The sun had begun to set over the skies of Darkova. The streets bustled with people dressed in elegant outfits, all heading toward Terrakula's grand palace in the center of the city, where the noble banquet she had planned was about to take place.
On one of the high rooftops, Akio, Ken, and Ann stood, watching the palace from afar.
Akio (looking down):
"Waaah… I didn't think Darkova would be this beautiful at night, even though it's full of vampires and lunatics."
Ann (excitedly, holding her purple dress):
"Exactly! The atmosphere here is totally different from any other state in Darkova, right, Ken-san?"
Ken didn't respond immediately. He kept his eyes focused on the palace, studying every corner with his sharp gaze.
Ken (in a low voice):
"Beauty doesn't mean safety… this place could turn into our grave at any moment."
Akio stared at Ken for a second, then let out a short laugh and placed his hand on his hip.
Akio:
"Man, you always have these gloomy replies! At least let us enjoy the party a little before the fighting starts, right?"
Ann (crossing her arms, smirking):
"Don't worry, Ken-san. We're not leaving this palace without getting the sword. We can do it!"
Ken gave her an unconvinced look, then let out a faint sigh and calmly lit his cigarette.
Ken:
"Fine… let's go."
The three approached the grand palace gate, surrounded by towering stone pillars engraved with ancient carvings. Statues of strange creatures stood on either side—half human, half vampire-like beasts.
Akio (in awe, staring at the statues):
"Woaah! What are these creepy things? They look like they'll start moving any second!"
Ann (eyes wide as she stared too):
"This place is seriously scary… even the air feels different."
Ken (coldly, walking toward the gate):
"We're in a vampire's home. What did you expect?"
At the gate stood two tall vampire guards in luxurious black armor, the emblem of Terrakula engraved in crimson on their chests. They stared at the guests with cold, unreadable eyes. One of them raised his hand to stop them.
Guard (formally):
"Invitation cards."
Ann pulled out the ornate invitation card, its edges gilded in gold, and smiled slyly.
Ann (with fake arrogance, holding the card up):
"Here you go, sir. We're very important guests tonight, aren't we?"
The guard showed no reaction, simply took the card, inspected it briefly, then looked at them.
Guard:
"You may enter. Enjoy the party."
Akio (lightly patting Ann's shoulder as he chuckled):
"Look at you! Acting like a real noblewoman, haha!"
Ann (proudly closing her eyes and placing her hands on her hips):
"Of course! I've got a talent for high-class acting!"
But Ken said nothing. He simply walked ahead, his sharp eyes scanning every corner of the palace cautiously. As they stepped inside, they were enveloped by the crimson candlelight radiating from the massive chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The walls were adorned with old paintings depicting bloody battles and eerie scenes of vampires ruling over humans.
Akio (in awe):
"My god… I've never been in a palace like this before. It's amazing!"
In the center of the hall, the guests moved gracefully, chatting and sipping strange drinks from fine glass goblets, while an orchestra played slow, ominous classical music. But Akio wasn't interested in the gothic atmosphere… he was drawn to something else entirely. The moment he spotted the banquet table overflowing with gourmet food, his eyes sparkled like a child seeing candy for the first time.
Akio (joyfully running to the table):
"Oooh!! Look at this food!! This isn't just a party—it's a dream!!"
Even though Ann and Ken were trying to behave naturally and survey the area carefully, Akio didn't care at all. He grabbed a plate and started piling it with everything he could find—from luxurious meats to golden pastries and desserts!
Ann (trying to stop him):
"Akio!! Stop acting like a child! You're making us look like we came to the party just for food!!"
But Akio wasn't listening. He grabbed a fancy cake slice, topped it with a massive scoop of cream, and looked at Ken while chewing happily.
Akio (with a full mouth):
"Ken, why don't you try this cake? It's unbelievably delicious!!"
Ken (coldly staring, then blowing smoke from his cigarette):
"No."
But before Akio could take another bite, he noticed some guests looking at him in disgust—especially the snobbish nobles who weren't used to someone eating that way at such a refined gathering. One of them, a tall, elegant human noble with long white hair and green eyes, raised an eyebrow in disdain.
Noble (mocking tone):
"What a barbaric display… where did they find this villager?"
Akio paused his chewing for a moment, swallowed his food, and looked at the man with an innocent smile.
Akio (cheerfully):
"Huh? Are you talking about me? Look at my clothes, I'm no villager—we bought these today so we could look like you all!"
