《I woke up in the morning and I was a demon.》


 Chapter 1: I Grew Wings!

    Light......

    That was the First thing I saw when I was born.

    Even as I''ve grown, I still see it.

    I see the burning light of the Sun pierce my poor little eyes.

    Every time, almost every day.

    At the same time, I am also still seeing the same view in my little abode.

    Waking up for me to go ahead and get ready for work, you know, like any other young adult woman you see every day.

    But this time? It''s entirely different

    Why?

    Because this time I had grown a pair of wings.

    At first, I freaked out and I didn''t know what to do.

    I mean this is quite unreal to begin with.

    Which resulted in me tumbling down while trying to get up hitting my head with my weights,

    Which, somehow didn''t hurt at all, like an ant bite, which is......weird

    I know I''m probably overreacting.

    But I bet anyone would freak out if this happened to them as well You know!

    Well, the same goes for the dumbbell to head effect but whatever.

    My back felt heavy and I couldn''t stand properly.

    I could control them but only for a little bit, like how some people try to move their ears or something.

    I''m basically like a baby bird at this point, aren''t I?

    I noticed by looking in the mirror but no matter how I looked at them, they were too devilish looking for comfort. Like can I be more edgy?!

    They looked a bit like a bat''s wings but much darker and sinister looking. And by that, I mean they''re pitch black with a tinge of red.

    I touched them to know how they would feel, well to be honest I just wished that they weren''t real but,

    They''re real alright, and that kind of tickles.

    Also, they can shrink!!

    which was something I was grateful for when I considered stepping outside to buy some food, like OMG thank God!

    After shrinking my wings my body felt lighter like the same way it was before, but I also noticed that my senses had sharpened, and I had become faster and stronger.

    I didn''t realize I had such senses even with my wings, and I only realized this when I broke the doorknob.... how much was that?

    Anyway, I also noticed that I have a singular horn which was weird and gave me the impression that I had turned into a demon or something, but in any case,

    I needed to know more.

    With my superior observational skills, I have noticed a couple more things about my body, don''t ask how.

    My fangs were sharp, and fire doesn''t hurt me as much anymore. I found that out when I tried to cook.

    I then began to explore the web for demons and such, in order to learn at least what vulnerabilities and similarities I had with other demons known by certain occult zealots,

    a.k.a weirdos.

    To my surprise, I discovered that these talents/abilities are identical to those of certain demons I had never heard of before, making me afraid of vulnerabilities as well.

    I mean just the thought of it.... you know,

    I felt the urge to scream in shock, after all normally i would be afraid, but somehow, I was way calmer than normal,

    which isn''t the strangest thing to happen at this point but oh well.

    Well then as for weaknesses.

    The sun doesn''t bother me at all, and I don''t have any urges to do anything at night. When I eat, I''m just normal it''s just that I eat way more than usual, and by more, I mean like two plates of food and rice or maybe more than that, I''m not sure.

    I also discovered that I have a desire for food that is the same color as blood for some reason.

    Though, I''m not as excited as they say I should be.

    These are probably just their fantasies which are amazingly detailed, like props to them great job.

    Since this happened to me, I have wondered about certain things.

    Things that are thought of by isekai shounen manga protagonist likeYou could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    "Can I still live as a normal person?"

    Or "Will I go back to normal at some point?"

    Something like that.

    I mean, I am a pale, friendless individual who works part-time at any business or facility that matches my talents....

    Assuming I have one.

    After contemplating whether I have skills or worth and what not I get surprised by a sound.

    Growls!!

    A big sound and not just any sound.

    It was like a dog that was in a sack and was growling

    In which was surprising and unusual but this time I was not as shocked,

    because it was just my stomach..........

    Yes...... I was hungry......again

    Which was really unusual, but without my discovery of having a huge appetite I would have been even more surprised or even think I have a body problem and I need to go to the hospital or something.

    Maybe I''m just sick after all. Ahaahahahaha.... hah...

    Either way, this have become a pain in the neck and shoulders!

    My wings are big after all.

    And

    (Growwll!)

    I-I''m very hungry......Arrghhh!

    Well, My hunger aside.

    I also discovered that demons like me apparently have long life spans in which I was very concerned about.

    By the way I got this from a variety of manga''s I''ve read.

    And fantasy is actually quite a good genre!

    Anyway, if I am supposedly going to live a long life which is longer than the longest living mammal which is the bowhead whale that can live up to 200 years Also known as the Arctic whale! Is what I searched.

    Then I''m screwed!

    I don''t have any experience outside my hobby of being an otaku! I have no idea how to live in a very comfortable way for 200 years!

    I don''t even know how to tackle my biggest obstacle in communicating with others! I''m screwed!

    .......well, then again, I''ve been living for 23 years like a crab that likes to live on the sidewalks, Hehe get it?

    .........Ehem! I mean.

    I''m a loner and an introvert, and I may have evolved into a demon-like entity, but that doesn''t alter anything!

    I''m going to live my life the way I want!

    Well, starting with my job.

    I have several problems that I have to take care of, which the first of which is toxins.

    Do I have any food I''m allergic to?

    Or should I say food that is considered poison to a demon''s body.

    I would say that even when I was a human, I have no allergies in need of taking note of, and I also don''t hate much of anything food wise.

    Mostly because I''m poor and I can''t really afford to be picky with food, but still, you know!

    Hmmmmmmmmm....

    Now that I think about it why did I think that I became a demon?

    Is it because of my pale complexity?

    Is it my devilish wings?

    Is it the tail that I noticed just now?

    Or is it my awful strength and speed?

    I don''t really know the answer to that, and I don''t really know if I can just keep on living like this forever, but I guess I''ll just try to make it work somehow.

    Right now, food comes first!

    Then I''ll get a good night''s sleep and then maybe, just maybe I''ll wake up normal again.

    NOT!

    Well, I need to eat so I''ll just go out and buy some stuff or maybe just eat out or something.

    Did I mention that I live just near Higashi Shinjuku station? And yeah.

    I live in Tokyo in some rundown apartment near the station in Shinjuku, anyway.

    There''s also the good news!

    And that I''m also near a hospital!

    This is very useful! in case I break something that is obviously not a part of my body, just saying.

    Well, I don''t really need to worry about anyone''s arm getting broken anyway.

    Why?

    Because I AM NOT A FIGHTER!

    I''m not really the type to raise my hand whenever I''m about to lose an argument, nor do I get to have arguments with anyone to begin with.

    I know...... it''s depressing.

    BUT either way, My Motto is that

    "I will not fight anyone physically unless they intend to harm me!"

    While my former motto was "I do not get into fights because I am weak and delicate!"

    Oh, how times have changed, brings a tear to my eye!

    I have Zero athletic capabilities when I was a human after all.

    You could say that the entertainment districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya, as well as the residential area of Setagaya, have comparatively high crime rates.

    Is what I searched, anyway.

    So basically, at night Shinjuku is comparatively dangerous, especially for a little lady like me. So, you may be asking.

    Why I, a weak and fragile lady living in Shinjuku?

    Well, it''s simple honey.

    I just live there.

    NOT! Because I like living on the edge or anything.

    I live there because I got job there. Life isn''t difficult or easy; you just have to live in however way you think is right and avoid doing what''s considered to be wrong.

    That way you can at least lay low and avoid contact with anyone that meets the criteria of being a dangerous person.

    Well either way, my way of life doesn''t matter right now!

    Right now, I am a demon lady and I''m not sure if I''m dreaming or if anything is real and I don''t even know anymore.

    So, I''m just gonna eat and go back fast.

    I went to a nearby Ramen shop and proceeded to buy at least three enormous bowls of ramen,

    Which shocked even the shop owner, me too actually.

    And I somehow gained an unnecessary title.

    Well, I''m famished, and I gained a title that does not seem to be an official one but whatever all that matters is I have eaten, and I can go home hunger-free!

    My life has become weird, and things have changed so drastically that I feel like this is just a big fat dream or nightmare I''m having, But,

    I feel like I can live through this and that I would be able to live happily throughout my days.

    I would also like to see if there are others like me that have become a demon or maybe they have become something else!

    I don''t really know but I will do my best and hopefully I could do the things that I like.

    For now, I will sleep for a bit and maybe just maybe I''ll be back to normal or something!

    For now, I will sleep for a bit and maybe just maybe I''ll be back to normal or something!

 Chapter 2: My Normal Life is gone!

    Today I woke up the same time at the same place and having the same feeling of heaviness in my back.

    Which was... starting to get really annoying! But oh well.

    According to my research and daily experiences my wings unconsciously get out and continue to grow from my back as I sleep.

    It''s been 3 days since after all.

    This in turn results in me waking up to the feeling of something very heavy hanging from my back.

    As usual though I manage to forget how much stronger I had become since I became a Demon and broke a very expensive vase which was

    ....... totally mine!

    Yes! it''s mine Ok!

    Well Simultaneously, I am able to uncover more of my secret powers and the many things that I am capable of doing, while also damaging things that are

    Toooootally mine yep,

    Yes!

    Yes, it''s mine thanks for guessing.

    At times I also notice some of my emotions dying out and not being able to use them, which were inconenient,

    But I didn''t really see it as a bad thing, I don''t talk a lot after all.

    I''ve also noticed that I''m losing my feelings for human life bit by bit which is becoming a problem in terms of me caring for the friends that I definitely have

    YES!! I HAVE FRIENDS OK!

    And also, who am I talking to?

    Since I can hide my wings, tail, horn, and fangs I am able to look exactly like how I was previously,

    Which was... a...human?

    I-I don''t know, maybe I wasn''t human all along!

    I honestly don''t know...but given how I felt for human life whenever I saw dead corpses or accidents happening around me and over the world, on Tv of course.

    It was becoming a major issue.

    As a former human the only thing I liked about my life was me reading manga,

    Playing games and watching anime as a hobby,

    But for me to continue my precious life, I needed to go to work and earn money to buy games and pay my rent.

    Also, have I ever mentioned that I''m not working right now and that I neglected to tell my boss why?

    .......

    .... With that, I realized that I had been missing from work for three days in a row without saying anything to my employer,

    Which caused me to rush at full speed! which also! I''d forgotten how quick I''d gotten to the point where people merely feel a giant rush of wind every time, I pass them.

    Which I''m sorry about, but I''m in a hurry!!

    And don''t worry.

    I did not run while I was inside my house I was already outside when I ran.

    WAIT, I HAVE NO TIME FOR THIS!

    I ran at full speed and didn''t even take a minute to get to my destination.

    Which made me realize that I wasn''t weary at all and that I felt amazing jogging!

    I did notice the variety of people noticing a huge burst of wind that has a slightly dark outline inside, will they think it''s a ghost or a runaway tornado?

    Joking aside I received my pay for the previous weeks.

    As well as a message informing me that I had been dismissed.......If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    .................................... Well, if you think about it, it''s only logical to fire a non-responsive part timer.

    I... I didn''t really know what to feel at the time. I mean,

    I was still in shock that the job that had taken me a long time to find when I was still job-hunting while being penniless or yen less if you will

    Ba dumbtss.

    ......You''re not in the mood for a joke, are you?

    Well, this shock made me remember something important as well.

    Which was the new anime magazine that was meant to be released today, but which I later discovered had sold out in all bookshops!

    ......What the f*ck!

    Is it just not my day?

    I couldn''t wait to see which VA would be chosen for my favorite character in a manga that was getting an anime adaptation Dammit!

    Well, this was not the least of my problems and the biggest problem I have right now is that I can only pay rent with these for the month.

    And now I can officially declare that I''m broke!

    No food, manga, books,

    Or many other things I require for both daily necessities and hobby like needs are gone!

    Well not really for the food, because I have a fridge that has all the luxury, I need in life in which were cup noodles and some vegetables and fish.

    Oh, did I tell you that I can cook?

    Well, not like I''m talking to anyone. Ha...ha I must be going insane.

    Anyway, I have many problems being number one is that?

    I''m unemployed, and number two is that I''m broke.

    This is sadder than having a side character suddenly die because the MC was being careless,

    But oh well!

    I wasn''t really looking forward to what happens in the next minute for I was feeling depressed.

    NOT! I was so calm at this moment that even I was surprised!

    But it''s not like I didn''t know why I was calm; it''s the initial reaction that surprised me, which was me feeling, nothing.

    It''s like I already poured the glass with all my depression inside it and just left it there for good, and that surprised me and made me think,

    "Is this how I was back then?"

    I don''t know if it''s the result of me becoming a demon, but if this continues, it''s going to be a big problem, from interviews to simple human communication.

    Did I also mention that whenever I think or talk inside my head it''s actually much slower than how I move?

    Maybe not, but I noticed that my line of thinking wasn''t just faster.

    I am also able to think of multiple things at once! This flipped my inner chuunibyou into doing silly things like posing in front of the mirror and playing around like no one''s business

    I WAS GOING CRAZY AT THIS POINT OK!

    Now when everything was already going downhill and quickly with my foot on the non-working break inside this automobile named Suffering, I got a phone call from someone I suppose I don''t know.

    I originally assumed that someone had dialed the wrong number, but it would be a long shot and would be unpleasant for both me and the person calling,

    and to top it all off, I remembered that I don''t have any friends.

    And yeah,

    I was lying about having friends, but who cares right now!

    I didn''t want to make the person to keep waiting so I answered the call to a very stern strict voice of a woman saying.

    [Are you looking for a Job?]

    After hearing this it felt like a sharp imaginary knife is pointed at my chest, which made me nervous.

    I realized this while listening to her talk as if she knows me and is suddenly offering me a job at a time like this, but my mind went blank and at this point I thought

    I need to say yes.

    Then as if all of a sudden, my body was being held by strings my mouth moved and spoke.

    I know i situation is weird enough as it is, but this is a whole nother level. now i can fight back control of my body but something inside me is saying i should let this happen.

    Which i did, and she answered with these same words.

    [Meet me at the Batting Center near Kabukicho by tomorrow, and we''ll discuss the specifics of your job until then.]

    At that moment, she had already hung up, and I realized that I said yes unconsciously, which kept me wondering,

    Why I did and why in a batting center?

    Either way, now I have a great job opportunity that just happened to fall on me when I was still down in the dumps over getting fired.

    But it also raised several questions for me.

    Like how did she found my number and called me at the right time and opportunity?

    And

    That mysterious feeling of not being able to control my body and make my own decisions.

    I don''t know if I want to know or not, But honestly? I do

    This doesn''t really help me in my current situation. after all you could call this a blatant attack, magical or not.

    If it''s even magic to begin with, either way i need answers to what''s happening to me.

    and contacting me after this happened just makes this all the more suspicious.

    In any case, I have to meet this mystery person with the sexy strict voice!

    Wait! I''m talking about a woman who appears to be rough around the edges.

    Wait! No! No! No!

    Let''s not think about that and just eat, because I realized I haven''t eaten anything at all.

    A lot happened today, and I don''t even know where to start.

    Perhaps when I lost my job and then found another? Or when I turned into a demon?

    I don''t know.

    I still have a lot of unanswered questions, and they keep piling up even more, at this rate, I don''t even know what to ask.

    Well, whatever my stomach goes first, and my precious sleep.

 Chappter 1.1: The Eggs that wont rot

    The city of Shinjuku thrives as a chaotic mosaic, bursting with wonder and a kaleidoscope of people. Every corner hums with life, each individual a unique egg in the city��s ever-shifting carton.

    Some of these eggs are pure, wholesome��prime ingredients for the finest meals. Others? They��re exotic, alluring in their danger, their beauty a mere mask for the poison they carry.

    When the sun sets, Shinjuku transforms. Its dazzling neon lights paint the streets in vivid colors, and the city becomes a nocturnal carnival��a stage where excitement and peril dance hand in hand. Danger here is not a curse but a spice, rare and intoxicating, savored by thrill-seekers who feast on risk.

    For those who thrive in this chaos, danger is an old friend. But for others, like the red-and-blue lights patrolling the streets, danger is a disease to be cured. These guardians of peace stand as a barrier, determined to keep the bad eggs from spoiling the batch.

    The bad eggs, however, are slippery. They scatter, evading the lights like shadows, avoiding the cold confinement of the ��fridge����a place where rotten things are left to waste away.

    Shinjuku is not just a city; it��s an empire of eccentricities. Hidden in its many folds are extraordinary eggs, each staking claim over their own corners of this chaotic kingdom. Five distinct regions carve up the city��s map, each ruled by a self-proclaimed monarch��a "king" of Shinjuku.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    These rulers aren��t monarchs in the traditional sense. Their thrones aren��t gilded; their courts are shadowy. But their power is undeniable, and their territories are sacred ground. Each king respects the others, for a single misstep could plunge the city into war.

    Beyond the kings, Shinjuku��s underworld churns with even stranger eggs��those who operate in silence, known only as "Dealers." Mercenaries of the modern day, these shadowy figures work for the highest bidder. "Any job��s worth doing as long as the money flows," they say.

    Yet some eggs remain faceless, unseen, working in the shadows for the badge and the lights. Their quiet resolve keeps the delicate balance intact.

    But one night, that balance shifts.

    Under a dimly lit bridge, a figure crouched in the darkness. His battered frame shivered, his breath misting in the cold air. Dirt caked his face, and his eyes glinted with something primal.

    [I''m hungry...]

    The words came as a whisper, then a growl. He repeated them, over and over, each time louder, more desperate.

    [I''m HUNGRY...]

    His voice cracked, splitting the night like a jagged blade. His body trembled, and his whispers morphed into guttural snarls.

    [I WANT FOOD!]

    The figure rose unsteadily, his limbs jerking like a broken marionette. His eyes burned with a feral light as he staggered toward the city��s edge.

    Behind the hospital, bathed in the glow of a flickering sign, the man found his destination. His movements were erratic, his growls echoing through the quiet night.

    He stepped into the hospital, his shadow stretching across the sterile walls.

    And that was the moment the nightmare had begun.

 Chapter 2.2: Beast of the Hospital

    The wailing of police sirens echoed through the dim streets of Shinjuku, cutting through the uneasy stillness of the night. A scene of utter carnage unfolded at a hospital, now bathed in the rhythmic flashes of red and blue lights.

    A grim figure emerged from the arriving convoy��a man in a dark coat whose presence demanded respect.<b>Sakuma Tamotsu</b>, a detective with a reputation as sharp as his instincts. Known across Shinjuku for cracking the city��s most perplexing cases, Sakuma now faced a nightmare that even his hardened resolve found unsettling.

    Stepping past the cordoned perimeter, he surveyed the scene. The air reeked of iron, and the faint sound of boots crunching on broken glass accompanied the hushed murmurs of officers exchanging reports. Bodies��too many to count at a glance��lay sprawled across the hospital��s entrance and corridors. Blood painted the walls, a grotesque tapestry of violence.

    Sakuma��s eyes narrowed as he approached the lead officer, a young but steady man who snapped to attention.

    "Status report," Sakuma ordered, his voice cold and measured.

    The officer nodded. "The suspect left no clear evidence or weapons behind, sir. It seems they exited through the rear of the hospital, likely after slaughtering anyone in sight. The scene inside is..." The officer hesitated, glancing at the building as if it might swallow him whole.

    Sakuma gestured for him to continue.

    "The victims, sir��they show signs of severe animalistic attacks. Bite marks, deep slashes, and claw-like scratches. Some wounds look like they were inflicted by something... unnatural."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Sakuma frowned, his mind racing to piece together the puzzle. A hundred victims. Almost half the hospital��s occupants wiped out in a single, brutal rampage. No witnesses. No discernible escape route. It didn��t add up.

    He crouched near one of the bodies, examining the wounds under the harsh glare of the floodlights. The jagged bite marks weren��t just feral��they were deliberate, as if the killer reveled in the act.

