaper watched the crimson sky above. Without the dark he couldn''t summon more soldiers; only 5 archers already at his disposal. Reiji had well prepared for this night. Or just got blind lucky.


    *Swish* *Swish* *Swish*


    Behind Reaper, black legs mantled onto the roof, twin daggers, and twin axes. Split down both paths as they maneuverer towards the reaper with nimble footwork. Weapons twirled through air; an art display like dancers.


    *Dash*


    At breakneck speed, the first black leg pounced. Twin daggers with sharp stabs, time slowed as bone clashed with steel. Both his gauntlet''s batted away each incoming blow. Continuing a flurry of stabs and kicks. Not letting up for a moment, relentless attacks from a group of 20.


    *Fling* *Fling* *Fling*


    Archers unloaded black bolts with precision, piercing through unarmoured napes. Reaper; using his whip, slashed off hands and legs. Not stopping for a moment.


    *Dash* *Dash* *Dash*


    Agile feet finally broke through the lines of archers and whip slashes. Grappling an axe onto the Reapers back, whilst a pair drove daggers at his front. A pair of daggers to the face.


    *CLANG*


    Gripping an arm, Reaper flung the black leg down into the rooftop with a hard slam. Taking his dagger; using it to parry the second. Spinning at the grappled foe. Cutting deep into his nape. Sending both crumpled to the ground.


    *Slash*


    One tried to jump over him, but an axe throw put the black leg out of its misery.


    Bones crunched as reaper cut them down. One by one. Lasted till all lay scattered around him, dagger coated in blood. His archers¡¯ casualties no longer by his side, laying under the crimson sky.


    *Clink* *Clink*


    One final Black leg emerged over the rooftop. Unlike the others. This one carried itself with an air of ferocity. Bulky built like an armoured titan. An executioner with an axe as long as his arm.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    A pure white skull mask adorned their head. Bone horns curved from the back of its skull. Giving its otherwise pure form a more demonic intention. In fact, the mask had an uncanny familiarity, it was a perfect mirror to his own. Azure eyes pierced through white bone, the only distinction.


    <Kill them>


    The ring was excited by the prey. Vibrating on Eren''s hand; it had never been as excited as it was now.


    *Fling* *Fling* *Fling*


    Three smaller daggers caught The Reaper off guard. One pinned his right foot, one his lower abdomen and the last his right shoulder. His mask kept the pain to a minimum yet it still stung.


    *Dash*


    The executioner bolted. Moving to slice down on Eren, Axe head gleaming crimson.


    Tearing his foot free, just as the blade hits the rooftop. Concrete cracked chips into the air. Rolling across the rooftop. Just enough to see a crumbled trail left by the axe.


    *Clink* *Clink* *Dash*


    The executioner charged at full speed. Axe poised overhead; his great tool of execution. Swinging down, Reaper took out the daggers in his gut and shoulder. Using them to counter. Blades met his ankles; hobbling the Black leg. Who in turn fell on top of Reaper, pinning him down on the roof.


    *Punch* *Punch* *Punch* *Punch*


    Laser focused on one task. Hitting hard enough to end its opponent. Eren did his best to dodge with the beast on his chest. Clocked shots of axe handle smashed across his temple. With only his hands to guard. Blocking oncoming punches was futile. Reaper wouldn''t win with a toe-to-toe brawl.


    ''I''ll let gravity end this.''


    With each strike, a dodge. Weakening the concrete ever so slowly. Finally, the rooftop crumbled.


    Both fell through plummeting several stories down. The Reaper''s whip flung, spiralling up along an exterior railing.


    *Crack* *Pop*


    The whip slowed his fall allowing him to roll and onto the ground safely. Yet his shoulders didn''t take it, his left shoulder popping out.


    The executioner took all the impact. Groans of pain behind that bone mask. Axe embedded into the concrete, head cracked along with shattered shoulder and an ankle.


    *Pop*


    Effortlessly, the Reapers shoulder went back in. Still with a limp he approached. Taking the large axe from the ground, lifting overhead.


    Now before final contact, it raised an arm to block. Fingers splayed out like an open palm in one last defiance.


    *Slash* *Thud*


    Its head rolling. Azurite eyes glazed, until it was met with Reaper''s mask. It glowed through azure before returning to its grey husk.


    <hr>


    ''Fuck'' Eren''s shoulder and foot are killing him. Sitting on the executioner''s carcass as a respite, resting his injured foot and inspecting the wound with the edge of the bone blade.


    ''Not as bad as I thought.'' Eren saw that the wound had already begun to close. A fortunate blessing for his reaper blood. Even so, Eren winced. Shit, it still hurt.


    Looking around; A stadium of sort, rows of seats surrounded an octagonal fenced ring. It took him back to his days in the land of the dead. Memories of fighting monsters played out before him. Those rows of seats would always be packed, reapers hungering for a bloodbath, like pack wolves starved for the next fight.


    They would have loved to watch the siege.


    Now though, he is out of the light. Shadows drew all around him. Finally, he had the perfect conditions to summon reinforcements.


    *Clink* *Clink* *Foom* *Foom* *Foom*


    Eren emptied his coffers, no solider will sit out this fight.


    End chapter 37


    ***


    <Epilogue 1>


    *FWOOOOSH*


    Jun woke with a start. Gazing up from underneath his bed. Crimson washed the moonlight sky. Clearly seeing flames licking their way upwards like a beacon of death.


    "Eren..." He rushed up, barely any time to dress. Grabbing Seraph and his clothes. He knew exactly what was happening; his master is finally taking them down.


    In a flurry of movements, he attempted dressing himself. To little success.


    "Jun...? What''s going on?" Through tired eyes, Mei emerged from her room.


    "The bandits are being taken down; the reaper is out there by himself. Tonight, I¡¯m going to help." He looked so determined; this is something he had waited a long time for.


    "Stay safe then. Don''t do anything Stupid."


    "Trust me I won''t." A toothy smile of reassurance, Mei loved Jun''s boyish charms. Lifting any spirits of those around him.


    Throwing on a light jacket and jeans, he was out. Ready for a fight.


    By now many others were peering out of their homes. Watching the sky above. It was beautiful to behold, their whole lives fear, extortion, abuse, and corruption; then came the reaper. Putting those fears to rest, all whilst with the colours of their guild burned throughout the sky.


    ***


    <Epilogue 2>


    *Bzzt* *Bzzt* *Bzzt*


    "Mmmmm"


    *Bzzt* *Bzzt* *Bzzt*


    Akiko''s phone was going off. Reluctantly she picked up, even in the pitch dark; her aim was spot on for the button. An unpleasant tone answered back. "Akiko!" It was Kenji. Why the hell was he calling this late at night?


    "Mmmmm. What?"


    "Look at your window." She staggered towards the window. In the far distance she could see. Lit in a bright crimson hue, as though hellfire was sprouting from the ground. A circle of flames covering half the ward. "Shit. What is doing?"


    "I don''t know. Captain Shimada is gathering everyone right now; we need to evacuate the area. Do you need a ride?"


    "No... I''ll meet you there." Looking back at the bed.


    "Bring your gear." *Click*


    A deep breath from the blonde detective was followed by a shout. "Mai, get up." Pulling on the cover to reveal her barley clothed co-worker beneath. Only panties as her PJs.


    "What time is it?" She groaned like a cat disturbed from its midday nap. If Akiko had any time to spare, she would have laughed.


    "Emergency. Evacuation. The reaper is attacking the crimson bandits." She tossed Mai a bundle of clothes.


    ¡°We need to move. NOW!"


    End chapter 37 Epilogue

 Chapter 38: Once upon crimson ashes - Siege of Crimson

    *RATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATTATATAT*


    "Fuck; their getting closer!" A Kobayashi guild members shouted, pushing back with their own volley. Firing everything they have against the approaching knights.


    Shadowed steel slashed swiftly; soldiers surged, slicing sharply, shadowed steel scarcely scratched; sword storms striking surely.


    "Get back to the checkpoint." Called the Kobayashi grunts. Whipped off their feet like leaves in the wind, air swished like whips as the next knight advanced.


    *Fling* *Swoosh* *Fling* *Swoosh*


    Arrows cut through the air. Zipping with speed, pinning and penetrating retreating men. Some bolted straight, others at a curve, with still more, aimed at their bodies from an acute angle.


    "Arghhhhhh. Fuck!" With a leg pinned to the floor, one grunt collapsed.


    "HELP ME!" He begged.


    A Sons of the rising sun grunt came running. Trying to save the Kobayashi member.


    *SCHLINK* *Thud*


    Their head severed clean at the neck, face rolling to meet the downed Kobayashi. Staring eyes to eyes, blood quickly spilled from the detached head.


    A bone like whip snaked along the ground; covered in blood it retreated into the shadows. Behind the march of knights.


    The grunts final sight, a metal boot. Meeting his head with a crunch.


    The men stood no chance against such ferocious demons. Shadows rose; knights moved without fear, all the while azure eyes watched it all from the dark.


    <hr>


    *Clink* *Clink* *Ratatatatata* *Clink* *Clink* *Ratatatatata*


    The Reapers knights continued forward; whilst he stood behind. Watching the siege of Crimson. It would have been a well-set trap that would have worked on many other heroes. Yet, against Reaper, there was just too large a skill gap. Against knights and their leader; hell would be a welcome place for them.


    Eventually the rattle of bullets on metal died. Deafening silence followed soon after.


    Emerging into a large open hall, a great room. A plaza that spread a welcoming and open area. Surrounding the plaza are entrances to many smaller rooms and balconies. Despite the pitch-black, the plaza had a gentle and peaceful glow. Personalized doors with imagery drawn of monsters and heroes. The faint smell of cooked meals; stew wafted through.


    ''Barracks.''


    This was where the members would reside. Like their own homes. Where they sleep, eat, work, socialize. Everything expected to be found in a living area was within these halls.


    *Fwoosh* *Fwoosh* *Fwoosh*


    Bursts of light rippled on the balcony. Filling the plaza with a pale blueish tint, casting dark shadows into the depth of the hall. Men assemble the level above. Guns trained and waiting. The sons of the rising sun, accompanied by a couple crimson bandits and Kobayashi grunts.


    "REAPER. YOUR CRIMES BRING DISHONOUR UPON US. PREPARE TO FACE JUSTICE!" A rising sun roared from the top. A far older man than his compatriots, grey hair hidden beneath a cap. Wrinkled and mole face told of a hardened, stern, and stoic character. Though a small height; Eren could sense this man was the leader of the guild. The aura this man had commanded respect and submission from any in the room.


    "FIRE!"


    *RATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATATTATAT*


    The reaper activated the ward. Blocking the bullets before they hit. However, the knights took a pelting from the ammo. These guns were powered by magic.


    The bullets began to slowly wiggle their way through with each hit. Knights armour cracking like China.


    "Bring it out!" Ordered the older leader. From behind, Kobayashi members carried out a large anti-material rifle. It belonged on a tank rather than wielded by an individual.


    The old man mounted the weapon. All that could be seen was his upper half peering over it. Legs being stretched across the ground, only by one man at the rear.


    *BANG*


    The rifle boomed; recoiling heavily, a dust cloud in its wake. Time nearly came to a halt; An enormous bullet whistled towards the Reaper.


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Amber hue streaked towards, casting a yellow hue with a thin line. Yet, knights raised their swords all too late.


    *CRUNCH*


    The ward absorbed as much force as it could. But the force transferred into Eren''s right forearm.


    ''Arghhhh! FUCK!'' It felt like he had shattered the whole right side. He felt the fragments, shards tearing into his muscles; an unfathomable pain. The mask held at bay most of the pain; yet still agonizing.


    "Reload!"


    The reaper retreated through the door; taking refuge behind. Now for the second time that night, the Reaper sat. Nursing an injured limb, inspecting the bone, and seeing to it. His right arm didn''t hurt as much now. No doubt another ability of the Reaper blood soaked in his veins.


    It was considerably shorter than his left. Useless in such a state. Hitting the arm didn''t move or falter, as though he had locked all movement.


    A knight knelt by his side; providing materials to splint the arm. Using broken swords and rags to set the arm in place.


    *Bang*


    The helping knight had its head shot off by another of the anti-material round. A hail of bullets. Shooting down knights by the round.


    The knights would go straight back into the ring but the flood lights made it impossible to summon reinforcements. The Suns of the rising sun had him trapped.


    <hr>


    "MOVE UP! HE IS HURT!" Gunfire continued relentlessly. A barrage cracking at the open doors to meet the Reapers now tattered group of 12. The one-armed Reaper still on the ground; was struggling to stand and fight. Even the knights; who fed of their master''s emotions were heedful of the gunfire. Cracked armour riddled like fault lines.


    Eren looked at his stat screen.


    *Warning 0 solider rank in waiting*


    Knights:


    Swordsmen: 8/25


    Archers: 3/11


    Brutes: 0/2


    Too Convert:


    9 Swordsmen and 7 Archers.


    Convert?


    "Yes..."


    The ring hummed at the command. 4 Knights and 2 archers vanished into the nearby available shadow across the opposite side of the room. Melting into it.


    From those shadows rose two giant shadows. Hulking creatures of midnight, donned from head to toe in oversized plates and pauldrons with spikes. With massive great hammers wielded. Helmets with a small slit that no human could possibly see out off.


    They lumbered slowly towards the entrance. Too slow... each step feeling like an eternity.


    ''These things are to slow... I shouldn''t trust this thing for anything-''


    *Click*


    An imperial soldier rifles pointed at the Reaper''s head. "Got you!"


    *Wham* *SMASH*


    In slow motion the Reaper witnessed a hammer; crushing the Imperialist jaw with velocity like a bullet train.


    The brute jumped to where it''s hammer landed; the now crushed head. Caving into the skull as the hammer went deeper into the floor, chipping, and cracking concrete with ease.


    The ring pulsed with vindication as Eren watched the brutes demolish their opponents. He''d underestimated these new allies; they had many tricks up their sleeve.


    "FIRE IT AGAIN!"


    *Bang*


    The anti-material bullet screamed to meet its target.


    The Brute, stood looking like a bemused child. Smacking the bullet out of the way with ease. The cort¨¨ge of men shuddered. Their fate had changed in seconds.


    These two monstrosities rushed into the plaza. Drawing all gunfire.


    "F-FIRE! MAKE Sure-" The leaders voice gave out, yelling till his voice failed. Frantically, he was still aiming down his sights. This was their only hope for survival. Now against this horde and monsters.


    *WHAM* *CRASH*


    One of the brutes threw its hammer towards the Anti-material nest; killing two sun members. Jumping up with little effort. It landed with a quake that shook the entire base. The leader; who was already a small man, was but a mere child standing against the brute.


    By the barrel, the gun was lifted high above its head. Then slammed down on top of the leader; crushing him under. Blood and pulpy guts flew in all directions.


    It was over now. With renewed confidence the Swordsmen and Archer rushed the room. Taking out the floodlights; allowing their compeer''s shadows to rise once more. Appearing behind the grunts, executing them without resistance.


    In all, it took 15 seconds until the final bullet and hammer hit.


    Once more the living quatres fell into dead silence. Stepping from the door to now survey the battle. There, Reaper signalled with his left for the bodies to be rounded up.


    The brutes lumbered once more to their master.


    *Pointing*


    "What?"


    *Pointing to right arm*


    "What..."


    *Pointing to right arm*


    "Can you fix this?"


    *Nod* *Nod*


    Reaper hesitantly stretched his mangled arm as best he could. The brute stepped forward. At this distance the monster dwarfed Eren. Armour only hiding the massive shadow behind.


    It grabbed his arm, inspecting. Despite its massive size; its hands were gently held around his arm, and the gauntlets gave the illusion of dexterous fingers.


    *Yank* *CRACK*


    ''FUCK!''


    His thoughts his own and it still hurt. The brute pulled and cracked the bone. It rotated and placed back into its original place. Now it was longer, still asymmetrical to his left. But, usable now. Although maybe not 100%.


    *Stare........*


    Like all his minions, they all wanted the same thing.


    "...Thank you..." Reaper stilted out, to not be overcome with shock.


    *Nod* *Nod*


    The brute turned to its twin. Dapping each other up. Victory for one is victory for all.


    Barely able to walk on his right, barely able to use his dominant hand, body battered and bruised beyond belief. He still was not even halfway through. Despite it all a feeling seemed to push through the mask''s ability. Was he... enjoying it?

 Chapter 39: Once upon crimson ashes - Panic attack

    Reiji''s office:


    Distant gunfire rattled and rang like echoes. Even with his impending doom. Reiji, sat strong. Pouring himself another drink. If it is to be his final, then he would gladly savour the taste.


    *Slam*


    "Reiji!" The finely tailored Kobayashi leader burst into the room, elegant suit stained with sweat and wrinkles.


    "What are you still doing here, why aren''t you helping?"


    Pouring another, he offered a drink to the man. "Calm yourself Mr. Shin. This is all going to plan." Reiji, gestured to the brown leather chair opposite himself.


    "How are you so calm, it¡¯s hell out there." Bitterness stewed from the scotch, potent as well.


    "The end is coming, whether you want it or not. For our crimes we-"


    "Our crimes!? We make our fortune off the stupidity of others, I, have done nothing but ensure my company benefits from those imbeciles."


    "That is the point... We have all forgotten what it means to be human beings. For the sake of Credits, we sacrifice ourselves, morality. A penance I aim to fix in my final moments." Reiji shot Shin an expression; one who has finally accepted the consequences. Ready to atone for his sins.


    "What have you done?" Shin stood up, and demanded an answer.


    "Ensuring I go into the next life with some good karma to my name. Once the sun rises, Me, you, those black legs and the rising suns will all be dead."


    Shin threw his scotch. Glass smashing behind Reiji''s head. "There is no money?! You''ve brought us all here to die!"


    A sly smile to answer back.


    "No! I''m pulling my guild out. You can keep your good karma. I''m gonna survive this rubbish."


    Shin began to run for the doors. Reiji took another swig of his drink.


    *FWOOOOOSH*


    From his mouth; fire engulfed Shin.


    "AHHHHHHHH!" His scream cut out by the scorching heat. The flaming man ran, dancing, moving like an aimless animal. Bumping and hitting doors and walls as he scrambled for an exit, anything to quench the flames.


    Running through glass, falling down the 12-story tower.


    Reiji poured himself another. Returning to watch the Reaper progress further. Distant gunfire getting closer.


    ***


    Now amongst crates and containers of cargo. Reaper and his company fought on towards the centre.


    The warehouse was structured in a way that made only one path forward, a warren of shipping containers. Creating a labyrinth of metal. Another trap for the Reaper. The crimson sky still shone overhead. Glimpses of that crimson light through skylights and windows.


    Yet, despite all the mazes of containers. No criminal; No bandit, nor imperial soldier was present to defend. A silent place of steel.


    "§¨§ß§Ö§è." (Reaper.) A deep and guttering voice came out from atop the crates above. Panic stood, gazing down to the army below.


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    "§±§â§Ú§ê§Ý§à §Ó§â§Ö§Þ§ñ. §¥§Ñ§Ó§Ñ§Û§ä§Ö §ã§â§Ñ§Ø§Ñ§ä§î§ã§ñ §ß§Ñ §â§Ñ§Ó§ß§í§ç."(The time has come. Let us fight on equal terms.)


    Pricking his finger, the blood juggernaut created a red whip. Shining ruby red as though covered by a solid coat of polish.


