Screaming and crying, panic surged through Hinata as the pain of losing a loved one welled up in her heart. In her frantic escape, she collided with someone’s chest, not realizing it until tears streamed down her face. When she heard Kazuki's voice, she looked up and immediately embraced him.

 

“Hinata!”

 

“Kazuki!” she wailed, her sobs choking her words.

 

Kazuki was her safe haven. Despite their constant bickering, Hinata loved him deeply, often wondering if he felt the same way. But deep down, she feared the truth was the opposite.

 

“What happened? What did you do, Hinata!?” he yelled, pushing her away and gripping her arms tightly. His genuine fury caught her off guard.

 

“I... I didn’t do anything!” she exclaimed, shaking her head as her cries intensified. Kazuki winced, unable to form words as her wailing grew louder.

 

Just then, Kazushige rushed into the house, dismissing the drama unfolding around him.

 

“Hey! Where are you going—wait for me!” he shouted, but before he could follow, Hinata stopped him.

 

“No! Kazuki! It’s dangerous! Don’t go in; you can’t do anything!” she pleaded, gripping his arm.

 

“I need to help him! Damn it, don’t stop me, Hinata! You know who I am, and I know how crazy you are for lying about everything!” Kazuki shoved her arm away and rushed inside, leaving Hinata alone. Annoyance replaced her fear, and with no other choice, she ran to the police station for help.

 

Kazuki joined Kazushige, ready to assist.

 

 

“Tch.” Aya winced with annoyance, standing tall as she pointed her spear at the twisted creature before her and tightened her grip. “There’s nowhere left for you to hide, anymore…”

 

Suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed through the air.

 

"Sa'lraãm, sa'lrãam naphaūr, ina el-halea'ar vaktum, bašāšu niškurma'kt..." (The child, the forsaken child... who will satisfy our hunger...)

She flinched. The corpse before her began to shudder violently. A bubbling heat emanated from within, culminating in a gruesome explosion that scattered flesh and bones. Ripping through the remains were large tentacled claws, and from the shattered mass emerged a grotesque figure.

 

Its skin was wrinkled and leathery, stretched over massive, veiny appendages. The mouth was filled with razor-sharp teeth, and its head was replaced by multiple gleaming eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. Grotesque, fly-like wings unfurled from its back, their translucent membranes pulsing with a buzz, while a halo rested atop its head, reminiscent of an angel.

 

Aya’s eyes widened in horror. What the hell is that? 

She gulped and took a step back, but something struck her, leaving her paralyzed. The twisted being smirked, its razor teeth glinting as it flew closer, looming over her.

 

In a demonic voice, it let out a sinister laugh. "Āsta, si'lârahum ez-kãat si'ka es-vêrjaksūn ma'alaha'kt isha Añmu ve'rdáiun, kazaak artu et'la vi, c'estas vi'larum va'aktum ambu, ishka'un vata!" (Now I will tear you apart, bit by bit, and feed you to the being you shouldn't have killed!)

The creature lunged, claws outstretched, but before it could reach her, Kazuki swept in, lifting her in a bridal carry. He dodged to safety just as Kazushige unleashed a bolt of dark energy, striking the creature with a resounding impact. It slammed against the wall, letting out a deafening scream of pain.

 

Aya’s eyes widened when she saw herself being carried away from harm. 

 

“Miss, are you—” Kazuki stopped mid-sentence, his jaw dropping at the sight of her. Recognition sparked anger within him.

 

“YOU AGAIN!?” He nearly dropped her, but managed to hold on just in time.

 

“P-put me down… PUT ME DOWN!” she pleaded, fear lacing her voice.

 

“NO! What are you doing here? It’s dangerous! Are you stalking me? You won’t get away with this! Stay here and don’t pull any stunts; I’m not finished with you for hitting my head. You’ll pay for that!”

 

“What!?” she exclaimed, bewildered. He hadn’t even heard her apology?

 

“Shut up!” He searched for a cabinet, still holding her, and suddenly shoved her inside. He slammed the door shut and braced it with a table.

 

“HEY! What are you—LET ME OUT!” she yelled, pounding on the door before running towards Kazushige.

 

“Kazushige!”

 

Kazushige recognized her voice and turned to see Kazuki rushing toward him, his gaze landing on the creature pressed against the wall, terrified.

 

“What the hell…” he muttered.

 

The creature spoke, rage seeping from its words. "AK'ZAAM! Ishtahum mov'rakt et' em viyajo naksum, mimmā bīti iāši u šaddu lā ištu, wašālaqīkam annūtu ina dūri šarīki darrat. Anāku lā yēšu!!!" (You ignorant fool! You may share their blood, but your ignorance is pitiful!)

“What is it saying?!” Kazuki asked.

 

“It’s the ancient language…” Kazushige replied. “But what matters is killing this thing—now!”

 

“Kadian? What the hell is that?”

 

“No time to explain! You need to get out of here, quick!”

 

The creature crossed its clawed hands, summoning malevolent energy. Its wings buzzed ominously, and smaller twisted forms began to emerge, launching toward them with yellow projectiles.

 

“What!?” Both of them dashed out of the way.

 

“Those things burn!” Kazushige shouted. “Not again! This is ridiculous!”

 

Kazushige initiated the first attack, summoning a shadow shield with one hand while casting Shadow Shards from his fingertips. Dark lightning crackled through the air, striking the creatures with devastating force.

 

Kazuki, trained in martial arts by his grandfather, temporarily vanished from sight, evading their strikes. He moved fluidly, landing a series of powerful blows, each hit landing with a fatal blow. 

 

Together, they fought strategically, conserving energy while dismantling their opponents.

 

“Ha! That’s cool, but mine is way cooler!” Kazushige taunted as the creature let out a frustrated scream, launching another attack before leaping through the roof to escape.

 

“Shit! It’s getting away!” Kazuki yelled.

 

“Damn it!” Kazushige leapt after it, Kazuki close behind. Concern for his safety nagged at Kazushige, but he was reassured by the kid’s abilities.

 

Suddenly, Kazushige stopped, his demeanor darkening.

 

“Stay,” he commanded.

 

“What?”

 

“I said, stay out and protect her,” he repeated firmly.

 

“But why?”

 

“You can’t come with me! It’s too dangerous!” he snapped. Kazuki flinched, confused and disappointed.

 

Kazushige was already aware of how dire the situation. It is something that someone like him should handle and not to involve civilians to this. “You just can’t… Let me handle this. I can do it better alone. You should bring your friend to safety, so go…”

 

With that, Kazushige left, leaving Kazuki clenching his fists, swirling with mixed emotions.

 

 

Kazuki's hands trembled, frustration boiling within him. Without hesitation, he followed, determined to assist Kazushige, knowing the daunting task ahead—facing a colossal, diabolical monster.