    "This wasn��t random," Sakuma muttered to himself. "This was calculated chaos."

    Rising to his feet, he pulled a sleek phone from his coat pocket and dialed a number. Holding the device to his ear, he spoke in a low, deliberate tone.

    "This case isn��t going to solve itself," he murmured, as the line connected.

    On the other end, a bright, almost mischievous voice answered. "Well, well, Detective Sakuma. Fancy hearing from you. Are you taking advantage of our round-the-clock service?"

    "I need your expertise," Sakuma replied curtly. "This incident is beyond the norm. I need a list of potential suspects��people capable of this... madness. Shinjuku��s underbelly is your specialty."

    The woman chuckled, her tone playful yet professional. "We��re juggling a few things, Detective, but for the right price, we can make your case our priority. A little overtime fee wouldn��t hurt, would it?"

    "Just get it done," Sakuma snapped, though not without a hint of amusement. "And keep me posted on anything you find."

    "Consider it handled. Over and out," the voice chimed before the line went dead.

    Sakuma pocketed the phone, his thoughts drifting to darker territory. He rubbed his temple, muttering under his breath.

    "Could this be related to the ��Man of the Night��? No... it doesn��t fit his pattern. He��s precise��clean. This? This is a massacre."

    The thought gnawed at him, even as he dismissed it for now. He turned to the scene again, sighing deeply.

    "This case is going to bury me in paperwork," he muttered before steeling himself.

    He moved further into the hospital, stepping over shattered glass and pools of blood. His sharp eyes scanned the devastation for any detail that might offer a lead. The victims�� expressions told a silent story of terror��a story Sakuma was determined to unravel.

    Tonight, Shinjuku had become a battlefield. And the Beast of the Hospital had left its mark.

 Chapter 3: I have a Job now!?

    Today, I woke up at the same time, in the same place, with the same weight pressing down on my back. But this time, it felt a bit lighter��only a little, though, and it was still annoying.

    Today, I had to meet the person who called me yesterday about what was supposedly going to be my new job. But honestly, I had no idea what this was about.

    And why did it have to be held in a batting center of all places?

    Well, either way, I was determined to check out what kind of job she was offering and bolt out of there if anything seems fishy.

    I took the train to Kabukicho early in the morning. Why? Because it gets crowded here if I go later, and crowds and I don��t mix well. After that, I hopped on a bus heading toward the batting facility, which was exhausting��mentally, not physically.

    In the first place, I didn��t really want to go out today, nor did I have enough energy to care about what she had to offer. But that odd sensation I felt during our phone call, the way I was basically forced to say yes, had me wondering about numerous things.

    One of those things was whether she was a fellow demon or just someone who knew something about me and my condition. But I had no proof to back that up. What made her approach me in the first place? Who was she? What exactly did she want? And what type of work did she have for me?

    These questions filled my mind with curiosity and anxiety about what was to come. And my god, it was really annoying having to go there for no reason.

    [.... Maybe I.... should just... kill her...]

    ����Huh?

    W-What did I just say?

    What in the world was that?!

    Well, that was something. Was that a change in my personality? Never mind that; I think the people around me heard me mumble that.

    And I think that��s my cue to just walk there now!

    That was weird, usually the first thing i would think is how dragging this is not how i want to kill her.

    I decided to keep it at the back of my mind for now, but i couldn��t help not to think about it. My mind was clouded walking towards the center.

    I stopped at a nearby convenience store to grab something to eat. After all, the batting center opens at 10:00 a.m., and it was only 9:30. I was a little early, but I needed something to ease my demonic hunger!

    After a few minutes, I arrived at the batting cage, and to my amazement, it was already open. But there was a notice on the door that read:

    (No entry until 3:00 p.m.)

    W-What?!

    I arrived early only to discover they were closed until 3 p.m.?!

    Haaaah... well, I can��t do anything about this, so I��m just going to go home!

    As I pouted away from the entrance, I suddenly heard the sound of a bat striking a ball.

    I was astonished at how much my hearing had improved. It reminded me of how I could hear everyone��s conversations on the bus. This got me curious, but it also made me nervous about going inside to check it out.

    But after hearing those noises, I received a text message, ��Come in�� she��s practically ordering me to go in.

    As hesitant as I was, I didn��t really care anymore, so I went inside. I immediately noticed that there was only one person in the center.

    I knew this because my hearing senses had sharpened. I could pick up on breathing, footsteps, the noise of the bat hitting the ball, heartbeats, and even sweat droplets.

    If I focused enough, I could hear them all perfectly, but this also made me acutely aware of my surroundings.

    I had forgotten that ever since becoming a demon, I could see things in the dark much clearer, like an owl. I could also detect heat signatures��essentially the warmth of an object or body.

    All my senses had improved dramatically, but it was hard to get used to them, so I hadn��t really utilized them much since I wasn��t doing anything in particular.

    Thanks to these amazing senses of mine, I was able to notice ten people inside the building. Three of them were near the basement, four at another exit, and two on the roof. What they all had in common was that they were near the only person who was not hiding and was playing with the bat.

    [Is this a trap? Or is she trying to capture me?]

    Either way, I was planning on meeting her to find out what she had in mind, what she knew about me, and how she found out about me.

    I did consider the possibility that she didn��t even know I was a demon, but seeing this many people here made me change my mind.

    If she attacked me or even threatened me, I was ready to kill her and leave. There were also the people outside, but who cares? At this point, it was do or die.

    Not taking this seriously could end in her favor��either capturing me or successfully blackmailing me into doing what she wanted. But I wasn��t going to back down and let her do what she wanted with me.

    I��d make sure I survived and left.

    I finally stopped overthinking this meeting with a complete stranger who was offering me a job in a situation that could prevent me from becoming homeless and unemployed for the rest of my life.

    That��s quite harsh.

    I took a step and walked to the side of the batting cage so she would notice me and finally start talking about my job. As expected, she stopped playing with the bat and gestured for me to come in.

    ��Pang!��

    That was a good serve.

    I felt nervous, but for some reason, I was letting my guard down around her, and I didn��t know why. She looked like a big sister or the type who would scold you when you did something wrong but also give you great advice.

    She had blonde hair, blue diamond-like eyes that were stern yet kind, and a smirk that hinted at mischief. A small dot beneath the left side of her lips seemed like a birthmark, and she appeared to be the strong type��after all, she was wearing a suit.

    Her eyes, as blue as diamonds, felt as if they were looking right through me, but they also held a curiosity that gave me that same eerie feeling I had when she first contacted me.

    It was unsettling, but I thought I knew why I felt this way��or at least had a clue.

    I stepped inside the batting area and immediately noticed two chairs facing each other on the side of the net. As I walked closer, she sat down in one of the chairs, as if inviting me to take a seat as well.

    I sat in the expensive-looking chair, and the pressure of the situation intensified.

    Once I was seated, she began to stare at me, which felt really unsettling! It was as if she were checking if the deer she was preying on had enough fat and meat to satisfy her!

    These kinds of thoughts kept swirling in my head until she finally spoke.

    [This should be our first time meeting, yes?] she asked, as if to confirm I knew her. Unfortunately for her, I was terrible at remembering names!

    Also, her voice sent shivers up my spine with its sultry, smooth tone.

    I better answer her now and fast before anything happens.

    I nodded in response to her question, and she continued.

    [Is that so? Well, to start this out, an introduction is needed. My name is Claire Everstone, and I must apologize for calling you here unexpectedly, but I assure you it will be worth your while.]

    I nodded again in response to her apology, all the while noticing that the four people at the other exit had now split and surrounded the exterior of the building, as if keeping anyone from entering.

    Perhaps they were just bodyguards or something.

    [I suppose it��s time to get to the point of this meeting. I summoned you here to discuss both the job I offer and your power.]

    At that moment, I already knew she was going to say that, but to think that she knew about my power was surprising.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    It was no shock she knew my phone number and address, and the fact that I was unemployed made this meeting even more dangerous than it already was.

    I didn��t want to give her any ideas.

    But I was curious about what else she knew about me and my abilities.

    So, I asked her, [What do you mean by my power?]

    As I questioned her, I employed a technique I had learned that I could use in this situation: Demonic Aura.

    Having read countless fantasy manga and watched anime for years, I had gained an insane amount of knowledge that I could possibly use since becoming a demon. One of those was my <b>Demonic Aura.</b>

    By applying pressure to the air and slightly heating it, and then combining this pressure with my dark mana��the energy within me��I was able to construct something that resembled an aura. I called this technique my <b>Pseudo Aura.</b>

    While it was a little late to say it, what I meant by the energy inside me was basically like mana or magic power. I had just managed to do this now.

    Before, I could already feel the presence of mana in the atmosphere, and I also felt it inside me. Initially, I thought I could conjure up some magic! After all, I was a fantasy fan.

    In which I failed, which got me bummed out.

    But just knowing I had magic power inside me already got me excited!

    Maybe someday I would be a demon who could use awesome magic like the ones I always saw in anime!

    And that��s how I managed to create my aura. Now, let me see her reaction for a bit.

    As I exuded my Demonic Aura while staring her dead in the eyes, she eventually responded with an unexpected answer.

    [Well, to be honest, I know absolutely nothing about your power.]

    Huh?

    ........... wait

    You mean I pulled that type of trick on her when she has no idea what I��m talking about?!

    W-w-wait a minute! I need to stay calm; I need to regain my poker face! OMG! That was so embarrassing!

    Haaaah hoooh... As I took deep breaths inside my mind, I asked her again, [W-what do you mean by that?]

    [It��s exactly as it sounds; I have no idea about your power.]

    She didn��t seem to be lying about that, but how did she know about my power?

    Well, questioning her about my abilities could lead her to believe that I truly did have supernatural abilities.

    But at this point, I was sure she knew about my power. Maybe she just didn��t know I was a demon. Despite the risk, I wanted to ask anyway.

    I mean, who knows if there are other people who actually know I have these kinds of abilities?

    I had a feeling I would benefit more if I knew her opinion and knowledge, but I also knew she might be lying and had gathered enough information about me, and that she just wanted to use me.

    No matter, I needed information about my current state anyway.

    And if they had ideas about it, I wanted to know all of it.

    [Then can I assume you know something that I don��t?]

    [Well, to begin with, your power to me is something unknown, but I have a vague idea as to what you are capable of.]

    So, she did have info on me!

    That made this way riskier than any online dates I��d had while trying to hide my otaku personality!

    Jokes aside, this was bad. How bad, you ask? To put it simply, she claimed to know what I was capable of, which implied that she had been watching me from who knows where.

    Since when?!

    I had never even noticed somebody looking at me from a distance!

    And just so you know, as I was attempting to figure out how to use my mana, I was simultaneously keeping my senses sharpened.

    I usually relied on my hearing and sense of smell, but I had also been keeping an eye on my surroundings. So, whatever she was employing was invisible to me.

    That suggested she was either an Esper or someone with access to highly valued technology.

    This also meant I was dealing with an organization!

    As I was thinking about how this whole meeting was just a huge pain in the ass, she started explaining things in more detail.

    [As I was saying, I have no idea about your true capabilities��whether it is strength, speed, or mental capacity. However, I can tell that you have at least one of the three I listed, if not more. Now, I have a proposal in mind, and this is in regards to the job offer I mentioned over the phone. Will you at least hear me out?]

    Her composure was remarkable.

    Plus, she had been smiling the entire time she discussed her proposal. But now I was positive she had some kind of ability or two.

    What I wasn��t sure about was whether she was currently using it or not. For the time being, I decided to listen to her explanation of her offer.

    Perhaps I would learn more about her and myself.

    So, I nodded in response. Just hearing about what she had to offer made me forget about killing her! I had a bad feeling that if I actually tried to harm her, I would end up dead or something.

    [I''d like you to work with us as a type of agent.]

    What did she mean by a type of agent? As if I were an assassin or something?

    I knew I was strong, but I didn��t believe I could go on a mission where I needed to knock someone out and bring them back to base.

    I mean, with my strength, I��d simply murder them.

    First and foremost, I still needed to manage my talents, so I wasn��t sure. I was interested, so I asked, [An agent?]

    [Yes, you see, I work for an organization called HeCaTe, whose main mission is to either destroy or control persons with supernatural abilities. This organization has different divisions in charge of managing various locations across the world. I am the supreme commander of Japan, and I oversee Shibuya.]

    I see. By ��organization,�� she implied that this group was worldwide, and that she located me so quickly since her group monitored Shibuya and the entire country of Japan.

    That explained everything.

    And it also implied that whatever reaction I gave her when she explained her proposal could make me either their ally or their enemy, which didn��t sound good in any way. I wanted to ask more questions about the group, but I was afraid that if I did, it would imply that if I refused her offer, I��d be imprisoned for knowing too much, which caused me tummy aches.

    [When you say agent, you mean a person who eliminates and captures certain targets that are either on the run or newly found, is that it?]

    I didn��t know if it was too lengthy, but I just had to confirm whether I was going to be the sort who harmed others or collected information instead.

    [Yes, you are correct. Your job is to use your abilities and fulfill your orders of either capturing the target or getting rid of them. Sounds like fun, doesn��t it?]

    [.........]

    I understood what she meant by ��fun.��

    When you are meant to eliminate someone bad, the feeling of doing so is bliss��not that I��d ever felt it myself.

    I��ve just been able to tell whenever a character I despised was suffering and later died, which made me feel great, even though killing other people is bad.

    But this was different.

    We were talking about killing strangers who had tipped off the organization��s radar, which meant that secret agents and the like would come after them to either take information or shut them down completely.

    Well, did I really have a choice here?

    I mean, I had no idea what had happened to my body, and I had an organization keeping an eye on me.

    That meant that even if I refused and they let me go by some miracle, they would still monitor me and keep an eye on everything I did, ultimately sealing my freedom.

    And I didn��t think I could take on an organization that had individuals with talents comparable to mine.

    I mean, I may be a demon, but what if they had an angel?

    Or do they have a relic, a weapon, or something else in their hands to deal with me? That would be like going into battle without any armor and just charging ahead blindly.

    I��d read enough novels to know what happens when you fight something you can��t defeat, and I��m not the type of person who fights anyone in the first place.

    [.............] [sigh]

    You know what? Let��s just take her offer.

    Why?

    Because I can��t do anything, and this is becoming a pain, so let��s just go with the flow for now.

    I mean, as I said, I can��t do anything in the first place, and even if I killed her, that would just mean my bounty and the fact that I was dangerous would be revealed and increased!

    So, I can��t do anything.

    Not right now, anyway.

    I need information and power to erase a whole organization on my own, so for now, I��ll work for her until I can do something about HeCaTe myself.

    [I accept your offer and look forward to working with you.] I bowed as I accepted her proposal.

    As I sat up, I noticed that her eyes had significantly brightened, and she was smiling warmly.

    Her mouth wasn��t actually open; she was simply smiling.

    She then stood up, grabbed both of my hands, and thanked me for accepting.

    [I thank you for accepting my offer, and you don��t have to worry about keeping our meeting discreet. Now that you��re one of us, we��ll keep both your gifts and your relationship to us hidden. You can rely on us!]

    Well now!

    This came as a surprise; the sense of authority and severity emanating from her quickly vanished, replaced with enthusiasm and excitement.

    Although I say that, her excitement aside, she was able to keep her cool and do things in moderation.

    The reason I say that is that she may appear enthusiastic, but in fact, she was still on guard but also relaxed at the same time.

    What a terrifying individual.

    This is why I pick and choose who I interact with.

    After all of that, one of the guards brought a phone, which she instantly let go of me when she received a call from someone. My guess was that it was one of the higher-ups, if not a scout who happened to be in the area.

    As she was taking the phone call, I became aware of a disturbing presence coming from a few blocks away.

    Is it somebody on the loose? But this feeling��I could definitely tell it wasn��t a normal person.

    Plus, I hadn��t addressed it before, but the guards surrounding the batting cages shared the same sense of abnormality, suggesting they weren��t just ordinary people. However, this one was different; it was much more twisted in terms of energy.

    To put it another way, it was similar to an adventurer��s ranking, where they are ranked from G to S rank.

    This thing was essentially a B rank, while the guards here were all C ranks��aside from Claire, whose rank I didn��t know.

    My rank in terms of energy was basically that of an S rank! Muahahahaha!

    Well, as I was thinking so highly of myself, Miss Claire asked me a very specific question.

    [Now that I think about it, I��m not sure what to call you. in our organization, we enable our agents to use an alias. To be more specific, what do you want to be known as?]

    [?!]

    I had considered several titles and nicknames for myself, but I never imagined any of them would become permanent, so I didn��t really care.

    I also considered the possibility of becoming a hero or something, and as for the name, I wasn��t sure.

    Well, I couldn��t just call myself ��Devil Girl�� or ��Demon Lord�� or anything else that was too obvious. I needed something unique, something that hadn��t been used before, and all that.

    ........................

    {Eri...} ....... [Lit]

    A whisper in my head,

    I��m not sure why, but a name popped into my head at that very moment.

    Like a bird suddenly pooping on you or something.

    Oh wait, that��s a bad example.

    But in any case, I had found the appropriate name for someone like myself! It was far from ideal, but it would do for now.

    [Erilith��that��s my name.]

    It was a mix between Ereshkigal and Lilith, both of whom were queens and maybe demons.

    I understood that stealing and merging the names of such big leagues might seem like a bad idea, but hey, it happened, and I couldn��t really alter it now.

    My new identity would be Erilith, the Demon Queen of the Skies, because I could fly.

    So why not?

    After I told her that, she hesitated for a moment while continuing to talk to the person on the phone. Then she glanced at me with a glint in her eyes that shone brightly, giving me chills and discomfort. I had a bad feeling about this.

    Don��t tell me!

    [Well, Erilith, your first mission is to take care of the stray anomaly that is currently rampaging here on the streets. You don��t mind taking care of some simple chores, do you?]

    I knew it!

    You sly blue-eyed devil!

    Well, I expected this, but I didn��t expect her to send a newbie recruit instead of these nine guards! Hahaha, what a pain!

    But wait, aren��t civilians going to notice the ��abnormality�� that��s currently rampaging on the streets?

    Won��t they get caught up?

    [Oh, and don��t worry about the people; we��ve already constructed a type of barrier around the area where the target is, making it invisible to human eyes. However, if it kills or even wounds someone, that person will appear to have been slain by an unseen force. So, before that occurs, we must first apprehend our target at all costs.]

    That makes sense.

    So, all I had to do now was knock it out and take it back without injuring any civilians in the process.

    Piece of cake!

    Well, it would be if I just had to kill it and all, but I had to go to the trouble of capturing it for some reason.

    She also handed me a tie clip that apparently rendered me invisible to regular people while confronting the target.

    Pretty high-tech, if I do say so myself.

    Well, no time like the present! As I got ready to leave, Claire and her guards got into a car to head to the spot themselves.

    [By the way, please don��t kill our target, okay?]

    Well, that��s great advice.

    Whelp, off I go to my first mission!

 Chapter 3.1: Hunger That Bears Insanity

    The morning sun cast a pale glow over the quiet streets of Tokyo, its golden light barely reaching the damp alleyways still shrouded in lingering mist. The city was slowly awakening��commuters hurried by, restaurant owners prepared for the day, and yet, in the shadows, a man scoured through a row of garbage cans, his hands shaking as he searched for something, anything to eat.

    He was no ordinary man. He had a body resembling a huge monster, his clothes hung off him in tattered strips, his skin sallow, his eyes sunken with hunger that had long since eroded his humanity. His trembling fingers clawed at discarded scraps, his breath ragged and shallow.

    A few streets away, an old man stood on a makeshift platform, delivering impassioned prayers to the indifferent passersby. His deep, weathered voice rose above the hum of the waking city.