    *WHIP* *SHICK*


    Blood slashed forward. Cutting clean through one of the knight''s chests.


    *Fwip* *Swoosh* *Fwip* *Swoosh*


    Archers shot above. Yet, Panic still didn''t move from atop, turning his whip into a shield. Blood wall erected over his person. Stopping any chance of killing their opponent from afar.


    "Go." The reaper ordered. His knights began to scale the containers, like ants on a mission. Scaling vertical at swift speed, even the slow brutes climbed well. The reaper hanging on to one brute as it ascended.


    *Crash* *Crunch* *WHAM*


    Knights flew off the crates. Blood fists cracking into the chests, sending them flying.


    Finally at the top, bodies of the bandit¡¯s ambush party lay about. Panic drew blood from their corpses to fuel himself. Three orbs levitating around. Not large, but Eren knew what they could create.


    A force of 22 minions stood between Panic and the Reaper. Crimson hues washed across Panic. Panic''s eyes locked onto Eren, blood pulsing.


    This is to be his last dance.


    "§¬§â§à§Ó§Ñ§Ó§í§Ö §ã§ä§â§Ö§Ý§í."(Bloody arrows.)


    *Thwip* *Thwip* *Thwip*


    *Clink*


    Using one of his orbs a wall of arrows fired out. At speeds hard to judge. Knights¡¯ amour pierced. Though they still pushed forward with arrows protruding from all over. Archers firing every arrow they had; brutes lumbering in and knights charging.


    *CRACK* *WHOOSH* *SMASH*


    Panic bashed with a blood hammer. Sending knights back to the Reaper''s feet. Yet, they rose once more. Those that were comprehensively destroyed returned from the shadows below, away from the crimson sky. Climbing up once more.


    No matter how many swings or blood arrows Panic created. There was nothing that would kill his knights. Numbers ever replenishing.


    "Tch. §£§à§Ý§ß§Ñ §Ü§â§à§Ó§Ú."(Wave of blood.) Using his remaining two orbs, a shock-wave of blood swept forward. Washing off minions back down the containers. Yet, some brutes managed to catch a crate edge with one hand. The Reaper, holding on for dear life onto the brute''s Pauldrons.


    Panic reabsorbed some of the blood wave; more orbs floated once. More blood arrows. This time larger, thicker. Rapid fire down, splitting into more arrows.


    * SCHIK* *SCHIK* *SCHIK* *SCHIK* *SCHIK* *SCHIK* *SCHIK* *SCHIK*


    Brutes taking the brunt of the volleys. Recoiling from the flurry. Eventually kneeling under the assault.


    Panic used the opportunity. Charging at the Reaper. A swift roundhouse kick to the sternum sent him flying across. Rolling along the containers.


    ''My ribs-'' Even through the mask''s protection, each movement sent shards of agony through his chest.


    Panic landed behind him. The giant glared down in contempt. Blood encircling his body.


    "You are injured. Reaper." Blood reformed, growing outward.


    "You were to kill me. Get up!" His voice a low growl. Intimidating tactics that would scare many into submission. Reaper didn''t show any signs of fear. Mask hiding away emotions.


    *Whack*


    A hammer is caught without looking. Disdain shown across Panics face.


    Both brutes jumped over to attack Panic.


    *CRASH*


    One brute took an aerial roundhouse kick, plummeting down below.


    *Whack*


    The remaining brute delivered its own strike. Hammer head meeting Panic''s ribs. Taking advantage, Eren struck with his whip, going straight for the killing blow across Panic''s neck.


    "§¥§å§â§Ñ§Ü." Panic dodged and parried. His own blood whip cutting deep across Eren''s chest, removing a large chunk of his chest plate.


    The brute struck again, this time with enough force that sent Panic flying back across the shipping container. With a large black and blue bruise on his right side. He stood without a hint of pain.


    "§±§å§ê§Ü§Ñ ?§¬§â§à§Ó§Ñ§Ó§Ñ§ñ §Ó§ã§á§í§ê§Ü§Ñ?."(Blood flash cannon.) Combining blood orbs, A giant red torrent took out the final brute in a flash. No trace that it was ever there.


    The Reaper joined Panic back onto the container. Knights returning from the abyss below. Climbing their way back up for their master.


    Both men returned to zero. A stalemate.


    ''Every shadow raised costs important strength; every blow weakens us both. And neither can he.''


    Eren had to change tactics. Getting this fight over as quick as possible was now paramount to victory.

 Chapter 40: From darkness to the mode of Guren

    Pain and exhaustion burned throughout Eren. The unending fight against Panic took its toll. Still, the fight was at a standstill. Attacks and kills counterbalanced, Knights infinitely replenished. And a never-ending supply of blood.


    Eren''s gear was tattered and torn; revealing a torso marred scares old and new. Even his gauntlets barely staying in one piece. His makeshift metal brace, holding together what was left.


    Likewise, Panic even began to show fatigue in his form. His stoic and intimidating presence no longer daunting. Form slightly slumped and heavy breaths accompanied a battered and bruised torso.


    "...We...are even... Reaper..." Panic struggled to keep himself upright with each word.


    "...Yeah..." Even Eren''s voice strained out, from behind the mask.


    "A... final...fight?"


    "An ultimatum?"


    " §¥§Ñ. §¥§å§ï§Ý§î. " (Yes. Duel.)


    "No knights...no blood orbs." Panic proposed. Bringing himself back upright, to peer down on Reaper.


    "My own blood, your own whip. §ñ§â§Þ§Ñ§â§Ü§Ñ?" (Fair?)


    The Reapers knights turned to their master. Waiting with great anticipation for the command.


    "Go, kill any stragglers." Instantly, they once more filed down the crates, dispersing in all directions. Finally, the pair were alone.


    "...One more..." Panic coughed, "...more fight..."


    "Yes... May the best man win." Eren''s words dripped with earnest and integrity. Like a true duel, there was honour between the pair. Respect in place of their animosity.


    <hr>


    Panic drew out two blades from his fingertips. Pointing one to the Reaper in acknowledgement. Reaper called out his own whip. Smeared in dried crimson.


    Both men charged.


    * Clash* * Clash* * Clash*


    Strike, parry, evade. Sparring knives against the reaper''s whip. Bone to blood, both men of equal stamina and strength.


    *Slash* *Parry* *Swing* *Block* *Swipe* *Catch*


    Not giving up an inch of territory to each other, any inch would give way and allow an opening for their opponent. Exerting great amounts of energy, both fatigued, and finally breaking away.


    The Reaper slightly slipped on the bloodied metal. It was only half a second but Panic pounced. Piercing his left shoulder with one of his daggers.


    "Urgh-" Eren threw a punch straight into Panics cheek, a burst of crimson across its face. It stung enough for him to slip off. This, he quickly exploited with his whip, slicing off three fingers on Panic''s right hand.


    "Ahhhhh." Panic leaped back. Blood quickly closed the wounds, sealing up the dismemberment. Eren pulled out the blood dagger; dissolving instantly in his hands. A throbbing sensation spread, making Eren fall to one knee.


    "You truly... fight fair." If Panic were a man of lesser integrity, then he would have used the blood in Eren''s hand to finish him.


    "§¥§Ñ, §ñ §Ý§å§é§ê§Ö §Ú§ç."(Yes. I''m better than them) Eren never understood his words. But his meanings were always clear.


    *Slash*


    Eren struck once more; the neck would make for a killing blow. But to no avail, his arm too slow. Shoulder unable to turn for the necessary momentum.


    Under the whip; Panic dashed turning his blade into a mace.


    *Whack*


    Direct impact on the mask sent the Reaper flying off the crates, down below. He learnt his lesson from the last time, using the whip to break his fall at a shorter length. Still hitting the floor hard though.


    Panic jumped down as well. However, he landed with failed grace. Ending up crashing into an empty shipping container. Its form was bent to Panic''s left side.


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    Staggering to his feet, Panic summoned one orb from his own supply. Whilst Eren lay on the ground.


    "§¬§â§à§Ó§Ñ§Ó§í§Ö §ã§ä§â§Ö§Ý§í."(Bloody arrows.)


    Out came blood arrows; although this time fewer in number and considerably smaller.


    *Fwip* *Fwip* *Fwip* *Fwip*


    Several just missed Eren as he scrambled up to his feet.


    One pinned his already damaged right foot to the ground. ''Fu- arghhhh.''


    A slight look of sadness across Panic. "§®§ß§Ö §Ø§Ñ§Ý§î, §é§ä§à §ä§í §ß§Ö §ã§Þ§à§Ô §Þ§Ö§ß§ñ §ã§á§Ñ§ã§ä§Ú."(I''m sorry. You couldn''t save me.)


    Withdrawing all his blood; he primed a large orb. Panic''s greatest technique.


    ''§±§å§ê§Ü§Ñ ?§¬§â§à§Ó§Ñ§Ó§Ñ§ñ §Ó§ã§á§í§ê§Ü§Ñ?''("Blood flash cannon")


    Finally, the fight was over


    "§±§å§ê§Ü§Ñ ?§¬§â§à§Ó§Ñ§Ó§Ñ§ñ §Ó§ã§á§í§ê§Ü§Ñ? "(Blood Flash Cannon) Red torrents surged forward. A flash of crimson engulfing everything.


    As the red mist settled. The Reaper still lay. Intact, but unmoving his last movement to get out of the way.


    From his left arm the tendril extended and snaked all the way towards Panic.


    *Cough* *Cough*


    Looking down the blade had pierced his heart. Sticking out his chest.


    "You-" *Cough* got me..."


    "This ward... comes in handy." Eren had once more blocked a lethal blow.


    Standing up, Eren limped on towards Panic, retracting the blade, coiling at Eren''s feet.


    The fight was over.


    ***


    Panic wabbled; clumsy slow steps to the wall of the warehouse. Taking a seat by the wall. Under a crimson sky.


    In kind; the Reaper joined beside him. Ribs ached with every inhale, and yet. It was peaceful, silent, only their presence mattered for the remaining time.


    "Good..." Panic muttered. Breathing once more with harsher and with great difficultly.


    "Yeah..." The Reaper removed his mask. Bloodied face beneath washed in red light, grimaced. Laying the mask onto his lap.


    "Heh...You are man after all." Eyes tried to stay focused on Eren. Lids dropping occasionally before a slight surge of pain brought Panic back to life.


    "It gets stuffy behind there. But it gets the message across." Eren spoke to the mask; still not a sign of battle damage save for the dried blood.


    "...You are good man." Panic breathed out, more heavily. Eyes flickering back and forth between focus and unfocused.


    "Why do you keep saying that? I''m not even human."


    "I see you... helping people... fighting bad men..." Panic pointed weakly, past the doors. Past all the hallways and grunts Eren had defeated.


    "Fighting bad me, ha. You could have found any old goody two shoes-"


    "Only you could kill me... I want to see my mother again."


    Eren paused for a moment, thinking about his own.


    "A terrible life I have lived. My only chance to see a good woman like her. Die in battle. To an honourable man."


    His logic was flawed but who was Eren to judge. His tone, body language, distant eyes. Told of years of torment and pain. Holding on to the faintest hope is not a crime and Eren would be the last person to shame this dying man.


    "Life''s hard. Especially ours."


    "§¥§Ñ. All we have is death."


    *Cough* *Cough*


    Blood leaking from the fatal wound. As blood vessels burst, coming to the end of their life span.


    "...Your... Name?" Panic uttered with great effort, blood leaking from his mouth.


    "Eren... Eren Heart." It felt good to speak his own name. One not obscured by fear and intimidation.


    "Panic."


    "Heh, nice try. No mother whose son loves them dearly would name a child Panic." Eren let out a slight laugh; pain shot up in his ribs. A painful wince to recover.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    Panic contemplated his words. Years of torment preventing himself from truth. In his remaining life, Panic wanted to say everything that ever happened to him. Yet, his demons held his tongue.


    "...Panic..."


    <hr>


    Listing to heavy breaths beside him, Eren''s own body began to heal. Yet, the fatigue of fighting remains, eyelids still felt heavy, his own will slowly slipping from consciousness.


    The ring began to hum. No, it had been humming this entire time, only now Eren felt its pulses like that of a heart. It wanted something, it desired to speak.


    Eren turned to the slumped figure. Panic drawing his final few breaths.


    "Why? I think he has suffered enough-"


    "You would make him a soldier?" Eren looked over. Still drawing weak breathes, waiting to be at peace for once in his life.


    "...Panic?"


    "§¥§Ñ...?"


    "Would you fight by my side. Join my army?" Eren offered, not expecting him to say yes. Although Eren could easily take it; the temptation was not there. His years of suffering warranted at least a choice.


    "Why. Why would you offer that?" A weak eye peaked on through a wavering glance.


    "Because you are a good man."


    "I made a deal with death once. For my service my friends will go to the highest realm."


    Panic thought on his words. He had been on the receiving end of foul bargains and corrupt promises. What''s one more; from death themselves.


    "§¥§Ñ. I join you." Panic croaked with all the strength remaining. Hand raised for a final agreement; the weakest shake Eren had ever had.


    "Your name." Eren asked once more.


    "M-my name...is...D-Danya..." His last breath and memory; the boy that loved his mother''s cooking.


    With that the ring enveloped Panic into darkness. Until not a trace remained. His soul copied within the ring of the god eater.

 Chapter 41: Once upon crimson ashes - Twin suns under a crimson sky

    Outside the crimson bandit base:


    Akiko and Mai pulled into the chaos of a police sirens and cars surrounding every entrance. Men and women in blue uniform, setting up cordons, preventing any public entry. Civilians watched on, standing outside their houses, windows, balconies; dressed in loose attire under the intense warmth of the crimson sky.


    "Akiko. Mai. Over here." Captain Shimada waved them over to a makeshift tent filled with tables and officers. They ran to his side.


    "What¡¯s happening?" Mai looked on to the towering base. Gunshots still ringing out from its depths.


    "The Reaper has picked a fight with the entire criminal community. They''re all in there." Shimada pointed to the base.


    "We need to get in there. Why are we sitting around?" Akiko asked, looking around at all the stationary officers.


    "Because girly..." In strut the fat captain of the ward; dressed in dishevelled uniform and stained tie, he was clearly enjoying other pleasures prior to the siege.


    "Your Reaper has kicked up a hornet¡¯s nest in there." Flicking cigarette ash into the ashtray on his desk.


    "And they''re shooting at anything that moves. Even a police officer."


    Akiko clenched at his words. Standing by whilst others were dying. Criminals and all.


    "...Captain." Shimada held his hand up. This is not her call.


    "We don''t have authority over this area, we are here to assist Captain Matsuo and to ensure public safety." Shimada''s stern words spoke volumes to Akiko. There was nothing she could do but watch.


    Captain Matsuo took enjoyment from her frustration. Taking a drag and exhaling in her face.


    "Don''t worry, we can have some ''fun'' while we wait for the dust to settle."


    "Captain Matsuo!" Shimada stood between the two. Akiko was ready to throw hands with this lecherous swine.


    "A joke... Captain. I am sure that we can find some paperwork for these two to complete." A smug expression and wink to the girls.


    ''Screw authority, I will kick your head in.'' Akiko was ready to knock his teeth out then and there. However, a soft hand came to hers. Kenji stood behind his partner. He knew what she was thinking; temper always an issue.


    Calm eyes won the day. The pig sauntered off joined by other officers. No doubt to get a good view of the carnage inside.


    "Don''t go causing trouble now." Kenji smiled. Knowing full well how close his partner was to attacking.


    "Whatever." Akiko was done. Looking back up to the base, the gunfire was slowly becoming less.


    "The sun will be here soon. Then we can go in." Captain Shimada added.


    "Until then, we wait."


    ***


    Inside:


    In the silence and still. Hiro stood alone; the other side of the Reaper. Slumped against the wall, asleep, his torso visible with the broken armour. Hiro looked on in contempt, hatred for a man that had caused Reiji great pain. To eradicate the monster would be a great deed.


    "Mr. Kikuchi will be free."


    With Ninjato in hand, Hiro approached. Blade poised overhead, ready to strike down with all the force he could muster.


    "Hey, Hiro..." A voice came from behind. One of familiarity, drawing great disdain from Hiro.


    "Jun..."


    Jun slowly walked into the room, standing a few meters in front of the other student. In his hand; Seraph was pointed to the ground. Eyes looking around rather than at Hiro. Slightly hesitant, a hidden shame behind his expression.


    "Get lost Jun. This ain¡¯t got nothing to do with you." Hiro sneered back, a hidden hatred behind his eyes.


    "It does. That''s my master behind you. What sort of student would I be if I didn''t defend him."


    "It makes sense a coward like yourself would learn under a coward." Hiro stepped back, pointing his blade towards Jun.


    "...I know you don''t want to hear it but-"


    "NO! You don''t get to speak about them. YOU ARE THE REASON THEY ARE DEAD!" Hiro exploded with emotion; his voice cracked with grief. Anger and sorrow swelled from a held hatred long overdue to explode.


    "...Hiro-"


    "SHUT UP!" He dashed forward, Ninjato aiming for a slash across the face. Seraph the sentient sword blocked the strike. Deflecting, without any input from Jun.


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    Hiro didn''t let up, furious slashes, thrusts, blows rained down on the blade. As though a dam had burst, the emotional flood swept Jun off his feet.


    Jun did nothing but dodge and evade. Hatred behind everything Hiro did. Every attack, even those that failed, hit with great force and speed.


    *Slash* *Parry* *Swing* *Block* *Strike* *Catch*


    "Fight back!" Hiro yelled. Frustration, anger, hatred all directed at Jun.


    "Hiro please..." Memories were still raw for Jun. Guilt weighed heavy.


    "You left all our friends to die... Coward!"


    Once upon a time, they were friends; conscripted into the army. The same squad of ¡®ward 4 rats¡¯, fighting as friends and comrades.


    Until the siege of Tokyo.


    Against overwhelming odds and many a casualty, fear took Jun.


    Abandoned his post, terrified of the monsters that stalked every turn in the ruined city. Even now he would have nightmares, sleepless night of his friends cries and faces as he turned his back on them.


    Yet Hiro survived; watching his friend run away. Surrounded by dead bodies. Hiro''s heart hardened, and vowed to never feel weak. Never again be powerless in the face of death and destruction. Never again stand by and watch his friends die. Never to be like Jun.


    "Use your sword with your own hands. Not a tool to fight for you!" Hiro yelled once more, striking down with his blade.


    *CLASH*


    Seraph blocked without Jun''s intervention, taking the brunt of the Ninjantos edge.


    "Fine..." Jun gripped the handle.


    Briefly his eyes caught the Reapers. Azure eyes glowed in a crimson light. Jun''s resolve strengthened tenfold. His master was watching and he needed to prove to both that he is not a coward.


    "...Is this what you wanted?" Jun spoke with confidence. A new man stood before Hiro.


    *Clang* *Bang* *Shink*


    A flurry of swordplay began. Blades danced, a performance of skill and power. Seraph and the Ninjato both singing to each other in tune, as though their blades were alive and dancing with one another.


    *Fwoosh*


    The Ninjato engulfed in blue flame. Eyes of Hiro''s now matching. Each of his steps leaving a trail of blue. Overtaking the crimson sky.


    *swing* *Swing* *SWING*


    Each attack from Hiro was driven by anger. Harder and harder. Jun was only just blocking and dodging the flurry of attacks, unable to counter nor gain a foothold. No form to speak of either. Pure fury was driving his opponents'' blade.


