*Haruki: Where….am…. I? Am…I…. still…alive…? *

It has been a while since Haruki entered the gate. Haruki, with his head in his knees while his arm wrapped around his legs, was floating around in a blacked-out space where he can hear none and see none. Was he dead? Was he alive? These thoughts continued to fill his head.

*…hurry…interrupt….transport…*

Haruki heard a faint voice. The low whisper made him think it was his inner voice.

*… trying…boy…unstable...*

He heard another one. This time it was louder.

Haruki saw a light. He felt a force pulling him closer to the light. Instinctively, he tried to move away from the light but the force was getting stronger. The harder he tried, the stronger the force became. Haruki began losing energy. He felt like energy being absorbed by the light.

*Haruki: …annoying. If I can’t get away, then…*

Instead of moving away from the light, Haruki started to move towards the light. With the force on his side, he was gaining a lot of speed. Haruki planned to gain a lot of momentum to put the enemies off guard. He was planning to use this advantage to escape

*Shit! He is moving too fast…*

*Slow him down! *

*It’s too late! *

Haruki: Nobody will decide my fate but me

Haruki words became cold. After losing his heart, those words couldn’t be warm like before. The warmth he shared, the warmth he gave...the warmth they stole made him cold. Cold as a storming blizzard…no, he was the blizzard himself.

Haruki approached the light, the light surrounded Haruki like a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, was a portal. Haruki saw a bunch of guards stationed in front of the portal to stop.

*Haruki: …no mistake*

Haruki jumped out of the portal. The place Haruki got pulled into was a giant hallway with 6 giants pillars were connected from the floor to the ceiling at the side of the hall. The place was brightly coloured with different shades of white. It looked like it belonged to someone royal. It was truly beautiful. Shame, Haruki had no time to admire the work of a genius as he was looking for numerous ways to y. As he was planning, two guards with spears approached him, holding their spears sideways to prevent him from running. With the portal disappearing, Haruki had only one way to get out of this predicament…it was through them. Haruki started running towards the guards. The guards figured he was going to jump over them so they ran while still holding their spears sideways. But as Haruki approached the guards, rather than jumping over the guards, he slides under the spears. The guards then tumbled down while trying to stop. Haruki got up and started running again

*Haruki: can’t stop now...*

Haruki looked in front of him, analysing the situation. He saw 3 normal guards and 1 slightly large guard who held what looked like a heavy battle-axe in his hand, but he carried it like it was a feather. Behind the larger guard was a doorway. Haruki found his goal but he was outnumbered and outmatched. The only reason he managed to get past those guards because they wanted to capture him, not kill him. Suddenly the larger guard started talking

Guard: Boy, stop resisting. We have no intention of hurting you. Our Miss would like to talk to you.

Haruki: On what basis should I believe you?

Guard: Hard to play, I see. If I drop my weapon, would you believe me?

Haruki: So, I let my guard down? I’m not naïve…anymore.

Guard: *sigh*… I tried to play nice but a brat is always a brat. It seems like this brat needs a good ol’ spankin’.

Haruki: Bite me.

Those words were followed by a menacing glare. The guard was visibly frustrated.

Guard: I’ll drop the tough act if I were you…

The guard was angry…angry enough let out an intense killing aura at a 15-year-old boy. Haruki slowly hung his head low.

Guard: Scared now, then I suggest for you to stand dow-

Guard stopped talking abruptly. He realised Haruki wasn’t showing any sign of fear. Change in breathing pattern? None. Sweating? None. Trembling? None. The guard tried to look at his face but what he saw made him hold his battle-axe tighter.

Haruki was glaring back at him. He wasn’t even fazed by the fact that someone genuinely wanted to kill me.

Haruki: Trying to make me scared? How demeaning.

Guard: Tsk. Don’t think you won just yet. Guards!

The 3 guards responded to the command and aimed their spears at Haruki. They were circling him in a clockwise manner with the spears pointed at him, who was standing in the middle. Haruki knew they weren’t going to kill him but they don’t mind leaving him a few scars so he will he be obedient. Then Haruki came up with a plan.

He was waiting for one of the guards to align himself with the bigger guard.

*3*

*2*

*1*

As he calculated, one of the guards aligned as to how Haruki hoped for. The next moment, Haruki charged at the guard. The guard held and aim his spear at Haruki’s left shoulder. Haruki read his movement and moved to the left. The guard again aimed his spear for his left shoulder. But it was a feint. As the spear was heading for his shoulder, Haruki turned his body to move from the left side of the spear to the right side. This left the guard unguarded. Haruki elbowed his neck and the guard fell. Haruki took his spear and charged at the bigger guard.

Guard: I see. If you’re looking for a fight, THEN I GIVE YOU ONE! Don’t think I will go easy on you.

The guard held his axe above his head. He intended to swing the axe sideways once Haruki is in range. But Haruki had other ideas.

Haruki held his spear in a javelin-throwing style and threw it at the guard’s chest.

Guard: Wha-

The guard used his axe to the incoming spear, but this made him off guard. Haruki used this opportunity to slip past him.