    "Rejoice and grieve! For today, the gods grant us clarity��clarity to witness the decay of our world! To reflect upon the sins that have led us here!" he declared, ringing a small brass bell with each proclamation.

    Yet few stopped to listen. With a sigh, he retreated into a nearby alley, shaking his head. "These young ones, blind to how broken society has become," he muttered, gripping an old, polished orb in his hand��his most treasured relic.

    He traced its surface with his fingers, eyes filled with longing. "If only you could guide me once more, Christine."

    Just as he closed his eyes to take a sip from his water bottle, a loud, thunderous banging echoed through the narrow passageway. The sudden noise sent a shiver down his spine, his hands fumbling the orb, sending it rolling toward the commotion. Panic seized him as he scrambled to retrieve it, unwilling to abandon his sacred relic. But as he drew closer, the noise grew��deep, resounding thuds that rattled the very walls.

    "Those aren''t the sounds of construction," he realized, a chill settling into his bones. "These are footsteps... something enormous."

    The clamor suddenly ceased.

    A suffocating silence followed, thick with dread. The old man barely dared to breathe, his heart hammering in his chest. He knew he should turn and flee, but something held him still. Then, from above, a single brick tumbled loose, shattering against the pavement. The old man swallowed hard.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "No... I will not cower again," he whispered, determination flashing in his weary eyes. Gripping the orb tightly, he edged toward the source of the sound.

    Rounding the corner, he glimpsed an immense shadow stretching against the morning light, its shape distorted by the mist. He hesitated. It loomed in the alleyway, a massive, shifting silhouette. He took another cautious step forward, his breath catching.

    As the mist thinned, the shadow revealed itself��a large, billowing black sheet draped over a stack of scaffolding. The old man exhaled sharply, relief washing over him. "Just a tarp... nothing more."

    But then��

    THWACK!

    Pain exploded through his body. A force like a sledgehammer struck him, hurling him against the brick wall. His limbs cracked on impact, a sharp cry escaping his lips. Agony coursed through him, yet somehow, his fingers never loosened their grip on the orb.

    The creature that struck him now stood in the dim morning light.

    A man��no, a monstrous thing in human form. His clothes were ragged, his body gaunt, but his limbs... his limbs were grotesquely swollen, fingers distended into massive, claw-like hands. His breathing was shallow, labored, each exhale carrying a desperate, ravenous need.

    The old man��s voice trembled. "W-what... what are you?"

    The thing before him barely acknowledged the question. Its cracked lips parted, revealing jagged, broken teeth.

    "I''m... hungry..." it rasped.

    "I... I want food..."

    "GIVE ME FOOD!"

    The sheer desperation in its voice sent a fresh wave of terror through the old man. He had spent his life contemplating death, had spoken of it with confidence and reverence. But now, facing it, he realized he feared not the end��but the unknown beyond it.

    He closed his eyes. "Christine... I never truly understood why you had to die."

    The creature lunged, its massive hands poised to crush him.

    Then, a deafening explosion rocked the alleyway.

    A figure plummeted from the sky, colliding with the monster and sending a shockwave through the surroundings. Smoke and debris filled the air. The force of impact sent tremors through the earth, and the old man shielded his eyes against the blinding light of the blast.

    When the dust settled, he saw her.

    A woman, standing amidst the rubble, her presence overwhelming. Her silhouette was sharp against the morning sun, her stance unwavering.

    The old man��s breath hitched��not in relief, but in an even deeper, more primal fear.

    Not because of the explosion or because he was rescued from certain death, but because a more powerful and frightening beast had come down from the heavens.

    He had no idea what she was.

    But one thing was certain.

    And that was for the wicked girl to leave him alone.

 Chapter 4: My very first Mission!

    Hey yo! It''s your friendly neighborhood bat here! Why a bat, you ask? Well, I��m pretty pale, and I might as well be a vampire right now, soaring through this scorching heat!

    Seriously, what the hell? First, she tries to threaten me, and now she sends a newbie like me against a monster on a rampage?! What is she, a demon?!

    (Achoo! Claire magically sneezes cutely at this time.)

    But honestly, this is a pretty dangerous mission. I don��t know if she knows how strong I am, but the way she confidently recommended this mission to me says otherwise. Or maybe she��s trying to gather more data about me and my capabilities to create some contraption against me.

    Which is annoying, but a good move on her part. After all, to fool your enemies, you have to fool your allies. One must not reveal one��s trump card to anyone, for they might be your enemy soon enough.

    Is what I searched on the internet. Ooh, that��s another good quote.

    However! It does make sense how she is both testing me and making me take care of some ��chores.��

    BUT��

    Why does it have to be so freaking hot out?!

    By the way, I��m currently flying, but that doesn��t mean she knows I have wings. Before we departed, I ran toward the target and jumped from building to building until now. But as hot as it is, I think I��d rather walk.

    As I was complaining about the sun��s heat, I noticed something glimmering below, somewhere among the buildings. It was like someone flashing a flashlight into the sky at night. What the hell is that? It��s hurting my eyes!

    Maybe it��s some kind of tech from Claire? I don��t really know, but as I kept looking, I also noticed our big boy anomaly just beside it. Well, that was fast; maybe it is some tech I don��t know.

    Now that I found our little abnormality, maybe I should contact Claire for verification or something. Well, this is an official mission after all, so I guess I should.

    I dialed the phone number she used to contact me, but��

    ...Why isn��t she picking up?

    ...

    [Have you found it?]

    Oh, thank God! I thought I was being ignored or something. Phew! Oh, I mean, ahem.

    [Yes, it��s in some back alley somewhere in Okubo, near a Family Mart convenience store.]

    That should suffice, right?

    I mean, if you look at it closely, it��s not really that fast, but I can tell that it��s very dangerous.

    [Good. Intercept the target and knock it out. Also, try not to garner too much attention, okay?]

    [......]

    [Well, that��s all��good luck... pi!]

    Well, isn��t she carefree?

    Whatever. What matters right now is how I should go about knocking this guy out and possibly looking into what that bright light was.

    What? You mean the light? I did consider it as one of their technologies, but if you listen to what she asked me when I called her, she asked if I��ve already found the abnormality.

    After all, they didn��t really tell me anything about where it is; they just drove in some direction, and I followed.

    In short, that light was not theirs, and it is something completely different. Am I possibly dealing with multiple enemies?

    Well, either way, I have to intercept them, sooooo...

    Which one should I deal with first?

    The bright light angel? Or the double-sized hungry monkey?

    Hmmmmmm.

    Well, I mean, the big guy is my priority target, so I guess I��ll just deal with the bright light angel later. But just in case, I��ll cast a barrier around me for any projectiles. And by barrier, I mean my pseudo aura.

    My pseudo aura is also capable of stopping projectiles. I haven��t actually tested it against bullets, but I think it��ll be fine. Thankfully, I learned about magic through anime and such. Thank God I��m an otaku!

    And I mean, technically, I wouldn��t call it magic��more like the manipulation of the air around me using heat and pressure and sciency stuff. Since I can manipulate such things with my energy, anyway, on my way to giant gorilla!

    As I was falling, I began to see things more clearly down below. And what I mean is, the light was just some toy orb-like thing being held by an old man.

    AW C��MON! I expected something cooler and more climactic than an old man priest holding an orb! And that old man is about to die!

    I noticed I was still falling at a great speed while I was trying to figure out how to save the elderly man. As a result, I smacked our big boy in the chest quite hard with my head.

    THUD!

    The sound echoed like a drum, reverberating through the air as I collided with him.

    Ow, my head!

    Ow, my head... it��s not actually hurt, but still!

    The big guy slammed into whatever was laying around��maybe the ground and buildings��creating a cacophony of shattering glass and splintering wood. The crash resonated through the alley, a chaotic symphony of destruction. But oh well! It wasn��t my fault he was so large and chunky! Plus, I can use this as an excuse to persuade Claire that it was unavoidable; after all, property damage is preferable to death!If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    So, the old man I saw with big chungus here is still alive and well, with maybe only a few scrapes, but everything will be fine, right? I mean, his entire body is still fine and dandy, so he��s alright~~.

    He looks a bit scared, though; I would be if I were in his situation. After all, I would be scarred for life if I saw a gigantic man battered in blood and pain charging at me for no reason. The man in question now stands up and becomes enraged!

    The huge fellow gets up, struggling, and tries to rush at me. I catch the old man by the back of his shirt and fly up just before collision.

    Well, someone��s angry, and quite possibly brain damaged!

    As I gaze at our beast��s lovely buttocks, I hurl our priest onto the rooftops of some buildings, telling him to stay there in a regular, emotionless voice. Even though I��m like this, I still suck at conversations!

    By the way, I haven��t seen the glowing orb anywhere around here. Now that I look closely, our would-be priest is actually holding the orb still. Excellent work, old man!

    Now that he��s in a secure area, I proceed to inform Claire about our innocent bystander so that they might erase his memories, like in the popular film "Men in White."

    As I make the call, I also get away from the building that I trapped��I mean, safely confined��our priest.

    I mean, if I did stay, the other big boy pig would come after me and hit the building too, and that wouldn��t be pretty.

    ...

    [...I see that we��ve got an innocent bystander on our hands.]

    Wha��Is there anything she doesn��t know?! Well, whatever. I told her what happened before I got here, and by everything, I mean everything except anything about me.

    I also told her about the orb that the priest was holding, and she just went silent for a few seconds or so.

    By the way, while talking, I am also fighting our big boy here because, of course, this guy is not that dumb to just wait for my call to end for him to start clobbering me.

    And also, I��m not actually fighting; I��m just evading his strikes because they��re so wide and predictable, while also making sure he doesn��t demolish any more buildings and create more collateral damage. If he does, I hit him ever so little while attempting not to kill him. Damn, I��m strong.

    I think I now understand when some characters in anime say holding back is hard, especially when you��re as strong as me! (Says the cringe otaku.)

    Anyway! As I dodged and parried blows like a gamer, she began talking again after a time. Maybe she needed to discuss something with her superiors? Or maybe she talked to her companions? I don��t know, but the way she reacted towards the orb means it��s something important after all.

    [You have a new mission, or should I say another mission?]

    Another one?

    Does she want me to steal that orb from him or something? No, she doesn��t. That would be so cruel��

    [Retrieve the orb along with the subject, then leave immediately. There is a nearby building southeast of there where you will drop them off. And don��t worry about not knowing which building it is; it may appear to be an average apartment to the public, but with the gadget you are wearing, it will be visible, and you won��t be able to miss it. Well, best of luck!]

    ...Haaaahhh, I can��t believe I��m stealing from an old man, let alone a priest!

    I should bring offerings and prayers later��actually, just prayers because I don��t have much money, heh... what?

    Well, I need to knock this guy out now, but how should I say this? Is he bigger? And��

    As I was thinking about the difference between his current size and previous size like a rude person would, one of my legs gets grabbed, and I was lifted and thrown at high speeds!

    ...Wait, wha��

    WHAM! CRASH!

    I slammed onto the roof of a local convenience shop, the sound of splintering wood and cracking tiles echoing around me as I fell right through the roof to the ground floor. I��ll be honest, I wasn��t anticipating a rapid increase in speed, and I know people can��t see me until I touch them, but a sudden hole in the roof? People would be interested, I imagine.

    I jump out as quickly as possible, the air rushing past me as I begin flying towards our huge dumb lord here, attempting to put him to sleep as soon as possible before I lose my cool!

    I have the edge in the skies since I��m flying, and it��s not that I can��t knock him out in one hit; it��s just that I don��t know how to manage my strength yet, which is why I��m being careful.

    As I say this, I strike him in the face, the impact resonating through my arm like a thunderclap, and then I run away, only to rush back and attack him again, and the cycle continues.

    Also, when I say he became bigger, I mean that when I first noticed him while flying, he was approximately the size of three people, but now he is the size of a two-story building.

    This also proves how good their barrier is because there are others around here, and no one can see him or me.

    He also used to look like a big person, but now he looks like a big pig!

    Yikes! Now he just looks like a massive orc, and not a humanoid orc at that.

    As we fought, I strive to alter my strength so that I can hit harder but not so hard that I fully smash him and shatter him. The more I battle, the better I grasp how my power and magical energy function!

    As I was fighting him, I suddenly felt a presence that was most certainly looking in our direction��a presence somewhere in a dark alleyway.

    This, of course, got me distracted into getting grabbed by the leg yet again! Instead of being thrown off, he starts slamming me over and over to the ground and to the surrounding buildings.

    THUD! CRUNCH!

    He wasn��t letting go and kept on smashing me and slamming me all over the place, the sounds of destruction echoing around us like a chaotic symphony.

    It doesn��t hurt as much, but being smashed to the ground again and again is��

    [That freaking hurts, you little��!!]

    As I lost my cool, I conjured up some magic to my gripped leg, heating it up enough to burn his palm for him to let go.

    Letting me go because of the burn, I managed to kick him off while also getting ready for a charged attack!

    After being kicked, he immediately stands up and rushes at me like a bull would.

    I then punch the hell out of him in the face, the impact sending him flying into the sky and knocking him out in the process.

    That was unexpected, does that mean i can lift a whole building?

    Also, he��s about to fall, soooooo out of the way I go!

    Right before he falls, I made sure to direct him somewhere flat, he then falls with a loud Crash following smokes of dust.

    That was rough; I wasn��t actually harmed, but I had a few scratches that started to sting, so I felt a little irritated. Also, as he fell, he shrunk to the size of a normal person.

    I mean comparing his size now to the crash site it is incredible, also how''d that happen?

    But that''s great! Because I didn��t want to bring a large orc with me who would even smell like a dirty pig!

    All��s well that ends well, I guess.

    Also, the presence that distracted me earlier is gone now, but still, I swear if I find out who that is, I��m going to give them a good smack!

    Why were they there in the first place? Maybe they were just observing me and all that. Well, just to make sure that I wouldn��t be discovered, I wore a wide face mask that covers most of my face except my eyes.

    I also changed the color of my eyes to crimson red, and yes, I can change the color of my eyes. I actually discovered this when using my heightened vision, and the more time I do so, the more it becomes like that of a demon.

    Well then, I begin to pick up and drag our not-so-big-anymore boy towards the priest. The priest went back down when he saw me getting thrown, so at least I don��t have to fly to him and all that.

    As I approached him, he immediately gave me the orb and said��

    ��I-I couldn��t do anything myself, and I really wanted to help, but I was scared. I was afraid, afraid of you, but I realized... not all manner of being has to be evil, and that��s why I will give this... to you. And I have a feeling that you will be the key to being able to use this orb.��

    This orb resembles an animal��s eye while also resembling the eye of a dragon. I��m not sure what it is, but I grabbed the orb from his grasp, nodded, and soared away.

    I knew I could��ve uttered something to him like ��thank you�� or ��OK,�� but I had a hunch that not saying anything at all would be best.

    [......He��s a kind guy... that priest.]

    Well, that was simple. At least I didn��t have to injure him in order for him to give me the orb and thank God I didn��t.

    Flying through the sky without anything much to do other than carry this is quite relaxing.

    Well, with the orb claimed and the abnormality retrieved, I guess this is a mission complete!

    As I was flying towards the direction Claire told me to go, I didn��t realize how much trouble I��d be in by being watched by a stranger.

    But until then, I know I wouldn��t be alone.

 Chapter 5: I Can use Magic Now!

    Today is a good day. The sun is shining, the wind feels amazing, and most of all, I am currently in front of a huge building where I''m supposed to deliver these items.

    Now, let''s rewind a bit because I am also a bit confused.

    At first, I was flying in the direction that Miss Claire told me about. She mentioned that there is a hidden building or fortress in that direction that only people wearing the pin she gave me can see.

    It seems that normal people see it as nothing more than a typical call center building, which made me think that their technology is suspiciously advanced, but we''ll get to that later.

    As I said, this place is like a giant fortress, and I am inside a parking lot near the building. Claire contacted me beforehand, saying that I have to go through there before going inside. She also told me to wait for her to arrive before I go anywhere else.

    I must say, however, that the building''s design is very intimidating and leans more toward the advanced side rather than trying to look normal.

    Consider a snow globe. A typical snow globe would have a city-like structure, a house, or something simple but fancy; this, on the other hand, is massive and intimidating for something of this size.

    As I contemplate this place''s design and structure, I hear a car entering the gate above ground. Yes, I went all the way down because I was ordered to, okay? Also, I have to say my hearing has certainly impressed me for quite a bit now with the super sensing and all��quite neat.

    By the way, the big guy that I supposedly fought has shrunk quite a bit. I mean, he was as big as a two-story building with a body that looked like an orc, but now he��s just the same size as a skinny man who hasn''t eaten for days.

    How the Mighty Have Fallen...

    I''ve always wanted to say that.

    On the topic of the mighty, a big-busted, gorgeous woman steps out of the elevator door behind me. Man, oh man, am I down bad for this woman.

    I never really understood the supposed jealousy for big-busted women with others; I just feel stiff all the time. Well, not anymore since becoming a demon.

    Anyway, I am located at the bottom floor of the parking lot where an elevator is placed.

    When I arrived, I already felt uncomfortable because of how clean the place is. It''s like the floor is just begging to be stepped on or something.

    And I felt even more uncomfortable when this woman showed up. Like, hello? Can you say something for once?!

    She hasn''t talked to me since she arrived or done anything, to be precise.

    "So, how was your first mission, Erilith?"

    "......It''s alright," I say as I nonchalantly carry him like a twig. Also, where did you come from?! I knew the car had arrived, but I didn''t even notice her.

    I guess this just proves how bad of an idea it was to even try to kill her.

    After her little spook, she took a card that seems like a key card out of her pocket and had it scanned at the elevator screen. I was confused because before she arrived, this busty woman came out of it, so what''s happening?

    As I ask myself that question, the moment she finished with the scan, the elevator went up. I mean, the whole elevator went up. After that, another elevator from below went up and opened for us. It''s also shaped like a tube.

    "Let''s go."

    After saying that, all three of us went inside the mysterious elevator and went down. I''m guessing that we''re going down because we have to detain this guy before doing anything.

    After entering the chamber-like elevator, Claire and this busty woman started doing something. She gave Claire the papers she was holding while also whispering something into her ear. To my surprise, I couldn''t hear what she said despite my heightened hearing.

    For the first time, I''m saying this��quite frightening...

    I managed to hear bits of what they were saying, and the only words I could catch were "Prison, Research, and Victims." I assume they''re pretty busy down there.

    While the elevator is still going down, and after a while, they''re still talking, the elevator walls rose up, revealing a huge area underground with tons of people through the elevator glass.

    By the way, we are still ways above in the elevator, and I can already see people''s faces. This eyesight of mine really is a cheat.

    If I''m being honest, this huge underground castle or whatever is way too excessive. I mean, it''s freaking huge! I''m not a fan of big buildings in the first place, so me working in one is not a good match. Well, either way, I''m just gonna do what I''m told, and if I don''t like it, I can just say so. I have a feeling Claire won''t mind it.

    We finally arrive at the very bottom to be greeted by four guards that look like they mean business. But for some reason, they were on guard about something and were trembling. Is this not-so-big guy anymore that dangerous?

    "And here I thought you were gonna bring B24 back in pieces, but you brought something more dangerous, huh, Claire?"

    After the four-armed guards, a bulky white-haired man came spouting something to Claire in a calm but cautious manner. Also, something more dangerous? Is it the gem?

    "Well, Ivan, you know what they say: you take what you can get, and I''m not so picky as to deny its existence by locking them up."

    "Maybe you should have."

    What are they talking about? I''m as lost as a little pup right now, and to be honest, I wanna go home.

    As I contemplated what to have for dinner, the so-called Ivan lets out a heavy sigh and lets us through. I don''t know what the deal is, but I''m assuming it isn''t good.