    "Fight back!" Hiro screamed, striking, and striking down. Each blow aimed for the kill.


    "No!" Jun tried to reason with Seraph.


    Eventually, cracks appeared in his form, a downwards slash, leaving a clear opening to his neck. Jun however did not exploit it. Instead, slicing thinly on the top of Hiro''s forearm.


    "Hiro please-" Jun stopped. The urge for peace strong.


    *Slash*


    A wide arc sent a wave of flame towards Jun, who blocked with Seraph. Flames licked up the sentient sword, and Jun''s arms. Pain shot up; Jun''s face scrunched in pain, but he still didn''t try to attack Hiro.


    *Dash* *Slash* *Whoosh*


    Hiro''s form became more and more aggressive. More power behind each attack, less time for Jun to block, even less time for him to counter strike. Blisteringly fast, a blur of blue. His attacks had no discernible pattern. Pure emotion was driving the blade''s edge to cut deeper and deeper.


    *Swing* *Fwoom* *Slash*


    Another opening, Jun could have sliced off his arm. End the fight. Instead, he went for another non-lethal cut. The blade dropped from Hiro''s hand, landing at his feet.


    The blue flames died with his rage, leaving only grief behind.


    "There is nothing I can say that will make it right. I know that." Jun stood, Seraph lowered, pointing its tip at the ground, still smoking from the flames.


    "I was a coward. I left you all to die. I''m sorry."


    "...You left them to die. All of them." Hiro was on his knees. Clutching his hands close to his chest.


    Jun walked away; towards his master who now stood against the wall.


    "...Don''t turn your back on me!" Hiro yelled, scrambling to his blade. Charging once more to the back of Jun.


    *Clank*


    The Reaper grabbed the blade in his palm; holding it tight with his grip, only inches away from Jun''s neck.


    <hr>


    "Stop." The Reapers voice was still, like the calm in the ocean after a storm.


    "If you knew what he did you wouldn''t-"


    *Whack*


    A smack to the mouth sent Hiro to the floor. Dazed, his eyes blurred, vision unclear, a ringing in his ears. Hiro tried to stand but failed in doing so. Falling back down.


    With the Ninjato in hand, Reaper pressed it against his cheek. A trickle of blood ran down.


    "It does not matter. You¡­ have joined the side of cowards. You have been given your life, leave." His words cut like a hot knife. A venomous truth behind his words.


    Hiro was undeterred; raising his palms blue flames engulfed his hands.


    Eren couldn''t fault the kid¡¯s determination.


    ''I would have fought to my last breath also. Even Jun would if he stood where Hiro did.''


    "Hiro!" Reiji called out to the young man.


    "Enough." From the hallway, he appeared in his suit, still tidy, untouched by the ongoing war.


    "Mr. Kikuchi I-"


    "No, he is right. This is no longer your fight." Reiji walked up to his student. Placing a hand on his shoulder, to calm and prevent him from fighting further.


    "Please, you''ve been given your life. Don''t waste it." Handing him a document.


    "No! Mr. Kikuchi. Please." Hiro refused, pushing it away.


    "I don''t need to start a new life. I''ll die with-"


    *Thud*


    Reiji chopped to the side of Hiro''s neck. Knocked out, he slumped against his master, who caught him and gently cradled him.


    "Please, Mr. Jiao. Can you take him away from here?" Reiji handed the boy to Jun, who nodded silently. Taking Hiro and disappearing into shadow, to emerge outside the warehouse.


    "Now. The Reaper... Not as tall as I first thought."


    "..."


    "Come to my office. We will settle this like gentleman." Reiji beckoned to the Reaper, who followed him to the shadow.


    Every fibre of his being warned him against Reiji''s words. A trap no doubt, not like Panic who we knew would want a fair fight. Reiji walked him casually into danger.


    With all his experience of the bandits; he should just cleave his body.


    Against his better judgement he followed. His tip off against Shinya, asking to spare his student. At least vindicated a chance for speak for himself.

 Chapter 42: Once upon crimson ashes – Under a crimson moon/ Under an azure moon

    Atop the crimson bandit¡¯s compound:


    "You didn''t need to take the stairs. I wasn''t going to set you alight in the elevator." Reiji sat behind his desk. Glass of bourbon in hand, and another poured and ready for his adversary.


    "..."


    It was good practice to not enter a cramped location with your opponent. One never knows the kind of tricks an enemy would have prepared. ''Better safe than Sorry.''


    With a glass of drink in hand, he gestured for Eren to sit down, to which the reaper did.


    "The Reaper... A monster of the shadows. Sitting before me. When I first heard of you, I thought my men made you up. To get out of work." Reiji smiled, taking a sip of his drink.


    "How foolish I was."


    The Reaper looked around the office; remarkable cleanliness and well kept. Extravagant finely carved shelves, desk, and chairs. Almost like a museum of ancient artifacts.


    ''...Baelor.''


    "I don''t regret it." Reiji continued.


    "I assume he told you about me? Taking his guild, building all this, my boys running rampant." Glass in hand, he stood by the window. Looking out at the carnage that had befallen his base.


    "..."


    "Why..."


    "Eh, he does speak." Reiji turned back. Surprised, but not shocked, at his sudden voice. A low rumble, of a man of few words, yet great impact.


    "...Why did you betray him?" Reiji could feel the reapers gaze from behind the mask. A cold glare sent a chill through him. Yet Reiji remained calm, even his heart rate didn''t skip a beat.


    "I''m afraid I don''t have an eloquent reason like my former master would. I wanted my own empire. Simple as that." He returned to imbibe his drink. Enjoying the smoothness of the bourbon.


    "However, I suspect as you see me now, I too saw the rot of this world. I thought I could make a difference gather all those rotten souls. Use them, teach them honour. To give them a chance. I would do it all again."


    "Even with the bodies of innocents?" Reiji didn''t answer. Keeping gaze to the towers in the distance. His reflection betrayed him. A sadness in his eyes, a regret. One that Eren could see, one that Reiji was all too aware of.


    "The sun will rise. Soon. Then, the police will swarm in. This place will fall. There''s only one loose end." Reiji turned back; his toothy smile returned.


    "Me."


    "..."


    "In the last few days, I have made enemies that my past self would have balked at. Now, they will be after me. Even if I best you I will not see the end of tomorrow. So, I say let''s go out in a blaze of glory." Reiji''s power was beginning to swell, filling the air with a pressure. His words carried his full intent, no more lies, no more hiding.


    He drank the Reaper''s untouched glass in one gulp. "I do..."


    "... If I could do it all again differently. Then perhaps we wouldn''t be here. You and I. We could have done some good." Reiji began to glow. A crimson aura enveloping his body.


    "I hope you¡¯re ready, Reaper. CRIMSON SUN." Power surged, and erupted from his palms. Destroying all in its path.


    ''Shit.''


    ***


    Outside:


    "If you keep pacing like that, you''re gonna dig a trench." Kenji watched on at his partner Akiko. Back and forth through the cordon.


    "I''m sick of waiting. People are dying in there, whilst we sit around with our hands under our arses." She fumed, looking on at the still mingling police. More interested in gossip rather than the battle. Even from outside, the gunshots had long stopped. Silence, a deafening silence.


    "Relax my spunky lass. The Reaper is making our lives that little bit easier. What''s a few dead criminals?" The witted words of senior detective Takashi brought a scowl to Akiko''s face.


    "He is not above the law. No one is. Criminals, innocents and the Reaper, all are judged equally." She spoke back with a fierce determination. Takashi could see the fire in her eyes, a flame that burned bright. Not even his wit could dim.


    "...That was good. ''All judged the same''." He complimented.


    "If only it were true. I don''t know about you, but to me, the Reaper isn''t human. Would you try a demon in the court of law? Have him sit in jail, hmmm. What if he were to outlive his sentence-"


    "Enough you old bastard." Akiko stood over him.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "It''s a valid question Aki." Mai joined, looking up to Akiko.


    "Whose side are you on?" Another glare. Although, not a fierce as the previous. Akiko had to admit it was a valid concern. If this world had rules, then what rules does a demon have to follow. Can their rules even apply to a demon?


    "Akiko. Go and get some coffee for the squad. Your pacing is putting everyone on edge." Captain Shimada ordered. Akiko didn''t argue. Turning away to do as she was asked.


    <hr>


    Through the crowd of officers, she went. Towards a small portable stand set up for the police.


    ''Coffee. Oh, how I need you.'' A small queue had formed. Everyone was starting to feel the effects of a sleepless night. Yawns and stretching, a sombre mood in the line, waiting for a drink to wake them up.


    *Phwwwwwhht* (Wolf whistle)


    Two plain clothes officers, standing on the corner. Eyes locked onto Akiko''s; Sizing up her body. Both men''s eyes lingered on her lower body. A wry grin across the firsts'' face, as though he were about to speak, until Akiko''s own glare was felt by him.


    "What?!" Akiko was too tired to deal with the leering and jeering of these pigs.


    "Nothing. Just admiring a beautiful woman." This only enraged her further. A fist clenched in anticipation.


    "Is that right?" Akiko took a step forward, fists ready to beat the shit out of them.


    "Oh shit, is the crusader of justice going to beat two defenceless officers?" Both raised their hands, feigning surrender.


    However, the air began to change. It was still warm but now, there was a prickling sensation. Like a million needles, pricking and pressing against skin. Everyone felt it; stopping to look around for the cause of this sensation.


    *FWOOSH* *BOOM*


    From the top of the tower, crimson fire exploded. A fissure of fire tore its way towards the streets. Through the cordon, the coffee stand attendees, and several police vehicles. Fire swept them all aside.


    Akiko, who had stood in the line was knocked across the road. Rolling onto the curb with great momentum, her head smacking the ground, a ringing in her ears and blurred vision. Hands burnt, and her legs too, ripped her trousers leaving only scraps of cloth covering her legs.


    "Aki...Aki... AKI!" Kenji''s voice drew closer until he was standing above. Checking on her wounds and burns. "Aki are you alright?"


    *Nod*


    Although the line was not as fortunate. Many left no trace behind. Others were just black charred corpses. Even the concrete melted from the heat. Flames still licked up the buildings.


    "The Reaper is attacking! Prepare to do enter the base!" Captain Matsuo yelled, pointing to the tower. Police scrambled, grabbing weapons from the remaining cars.


    "No! We need to help the civilians. Now." Captain Shimada yelled back, gesturing to the burning streets, people screaming and running about.


    "No. That son of a bitch has attacked us. We need to show him-"


    "We need to help these people!" Shimada was having none of Matsuo''s bravado. Lives were more important than fighting with the reaper.


    "Captain Shimada. I have jurisdiction over this operation. And I say we attack-"


    "Matsuo." Putting a hand on his shoulder. "The civilians need help. Imagine all the positive press you and your men will receive if you are the one that leads the charge to save them. ''Captain Matsuo, hero of the morning siege of ward 4.''" This was a gamble, although amongst many vices was vanity.


    "Besides, that was clearly Reiji Kikuchi. Whoever wins will be exhausted. An easy arrest. Two things in one morning hero captain." Shimada''s words struck true. A glint of ambition was in his eyes.


    "Get some buckets, find some water. Put these fires out!"


    "YES SIR!" Matsuo''s officers saluted and began to scramble. Putting on protective gear and gathering tools and equipment.


    ***


    Inside:


    The flames settled in the office. Flames licked across the floor, red hot. Paper in a blaze, furniture turned to ash, even the door was gone; only an open hole to the crimson night sky remained. A slight draft of wind flowed, not enough to cool the air.


    The Reaper lay adjacent to Reiji; narrowly avoiding the blast heading to its origin point.


    "...Well done... I was preparing that the entire time we spoke." Between breathes. On his knees, the attack had left him exhausted, downing another flask from his jacket pocket.


    *Schick*


    A crimson sword, summoned from the flames. "I haven''t had the opportunity to use my powers in years. For that you have my thanks."


    To his feet; whip uncoiling, ready at his feet. He struck first, a crack of rattling bones echoed.


    *Twang* *Twang* *Twang*


    Several deflections from the sword, Reiji had a mastery over his blade. Form impeccable, balance perfect. Each strike was parried, a dance of flames and bone.


    *Fwoom* *Fwip*


    A slash of flames forced a quick dodge from the Reaper, a follow up attack to his left shoulder.


    ''His quick.'' Despite his age, an agile adversary. The Reaper had to be on his guard, for he certainly had more tricks.


    ¡®Flamed breath.¡¯ Fire spewing from Reiji¡¯s mouth, like a dragon. Flames consumed the space between them. Through the flames Reiji ran through charging Reaper into the wall. Pinning him with the blade.


    This area was far too small, Eren needed more space.


    *Crack*


    A swift knee to the stomach, and a head smashed into the wall. A small gap opened for the Reaper to move. Rolling away he swiped, cutting clean through the right arm. A hiss left Reiji, as he clutched his stump.


    "ARRGGGGGHHH!" The sword dropped and he stumbled back.


    "ARRrrggghh- He-ha-he-ha." A smile broke from his pain, followed by a chuckle.


    "I almost forgot that a fight should hurt." Reiji was clearly enjoying himself, too much in fact. In the pain was an odd sense of pleasure, a masochistic glee to his wounds.


    "Fine then, outside we go." With his remaining arm he cauterized the stump. Followed by a ball of fire aimed directly in the middle of the office.


    *Boom*


    Another explosion, sending the Reaper into the hard cabinets behind. Knocked against his head, and spine, Eren had to gasp for breath. Flames licked at his exposed skin.


    ''Fuck!'' He had to move quickly to put out the flames.


    Reiji was gone, the window which he loved to watch the world, broken. "Down here, Reaper."


    Reiji sat atop one of the concrete vertices. Left arm a light with fire. Taunting him with a toothy smile.


    "Come back." He raised his ring; shadows erupting from the ground. Arms pulled themselves out from the darkness. 22 knights gathered behind Eren. Peering down at the tiny old man.


    "Kill him." The Reaper pointed; his army descended.


    Whilst one remained by his side. A giant of a shadow; shirtless with thick muscle, long brown hair, and a scar across his heart. Shadowed skin and azure eyes.


    Guren the blood juggernaut; formerly known as Danya.


    "Go."

 Chapter 43: Once upon crimson ashes – Under an azure moon/Under a crimson moon

    The cool morning breeze was replaced by thick, warm, suffocating air. The swirling crimson sky seemed to pick up speed. Like a hurricane was gathering overhead. A pressure began to build, a weight on the shoulders, a prickling in the mind. The flames alight around the compound; licking up the sides, roared. Growing stronger and hotter as the moments ticked by, a laudation to the skies above.


    22 knights circled below; Brutes took the front, swordsmen on the sides and Archers in the rear. A perfect formation. Eren peered down from the edge of the shattered window.


    Reiji was certainly a force unlike any he had seen. Whilst he was old in age his power and vigour more than matched that of a man in his prime. A machoistic joy present. The flames raised as his smirk grew.


    Battle damage to his once pristine suit already. Torn across his shoulder, waistcoat tattered, trousers singed. Even his face had soot and ash on one side. Yet his eyes were still bright, a child-like excitement to be battling.


    ''Why is he smiling?'' Eren thought. This was no small fight; it was life and death. So why the jovial attitude.


    "Well..." Reiji cracked his back. "A 22 on 1 battle. That is a new record." 22 knights circled Reiji, a wide berth between them.


    Guren stood by his side. Danya; willingly gave his soul, and his name to serve the Reaper. A titan of a shadow, even with the brutes were made to seem small.


    "Go. Help them." Eren ordered. With a simple nod Guren took off. Landing in the centre of the Knights, standing tall like a mountain, peering down on Reiji.


    "Hehe, so you swapped sides Panic."


    *Silence*


    "Very much like your master." Reiji smirked.


    "Fine by me. Let''s dance."


    *Whoosh*


    Archers fired a volley of arrows, flying.


    *Fling* *Swoosh* *Fling* *Swoosh*


    Reiji created a wall of fire blocking the incoming attacks. A barrage followed, peppering the flames. Keeping him on the backfoot. A plan was set in motion; Brutes and swordsman charged in. Surrounding him from all sides.


    *Fwoosh*


    From the fire wall came several flaming blades, slicing through the air. All but the swordsmen cleaved in two, the brutes and Guren remained. Blades deflected, crimson flame against shadowed steel.


    Guren sucked up essence from the shadows of the dead knights. Orbs floating around, instead of blood they were of a deep black. Still retaining all its power. Guren used an orb; torrents of blood gushed out from his palms. Dosing the flames, giving him an opening.


    *PUNCH* *Thump*


    Reiji went sailing. Hitting into a concrete pillar. A small crack in the stone and a gasp of pain.


    "Nice punch." Rolling off the pillar, Reiji rose to his feet, a little shaky, a small cut across his forehead, and a trickle of blood.


    "Is that all?" Reiji grinned. A blade of flame in his palm, and another on his stumped arm; he struck against the brutes, who charged with their hammers.


    Nimble movements from the old man meant that the brutes couldn''t land a strike. Instead, a flurry of flames sliced at their armour; where the armour joined was his target. A precise strike that toppled them both. A final strike to the necks. Both fell limp to the floor.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Reiji looked up to the Reaper once more, a smile on his face. "Come now. I expected a bit more." A taunt, to which Eren was not taking the bait.


    <hr>


    The ledge provided more than a vantage point. It was a respawn area for his minions. Down below was all crimson illumination, nowhere for shadows to reside.


    In truth; Eren was to battle damaged to even put up much of a fight. Cut skin, little covering for his skin meant much of it was charred and worst of all his mangled right arm rendered it useless. The mask did all it could; still the pain was threatening to boil over.


    An infinite stream of knights emerged from behind; joining their brothers and sisters below. A constant barrage of attacks, keeping Reiji on his toes. Flame swords, walls and fireballs kept them back. A dance of fire, not even the archers had a chance to attack.


    "Very well then. There is another purpose for the sky above." With his right stump, he pointed to the sky. A vortex of flame began to gather, a great wind was building.


    "Armageddon!"


    Balls of fire began to rain down, hitting the knights and the building. One was on a direct course for Eren.


    *Swing*


    With his whip, he struck down the ball. Nothing but ash and dust remained. Slight embers landed on him, but they quickly went out.


    *Boom*


    Another struck the level below him, the foundations beneath gave way. Concrete crumbled, crashing down to the arena below. More and more balls of fire rained down, putting the shadows on the backfoot. Scrambling away from each impact. Even Guren was forced back; dodging and deflecting each that came his way.


    "Welcome Reaper." *Dash*


    A crimson flash. Reiji closed the distance. Sword and bone clashed against one another. A flurry of attacks. Each parry and deflection, was met by intense heat.


    Compared to the ledge above the heat was stifling. Every breath was laboured and heavy. Each clash with the swords sent embers and flames, a barrage of attacks.


    *Fwip* *Fwip* *Fwip*


    Blood arrows pelted at Reiji. Easing off Eren and instead focusing on deflecting.


    ''I need to get away.'' Making space quickly; his knights rallied around him like an escort. Their bodies creating a barrier between him and Reiji.


    *Whoosh* *Whoosh* *Whoosh*


    Several fireballs burnt away the knights. Only a few remained. Guren engaged with Reiji. Trading blows with one another. Providing a much-needed break.


    ''I need to end this quickly. I''m going to run out of knights.'' Thinking on his feet. Looking for anything in the arena that could provide a solution.