Haruki: Your mistake was guessing my intention wrong. I want to get out of here, not fight you

After he said that, he exited a corridor, one going and the other going right. Haruki followed his instinct and went right.

Guard: tsk, COWARD! Guards, chase him!

The smaller guards started chasing him. Even though the larger guard gave the command, he was barely moving. He was slow and already panting. Haruki, on the other hand, used his speed to get away from the guards. The guards were wearing heavy armour so they needed to use more energy while Haruki was only wearing his red gym clothes, which was light…and actually meant for running.

After running for straight 5 minutes, Haruki started to get tired. He looked behind him to see if there were guards still following but none were sighted. So, Haruki took this opportunity to gain his energy back. Haruki started walking in the direction he was running. While walking, Haruki was looked at the place he was confined in. It was a giant corridor and the ceiling was hanging high. Haruki was walking on a red carpet which was placed on top of the white marble floor. The whole way of the corridor was a door every 10 meter he walks.

*Haruki: There is a lot of rooms. I can use one of the rooms to gain my back my strength but I must careful not to choose an occupied room*

Haruki went to a door and put his ear on the door. He heard nothing so he slowly opened the door. The room was empty and the bed looked like it wasn’t used. Haruki opened the closet to see if there were any clothes but to his luck, there was none. Haruki went inside the closet to get a rest because sleeping on the bed increases his risk of being exposed. Before he entered to take a rest, he wanted a weapon. He looked around and found a comb in a drawer. He took the comb and scrapped it on the wall until it became a shiv. Haruki took his newly-founded weapon and entered the closest. The next minute, he dozed off.

*SLAM*

Haruki woke up to a loud sound. Haruki heard some footsteps. He took a peek through a small hole in the closet and saw 2 people. There was a woman dressed in all black. She looked to be around 23-year-old. She was slim, her height was around 190cm with ample curves around her chest and waist. She had long black hair with dark red eyes. Even though she was beautiful, it’s not what caught Haruki’s eye. Haruki’s eyes were fixed on the abnormal features. She had a long black tail coming from her waist like a demon and elongated ears.

*Haruki: Is she a demon? *

The person accompanying her was a man, who was large, larger than the guard he faced before. Haruki assumed his height was around 220 cm and he was bulky. Not in fats but in muscles. He looked around 40-years-old, with wrinkles around on his face. He had a large scar over his right eye, but it seemed like his right eye was fine. His left eye was blue while his right eye was totally white. He had blond hair and was wearing gold and blue heavy armour. But he did not have any special features like the woman. He looked like a normal…but also an abnormal human.

*Haruki: and a human? *

Woman: What do you mean you can’t find him?

Man: He is smart and fast. He is no ordinary person. But something is off about him…

Haruki realised they were talking about him.

*Haruki: Maybe I can get some info*

Woman: What do you mean?

Man: Barret, one of my top guards, was tasked to bring him to us. But the boy was retaliating so-

Woman: So?

Man: … *sigh* so he tried to threaten him into submission by releasing his killing intent…

Woman: WHAT?!

The woman was angry. A Black, devilish wing suddenly grew from her back, 2 fangs came out of her mouth. But her appearance wasn’t that menacing when compared to what Haruki saw. Around her hand, there was a sinister red aura. It was glowing darkly.

*Haruki: Is that…magic?

The woman started approaching the man

Woman: Hey, did he hurt him …?

The woman’s voice changed drastically. She, who sounded like a mature soft woman, suddenly sounded like a blood lusty demon.

Man: C-calm down. Barret didn’t hurt him. Actually, he was the one who got affected by the whole thing, not the boy.

Woman: What do you mean?

The woman was getting impatient. She released more of her aura and the guard was suffocating from the thick aura.

Man: C-could yo-u c-alm do-wn…?

Woman: You better tell everything!

Man: I g-get it… Just s-stop…

The thick aura she was emitting quickly disappeared. The room that was coloured deep red by her aura turned to its original colour.

Woman: So, what actually happened?

The man explained the whole incident from the moment he came from the portal to when he escaped.

Woman: He did that?!

Man: Yeah, Barret said he is no amateur.

Woman: And when he faced your guard’s killing intent? He didn’t flinch?

Man: According to Barret, Not only he did not flinch, the boy was glaring back at him.

Woman: What…do…you…mean?

The woman got shocked. She looked at the man and saw his face. He looked uncertain.

Man: He might actually be…

Woman: No… We need to find him, fast!

The man nodded. They immediately darted out of the door.

*Haruki: That woman is worrying about me too much. She is really suspicious.*

Haruki took another peek out of the closet door. There was no one, tried to exit the closet, but then-

*Creak*

Haruki quickly enters back the closet.

*Haruki: Why are they back?

Haruki peeked through the closet doors to see if it was the earlier them, but this time it wasn’t. It was a girl. She looked to be around to be the same age as Haruki. She was about 155 cm; her body was slim and had small curves around her waist and back. She had side-swept, shoulder-length, black hair. She had almost the same features as the woman he saw earlier. She had the same red eyes and black tail as the woman earlier. However, unlike her, she had human ears. She was wearing some ragged clothes with two short sword sheaths around both her legs but they were made of wood. So, Haruki guessed she was a trainee.