Ann put a hand to her forehead in embarrassment at Akio's cluelessness.
Noble (laughing with other nobles):
"Hah? This is a party for true nobles, not hungry boys off the streets."
Ann was about to step in, but Ken moved first. He flicked his cigarette onto the edge of the table without any expression, then slowly turned toward the noble with a face as cold as ice.
Ken (in a quiet, deadly tone):
"If you don't like watching him eat… you can close your eyes. Or I can do it for you."
A heavy silence fell over the hall. The nobles exchanged tense glances—it was clear Ken wasn't joking.
Noble (nervously smiling and stepping back):
"H-hah, no need for threats… we were only joking."
But Ken didn't smile. He just stared for a second longer, then turned and walked toward another hallway.
Ann (whispering to Akio):
"You idiot… even in the most dangerous places, all you think about is food!"
Akio (laughing while taking another bite):
"What's wrong with enjoying myself? Life's short—let me eat!"
After a few tense moments, the guests gradually returned to their conversations. But some continued to glance at Ken with wary eyes, while Akio kept eating as if he had no idea he'd nearly started a fight.
Ann (sighing and rubbing her forehead):
"I can't believe we're here on a dangerous mission, and this idiot made himself the center of attention because of food!"
But Akio wasn't listening. He picked up another small dessert—dark chocolate drenched in black caramel—and popped it in his mouth… and suddenly froze!
Akio (closing his eyes briefly, then suddenly shouting):
"What is this?! This is… too delicious!!"
Guests turned to look again, this time due to his shouting. Ann quickly shoved him down onto a chair.
Ann (angrily whispering):
"Shut up! We're trying to blend in—we're not supposed to become the party's joke!"
Noble (approaching again, hands behind his back arrogantly):
"Hah… seems like the villagers not only lack manners—they don't even know how to eat quietly."
Akio looked up from his plate, still chewing the dessert happily, then smiled casually as he wiped his mouth with his sleeve.
Akio (cheerfully):
"Huh? You again?"
Noble (laughing mockingly, then speaking in a haughty voice while looking at Akio with disdain):
"Looks like tonight's party is open even to street children. How did they let you in, boy? Did you win a free ticket in the nobles' lottery?"
Some guests chuckled quietly. Ken watched silently, his face showing no reaction, but his sharp eyes locked onto the man as if waiting for him to cross a line. But Akio, as usual, didn't fully grasp the insult. He just tilted his head, looked at his clothes, then turned back to the noble with genuine curiosity.
Akio (sincerely):
"But… we bought these clothes today from a fancy shop. Do they really look like street clothes to you?"
The nobles' laughter grew louder, and the noble sipped casually from his glass of blue liquid, looking back at Akio with a mocking smile.
Noble (with disdain):
"My boy, it doesn't matter what you wear. A beggar remains a beggar, and nobles remain nobles."
Akio wasn't angry. He simply kept looking at the man with puzzled eyes, genuinely trying to process what he meant. Then, suddenly, he grinned and slammed the table with excitement, causing some of the glasses to rattle.
Akio (cheerfully):
"Aah! I get it! You're one of those people who believe blue blood makes someone noble, right?!"
Noble (raising an eyebrow, irritated):
"Huh?"
Akio (continuing with his usual bright tone, waving his hand):
"I've heard of that before! Some people think nobles have special blood that makes them different! That's so funny—have you ever tried cutting yourself to check the color of your blood? Maybe it really is blue!"
There was a strange silence for a moment before Ann burst into a small laugh despite trying to hold it in. The other guests looked surprised, while the white-haired noble was starting to lose his composure—he didn't even know how to respond to Akio, who seemed to be completely sincere.
Ken slightly raised an eyebrow, then turned away and covered his mouth, as if trying to keep from laughing.
Ken (in his head):
"This idiot… he's destroying them without even realizing it."
Noble (with clenched teeth, narrowing his eyes):
"You… dare mock me?!"
Akio (blinking innocently):
"Mock? No, no! I was just asking honestly! I mean… imagine if your blood really was blue—that would be amazing, wouldn't it?"
The nobles began laughing loudly at the exchange, some whispering among themselves. The white-haired noble looked more embarrassed than angry now. Meanwhile, Akio remained blissfully unaware of the chaos he was causing.
Noble (suppressing rage):
"This place is not for naive children. This isn't one of your filthy little village parties!"