    A master over his abilities and his fighting style. This was his domain; Eren was playing on his turf. One wrong move would be the end.


    "Guren!" The reaper called. A swift nod was all he needed. Back by his side, Guren stood.


    At deaths door Reiji refused to knock. He would fight the world in this state. Power swelled; flames grew larger. Heat became even more intense. Sweat beaded and poured from beneath his mask.


    Guren raised his hands above his head; the enduring knight¡¯s essence are drawn into an orb. Growing and power.


    "No, you don''t." *Dash* Reiji blurred, sword in hand, slicing off Guren''s arms in a X.


    The giant dropped as did the orb, an explosion of dark mist consumed them. A thick fog. Reiji was unable to see, only his blades illuminated a meter in front.


    "Damn. That boy is clever." Complimented Reiji. "Using your minions as fodder? You are ruthless."


    Fireballs and flames were useless in the darkness, they would simply be swallowed.


    "You¡¯re in my domain now."


    *Slash*


    "Argh."


    Across his thigh, a deep cut, Reiji bleed.


    Another, and another, and another, cut after cut sliced up Reiji. Not a fatal blow, but each strike weakened him. Blood seeped from his wounds, dripping into the darkness.


    Reiji¡¯s movements were slowed. A limp to his gait. Even with an arm lost and several cuts he was still agile, a testament to his will to fight.


    *Slick*


    This one was across his left eye, taking his vision. "AHH!" Blood and fluid leaked. Another slash across his waist.


    "ARGH!" Reiji was slowing down. Each attack was now a struggle. Left to fend off the attacks from the darkness.


    *Slash* *Slash* *Slash*


    A final barrage of slashes. Until finally the mist dissipated; The Reaper stood above the old man. Whip coiled around Reiji''s neck. Eyes meeting, Eren could see the life draining from the man. "Well, *Cough* done..."


    The Reaper pulled tighter and tighter willing to choke out his last breath.


    "Tell... Hiro... I''m... sorry." Grabbing tight on the whip; strength returned to his body, fire erupted from his form. His body beginning to morph. Muscles bulged, flesh melted, bone broke and reformed.


    ''A final form... Fuck.''

 Chapter 44: Once upon crimson ashes - Under an Azure moon.

    Reiji¡¯s body grew and contorted, muscles charring; growing. Arms became thicker than any tree trunk, his torso even wider. Human skull widened to resemble a bull¡¯s skull; twisted horns and burning crimson eyes. His entire body smouldered crimson from small fissures. The new monstrosity stood as tall as Gruen; as bulky as two brutes combined.


    The crimson emperor was gone, all hail the crimson emperor. All the fire, energy, and power that he had built up had been condensed into this form.


    "You have forced the emperor of flames. The source to all my flames." A voice of pure gravel and stone, rumbling like a volcano. Each breath, steam and embers came forth from his mouth. "I... will not fall so easily."


    *Whack*


    With the whip still around his neck he pulled Eren towards him. A fist swung towards the reaper; a swift smack against his mask, sending him sailing across the battlefield.


    Eren felt his brain rattle in his skull, blood leaking from his nose, ears, and mouth. A concussion no doubt; a real nasty one.


    *Whoosh*


    The flame emperor launched itself towards Eren. Quickly, Eren attempted to roll out of the way. Missing the full force of the charge, but still enough to knock the wind out him.


    The ground beneath shook violently. Erens head throbbed, a pulsing that made even seeing a struggle.


    "No more shadows, no more minions, no more tricks."


    Grabbing Eren''s left ankle, squeezing until bones cracked. A sharp stabbing pain ran up and down his leg.


    Another slam into the ground; with another shaking beneath. No longer was the machoistic smirk on Reiji¡¯s'' face. Instead, a determined, focused mind. A sadistic fire in his eyes. Enjoying each moment, each second of the Reapers agony.


    *Whack*


    With ease he tossed Eren across the arena. Landing with chunks beneath him giving way and crumbling. Below was a dark tunnel; crimson lights illuminated inside it.


    ''I need to get down their...''


    Guren appeared from the shadows below.


    "Bring it down." Gruen nodded and charged an orb; filling slowly from his own essence.


    "What are we doing?" A deep voice rumbled from behind.


    "You can''t bring me down that easily."


    The beast of flame jumped up high; foot aimed for the final blow to the reapers head. Eren barely rolled out of the way. A shockwave rippled through the ground, shattering concrete, rubble flew about.


    Guren unleashed his orb attack. A barrage of blood arrows struck the roof above him; more and more, until finally the ceiling collapsed. Taking the crimson emperor down, as well as Eren.


    Caught in a freefall Guren caught his master. While the beast thumped into the ground; further shaking the area.


    It continued to fall and fall. Crimson light dimed with each floor, until all that remained was the dark.


    <hr>


    *Cough* *Cough*


    Eren landed in the safe hands of Guren; body still throbbing, head pulsating, and ears ringing. Despite his Reaper body, he had far gone past its limit. Any human would have died 4 times over during the siege. His amour near gone, burnt, or destroyed; only the mask was intact, as though it was indestructible.


    "Where are we?" He asked knowing that Guren didn¡¯t speak. He was in some kind of underground chamber ¡ª a vast, hidden hallway beneath the base. Dimly lit by the flickering crimson sky above, endless abyss in both directions. A musty smell lingered in the air; dust and dampness permeated the atmosphere. No one had used this place in years.


    *Thump* *Thump*


    But there was no time to take in the details. For heavy footsteps echoed in the darkness. Crimson lights began to shimmer once again.


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    "You cannot run from me, Reaper!" Voice of thunder and rage; a beastly roar shook the hallway. Dust fell from the roof; small stones fell too. Drawing closer and closer, with every thump.


    At least now his shadows could gather. In this hallway, they were safe from the burning skies.


    "Take me back up."


    *Nod*


    Guren did as asked. Taking Eren back to the hole above.


    With a moment of peace Eren could think of a plan. Looking around, only rubble remained. Fire''s burned away, even if something of value had been here. It was ash now.


    ''I need something to douse his flames. Even in that form he must have a weakness.''


    In truth Eren only had a hunch. With the flames gone, perhaps his powers would fade.


    "I will not let you flee." Reiji''s voice echoed from below. From the hole the beast jumped out with great momentum. Landing before them, towering above. Crimson eyes met with the Azure.


    *Thump*


    Eren was struck into the chest. Ribs cracked; his body was tossed through the flames. Guren Knocked over with another slam.


    Landing on the side of a building; the monster didn''t let up. Grabbing him by his head. Smell of burning hair, smoke rising from his scalp.


    "You need to work on your one-on-one fighting." *Punch*


    "You rely too much on your minions." *Backhand*


    "I expected so much more from you, Reaper." *Kick*


    "...Y-Yeah... But they..." A gasp for air. "They make it... So much easier¡­ too-"


    *THUMP*


    With the demon distracted; Guren absorbed another orb from the shadows below.


    *Blood flash cannon*


    Like its namesake, a cannon of black blood fired directly beside the beast. A large hole where his right arm and side should be. Blood singed flesh.


    The Beast smirked one finally time before letting go. Falling to his death, back down into the tunnel, this time not so intact.


    "You got me. You got me." The emperor mumbled.


    Charred chunks of muscle fell away from his bones. Slowly reverting to his human form; previous injuries of the man remained. The crimson sky overhead began to calm, until a gentle quiet was all that remained.


    <hr>


    Yellowed tint began to colour the clouds. Dawn was on the horizon; a new day was upon them.


    Reiji was at the Reaper''s feet; bloodied from his wounds and charred flesh. A look of content in his eyes. Even with all the wounds and fatigue, he still managed to pull off a toothy smirk.


    "Well... That was fun¡­" A cough. Blood and saliva spluttered, as he struggled to breath.


    "Finish me."


    Whip unfurled from his hand; the ring demanded his soul. Pulsing with hunger. One lash of the whip and he could end this. Having that beast at his disposal would be a boon in later battles.


    However, hesitation stayed the blade. The defeated man before him; no fear in his eyes. In fact, he was ready, accepting even.


    The whip retracted back into Erens'' arm. The content look was quickly taken by confusion. "What are you doing?"


    "You will not die today..."


    "He, ha ha ha *Cough* *Cough*" Blood muffled his chuckle.


    "You would leave me to the hands of those dogs? You are a sick bastard, ha ha ha *Cough* *Cough*"


    "No. Your former master. He still has a use for you. He gave me a choice; take your life or let you live under his mercy."


    "..."


    Reiji didn''t argue. Instead, he looked to the sky, as dawn began to rise, watching the last stars fade away.


    The distant footsteps of boots on pavement drew closer. The police were arriving; Eren began to limp away into the last remaining shadow.


    *Cough* "Why?" A whisper from a beaten man. Not out of spite or anger, just pure curiosity.


    "...Hiro. How he looks at you and you him. You are his family." Another cough.


    "You''ll both serve something other than yourselves now."


    The Reaper limped away, gone. And the police arrived, surrounding the wounded man. Weapons drawn, ready to open fire on any moment''s notice.


    "Don''t move!" They yelled.


    Reiji¡¯s'' body was beaten and battered; barely an ounce of energy left.


    "Ha hahahahahaha." A laughter erupted from him. A pure glee at the spectacle that had unfolded before. All his plans, years of work and effort, now gone. What would come next? Who would he be next?


    "Reiji Kikuchi. You''re under arrest." Captain Shimada said. Stepping forward, to cuff him personally. Although the man could barely move. His laughter off putting too all, a man who long accepted his impending doom given life. A cruel joke by the universe indeed.


    ***


    Through the city now; an exhaustive journey.


    Eren''s'' head still throbbed and pulsated with each step. Coughing up blood clots intermittently. He couldn''t stop though. Home was so close.


    The horizon chasing away his shadows; a cool breeze soothing his charred skin.


    ''I''m almost home, just a bit further.''


    Arriving in the terrace to his complex, all was quiet. Empty streets, a lone bird chirping, and not a soul awake. Yet the world was still turning. A new day was about to break.


    *Click* *Creak*


    Up the stairs and to his room; fatigue finally caught him. Collapsing mere centimetres from his bed. Landing with a soft thud. Only the sound of his own breathing could be heard. A blissful silence at last.


    However, the thud awoke Eren''s sister. Still half asleep, rubbing her eyes; she stumbled from her bed and into the corridor. What she saw was her older brother, collapsed on the floor, beaten, and charred.


    "Eren!?"

 Chapter 45: A new dawn under an azure light

    Yellow finally broke over the horizon. Sunlight began to shine on the ruins of the compound. Pillars had fallen, walls crumbled, and fire still burned low, starved of any fuel. A nauseating smell of burnt meat also wafted through.


    Police had begun to scour for anything. Any evidence or items of interest. A long, arduous task ahead of them, yet they did so with diligence; eager to show the public a job well done.


    ''A job for the press,'' Captain Matsuo thought as he was on his phone with the chief.


    "Anything from Mr. Kikuchi, Sir?" Luca walked over to Shimada. A cup of coffee in hand, for his captain. Referring to the brief, delirious questioning officers had managed before Reiji was whisked away to the hospital.


    "No. Ramblings about ''He let me live''." A sip of the coffee.


    "Will he make it?"


    "The doctors said it''s touch and go. But a man like that won''t die so easily."


    "Where are the others?"


    "Captain Matsuo had them put on body collection duty." A grim task that Matsuo found fitting for a unit he had come to resent. Shimada could only feel sympathy for his team; A nasty reputation came with the title of RCU.


    Captain Matsuo stood to the side, once more chatting with his subordinates. Cig in mouth; bloated bellow bouncing with bellowed blitheness. A disgust in the captain''s mouth.


    "People like him shouldn''t be allowed to wear that uniform." A scowl followed.


    "Captain." Akiko jogged to her superior. Wounds bandaged and treated.


    "What did Reiji say? Anything about the Reaper?"


    "No, Akiko. He is just happy to be alive... How is body duty going?"


    A grimace. As if the words were a sour taste on her tongue.


    "Not good sir. We''ve seen at least 100 bodies so far...


    "That''s..." Words caught on Shimada''s tongue. In all his years in the force he had seen bloodshed and graphic crime scenes but nothing like this.


    ''He did that much damage in one night?'' It was astounding how much bloodshed had been done. Even now, as the bodies were collected, the scale was still unknown. A long and arduous task laid before them all.


    "Ah, captain so glad you could join us. Come pick up a shovel; the pigs got us on grave duty." Takashi joked, eyeing Matsuo with a smirk. Even in the face of death and destruction, he found a reason to be witty, a way to keep himself calm.


    <hr>


    Eventually as the morning progressed a convoy of hummers arrived. White, pristine, and expensive. One by one they came to a stop in the centre of the courtyard. Men and women dressed in suits, and ties exited the vehicles.


    Forming a permitter around the convoy. Eventually, from the middle car came a tall, well-built man. Spiky brown hair and thin eye brows. By his side a younger man, a similar yet more slender build. Blonde hair the bounced off the morning sun, a bright smile for a dull scene.


    "Who are the suits?" Takeshi asked.


    "Trouble." The captain responded.


    The taller man stood well above six feet tall. A thick frame, that could rival a body builder. Walking towards Captain Shimada.


    "I am Masa Tashima. Vice-president of the golden tigers. We have come to claim Mr. Kikuchi''s belongings, as well as the base. Please leave the premises."


    The order gave pause to all. Matsuo stepped forward; arms crossed. A scowl on his face.


    "Just who do you think you are coming in here and making orders. You some big balls to try to order me and my men around."


    Masa scoffed at the crude pig before him.


    "Under section 15.9 of the Japanese guild law. All property, and items, of a fallen guild will belong to their parent company. So please, get out of our way." The smug smirk only made Matsuo''s anger grow.


    A vein bulged from his forehead, fist clenched, a snarl in his voice. "Listen here..."


    "Aki!" the young man behind Masa spoke over him.


    "Kim Shi-Woo, long time no see. How have you been." Aki ran over to the blonde. Giving a large hug to the man.


    "Shi-woo; who is this?" Captain asked his junior.


    "My apologies this is Kim Shi-woo. We were in a guild together; the knights of Akihabara. He is one of the 13."


    Kenji shook the Korean man''s hand firmly. "I''ve heard a lot about you and all the trouble you two caused back in the day. That must have been fun."


    "Yeah. They were great." Akiko spoke, nostalgic for the days as just an adventurer, not a cop.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "And what exactly are the 13?" Takeshi''s knowledge showing his age.


    "The 13 heroes of the siege of Tokyo." Luca added with a proud smile.


    The 13 were a group of high ranked rankers; from all different guilds that rose during the chaos. Fighting back against the darkness. A band of brave heroes that brought hope and stability to a broken, beaten nation. Still the Japanese''s and many all over the world revered them.


    "Excuse me. Mr. Shi-woo, we are here on business please refrain from personal matters." Masa with face locked into a frown. Arms crossed and a foot tapping in impatience.


    "Yes, Mr. Tashima. I am so sorry. Please, continue." A bow of the head.


    "As I said, we will be taking the base. If you have taken anything, please give it to us, and leave." An outstretched palm, directing them towards the exit.


    "Oi, you dare try and steal evidence from a crime scene." Matsuo tried to match the intensity of Masa; he could only dream of ever being as intimidating as the vice-president.


    "I''ll ask once more. Leave." Each word was forceful and harsh. In the hierarchy of the land; The stronger your guild rank, the more power you had. A small police squad like Matsuo''s was no threat to the mighty golden tigers. Who sat amongst many other guilds on the peak of the mountain of powers.


    His men began to shift their hands to holstered sidearms. In turn the golden tiger members too shifted. The situation was getting to a head, another fight was brewing.


    <hr>


    "Stop!"


    The commanding but smooth voice of a blonde-haired man; dressed in fine white and Azure robes came forth. Accompanied behind him. Homeless men and women. Some of which had not seen the light of days for years, evident by the state of their being.


    "Baelor... No." Masa was stunned. A great deal of shock washed over his face.


    "Y-you died." A stumble on his words. Eyes wide, a quiver of disbelief. Now the golden tigers were on edge for another reason. This new band of ragged individuals. Who was the man who led them?


    An elf in all his grace and elegance, yet he hid his ears. Human ears on his sides, a fake to hide his identity. An elf in a land of humans was a dangerous place.


    "Oi. This is an active crime scene-"


    "You need not speak whilst in my presences. Take your men and leave." With little more than faintly forceful words; Matsuo and all his men began to vacate. As though by an invisible hand, they were all compelled to leave. Puppets to the master puppeteer. Baelor.


    "T-this is property of the Kitsuwa Banking Group. This is no longer-"


    "Mr. Yori. Can you come forth." Through the crowd of raged men came A tall, thin, man. Dark and handsome features. Neat, slicked black hair, eyes framed with thin rimmed glasses. Carrying a large book. ''The rules and regulations of guild law.'' As stated on the cover.


    "In section 17.14 of guild law. All property or belongings will remain with the owner until death. If no legal death certificate is presented, all belongings will remain under the control of the acting guild master." A no nonsense answer from a sharply dressed man.


    A member of the regulators of the guilds of Japan. Notorious for their long and boring explanations. However, many need to understand the mechanics of guild workings, lest you draw the wraith of endless litigation.


    "Yes... they may be the case but Reiji Kikuchi worked under the umbrella of the Kitsuwa bank. Thusly we can claim all-"


    "No." Yori spoke once more. "In section 21.15. If a transfer of guild ownership is made where guild ownership is falsely given. Said ownership will return to its original owners. Reiji Kikuchi never truly owned the crimson bandits. He merely changed its name from Silvermane."


    Masa''s teeth began to grind.


    ''That damn snake. He planned this. That bastard. I will kill him for this.'' A snarl and sneer to his face. "The man before me was declared dead-


    "The Japanese government and its'' people have no evidence that the man before me had died." Yori was quick to add. "Also. As a Regulator, I am obliged to inform you that any more trespassing on guild property. Will lead to severe sanctions." Yori was clearly getting under Masa''s skin. Despite his matter-of-fact tone.


    The one thing that rankers fear the most is scrutiny from the guild law regulators. A group of men and women who took their jobs to extremes. One wrong step could leave you in a black hole of litigation and paperwork. Not a strong suite of a guild filled with warriors.


    "Tch. Tigers. We''re done here. Let''s go." Masa stormed back to his hummers. Shi-woo bowed before the elf with hidden ears.


    "I''m glad you are alive Mr. Baelor."


    The hummers drove away as quickly as they entered. Speeding away down the street and out of sight.


    "The members of the RCU." Turning his attention back to the six members who remained.


    "I have no quarrel with you. Please, enjoy your day." Baelor turned and with a clap of his hands; rugged men and women began to move about the compound.


    "Excuse me. This is still very much an active crime scene." Shimada was stern. Despite not knowing who Baelor really was.


    "Oh, a crime scene what crime was committed on theses grounds?"


    "What crime!? How about the mass murder of over 100 people." Akiko was shocked. Who was this man to act so uncaring.


    "Ah I see. Very well my guild will begin clean-up operations. Good day." Turning away from the squad.


    Shimada was left confused. This was all his case, but this man was acting like he owned the place.


    "This is my crime scene. Until I say so.¡±


    "Captain Shimada. Under section 39.7 of guild law. Guilds have the power to override police authority. If it is deemed by the guild master that the guild can handle all internal matters." Yori spoke with his dry delivery, again.