    The white-haired man, Ivan, leads us down a narrow hall, the walls seeming to close in the further we go. It''s dimly lit, with tiny lights embedded in the metal walls every few feet, barely illuminating anything. Every sound echoes��a drip of water, a low hum from somewhere deeper underground, and the guards'' boots clicking as we follow. I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t feeling on edge.

    Ivan clears his throat and tosses a glance back at me. "So, Erilith, is it?" he asks, eyes cold and assessing.

    Wow, he talks to me was my initial reaction. I mean, who can you blame when I just arrived and he gives me creepy looks? Well, whatever. "Uh... yep, that''s me," I say with an awkward chuckle, though it doesn''t help me feel any less like a frog under a magnifying glass.

    Ivan''s eyebrow twitches slightly. "You''re aware of the regulations here, I assume?"

    "Yeah, of course," I reply, though I really don''t. My understanding of this place''s ''regulations'' amounts to a whopping zero, so I try to play it cool and flash a grin, awkwardly at least. Not my best move because Ivan''s lips press into a thin line.

    "Once we reach the containment area, don''t touch anything. Or anyone," he says, slowing his pace so he''s walking alongside me. "That creature you''re holding is one of our... special cases. B24''s not your average goon; it''s infused with a substance we''ve been researching."

    I nod, not sure what to say. Then again, what do you say to "hey, the guy you''re holding like a potato sack is a science experiment gone wrong"? And also, when did he learn my name? Communication in this place is crazy.

    Entering the Containment Area

    Ivan finally stops outside a door with thick steel framing. He swipes a card and enters a code before gesturing us inside. The room is cold and sterile, with glass barriers surrounding various containment cells. Each one contains... well, something different. Some cells are empty; others have strange glowing items, like gemstones or weapon-like objects that seem to hum with their own energy.

    "Set him in Cell 12," Ivan says, pointing to an empty cell. Does that mean he gets to float like those items there? And why not a proper cell for a person?

    As I do, Claire steps closer to me, a rare smile playing at her lips.

    "Excellent work, Erilith," she says, surprising me. Her voice drops to a whisper, and I catch a glimpse of that diamond-like sharpness in her eyes. "How does it feel to work with us now?"

    I shrug, shifting uncomfortably. "I dunno... intense?"

    She chuckles softly, then reaches into her coat and pulls out a slim, metallic bracelet. "I''d say you earned a reward."

    "Oh, really?" I say, eyeing it suspiciously.

    Claire holds out a slim vial filled with a swirling, iridescent liquid that seems to pulse faintly. She hands it to me with a casual smile, though her gaze is sharp and appraising.

    "Consider this your initiation gift, Erilith. A little... enhancer," she says, watching me closely. "Take it, and it''ll amplify your senses, reflexes, even your resilience."

    I stare at the vial, a bit wary. Enhancer, huh? Well, she did say this job came with perks, but I ain''t about to poison myself.

    "You want me to drink this?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

    Claire nods, her smile unfaltering. "You''re already showing signs of... adaptation, so this should only strengthen it. Trust me. It''ll help you keep up with the rest of us."

    Adaptation? Is it radiation?

    I mean, I have been feeling tingly since I fought this guy, but not to the point of radiation sickness or whatever. But just to be sure, I used the same technique I used to intimidate Claire, but on the down low, noticing that Ivan and the others moved slightly on guard.

    "I know you may not trust me, but this is a required regulation," she said, taking out another vial that looked like what she gave me and drank it in front of me.

    "There, do you want me to drink that too?" she said while smiling, quite the display to gain my trust. Does she really think she can fool me with drinking a different vial?

    "Well, whatever," I said, taking a deep breath, popping the cap, and downing the liquid in one gulp.

    It tastes... metallic, cold, like swallowing liquid lightning. Almost instantly, a strange warmth pulses through my veins, like I''ve been plugged into an electrical current. Every nerve feels alive, tingling, buzzing. My senses sharpen even further, and I feel an odd pull within me, almost like there''s a new layer to my body that wasn''t there before.

    A slight grin stretches across Claire''s face as she observes my reaction. "Feeling stronger already, aren''t you?"

    "Yeah," I reply, though I try to keep my expression neutral. Unbeknownst to her, something else is happening��something she definitely didn''t account for. The warmth intensifies, but it''s different from before. It feels like my body is igniting from the inside, flickers of... energy weaving through me. I lift a hand, and to my shock, a faint shimmer of violet light sparks between my fingers.

    Magic.

    Before, I could only slightly feel the mana in the air, where, of course, I tried using magic but failed, thus the birth of my pseudo aura. But this time, I feel it completely, like waves of pressure all around the place which I couldn''t feel before.

    Can they also feel it? I doubt it since she mentioned radiation, but I can''t really dismiss the idea either.

    For now, I quickly clench my fist, hiding the glow before Claire or Ivan notices. It''s faint, and I''m not even sure how it''s happening. But somehow, whatever she just gave me unlocked something deeper, something powerful.

    Claire gives me a pat on the shoulder. "Good. This means you''re ready for the next stage. HeCaTe''s missions are relentless, and this will give you an edge."

    I nod, pretending like nothing''s changed. Meanwhile, a million questions whirl through my mind. How did this "enhancer" give me magic? Or made me able to completely feel mana? And why is Claire so calm about it?

    As we exit the containment area, Claire briefs me on my next task, oblivious to the fact that my senses aren''t just enhanced��they''re supercharged with something beyond the physical.

    As I pocket the empty vial, Claire smirks knowingly.

    "This enhancer," she says with a casual wave, "it''s standard issue for all our agents and workers. It helps keep everyone in peak condition for the job. We''ve invested a lot into developing these enhancers��just one dose, and you''re nearly superhuman."

    My mind races. If all HeCaTe agents use this stuff, that means they''re all walking around with boosted abilities, maybe even more than mine. Yet... something tells me my reaction is different. The way that surge of energy felt��like an untapped wellspring bursting open��it was unlike anything I''d ever experienced. And the magic... if all agents use these enhancers, surely they''d be talking about magic powers, right?

    "So... this isn''t, you know, unusual for people?" I ask, trying to sound nonchalant as we continue down the corridor. "No... side effects?"

    Claire chuckles, misunderstanding my hesitation. "Nothing concerning. Some report feeling a little ''hyper'' the first few days, but it wears off. You''ll adapt." She glances back with a grin. "Trust me, in a week, you''ll feel like you were born with it."

    "Right," I say, hiding the fact that I can feel a strange tingling in my fingertips, an urge to test this power... this magic. But I keep quiet. If I let on about it, who knows what they''d do? Would they even know how or why it happened? Or would I be just another "case study" for HeCaTe?If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "Anyway," Claire continues, "this is just the first step. After this, you''ll undergo more specialized training to make sure you''re equipped to handle any kind of situation." She shoots me a wink. "But don''t worry��I think you''ll do just fine."

    I return her smile, hoping she doesn''t notice the barely-contained sparks that shimmer just beneath my skin.

    We step into yet another elevator��this one spacious and sleek, with glass walls on all sides. As we descend, my eyes widen as the entire underground expanse sprawls out before us.

    If I thought the building above ground was impressive, this... this is on another level. The organization''s main complex is a vast underground network stretching out in every direction, with multiple corridors branching from five massive walls, each leading toward who knows where. Some of the hallways are lit up, buzzing with activity, while others are shrouded in shadows, as if hiding secrets best left undisturbed.

    From this vantage point, I can make out labs, training rooms, and what looks like an entire city beneath the earth. People��other agents, scientists, and staff��move about purposefully, all seemingly connected to a singular mission. Screens hang on the walls, flashing data, some scrolling through lines of coded commands and others displaying maps of regions I don''t recognize.

    Like, what is this, Star Wars or something?

    As the elevator continues its slow descent, Claire turns to me with a glint in her eye. "Impressive, isn''t it?"

    "Impressive?" I breathe out, almost laughing at the understatement. "It''s... okay, so how deep does this go?"

    Claire chuckles, clearly enjoying my reaction. "HeCaTe isn''t just a building or a facility, Erilith. It''s an entire ecosystem. We connect to several locations throughout Japan��underground, underwater, even up high in the mountains. Each branch is designed to operate independently if needed, but it''s all part of one network. What you see here," she gestures around, "is just the core."

    As we pass another level, I spot a cavernous training room where agents run through drills, some even sparring in combat gear. In another section, scientists in lab coats carefully handle equipment that looks suspiciously radioactive. It hits me that this operation is way beyond what I had imagined when I took the job��it''s like stepping into a hidden world, one that, unbeknownst to the everyday person, is influencing... everything.

    I also notice some of them are using some kind of energy while sparring. I even see someone jump high enough to be considered a sports genius and someone getting sent flying across the room. That guy''s definitely not making it to Part 2.

    By the way, I also notice almost none of them can see us, I think. Is the glass one-sided or something?

    Anyway, as the elevator slows and we reach the bottom floor, Claire steps out first. I follow, glancing around as we approach a security checkpoint staffed by guards who look ready for a war zone. They nod to Claire and step aside as we pass through, heading into a sprawling central hub that branches into the five main corridors.

    The big-busted lady leaves after saying something to Claire about a problem or something.

    "Each corridor," Claire explains, "leads to a specific sector: Research, Security, Operations, Archives, and, of course, Containment."

    Containment. I feel a chill at the thought. Whatever they''re holding down here must be dangerous. And also, you mean Cell 12 was not the containment zone?!

    "It''s... massive," I say, unable to shake the awe from my voice. "I thought this was just another shadowy organization, but this... this is something else." I mutter.

    Claire gives me a knowing smile. "Well, Erilith, you''re part of something much bigger than any of us now. Welcome to the heart of HeCaTe."

    The place is teeming with people moving from one place to another, their faces intense and focused, as though the very air they breathe is charged with purpose. It''s unsettling, and yet, oddly captivating.

    I glance at Claire and Ivan; Claire''s cool demeanor is unwavering, but Ivan''s expression keeps flicking back to me. I can almost feel his suspicion, like he''s measuring me with every step I take. Like, what, are you gonna punch me or something?

    We reach a room where the doors slide open after scanning each individual. Apparently, the clip she gave me can act as some sort of identification as well��quite handy, I would say.

    As the door opens, revealing a wide space filled with tall steel shelves, some of them stocked with items that look far too advanced for this world. My senses are on overdrive, taking in everything��the hum of the machinery, the low chatter of people in white lab coats, the faint smell of sterile chemicals in the air.

    Claire steps in first, her heels clicking against the polished concrete floor as Ivan and I follow. She moves with purpose, like she''s always known exactly where she''s going, and maybe that''s because she has. But me? I''m just tagging along, trying to piece together what the hell is going on.

    "So, what''s the deal with this place?" I ask, my voice low but curious. "What''s it all about?"

    Claire glances back at me, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "You''re not one for subtlety, are you?" she remarks, but there''s no malice behind it. "This is just one of HeCaTe''s many facilities. The work we do here is... unconventional, but it gets results."

    "Unconventional? You mean experimenting on people?" I ask, my tone sharper than I intend. I can''t help it��this place rubs me the wrong way.

    She doesn''t flinch, though. "Not people, exactly. Special cases, like B24," she says, motioning to a nearby holding cell, its contents hidden behind layers of reinforced glass. "We study anomalies��people like you, Erilith. You''d be surprised how many of you there are."

    That catches my attention. "Anomalies?" I echo, my mind racing. "You mean... other people with powers?"

    "Exactly," Claire answers, her voice calm and measured. "People who, for one reason or another, have abilities beyond the ordinary. We''re not in the business of causing harm. We''re studying these abilities, finding ways to control them��or destroy them if they pose a threat." Her eyes flick to me briefly, almost like she''s daring me to challenge her.

    I don''t know what to say to that. The idea of being studied, controlled, or worse��destroyed��doesn''t sit well with me. But at the same time, I can''t help but feel a bit... intrigued. These people know what they''re doing. They have answers��answers I''ve been chasing since my change, or should I say my demonic constitution first manifested.

    The Testing Room

    As we continue down the hall, Claire leads me to a large, steel door at the far end. She swipes her card again, and the door slides open with a soft hiss. Beyond it lies a darkened room filled with rows of high-tech equipment, machines I''ve never seen before. They hum with energy, their surfaces glowing faintly in the dim light.

    "This is where the real work happens," Claire says, her voice low and serious now. "You''re going to undergo tests��tests that will measure the extent of your abilities. You''re not the only one we''ve been tracking, Erilith. HeCaTe is looking for those who can help us shape the future."

    I''m about to ask her what she means by that when a voice cuts through the air, interrupting my thoughts.

    "Claire, you''re here."

    A petite figure in a lab coat approaches, her bright green hair falling messily around her shoulders like she''s just rolled out of bed. She moves with a lazy air, as if she has all the time in the world, but there''s an undeniable sharpness in her eyes when she looks at me. Her gaze flicks over briefly, then drifts back to Claire without a hint of urgency.

    "This is Dr. Kline," Claire says with a casual wave, like introducing a friend. "She''s in charge of the experiments and testing here. She''ll be the one running you through the motions."

    Dr. Kline doesn''t bother with formalities like a handshake. She glances at me, her eyes narrowing just slightly before she gives a small nod. "Erilith," she says, her voice almost too calm, like she''s reading off a list. "We''ve been waiting for you. Let''s see what you can do."

    I blink, a little thrown off by her nonchalance. "Uh, sure," I mutter. "I guess I''m just here to... get tested?"

    "Yup, that''s the gist of it," Dr. Kline says lazily, tapping a few things on a tablet in her hand, not even looking up. "Let''s start simple. No need to overcomplicate things."

    I follow her into the sterile, white room, feeling like an intruder in a place designed for testing. The machines hum with energy, each one looking more complicated than the last. Claire stays near the doorway, arms crossed, her face unreadable. Ivan lingers behind her, still keeping that unnerving stare on me like I''m some sort of lab rat.

    Dr. Kline finally pulls her attention away from the tablet, looking up at me with an expression that''s almost bored, as if she''s seen this a thousand times. She gestures to the platform in the center of the room. "Stand there," she says, her voice flat but carrying an edge of command.

    I give her a questioning look but step onto the platform, feeling the weight of everyone''s eyes on me. Claire watches from the doorway, and Ivan still hasn''t stopped staring, like he''s expecting something... spectacular. Anyway, I feel like a zoo animal right now.

    Dr. Kline taps a few more things on her console, her fingers moving swiftly. "Just use whatever powers you''ve got," she says with a yawn. "We''ll see what we''re working with."

    I focus on the energy that''s buzzing in my veins, that strange undercurrent of magic still flowing through me. I can feel it, pulsing with heat and uncertainty. However, I still want to hide that I can use magic, so instead, I try to focus on my pseudo aura.

    "Well, here goes nothing," I mutter to myself, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.

    I raise my hand, concentrating on the tingling sensation in my fingers, pushing the energy out. A faint violet spark flickers to life between my fingertips. It''s small, barely visible, but it''s there. It''s my usual pseudo aura, but since my complete sense of mana, it''s been amplified.

    An analogy example would be like using a bike with the brakes before, but this time the brakes are stuck with glue, and it''s getting harder to hold it back.

    Somehow, I manage to avoid using magic and instead produce about a 30% stronger version of my pseudo aura.

    Dr. Kline''s eyes narrow, her lips twitching into the smallest of smiles, like she''s slightly impressed but doesn''t care to show it. "Interesting," she murmurs. "It''s not just basic energy manipulation. There''s something... raw about it."

    Raw? What does she mean by that? I glance at her, trying to figure out if she''s just messing with me, but she''s already back to tapping at her tablet with one hand, as though this is all routine.

    Before I can respond, the machines around us begin to hum louder, their lights flashing in a series of rapid, controlled bursts. A soft beep sounds, followed by a voice coming from the speakers.

    "Test results: Subject exhibiting high levels of energy manipulation and an unknown signature."

    Great. Just what I needed. Now I''m officially a freak.

    Dr. Kline doesn''t even flinch at the announcement. She just clicks her tongue and gives me a sideways glance. "Yep, that''s about what I expected. You''re a walking energy field, no surprise there. But we''ll need more data before we can move forward."

    Her tone is so casual, it''s almost disarming. The whole situation feels like she''s more interested in getting it over with than in any real breakthrough, but somehow, I can''t shake the feeling she''s already figured me out.

    As I stand on the platform, the hum of the machines buzzing around me like a swarm of bees, I focus on the strange sensation of energy inside me, trying to control it. But then, without thinking, my wings��those dark, leathery appendages��unfurl, stretching out behind me. The sharp, involuntary motion sends a chill through the air, and in an instant, my tail snakes out from beneath me, its spade-like tip flicking with unexpected force.

    The Room Freezes.

    Dr. Kline''s eyes snap toward me, no longer lazy but sharp and calculating, the tablet in her hand forgotten. Ivan''s posture stiffens, and his eyes widen, flicking back and forth between me and the suddenly erratic machine.

    Claire, seeing this during my fight, isn''t surprised; more like she was waiting for it.

    "Uh..." I mutter, feeling the weight of everyone''s attention. My wings feel too big in the small room, brushing against the walls. "Sorry, I didn''t��uh, mean to��"

    Before I can finish, the machine next to me starts to sputter, its lights flashing in a chaotic pattern. The beeping grows erratic, a strange noise echoing through the room as the once-organized system begins to glitch. The soft hum intensifies, vibrating the floor beneath me as the air feels thick with static. I brace myself, unsure of what just happened.

    "Dr. Kline," Ivan says sharply, his voice betraying the first sign of surprise. "What''s going on? The readings��"

    "I know," Dr. Kline interrupts him, her voice now a mix of annoyance and curiosity. She steps forward, tapping furiously at her tablet, her green hair falling messily in front of her face as she analyzes the malfunctioning data. "It''s... not making sense. Something''s interfering with the readings."

    The machine lets out one final, erratic beep before the screen flashes an incomprehensible string of symbols. A voice, garbled and broken, echoes from the speakers.

    "Test result... Unknown anomaly detected... Subject... anomaly... impossible..."

    The room falls silent for a moment. The malfunctioned test result lingers in the air, like a bad omen.

    I glance over at Claire, who, for the first time since I''ve met her, looks less composed than usual. She raises an eyebrow but says nothing, watching me with that calculating look I''m starting to recognize all too well.

    Dr. Kline stares at the malfunctioning machine with a small sigh. She taps a few more keys, but the data remains unreadable, like the machine is trying to say something it doesn''t have the words for.

    "Fascinating," Dr. Kline mutters, but her tone has changed. There''s a certain edge to it now, like she''s both intrigued and slightly... unsettled. "I wasn''t expecting that."

    I want to shrink into myself. "Uh, did I break it?"

    Ivan looks between Dr. Kline and Claire, his expression growing more intense by the second. "What does this mean?"

    "Does it matter?" Claire finally speaks, her voice a little too calm. She steps forward, brushing past Dr. Kline with a subtle air of authority. "We don''t need the exact data right now. The results were clear enough. We''ll do a deeper dive later."

    Everyone else in the room seems to hold their breath. The tension is palpable.

    I shift uncomfortably, feeling the weight of my wings and tail, half wishing I could retract them immediately. "Well, that wasn''t... fun."

    Dr. Kline glances up from her tablet, her face a mask of indifference, but her eyes are gleaming with something sharper now, something that wasn''t there before. "No, not fun," she agrees, finally letting out a small, disinterested shrug. "But I suppose it''ll do for now. We''ll need to figure out what this ''anomaly'' really is. And maybe find a way to keep your powers under control next time."

    I raise an eyebrow. "Next time?"