Akio thought for a second, then smiled again and tilted his head with curiosity.
Akio (enthusiastically):
"So… do your parties have games? Or do you just stand around staring at each other?"
Ann couldn't hold it anymore. She burst into laughter, covering her mouth to avoid being too loud. The noble looked like he was about to explode, but before he could say another word, a soft yet powerful voice echoed through the hall:
"Welcome, honored guests… I'm delighted to see you all in my palace tonight."
Instantly, all eyes turned to the top of the royal staircase, where Terrakula appeared, descending confidently in a long black dress. Everyone in the hall went silent; even the music faded slightly, as if the whole room awaited the hostess's words.
Ann (whispering, feeling nervous):
"Why does it feel like we just committed a crime…?"
But Akio wasn't fazed at all. He was still chewing on a piece of cake like nothing had changed.
Akio (in a low voice as he took another bite):
"This cake is seriously good… but no way it's better than the soufflé!"
Ken, on the other hand, observed Terrakula silently, his eyes analyzing every step she took. She stood at the center of the hall, looked around for a few seconds, then spoke in a calm yet commanding tone.
Terrakula (with a faint smile, but a hidden threat in her voice):
"It seems some of my dear guests have faced a bit of… discomfort since arriving. That's something I won't allow at tonight's gathering."
The nobles glanced around nervously, some bowing their heads slightly in guilt, while others tried to act indifferent—especially the noble who had just been mocking Akio.
Terrakula (now speaking more clearly):
"As your host, I will not tolerate anyone disturbing my three young guests. I trust that's clear to everyone?"
A heavy silence filled the room before some nobles bowed their heads respectfully, indicating they understood. The white-haired noble looked displeased, biting his lip before reluctantly lowering his head and stepping back.
Noble (grumbling to himself):
"How can these kids be getting special treatment…?"
After asserting her authority, Terrakula kept her charming smile and slowly raised her hand toward the orchestra in the corner of the hall.
Terrakula (gently, but with command):
"Now… let's enjoy ourselves a little. That's what we came for, isn't it?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the music picked up again—this time with a more rhythmic melody. The sounds of violins blended with piano to create an elegant yet mysterious atmosphere. Couples began to move into the center of the hall, where the official dancing started. Silk dresses spun with every graceful step.
Ann (excitedly watching the scene):
"Wooow! This is so elegant! They're all moving in perfect sync!"
Meanwhile… Akio was completely uninterested. He took advantage of the eased tension to return to the food table and grab another piece of luxurious dessert.
Akio (mouth full as he chewed):
"Oh, they started dancing? They look like swans the way they move!"
Ann (looking at him in exasperation):
"Why are you talking like you're watching a show?! We're part of the party too—you're supposed to join in!"
She then turned to Ken, who was still standing in the corner, silently watching everyone with his sharp eyes while smoking his cigarette.
Ann (grinning slyly as she walked up to him):
"Ken-san, won't you dance with me?"
Ken raised an eyebrow slightly, then looked at her like she'd just said something absurd.
Ken (coldly):
"No."
Ann (hands on her hips):
"Why not?!"
Ken:
"Because I don't dance."
But Ann wasn't one to give up easily. She grabbed his arm, trying to pull him, but he didn't move an inch.
Ann (grumbling as she tugged):
"Oh, come on! One dance won't kill you!"
Ken (quiet but firm, pulling her hand away):
"I said no."
Ann sighed in frustration, but she wasn't ready to give up the idea just yet. Then suddenly… she turned to Akio, who was still preoccupied with food.
Ann (enthusiastically):
"Fine! If Ken-san won't dance… how about you, Akio?!"
Akio paused his chewing for a second, then looked at her, cream still on his face, and smiled.
Akio (cheerfully):
"Oh? Dancing? I've never tried it before!"
He wiped his mouth with his sleeve, stood up excitedly, grabbed Ann's hand—and without a second thought, jumped into the center of the ballroom!
Ann (wide-eyed):
"Akio!! Wait! Not like that!!"
But it was too late. Akio was already twirling her around randomly, completely unaware of how ballroom dancing worked. He hopped with uncoordinated steps, flailed his arms oddly—like a little kid imitating grown-ups. Some guests stared in astonishment… then some began to chuckle quietly, while the more traditional nobles looked on in horror, as if he were committing a grave cultural offense.