    "But-"


    "Section 39.12; states that a guild has the right to investigate any and all murders within their jurisdiction. A murder committed against a guild member is the sole responsibility of the guild master." Again, Yori cut him off.


    "Just like that. This man comes in, claims ownership over a massacre and we can''t do anything?" Aki was incredulous. This was not how police work should function nor any guild. The justice system and guild system were not two different things. Her frustrations reaching near breaking point.


    "I''ll only ask once more, please leave the premises." Without looking back, Baelor began to walk away.


    Aki made a dash for the man. Fists raised to pummel the man. All her exhaustion, the man''s apathy towards the dead, and the reaper escaping once more. It broke her.


    "Detective Akiko don''t-"


    The blonde man caught her fist mid-way. Effortlessly.


    "Detective Akiko Bennett. You have just assaulted a guild master. Under section-"


    Baelor raised his palm. "Thank you, Mr. Yori. That will be all today." His tone still calm and collected. Despite holding the detective''s fist.


    "I see in your eyes that you are tired, weary. For the goodwill of our future endeavours, I ask of you. Rest." Too fingers to her neck and a soft tap were all it took. She went limb in his arms, unconscious but alive.


    "Captain Shimada. Please, leave. I promise we will clean this matter up in a timely manner." Handing the young woman back to him. The captain left. No fight in him to argue with the guild master.


    The squad had seen many game the system. Crooks, corrupt cops, politicians, and even rankers. Yet they had yet to see someone play the system as well as Baelor. An answer for every question and a law to undermine their power. All the while keeping that calm, collected demeanour.

 Chapter 46: Epilogues

    "Ugh..." Groans from a beaten and bruised man. Eren stirred as his eyes struggled to open. Light pierced the cracks in his eyes.


    ''So bright...'' Slowly, he opened his eyes, revealing the room to him once more. Laying at the foot of his bed.


    "What time is it?" Eyes strained to adjust to the light.


    "It''s 12:00." Emi''s small voice startled Eren. Dressed in her school uniform, knees to her chin. Eyes red and swollen, like she had been crying for a hours. A soft sniffle.


    "Emi." Gently he rose to his elbows; pain shooting up his back and side.


    "Why are you-" *Cough*


    Blood spattered from his mouth. A hard wretch of his lungs as they burned with each breath.


    "Why aren¡¯t you at school?" A laboured breath followed his question.


    Emi stood up, her fists clenched at her side, tears falling in small streams. Leaving without another word. Her bedroom door slammed shut.


    Eren wanted to keep his dear sister out of his other life, but she had already seen too much. An image of him beaten and bloody, on the brink of death, would be etched into her memory. Guilt washed over him like waves on a shore. All he could do was let out a sigh, before falling onto the floor once more; the pain still ever present.


    "I''m going to have to explain so much to her." Eren thought.


    "But how am I going to explain this..."


    *Bzzt* *Bzzt*


    A muffled buzzing noise emanated from Eren''s bed.


    ''Eren.


    When you are well, I will be waiting. Come to the base. I will be waiting.''


    "What does he want? I gave him back his base. What more does he need from me?"


    Getting too his knees, then to his feet; using the bed as leverage. Eren discovered that his right arm is still shorter than his left.


    ''Fuck, I hope Baelor can fix this mess.''


    A quick assessment of his condition.


    ''Several broken ribs, a dislocated left shoulder, dozens of cuts, and bruises that have only began to heal and a multitude of burns. Yeah, I need to get stronger.'' Sighing in disappointment, Reiji¡¯s fists still felt all over his body.


    <hr>


    2:30 PM: Remnants of the Crimson Bandits.


    Through great effort; Eren limped his way through the shadows, each step a struggle, each breath a chore. Eventually he arrived at the crimson base. Or what remained of it.


    Rubble littered the grounds. Broken pillars and crumbled walls, cinders of burnt buildings, and the lingering smell of ash. The men and women of the homeless society beneath the streets; now scoured through. Cleaning the rubble, painting over tags of crimson, carrying corpses of the fallen. So much to do, but they worked with diligence.


    Eren would stop and think about the damage wrought, but alas his body ached for rest.


    "Let''s get this over with. Where''s that damn elf?" Walking through the courtyard. Too busy to notice the Reaper amongst them. They paid him no heed.


    "Your late." The gruff homeless man who would so often greet him at the metro station. His curly beard gone; instead, a white goatee accompanying a stubble covered face. Short, white hair to match his beard. If he weren''t dressed like he slept in the streets he would likely pass as a bouncer. That and the smell of a day''s labour.


    "Follow."


    The top office was still heavily damaged from last nights close quatres with Reiji. Windows were broken and furniture was destroyed. The blast from Reiji''s attack smelt the floors up with wood and plaster. A mess that was still being cleaned.


    "There." The man with no name left. Returning to his clearing duties.


    Baelor sat on the edge of where Reiji''s meteors had struck. Deep in meditation; letting his blonde hair flow in the gentle breeze. At least he has found peace in the destruction. This was not his first time seeing such violence.


    "Please, come and rest. You look in need of it." A hand raised. Pointing towards the edge opposite his. Eren complied. Taking a seat overlooking all below. His guild scurrying around like an empire of ants; diligent and determined.


    "You are injured." Without opening his eyes, he spoke. Still in a calm, soft voice. Not an ounce of unease to be felt in his words.


    "Yeah. Can you fix it?" Showing off the disparity between both arms. A wince of pain as he raised his arm too high.


    "Outreach your arms." With a nod. Eren did so.


    Baelor''s hands began to emit a bright blue light, almost cold to the touch, like a winter''s chill. "3...2..."


    *Twist* *Crack* *Pop*


    "OI! Motherfuck-"


    With a swift pull and twist. Eren''s arm was returned to its rightful place; albeit with a sharp sting. No mask to dull the pain this time.


    "Better?" Baelor asked with a small smile. Eyes opened to golden sun irises.


    "Yes." A sharp intake, as his arm ached from the reallocation.


    "What did you need? I gave back your guild." Sitting back on his elbows. Enjoying a small moment of rest.


    "I have something to show you." Baelor beckoned Eren to follow. The mystique of the elf began to annoy him.


    ''This better not be something he could have texted.''


    Behind one of the many extravagant but badly charred paintings. Revealed a hidden elevator; circular in design, big enough to fit three adults. However, it hasn''t been used in some years.


    ''Maybe not a waste of time after all.''


    <hr>


    A soft jingle played in the background. As they descended below the earth. Buttons on the console, many. All sorted from 12 to -50. Some levels colour coded. Red, blue, green, yellow. While the others were just black, as though deactivated. Baelor pressed for -37. A ding, then off they went; deep, deep underground.


    As the elevator descended, Baelor explained,


    "I suppose you heard the rumours of the crimson bandits sitting on a great treasure? A wealth beyond compare."


    "No."


    "Well, it is true and greater than you could possibly comprehend..."


    *Ding*


    Glistening gold gleamed; gems glittered, glowing like galaxies. Goblets of garnet and gilded goblets glowed in grand displays, their grandeur gracing every glinting surface.


    "Wow..."


    "Welcome to my ode to my avarice. Several lifetimes of wealth, amassed from the world and worlds beyond. A small part of my horde."


    "A small part? Do I want to know how much you have?" Eyes wide with amazement.


    "In truth. I cannot remember." Baelor laughed.


    "I suspect that I could possibly buy out the entirety of Tokyo; Still this room would remain stocked." A dragon like a grin, a true hoarder of wealth.


    Across a bridge over his endless piles of wealth. They came to a stop at the centre of the room. Four pillars surrounded them. In each, a crystalline orb, each emitting a faint glow in its'' respective corner. Red, Blue, Green, and Grey.


    "And these?" Eren asked, intrigued by the orbs.


    "For a quest completed, a gift bestowed and for a bond strengthened. I give you a boon."


    "How many?"


    "As many as you wish."


    A generous offer indeed. A chance to gain four new abilities, for free, no cost on his behalf. Just like those RPGs of old.


    ''Dash. That''s a bit boring. What could work for the reaper?''


    ''Flame breath? No that''s dumb. I''m not a dragon.''


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ''Night vision? What am I a cat, no.¡¯


    ''Homunculus...Homunculus?''


    "What''s a homunculus?" Eren asked, curiosity piquing.


    "A living body. With no mind and no soul. A shell of potential. Give it commands and it will fulfill without fault."


    Grabbing the blue crystal; a surge of energy flowed through him. Then it quickly dissipated.


    "Thank you." A bow. "I need to get back. Emi... found out."


    "Ah. A short-term problem I assure you; when my children found out about my heritage they didn''t speak to me for days."


    "You have kids?" The revelation took him aback. ''Who would sleep with him?'' Eren thought.


    "Several. All of whom I love equally. All human adoptions of a cruel world." He looked almost sad thinking about them. Something Eren didn''t want to pry on. ''I''ll ask another time.''


    "Thank you." With a bow, Eren left, returning to the elevator, leaving his elven host behind. A long look around, a deep breath, and a moment to enjoy the gold and gems.


    End epilogue 1


    ***


    12:01 PM:


    *Yawn*


    "Good afternoon sleeping beauty." The dry chuckle of Detective Mori''s voice greeted Aki as she awoke. Head resting on a pillow. Inside of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.


    "I feel great. What time is it." Her statement brought a frown upon her partner''s face.


    "It''s just gone noon. You got knocked out. That guild master of the Silvermane is something." Arms crossed, sitting back in his chair.


    "Yeah..." The memories of what see was about to do coming back to her.


    "How screwed am I?"


    "Very. But something much worse happened while you were out."


    A shudder down her spine. What could be worse than assaulting a guild master?


    "What happened?" A nervous gulp followed her question.


    "The chefs want the captains head. For not stopping the crimson bandits siege." Mori informed. Handing her a cup.


    "Drink this. You''re gonna need it."


    <hr>


    As she entered the office of the RCU. All eyes were on her. A sense of dread washed over her. Mai and Luca gave chary glares. Whilst Takeishi gave a wry smile. Proud of Aki for sticking it to those big-headed guilds.


    "You got guts girl." A wink and thumbs up.


    "You. Come here!" Captain Shimada was in his office. A scowl to his face and a vein popping out of his forehead.


    "Good luck..." Mori said, sitting back down.


    Like a girl who broke her dad''s favourite mug. She sheepishly walked into her bosses'' office. Taking a seat at the chair before the desk. Eyes downcast, hands fidgeting.


    Shimada sat back. A glare so sharp she felt the room''s temperature drop by 10 degrees.


    "What were you thinking?" Voice still calm and collected, yet he simmered with fury underneath.


    Aki knew this was coming. "I have nothing to explain my actions. I just got... angry. That man, Baelor, just came and took the crime scene like it belonged to him. It was disrespectful to our work and to the deceased." In honesty, she wasn''t even upset at the guild master. Those men from the ward that inadvertently saved her, and her inability to catch the Reaper. This was all coming to a head, a boiling point.


    "Sir, I''m sorry. I should''ve kept control. It won''t happen again."


    *Sigh*


    "You need to keep that temper in check. You''ve lost your cool more times than I have fingers. But you have never willingly struck another person."


    ''That''s it I''m done.'' Aki said in her mind. Waiting for the inevitable.


    "I''ll pack my things sir. I''m sorry."


    Shimada sighed again. "No, you''re not fired." The look of shock on the detective''s face. "What!? But I assaulted a guild master. What do you mean I''m not getting the boot?"


    "Because the suits upstairs want my head. They''ve got me pinned for not preventing the massacre."


    "But sir, you can''t take responsibility for the actions of the crimson bandits. This wasn''t your fault." Aki was incredulous. How could he be blamed for the actions of a one-man army?


    "Doesn''t matter. We are supposed to monitor all this guild activity, and we didn''t. All hands-on deck. We are going to need a bulletproof case. I am not letting some bureaucratic pencil pusher take us down."


    "Yes sir, I''ll gather all the evidence about the Reaper. They will-¡°


    Shimada gave a long, hard glare at the young detective, the look of a parent to their child, when the child had just asked a particularly stupid question.


    "Akiko, we can''t use the reaper. We don''t have any hard evidence of his involvement. Only testimonies of dead men."


    "Sir. You know he did this right?" Aki protested.


    "I know it, you know it the entire squad knows it. But can we prove it? Hard evidence only." Shimada said with a stern voice.


    "Fuck that! I''m going to-"


    *Bam*


    Shimada slammed his hands onto his desk, causing Aki to flinch.


    "You are going to sit your ass down and do your job detective!" Aki was taken aback by her captain''s anger.


    "S-Sir, I-"


    "Take the week off. In the meantime, ''We'' will build our case around the criminal organization." Shimada returned to his seat. "You are dismissed."


    Without another word, Aki left, a dejected look on her face. A scolding she hasn''t experienced since she was a teenager. A scolding that nearly made her cry. And she did. A few stray tears fell from her eyes as she left. She just wanted to find the truth.


    Her reason for being an officer. For so many years, she wanted to help people. To protect the innocent, and bring light into this dark, shadowy world, but now, her goal was becoming blurred.


    End epilogue 2


    ***


    *Beep* *Beep* *Beep*


    The sound of Reiji''s EKG was his only way to pass the time. An incessant beeping.


    ''Just my luck to survive a fight like that.'' A small chuckle, which led to a wince of pain from his chest.


    A dark hospital room he lay in; lights off and sky outside dark and overcast. In a void of darkness. Only the noise to keep him company.


    ''I wonder what Hiro will say when he finds out I''m alive. I hope his not dumb enough to find me. Shit, he will. That damn kid is too loyal for his own good.''


    His remaining arm chained to the bed; and a bandaged blooded eye. As well as numerous other wounds and injuries across his body. Nothing short of a miracle to be alive right now. Yet thanks to the marvel of modern medicine, he still draws breath. Although the chain wasn''t necessary; he wasn''t going anywhere in his condition.


    "I know your there." Reiji broke through the wall of shadows; in his blind spot he could feel golden eyes watching him.


    "You always had keen senses my former disciple." Baelor''s voice came from the shadows. A faint blue light began to shine, revealing the hidden elf. Dressed in fine white and Azure robes, he looked more like a nobleman than a guild master.


    "Come to finish me off, eh?" A smirk on Reiji''s lips. Even to the end his smugness wouldn''t die.


    The elf rounded to his visible side.


    *Schick*


    Casting an illusionary sword; holding it just above his remaining eye. "Every breath you take now is a gift from me and the Reaper. Your soul is forfeit."


    "Heh." A small chuckle, wincing with pain.


    "I should have fought harder then. *Cough* *Cough* Maybe that new pet of yours would have ended it there."


    "A lesson I learnt from you; to treat your pets with kindness. A mistake I aim to never again make. He and I are equals."


    "Ha equals." Reiji let out a weak laugh. "He must be one special guy. But I suppose he would have to be. To beat me." Again, another chuckle.


    "He will bring us to ruin; or save us all from ourselves." Baelor spoke with pride for his Reaper.


    "He told me his reason for sparing me... Why did you? You have plenty of pawns in this game."


    Baelor dangled a black thumbstick in front of Reiji''s eye. Then placed it back in a pocket.


    "You saw?" Reiji quizzed.


    "Yes. Something that none of my ''pawns'' could ever produce. For that you have your passage."


    "I''m glad... Well... They¡¯re going to come and finish me off soon. You might need to get started."


    Baelor retreated to his shadowy corner.


    "I did it 5 minutes ago. Until next time Reiji Kikuchi. I hope you find peace in this world."


    *Beep* *Beep* *Beeeeeep*


    Reiji''s heart rate slowed to a stop. Body still, eyes closed. Although a ruse to trick the hospital staff. His role in this world far from done.


    End epilogue 3


    ***


    Danya awoke; eyes hurt by the bright, unnatural lights above. His last thought, taking one final breath next to the white-haired man.


    Then awakening in a bedroom; so familiar to him. His home in the Russian town of Vladivostok. It felt different somehow. Painful memories he once had of this room seemed to fade. It was peaceful, something he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    A smell drew his attention.


    "Beef stroganoff?" Danya couldn''t believe it. He didn''t want to. Too many times, in this life had he been led astray by dreams of comfort. Returning to his family; back to his mother.


    ''Another illusion.'' Yet the aroma of the spices and beef. It was as if he were a little boy again.


    "My, a very beautiful place you have here." A voice broke the silence. Looking to the window. A white man dressed in a suit and tie stood by watching the glow outside. Golden hair reflecting off the light.


    "You have the most amazing view, and your interior is immaculate. A wonderful home."


    The blonde man put Danya on edge. He went to prepare his power. However, his hands. Drew no blood nor did they create any spikes.


    "Who are you? What have you done to my powers?" Danya asked the blonde-haired man.


    "My name is Lucifer. Oh, and those... Well, we don''t want any trouble in the afterlife. You are now free of the gates and all their problems. At peace." Lucifer said as he took a seat by the giant man.


    "Where am I?"


    "Valhalla, heaven, nirvana, the eternal plane. All of them, none of them. We give it whatever name suits our fancy. As for the why. Well, you made friends with the one person who could send you here. Despite your sins. So welcome home, Danya." Lucifer welcomed the Russian man.


    Danya looked to the floor in thought.


    "He told the truth." Remembering what the white-haired man had said.


    "Yes. My little dove is many things. But a liar isn''t one." Lucifer smiled at the thought of Eren.


    *Step* *Step*


    Faint steps in the distance drew their attention. He would hear the same footsteps for when he was grounded. His mother sneaking him food; making sure he was well fed and cared for. A loving, caring, compassionate woman.


    "Mama?" Danya said, in near disbelief, after many years apart, he thought he may have forgotten.


    "Yes, she is here too. Well, I''ll leave you two to catch up. It''s a beautiful place to rest." Lucifer said as he went back to the window.


    "Wait. What do I do now?" Danya asked the otherworldly man. As he turned to walk out of the door.


    Lucifer''s smile grew on his face. "Whatever you wish. This is paradise after all." Disappearing into a white light. Now all alone; waiting for the steps that grew louder.


    *Step* *Step* *Step* *Step*


    Now the steps were at his bedroom door. Slowly the handle turned; Valeriya Korsakov, a loving, caring and compassionate woman. Warm and affectionate. Her brown hair tied back, and her green eyes so bright. As beautiful as last he saw her.


    "Mama?" Danya said, tears swelling in his eyes. A deep lump formed in his throat.


    "My dear Danya welcome home." Valeriya rushed to embrace her son. Tears fell from both eyes. A long, warm, loving embrace.


    "Mama. I have done so many terrible things. Things I will always regret. I''ve become a monster." Guilt weighed heavily on the Russian man''s mind.


    "It''s ok. You were a child in a bad situation. I am and will always be proud of you no matter what. Now come, we have dinner waiting. I made your favourite." With a kiss on his forehead, they went to eat together.


    Eternal rest washing over Danya. No more would his body rot, or would his hands be stained in blood.


    Eternal light took him; he was finally at peace.


    End epilogue 4

 Chapter 47: A demon under an azure moon

    A dark night, lit only by the moon.


    A large, thick, cloud had begun to drift in front of the lunar body; a chill in the air, and a strong breeze. The wind blew away the last of autumn''s leaves, leaving the trees bare, ready for the snow to fall.


    Winter was near. A time for reflection, and a time to prepare for the new year. Yet for some it was an opportunity to take advantage of the darkness, and the cold. For some people never learn; the darkness now belongs to someone, something else.


