Viking 13 was still on his mission to keep Eun Jung safe. He was currently cloaked in his combat suit, this time having his rifle outfitted with suppressors to keep things quiet. Despite being an actress, there seems to be a lot of threats around her. Not the small stalker type threats, but the kind that involves Hunters trying to take her life.

He was currently snapping a Hunter's neck, then slicing the throat to ensure that this Hunter is dead. It was easier too, Eun Jung would not have to worry about anything at the very least. She could see him at all times, even speaking to him via radio.

"Where are you?" Eun Jung asked as she looked around, trying to see where 13 was. But if he was spotted by her, he couldn't be able to face his own unit again.

"I'm just finding a good vantage point. For some reason. People really want your head." 13 said as he fired off his rifle, it was pure silence. Just the sound of the bolt racking itself.

"I'm thankful that you're protecting me. Sorry if we haven't had the time to chat."

"You have your other bodyguards to deal with the smaller stuff. My job is to make sure that these Hunters can't get to you."

"It's nice to have you around. Say what kind of fighter are you anyway?" Another Hunter checked in, part of the bodyguard detail.

"I've taken down demons. This is just an easier target than them. They've been sending low ranked Hunters but mainly Assassin Classes. Oh right. There's one right behind you." 13 fired a shot that caused a figure to drop behind the guard. Taking a moment to reload the magazine. Keeping his eyes on Eun Jung while the rifle was close to his chest. Racking the bolt that was by the side, seeing the brass within the chamber. A positive reload before he put his eye back on the glass.

"Damn. Thanks 13. How did you know where they are?"

"I was someone who assassinated demon lords with my rifle. Humans have a lower tendency to run and hide most of the time. With a bodyguard detail like yours. I already know where and when to be if I were them."

"What kind of person is your master?" Such a question, was it easy to put it to words? 13 paused. Taking a moment to collect his thoughts and how to answer this without revealing Silas's powers.

"The one who is merciless to those who wrong him, but kind to all. One who believes in fairness, but when you harm those closest to him or harm innocent people in his sight. It's usually a death sentence." 13 said as he leaped to intercept an assassin from above. Pushing the knife deep into the throat, a snap was enough. To end the Hunter's life. Bringing them to an unoccupied room, 13 was inspecting the body for any details.

"Found a Blue Rose emblem." 13 said, as he pulled the emblem.

"Then they must have been sent by the Garden." The Garden? This was something 13 had never heard about, this may be good for him to learn and report back to the Lord if needed.

"The Garden's notorious for hiring Hunters to do kidnapping jobs and other stuff." So there may be another organization that has been threatening the Hunters. 13 could only hope they don't target the lord of Thorns by accident.

"The Garden's going to be difficult. The Blue Rose are their assassins, mainly B-Ranks and A-Ranks. They're known to keep it quiet, and they're real good at what they do. Though I'm surprised that we lasted this long. They're not one for big attacks in public unless we provoke them." 13 kept a mental note on them.

The Garden? To compare it with 13's Lord of Thorns? 13 felt offense to hearing their name, it was like a stain in the face of the Lord of Thorns. Whatever, when Eun Jung had finished with her scenes. They joined back at the car, where his combat suit vanished and he was wearing his black suit that he had been given earlier.

Seated beside Eun Jung, 13 was checking his tablet for the itienary.

"We got a fan meet up later. So 13, where do you want to be?"

"I'll be right by Eun Jung's side."

"So 13... I.. I was curious about your home." Eun Jung spoke with a honeyed voice. The other guards took a moment to silence the radio as they wanted to hear more.

"Demons overpowered humans. They began feasting on us and treating us like cattle. They just wanted all of us to worship them but my people refused. So we'd kill cultists and anything demon like. My unit's job was mainly to handle the demolition or assassination of high ranking demons. Mainly demon dukes. To make sure that we don't have more demon lords to fight. We didn't have any form of entertainment. Everyone was determined to survive. At the age of 5 you're taught how to use a knife. 7 years old you learn how to use a gun. 10 years old you learn combat tactics. At the age of 17 you can join the military or do some other work." 13's answer was enough to bring out silence.