White-haired Noble (whispering to a companion, covering his face in embarrassment):
"That boy… is he serious?! He's destroying the entire meaning of elegant dance!!"
But Akio didn't care—he was having the time of his life.
Akio (laughing as he twirled with Ann):
"Wow! This is fun! Right?!"
Ann struggled to keep up with his chaotic movements, but she couldn't match him at all. Her face turned red from embarrassment as all eyes were now on them because of Akio's antics.
Ann (shouting in embarrassment):
"Akio, stop, please! I don't want to keep dancing!"
Ken, meanwhile, stood in the back, watching the scene with a completely unreadable expression… but he knew this party wouldn't stay peaceful for long… Something bigger was coming.
In a secluded corner of the hall, Nyoro and Steve were also watching everything unfold from afar.
Nyoro (quietly, folding his arms):
"So… these are the three guests causing all the fuss? I didn't think they'd look this scrawny—especially Yukaji Ken."
Steve didn't respond immediately. He simply stared analytically at the guests while holding a glass of shimmering blue liquid.
Steve (calmly):
"Don't judge them by appearances alone."
Nyoro (chuckling while looking at Akio):
"Oh come on… look at that blue-haired kid. He's just a clown who eats more than he moves. He doesn't look dangerous at all."
Steve:
"Food and dancing aren't a measure of strength, Nyoro."
Nyoro (smirking as he looked at Steve):
"You're as boring as ever, Steve. We're at a party—look around, everyone's having fun, and you're just standing there like a statue."
Steve didn't reply. He just cast a sideways glance at Nyoro, clearly uninterested. But he knew Nyoro wouldn't stop talking so easily.
Nyoro (teasingly):
"At least go talk to a girl. Don't you think it's time to break that icy aura of yours?"
Steve (calmly, looking away):
"I'm not interested."
Nyoro (laughing):
"Of course. I expected nothing less. You're just a gloomy mystery man who doesn't know how to enjoy life."
Suddenly, Nyoro's expression shifted as he stared at Ken, who was still standing calmly, quietly observing everyone as he smoked his cigarette.
Nyoro (low voice, but filled with excitement):
"He's like you… but honestly, Yukaji Ken is different."
Steve (glancing at him):
"What do you mean?"
Nyoro (grinning dangerously, folding his arms):
"I feel like he's hiding something… or planning something. Honestly, I'm excited to fight him once the chaos starts."
After a brief silence, Nyoro smiled again, then suddenly grabbed his glass and set it aside with confidence.
Nyoro (stretching his arms, playful):
"Alright, this party's getting boring. Time to have some fun!"
He turned smoothly and made his way toward a noblewoman—a blonde vampire with light blue eyes standing beside her friends chatting softly.
Nyoro (charming smile, bowing slightly):
"Excuse me, my lady, but I simply couldn't ignore your presence without asking for a dance."
The girl raised an eyebrow in surprise, then looked at her friends, who were whispering to each other.
Girl (smiling lightly):
"Oh? And why should I dance with a kid like you?"
Nyoro (confidently running a hand through his hair):
"Because I'm the best dancer in this hall, and no one can resist my style."
The girl chuckled softly and finally extended her hand.
Girl:
"Alright then. Show me what you've got, cocky boy."
Nyoro took her hand lightly and gracefully led her to the center of the ballroom, where the formal dance was underway. He moved smoothly, enjoying the spotlight. As for Steve, he continued watching from afar.
Steve (quietly):
"That boy is so shallow… he really needs to grow up."
But before he could finish the thought, he sensed someone nearby. It was Ken. He hadn't walked up directly, but was now standing at the nearby refreshment table. He reached for a glass of red tea, then turned and looked at Steve.
Ken (approaching and standing next to Steve):
"You don't look like you're enjoying the party."
Steve (without looking at him):
"Neither do you."
Ken didn't respond right away. He took a slow sip from his glass, then set it down quietly.
Ken (calmly):
"I hate crowded places."
Steve:
"Then why are you here?"
Ken (coldly):
"I have my reasons."
Steve glanced briefly at him but said nothing, turning his gaze back to the dancing guests. After a moment, Ken picked up his glass again, took another sip, and looked back at Steve with a calm but probing tone.
Ken (softly):
"Do you know someone named Akira?"
Steve didn't react immediately, but fell silent for a moment, clearly choosing his words carefully before answering in a low voice.
Steve:
"Akira? Yes, I know him."