    <hr>


    11:33 PM: Ward 4. Under the watch of the Silvermane.


    On the abandoned dry docks that sat near the outskirts of Tokyo. Certain foreign guilds began to make a play for the now-vacated territories of the Crimson Bandits. In the darkness, they thought it would be an easy undertaking, a swift exchange of power.


    How wrong they were. The dark had a new master.


    "§·§à§Ý§à§Õ§ß§à, §Ü§Ñ§Ü §Ó §²§à§ã§ã§Ú§Ú." (It''s as cold as Russia.)


    "§Á §ç§à§é§å §å§Û§ä§Ú." (I want to go home.)


    Two men stood on patrol; armed with assault rifles. They looked like they would be more at home in the military, but here they were, nothing more than hired muscle. Freezing wind pushing the ocean spray into their faces.


    "§Á §å§ã§ä§Ñ§Ý §à§ä §ï§ä§à§Ô§à." (I''m tired of this.)


    "§±§à§é§Ö§Þ§å §ñ §Õ§à§Ý§Ø§Ö§ß §Ò§í§ä§î §ß§Ñ §Õ§Ö§Ø§å§â§ã§ä§Ó§Ö?" (Why am I on watch?) One of the men complained as he tried to warm his hands with his breath. As they spoke, a third joined their conversation.


    "§©§Ñ§ä§Ü§ß§Ú§ä§Ö§ã§î §à§Ò§Ñ." (Shut up both of you.)


    "§®§í §Õ§à§Ý§Ø§ß§í §â§Ñ§Ò§à§ä§Ñ§ä§î." (We have a job to do.)


    A woman in her early twenties, her long, braided, blonde hair tucked under her blue coat; a white puffball atop her fur hood.


    "§°§ß§Ú §Ù§Õ§Ö§ã§î. §µ§Ò§Ö§Õ§Ú§ä§Ö§ã§î, §é§ä§à §ß§Ñ§ã §ß§Ö §Ò§Ö§ã§á§à§Ü§à§ñ§ä." (They are here. Make sure we are not disturbed.) She said firmly. The men nodded. Their objective was to ensure that their guilds foothold into Japan goes without incident.


    "§¥§Ñ, §¦§Ý§Ö§ß§Ñ." (Yes, Elena.)


    "§®§í §ß§Ö §á§à§Õ§á§å§ã§ä§Ú§Þ §ß§Ú§Ü§à§Ô§à. §¬§Ý§ñ§ß§å§ã§î." (We won''t let anyone near. We promise.) They assured. Leaving her to the business within the warehouse.


    <hr>


    Inside:


    A ragging fire burnt in the centre of the room. On the far side, several shipping crates stacked on top of one another; a pile of goods to smuggle and sell for a price. Most were illegal, and all were highly valuable. The other; home. Imports from Russia and around the world made into a fashion of a home.


    Around 20 men and women, dressed in black jackets. An insignia of a knight''s helm on their backs. The Black knights of Siberia. A low-ranking Russian guild that had recently begun to make waves. Looking to take advantage of the power vacuum left by the crimson bandits, they hoped to establish a stronger foothold in the city.


    "§³§ï§â, §à§ß§Ú §á§â§Ú§Ò§í§Ý§Ú. §®§í §Ô§à§ä§à§Ó§í." (Sir, they''ve arrived. We are ready.) A man reported.


    His boss, Leonid Ivanov, a man nearing the age of 60. Standing at 6ft, he had a sharp blue gaze that could cut through any lie. Cane equipped with a sword hidden within. Short, grey, slicked back hair, and a clean, well-kept stubble. A fedora to accompany a well-tailored grey suit. Great for Russian cold nights and days.


    "§°§ä§Ý§Ú§é§ß§à, §á§â§Ú§ê§Ý§Ú§ä§Ö §Ú§ç §ã§ð§Õ§Ñ." (Excellent, bring them here.) He spoke. Puckering on a Cuban with slow, calming breaths. He was the image of a high-ranking boss; composed, and not at all worried for his own safety.


    *Bow* *Bow* *Bow*


    Three Japanese men; all dressed in similar attire to that of Imperial Japan. Gaunt faces, with dark eyes that have seen more than most. They hadn''t slept in days. Leonid didn''t show any pity, nor would he offer any. To him, they were a business opportunity.


    "Good evening gentlemen. Forgive my language skills; it is a learnt language." Offering a chair to the worn men, as he spoke in accented Japanese. They reluctantly took the chairs by the fire.


    "So, you would like to join our guild?" He quizzed, puffing on his cigar.


    "...Yes." The middle one spoke for the triplicity. A sour taste in his mouth for having to deal with the Russians. A great sin to his ancestors for him to stoop this low to foreigners, but desperation makes fools of us all.


    "Well. Business concluded. Hahahahaha." The entire dry dock erupted in kind to Leonid''s laugh, a good-natured laugh and a warm welcome.


    "Jokes aside gentlemen; what do you offer us? We will provide a roof, security, and even some payment. However, I am sure you can provide some... services in return?" A wry smile to his lips. He knew the value these men offered could not be found elsewhere.


    "Information, connections, contacts; we can provide you with the ins and outs of Tokyo... Our blades are... yours."


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Like that the sons of the rising sun bent their knees, bowing low in respect of their new bosses. A satisfied grin on Leonid''s face.


    However, this was too easy. In no world would a guild of ultra nationalist Japanese men bow to foreigners so easily. Something was wrong, and his gut wouldn''t let him accept what he already knew.


    <hr>


    "§³§ä§â§Ñ§Ø§Ú, §Õ§à§Ý§à§Ø§Ú§ä§Ö." (Report in guards) Elena spoke through a wrist mounted communicator.


    "§³§ä§â§Ñ§Ø§Ú, §Õ§à§Ý§à§Ø§Ú§ä§î." (Guards report)


    *Static*


    Elena''s expression turned from neutral to worry. As a few moments of silence passed, nothing but the white noise of static. Her men were not reporting.


    "§ª§Õ§Ú §Ú §ß§Ñ§Û§Õ§Ú §Ú§ç." (Go find them) She ordered her men.


    "§¥§Ñ." (Yes) Two of the Black knights nodded, leaving the warmth of the building.


    "§³§ï§â, §Þ§à§Ø§Ö§ä, §ß§Ñ§Þ §ã§Ý§Ö§Õ§å§Ö§ä §å§Û§ä§Ú?" (Sir, perhaps we should leave?) Elena''s concern made her question the decision to come here. ''Something is wrong. We need to get out of here.''


    "§´§Ú§ê§Ö, §¦§Ý§Ö§ß§Ñ, §Þ§í §Ò§å§Õ§Ö§Þ §Ó §á§à§â§ñ§Õ§Ü§Ö." (Hush Elena, we''ll be fine) Leonid dismissed her concerns with the wave of a hand. Although, in truth, he too sensed that something was amiss. The air grew heavy, a tension that had settled in like a thick fog. Yet no matter what, he refused to show any sign of weakness.


    Back to the imperials before him; their withered features caught his eye.


    "Why so weary my friends?" He quizzed once more.


    "We have lost... much. Our numbers are spread thin through the ward. We would like to start again once more." A reasonable answer to the guild master.


    "I see... Why don''t you tell me the real reason. Hmmm?" Leonid said sharply, his eyes narrowed as he stared them down. A business man like himself had the ability to see through such shallow lies.


    The men gave each other a sideways glance, before looking back to Leonid. "The Reaper..."


    "§¨§ß§Ö§è?" (Reaper?) Leonid asked, his curiosity piqued. "And why would this ''Reaper'' trouble you so?" His tone was inquisitive, yet cautious. He had not heard of the Reaper before, but if he had managed to reduce the 3 men to the state they were in now, he knew that it was no laughing matter.


    "§£§í §ß§Ñ§ê§Ý§Ú §Ú§ç?" (You found them?) Elena radioed her men.


    *Static* again the same white noise. Her concern now turned to fear; her sense of danger was reaching its apex.


    "§¯§Ñ§Þ §ß§å§Ø§ß§à §Ú§Õ§ä§Ú. §¹§ä§à-§ä§à §ß§Ö §ä§Ñ§Ü." (We need to go. Something is wrong) She urged her master.


    Leonid raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.


    "And what would that be, my dear?" His voice laced with sarcasm and a touch of condescension. His arrogance was his downfall.


    *Fwip* *Fwip* *Fwip*


    Sounds of arrows cutting through the air. The imperials were struck; two in the shoulders, one in his leg. Barley any time to scream before their heads were hit. Killing each quickly.


    "§³§ä§â§Ö§Ý§î§Ò§Ñ! §³§ä§â§Ö§Ý§î§Ò§Ñ!" (We are under fire! We are under fire!) Elena cried, as the Black knights pulled out their firearms; pistols, shotguns, rifles, it was an array of weapons. They took cover behind the wooden crates, taking up defensive positions.


    "§¤§Õ§Ö §à§ß§Ú?" (Where are they) Leonid barked, his eyes scanning the shadows for the assailants.


    *Fwip* *Fwip* *Fwip*


    Lights out. The central fire was knocked over, arrows hitting the sides and the oil spilt. The last bastion of light, extinguished with ease.


    Azure eyes all around the dark docks. "§°§Ô§à§ß§î! §µ§Ò§Ö§Û §Ú§ç." (Fire! Kill them) Leonid ordered, his voice booming across the area.


    His men opened fire; the sound of bullets ripping through the air, but there was no target to be seen. Muzzle lights illuminated shadow knights only for a moment. Before they were cut down by unseen blades.


    "§¢§Ö§Ô§Ú, §Þ§Ñ§ã§ä§Ö§â. §Á §Ò§å§Õ§å-buy." (Run master. I will-) Elena tried to usher Leonid towards safety, only for a bone-like blade to protrude from her abdomen. Eyes wide in shock. The tendril slithering away back into the lightless void.


    "§¢§Ý§Ú§ß, §Ú§Õ§Ú §Ü §Ý§à§Õ§Ü§Ñ§Þ - §¡§²§¤§¤§¤§¤§¤§·§·§·§·" (Damn it, get to the boats - ARRRRGHHH) An arrow struck his right thigh. He winced in pain, dropping his cane he hobbled away.


    Gunshots ceasing leaving only his staggered steps. "§¯§Ö§ä, §á§à§Ø§Ñ§Ý§å§Û§ã§ä§Ñ, §ß§Ö§ä ..." (No, please, no...) His eyes darted around, hoping to spot azure eyes. Avoiding them at all costs.


    *Whack*


    With a thud, his legs were kicked out from under him, his knee''s hit the cold, hard concrete with a painful thud; the pain of his injury catching up to him.


    "Wait... We can talk, I have-" His words caught up in the horror above him.


    A giant of a man towering above him. Eyes that glowed with an azure light. Long dark hair, and an imposing figure, shrouded by a moonless night. His face though; familiar to the fallen Russian man.


    "D-Danya?" The shadow didn''t react to the name, nor the sight of the wounded man. A blank stare. Hands outstretched; he engulfed Leonid''s head, crushing the skull like a pimple. A soft squish, then a thud.


    An empty warehouse filled with blood and bullet holes. All the Russian''s lay dead. 20 lives taken in mere moments.


    <hr>


    "Is it done?" A cold low voice came behind the Reapers mask.


    *Nod*


    Knights; though unable to speak they were able to communicate through body language.


    "Open them." With a wave of the Reaper''s hand. The Knights moved quickly, tearing open the boxes like wrapping paper on Christmas day.


    Inside was a plethora of illicit goods, banned substances and imported materials. Drugs, guns, and gate treasures. A haul that would fetch a king''s ransom. However, none of these caught the Reaper''s eyes.


    Coffins; black lacquered wood. Inside was one of the any reasons for being a Reaper every night. People with tied hands and bagged heads.


    "Mmmmphh" They tried to scream.


    The Reaper raised his hand. His Knights took the lead, slicing the ropes that bound them. One knight was kind enough to remove their bags. Eyes wide, they were still trying to come to terms with the knights before them. Men and women, young and old. All mindful of the monster before them.


    "Guren." Pointing to the doused flame that had now been reduced to smouldering ashes, he ordered the giant. With in a moment the flames were roaring again, illuminating the darkness.


    A swarm of knights stood around the edges of the room, like statues they waited. The shadowy monsters sent shivers down the spines of the onlookers.


    "Wait here for sunrise. Someone will be along shortly." The Reaper''s voice was deep, and distorted. The liberated captives nodded, unsure if their saviours¡¯ words were a comfort, or a warning.


    "T-Thank...y-you..." A woman tried to speak, but the tremors in her voice made it difficult. The Reaper ignored her. Back into the lightless abyss the Reaper and his knights vanished.


    ***


    True to his word. Three hours later as the first light of the day began to rise; the warehouse was discovered by two men in suits. An insignia of an azure lion on their shoulders.


    "Good morning. You are now under the care of the Silvermane. Come with us and you will be taken to safety."

 Chapter 48: Under an azure moon - Killer by night, worker by day.

    "Master please." Jun stood over Eren, who refused to move. The white-haired man stood under the circling blue vortex, a gate that had yet to be cleared.


    "No." Arms folded and a scowl on his face.


    "Please. It is the last one. Mr. Baelor has assigned us to clear the blue gates in this area." A plead from the taller prot¨¦g¨¦.


    The pair had been clearing gates all week and Eren already had enough. The constant gate hunting, the needless fighting with monsters; something his younger self would have revelled in. Now though, he was finding it more of a drag. It was dull and repetitive, not to mention exhausting. This was the pairs 15th gate till this point.


    "You do it. Take the knights and kill the monsters. I''ll wait here for you." Eren refused to move, like a stubborn school girl who refused to do her studies.


    "How about I shout you some ramen after this? I know a quiet but nice place. It serves the spiciest ramen."


    "..."


    Moments pause. "Fine, we do this quickly. Ramens on you." Eren agreed to Jun''s terms.


    "Of course, master." Jun gave a bow, and a smile. Leading first into the blue light.


    *Sigh*


    "I want a new job." Eren begrudgingly muttered, while rubbing his temples.


    Whilst the monotony and tedium of gate clearing weren''t to Eren''s preference, his ability to clear gates were second to none. He had become efficient and proficient in clearing gates in the best way possible.


    What really irritated him above all else:


    ---


    Gate info:


    Location: Ice fields of Saryn


    Opening time: Once every 12 days, for 6 days


    Danger level: C+++


    Owners: Silvermane.


    Last clear: 3 months ago;


    Rewards: Ice gems, ice shards, snowflakes, and winterberries, as well as gold and silver coins, rare herbs, and medicinal plants.


    Special conditions: Low temperature, cold winds, ice fields with hidden terrain features, such as crevices, sharp edges, and deep holes.


    Gate closing time: 03: 07: 28: 20


    ---


    The cold force of the wind struck their faces, like a thousand icy needles piercing their skin with every gust. The temperature was unforgiving; to lesser rankers, death would come swiftly. To Eren however, his Reaper form took the edge off the cold. Either that or he was so annoyed that it made him too hot to care.


    "Who is Saryn?" Eren muttered, returning to his arm''s folded pose.


    "I don''t know master... It''s just a name." Jun''s shivers could be seen through his coat. Unlike Eren he couldn''t call on his blood to warm his body.


    A vast, white landscape stretched out before them. The ice fields were a seemingly endless expanse of frozen tundra. The terrain was uneven and treacherous, with sharp and jagged spikes of ice protruding from the ground, creating an obstacle course of potential dangers. The wind howled relentlessly, whipping up snow and ice in its wake. The sound of the wind was the only noise that broke the eerie silence of the frozen wasteland.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Off you go; the boss is over there." Eren said to his ward, pointing seemingly in a random direction. But the white-haired man could sense a stronger life force than the others in the area.


    "I don''t think I can take down a boss on my own." Jun was unsure of his own abilities. Although confident he could take down some of the lower ranked monsters. He couldn''t hope to beat the bosses on his own.


    From the shadows of the gate his knights rose. Eren''s new knights stood proud, each of them had a black sword on their waist.


    "You''ve got the shadows." Eren assured Jun.


    "Go as fast as you can." Jun left with a platoon of 25 knights. 17 swordsmen, 6 archers and 2 brutes. They made their path to the boss. Swords drawn, bows notched and shields ready. Disappearing into the snow-covered fields.


    The white-haired man stood, watching the snowflakes dance and swirl in the air. With a sigh, he muttered under his breath, "I should have stayed home today."


    The snow however, provided a canvas for reflection. He had a long night of stalking the streets and an early morning of gate hunting. His mind wandered to his family and the recent events.


    ''Emi still hasn''t spoken to me.'' She hadn''t said a single word to Eren since she found him wounded on the floor. Giving a silent glare to her brother; her words were not needed to express her feelings.


    "She''s still not forgiven me for abandoning her. I don''t blame her."


    Talking to himself with only the howl of the wind for company.


    ''Dad too; with no job he spends his days drinking in a dive bar. And when his sober he at least tries to find a job. No one wants a former criminal accountant.'' The image of his father, drowning in self-pity, filled his mind with disgust. But there was little Eren could do for him; how can you help a man that won''t help himself.


    "I''ve returned to zero..."


    <hr>


    *Boom* *Boom* *Boom*


    A rhythmic, dull sound could be heard in the distance. Growing louder and louder with each thud. The ground quaked and shook, causing chunks of ice to break free and tumble down.


    *Boom* *Boom* *Boom*


    A hulking creature that resembled a boar the size of a bulldozer, made its way to the gate. Its woolly white coat covered in blood; shadowed knights clung by swords embedded in its hide.


    "GRAAAHH!" A pained bellowed to the sky. Jun rode atop the beast, Seraph held high. Although the swaying of the beasts¡¯ movements was making it difficult to keep his balance.


    *Schlick* * Schlick* * Schlick*


    Seraph went deep into its head over and over. Blood cascaded like a fountain, covering Jun''s face, hands, and sword.


    *Crash*


    The beast fell to the floor. Skidding along the ice and snow, coming to a halt a few meters from Eren''s apathetic stance. A cloud of ice particles, and a soft sigh was all that remained of the once mighty creature.


    *Huff* *Huff* *Huff*


    His breathing heavy; Jun managed to take down the boss on this own.


    "How... did I do?" He asked his master, panting as he did. Although not able to see it from the blood on his face, his eyes were beaming with a hopeful expression. Hopeful that Eren would see his improvement.


    "Good. You are... getting better." He gave a light nod, and an emotionless, almost cold, tone to his words.


    The young boy began to beam; if not for the boar¡¯s blood, he would have been smiling from ear to ear. "Thank you master, I-"


    "Let''s go." Eren left through the portal first, not even a glance back.


    "Is he always like this?" Asking the knights that remained.


    ¡¥\_(¥Ä)_/¡¥


    A group shrug was all that answered his question. He could sense that something was bothering the white-haired man, but he wasn''t sure what. A sense of sadness filled Jun''s eyes as he looked at the gate, which was slowly closing.


    ''I want to help you, master.'' He thought to himself, before stepping through the portal.


    <hr>


    The end of autumn air, crisp, cold and silent. Not as bad as the ice fields, but enough to chill to the bone. The sky above was clear, with only a few scattered clouds, and the sun began its slow afternoon descent.


    "So, ready to have some of the best spicy ramen in the ward?" Jun spoke, hoping to cheer up his master.


