As Siyu talks to Frey, he sees something rustling in Frey's coat. “What’s that?” Siyu asks, pointing to the movement beneath his jacket.

Frey lets out a laugh. “Oh, this guy?” He says with a smug face, as he lifts a ball of fur out from his jacket. “This is the guy we found in Fortitude Forest.” Hs says proudly.

The ball uncurls itself and Siyu sees that it’s a tiny fox. The fox looks at him with sleepy eyes and calls out, “Awoo.”

The baby fox immediately lifts his spirits and he lets out a laugh. “Haha! What a cute little fox!” He exclaims, reaching his hands out to the fox. Frey hands him over and watches with a smile. Siyu rubs a finger against the fox’s face and says to it in a playful voice, “Who’s going to be the downfall of Frey’s enemies? You are, yes you are!”

Frey becomes horrified. “What are you doing?” He shouts, immediately taking the baby fox back. “Don’t tell him things like that! He’s just a baby!” Frey exclaims.

Siyu could only laugh. “Frey, in the future when they speak of your legend, they will not be referring to this little guy as just a baby,” He says with amusement.

“Don’t speak so ominously. He’s going to be a cute baby forever. Humph! I don’t feel this is the right environment for you to rest in. I’ll be going now.” Frey says, promptly leaving his chair and carrying the baby fox out of the room.

A smile leaks out of Siyu's face. So cute yet so dangerous; he thinks to himself.

…

…

“The Demon Hunters are not simply a military organization. We are a faction working throughout the continent set on doing what our titles call us to do. In other places we are called Monster Catchers, Two-Face Revealers, and some even call us the Defenders of Innocence.” Commander Reyle begins to explain, introducing them to the Demon Hunters. “As people continued to exist, their potential became apparent, and with that potential is a reason to fear. We are not called the Demon Hunters on a whim. Although it is a closely guarded secret, demons live among us, and they, like us, are not unjustly named. Demons are not simply born into the world. For every demon, there used to be a person, and every one of those people has made choices to lead them towards Demonification.” He says.

Elizabeth looks towards Siyu and asks, “Has this old dude lost it?”

Commander Reyle laughs, smoke lingering as he exhales. “Child, as you grow older you’ll start to realize; everyone is crazy. Hahaha!” Commander Reyle says before his laughter becomes even louder.

Elizabeth’s eyes open wide. “Shit, this guy has lost it.” She says.

Commander Reyle’s laughter dwindles before continuing. “You kids don’t have to believe it just yet. I just wanted to let you know what you were signing up for.” Commander Reyle takes another puff out of his pipe before looking to Frey. “Questions?” He asks.

“How does one become a demon?” Frey asks with curiosity.

Commander Reyle smiles before puffing out some smoke and saying, “There’s only one way to become a demon, and that is to be recognized.”

“Recognized?” Frey asks, not fully understanding the meaning.

“Yes, to be recognized. As I said, every person who has become a demon has made choices and done things that would lead them down that road. But once those choices have been recognized, that person’s Demonification becomes set.” Commander Reyle says, watching as understanding comes to Frey before continuing to explain. “Commoners often mistake the Hell Path for the Demon Path but ultimately the Demon Path is not a Religious Path that requires spirituality. Demon Paths also don’t need to be categorized as a Demon Path cultivator can only grow in one way; by sacrificing the lives of others. As Demon Hunters, we have one goal; I’m sure I don’t need to say it.” He says, smoke lingering in the surroundings.

A moment of silence settles in as Frey and Elizabeth process the situation. Siyu takes a moment to smile before thinking, so I’m not the only one who sees it.

Colonel Reyle throws a report in my direction before beginning to brief us on the situation, “Your current mission. Murders have been occurring in the city of Coin. All of them, dead without injury, and for some, there were witnesses. They simply collapsed where they were and once they were found, it became apparent that they were dead. The victims seem unrelated; there was a student enrolled in a local Hell Path school, the owner of a textile factory, a gambler, the wife of one of the city guards, and one of the thirteen councilpersons. Originally, this would be something we really wouldn’t care about, but the death of Councilperson Seizi brought this to the attention of Count Crey, the mayor of the city, who handed off the issue to the military, which then found itself to us, or should I say to you?”

“When do we depart?” Frey asks.

“I’m not your dad; go when you feel like going. Do it or don’t do it; just know that you’ll have to answer for it either way. That’s the way things are done here.” Colonel Reyle says with a puff of smoke. “We suspect it’s a demon but we can’t be sure. Everything is in the report.” He says before reminding us, “And keep an eye out. With this revelation, your mind will naturally start looking for demons on its own, but fate is fickle, and a lack of knowledge will cause you to misstep. I suggest you refer to your guide if you become unsure, but don’t become too reliant on this bastard. I can already tell; this kid wants to lead you onto a weird path.” Colonel Reyle says, giving Siyu a funny look.

Siyy could only laugh in response before bowing and answering, “Aren’t you looking out for them, sir?”

Commander Reyle smiles and looks Siyu in the eye, “I am, indeed.”