The sky was clear that day. The sun shone brightly over the village—just another peaceful, ordinary day. Some villagers worked the fields, others hung clothes out to dry. Gachuti and Thijou stood in front of the Adventurers' Guild, chatting while they waited for Rosary, who was running toward them from a distance.
"Gachuti, are you ready to register at the guild?" — Thijou's words carried a hint of unease.
"Absolutely, Elder Thijou." — Gachuti replied with a confident smile.
"I've told you before…" — A look of mild disappointment crossed the old man's face.
"Hm? What is it?"
"I've told you—you can call me grandfather."
"Don't joke like that. I'm not worthy of calling an elder *grandfather*."
"Maybe it won't be long before we really are grandfather and grandson." — He muttered the words almost under his breath.
"Huh? What did you say?"
"Nothing. Just that it's fine." — Thijou dropped the subject for the time being.
"I'm here!" — Rosary shouted as she leapt onto Gachuti's back. He mustered all his strength to keep them both from falling.
A few minutes later, Rosary was kneeling in seiza, nearly in tears as she begged for forgiveness, while Gachuti stood over her, clearly irritated.
"It's fine. Just… don't do that again." — He finally sighed and forgave her.
"Got it." — She began drying what might've been tears. At that moment, a hand rested on Gachuti's shoulder. When he turned to see who it was, he remembered why they were there.
"Are you two done playing around, kids?"
"I told you not to call me a kid, Elder Thijou." — Gachuti tried to feign annoyance.
"I can see you've calmed down. Shall we go in, then?"
"Let's." — The two responded in unison.
Inside the guild, the atmosphere was moderately lively. There were tables, a quest board, and reception counters. They approached one of them.
"This will be quick. Please place your hand on the orb." — The receptionist wore a constant smile.
"Okay, then…" — As Gachuti placed his hand on the orb, it glowed with a beautiful violet light. But soon, the light began to dim and turned to darkness.
"You're…" — The receptionist's smile faded, and her calm demeanor shifted to something cold.
"What happened?"
"Half-Dem—" — A loud ringing filled his ears, and the whole room seemed to spin.
---
One Month Later
The sky was overcast, the air pleasantly cool. A small green leaf drifted gently downward, embodying the quiet beauty of spring—until it was abruptly crushed underfoot. Unaware, the person continued walking.
"Where are you?" — The silence of the forest was broken by Rosary's voice. She wore light clothes suited to the season.
A soft breeze swept through the forest, brushing gently against her skin and hair.
"Gachuti?" — Her voice came as a whisper, and in her heart, she felt she was close.
She began running, guided by instinct, following the wind's trail. As she neared the source, another voice echoed in the air.
"Focus!" — A deep breath, and a wave of wind surged outward, enveloping the forest, brushing past Rosary like a living presence.
"What is this feeling?" — Her mind was overcome by the sensation. The wind was warm and welcoming—yet cold and mysterious. A breathtaking moment.
"I have to do this for them. To show that I'm not the monster they fear… that I don't need the power of darkness." — He raised his sword, its blade now engulfed in cyan-blue flames, making the scene all the more striking.
With speed and precision, he slashed diagonally through a tree, which instantly burst into flames—then froze, the fire crystallizing into ice.
"Hyōen Dōji." — A heavy sigh escaped his lips.
"I finally found you." — Without turning, Gachuti's eyes opened. Sensing her presence, he replied.
"Rosary, I asked for time alone."
"But you've been out here for a week. Let's talk." — She took a step forward, reaching out her hand.
"No! You know why…" — His voice trembled, tinged with sorrow.