*Haruki: She looks physically weak. If I can take her down…I can get some answers and get out of here*

Haruki watched her movements. She was walking around the room, looking for something. Haruki did not want to act, yet as he wants her to find it first. Then she looked under the bed and took out a small, pinkish orb. The girl touched the orb and from the orb, a projection came out. In the projection, it showed the same girl entering the room. She began to rub the orb anti-clockwise, which cause the whole projection to rewind.

*Haruki: Shit! She is going to see me entering the room*

Haruki wanted to jump out but the distance between him and the girl is too far. The girl continued to rewind the projection. Haruki realised that she was getting closer and he needed to take action. Haruki clenched his shiv hard. He would jump out if she spots him in the footage. The girl rewind to when the man and the woman slammed the door. Haruki put his left hand on the closet door while his right hand was clenching the shiv. She continued to rewind.

Haruki held his breath in anticipation. He would jump if she sees him. But the footage did not show Haruki at all. Instead, the orb showed the girl face at the end of the rewinding. It seems like she placed the orb under the bed AFTER Haruki entered the room. Haruki released his pent-up breath and sighed in relieve.

The girl started to watch the conversation between both of them. Haruki saw the opportunity as she turned her back towards him. Haruki slowly opened the closet. With the shiv on his right hand, Haruki slowly crept behind her. With his nimble feet, Haruki was about 3 feet away from her. Haruki ran towards her and grabbed her by the neck with his left arm and he used the shiv on his right hand to cut the sheath of the weapons.

Girl: WHO ARE YOU?!

Haruki placed his lips near her ear and

Haruki: Scream again and I’ll put it through your throat.

With a low, menacing voice, the girl’s knee started to tremble.

Girl: W-what do you want?

Haruki: Answers. Can you provide it?

Girl: As if I will betray my own.

Haruki got frustrated so he tightened his left arm on her neck

Girl: W-what a-are y-you doi-ing ,?

Haruki: I will tell you once only. Drop your tough act and I’m not interested in who and what is your kin. My goal is simple. I want to get out. If I get out, then I let you go. I forget you and you forget me. Deal?

Girl: L-et me go first.

Haruki relieved the pressure he placed on her neck but still strong enough to hold her. She began gasping for air.

Girl: *cough* *cough* C-can at least watch the footage?

Haruki saw the orb down at his feet. He thought to himself that if she finds out about who is he, she would not agree. But if he didn’t, she would get suspicious of him.

Haruki: Fine. But leave it on the floor.

Girl: Got it.

The footage played on. The girl looked confused. The man only referred to Haruki as “boy” so his identity is safe…for now

Girl: I wonder who is he? For her to be this worried… he must be really important…

Haruki: I really don’t care what she or you think. What matters now is since I held the end of my bargain, it’s your turn.

Girl: But I didn’t say deal. So, I don’t know what bargain you are on about. And I would like to know, are you the boy that my mom was talking about?

Haruki was getting irritated. He put the shiv and push it onto her neck. Blood slowly flowed out from her neck. The girl was shaking in fear.

Haruki: Warning. Continue your acts and you will be playing dead. Without waking up.

Those words made her tremble even more. She was lost all her colours on her face. She began to tear up.

Girl: I’m s-sorry. P-please don’t kill. I will lead you out of here. I promise.

Haruki: Good.

Haruki released the girl from the hold.

Girl: Y-you’re letting me go?

Haruki: Yeah, because I know you won’t try any funny business. You won’t, right?

Girl: Yes! Yes, I won’t!

Haruki: Good. And regarding your earlier question, if I was the boy, don’t you think I would have destroyed the orb and not let you see it?

The girl was shocked for not realising it earlier. If the boy in question saw the footage, he would have destroyed it.

*Girl: Yeah, it makes sen-. Wait, how did he know what they were going to say? I didn’t see him in the footage… He must have entered the room way earlier than me and saw the whole scene first. Why would he be hiding in the first place and why he wants to get out? *

Suddenly, Haruki took off his gym jacket and his shirt which was underneath

Girl: Wha- What are you doing?! You pervert!

Haruki: Could you shut up?

Haruki tore his shirt into a long strip. He then started to approach the girl. The girl backed up

Girl: W-wait! I told you I will help you.

Haruki: Stop moving.

Girl: P-please s-stop!

Haruki kept on approaching the girl while the girl kept on backing up. She then met a wall with her back. Meanwhile, Haruki continued to approach

Girl: P-please, don’t kill me…

The girl closed her eyes tightly. She felt the strand around her neck… it was gentle. She didn’t feel choking. She opened her eyes to see Haruki putting his jacket back on. Then her eyes wandered to Haruki’s body.

*Girl: Those body muscles and the tone… it looks very refined. He must have worked hard for them…*

Haruki caught her looking at him.