    "Of course," she says, with that bored, lazy tone again, though there''s an unmistakable glint of curiosity in her eyes. "Testing your limits is only the beginning, Erilith. We''ve only scratched the surface. Consider yourself a... work in progress."

    I''m left speechless, standing there with my wings, tail, and horn still out, unsure of what the hell just happened. The machine''s malfunction is unsettling, but the vague test result has thrown everyone off��except for Claire, who seems like she already knows far more than she''s letting on.

    After the whole spectacle with the malfunctioning machine, Claire and Ivan have a brief but clearly important conversation, throwing me a couple of sideways glances like I was the last cookie in the jar they weren''t sure if they should eat.

    Claire looked more interested in whatever Ivan was saying than in what had just happened, so I took the opportunity to stare at my shoes for a second. You know, just to keep up the appearance of "normalcy."

    Not that I''m normal to begin with.

    "Well, we''re off to a meeting," Claire finally said, as casual as if she''d just told me they were heading to get coffee. "Don''t worry, we''ll brief you on everything soon enough." Her eyes glinted with something I couldn''t quite place. "In the meantime, someone will show you to your room."

    A staff member��I''m guessing one of the grunts they use to do all the ''unsung'' chores around here��appeared like magic. He gestured for me to follow, and without much of a choice, I did. I mean, I could''ve made a run for it, but that would''ve been pretty hard considering the weird, unshakable feeling of being tracked that seemed to stick to me like a bad cologne.

    When we got to my room, I was kind of floored. I expected something like a small, sterile box with just enough space for a bed and maybe an outlet to charge my phone. But no.

    This room was fancy. The kind of fancy where if you spilled a drink, you''d probably have to move to a new continent just to avoid the shame. It had ambient lighting, plush carpets, a bed so big it looked like it could fit a family of five and their pet llama.

    And then, as I stepped further in, I saw it.

    Everything. Was. Here.

    All my stuff. My clothes, my books, my random assortment of cheap tchotchkes that I had carefully curated over the years. They were all placed perfectly. As if some highly trained military personnel had come in and organized my life like they were on a mission.

    I blinked. I mean, really blinked. Did they send a team to my old place and sneak all my things here? It felt like some sort of nightmare, only it wasn''t scary. It was... creepy.

    My favorite hoodie was folded neatly on the chair. My old sneakers were lined up by the bed like they were waiting to take a number for an appointment. Even the little dusty ceramic frog I got from that one vacation in the mountains was sitting on the shelf like it had been groomed for display. Everything was so efficient. Like someone had already planned my life out for me.

    I stared at the room for a good thirty seconds, hoping for some sort of logical explanation. "Okay, maybe I''m just in some super fancy, state-of-the-art hotel," I muttered to myself, trying to convince myself this wasn''t all getting way too weird. "Like the kind where they give you fresh towels and then leave the country before you even realize it."

    But no. This was way too perfect. Everything was in the right place��like they''d been keeping a very close eye on me.

    It was then that the horrible truth settled in.

    This wasn''t just efficiency. This was Claire.

    A cold shiver ran down my spine. Oh, I knew she was thorough. The woman practically had a file on everyone in the room within five minutes of meeting them. But this? This was like something out of a futuristic thriller where the main character is being watched 24/7. Except I wasn''t the main character. I was the test subject.

    I stepped further into the room, nervously tugging at the sleeve of my jacket. "No way," I muttered, running my hand along the bedspread. It was so perfectly fluffed, I had to wonder if they just had someone assigned to fluff things.

    But it wasn''t just the room. It wasn''t just how my stuff was arranged. It was the way everything felt too organized. Like someone had a very strict plan on how my life should go, and this room was just step one of the execution.

    "Claire is scary," I said out loud, flopping onto the bed dramatically, as though I could escape the weight of my realization by making a spectacle of myself.

    And as the realization settled in like a brick in my stomach, I couldn''t help but laugh. I mean, if I were in a less nerve-wracking situation, I''d probably think this was all some sort of prank. Like maybe they were filming a reality show where I was the unwitting star.

    But deep down, I knew this was no joke.

    I was in way over my head.

    And Claire? Well, Claire was the director. She was orchestrating all of this with a terrifying precision. I could just picture her sitting somewhere behind a desk, watching a screen that showed my every move.

    As I lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, I had a choice: I could be freaked out, or I could just... roll with it.

    But as I chuckled nervously, I realized one thing.

    Maybe being watched by Claire Everstone wasn''t as exciting as it first sounded.

    "No, this is definitely terrifying," I muttered, closing my eyes, hoping that somehow, I''d wake up from this strange, surreal nightmare. Like I may be a demon now, but that doesn''t mean I can feel anything.

    But knowing Claire, I wasn''t going to get that lucky. Anyway, after a whole day of productivity, I needed a bath, food, and rest.

    I''ll think about those other things next time.

    <button>

    </button>

 Chapter 4.1: HeCaTe

    The atmosphere in the conference room was tense as the leaders of HeCaTe assembled, each taking their designated seat around the table.

    Claire, the Supreme Commander, exuded a calm yet authoritative presence at the head of the table, her gaze scanning the faces of those gathered. Beside her sat Clarice, her Chief Strategist, arms crossed, ever poised and calculating.

    The heads of the Investigation Units��Kuroko, Amano, Kamei, and Jurou��were scattered around the table, each displaying a distinct focus on the issue at hand: Erilith, their latest recruit, and the mysterious deep-red orb.

    This orb��a relic that had nothing to do with Erilith herself but seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy��had been discovered amidst the recent chaos. To complicate matters further, Erilith, unlike other recruits, had no background that lined up. No past, no family records, no real name. She had simply appeared, first as an anomaly in Shibuya and now as a crucial yet confounding piece in their puzzle.

    "We''re dealing with two issues here," Claire began, her voice cutting through the silence. "One, Erilith, and two, the orb. Neither of these matters is clear-cut. We all know the disturbance around Shibuya wasn''t random, and neither was finding her."

    Kuroko leaned forward, flipping through a set of files. "I''m still struggling to get a clear profile on her. For all intents and purposes, she was a regular person before we found her��a part-timer with a mild obsession for anime and little else. Yet her background checks yielded... nothing. Not even a shred of data on her origins. Everything is wiped, almost as if she was erased."

    Amano, who specialized in digital forensics, frowned. "We''ve seen cases like this before, but never so clean. There isn''t a single record that hasn''t been scrubbed. No family, no real name, no connections. Either she''s skilled enough to cover her tracks, or someone''s done it for her."

    Kamei''s gaze sharpened. "Are we sure she isn''t some kind of plant? We could be dealing with a sleeper agent or something worse."

    Clarice shook her head slightly. "She''s been watched closely since the moment we found her, and from what we''ve gathered, she doesn''t seem to know anything beyond the basics of her life. If she is a plant, then whoever placed her did it with a far longer game in mind than we''ve encountered before."

    Claire turned her attention to Kline, who had tested Erilith personally. "Kline, any new insights?"

    Kline reclined lazily in her chair, her expression one of mild amusement as she glanced at the tablet in her hand. "Oh, she''s interesting, alright. Erilith isn''t human��at least, not entirely. She has traits that align with demonic characteristics��horns, wings, and that tail of hers that keeps giving our equipment a run for its money. Yawn, She registered as human initially, but the minute her features appeared during our scans, the system went haywire." Her tone was almost smug, and she threw a glance at Yuka, her second-in-command, who was visibly less impressed.

    Yuka, with her more analytical approach, shook her head. "That''s the problem, Kline. We still don''t understand what caused the equipment malfunction. You keep jumping to conclusions without definitive proof. We know she has physical abilities, but beyond that, everything else is speculation."

    Kline''s eyes sparkled with a challenge. "Speculation or not, the fact remains��Erilith isn''t normal. And while I''d love to keep dissecting every strange little quirk about her, we have no clear indicators as to what she might be. We know she''s fast, strong, and can cause tech issues just by being near it, but as for anything beyond that? Nothing definitive. Yet."

    Kuroko sighed, clearly frustrated. "And then there''s the orb. It doesn''t seem connected to Erilith, but it''s not something we can ignore. When we ran diagnostics, we found that it emitted a faint energy��something akin to a pulsing heartbeat. Some of my team even say it resembles an eye��a deep red one."

    Claire nodded. "The orb''s power isn''t something we can quantify yet, but it has drawn attention. It''s clearly not just a piece of decor." Her gaze shifted to the heads of the Investigation Units. "This artifact might be the key to unraveling what and who Erilith is."

    Kline leaned forward, her intrigue piqued. "All the more reason to keep it close. We should study it further. I have a few theories, and I believe��"

    Yuka interjected, clearly irritated, "Theories. That''s all we''ve got, isn''t it? Every test we''ve run has yielded inconclusive results. Kline, this isn''t just another pet project. We need facts before we make any risky decisions."

    Kline smirked, leaning back, obviously unbothered by Yuka''s critique. "Oh, Yuka, sometimes you''re too cautious for your own good. Risks yield results, you know. And if we don''t dig deeper, we''ll be left chasing our tails."

    Claire cut in, her tone authoritative. "Enough. Dr. Kline, I expect both you and Dr. Yuka to cooperate. Continue your research on both the orb and Erilith, but no risks that aren''t calculated. We''re not here to indulge in scientific curiosities. We need answers."

    Kamei chimed in, "If Erilith has any connection to this orb, she might not even know it herself. From what I''ve seen, she''s as bewildered by her situation as we are. If she has some hidden agenda, it''s incredibly well-buried."

    Amano, who had been silent up until now, raised an eyebrow. "Or she''s been programmed to forget. We can''t overlook the possibility of memory manipulation. We''re dealing with powers that go beyond the typical."

    Clarice nodded thoughtfully. "Then we continue to observe. If she is connected to the orb, it may only be a matter of time before we see more signs."

    Claire looked around the room, her expression grave. "In the meantime, I want tight surveillance on Erilith. We won''t introduce her to any established unit yet, especially not Unit 5. We can''t risk letting her influence or harm anyone in her immediate vicinity."Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    Jurou, a composed figure with a more global focus, adjusted his tie, his tone diplomatic. "That may be wise. The orb may have nothing to do with her, but she''s unpredictable. Until we understand her better, keeping her isolated will reduce risks."

    "Agreed," Claire replied. "Kline, you have permission to run your diagnostics, but carefully. We''re looking for concrete evidence on what she is and, if possible, where she came from. And Kuroko, keep your team focused on the orb��this ''eye'' might have more information than it''s letting on."

    Claire''s eyes narrowed, her tone cutting through the room like a knife. "Now, on to the next topic," she said, dropping any pretense of formality. "The recent... incident with our high-profile transfers: B1, A2, and A26. All gone. And all of it timed right alongside B24''s attempt."

    The room went silent, tension thickening. The fact that three high-level detainees had vanished in unison was more than concerning��it was a direct affront to the organization''s entire security protocol.

    Kuroko''s hand tightened around his pen, his usually composed demeanor visibly rattled. "I''m starting to think this wasn''t a random breakout. Whoever orchestrated this either has inside information or somehow managed to sync their movements with the Tokyo branch transfer schedule."

    Claire nodded, her gaze intense. "They did. B1, A2, and A26''s escape patterns suggest a level of coordination that we can''t ignore. Either we''re dealing with an external threat sophisticated enough to access our logistics... or we have a leak."

    Amano, head of Unit 2, leaned forward, fingers tapping against her chin. "What about communications leading up to the transfer? Were there any suspicious signals, encrypted or otherwise, that could have hinted at a breach?"

    Kamei of Unit 3 shook his head, frowning. "None. But with the level of tech we''re seeing out there, anyone with the right equipment could have cracked into our systems for a brief period without leaving much of a trace."

    Kline, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, almost disinterestedly but with an unmistakable glint of curiosity. "It''s not outside the realm of possibility that someone with knowledge of our exact protocols had a hand in this. But B1, A2, A26... they were all held in unique containment structures. To bypass those would require near-flawless timing and a detailed understanding of each of their containment weaknesses."

    Claire took a deep breath, weighing their words. "Agreed. And considering the timing, we''re either dealing with multiple inside accomplices or an external party with access to confidential data. Kline, Yuka," she addressed both, "I want every piece of data scrubbed, every anomaly noted. We need to understand how they orchestrated this."

    Claire''s gaze turned steely as she assessed the team. "We need this breach contained before it spirals further out of control. Kamei," she directed toward the head of Unit 3, "you and your team are to launch a full investigation. I want you to dig into every detail surrounding the transfers from Tokyo��security logs, transport arrangements, internal communications, everything. Find out if this was an inside job, and if it was, identify our leak. No stone unturned."

    Kamei gave a curt nod, his voice firm. "Understood, Commander. We''ll begin immediately. Unit 3 won''t stop until we have answers."

    Then, turning to Kuroko, head of Unit 1, she continued, "Kuroko, I need Unit 1 on tracking duty. I want eyes on B1, A2, and A26. If they''re hiding within range, locate them. Monitor any patterns or anomalies that could lead us to their trail. Use whatever resources necessary to get me results."

    Kuroko''s sharp eyes glinted with determination. "Consider it done, Claire. Unit 1 will begin the tracking process immediately."

    Ivan, who had been listening with his characteristic composure, finally chimed in, his tone laced with skepticism. "And B24, let''s not forget. It''s unlikely they all just chose the same time to bolt without a deeper link. I''m not saying it''s a definitive answer, but perhaps we consider the possibility that Erilith''s arrival��on that very same day��could be connected."

    Claire''s gaze snapped to him, and a flicker of agreement passed between them.

    "Noted," she said. "In the meantime, strengthen all holding protocols and increase surveillance, especially for high-profile transfers. I don''t want a repeat of this fiasco." She paused, casting a pointed look at each unit head. "And I want answers, quickly. Dismissed."

    As the others filed out of the room, Ivan lingered, his sharp eyes tracking Claire''s movements. Once the door clicked shut, he stepped closer, his tone low but direct.

    "Claire," he began, "I''ve been thinking about Erilith. She''s clearly not ordinary, but we''re keeping her on the fringes. That''s not going to give us the answers we need."

    Claire''s eyebrow arched slightly, signaling she was listening. Ivan continued, his voice unwavering. "I''d like to place her in Unit 5. They''re all green, yes, but that''s exactly why it could work. She wouldn''t be able to hide among experienced agents, and we''d get a better idea of her capabilities."

    Claire didn''t respond immediately, considering Ivan''s suggestion with her usual calculated focus. It was clear Ivan wanted more than simple observation; he wanted to understand Erilith''s strength, to measure her potential��and, if necessary, her threat��himself.

    Behind them, Kline, who had been idly flipping through her notes, looked up with a glint in her eye, clearly amused by the turn in conversation. "Putting her in Unit 5 already? Ambitious, Ivan," she chimed in, smirking. "But before you throw her to the wolves��or newbies, in this case��let''s give her a real test."

    Ivan''s gaze shifted to Kline, a hint of reluctance there. "Testing her could backfire if it''s not handled right, Kline. I don''t think she fully understands what she''s capable of yet."

    "That''s exactly the point," Kline said, her voice full of barely restrained excitement. "Strength, speed, agility, endurance��I want to know her limits. And I know you do, too. If she really has a demonic constitution, there could be more than what we''ve already seen. She malfunctioned the scanner without even knowing it, Ivan. That''s not a coincidence."

    "Strength tests alone aren''t enough," Ivan said, though he seemed to be warming to the idea. "I want to see her reflexes, her control under pressure. If she really has raw power, that could either be a blessing or a curse for us."

    Kline''s grin widened. "Why stop there? I''d say we set up a battery of tests. Not just physical capabilities, but perception��let''s see if her instincts are as sharp as her reflexes. We should also test her reaction to different stimulus types, see how her body and mind adapt." She tapped her fingers on her notebook thoughtfully. "And I''d like to measure that strange energy she carries. There''s something else going on beneath the surface."

    Claire listened to both of them, her expression unreadable, but she finally nodded. "I agree that we need to assess her. We''ll put Erilith through these tests, with you both overseeing the process. Ivan, if she can handle it, Unit 5 will be her next step. Kline, I want thorough data��don''t leave anything out."

    Kline''s eyes sparkled with a flash of excitement. "I''ll be ready," she said, standing up. "This will be... enlightening."

    As she left, Ivan folded his arms, looking back at Claire with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "If she turns out to be unstable... you know what that could mean for HeCaTe."

    Claire met his gaze, unflinching. "That''s why you''ll be there, Ivan. If Erilith is a danger, you''ll be the first to know."

    As the meeting adjourned, the leaders dispersed, each bearing a piece of the enigma that was Erilith and the orb. The questions remained, and with them, a rising sense of unease. HeCaTe had brought her in under Claire''s orders, but what they had yet to discover would either secure their power or unravel it in ways they couldn''t yet foresee.

 Chapter 6: Test Subject Life is Nice?

    Today is a good day. The sun is shining? The wind is blowing by a machine, and most of all, I actually can''t see the sun as I lounge in my room with a potato chip in my hand, watching anime.

    Or so I''d hoped. Reality, however, had other plans.

    "Again."

    Dr. Kline''s voice echoed in the vast laboratory as I stood in the center of a reinforced testing chamber, my fists tightening and my tail swishing behind me in irritation. For the umpteenth time today, she was asking me to punch a steel dummy, and I was about ready to lose it.

    "I''ve already done this seven times," I muttered, letting the frustration seep into my voice. "What, do you want it completely flattened? Or are you just trying to annoy me, Doc?"

    Kline, leaning lazily against the console outside the chamber, smirked at me. Her clipboard hung loosely in her hand, a pen twirling between her fingers. "You''re not wrong about the annoying part," she said, scribbling something down. "But we''re here to collect data, not indulge your complaints. Go on, Erilith. Impress me."

    I groaned but stepped up to the dummy anyway. With a single, half-hearted punch, the steel structure crumpled like paper. I didn''t miss the way her eyes sparkled with intrigue, even as her expression stayed nonchalant.

    "Another flawless performance. Marvelous," Kline drawled, clapping her hands slowly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Now, onto the speed test. Don''t look so thrilled."

    By the end of the session, I sprawled onto a chair in one of the observation rooms, my wings drooping slightly as I gulped down a bottle of water. My days had become a monotonous cycle of physical tests, scans, and the occasional "experiment" Kline claimed was necessary. I''d been in this facility for over a week now, yet I still hadn''t been assigned to any missions or seen Claire again since that first encounter.

    "Hey, Doc," I called out as Kline entered the room with a stack of files. "Any chance you''ll tell me what''s going on outside? Or am I stuck here forever as your personal punching bag?"

    She plopped the files onto a nearby desk, barely looking up. "You''re hardly a punching bag. More like a fascinating puzzle. But if you must know, things have been... tense."

    I raised an eyebrow. "Tense?"

    Her lips twitched into a smirk as she crossed her arms. "Let''s just say you''ve arrived at an interesting time. Three high-profile individuals escaped custody recently, causing a bit of chaos for the organization. Claire''s busy handling that mess. Meanwhile, you''re here, and I''m tasked with figuring out what makes you tick."

    "Escaped?" I frowned. "Who were they?"

    "Classified," she said bluntly. "But let''s just say they''re trouble. That''s all you need to know for now."

    My tail flicked in annoyance as I leaned forward, resting my chin on my palm. "Fine. What about HeCaTe, then? What''s the deal with this place? All I''ve gotten so far is cryptic answers and endless tests."

    Her expression softened slightly, though that smirk never completely left her face. "HeCaTe is... complicated. It''s a necessity in a world that''s growing increasingly unpredictable. We handle variables��people, objects, and phenomena that defy explanation or pose a risk to society. Sometimes we contain them, sometimes we destroy them, and other times... we recruit them. Like you."

    My wings twitched involuntarily at her words. "Recruit? I don''t even know what I''m supposed to do here yet."