"I... I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. It's already been saved and it's a peaceful world now."

"Can I visit there someday?"

"When my master thinks this world is ready for such a concept. Perhaps." 13 said with a smile. Despite the scars on his face, the handsome youth was still a sight. Eun Jung felt her heart skip a beat for a moment.

"Something on my face?" A raised eyebrow, a tilt of the head and Eun Jung immediately turned away.

"So.. How old are you?"

"I'm trying to remember. I think I'm 29? 27? Somewhere there. I've forgotten my own birthday." 13 said as he returned to looking at the tablet.

"You got a girl, 13?" 13 shook his head.

"I'd rather not let my partner know about me going into missions that will get me killed."

"That's fair. Being a Hunter is tough but most people do it to have enough to get by. But if Eun Jung's targeted by the Garden it can be troublesome."

"Why's that?"

"They use slave collars on captured monsters from dungeons that they illegally enter. So far none here but mainly from other countries and even recruited high ranked Familiars. That's why we came here because we know Chairman Hargrave's already at odds with them." The other Hunters gave more context.

The Garden's doctrine sounded like they were doing good but in reality their actions showed 13 that they were no better than the demons themselves. They wanted to remove the restrictions that Associations had and wanted a world where the strong rules over the weak. A few places agreed to their terms and 13 found it disturbing. Luckily Cresnax's Association was no pushovers, though 13 did read about the list of Hunters that are affiliated with them. It was a bad sign. It meant that they had quite a bit of power houses to their rank and file, their lowest rank members were C-Ranks. Which would make quick work of any F-Ranks or E Ranks. D Ranks may struggle but it wouldn't be enough because it has been stated that they use Rare equipment or higher.

Their equipment was strong and a captured member had their head explode during the interrogation. Killing both the interrogators and themselves. It was something 13 was unsure how to process that. They were willing to hurt civilians. 13 was reading other documents that had detailed the Garden's actions.

If this reached the Lord of Thorn's attention, it may cause him to be uneasy. Though Silas was different from Joshua Gates, their actions were similar only Silas embraced the violence whereas Joshua resented it. The kindness of Joshua was still within Silas, but what's more different was that Silas was far more efficient at using the powers of the familiars than anything else.

The Garden's strength had reached by the thousands and perhaps this was only their basic combat groups. There's more to it. Even the other Familiars, supplemented by their new power may meet their match. 13 was wondering if the Daemon Punisher's can handle any of these groups alone. Would his team be sufficient enough for such a battle? Can they handle such a grueling task in the first place?

Those questions raced through 13's mind as he read the details that he had received from the Association.

The casualties included some of Chairman Hargrave's A-Rank teams that he had personally trained. Then some of the B-Ranks. This was something difficult for 13, it has been a while since he felt that he had been out of place.

"What's the actual reason they are targeting Eun Jung?"

"Because Eun Jung's elder sister is an Enchanter. Enchanters can raise your stats quickly for a few missions. So you can qualify to take on bigger targets and it lasts for a while. Problem with Enchanters is that it is rare."

"Makes sense to why the threats have been going on like this."

"If they attack us. Some of us might die. Can we trust you to take care of Eun Jung?"

"If they come attacking, it'd be better if you ran instead. I'm a little curious to see how dangerous these Garden members can be." 13 said as he chuckled.

"You plan to take them on?"

"If they show themselves, I'll greet them. Besides, at the very least. If they are as good as the reports say. Then there'd be no issue for me to face them in combat." 13 spoke as he put the tablet aside. When they arrived at the meet and greet with the other actors. 13 was using his combat suit as he vanished from the surroundings.