Haruki: What?

Girl: N-no. Nothing

The girl glanced away and blushed in embarrassment. Then the girl touched her neck to feel cloth on her neck.

Girl: W-why did you put it on?

Haruki: Oh that... I put it on for you because I don’t want you to bleed out and die without leading me out first.

Girl: Huh?!

Haruki: You think I would do it with good intentions?

Girl: Of course not! You demon!

Haruki: Look at yourself before you saying that.

The girl got visibly frustrated. But her expression quickly changed. She had a shy expression with a hint of redness on her face

Girl: But…thank you…

Haruki: I told you. It was for a selfish reason. I don’t need your sincerity.

Girl: And it's my own selfish reason that I want to say thank you

Haruki: *sigh* Do what you want. Anyway, let’s go.

Girl: Huh? Ah, yeah. Let’s go. By the way, my name is Amanda de Carvellier. You can call me Amanda. How about you?

Haruki: Didn’t I tell you that we will forget about each other after this is over. Then, why are you asking my name?

Amanda: Just say it

*Haruki: It's better if I give a fake one*

Haruki: *sigh* Daiichi… Nakamura Daiichi. You can call me Daiichi.

Amanda: Ok, Daiichi. Oh, wait, before that…

Amanda: { Spatial Storage}

At the end of those words, a small wormhole spawned on the right side of her. She put her hand in as if she was looking for something. Then she took out some clothes that look almost look like hers. She also then took out a half-face mask. Then the wormhole disappeared.

Amanda: Here. Where these. It makes you less conspicuous.

Haruki: T-thanks. By the way, was that magic just now?

Amanda: You mean the Spatial Storage? Yeah, it is. It’s a basic skill for any magic-user. Don’t you know?

Haruki: No.

Amanda: Really? You must be a norm then

Haruki: A norm?

Amanda: A norm is someone who can’t use magic at all. Which is you…

Haruki: It seems so… Anyways can you get out.

Amanda: Huh? Why? It’s ok, is it not? Don’t tell me you are a vir-

Before Amanda could finish her sentence, Haruki sent a menacing glare at her. A shiver went down Amanda's spine and she acted impulse and ran straight out of the door. Amanda tried to take a peek but Haruki kicked the door shut when she opened the door slightly.

*Bonk*

The shutting door delivered a blow to Amanda’s head.

Amanda: Ow! That’s not how you treat a maiden.

Haruki: A maiden does not peek when someone is changing.

Amanda, who was rubbing her head in pain could only pout. A few minutes later, Haruki changed into the clothes Amanda gave.

Amanda: Looks normal enough. Should we go?

Haruki: Ok.

Amanda: By the way, can I have back my weapons now?

Haruki: For now, I would be holding them. They will be served as my insurance for now. After I get out then I give it back.

Amanda: *sigh* Fine, as long you return to them. If I lose another pair of training weapons, I will get my ears chomped on by my mom.

Haruki nodded. Amanda led Haruki throughout the whole way. They were avoiding the guards pretty well until a guard caught them hiding behind a wall.

Guard: Oh, young miss. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in your room?

Amanda: Shhhh…. My mom doesn’t know that. I’m here to play with my friend here. He is….uhhh….the General’s adopted son.

Guard: Really? I never that he had a child. Anyways, Young Miss, playing around now is pretty dangerous. Someone is running around in the mansion. We need to find and catch him. Even Miss is part of the search team. She is frantically looking for him.

Amanda: Really….? Is it dangerous?

Guard: Seems so. He even stood up against Barret and managed to escape

Amanda: And you are supposed to catch him…?

Guard: Yeah, and without hurting him too. Miss told us if even a single wound is on him, we would not live to see another day. That was the first time me seeing her that scary. Still sends a shiver down my spine whenever I think about it…*Brrr*

*Haruki: What’s with this woman? She wants to catch me without hurting me? Is she trying to sweeten up to me?*

Amanda: Jeez. Anyways, good luck. Me and my friend her will return to my room soon.

Guard: Please do.

Both of them started to walk away. Suddenly, the guard’s hand grabbed Haruki by the shoulder.

Guard: Can you wait a moment?

Haruki got startled. Haruki turned around to meet the guard’s eye.

Haruki: H-how may I help you?

The guard was staring at Haruki’s face like a detective looking for a clue in a crime scene. Sweats frantically drip down on Haruki’s face. He was starting to worry that he found out his real identity. He then put reached his shiv that he placed in his back pocket with his right hand. But then-

The guard suddenly bowed down.

Guard: Please take care of Young Miss. She does not have any friends of her own age. This is the first time she called someone of her age a friend.

Amanda blushed in embarrassment. She started to whack the guard repeatedly.

Amanda: Y-you! What are you saying?!

Haruki: I see. Don’t worry, I will.

Amanda: Oi! You don’t join in as well.

Guard: Thank you.

The guard left without another word. Both of them continued to find the exit. There was an awkward atmosphere around them.

Haruki: You are a loner?