    "That''ll come soon enough," Kline replied, her tone suddenly serious. "But you should know this isn''t some hero''s journey, Erilith. HeCaTe deals in shades of gray. The sooner you realize that, the better."

    After another grueling day of tests, I finally returned to my room, half-expecting more paperwork or another random experiment. Instead, I found the usual meal waiting for me��a generous serving of grilled fish, rice, and a side of vegetables. It was always something nice, as if they were trying to keep me appeased. But today, there was something new: a small note folded neatly next to the plate.

    I picked it up, immediately recognizing Claire''s handwriting. The message was simple:

    Wait and follow Dr. Kline''s instructions. I''ll come for you soon.

    A wave of relief washed over me. At least she hadn''t forgotten about me. But that relief was quickly followed by irritation. Was I really just supposed to sit here and play lab rat until she decided I was worth her time? It felt less like I was an agent-in-training and more like a glorified test subject.

    Grumbling, I shoved the note into my pocket and sat down to eat. The food was good, as usual, but my mood soured the taste. Once I finished, I decided to distract myself the way I always did: with manga and TV.

    I flopped onto the bed, grabbing the latest volume of a series I''d been reading. The protagonist''s struggle to balance their normal life with their supernatural abilities felt oddly relatable. After a few chapters, I switched on the TV, flipping through channels until I landed on the news.

    Most of the coverage was the usual fare��politics, scandals, and weather reports. But one segment caught my attention: a breaking headline.

    "Shinjuku Hospital Massacre Leaves 100 Dead, Suspect at Large."

    The screen showed chaotic scenes outside the hospital, swarming with police and emergency responders. Red and blue lights flashed across the faces of horrified bystanders. The name Sakuma Tamotsu appeared below a man in a trench coat, speaking to reporters with a grim expression.

    "Early reports indicate the victims were attacked with what appear to be claws and teeth marks," the reporter said, her voice trembling. "Authorities have yet to identify a suspect, but Detective Tamotsu has called in specialized operatives to assist in the investigation. Some are speculating supernatural involvement."

    My stomach churned. Claws? Teeth marks? My mind immediately flashed back to what Kline had said about the escaped prisoners. Could this be their work?

    I leaned forward, staring at the screen as if the answers would jump out at me. The detective''s calm, commanding presence dominated the broadcast, but it wasn''t enough to quell the rising unease inside me. What kind of monster could cause such carnage?

    Intrigued, I couldn''t shake the feeling that this massacre might be connected to HeCaTe��or even to me, indirectly. The possibility that the escaped prisoners were involved nagged at me like a persistent itch.

    As the news switched to speculation, I forced myself to turn it off. My thoughts were racing. If those prisoners were involved, what did that mean for me? For HeCaTe? The massacre wasn''t just a headline��it felt like a warning.

    I stood, shaking off the tension in my shoulders. A hot shower would help clear my head. I grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom, letting the scalding water cascade over me. For a moment, the world faded away, leaving only the steady rhythm of droplets against the tile.

    As I washed, my thoughts kept circling back to the hospital massacre. It wasn''t just morbid curiosity��it was an instinct, a gut feeling that the events were linked to everything happening around me. The prisoners, HeCaTe, and now this? It couldn''t be a coincidence.

    Once I was done, I dried off and slipped into some comfortable clothes��my usual cozy nightwear. Feeling the fabric brush against my skin, I realized with slight embarrassment that I wasn''t wearing a bra. Not that it mattered. I was alone, right?

    Just as I was about to climb into bed, a sharp knock echoed through my room.

    I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. Mostly from surprise, but not fear��I wasn''t afraid, not really. That was the demon in me talking, keeping me grounded. Still, the timing was suspicious.

    Expecting Claire or maybe Dr. Kline, I cautiously opened the door. Instead, I was greeted by a large, buff man with striking white hair. My brain stalled for a moment, trying to place him. It was Ivan. His imposing figure filled the doorway, but there was an unusual expression on his face. Was he... blushing?

    It hit me like a truck. Oh. My nightwear.

    "I apologize for the late visit," Ivan began, his voice steady but his eyes momentarily flicking downward before snapping back up. "I need to speak with you about something important."

    Realizing the situation, I inwardly cursed and grabbed the nearest jacket hanging by the door, hastily throwing it on. "Right," I muttered, zipping it up. "Come in, I guess."

    My cheeks burned as I realized I should''ve at least thrown on a jacket. Ivan hesitated, his face a shade redder than I thought possible for someone so stoic. Still, he cleared his throat and walked in, his demeanor quickly shifting back to his professional self.

    Ivan stepped inside, his massive frame making my modest room feel even smaller. He glanced around, his expression unreadable, before settling into the chair near my desk. "I''ve been reviewing your progress," he began, folding his arms across his chest. "And I think it''s time we talk about your placement."

    I tilted my head, confused. "Placement? You mean... like, a unit?"

    "Exactly," he said with a nod. "Specifically, Unit Five. But before I explain further, how much do you actually know about HeCaTe''s units?"

    I frowned, crossing my arms. "Not much, honestly. Nobody''s bothered to explain that part to me. It''s all been tests and vague remarks."

    Ivan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Figures. Let me break it down for you, then. HeCaTe operates through six specialized units, each with its own purpose and leader. We''re a decentralized organization by design, tackling supernatural threats from multiple angles. Unit Five��where I think you''d fit best��is unique in its approach."

    I perked up, my curiosity piqued. "Unique how?"

    "Well," he said, leaning forward, "Unit Five specializes in direct engagement and field operations. They''re the ones sent in when things get... messy. The leader, Commander Lucine, is one of the most skilled operatives we''ve got. She''s a former military tactician, known for her no-nonsense approach. If you join, you''ll be trained to handle high-risk situations and neutralize supernatural threats."

    "Messy, huh?" I mused, my tail flicking. "Sounds like you''re the cleanup crew."

    Ivan smirked faintly. "You''re not wrong. But they don''t just clean up��they prevent disasters before they spiral out of control. It''s dangerous work, but given your abilities, you''re well-suited for it."

    "And the other units?" I asked, genuinely curious now.

    He leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Unit One is Intelligence and Reconnaissance��they gather information and track supernatural phenomena. Unit Two handles containment, ensuring dangerous entities or objects are securely locked away. Unit Three focuses on research and development, creating tools and strategies to deal with threats. Unit Four is Logistics��they keep the whole operation running smoothly. And Unit Six... well, they''re a black ops division. Most of their work is classified, even to us."

    I nodded slowly, processing the information. "And you think I belong in Unit Five?"

    "Your combat capabilities make you an ideal candidate," Ivan said, his tone firm. "But it''s not just about your strength. It''s about your potential to adapt and thrive under pressure. From what I''ve seen, you have what it takes."

    I leaned against the desk, tapping my fingers on the surface. "And what if I say no?"

    He shrugged, though his eyes held a hint of challenge. "You''d stay here, continue training, and wait for another assignment. But let me ask you this��do you really want to sit around and let your abilities go to waste?"

    His words struck a chord. I''d been restless, yearning for a purpose beyond the endless cycle of tests. Maybe this was the opportunity I needed��a chance to prove myself.

    After a moment of silence, I looked up, meeting his gaze. "Alright," I said, a small smirk playing on my lips. "Sign me up. Let''s see what Unit Five is all about."

    Ivan''s expression softened, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Good choice," he said, standing up. "Welcome to Unit Five, Erilith. After your testing with Dr. Kline, you can join the training tomorrow. Get some rest��you''ll need it."

    With that, he left, leaving me alone in my room. As the door clicked shut, I couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Unit Five, huh? This was going to be interesting.

    Just as I was about to climb into bed, my mind wandered back to Ivan''s offer. What exactly did he want from me? He''d been cryptic, talking about potential and purpose, but the lack of specifics made it impossible to tell if he was genuine or just another manipulator.

    Did he really believe I had some grand role to play, or was this just a way to keep me in line?

    I turned over, clutching the pillow tightly as I stared at the ceiling. It wasn''t like I had many options here. Staying meant being subjected to more tests and waiting for Claire''s elusive guidance. Leaving? Well, that wasn''t exactly on the table either. Not yet, anyway.

    Sleep came reluctantly, my thoughts tangled in uncertainty and frustration. I wasn''t sure who to trust��or if trusting anyone here was even possible.

    The next morning, I awoke to the faint sound of footsteps outside my door. My heightened senses picked up the weight and pace immediately. Someone was approaching��deliberately, but not in a rush.

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    I smirked to myself, stretching lazily. "Let me guess, Ivan? Back to make another inspiring speech about destiny?"

    Sliding out of bed, I peeked through the door and was greeted by Claire. She carried herself with the same composed, commanding presence, but her expression was softer than usual��almost apologetic, if I squinted.

    "Good morning, Erilith," Claire said, her voice calm yet firm, the kind that demanded attention without needing to raise in volume. "I hope I didn''t wake you."

    I blinked at her, still processing the sight of her at my door. "No, I was... just about to sleep." My voice came out more monotone than I intended. Expressing emotions wasn''t my strong suit.

    She smiled faintly, though it didn''t quite reach her eyes. "May I come in?"

    I stepped aside without a word, letting her enter. Claire took a quick glance around my room��a mix of spartan furniture and the clutter of someone trying to pass time. Her gaze lingered briefly on the stack of manga by my bed, but she said nothing, simply sitting on the chair by my desk.

    "I wanted to check in with you personally," she began, clasping her hands together. "I owe you an explanation for why things have been... disjointed since your arrival."

    I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms as I waited for her to continue. My tail flicked lazily, betraying my mild curiosity.

    Claire''s eyes softened, and she sighed��a rare crack in her usually unshakable demeanor. "The truth is you were brought in during a rather turbulent time for HeCaTe. The three prisoners Kline mentioned caused more havoc than we anticipated. My attention has been divided."

    And of course, she knew about our meeting.

    I tilted my head slightly. "So, you decided to leave me as Kline''s science experiment?"

    Her lips twitched upward, almost amused by my bluntness. "Dr. Kline''s work is essential, but I understand your frustration. That''s why I''m here��to clarify your role moving forward."

    She leaned forward slightly, her gaze locking onto mine. "You''re not just another agent, Erilith. You''re an independent operative under my direct supervision. While you''ll work alongside the newly formed Unit, you''ll only take orders from me. This setup ensures your unique abilities are utilized effectively and protects you from unnecessary bureaucracy."

    I raised an eyebrow. "And why me? You''ve got plenty of other operatives to choose from."

    Claire''s smile returned, this time genuine. "Because you''re different, Erilith. Your strength, your instincts, and even your... peculiarities make you an asset unlike any other. But more than that, I trust you."

    Her words hung in the air, heavier than I expected. Trust? That wasn''t something I was used to hearing, especially from someone as calculating as Claire.

    I looked away, pretending to be more interested in the view outside my window than the sudden warmth creeping into my chest.

    "Trust, huh? That''s a dangerous thing to throw around."

    Claire chuckled softly. "Perhaps. But I''ve made my choice."

    We sat in silence for a moment before she stood, smoothing out the slight crease in her blazer. "Let''s discuss this further over breakfast. I''d rather not have this conversation on an empty stomach."

    As we walked through the sterile hallways of the facility, I found my senses overwhelmed��not just by the faint hum of machinery or the scent of disinfectant, but by Claire herself. Her steps were confident yet measured, her perfume a subtle blend of something floral and sharp. It was distracting, though I''d never admit it.

    My mind wandered despite myself. Enhanced capabilities came with their downsides, like picking up on every detail and overthinking them. Her movements, the way she occasionally glanced back to ensure I was following, even the way her words lingered in my head��it was a lot.

    I shook my head, trying to focus. Claire was speaking again.

    "You''ll meet the rest of the Unit soon," she said, her tone businesslike. "But remember, your position is unique. While they''ll function as a team, you''ll operate independently when necessary. Think of yourself as... a wildcard."

    "Wildcard, huh?" I muttered. "Sounds lonely."

    Claire glanced at me, her expression unreadable. "Perhaps. But it also means freedom��freedom to act without being tied down by protocols that might hinder you."

    Her words struck a chord, though I wasn''t sure why. Maybe it was the way she said them, like she understood more about me than I cared to admit. Or maybe it was just nice to have someone acknowledge my autonomy for once.

    By the time we reached the dining area, my mood had shifted slightly. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries greeted us, and I couldn''t help but feel a small sense of comfort. It was a stark contrast to the usual coldness of the facility.

    As we sat down, Claire ordered for both of us��an omelet for her, pancakes for me. The meal was simple but satisfying, and for a brief moment, it felt like a normal morning. No experiments, no ominous news reports, just two people sharing breakfast.

    But, of course, it couldn''t last.

    Claire set down her fork, her gaze turning serious. "One last thing, Erilith. About the massacre at Shinjuku Hospital..."

    I stiffened, the image of the chaotic news footage flashing in my mind. "What about it?"

    Her voice lowered slightly, enough to make me lean in. "It''s connected to the prisoners. We believe one of them was responsible."

    I narrowed my eyes. "And you''re telling me this because...?"

    "Because if you encounter them, I need you to understand the stakes," Claire said, her tone unwavering. "These aren''t just rogue agents or common threats. They''re dangerous, even by our standards. You''ll need to be prepared."

    I clenched my fists under the table, a mix of anger and determination bubbling within me. "Understood."

    Claire nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Good. Now finish your pancakes. We have a long day ahead."

    As I dug into the meal, my mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. Trust, danger, freedom��it was all starting to feel real. And for better or worse, I was ready to face it.

    By the time we were done with breakfast, the big-busted lady from before arrived at exactly 9:30 A.M. I was looking at my phone while reading manga.

    I found out from Kline that she is Claire''s personal assistant, and as someone who is on the average side, I can say for certain that she is quite huge. Like, what is this, an anime?

    She was holding a couple of papers with a few folders while walking towards us with a calm look on her face.

    "Claire-sama, the council has called for an Operative Briefing."

    A meeting? Is it about the three prisoners or something? I mean, it did reach national news with the hospital incident, but who are the council?

    "Well, it seems our breakfast has come to an abrupt end."

    Claire said, breaking the silence as she finished the last of her coffee. She stood, her chair scraping against the floor with a sharp sound, signaling her readiness to leave.

    I glanced up from my half-eaten meal, a sense of unease creeping up my spine. I hadn''t exactly planned for the whole "underground organization" thing, and now I was left with a lot of questions. Still, there I was, following her lead. She''d hired me after all, claiming she knew what I was capable of��whatever that meant.

    "Guess so," I muttered, pushing my plate aside. It wasn''t that I minded working with Claire, but the whole HeCaTe deal was still too mysterious for me. I wasn''t exactly sure what they wanted with someone like me, but Claire seemed so certain of my abilities.

    She gathered her things quickly, a serious edge to her movements. "I''m heading to a meeting. Stay out of trouble," she said without glancing back.

    I rolled my eyes, even though I knew she couldn''t see it. Stay out of trouble? In a secret organization, underground, working for a cause I barely understood? That was like asking someone not to breathe. But I kept my thoughts to myself. Claire was the boss, and she''d been clear from the start that this was bigger than what I had signed up for.

    "You don''t need to tell me twice," I said, trying to keep my tone light, though I was still mentally processing everything.

    Before she left, Claire paused for a moment, her gaze flickering over me.

    "Remember, we protect humanity, and you can definitely make a difference."

    Her words lingered, and I couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to her statement than she let on. What did she think I could do?

    "Protect humanity...huh."

    I hadn''t exactly been briefed on everything, and there were still so many gaps in my understanding of HeCaTe and what role I was supposed to play in it.

    An Agent? A member of a unit? I hadn''t even fathomed how big HeCaTe could be.

    But I didn''t ask. She was already walking out, and I was left with my questions, my half-finished breakfast, and the creeping sense that my involvement in this would take more than just what was on the surface. With Claire gone, it was just me and the quiet hum of the base. Time to figure out what came next.

    After Claire left for her meeting, I found myself wandering the halls of the underground base, trying to ignore the lingering unease. Dr. Kline was probably waiting for me, but I wasn''t in the mood to be poked, prodded, or have my "unknowns" scribbled down in her ever-growing stack of data.

    My life had been perfectly normal before this. I wasn''t some prodigy or chosen one��just a regular person trying to make it through another mundane day. Then I woke up one morning with horns, wings, a tail, and glowing red eyes. Talk about a rough Monday.

    They all assumed I''d always been like this, that I''d just been hiding my "true nature." I let them believe it because the truth was far more ridiculous. Even I didn''t know what I was or why I''d changed. And the less they knew, the better.

    Dr. Kline''s lab was, as always, a maze of screens, machinery, and sterile white light. She stood by a console, her fingers tapping rapidly across the keyboard as streams of data scrolled past. When she noticed me, her sharp gaze locked onto mine.

    "Erilith. On time for once," she said without looking up from her screen.

    "I try to keep my visits to you punctual," I replied, keeping my voice light. "It''s the leaving part I like to drag out."

    She smirked faintly, but her attention remained fixed on the readouts. "No tests today," she said abruptly.

    I blinked. "Really? Did I finally manage to bore you?"

    "Hardly." She leaned back, crossing her arms. "We still don''t know how or why you turned into... what you are now. But your physical condition is stable, and I don''t want to push it. You should rest. Adjust."

    "Adjust to being a complete enigma? Sure, no problem."

    Her lips twitched in amusement. "Take the day. Tomorrow, we''ll continue."

    Her lips twitched, but she didn''t look away from her screen. "Take the day off, Erilith. You''ll need it for what''s coming."

    Great. Ominous as ever.

    I left the lab, deciding to take her advice��sort of. Back in my room, I shut the door and leaned against it, exhaling deeply. The day to myself, huh? That wasn''t something I could enjoy, not with everything weighing on me.

    Instead, I focused on something that had become second nature over the past few weeks: magic.

    Sitting cross-legged on the floor, I closed my eyes and let the silence settle around me. Magic wasn''t new to me��it had always been there, subtle and quiet, like a melody I couldn''t quite hear but somehow knew the words to. But after the serum Claire gave me, it was as if someone turned the volume up, and I could finally make sense of the hum.

    I extended my hand, reaching for the faint traces of mana I could feel around me. It was subtle, like threads of light dancing just beyond my fingertips. With careful focus, I drew it in, shaping it into a small, flickering orb that hovered just above my palm.

    The energy pulsed gently, responding to my thoughts. I guided it through the air, weaving it into simple patterns. Lines, spirals, loops��small tricks I''d practiced in secret. It wasn''t much, but it was mine, a reminder that even in the chaos, I still had something I could control.

    After a while, I let the energy fade and leaned back against the wall, staring at the faint glow left on my fingertips.

    If Claire or Kline ever found out about this, they''d have a million questions. But until then, this was my secret��a small, defiant piece of normalcy in a life that had turned completely upside down.

    As the light in my palm began to fade, my mind drifted back to Dr. Kline. Of all the people I''d encountered in this strange new life, she was the one I spoke with the most. Testing and analysis had an odd way of forging familiarity, and though I wouldn''t call us friends��she seemed like the type who''d laugh at the idea��we''d grown closer.

    Since I''d discovered this strange ability to sense and manipulate mana, it had become my secret obsession. No one knew, not even Kline.

    Dr. Kline... she''d probably figure it out eventually. She had a knack for that, even when she wasn''t trying. Throughout all the tests and examinations, she''d been the one constant. Her nonchalant attitude might''ve put others off, but I found it oddly reassuring.

    "Still no spontaneous combustions today?" she''d joked earlier in the lab.

    I''d snorted. "Not unless you count this morning''s coffee incident."