The meet and greet was to promote the movie that Eun Jung was starring as the female lead. 13 did not understand the fascination of movies, but the turn out for the number of fans? It was by the hundreds, people were lining up as Eun Jung took her seat with the other actors and actresses. The meet and greet began, with fans asking questions from the host. A local internet celebrity, another term that 13 was unfamiliar with. Nor did he understand their fascination.

The trailer was shown where Eun Jung was running with a pistol in her hand. How she held it was off, the way her hand twitched when firing the prop pistol was something 13 was uncomfortable with. Cringing a little bit because of his training. Though the slide tracking backwards and seeing the spent casing flying out? That was satisfying, perhaps 13 should dive into the internet to look at firearm reloads.

Perhaps it was just 13's little moment of peace when he was handling his gear. Just seeing Eun Jung's hand position? It was a bit awkward. Her thumbs was resting by the pistol's slide lock lever. It made 13 uncomfortable in the sense that if one was careless, it may cause one to hit it when the pistol was firing and causing a jam.

13 kept his thoughts in check, focusing on his duty which is to keep Eun Jung safe. Everything looks good so far, he was in the corner but had a full view of the entire area. Finger on the trigger, safety was off. 13 was mainly scanning the crowd first, checking through whatever that bothered him. Anything that made him feel that was a threat. The other Hunters that were working security were vigilant but most of them were mainly tank and melee classes, none were assassins or recons.

Gunfire was heard outside.

"It's the Garden!" A Hunter called out, only for the others to hear the throat slitting open. The Hunters near the security went over to protect the actors and actresses. The civilians that ran out were terrified, as gunfire raged on. Figures in black made their way in, along with monsters that pushed them back.

They were being led by a teenage girl. She held a rapier, arriving on a Little Fenrir that had a slave collar by the neck.

"Euny! Didn't we tell you to just follow us?" 13 looked at Eun Jung who was shaking in her boots. The Hunters had their weapons ready, but the sheer number of threats. Mixed with normal humans and Hunters would be troublesome.

"Now, if you don't come with us. We'll kill everyone here!" The joyous voice of that teenage girl was enough to cause Eun Jung to cower. 13 stepped out from the shadows.

"Lord." 13 reached out to Silas via telepathy.

"So you're in trouble?"

"No. I'd like to ask for your permission to use my powers."

"Go right ahead." 13 nodded as he looked at the teenager.

"What's wrong? Are you going to surrender?" 13's suit faded away, and his helmet as well. Where he wore his black suit, placing his coat over Eun Jung.

"13! Don't!"

"Just shoot him!" They fired their guns at 13, who was lighting a cigar. Bullets pierced his skin, bullets tore through his clothes. Yet he still stood tall as the Hunters prepared a barrier to protect the actors and actresses. A tap of the cigar to ash it away, one final drag before he would start. Dousing it as he cut off a chunk of it with his fingers. Then putting it by the table beside them.

They see a mask forming over 13's head. A horned skull as his clothes changed to a skin tight suit that began to form armor pieces over it. A deep breath as they see 13's eyes glow azure. He pulled out a pair of khanda swords. The word khanda itself? To break, divide, cut or destroy. In 13's case it was all four of those words. Smoke formed as he exhaled the cigar smoke that was swirling from his mouth.

The Daemon's Bane who changed into Daemon Punisher. Perhaps now it was time for him to earn his namesake. He put the pair of swords to the back of his hip as he stretched his neck.

"Luda attack!" The Little Fenrir pounced on 13. Where they heard the Little Fenrir whimper, seeing 13 hold the Little Fenrir up with one hand. His other hand ripped apart the collar that controlled it. Letting it go, as the Little Fenrir was released from 13's grip.

"Sit." The large wolf complied, almost submissive to 13's words.

"Stop! We'll kill everyone h-" The teenage girl watched as red blood splashed on her face, followed by 13 standing in front of her. Placing the head of a Hunter in her hand. Silence spoke to her as she fell to her knees as 13 went on his assault. The screams of the soldiers were heard, bones breaking, limbs flying. Heads rolling in front of the teenage girl.