Amanda: SHUT UP! It can’t be helped, ok. The people who approach me are boys who want to date me or girls who just want to have a tea party. They are boys who are interested in the sword like me but when they hold back when they fight me because I’m a girl. And if I tell them not to, they start spurting things like “You are a girl” which pisses me off the most.

Haruki: Doesn’t change the fact you are a loner.

Amanda: Hey!

Haruki: Well… still better than having fake friends…

Amanda: What was that?

Haruki: Nothing… Anyways we got lucky. We better get out of here faster.

Amanda face changed to an uncertain expression. She was fiddling with her fingers. She seemed to be nervous.

Amanda: Yeah… Umm, Daiichi, before that can I ask you a question first?

Haruki narrowed his eyes at Amanda. He knew one way or another she will suspicious about the current situation but Haruki can’t risk his identity being at risk any further.

Haruki: I don’t think you are in a position to ask me questions

Amanda: No, I don’t think you are in a position to deny me. I can get you caught by just screaming for guards

Haruki: Try it and I slit-

Amanda: -slit my neck? You think you can…?

Amanda pointed at 2 guards at the end of the corridor talking to each other. Haruki was frustrated that she managed to get on top of Haruki. Haruki gave a menacing glare at her but it was hopeless as she has a huge upper hand

Haruki: Tsk. One question.

Amanda: Fine. My question is really simple. Are you the boy the guards are looking for?

The only question Haruki didn’t want Amanda to ask. It puts Haruki in danger of losing his only guide in this place if he tells the truth and if he tells an unbelievable lie, he might get the risk of raising suspicion and she leading him into a trap instead.

*Haruki: A simple question, my ass. She is actually way smarter than she looks. Too bad for her…*

Haruki unintentionally let out a cocky grin but he quickly erased his emotions. Instead, he wore a fake depressed face.

Haruki: I’m not the boy they are looking for…

Amanda: Then, who is it?

Haruki: B-but you said one questi-

Amanda: Do you rather get caught by them?

Haruki: N-no… I will tell. The boy that your guards are looking for is Haruki, my best friend

Amanda: Your best friend?

Haruki: Yes. We both came together at the same time. We both fought our way out but got separated. Before we got separated, we promised to meet each other outside the mansion.

Amanda: But why though?

Haruki: No idea. We were both forgot what happened before we came here. We acted on our own is because we fear that they might hurt us.

Amanda: No way. There is no way we will hurt innocent people.

Haruki: Don’t you remember the recording.

Amanda started relapsing the recording she watched a few minutes ago. Then she realised that one of the guards actually attacked him. Amanda was getting more and more doubtful. She felt something was off.

*Amanda: Was there actually two people that came. All I heard was one. If one is being chased, why is he…*

Haruki: Amanda. I know you have a lot of question. But right now, I need to find my best friend. If not, he might be in danger. We barely made it out last time. I have your help but I don’t think he could possibly have the same luck. So, please…

Haruki bowed down to beg Amanda. Amanda was shocked. Out of everyone in the world, someone like him would lower his head for a favour. Getting lost in thought, all the doubt suddenly left her mind.

Amanda: P-please, raise your head. I understand your situation now. Please, let me help you.

*Haruki: Child’s play…*

Haruki slyly smiled to himself.

Haruki: Thank you

Amanda: Follow me. There is a detour here.

Amanda grabbed Haruki by his hand and quickly dragged him into a corridor. They ran into the corridor until they met a dead end.

Amanda: { Mirage Erase}

As she finished chanting, the whole wall dissipated within seconds.

Amanda: Nobody knows about this other than me and my mom, so please keep silent about it.

Haruki nodded. What both of them faced was a dim-lighted corridor. Amanda grabbed

Amanda: Please don’t let go. It is very easy to get lost here as it is very dark.

Haruki: OK.

Haruki grabbed her hand back. Amanda jumped in shock. Haruki who was behind her asked what happened but Amanda just shrugged it off.

Both of them continued to walk through the dark corridor. The corridor seemed to get narrower and narrower and even the ceiling became lower. The corridor shrunk so much until both of them had to crawl to get through.

Haruki: How m-much further?

Amanda: J-just a little more…

Amanda, who was still in the front, was crawling in front of Haruki. Meanwhile, Haruki was looking at the corridor walls as he was following Amanda. It hard weird patterns on it that he couldn’t make out. It looked like it was words, in a way. Amanda turned her head to check on Haruki and saw Haruki’s eye wandering around. Amanda smiled cheekily.

Amanda: Oh my, embarrassed, are we?

Amanda tried to tease Haruki but instead, Haruki gave her a dead expression

Haruki: Huh? I’m not interested in “barren lands” [1]

A cross appeared on Amanda’s head. She thrust her leg backwards.

*Boom*

That kick was thrust into Haruki’s face.

Haruki: OWW! Whaw tha bih ideh? (What’s the big idea?)

Amanda looked away with a “hmpf”. While Haruki was massaging his sprained nose. There was a small light came out from the other side of the tunnel.

Amanda: We made it!

Haruki: Really?