    Her laugh had been soft but genuine, a rare crack in her otherwise relaxed facade. Despite her lazy genius demeanor, Kline was sharp. Too sharp. She hadn''t outright said anything, but I could tell she suspected there was more to me than I let on.

    The orb of light in my palm flickered weakly, and I frowned, narrowing my focus. It was frustratingly inconsistent, this magic. I''d had wings, horns, and a tail for weeks now, and no one, not even Kline, had been able to figure out how or why it happened. They assumed I was born this way, though I had no idea why they''d believe that. Wasn''t waking up as a demon overnight a plausible explanation? Apparently not.

    I mean, I am keeping things a secret, so I wouldn''t be surprised.

    Kline, at least, didn''t press too hard. Maybe that''s why I''d grown comfortable talking to her. She didn''t treat me like an experiment, even though that''s exactly what I was to everyone else in this underground facility. Claire''s voice lingered in the back of my mind too��her polite but commanding tone as she gave me the serum weeks ago. That woman had a way of making even a terrifying organization feel... inviting.

    Not that I saw much of her. Claire had her hands full being the director of HeCaTe, and while I suspected she had a particular interest in me, I also knew I wasn''t her top priority. Kline, on the other hand, was always there.

    The light in my palm stabilized briefly before winking out again, and I groaned, leaning back against the wall. "Figures," I muttered.

    I couldn''t blame the serum for this; it was just supposed to enhance physical capabilities and protect against the radioactive energies this organization dealt with. Everyone else seemed satisfied with the boost, but no one else had suddenly started sensing mana.

    It wasn''t the serum. It was me. Or rather, it was this thing I''d become.

    Kline would roll her eyes if she knew I was spending my free time like this. "You''ve got the whole day off, and you''re doing this? Get a hobby, Erilith," I imagined her saying.

    She wasn''t wrong. But in the quiet of my room, surrounded by the mysteries of what I''d become, this was the only thing that made sense. If no one else could explain me, I''d figure it out myself.

    As for hobbies, I am an otaku.

    Anyways, my mana sensing and mana control were still not on the level I would consider nice.

    I spent the next few hours in my room, alternating between practicing my mana manipulation and diving into the latest volume of my favorite manga. The characters in the story faced their own supernatural challenges, and I found a strange comfort in their struggles. It was a reminder that even in a world filled with chaos, there were always heroes��albeit fictional ones��who fought against the odds.

    After a while, I decided to take a break from the mental gymnastics of magic and let my mind wander. I flopped back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling as I thought about the upcoming training with Unit Five. What would it be like? Would I be able to keep up with the others? The thought of being part of a team was both exciting and terrifying.

    I had always been a lone wolf, preferring to keep my distance from others. But now, I was being thrust into a world where teamwork was essential. I couldn''t help but wonder how I would fit in. Would they accept me? Would they see me as just another experiment, or would they recognize my potential?

    As I pondered these questions, my thoughts drifted back to Claire. She had been the one to recruit me, the one who saw something in me that I didn''t even see in myself. I couldn''t shake the feeling that she had a plan for me, one that went beyond just being a member of Unit Five. But what that plan entailed was still a mystery.

    Just as I was about to drift off into a nap, a sharp knock on my door jolted me awake. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Come in!" I called, curious about who it could be.

    The door swung open, revealing Ivan once again. He stood there, arms crossed, his imposing figure filling the doorway. "I hope I''m not interrupting anything important," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

    I shook my head, trying to play it cool. "Just contemplating the meaning of life."

    He chuckled, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "I see. Well, I wanted to discuss your upcoming training with Unit Five."

    "Right," I said, sitting up straighter. "What should I expect?"

    Ivan leaned against the wall, his expression serious. "Unit Five is a unique group. We operate in high-stakes situations, often dealing with supernatural threats that require quick thinking and adaptability. You''ll be trained in combat, strategy, and how to handle various entities. But more importantly, you''ll learn to work as a team."

    I nodded, absorbing his words. "And what if I don''t fit in? What if I can''t keep up?"

    He met my gaze, his eyes steady. "You will fit in, Erilith. You have abilities that others don''t, and that makes you valuable. But it will take time. Don''t expect to be perfect right away. The key is to learn from your mistakes and grow stronger."

    His confidence in me was both reassuring and intimidating. I wanted to believe him, but self-doubt crept in like a shadow. "What if I mess up? What if I put the team in danger?"

    Ivan straightened, his demeanor shifting slightly. "Mistakes happen. What matters is how you respond to them. You''ll have support from your teammates, and you''ll learn to trust each other. That''s the foundation of Unit Five."

    I took a deep breath, trying to quell the anxiety bubbling in my chest. "Alright, I''ll do my best."

    Ivan nodded, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face. "That''s the spirit. Now, let''s get you ready for your first training session. You''ll need to be prepared for anything."

    With that, he led me out of my room and through the winding corridors of the facility. As we walked, I couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was it��the moment I would step into a new chapter of my life, one filled with challenges and opportunities.

    We arrived at a large training room, the walls lined with various equipment and dummies for combat practice. A few other operatives were already there, stretching and preparing for the session. I recognized some of them from the briefings I''d seen, but I hadn''t had the chance to interact with any of them yet.

    Ivan gestured for me to step inside. "Welcome to the training ground. You''ll be working with them."

    As I stepped into the expansive room, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The scent of sweat and determination hung in the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of the equipment. My heart raced as I took in the sight of my new teammates. Four figures stood in the distance, their silhouettes sharp against the bright training lights.

    I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation wash over me. This was really the start, huh?

 Chapter 7: I want to be Lazy

    The training ground of Unit 5 was the kind of place that screamed, "We spared no expense, but also had no clue what we were doing." The floor gleamed with reflective tiles so polished they practically doubled as mirrors.

    Towering machines lined the walls, each blinking and humming like they were auditioning for the role of "Generic Sci-Fi Background Noise #3." It was the kind of over-engineered chaos that made me nervous, but also vaguely curious��like one of those claw machines where you''re not sure if you''re going to win a stuffed bear or just embarrassment.

    Still, I stayed calm. Or at least, I pretended to. My tail, coiled tightly around my waist like some demonic belt, was starting to cramp. My wings? Folded and hidden under my jacket, which was a feat of engineering on par with whatever monstrosities surrounded me. Horns? Completely retracted. For now, I was just a regular person��or as close to one as I could fake.

    "Erilith," Ivan''s voice boomed, dragging me out of my internal monologue. He was standing at the center of the training arena, looking as effortlessly commanding as ever. "Come meet the team."

    I took a deep breath and walked forward, my boots clicking against the tiles with a rhythm that somehow felt too loud. The team was gathered in a loose semi-circle around Ivan, all of them radiating various levels of "who the heck is this?" energy. Great start.

    "Everyone, this is Erilith," Ivan continued, gesturing at me like I was some prize at a county fair. "She''s your new teammate. Treat her well."

    Silence.

    You know that moment at a party where someone drops a glass, and everyone turns to stare like it''s the most scandalous thing ever? Yeah, multiply that by ten, and you''d have the vibe in the room right now. I resisted the urge to shrink under their gazes, instead opting for my go-to defense mechanism: sarcasm.

    "Hi," I said, forcing a smile. "Nice to meet you all. Please don''t bite."

    The joke landed about as well as a brick in a lake. A tiny girl with pink hair��Ayumi, if I remembered correctly from Ivan''s earlier briefing��peeked out from behind a towering guy who looked like he''d been built in a factory for generic anime bodyguards. Ayumi''s wide eyes screamed "deer in headlights," while the big guy, Taro, just gave me a grunt that could''ve meant anything from "welcome" to "leave before I crush you."

    Then there was Thomas. Blond, tall, and charming in that way that made me instantly suspicious, he gave me a polite smile. The kind of smile that said, "I''m too nice to be rude, but I''m also judging you a little."

    And finally, Lucine. The lone swordswoman with white hair and an eye patch. Her gaze was cold and assessing, the kind that belonged to someone who''d seen enough nonsense to last several lifetimes. She didn''t say a word, just crossed her arms and kept staring at me like I was some particularly suspicious NPC.

    "Nice to meet you," Thomas said in this smooth, practiced voice that probably worked wonders in PR campaigns. Ayumi mumbled something into Taro''s shoulder, and Taro just... grunted. Fantastic. Lucine on the other hand continued her silent glare-off with me. Fun times.

    Lucine, who clearly majored in Team Spirit at Hero Academy, crossed her arms. "We''ll see if you can keep up. Teamwork isn''t our strength." Wow, way to set the mood, Captain Obvious.

    "Introductions are over," Ivan announced, clearly deciding that this was the best he was going to get. "Now, let''s move on to ability showcases. Erilith, you''ll join in."

    The collective groan from the team was almost comforting. At least they weren''t singling me out anymore.

    Ivan led us to a new machine that looked like the unholy offspring of a gym and an arcade cabinet. Its metallic surface gleamed under the fluorescent lights, and the central orb pulsed faintly, as if daring us to break it.

    "This is our force-measuring device," Ivan explained, his tone as smug as if he''d personally invented it. "It calculates impact strength in real-time. You can punch, crush, or slice it. Whatever your ability focuses on."

    To demonstrate, Ivan stepped forward and slammed his glowing fist into the orb. The machine lit up with a satisfying 5987, and everyone murmured in what I assumed was admiration. Personally, I was more focused on how his punch had made the floor vibrate.

    Claire arrived shortly after, her presence causing an immediate stir. She strolled in with the kind of casual authority that made everyone stand a little straighter. Lucine, who had been stoic until now, almost visibly perked up. Her gaze followed Claire with something akin to awe. If she were an anime character, this would be the moment where sparkles and rose petals filled the frame.

    Claire''s heels clicked softly as she approached and took a seat next to me, her perfectly manicured hand cradling a steaming cup of coffee. She glanced at me, her expression unreadable, before turning her attention to Ivan.

    "Impressive as always," she said, her voice smooth and composed. "Although I think you''re holding back."

    Ivan shrugged, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "No point in breaking the machine, Director."

    Claire smirked before taking a sip of her coffee, her diamond-like eyes gleaming with amusement. She turned to me and, in a rare display of explanation, said, "Ivan has a unique ability called force amplification. The more energy he uses, the stronger he becomes. He can fight endlessly, channeling his power into increasingly devastating strikes. Alternatively, he can focus his energy while stationary, emitting a massive burst of force."

    As if on cue, Ivan demonstrated. He stood still, his body glowing faintly as he gathered energy. Then, with a single explosive punch, he sent another shockwave through the room. The machine buzzed before displaying 5987 once again.

    "That''s about half of what the machine can take," Claire noted casually. "It caps at 10000."

    Lucine, who had been watching intently, looked like she was ready to ask for an autograph. The rest of the team exchanged glances, some impressed, others clearly wondering how they measured up.

    "Everyone takes a turn," Ivan said, stepping back. "Ayumi, you first."

    As if hearing the commotion, the lazy, sleepy Dr. Kline arrived, dragging her feet and plopping into the seat next to me. She yawned widely, her lab coat slightly askew, and gave me a lopsided grin. "You look nervous," she muttered, barely awake.

    Before I could reply, Ayumi and Taro stepped forward to take their places near the machine. Dr. Kline straightened up slightly, her voice taking on a more professional tone despite her perpetually drowsy demeanor.

    "Ayumi is a special case," Dr. Kline began, addressing me but loud enough for the others to hear. "She''s young, but her psychic abilities are unparalleled. Unfortunately, due to an accident involving her powers, she was brought here for isolation, training, and research. She''s been through a lot but has made great progress."

    Ayumi hesitated, glancing back at Taro, who gave her a reassuring nod. She closed her eyes, and a faint pink glow surrounded her. The orb lit up, numbers climbing rapidly before settling at 4321. The glow intensified briefly, but before it could go further, the necklace-like device around her neck activated. It unfolded into a delicate crown-like apparatus, emitting a soft hum that seemed to stabilize her energy.

    "It''s a control mechanism," Dr. Kline explained. "If she loses control, it can calm her down or incapacitate her if necessary. She''s still learning, but her potential is extraordinary."

    Ayumi stepped back, visibly relieved, and Taro moved forward. Dr. Kline continued, "Taro, on the other hand, is pure strength. He''s Ayumi''s bodyguard and her closest companion. An accident cost him his voice, but his determination to protect her is unshakable. His necklace serves a similar purpose, limiting his strength and ensuring safety."

    Taro placed his massive hand on the orb, squeezing it with deliberate force. The machine whirred and displayed 6789, the metal creaking under his grip. He released it gently, giving Ayumi a reassuring pat on the head as he stepped back.

    I couldn''t help but stare. This team was full of surprises, and I was starting to wonder just how I fit into all of it.

    Dr. Kline leaned closer to me, her head lolling slightly to one side as if her neck couldn''t be bothered to hold it up properly. "You''re going to have fun with this group," she murmured, her tone carrying a mix of amusement and sleep deprivation. "It''s like herding cats, but the cats have superpowers and existential crises."

    "Great. I''ve always wanted to join a dysfunctional superhero sitcom," I replied dryly. "Do I get a cape?"

    "Capes are overrated," she yawned. "Too many accidents. You''d think people would learn after the whole Incredibles fiasco."

    Meanwhile, Ayumi was retreating to the sidelines, clearly relieved her turn was over. She practically hid behind Taro, who gave her a gentle pat on the head like an oversized, silent babysitter. The sight was oddly endearing.

    As the rest of the team took their turns, I felt the weight of a dozen unspoken questions settling over me. It wasn''t just about fitting in anymore. The sheer range of abilities in this group was something else.

    There was Ayumi, whose powers practically screamed prodigy with a tragic backstory. Then Taro, the silent powerhouse, whose every move was a paradox of strength and gentleness. And let''s not forget Lucine, who still hadn''t stopped staring daggers at me.

    "Thomas," Ivan called, motioning for him to step forward.

    Thomas pushed off the wall, his movements unhurried, almost lazy. "Right," he muttered, his voice calm but carrying a slight edge of reluctance. "Let''s get this over with."

    As he approached the machine, I noticed something strange: a faint hum in the air, like the buzz of a neon sign on the fritz. His presence seemed to crackle, subtle but undeniable.

    He unsheathed the twin swords strapped to his back, sleek and modern, their design clearly meant for more than just decoration. He held them lightly, the faintest spark of electricity dancing along their edges.

    For some reason I wanted to be social "So," I piped up, unable to help myself, "what''s your power?"

    Thomas turned his head slightly, one eyebrow raised, and for a moment, I thought I''d overstepped. But then he smiled��a small, amused smile that seemed almost reluctant.

    "You''ll see," he said, and with that, he raised his swords, crossing them in front of the orb.

    The hum in the air intensified, and the faint sparks grew into crackling arcs of electricity, weaving between the blades like living things. Then, in one swift motion, Thomas slashed downward. The arcs converged into a single strike, slamming into the orb with a flash of light and a deafening crack.

    When the brightness faded, the machine displayed 8475. The number hung in the air like an exclamation point, and for the first time since I''d arrived, the team actually looked impressed.

    "That''s the highest so far," Dr. Kline murmured, her sleepy tone giving way to genuine intrigue. "You''ve been practicing, haven''t you?"

    Thomas shrugged, sheathing his swords with practiced ease. "A little," he said, as though he hadn''t just nearly fried the machine.

    I couldn''t resist another comment. "Do you always bring this much drama to a training session, or am I just lucky?"

    This time, Thomas actually laughed��a soft, low chuckle that seemed to surprise even him. "Depends," he said, glancing at me with a faint smirk. "Are you always this mouthy, or am I just lucky?"

    Touch��.

    As a fellow introvert I feel like we''ll get along just fine

    As he stepped back, I couldn''t help but feel the pressure mounting. Everyone here was either insanely talented or insanely terrifying��or both. Meanwhile, I was just trying not to trip over my own feet.

    "Lucine," Ivan said, turning his attention to the swordswoman.

    Lucine''s turn was met with a level of expectation that hung thick in the air, like a storm cloud about to break.

    Lucine stepped forward to the center of the training hall, her movements calm and deliberate. The others had retreated to the sidelines, their conversations quieting as they watched her prepare.

    The soft hum of fluorescent lights filled the silence, punctuated only by the sound of Lucine unsheathing her katana. She handled the blade with an ease born of years of mastery, its polished surface reflecting the sharp focus in her single visible eye.

    Dr. Kline adjusted her glasses, her ever-present sleepy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Ah, our dear Lucine. Such an enigma isn''t she?" she mused, her tone carrying a faint hint of amusement. "Cold and stern on the outside, but oh, if only people understood the fire she hides beneath that icy facade."

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    More like a refrigerator guarding expired milk, I thought, glancing at Lucine as she began some controlled breathing exercises. She looked as stoic as ever, not even flinching at Kline''s weird analogy.

    Claire, seated to my right with her trademark coffee cup, smirked faintly "If by ''fire,'' you mean her sheer determination to outthink and outfight anyone who crosses her, then yes, I''d agree." She sipped her coffee, her diamond-like eyes briefly flicking toward Lucine, who was performing a series of controlled breaths.

    Kline chuckled softly. "There''s more to her than just tactics and brute strength. Lucine''s ability��her mastery of ki��is what truly sets her apart. Care to enlighten our newer recruits, Claire?"

    Claire set her cup down on the small table beside her, crossing her legs with a composed grace. "Lucine is a practitioner of ki��also known as latent energy or fighting power. It''s a concept that''s been studied and utilized in various forms across Asia and other parts of the world for centuries. Ki isn''t just some mystical force; it''s a tangible energy present in all living beings. Most people never tap into it, but those who can... well, they become extraordinary."

    "Like Lucine," Kline interjected, her tone almost reverent. "Her ki is concentrated and refined to a degree most martial artists can only dream of. It''s what allows her to perform feats that seem... impossible. Strength that surpasses professional fighters, the ability to sense her surroundings intuitively, and even stopping bullets with her bare hands."

    I sat smack in the middle of all this, sandwiched between Kline and Claire, both of whom were engaged in a steady stream of commentary about Lucine. The air reeked of hero worship, and I was the unwilling audience.

    Resting my chin in my hand, I flicked my crimson eyes between the two as they spoke. Ah, the Lucine fan club strikes again. What''s next? She can stop time with sheer willpower? A tiny smirk tugged at my lips, but I quickly stifled it, opting instead to look like I was paying rapt attention.

    Thomas, leaning against a nearby wall, raised an eyebrow. "Bullets? Do you have recorded data on this?"

    Claire nodded. "Why yes, she''s demonstrated it in controlled environments. Lucine''s ki enhances her reflexes and physical resilience to such a degree that she can catch or deflect projectiles before they cause harm. Her level of mastery rival''s practitioners from some of the most renowned schools and sects��the Blood Moon Sect and Sun Dragon Sect in China, for instance."

    Of course, it''s always the Blood Moon Sect, they sound like they belong in an anime villain lineup. Why not throw in a Shadow Phoenix Clan while we''re at it?

    Ayumi peeked out from behind Taro, her wide eyes filled with wonder. "Ki can be used for other things too, right? Like... healing?"

    Kline nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! There are entire schools devoted to using ki for medical purposes. By channeling life force energy, practitioners can accelerate healing or even stabilize critical injuries. But Lucine''s focus has always been on combat."

    As the discussion unfolded, Lucine continued her preparation, seemingly oblivious to the attention. She shifted her stance, her breathing now a steady rhythm that seemed to synchronize with the room itself. A faint, almost imperceptible aura began to shimmer around her, like heat waves rising off a sunbaked road.

    "She calls it her battle rhythm," Claire said, her voice quieter now. "Drawing out her ki centers her��it''s like a state of pure focus, where her body and mind align perfectly. In this state, she''s nearly unstoppable."