    "For dinner Jun. I might bring Emi along to try the place." The white-haired man dismissed the idea of late lunch.


    "Send me the details. I''m going to speak with Baelor." Eren without another word.


    <Daily quest complete. Complete 3/3 gates>


    His ring showed its screen; another gate cleared. ''I''ve had enough of these.''


    <New daily quest unlocked. Complete 3 gates. 0/3>

 Chapter 49: Under an azure moon - A guild reborn

    Through large automatic doors, the entryway opened to a vast garden of plants and trees; titanic trees that reached the 4th floor. All colours of nature, lay within the beds of the guild''s exterior. It would have taken years for such a garden to be cultivated. Yet through the guilds power, they made it in under a week. The fresh scent of nature welcomed all who entered.


    The interior was far different to its predecessor. No longer a fortress of villainy and darkness. Instead, a grand hall of white walls, azure insignia of a lion¡¯s roar adorned the banners that hung from the ceiling. A grand chandelier shone with warm yellow light, casting an inviting glow. People walked to and fro, some in uniforms of black suits and ties.


    Most outstanding out of all; but common amongst many guilds. A large statue of a lion, stood in the centre. Made from blue jade, the eyes of the creature glowed as it roared. The craftsmanship was of an artisan, not at all cheap or rushed like that of a knock-off designer. This was true art.


    Mounted atop a slain dragon. A meaning behind such a piece was lost on Eren. Perhaps he should leave the deeper meanings of art to others.


    For now, he was here for another reason. Up the elevator; the floor of the guild master''s office. An area he had become familiar with. Holes created by Reiji''s intense flame gone. Repaired, replaced, and renewed; even the walls were now of wood rather than stone, giving off an appearance of class and elegance.


    ''I can''t believe this place was a wreck last week.'' A surprised thought, if you were to tell someone that this place was a ruinous firepit not that long ago, no one would believe it. But Eren was there, he was the ash that fell. He was the fire that blazed. The destruction that was wrought.


    "Good afternoon Eren Heart." A warm voice said to the man. Behind the desk was a woman Eren had never seen before.


    "H-Hello. I''m here to see Baelor?" Taken aback slightly, the white-haired man had to collect himself. This new receptionist was... Something.


    Flawless face framed by a curtain of chestnut hair. Her eyes an amber glow, warm yet calculating. An unnatural calmness rested on her face; a sly smile that could melt hearts. She wore a simple but perfectly fit suit that hugged her figure.


    However, despite all her beauty. The longer Eren looked, the more unsettled he became. A flicker in her piercing amber eyes; the slightest hint of something lurking within. It was a subtle but unsettling sensation, as if some dark presence resided behind the beauty, waiting, watching.


    "Please take a seat. Master Baelor shall be with you shortly." The flawless woman gestured to the couches opposite.


    A nod in reply and Eren took his place on the seats.


    ''Who is she?'' The question kept circling around his mind. He tried to think of her nature; perhaps she was a demon, or a reaper like himself. Maybe she was one of those fallen angel or succubus types. Baelor was an elf; he could have connections to any manner of being.


    Her gaze was transfixed on Eren, like a snake stalking its prey. A smile that was warm, but had a hidden sharpness to it. Sat at a desk with nothing on it. No computer, no papers, nor a flower to freshen the room.


    ''Why does she keeps looking at me?'' The more Eren stared, the greater the sensation became. A growing unease in the air, like a thick fog that was impossible to dispel.


    He moved to the other couch, out of her eye line. Now perhaps he could get a moments peace.


    Yet, her head swivelled slowly to follow him; her eyes never leaving him.


    ''Christ, what is wrong with this woman?''


    <hr>


    *Step* *Step* *Step* *Bang*


    "Thank you, Mr. Baelor." Captain Matsuo exited the guild master''s office. His steps were filled with an air of satisfaction, fat face; a grin of triumph. He was a pig of a man, that filled every stereotype of corrupt police captain. He would have a full-blown belly laugh, but the look from the receptionist even gave him pause.


    The odour of coffee, cigars, and sweat emanated from him, filling the lobby with an unpleasant aroma that lingered long after he was gone.


    "Eren Heart, Baelor will see you now." She spoke without any real expression. Her cold words and warm tone clashed, a contrast that was both unnerving and unsettling. However, Eren was grateful to escape her all-seeing eyes.


    *Click*


    Inside was the guild master Baelor. Wiping down his elegant, curvaceous, eleven desk. His entire office matched that of his former hideout in the metro. A bookshelf lined the back, filled with tomes of all manner of books. From those about history, to the science and physics of this world.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "Good afternoon Eren. Thank you for waiting." The elf said, as he took a seat behind his desk. Throwing away the rag with disdain.


    "Why were you talking with that captain?" Eren questioned, the stench of Matsuo lingered in the air.


    "It would be more prudent to say he spoke to me. Partaking knowledge that ''He'' and his men, still have a say in this ward."


    "That man needs to die. He-"


    "He, is responsible for much of the corruption within this area and the former crimson bandits. You have my word he will die by your hands or mine. But... not yet. Not until we can make a big splash in a small pond."


    Eren nodded, knowing that Baelor was right.


    "Now to the reason for your visit. Issues regarding the gate clearing?" He inquired.


    "Yes... How did you know?"


    "Jun sent me a message, he is worried about you." The elf spoke, with an uncharacteristically warm tone.


    ''That damn kid... No, he was right to do so.'' Eren couldn''t bring himself to be angry with Jun. In fact, it was somewhat a comfort to him that someone was thinking of him.


    "Gate clearing is monotonous and repetitive. It''s a chore. I don''t want to do it anymore."


    "Oh, it''s been less than a week and you already tire of necessary guild operations?"


    "Yes."


    The elf began to type on his keyboard. A blue light projected on his face; his eyes darted around the screen.


    *Bzzt* *Bzzt*


    ---


    New quest invite:


    Rebuild the guild:


    Objective: Help Baelor rebuild the Silvermane. Recruit new members; to elevate your burden.


    Guild members recruited:


    Rankers: 0/12


    Administrators: 0/1


    Guild staffers: 0/8


    ---


    "What is this?" Eren''s brow arched in confusion, looking at his phone.


    "Sooner or later, we will need more members to replenish our numbers. To substitute your disdain for gate clearing with recruitment. What do you say?"


    "And these numbers? Rankers and staff?"


    "The more guild members, the greater keeping of theses halls."


    "Administration?"


    "Someone who facilitates the daily operations of gate clearing, distribution of quests, and the management of rankers."


    "Couldn''t you or me just do it?"


    "No, it must be the administrator class. As we speak, without such a position filled we are in violation of guild law."


    Eren thought briefly about the quest before him. "Alright then. But how am I supposed to recruit people, I don''t exactly have friends."


    "That I leave too you Eren. You may need to go out and find those with gregarious nature."


    The thought of him going out into the world and making ''friends'' knotted his stomach. The idea alone made him physically ill. But, a short-term pain over long term monotony was something he would have to swallow.


    "I accept." A sigh of reluctant acceptance.


    <Quest accepted.>


    <hr>


    "Who¡¯s the girl out front?"


    "Girl?" The elf gave a quizzical glance. "Ah, you mean Miss Minami. She is my personal assistant, helping me lead the Silvermane; she thought me lost during the siege of Tokyo. As soon as I returned, she came straight here."


    "I see... Her eyes they..."


    "Pay her no mind; she is simply gathering information. Her ability is to look through people¡¯s eyes, scanning their personality, their inner self. All so that I may make a judgement as to the type of person you are. An extremely useful skill in business meetings and contract negotiations. That does remind me. Minami."


    "Yes?" With no warning the woman was behind Eren, not even a noise from her footsteps.


    "Fuck!" Eren almost jumped out of his skin.


    The woman bowed. "I am deeply sorry if I have startled you master Heart."


    "Minami, please show Eren to the garage and give him the keys. Thank you."


    "Very well. Follow me please." She turned and walked out of the room.


    "And... I am not to be disturbed for the rest of the afternoon. That man-made foul air still lingers." Another bow; the doors were closed. The elf reached into his desk drawing forth a large book and a chalice. His own personal relaxation was about to begin.


    "Master Heart, this way." She led him back down the elevator.


    <hr>


    A tense air in the elevator; words unspoken. The white-haired man was still unnerved by her presence. An amber side-eye glance from her every few moments.


    ''What is up with this girl. She gives me the creeps...''


    *Ground floor - Garage*


    Finally, an escape from the woman and her piercing gaze.


    The pair entered the underground garage; a large door shut behind them. Spacious, enough room to fit several trucks and busses with room to spare. However, it was barren. Save for a motorbike nestled in the far corner.


    "Here is your vehicle." Minami said, keys in hand.


    "A motorbike?"


    "Yes."


    A black beast of a bike. Its bodywork sleek and aerodynamic. Engine powerful, purring like a lion ready to pounce. The tires large and rugged, made to grip any road. The paintwork matte, giving it a subtle yet striking look. It could nearly pass as a car with its size.


    "Thank you... Um. Minami?" Eren felt strange saying her name.


    *Stare*


    ''Not again.'' Eren''s discomfort was reaching boiling point. He had to get out of here and away from her gaze. Quickly mounting the bike; a twist of the key brought the engine to life. A deep rumbling purr from its mighty motor.


    *Vroom* *Vroom* *Vroom*


    Without so much as a wave or a nod to the woman, he sped off. Through the garage door, and onto the streets. Memories of riding motorcycles in the past. The freedom and wind in your hair. The feeling of speed and exhilaration that comes with it.


    He was happier now than he had been all day, for a long while now.

 Chapter 50: Under an azure moon - Love, sweets & robots

    The afternoon sun beamed down on the students of the Ketsu high school. It was the end of the day, and they were all eager to leave. Another night of hanging out, battle idol and of course love.


    All students held their phones heads high. All except Emi; weighed down by her heavy thoughts, she was the epitome of misery. Her gaze fixed firmly on the ground, with only the occasional glance up to avoid crashing into someone.


    "Emiiiiii." A high voice called out from behind her. A pair of hands landed on her shoulders, snapping her back into reality.


    "Emi are you alright? You seem a little down today." It was one of Emi''s friends, Mayu. A friendly girl with an infinite supply of energy and kindness.


    "Y-Yeah... I''m okay." A half-hearted reply, but the concern from Mayu was a welcome distraction.


    ''Should I tell her?'' Seeing her brother a mess on the ground still weighed on her mind. However, the thought of telling anyone about what she saw was a non-starter. What would she say? That her brother had a hole through his chest, and that he healed himself without healer magic? She would be dragged away to an insane asylum. Her only hope was that Eren would speak to her.


    "Really? You seem kinda down." Mayu picked up on Emi''s sombre tone, but she wasn''t about to let it go. "What happened?"


    "..." A slight shake of the head. She couldn''t speak about that night, but perhaps a little truth would help. "Family issues."


    "Oh no... You know you can always speak to me. Whatever you want. If you want to hang out, or even if you just want me to come over, I will be there." The kind hearted friend was an angel in these trying times. Her face full of sympathy. She would give all the world to help her friend.


    "Emi, Emi!" A voice called from ahead. Yui, another girl with thick glasses bounded towards her. Reaching them with a burst of energy.


    "Emi, there is a man out the front of the school, and everyone says he''s super-hot, and he''s looking for you!" The girl''s enthusiasm was enough to make anyone smile.


    "A man Emi? My oh my, so scandalous." Mayu''s eyes narrowed with a sly smile, a teasing tone in her voice. She poked Emi in the ribs, causing her to blush.


    "Who is he? Your boyfriend? I need to see this." With a gentle tug on Emi''s hand, the trio took off toward the front gate.


    <hr>


    A small crowd of students gathered by the gate; all eyes locked on a single figure. A man leant against a black motorbike, his white hair flowed gently in the subtle breeze, his features strikingly handsome in the afternoon sun. Although his less attractive feature; sanpaku eyes were hidden behind aviators.


    Students whispered amongst themselves, debating who was lucky enough to have such a dashing escort waiting for them. The girls'' faces blushed as they stole glances, hoping it was them. And there, amidst the sea of curious gazes, stood Emi. Her eyes fixed on her brother.


    Emi and her friends pushed through to the front, eyes widening when they saw the person who was waiting for her.


    "Emiii... Who is that?" Mayu questioned her friend with a whisper, her voice tinged with curiosity and excitement.


    "Is that your boyfriend? He''s hot."


    "N-No t-that''s-"


    Eren''s gaze caught sight of Emi, pointing directly at her. "Emi, come here."


    All turned to the raven-haired girl; a mixture of expressions met her eyes. Jealousy, envy, confusion; she was a deer in headlights. Walking with quickened steps to Eren, under scrutinous eyes of jealous school girls and curious boys.


    "E-Eren. Why are you here?" Her voice trembled. The very sight of him brought memories of that night to the forefront of her mind. She was both glad to see him, and fearful of what he could do.


    "I wanted to show you my new bike. Remember when we used to ride when you were little?" His voice was soft, but the tension between them was palpable. Eren knew she had questions that he would have to answer at some point. He knew it would be difficult, but he had to at least try.


    "Here." Bike jacket ripped off from his frame; underneath a tank top, his shoulders exposed to the sunlight. Scared arms caused a stir within the crowd; whispers spread like wildfire. But the white-haired man cared little for their gossip.


    Emi''s face crimson like blood, her mouth agape at her brother''s audacity to approach her at school. Helmet put over her head to mask her blushing face.


    ''I would love to be that jacket...'' Mayu watched from a distance, a hand on her cheek. She could feel the heat rising to her face. A small pool of blood formed from her nostrils. Her friend snapped her out of the daydreaming with a flick to the ear.


    "Alright then." Patting the seat behind him. "Hop on."


    With trembling legs, she climbed onto the bike, her arms wrapping tightly around her brother¡¯s waist. The engine roared to life, the bike vibrated, filling the air with its powerful purr. The students watching in awe of the cool sight.


    *Vroom* *Vroom*


    Nostalgia. The feeling of being on a motorbike was something Emi missed; she had not done so in years. A wave of excitement washed over her, as they slowly began to move.


    "Always wear your helmets and jackets, even if it''s only a short trip. This is a onetime thing. Safety always comes first. Alright guys?" He said in a serious tone, turning to the students behind him. The lack of secondary bike attire caused him to deviate from his usual safety precautions. But a single journey would be alright.


    The crowd of young girls turned away embarrassed by the look in his eye. The boys looked on with envy at Eren''s cool persona and ability to handle the bike.


    ''Damn, I want to ride that bike.'' the thought plastered along their faces.


    *Vroom* *Vroom* Vvvvvvmmmmm*


    ***


    *Vroom* *Vroom*


    The motorcycle sped along the highway, with the wind whipping against their faces as they zipped past the other cars. The roar of its engine drowned out Emi''s please.


    "EREN, SLOW DOWN!"


    "What? Go faster? Alright then." Throttle pushed further.


    *Vroom* *Vroom*


    "Noooooooooooo. SLOW DOWN!" Emi screamed back.


    "What? You want to see a trick like when you were little? Alright then." Eren pulled the handle bars, causing the front wheel to rise. A small wheelie to the dismay of his sister.


    "No no no no noooo!" Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Her nails digging into his waist.


    *Honk* *Honk*


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Car horns honked at the pair, but to no avail.


    "Ahhh! We''re going to die!"


    *Thud*


    The wheel landed on the ground once more. Now going a reasonable speed. The young girl''s arms were trembling around the white-haired man''s abdomen.


    "We''re not dead." Emi muttered. Although she wouldn''t dare say it, she actually enjoyed the thrill of the ride. Her brother was always a good rider and knew the limits of himself and the machine he rode.


    "We''re here." They pulled into an off ramp. Pulling into a nearby parking garage and stopped in an available spot. Eren dismounted and helped his sister off, taking off her helmet.


    "You still enjoy the bike rides. Don''t you?"


    "N-No... I was scared the whole time." She pouted. But the smile on her face spoke volumes. A faint blush coloured her cheeks as she recalled the rush of wind and adrenaline from her younger days.


    "You are a poor liar dear sister. Come on; let''s grab something to eat."


    The reason for this visit had several purposes. First, he wanted to take her out on the bike, to give her some much-needed excitement. Secondly, to maybe at least talk about what she saw. Lastly, this shopping centre held one of the finest strawberry sweets shops in Japan. Something that would cheer her up.


    "Where are we anyway?"


    "Odayaka shopping centre, I hear it has the best strawberry desserts in the city." Emi''s ears twitched at the mention of her beloved dessert.


    "Okay." She tried to hide it but her eyes beamed at the thought. Following Eren to the escalators.


    <hr>


    This shopping mall was much like many others around Japan. Multi-levelled with a modernity feel too its interior design. Even the shoppers still filled stereotypes; mothers with young children. School girls with bags filled to the brim. However, the one thing that stood out was...


    "Robots?" Eren couldn''t help but notice them. 5-foot-tall mechanical humanoids basic blocky design that followed around the mothers. Carrying bags of shopping, or the children themselves.


    "When did they invent them?" He was surprised to see them out and about.


    "I don''t know... 3 or 4 years ago." Emi replied.


    ''Maybe our ward is too poor to afford them. Still, they seem a little creepy.'' He couldn''t help but feel unnerved at the sight of them.


    The pair entered the bike shop first.


    Eren would be dammed if he would ride without some proper safety equipment. Helmets, gloves, jackets; the works. However, this was for Emi. She picked out a dark pink helmet and purple jacket, with black gloves to compliment.


    "Good taste." Nodding at her choices, Eren paid the man. A hefty sum for the gear. But on his Silvermane salary; it was all cheap now.


    Although, her choices were rather rushed. She had something else on her mind. They left the store, bags in their hands.


    Next, the sweets shop. Located opposite the entrance. It was a small boutique, but it exuded elegance and charm, with a pink and white striped awning that added a whimsical touch to the storefront. A long line of mothers, schoolgirls and robots all in queue to enter the store.


    Emi was the most excited she had been in days. The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air. The cases lined with an assortment of cakes, cookies and pastries adorned in delicate hand-crafted decorations that sparkled in the light.


    "Here." Handing her his Silvermane card. "Get as much as you want. My treat." Her eyes like a kid on Christmas. Sometimes it really is easy to please a girl.


    "Wait. Get some for Jun and his sister." She nodded nearly skipping away.


    "Wait. Get some for Guildmaster Baelor too."


    She skipped with excitement. Joining the long line.


    <hr>


    Eren lay on a nearby bench, like a lazy lizard under the skylights. Winter was soon here; he might as well enjoy the final days of warmth before they are gone. His eyes closed; a moment to rest in peace.


    Hard to come by these days for a man who spends many nights stalking the rooftops.


    *Clank* Clank* *Clank*


    ''What now?''


    Robotic noises drew his attention. A group of mechanical servants gathered around him, like a flock of metallic birds, their joints clicking and whirring.


    "What do you want?" A curt tone, a man who had no time for nonsense.


    Each remained silent; handing him a small card with business name and contact information. Promptly returning to their masters.


    Women turned their heads away, trying to hide their blushing faces. Mothers of young children, husbands of powerful men. All wanted this man for themselves. It was no secret to any that Eren was a good-looking man. Still though, he didn''t appreciate the attention.


    ''I''m not a prostitute for fuck¡¯s sake.'' A disgusted sigh left him. ''Why can''t these people just go about their day without such vices.''