Amanda: Yeah. Come on.

Both Haruki and Amanda started crawling faster. The light grew bigger and bigger until they reached the end of the tunnel. While covering their eyes, they exited the tunnel. Haruki rubbed his eyes and saw in front was a railing. He looked over the railing and saw a door leading the exit. And to his left was a huge staircase with red carpet on it. The staircase looked like it came straight from a soap opera where a villain will come down from it.

Amanda: You can exit through that door. You better hurry. I’m not the only one who knows about this tunnel.

Haruki: I see. Thanks.

Haruki started to walk away but then he felt a tugging at the back of his shirt. It was from Amanda. She had an annoyed expression

Haruki: Umm, Amanda?

Amanda: Oi! Aren’t you forgetting something?

Haruki was puzzled.

Haruki: What are you talking about?

Amanda: *sigh* My swords, dumbass.

Haruki: Oh those…

Haruki reached out to his shin where he placed the swords. Haruki took out the weapons and reached out to give them to Amanda. As she was walking towards Haruki, she tripped herself. By reflex action, Amanda grabbed Haruki’s arm and pulled him down.

*Bam*

Amanda was slammed to the bottom while Haruki held himself with his right hand while his left hand caught one of the short swords that were falling to Amanda’s throat. The cloth around Amanda’s throat was undone itself and a small hint of blood was flowing out of her neck.

Haruki: You ok? It seems like the cloth came undone, you better tie it.

Amanda: Y-yeah, I’m ok. More important than the cloth, can you get-

Haruki: More important than the cloth? Are you an idiot?

Amanda: Huh!? Whose an idio-

Haruki: Could you shut up? If the blood to continue to spurt out, you will be only endangering yourself.

Amanda: Oh my, worrying about me, by any chance.

Haruki: Yeah, got a fucking problem?

*Haruki: If this woman is dead, I bet these guys will search for me to kill me. I can't afford to have such heat on me.*

Amanda: Huh?

Amanda’s was blushing from ear to ear.

Haruki: Why is your face red? Fever? Let me check.

Haruki closed in his forehead to her forehead. Amanda now is completely red in embarrassment. She pushed Haruki away and covered her face to prevent Haruki from seeing her embarrassing state.

Haruki: What’s wrong with you. I was just checking our tempera- Ah, forget it. I had enough time check it anyways. It seems like you don’t have a fever, at least.

*Amanda: Huh? Why am I acting like this? Even though I hated being treated like a girl. Why does my heart keep racing faster when he treats me like one?

Amanda looked through the gaps of her arm to see Haruki. Haruki was busy cutting his sleeve to make a new make-shift bandage. Haruki’s eye then caught Amanda’s eye, who was practically staring at Haruki.

Haruki: What?

Amanda, who was caught nearly died of embarrassment. She frantically shook her head sideways.

*Amanda: What the hell. I can’t even look into his eyes anymore. Moreover, he still on top of me, this idiot…but it doesn’t feel bad. Our thighs rubbing together. It’s warm… I wish he doesn’t get off…*

Haruki: Ok

Amanda: Did you read my mind? I was just joking about it.

Haruki: Huh? I was talking about the bandage. It’s finished. What we you talking about?

Amanda: Uhhh… don’t mind it. I was just talking to myself.

Haruki: Weirdo. Anyways lay still, I need to cover your wound.

Amanda: Huh, weir- Wait! Stop, I can do that myself.

Haruki: You can’t see your own wound. Shut up and stay still

Amanda:~Stop…~

Haruki’s face was getting closer and closer to Amanda’s face as he was approaching her neck. Amanda was covering her face in embarrassment. She didn’t want Haruki to see her face. But then-

??: YOU FUCKING BASTARD! What do you think you are doing to, Lil’ Miss?!

Both Haruki and Amanda looked at the floor below. They saw both the man and the woman Haruki saw earlier. He saw the man face. It was the fiercest face he has seen in his whole life. He was holding his sword, indicating that he wants to attack him. Haruki assessed his current situation. He realised that the man misunderstood Haruki’s intention. From the man’s point of view, it looked like Haruki is about to slit Amanda’s throat.

*Haruki: Fuck! They saw me…and the worst possible time too*

A murderous intent was released from the man’s eyes. The whole atmosphere became dense. The woman looked like she had a headache, holding her head to repel the dense atmosphere while Amanda was tearing up and bubbles came out of her mouth. She then fell unconscious. While…

Man: I don’t care what Claire thinks about you but since you laid your hand on Lil’ Miss, I’m making sure you will suffer. So-

Haruki: Oi, old man! I think you will kill her at this rate.

The man was stunned. He was staring at the Haruki, who was standing with one of his hand in his pocket. Haruki was coldly staring back at him.

*Man: Wha… How is he still standing? I am concentrating most of my bloodlust on him and yet he is repelling it ... I’m bluntly showing my anger and he is not even shaking…What in the world did he had to go through to become like this….?*

Man: Boy. I would like to give you a second chance. We actually trying to help you. We-

Haruki: Second chance? Helping me? I can’t remember asking for it. And if you did want to help me, why are you trying to kill me and why did your guards attack me as soon as I came here. I will only be branded stupid if I accept your hand. I don’t want help from you, from your “Lil’ Miss” or from that woman over there… especially her.

