In the heart of the Demon Lord's domain—where even the air seemed soaked in malice—two figures stood amid the gloom.
Xandros leaned against a cracked pillar, arms crossed, armoured in shadow. His smirk hadn't faded in years.
"You're too quiet, Tym," he drawled. "That's why no one takes you seriously."
Across from him stood a boy cloaked in midnight blue. Barely twelve, yet his silver eyes held a weight that silenced most.
Tym replied coolly, "And you're too loud. That's why your squads keep dying."
Xandros scoffed. "Still mouthing off, huh? Try commanding real power instead of quoting philosophy."
Tym tilted his head, unfazed. "Respect earns loyalty. Fear breeds rebellion. You wouldn't understand the difference."
Before Xandros could bark back, a gust of wind blew through the chamber—unnatural, chilling.
A voice echoed in the void.
"Why are you wasting time? Come out already."
Xandros growled, turning. "So you're still creeping around, Buddha?"
A golden shimmer lit the chamber. Sakata Buddha appeared, robes glowing faintly, expression unreadable.
"You hold a grudge," he said with a smirk. "Still mad I crushed your little army at Castle Town?"
Xandros stepped forward, fists clenched. "You chased me to Hell's Gate. I haven't forgotten."
Tym's eyes narrowed. "Why are you here, Sakata?"
Sakata turned, half-fading into mist. "Just checking in. I heard the Demon Lord's still asleep. Shame—I brought snacks."
He vanished without waiting for a reply.
Xandros scowled. "That smug bastard's hiding something."
Tym said nothing, but his eyes stayed locked on the spot where Sakata disappeared.
---
Castle Town – Guild District
The streets buzzed with activity as Juichi walked beside a cloaked figure. They passed vendors shouting prices and guards patrolling the alleys.
At the city gate, the figure stopped. "Before we continue, you should know something."
She pulled down her hood, revealing sharp crimson eyes and dark red hair.
"I'm Sakura Harasen. And I'm a woman."
Juichi blinked. "Wait—then why register as a man?"
Sakura smirked. "Let's just say I prefer not being questioned every five minutes."
"…Fair," Juichi said, crossing his arms. "So why tell me now?"
"Because I sense something in you. Stronger than dragon energy. But… sealed."
Juichi nodded once. "It is."
Sakura turned, cloak billowing. "Let's keep moving."
---
Brunhild City – Eastern District
Brunhild was loud, fast, and alive. Towering stone walls, busy markets, and shouting merchants gave the city a heartbeat.
Juichi took it in silently. "So… got a lead?"
Sakura nodded. "A merchant I know. Edgar Lorran. He's no fighter, but he hears everything."
"And you trust him?"
"I've known him a month," she replied.
Juichi raised an eyebrow. "Wow. You make friends that fast?"
Sakura shot him a glare. "Shut up."
---
They found Edgar's stall tucked between two blacksmith shops. He was organizing crates when he looked up.
"Sakura? Didn't expect you back so soon." His eyes drifted to Juichi. "Friend of yours?"
"More like a job partner," she said. "We need intel."
Edgar ushered them inside. The backroom was tight but clean. Once the door was locked, his smile faded.
"Talk."
Sakura laid it out: corruption, suspicious nobles, and rumours of a rogue Duke manipulating the underworld.
Edgar frowned. "That's heavy. But there's a place. An inn—eastern district. There is no signboard or low lights. Locals call it The Broken Halo. Shady folks gather there."
Juichi leaned against a crate. "And how do we get in without getting stabbed?"
Edgar smirked. "That's where I come in."
---
As the three plotted their next move, none of them noticed the faint shimmer of magic outside the window.
A shadow slipped into the alley—silent, watching, listening.
To be continued…