Ken (watching his expression):
"Why didn't he show up to the party?"
Steve (neutral tone):
"He was supposed to be here, but he disappeared yesterday."
Ken didn't move, but something about the way Steve said that felt off.
Ken (narrowing his eyes slightly):
"Disappeared?"
Steve:
"Yes."
Ken reached into the pocket of his black coat, pulled out a cigarette case, opened it with a click, placed a cigarette between his lips, and lit it with his finger. He inhaled slowly, then exhaled the smoke as his eyes remained fixed on Steve.
Ken (calmly, with a subtle edge of suspicion):
"That's strange… he's the one who invited us to the party himself."
Steve didn't respond immediately. He took another small sip from his glass, then spoke in a more cautious tone.
Steve:
"True… but he wasn't here when the party started. No one knows where he went."
Amidst the flickering lights, Nyoro finally finished his dance with the noblewoman, smiling as he let go of her hand. The music still played, but he had lost interest. As he walked across the hall, he spotted Steve standing near the table—but what caught his attention was the person next to him.
Nyoro (low voice, smiling excitedly):
"Haaah… what do we have here?"
Nyoro walked toward Steve with confident steps, but he wasn't looking at him. His eyes were locked on Ken.
Nyoro (with eager smile, directly at Ken):
"So, I finally meet the famous Yukaji Ken face-to-face."
Ken slowly raised his gaze and exhaled smoke calmly, then looked directly at Nyoro, showing no expression—just a quiet assessment of the person in front of him.
Nyoro (putting his hands behind his head playfully):
"Oh, welcome, Yukaji Ken. I've been waiting for this moment for a while. I didn't expect you to be so calm up close. I thought you'd be more… dangerous."
Ken (taking another drag of his cigarette, speaking with calm but sharp tone):
"Did you expect me to be screaming and burning the place down?"
Nyoro laughed again, then put his hands in his pockets and stepped closer—until he was just one step away from Ken.
Nyoro (whispering with excitement):
"I'm just here to see one thing…"
He slowly raised his hand and pointed directly at Ken's chest.
Nyoro (eyes gleaming):
"Are you really the boy who challenged Yukaji Cyrus?"
There was a moment of silence. Ken didn't move, didn't flinch—he just stared back at Nyoro, expressionless, the smoke from his cigarette still curling upward.
Ken (softly):
"That's what everyone says."
Nyoro's grin widened, as if he'd finally found something truly interesting. After a moment of intense eye contact, he leaned slightly forward, then reached for a tall glass filled with glittering blue liquid from the nearby drink table.
Nyoro (side-smiling as he offered the glass to Ken):
"Try this. It's my favorite."
Ken looked at the glass for a moment, then at Nyoro. He didn't take it right away, only continued watching him with his cold gray eyes.
Ken (calmly):
"And what exactly is it?"
Nyoro (chuckling):
"It's not poison, don't worry. It's a special drink that's only made here in Darkova."
Ken slowly took the glass, staring at the shimmering blue liquid inside.
Ken:
"And what's in it?"
Nyoro (leaning on the table and explaining like an expert):
• Blue Risa Flower: Used in herbal drinks, known to calm the nerves and enhance focus.
• Black Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness without being overly sugary.
• Wild Mint: Gives it that refreshing and cool flavor.
• Orange Juice: A slight touch to balance the acidity.
• Natural Sparkling Water from Darkova's Springs: That's what gives it the distinct blue shimmer.
Ken raised the glass slowly to his lips. He didn't drink immediately—he first inhaled its aroma, then took a small sip.
Ken (lowering the glass and glancing at Nyoro):
"Strange… but not bad."
Nyoro (laughing as he lightly taps the table):
"Right? It's one of the few things I actually like about Darkova!"
Ken looked back at the glass, but his mind wasn't on the drink—it was on Nyoro.
Ken (thinking silently):
"This guy isn't normal. There's something… strange drawing me toward him."
In the center of the ballroom, Ann hadn't expected to find herself dancing with Akio, but once he pulled her into the dance floor with childish enthusiasm, there was no turning back.
Akio (grinning widely as he held her hand and stepped forward):
"Come on, Ann! Let's have some fun! It's my first time dancing in such a fancy place!"
Ann (sighing as she tried to keep up with his chaotic steps):
"Ugh… I should've known you had no idea how to dance!"