    Lucine''s voice cut through the quiet. "You''re giving them too much credit," she said, her tone flat but not unkind. "Ki isn''t magic. It''s discipline. Years of training and control. Without that, it''s just wasted potential."

    Thomas let out a low whistle. "And here I thought my lightning tricks were impressive."

    Lucine shot him a brief, sidelong glance. "You''re flashy. I''m effective. There''s a difference."

    I hid a snicker behind my hand, my inner monologue running wild. Burn! And that, folks, is why she''s the leader. Lightning boy over

    Her hand gripped the hilt of her sword, and for a moment, it looked as though she was considering something deeper. Then, with a flick of her wrist, the blade shimmered into the air, its edge glowing with a faint, ethereal light. The machine before her seemed to hum with anticipation, as if it, too, recognized the power about to be unleashed.

    With a single, clean motion, Lucine swung the blade downward, a precise strike that cut through the air with the force of a thunderclap. The orb erupted in a burst of light, and the machine''s display flashed up to an impressive 9456.

    A ripple of quiet admiration passed through the room. Even Ivan, who had been the one to introduce the device, had his arms crossed and his face slightly more serious than usual. Lucine, however, was already turning to walk back to the group, her eye still cold, unreadable.

    "Impressive," Ivan said, his voice carrying a hint of respect. "But can you do it twice in a row?"

    Lucine didn''t respond immediately. She simply cocked her head to one side, as though considering the challenge before her. Finally, she spoke, her tone low but firm.

    "I don''t need to," she said, and the weight of her words hung in the air, leaving a chill in its wake. She turned her attention back to me for the first time all session, her single eye sharp and calculating. "Your turn," she said, her voice almost like a challenge.

    I guess she isn''t the leader for nothing.

    "So, what you''re saying is, I should skip the gym and start catching bullets?" I leaned back with a mock-serious expression, earning a few chuckles from the group. Deep down, though, my curiosity simmered. Ki, huh? Might be worth looking into... if I don''t accidentally blow myself up first.

    I stood in the middle of the sterile training room, trying my best to act all "normal" like I wasn''t a demon playing pretend. I''d come here as just Erilith, human, which was fine by me Lucine wants me to show off so show off I will.

    The orb in front of me hummed and flickered as it calibrated. I took a deep breath. This was where it got interesting.

    Without warning, I let the energy rise, subtle at first, but then��bam! The air went thick with tension, almost like you could cut it with a knife. The room felt colder, the shadows stretching just a bit too long. My wings flicked out first, sharp, black, and gleaming in the bright lights. My tail curled out behind me, and finally, my horns pushed through my hair.

    That''s when I noticed Claire��she was watching with a faint hint of surprise in her expression. I didn''t care, but that little flicker in her eyes made me feel... weird. I hadn''t wanted to impress her. Honest.

    Dr. Kline, however, stood to the side, her arms crossed, watching me with a smirk I was starting to get familiar with. She didn''t say anything at first, but I could feel her amusement. Great. This was exactly what I needed: a bunch of strangers watching me break their expensive toys.

    "Alright," I muttered under my breath. "Let''s see how far we can take this."

    I focused, pulling all that eerie energy into a solid form, shaping it into my black scythe. No magic, no flashy stuff��just pure energy. I didn''t trust HeCaTe enough to risk it. Claire was still watching, and I could feel her curiosity growing, like she expected me to do something extraordinary. And who was I to disappoint?

    I swung the scythe through the air with a flourish. It felt... natural, like I''d been doing it for ages. The machine hummed louder as it registered the strike. Numbers shot up on the screen, faster than I could blink, and then��

    CRACK.

    The orb shattered into pieces, the machinery sputtering and dying in the aftermath. Silence filled the room for a beat, and I couldn''t help but smirk. "Whoops. Guess I went a little too hard."

    The lights in the room flickered, the buzzing hum of the machinery suddenly screeching in a protest as the numbers on the screen shot up, higher than anyone could have anticipated. The device cracked under the pressure of the attack, the screen flashing a blinding readout: 9999 with an error.

    That might''ve been a bit excessive, but I was feeling extra flashy. So, when I summoned the black scythe, I could practically feel the room''s temperature drop a few degrees. Everyone had seen my strange energy before, but this... this was different. No one, not even Dr. Kline, had known about this little trick. And judging by the looks on their faces, it was a pleasant surprise. Or, you know, a terrifying one.

    <figure>

    </figure>

    <figure>

    </figure>

    I held the scythe with a casual grip, the dark aura swirling around it like I was some kind of villain in an anime. (Which, honestly, wasn''t too far off the mark, right?)

    As for how I managed to materialize this it''s because of the serum again, because my mana sensitivity and sensing is now enhanced instead of letting my pseudo aura just blaring in all directions  i managed to control it and amass it into 1 point until I made a weapon.

    as for why a scythe cuz why not? it''s cool while thinking about this I see Kline looking at me with wide eyes.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me," Kline muttered under her breath, her smirk turning into an impressed smile. I could almost hear her inner scientist doing cartwheels. She''d been testing me for a whole week, digging into every little power I had, and I still hadn''t given her the full picture. That was the fun part.

    Lucine, standing to the side with arms crossed, didn''t flinch. Her cool gaze was as unreadable as ever, but there was something in her eyes��maybe a hint of recognition? She''d seen the way I operated before, but she hadn''t expected me to go this far with just my energy. Her silence was more of a compliment than anything.

    Ayumi, on the other hand, blinked at me with a soft smile, her expression full of curiosity and, dare I say, warmth. "I didn''t know you could do that." Her voice was light and kind, like she was genuinely interested in seeing where I''d go with this.

    I hesitated, shifting my weight on my feet. "It''s... nothing," I muttered, trying to downplay it. My gaze flicked to the scythe in my hand, and I quickly dissipated the energy, letting it vanish into the air. "Just something I can do when I''m focusing."

    Thomas, still standing off to the side, was calm as ever, but I could see the slight shift in his posture��like he was quietly acknowledging something he hadn''t expected. His voice was steady when he spoke. "Doesn''t seem like ''nothing'' to me."

    I bit my lip, resisting the urge to fidget. "Yeah, well... it''s not important." I took a step back, not wanting to draw any more attention to myself than necessary.

    I waved the scythe through the air lazily, letting the energy swirl around it like some oversized fan, I''m full of surprises, what can I say.

    I lowered the scythe, letting the dark energy disperse, but I kept my hand wrapped around the hilt. The air was still thick with the tension from what I''d just done. My heart was racing, but I kept my expression neutral��after all, I wasn''t really in the mood for explaining myself. Especially not in front of Claire, who was probably looking for any excuse to get under my skin.

    Claire''s gaze was sharper than the rest, as usual. She didn''t look surprised��no, she expected this. She knew there was more to me. But there was also something else in her eyes. Almost like... she was testing me?

    "You''re hiding something," she said, her tone matter of fact, as though she''d caught me red-handed. "You could''ve shown us more, but you didn''t."

    I stayed silent for a beat, unsure of how to respond. I didn''t want to get too close to them��especially not to Claire, who was so... probing. She made me uncomfortable, but I couldn''t quite put my finger on why. It was as though she was always looking for something from me. And that something made me want to hide even more.

    "Maybe I just don''t trust you enough yet," I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady. The last thing I wanted was to get into a power struggle with her. "Not everything is for show."

    Claire''s smile was knowing, but she didn''t push. She just nodded, as if she were marking something down in her mind. "Fair enough. But I''m sure you''ll show us more when the time''s right. I''m counting on that."

    I couldn''t bring myself to answer. Instead, I just shifted uncomfortably on my feet. There was something about this whole situation that made me feel small��like I was just a piece in their larger puzzle. But I couldn''t let myself think about it too much. Not now. Not when everything was still so uncertain.

    "Good work," Kline added, her tone professional again, as though nothing had happened. "I''ll make sure this... little update gets logged in your profile. It''ll be interesting to see how you perform next time."

    I nodded curtly. "Sure."

    The training began. I took a deep breath and tried to ignore the faint fluttering in my stomach. I wasn''t exactly thrilled about these drills, but this was part of the job now, wasn''t it? The others might think of this as just another day, but for me, it felt like a bit of an obstacle course.

    As I watched Lucine meditate in the corner of the training hall, I couldn''t help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity. She was so focused, her single eye closed as she centered herself, seemingly oblivious to the chaos around her.

    Meanwhile, Ayumi and Taro were training together, their movements fluid and synchronized as they practiced their forms. Taro''s strikes were precise, while Ayumi''s graceful dodges complemented his power perfectly. It was impressive to see them work as a team, their energy flowing seamlessly.

    Thomas was off to the side, tinkering with a machine that strained his electricity. I could see the sparks flying as he adjusted the settings, his brow furrowed in concentration. It was fascinating to watch him manipulate the energy, but I was more focused on my own training.

    Kline''s voice broke through my thoughts, sharp and direct as always. "Erilith, we''ll start with speed."

    I nodded and moved to the starting position, my muscles tense but controlled. I could feel the weight of everyone''s eyes on me, but I focused on the task ahead. I wasn''t here to impress anyone. I just wanted to get through it without making a fool of myself.

    Ayumi, ever the encouraging one, gave me a bright smile from the sidelines. "You''ve got this!"

    I gave her a small nod in return, though I wasn''t sure what exactly I had "got." Still, it was nice of her to try. Thomas stood with his usual calm demeanor, his arms crossed but his eyes studying me carefully. Lucine, as always, appeared as if she was mentally somewhere else, observing but not really invested.

    I crouched slightly, waiting for the first laser to shoot through the air. The machine hummed ominously, a small warning before the first laser fired. It was slow��slow enough for me to dodge easily. One step to the side, and it was past me.

    I could feel the familiar rush of heightened senses, the world slowing just a bit. It wasn''t magic, but it was close enough. I dodged another laser, and then another. My movements were quick and precise, but controlled. No flashy moves. No unnecessary flourishes. Just what was needed.

    The lasers began speeding up. It was harder to keep up now, but I wasn''t about to fail. Not here, not now. Another laser came at me, too fast to dodge normally, but I managed to sidestep it by a hair''s breadth. That was close, I thought to myself, though I didn''t let it show on my face.

    Then came the final shot. It was fast��really fast. Almost too fast. I could feel the weight of it, the pressure in the air. This time, I didn''t just dodge. I had to shift my entire body to avoid it, twisting mid-step. My heart skipped a beat when I felt the heat of the laser graze my arm, but I kept moving, finishing the drill without a major stumble.

    Ayumi clapped lightly. "That was great!"

    I didn''t know how great it was, but I gave her a small, quiet smile anyway. "Thanks."

    Thomas offered a small nod, looking almost bored, though I could tell he was paying attention. Lucine''s expression didn''t change, but there was a slight shift in her gaze. She might not show much, but I could tell she was evaluating me. I wasn''t sure what that meant, but I wasn''t about to ask.

    Kline, the ever-stern one, finally glanced up from her notes. "Not bad. But let''s move on. Next drill: endurance."

    I sighed inwardly. Endurance was always the worst. I was good at quick bursts of speed and power, but long-term stamina? That was another story entirely my body aches after all.

    But I wasn''t about to complain. That would be too obvious. Instead, I just gave a short nod and shifted into the next position. Focus, I reminded myself. One step at a time.

    Kline''s gaze remained sharp throughout, watching me like a hawk. I couldn''t tell what she thought of my performance, but at least she wasn''t giving me that "disappointing" look yet.

    After what felt like an eternity of pushing myself through these drills, Kline finally called it. "That''s enough for today. We''ll continue tomorrow."

    I straightened up, wiping some sweat from my brow. I wasn''t sure if I should be relieved or frustrated. In the end, it was just another day of training��no grand finale, no "wow, you''re amazing" moments. Just the quiet hum of machines and the feeling of being a little closer to... something. I wasn''t sure what, exactly, but that wasn''t really my concern.

    I offered a short, quiet acknowledgment to the team as I walked off the training floor. "See you tomorrow."

    Lucine didn''t respond. Thomas gave me a small, almost imperceptible nod. Ayumi''s smile was gentle, and even Kline gave a brief, approving look, though she quickly returned her attention to her clipboard.

    I couldn''t help but think about how weird this all was. A training session. In a secret underground facility. With a bunch of people, I barely know. And I''m hiding my powers from them...

    But it wasn''t like I had much of a choice.

    Tomorrow''s another day, I thought, letting out a small breath as I prepared to leave. It wasn''t a bad day, but it wasn''t the kind of day that left me feeling like a hero, either. Just another step on the path.

    And that was fine by me.

 Chapter 5.1: Unit 5 Briefing

    The underground office of Claire Everstone was a pristine space of subdued elegance, carved into the depths beneath the city. The walls were lined with a mix of polished stone and futuristic panels, exuding authority and poise. A faint scent of ozone lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle aroma of polished wood.

    Simulated skylights embedded in the ceiling cast a soft, natural-like glow across the room, while the low hum of hidden machinery added a subtle vibrancy to the atmosphere. In the quiet, the distant rhythmic tapping of Claire''s fingers on her desk resonated, blending with the almost imperceptible hiss of the air filtration system. Every detail screamed precision and control, much like the woman who occupied it.

    Claire sat at the center of it all, her diamond-like eyes sharp as they scanned the folder marked Unit 5. Her fingers tapped lightly on the polished desk, a rhythmic sound that filled the otherwise hushed atmosphere. To her right, a massive monitor flickered, displaying dossiers, footage, and reports related to the team. Her secretary worked silently at a nearby terminal, her presence almost ghostly.

    As the Chief Director of HeCaTe''s Japanese branch, Claire had mastered the art of balancing a carefree demeanor with unyielding authority. Her role demanded nothing less than perfection, and Claire thrived in the delicate dance of leading with charisma while making the hard decisions.

    Ivan, her trusted lieutenant and the Head of Covert Operations, lounged against the desk''s edge. His white hair caught the light, giving him an almost ethereal appearance that contrasted with his casual demeanor. In addition to his operational role, he served as the chief instructor, ensuring that every team under HeCaTe''s wing was battle-ready. Dressed in his usual tailored suit, he exuded an air of authority mixed with irreverence, as if he had little patience for formalities.

    "Unconventional doesn''t even begin to describe them," Claire said, breaking the silence. Her voice carried an edge of curiosity. "And yet, here we are. Each member... invaluable in their own way, but together, they''re something entirely different."

    Ivan smirked, shifting his stance slightly. "Formidable, chaotic, occasionally a headache," he replied, his tone light but tinged with admiration. "But they get the job done. You should''ve seen their last run��barely coordinated, but devastatingly effective. their maneuvering during the Shadow Nexus heist? Impressive for a new team. especially Lucine, she slipped through their defenses like she''d done it a dozen times before."

    Claire''s lips quirked into a faint smile as she gestured to the monitor. "Show me."

    The screen flickered, pulling up footage of Unit 5 in action. A towering man hurled a car door like a frisbee, a young girl manipulated debris midair, a blonde swordsman wielded crackling blades of lightning, and a white-haired woman moved with inhuman precision, dispatching enemies with eerie efficiency. The scenes shifted rapidly, each member showcasing raw talent interwoven with an unmistakable hint of camaraderie.

    The footage paused on the white-haired woman mid-strike, her katana slicing cleanly through a steel plate. Claire leaned forward, her gaze narrowing. "Lucine," she began. "The leader. Her military background makes her a natural tactician. Her approach to combat is both calculated and adaptive��she can anticipate the enemy''s moves and adjust her strategy on the fly. Just last month, during the Gridpoint ambush, it was her quick thinking that turned a certain defeat into a decisive victory, coordinating the team''s escape while neutralizing the attackers." Discipline, skill, and mastery of ki��she''s the foundation of this unit."

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Ivan straightened slightly, his casual expression fading. "She''s a machine. Precise, relentless. But Amaya complicates things."

    Claire''s expression darkened at the mention of Lucine''s other half. "Amaya is a threat, but also a tool��if controlled. That bracelet she requested is a safeguard, but it''s not foolproof. We tread a fine line with her."

    Ivan shrugged. "If anyone can manage it, it''s Lucine. She keeps it together for the team''s sake. Remember the incident with Amaya during the Mirage Vault raid? Lucine handled it before anyone else even noticed. That''s leadership."

    The scene shifted to a blonde man, his movements a blur as lightning crackled through the air. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned twin swords of pure energy, cutting through multiple targets.

    "Thomas," Claire said, watching closely. "Unpredictable. His abilities are as volatile as his personality. He doesn''t play well with others, but his loyalty to the mission is absolute."

    "A Wild card," Ivan agreed, a grin forming. "But you can''t deny his results. He''s got an edge��something personal driving him. Whatever he''s searching for, it fuels him."

    Claire nodded slowly. "His aloofness isolates him, but his power speaks for itself. During the Midnight Fortress operation, he single-handedly took down the enemy''s power grid, buying the team precious time. He doesn''t share much, but there''s a deep pain behind his actions��likely tied to his past. Maybe linked to that old case you mentioned, Ivan. The one with the burned village?"

    Ivan''s grin faded, replaced by a contemplative look. "Could be. It''s always in his eyes��that need for answers."

    The screen transitioned to a petite girl with glowing hands, objects floating around her in an intricate dance. Beside her stood a hulking figure, silent and imposing.

    "Ayumi," Claire began, her voice softening slightly. "Young, gifted, and fragile. Her psychic abilities are immense, but they come with a cost. The crown helps stabilize her, but we can''t ignore the risks."

    Ivan flipped through a nearby report. "Her connection with Taro is her anchor. He''s not just her bodyguard; he''s her shield in every sense. Without him, she''d collapse under the strain of her powers."

    Claire''s gaze softened further as the footage played a brief moment of Ayumi and Taro in action. Ayumi''s glowing hands formed a protective barrier, while Taro, with unmatched precision, intercepted an incoming projectile meant for her. The exchange that followed was telling��a quick, grateful glance from Ayumi, and a reassuring nod from Taro. Claire recalled their first meeting with Ayumi��a trembling girl clutching Taro''s sleeve as he silently shielded her from the world''s harshness.

    "Taro," Claire added, "is more than muscle. His devotion to Ayumi is unshakable. After his accident left him mute, he''s poured everything into protecting her. They''re inseparable��lose one, and we lose both."

    The final clip showed a young woman with sharp, crimson eyes. Unlike the others, her abilities weren''t prominently displayed, but her presence alone demanded attention.

    "The new girl," Ivan mused, his tone laced with intrigue. "She''s... different. Cooperative enough, but she''s hiding something."

    "Erilith," Claire confirmed, her gaze lingering on the screen. "A paradox. She''s still discovering herself, and in turn, we''re discovering her. That energy inside her is unlike anything we''ve encountered��fluid, unstable, but brimming with potential. Remember her first assignment, Ivan? The way she handled B24 even if it''s her first assignment, she''s more skilled than she lets on."

    Ivan chuckled, shaking his head. "She''s definitely keeping things interesting. The team doesn''t know what to make of her yet, but that might work in her favor."

    The monitor displayed the roster: Lucine, Thomas, Ayumi, Taro, and Erilith. Claire folded her hands, her expression unyielding. "Unit 5 isn''t just a collection of individuals. They''re a force��unpredictable, yes, but formidable. Whatever lies ahead, they''ll be at the forefront."

    Ivan pushed off the desk, stretching lazily. "You''re putting a lot of faith in them."

    Claire''s eyes gleamed. "Faith... and preparation. Make sure they''re ready, Ivan. We can''t afford mistakes."

    He grinned, turning toward the door. "Ready or not, they''ll deliver. Just don''t say I didn''t warn you when things get messy."

    As he exited, Claire returned her attention to the simulated skylight. The faint hum of machinery filled the room, the silence heavy with anticipation. Whatever storm was brewing, she knew Unit 5 would be the key to weathering it.