Man: Why her? She is the one looking for you the most!

Haruki: That’s exactly why. Ever since I came here, all I have been hearing from you, Amanda, the guards and the fat fuck who tried to kill me about that woman wants to find me?

Man: Fat f- You mean Barret? There is no way

Haruki: Huh? You ok, old man? That brute swung his axe with all his might to cleave me in half

Man: There is no w- *gasp* Shit!

Haruki: What…is…happening…?

A large red aura was building up behind the man. It was like a burning flame, continuously growing and in the middle of it was a black silhouette. It had bright red eyes glowing. It was angry. The aura she was releasing was dense, denser than the man. Haruki collapsed onto four of his limbs, with his head hanging low, while the man was frozen still on his legs. The black silhouette took its first step. Then two, three, four and slowly the silhouette was losing its blackness. After a few steps, the silhouette was out of the flaming aura and it was…the woman! She was approaching the man with intention of killing him. A burning glare send was sent to make the man dropped his sword.

Woman: Axel!

The woman was speaking in the same demonic voice that Haruki heard in the room, but this time, it is deeper and more…lethal. One word from her made everyone to think only one thing…run.

Man: C-claire! Wait! It must be a misunderstanding

Woman: A misunderstanding? How so? Explain now.

Man: There is no way Barret would do that? He is not stupid.

Woman: You telling me the child is lying?

The man fell on his back. The woman bent down to meet his face and said…

Woman: After we treat him, you better bring the big idiot to him and tell him to apologize and…punish him. Are we clear?

Man: He could be ly-

Woman: ARE WE CLEAR?

The woman spoke in an even deeper voice. The man is now on the brink of a mental breakdown. Without thinking twice, he nodded. Meanwhile, Haruki was struggling, vomiting and holding his stomach. The woman witnessed the scene. Then suddenly, the aura around her disappeared in an instant. The woman was panicking.

Woman: Oh no, no, no. Axel, is he…?

The man who was still looking at the woman, swallowed his spit swelled in his mouth and collected his composure. He then glanced over to Haruki. He narrowed his eyes to see Haruki. But what he saw next made him panic too. There was a black-red aura spilling from his stomach area.

Man: Claire! He is turning! Stop him

Woman: What?!

The woman looked at Haruki to confirm the man’s assumption and she too suffered the same emotions as the man.

Woman: no….No….NO. Please don’t let this happen again! I don’t want to see another innocent soul turn into the….demon lord candidate…

The woman fell onto her knees. Depressed, tears flow from her eyes like rain on a stormy rain. She reached out her hand towards Haruki, but it was pointless.

Haruki: ARGHHHH!

Haruki’s scream resonated throughout the whole room. Everyone felt a glimpse of his pain from only his agonising scream.

*It seems like you are ready for transformation*

Haruki felt he heard this voice before. Then Haruki remembered it was the same voice from when the orb was inserted into him.

*Haruki: Y-you again! What y-you mean trans-formation?*

*The transformation turns you into a demon lord candidate. It means you have a shot to fight and become the true demon lord. You can get unfathomable powers. You want revenge, and for revenge you need powers. I can provide them…*

*Haruki… but I turn into a demon?*

*A small price to pay. Your humanity for revenge. Don’t you want revenge or is your revenge was nothing but words? But the decision is up to you. The orb is yours. It follows and fulfils your desire. So, do you accept it or not? *

Humanity? Haruki abandoned it ever since that day. Why should he follow humanity when it turned against him? He was tempted to accept it.

~to himself~

~Haruki: Why don’t I accept it? It's fine, right? But isn’t this what she wants? That woman… I bet she planned it all. I bet she looks… Huh? Why are making that face?~

Haruki was shocked to see the woman. The woman was crying with a defeated expression. She looked helpless. She looked like a mother who just lost her child.

~Haruki: Huh?... stop it…don’t make that face….I hate it… Why are you the one suffering? It should be me…. The one who is suffering is me…not you…~

*GURGH*

Haruki blurted out dark red blood from his mouth. His head was spinning and his vision is getting blurrier and blurrier. He realised he wasn’t getting enough oxygen to his head.

*You should make a decision now. Your life is in danger. The power of a demon is too much for a human boy to handle. It will squeeze every blood in your body and crush your organs as the power of a demon is too potent for a human adult, let alone a child.*

The voice inside him was getting darker and darker. It felt like it was threatening Haruki.

~Haruki: why…why….why… Is everything is going to end here?... ­~

Haruki collapsed to the floor. His body was motionless. He couldn’t move a single muscle. Haruki felt that his organs are getting crushed. He couldn’t even scream.

*Drip*

A tear flow from his eyes. A single drop… it was too much. As he thought he ran out of tears, it seems the world just want to squeeze everything out of him until he is nothing but a pile of bones.