Though Ann tried to move gracefully, Akio was doing the opposite—jumping around playfully like he was in a fight rather than a dance.
Ann (embarrassed, trying to stop him):
"Akio!! Stop jumping around like an excited child!"
Akio (laughing as he spun her):
"What? Aren't we supposed to enjoy ourselves?"
Ann (gritting her teeth and whispering):
"If you don't calm down, I'll kick you in front of everyone!"
Akio (smiling playfully):
"Oh, that sounds fun!"
Some nobles watched their antics with confusion. Across the ballroom, Terrakula observed them in silence, holding a luxurious glass of human blood. Her glowing red eyes locked onto Akio, analyzing him in her own twisted way.
Terrakula (soft smile, touching her lips thoughtfully):
"Hmm… this boy is more amusing than I thought. I wonder… how his blood tastes?"
She rose from her seat on the balcony and walked calmly toward the dance floor, her long black dress flowing behind her. Everyone who saw her approaching bowed respectfully. Akio, still dancing obliviously, noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere—things had gone quiet.
Akio (curiously stopping and looking around):
"Huh? Why did everyone stop dancing?"
When he turned forward, he saw a mysterious woman with short red hair and glowing red eyes approaching him with slow, confident steps.
Akio (raising an eyebrow and whispering to Ann):
"Who's that?"
Ann turned to him, shocked.
Ann (facepalming, muttering in frustration):
"Seriously? That's Duchess Terrakula-sama! Didn't you see her enter the hall earlier?!"
Akio (innocently shaking his head):
"Nope, I was busy with the food."
Ann shot him a glare of pure disappointment, just as Terrakula reached them.
Terrakula (soft smile, velvety tone):
"So we finally meet face to face, Akio."
As soon as she said his name, Akio's eyes widened in genuine shock. For a moment, he froze, as if his brain couldn't process what was happening.
Akio (wide-eyed, pointing at her):
"W-What?! You're… you're Terrakula?!"
Ann grew even more frustrated and looked at him in disbelief.
Ann (low, angry whisper):
"You idiot, address her as Terrakula-sama!"
But Akio didn't hear her. He was too stunned. He had imagined Terrakula as an old, creepy hag—but instead, she was… stunning. Terrakula noticed his reaction, and her smile widened slightly. She stepped closer, her face now just inches from his, making him take a subconscious step back.
Terrakula (soft, mocking voice):
"What's wrong, little one? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Akio (blinking rapidly, shaking his head):
"N-No, of course not! I just didn't expect you to… well, look like that."
Terrakula (chuckling softly):
"Oh my, how sweet. Were you expecting a scary monster with long teeth and hollow eyes?"
Akio (hand on chin, seriously):
"Actually… yes. Something like that."
Ann raised an eyebrow in disbelief and elbowed him in the side.
Ann (angrily, whispering):
"Are you stupid? Don't talk to her like that!"
Akio (suddenly looking serious, hands on his hips):
"Anyway, I have a question for you!"
Terrakula (intrigued smile):
"Oh? And what is it?"
Akio (arms crossed):
"Where's Akira? I haven't seen him since I arrived, and he's the one who invited us here. Why hasn't he shown up?"
The moment Akio mentioned Akira, Terrakula's expression subtly shifted. Her smile was still there, but it lost its fake warmth—now, it was cold… mysterious.
Terrakula (tilting her head slightly):
"Akira… ah, he's become quite the popular name lately. He said he'd be a little late—he's busy with some matters."
Akio (raising an eyebrow, hands on hips):
"Busy? Hah, I didn't know Akira had more important things to do than attend the party he invited us to!"
Ann (whispering to Akio):
"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about this…"
Akio (winking at her confidently):
"Don't be pessimistic, Ann! Maybe Akira found a cute girl and got distracted!"
But this time, Ann didn't smile. She glanced at Terrakula with suspicion, then turned away, feeling something wasn't right.
The scene cuts to a dark room, where Akira sat inside a suspended iron cage, barely large enough for his body. The chains creaked slowly as they swayed. Beneath the cage was a massive metal gate embedded in the floor, engraved with ancient markings. It clearly wasn't just any gate—there was something dangerous waiting below, something about to be unleashed.
Akira (closing his eyes briefly, then opening them as he looked at the gate):
"I'm the only one here… which means I'll be the first course, huh?"
He knew this could be the final day of his life. And now, he waited anxiously to see what Terrakula had in store for him.
To be continued…