    Not wanting to be outwardly rude, he pocketed them. Much to the sly smiles of the owners of said robots. Their eyes not leaving him, watching his every move.


    "Eren." Emi Exited the store. Carrying several boxes of sweets, parcels precariously balanced on top of one another.


    "Emi, do you need a hand?"


    "No, I''ve got it." She replied curtly.


    ''Girls and their sweets.'' A light shake of his head.


    *Clank* *Clank*


    A robot servant approached the girl, not slowing down. It walked with a mission.


    *Bang*


    The robot collided with her. Emi''s packages fell from her grasp, scattering their contents across the floor.


    "Oh... My sweets." Emi could only stare in dismay. Tears began to well in her eyes, her shoulders drooped and her spirit sank. Her precious sweets, now scattered like fallen leaves.


    The robot continued along, the owner too busy chatting on her phone to care.


    "Hey!"


    *Smash*


    A fist found its mark in the robot¡¯s face, going clean through its head. Another kick sent its body, smashing into a wall. The white-haired man, seething with anger, glared daggers at the machine.


    Like a flip of a switch. The atmosphere turned to hostility. All eyes that had been watching them with lustful gazes, now held a different kind of fire. A cold stare of contempt. Mothers grabbed their children and fled the scene. Leaving their mechanical servants behind.


    From the shadows of every store emerged workers; eyeing down the pair. Behind every corner, they watched from afar. The shopping complex became a hive of quiet whispers, a buzz of malicious intent. The sound of footsteps echoed as the workers emerged from every direction, converging on the siblings.


    "Shit. Emi get up, we need to go. Now." Eren hissed, helping her to her feet. He could feel it, the growing sense of danger. Something he should not have to have been wary of in a domestic place as this. But then of course this world was full of dangers.


    The crowd began to converge on them; an unrelenting wave of hostility.


    Eren would easily cut them down as the Reaper, use his knights to fight them. But with his sister in tow, he couldn''t risk her being harmed.


    Emi clung to his jacket, her hands trembling as the mob moved in closer.


    "Stop!" A loud voice boomed, the sound echoing through the complex and reverberating off the walls, halting the workers in their tracks.


    Out came a woman, matching the attire of the mothers with their kids. Her long black hair and fierce blue eyes made her stand out from the crowd. She wore a tailored suit and her demeanour was that of authority, her presence commanding attention from all who saw her.


    "I saw everything that happened here."


    "Who is the owner of the bot who crashed into this young girl." A woman stepped forward; bowing her head in apology. She looked like she could cry at any moment; the fierce blue stare of the woman caused a chill in her heart.


    "You must take better care of your servants. If not for the safety of those around you, then at least for the cost of having to replace them."


    "Yes, ma''am. I''m terribly sorry."


    "Go back to work! Nothing to see here!" The crowd dispersed, returning to their stores.


    The woman turned to Emi. "I''m also sorry. I''ll replace your desserts; they will be with you within 10 minutes."


    "And you. My... white haired boy. You pack a punch." She gave a coy smile; her eyes narrowed. "Are you freelance or with a guild?"


    "With a guild... Why does it matter?" Eren''s guard was still up; the situation was nothing but trouble.


    "Shame. Well, I''ll give you my guild card any way. Give me a call if you want a change of pace, or a bit of fun." She handed Eren her card, giving another sly look.


    ---


    Name: Ichika Nakatoni


    CEO of the Odayaka Corporation


    Number: XX-XXX-XXX-XXX


    ---


    ''I need to be more careful next time.'' He had just walked blindly into another guilds HQ. Nearly causing an incident between the two. Luckily the guild master was there to stop anything from happening.


    With her sweets returned the pair left the shopping centre. A cool wind blew, as dusk set in on the streets of Tokyo. The pair had enjoyed their time at the arcade, playing games together. Eating some of the best desserts in the city. But it was time to go home, the moon would rise soon and with it a new night of hunting would begin.


    "Thank you for today, Eren..." Emi said, her voice tinged with gratitude. She had been worried about him ever since she found him in a state of disrepair on the floor. Her worries were eased, but only temporarily. For now, though, she was just enjoying the time spent with him; it felt like they were both normal again, if only for a moment.


    "Anything for you little sis." Eren replied with a playful ruffle of her hair. He was happy to have given her a good day.


    He knew he owed her a lifetime of them.

 Chapter 51: Under an azure moon - old friends, new friends, a challenge for all

    "That''s genius." Eren woke with a start, an epiphany hit him like thunder, an idea that would change his guild forever.


    "A competition is just what we need. Winners can join the guild, and I don''t need to talk with anyone." He could practically hear the gears turning in his own mind. He thought himself a genius amongst men in that moment.


    ~


    Jun.


    Yes master?


    How are you with visual design?


    It¡¯s funny that you say that... I am really talented at it. Before I joined the army-


    That''s great Jun. I need you to design a recruitment competition for the Silvermane guild.


    Sure... What are the rules?


    Um...


    Three rounds of challenges, each round has a different task. I''ll leave those in your capable hands.


    Alright. Anything else?


    Nope. You can add anything you think we need.


    I''ll see you later.


    ~


    Eren descended the steps with unusually eager thuds; the morning sun filtered through the blinds. Emi sat quietly, eating her breakfast. Occasional glances to their father, passed out on the couch.


    ¡®Dammit.'' Eren''s gaze fell upon him. His eagerness vanished that instant.


    He had been like this for a while now. Taking up residence on the lounge. His work shirt lay in a crumpled mess, beer cans scattered around him. With no one willing to take on a man tethered to criminals; he was forced into early retirement. Now his only job was to find money for his next drink. A shell of the man he once was, his dignity was left in a pool of liquor.


    Fermented alcohol wafted through the air, a stench of neglect. He reeked of cheap booze and unwashed clothes; loud snores reverberated in the room. It was a pitiful sight to behold.


    *Splash*


    Eren poured a cup of water on his head. The man awoke with a jolt, coughing and spluttering as he struggled to grasp the situation.


    "Get up you lazy sack of shit." He hissed through gritted teeth. The stench of his father''s alcohol-laced breath invaded his nostrils.


    "What. Oh, good morning son." He slurred, barely able to string a sentence together.


    Eren shook his head in disappointment. "You stink, go take a shower." He ordered; turning to the table, joining his sister. Emi watched the scene unfold with sadness in her eyes. She too was affected by the sight before her. It hurt her, the way their once proud father had fallen. They both knew it was his own fault, his ties to the crimson bandits had cost him everything.


    The man began to shuffle off towards the shower room. A trail of discarded beer cans left in his wake. The sound of the door closing was a relief, as the siblings could finally enjoy their breakfast in peace.


    "I''m going out today. Did you want a ride to school?" Eren offered, trying to break the sombre mood that had taken hold of the room.


    "No thanks." Her response abrupt, her carefully cultivated character she displayed at school; A quite achiever. She didn''t need her hot brother to draw any more attention to her.


    "Alright then. Enjoy your day. I''ll cook some curry tonight, alright?"


    "Yeah." Another treat for Emi, anything he cooked tasted like heaven. Amongst many things that she missed in the time he was dead; his cooking was near the top.


    <hr>


    *Vroom* *Vroom*


    ''Alright first stop.'' Eren pulled up to a familiar home. He dismounted, and made his way to the door. Knocking thrice.


    "Hello... Your daddy''s friend. Dad!" The small girl ran to get her father, leaving Eren waiting at the front door.


    "What is it honey? Oh, hello Eren. I thought you died again." Haruto appeared; a friendly smile plastered on his face.


    "It''s good to see you too. How have you been?"


    "Same as always. Not a lot goes on in the Nagai household." He chuckled to himself, inviting Eren inside. "Please come in."


    "I''ve got places to be today unfortunately. However, I do have a job for you. If you''re interested?"


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    "What is it?"


    "I''ve joined the Silvermane guild. We are looking to recruit people. I was hoping that you could be one of them. You in?"


    "The Silvermane guild? I thought they disbanded years ago?" Haruto questioned.


    "Just hiding until they got their HQ back."


    "Oh, well um... I''ve kind of retired from gate clearing." Haruto said sheepishly. "I want more time to spend with this little one." Tickling under his daughter¡¯s neck. She squirmed at her father''s playful touch.


    "We have positions that don''t require gate clearing. Admin and staffers that are needed. You still interested?"


    "Yeah... Yeah I could make that work. You got a card?"


    Eren didn''t have one, he never saw the need for business cards. It was very pass¨¦.


    "Still as organised as ever huh?" Haruto jested, a small laugh at the expense of his friend. Eren returned a glare; even though the man was right.


    "You are welcome to sign up directly at the HQ. Say that Eren sent you and they will set you up. You know where it is?"


    "Yeah, everyone in Tokyo does. That huge ass building in the middle of poor ward 4. Hard to miss. Alright then, I''ll give them a visit."


    ''Great that''s one down...''


    "I''ll be seeing you. Bye Maya." Eren waved the girl goodbye.


    *Vroom*


    With a twist of the throttle, the engine roared to life, and the motorcycle took off with a jolt.


    <hr>


    This time Eren was on the highway to the city centre. The only other person who he could think to ask, was his old guild master from his previous life.


    He pulled to a stop, out the base of the Kitsuwa Banking Group; the golden tigers guild headquarters.


    Last he saw Akira; he was an office drone, working under a cruel man his age.


    Eren thought his spot were just, yet a man as powerful as him should not be held in one spot. If it was not a cruel fate to be chained, perhaps a sentence that had already been served.


    "Hello sir, Welcome to the golden tigers. How may I be of assistance to you?" A receptionist greeted him. The same man with sharp eyes like black diamonds; black hair neatly combed to the side. Face sculpted with immaculate precision.


    "I''m here to see Akira."


    "Weren''t you the same guy that asked for him a couple months ago?"


    "Take me to him please." He spoke with impatience. From memory everyone including the receptionist viewed Akira as a joke amongst the guild. A man that should be feared and respected was reduced to an office mutt, the butt of all jokes.


    Like last he saw the old man, he was alone in the break room. Everyone sat in cliques of their own. He was an outsider in the guild. Still alone; a penance that was served well.


    "Hello Akira." Eren announced himself.


    The older man turned around; a look of empty eyes met him. "Hello. Who are you?"


    "Eren Heart."


    "Eren Heart? You don''t look like him. Besides he died years ago." Akira said, his voice full of doubt. His eyes looked him up and down. The young man was like the Eren he remembered. But that was impossible, the dead do not rise.


    "Well, I''m back; And I want you to join the Silvermane."


    The break room went deathly silent at the words. If Eren had killed the man, were he sat he would not have gotten that reaction. Eren had crossed some sort of taboo.


    The receptionist looked at him with a glare that could kill. "You! Dare try to steal our people in front of us? The audacity."


    "What are you talking about?" The white-haired man was confused by what the other meant.


    "Go and get Mr. Sato!" He yelled. The nearby office workers, all stood to attention. Quickly making their way to their master¡¯s office.


    "What on was that about?" Turning back to his former master.


    "You really are Eren, you have some balls to enter the Golden Tigers and just ask someone to join your guild."


    "That sounds ridiculous." He thought it was the stupidest thing he had ever heard. People used to poach each other all the time back in the day. Why is today any different?


    "You in?"


    Akira gave pause. An offer like this was too good to pass up, but he had a feeling the situation was going to turn bad.


    "HEY!" The door burst open. In strode a young man; black hair slicked back, his face chiselled, giving him a cold, almost snake like appearance. His eyes narrowed on Eren as soon as he entered the room. The other members stood back and watched. Not reverence or respect, a fear of being on the receiving end of the man''s anger.


    *Slap*


    "You dare try and poach one of my team members?" The man who stood smaller than Eren stuck him with an open palm. However, Eren didn''t even flinch. Not registering the weak attack.


    *Slap* *Punch* *Slap*


    Several more blows came, but they were no more painful than a bug bite. It didn''t take long for the man to become tired and out of breath, his face turning a shade of beet red. Eren''s face was frozen in an impassive stare.


    "Akira. Throw this man out of the office. Now!" He commanded.


    But Akira refused. A man who was always full of pride, finally found it again. The old man would no longer stand being treated like trash. A look of defiance flashed through his eyes as he stared at the younger man.


    His voice filled with resolve. "No. I quit."


    "You quit? How are you going to make your way in the world? No one will hire you, not with that attitude and a record like yours." The man''s face contorted in anger; his teeth bared like a rabid dog. He was used to getting his way, and the idea that someone had the audacity to defy him infuriated him even more.


    "I''ll have you blacklisted. You''ll never find a job, anywhere in this town."


    "Good, because I already have one." With that Eren turned on his heel, walking towards the elevators. Akira following in tow.


    "Get out. OUT! GET OUT!" The young man screamed at the retreating figures, spittle flying from his mouth as he raged. It was like watching a tantrum thrown by a toddler, but it was the wailing of a somewhat grown man.


    "I''m going for a smoke. NO ONE FOLLOW ME!"


    The office was silent once again, no one made eye contact with the screaming child in a man''s body. All their heads down; their eyes glued to their lunches.


    "Come on. Let''s go." Akira whispered. He was eager to get out of there; not wanting to cause any more trouble for his now former guild members.


    *Ground floor - Lobby*


    Before he left however, Eren couldn''t let that man''s behaviour go unchecked. Guren waited in the darkened stairwell nearby. Sato entered alone. The door closing behind him, leaving him in darkness.


    A slight shove was all it took to send him tumbling down the flight of stairs. A loud hard thud as he landed hard on the concrete below. Not to kill him but maybe he might learn something about karma from the experience.


    ''That''s two down. And a good deed done today.'' He thought to himself, pleased with the outcome of his quest.

 Bonus Chapter 51.5: Reflections of a happier time

    Alone, nestled into a quiet alcove of a dimly lit bar, papers stacked high and folders haphazardly strewn across the table, was her only company. It was a Sunday evening, yet here she was, chained to papers.


    Captain Shimada¡¯s job resting on the edge of a knife, waiting to fall. She would have to find something soon, or else everything she had represented since joining the RCU would be for naught. To make a difference within the laws of world, to keep everyone within them. To maintain balance between rankers and civilians.


    "It''s a Sunday you know." A chipper voice spoke behind one of the piles of documents. A young man, with his face the picture of youthful vigour. Blonde hair framed by a boyish smile. His eyes betrayed his youthful appearance; they had the depth of an old soul, wisdom beyond his years.


    "Hello Kim."


    "I thought I would find you here." Kim Shi-Woo smiled at her. He had been searching high and low for his friend. Seeing her last week; he wanted to catch up. However, her current predicament was the opposite of what he intended.


    "Yeah." She sighed. Her head resting in her hands. The weight of responsibility was heavy on her shoulders, and she was struggling to carry it alone.


    "Our old guild bar, I still come here when I''m having a rough day." Kim reminisced. Alcohol stained into the wooden beams, memories of a lifetime ago.


    "How are you anyway?" Akiko questioned him, trying to shift the focus off her troubles. But he saw right through her, seeing the sadness that clouded her eyes.


    "Living the life of a gate clearer. Pretty boring if I''m honest." He admitted with a slight chuckle.


    "But enough about me. You look like you could use a drink." He waved down the bartender, ordering them two whiskeys. The liquid sloshed gently in the glass, the scent of the aged liquor wafted through the air, enticing the senses. This was the first drink she had in months; she was a lightweight at the best of times. However, if she was to drown her sorrows, she might as well do it right.


    "Any luck with your report?" Kim asked tentatively, knowing full well the answer.


    Akiko sighed, "No. We have nothing... Without the Reaper we have nothing." Her voice trailed off, as she took a long sip of her drink, savouring the taste of the oak-aged whiskey.


    "And this Reaper. Must be some fella to get you so worked up." Kim smiled; his eyes glinted with amusement. The Reaper was still a myth to those outside the ward, social media, and all.


    "He''s more than that. He is a ghost, a shadow. He haunts the streets, taking life after life. He leaves no trace, no evidence. Just blood. I hate him." She growled, the thought of the man made her blood boil. Twirling her the ends of her messy blonde hair.


    "Akiko did you ever wonder why you were always first out of the knight¡¯s poker tournaments?"


    "Everyday. Why?"


    "You have the worst tell I have ever seen. You twirl your hair when you''ve got something else on your mind. You don''t hate him; you hate the idea of him."


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Am I that easy to read?" A sheepish smile.


    "Oh yeah." He took a deep breath of the oak scented liquid. Sipping a small amount of it into his mouth.


    "Someone like him; choosing who lives and who dies, above the law. I hate it, you know? And yet, we always three steps behind him; picking up the pieces of the people he murdered..."


    "Sounds like a but is coming."


    "All those bodies are criminal scum. They would spend years in jail. If we could prove what they did, but we can''t. So, he does our job for us."


    "I see... you hate him not because he is a killer. It''s because deep down you don''t think it''s wrong."


    "I really am a bad liar. I guess so. The law is the law, it keeps us all in line... But maybe sometimes. Just sometimes." She took a sip of her drink.


    "What would our old Guildmaster say. ''Justice is like the office coffee. Poorly made, taste like ass and everyone hates it. But it''s the only coffee we got and it keeps us all sane.''" The man mimicked his former master¡¯s voice. An old crone, with a voice that could peel the paint off walls. It caused Akiko to laugh an ugly snort.


    "She would have waited in the dark every night. Waiting for the reaper. And if he didn''t come, she probably would have pulled him out of the shadows by the hairs."


    "God, I miss her."


    "Me too."


    Kim laughed with his friend. Memories of happier times, a simpler world. No Reaper, no inept justice system, just a bunch of young knights clearing gates.


    "Can I ask why you are here? Every time you want something; you bring me alcohol to make it easier to say yes to something stupid."


    Kim''s smile grew wide. He knew his friend could read him well, and his plan was going just as he hoped. "Akiko, would you like some help?"


    "Help? With what?"


    "The Reaper of course."


    "Why would I need your help? And why would you be offering?" Akiko inquired. The idea was absurd. A man who was not even a citizen of the ward, nor affiliated with the police force.


    "Because you are my friend. And friends help each other out." He gave a coy smile.


    "Kimmy..." He was hiding something; she could see right through his innocent facade.


    "The golden tigers want in on this."


    Handing a poster.


    ---


    ''Silvermane recruitment cup''


    ''All positions open - apply now.''


    ''3 rounds, 1 winner. Everyone is welcome to participate.''


    ---


    "So, you only want in on the Silvermane. I though you said-"


    "If we can get in; I''ll find anything I can on the Reaper. I''ll be your source of information from the inside." Kim smiled, knowing full well she could not refuse the offer. She had nothing but dead ends, no leads.


    "His links to the guild will be found out. And the RCU will be there to take him in." He outreached a hand to her. "Deal?"


    "I''m sorry Kim, officially we can''t accept help from outside parties, especially guilds." Her voice was stern, the rules of the RCU were clear. No outside assistance, even from friends.


    "Fair enough." Taking a final sip of his whiskey and setting the glass down on the table with a clink.


    "Good luck Aki. I mean it sincerely." Leaving Akiko alone in her booth, papers still piled high.


    ''Wait. I never mentioned anything about the Reapers links to the guild.'' She sat up. But he was already gone.


    Something was amiss with her friend. He seemed to know more than what he let on. ''Maybe... It is just the drink. That must be it.'' She was a lightweight after all, maybe a few glasses were enough to make her paranoid.


    ''No point thinking about it. Back to work.'' She sighed, reaching for the next stack of documents.