"Stop, I'll kill the chi-" The glare in 13's eyes was enough to stop a Hunter from finishing that sentence. The pistol in hand was shaking. 13 blinked as the Hunter watched his gun burn into ash, the Khanda sword pierced through the head. Where 13 let go off the blade and continued his onslaught. The Hunters before him were nothing but demons as the others readied their guns to fire upon the civilians. Only to be gunned down by 13 who drew out a pistol. The bullets found their targets, causing the Hunters to step back. Only to watch as their bodies begin to burn with a black flame. Melting their flesh right down to the bone.

The screams of their allies broke the morale, 12 Hunters charged through 13, where the 12th Hunter watched his allies fell before 13. Heads smashed in, chests that left their innards out on the floor. The 12th Hunter fell to their knees, dropping their weapon. Where 13 pulled out a knife, placing it in front of the 12th Hunter. Meeting 13's glowing eyes that spoke to him. An order to kill himself.

"You're a monster." 13 continued on, leaving the Hunter to slit his own throat. The violence was only heard, nobody could see where he was. Yet, the aftermath was clear as the many heads that 13 had taken were brought before the teenage girl who was still in a state of shock.

The other Hunters and humans that were part of Garden readied their weapons as 13 went after them. A wolf mauling its prey. Whatever this was, this shopping mall had been turned into a hunting ground. A fast pistol draw took the gunners down within seconds while his Khanda sword would do what it did best. Dividing the limbs, breaking their bones, cutting through the armor and destroying their spirits.

By the time 13 was done, the teenage girl could only see heads in front of her. 13 looked over at the Little Fenrir, that was growling at her.

"Sadie Barlow." She flinched upon hearing her name.

"Daughter of the Garden's Head. You massacred an entire town of people because you were told to do so. You used multiple monsters with slave collars, all for information of a Divine rarity grimoire called the White Rose. When the people said they didn't know, you merely slaughtered them anyway. One survivor told us about your cruelty. If I wasn't busy with this protection job. I would have cut your head off first." 13 said as he took off his mask, putting it aside as he grabbed the cigar he had left behind. Lighting it with a black flame.

"Take your Head's daughter and leave."

"You'll pay for th-" The Hunter who said that had his limbs flying into the air. 13 turned to see his squadmate, 73 with a saber in hand.

"Why not just kill them?"

"I'd rather not traumatize the people any further. You know that our fighting style scares people."73 clicked his tongue at those words.

"Fair enough. This world is peaceful. They didn't have to face a demon lord eating their kin in front of them." As the members of Garden turned away.

"Wait. before you do, grab the heads of your friends. It might convince your Head to stop doing stupid shit." 73's suggestion was followed right down to the letter as they left.

"How many dead?"

"15 Hunters. 7 injured civilians. 53 and 54 handled everything properly. So don't worry about it too much. We were out on patrol when the Lord told us to check on you. Had we been here earlier. This may have been prevented. There'll be blowback."

"Which is why I hate doing jobs that require us to be in public." 13 said as he turned over to Eun Jung who tried to smile, but her eyes told him spoke fear. Not that he could blame her considering humans of this world have no exposure to what the Azteris people have suffered.

"I'll stick to the shadows." 13 said as he put on his mask, then vanishing with 73.

"I'm sorry. I. I just.." Eun Jung's voice was heard but 13 didn't give an answer.

"You were scared. It's normal for people to be afraid if they seen what I do. It's just how I fight. Brutalizing my enemies because demons weren't so easy to kill and those habits are still stuck with me. You don't need to call for me.I'll just keep moving in the shadows." 13 spoke, he just couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with those eyes. Perhaps it was just him realizing that he couldn't fit in with the society.

Fitting in wasn't his job, it was to protect Eun Jung in the coming days.