*You are running out of time. Your body is too weak for the orb’s power. You need to transform now or you will die.*

~Haruki: why can’t I choose?... am I that pathetic?… am I that weak?... is it too much to ask for me to choose my own life… the only choice I have to rebel against him is …? To die?

Haruki was gritting his teeth. He was trying to clench his gist in frustration even though he can’t move his muscle.

~Haruki: why do I have to suffer?... I wanted friends… Fake…I wanted to laugh with my close ones…Betrayed… I wanted a peaceful life… parents…… What now? Am I gonna turn into a demon just to see tomorrow?... Is it too much to ask…for me to choose my own life?... All I want is to live…I want to live…I want to live…I want to live… I want to live…~

* Nobody will decide my fate but me*

Haruki then remembers those words he said to himself. The words that he himself. The words he chose to live by. The words that he chose…

~Haruki: …nobody will decide my fate but me… I said that and now….I was about to give up~

Haruki bit his own tongue.

~Haruki: OW!... I deserve that…for nearly going against my own words…now, I’m gonna live by it no matter what!~

*Haruki: I made my decision.*

*So, you are choosing to live?*

*Haruki: Of course, but… I refuse the transformation*

*Huh? Are you dumb? You are goi-*

*Haruki: I will say when I die. You, who enter just enter my body…have no idea on how strong I am *

*Wha-*

The voice was visibly surprised. Then the threatening voice began to waver.

*Y-you are really going to die, you know. It’s not a lie*

*Haruki: …*

Haruki gave no reply. Instead, he was concentrating. He was trying to endure the pain. He felt that his organs are getting crushed. His head was pounding hard and every beat of his heart sends a series of lethal pain throughout his whole body.

Haruki: ARGHHHHH!

Haruki: I n-need to endure. It’s the first-ever choice…. I made ever since I…ARGHH… was dragged into this mess

The woman and man were looking at Haruki. Their face was blue. Worried? Shock? Scared? Haruki couldn’t tell. All he knew that they were expecting this.

Woman: Stop it! Don’t suffer anymore. Its futil-

Haruki: SHUT UP! I don’t want to hear it! I made my… *BLURGH*

He spits out more blood not only from his mouth but also from his body. Painting the floor in dark red.

Haruki: I W-WILL E-ENDURE IT.

Haruki was biting his tongue to stop himself from screaming.

*Fuck! At this rate… I need to control his min- Huh? why... Why…WHY CANT I CONTROL HIS MIND?*

*Haruki: What kinda stupid question is that?*

*What are you on about? Are you already using the power of the orb?

The voice was clearly showing his anger.

*Haruki: haha….Hahaha….HAHAHAHA….*

*wha-*

*Haruki: how can you control something that is broken

*What are- wait…are you telling me…no way…*

*Haruki: As you thought, my mind has already been broken. Your mind control will and does not affect me*

*Tsk. Don’t think you have won. You still are going do die. AHAAHAHA! Good luck*

*Haruki: Didn’t I tell you? The only one who would decide when I die is…ME!

A dark red aura came out of Haruki’s body and envelop him. The dark red aura was entering each and every cell of Haruki’s cell. Haruki felt like his body was being stabbed by hundreds of spears. Every time the aura enters him, a fountain of blood rushes out. Haruki was turning pale for the lack of blood.

Haruki: AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!

More and more of the aura pierced Haruki. The pain and torment were slowly turning his hair colour from the dune brown to the sky blue’s cloud white.

*S-stop it. PLEASE STOP RESISTING*

*Haruki: W-why should I? Its almost over, is it not?*

*Please i-if y-you don’t stop, I will be erased. I will cease to exist*

*Haruki: …couldn’t care….AARRRGHHH*

*YOU BASTARRDDD!!*

The aura started to grow darker and wilder. The aura started flowing furiously into Haruki’s mouth. His pupils dilated and his iris started to change colour. The dark brown of his eyes was turning into bright blue.

*Haruki: *Mmphh!!*

* Please stop it. If it succeeds, I will die. Right, if you agree to the transformation, I will give full control of your body*

Haruki ignored the voice completely.

* Haruki: Heh…enjoy your last moments*

* IM SORRY BUT PLEASE SPARE ME. I BEG YOU! I can give you everything you want. Power? I can give it to you. If you want a girlfriend who doesn’t cheat on you, I can recommend some, heck I will build a harem for you. Just name it, and I will do it.*

*Haruki: … how about you die?

* No, please, give me another chance… I beg you*

*Haruki: See you…never

*NOOOooooooo……*

Haruki swallowed up all the aura that was forced into his mouth. The red aura that was around him is now in his body. Then suddenly felt a piece in his body was missing, Haruki figure out it must be the voice.

Woman: He did it…

Man: Wha-

*Haruki: Time to…get….ou-*

Haruki collapsed onto the floor.

Woman: Call the healers, Axel! FASTER….He lost too much blood.

Man: Got it! MEDIC!!

~Haruki: No! No! No! Get up! Don’t…slee…

Haruki consciousness began to drift…