Chapter 3

・Awakening Through Resentment ・

“After today—You’ll be special.”

As those words echoed through Benji’s mind, he suddenly awoke to the metronomic ticking of a clock that elapsed around the room as he stared blankly upon the coffee cream ceiling.

Then, after a moment of taking in the serenity, tossed his head to the left, spotting Athena who slept softly upon a chair at his bedside. Her existence was like a lingering cloud of tranquillity, Benji found himself absorbed in her presence and yet, despite this, he felt his breath shorten as a thin, diamond river glossed across the glistening surface of his eyes before bubbling over the bottom edge and running down his cheeks.

“After today – You’ll be special.” That’s what they told me, thought Benji as his mind descended into the grim depths of the slick, oily, black lake of trepidation that now formed around him.

Just then, Benji arouse to the excruciating echoes of bellowing cries that bounced off the dull concrete walls that encased him in his box of undying, murky dread. Those ghastly shadows that hung down from the corners of the cellar wrapped themselves around the loathsome silhouettes of several cultists who stood before him. Their grinning faces and vexatious bickering prompted Benji’s squirming and futile struggle against the ice-cold, metallic shackles that chimed in stride with his vigorous wriggling. Chains of chastisement that heaved his scrawny arms behind him, leaving his knees squelched against the hard soot smothered floor.

-WHACK-

Thick, phlegmy saliva sopped from his slackened jaw onto the grimy, blood coated ground. Benji’s head rung in nauseous disorientation as he endured the cold, bitter feeling of metal bars being slung across his face from the heinous cultists who took turns beating him black and blue.

With each passing second, Benji felt an immense burning sensation course through his body, as if the sharp sizzling claws of volcanic vultures twisted and tugged at his internal organs with an ever-tightening grip.

Day after day went by, and Benji began to feel the draining numbness of death caress his raunchy, blood-stained cheek with its cold, heartless fingers as he glared into the ground like a soulless doll, only averting his gaze upwards every so often when he heard the now, far too familiar, unsettling dragging sound of lifeless corpses being hoisted past his concrete cubicle.

Benji had watched several recognisable figures be pulled past him however, through the lingering darkness of the shadows, Benji’s hollow eyes flared up in incredulous anger as he spotted the distinct shimmering white hair of her being heaved across the ground.

In a moment, the foreboding sense of regret shattered his mind, gritting his teeth as he glared at the cackling cultists who done nothing but watch her defunct corpse be heaved past. Absolute agitation coursed through Benji’s veins as he couldn’t help but find himself recalling their last meeting together; her gentle voice gracing the air as Benji slipped into a void of exhaustion.

“Benji, why are you here?” She asked Benji, who stared blankly into her creamy white eyes as her elegant, snowy shoulder length hair swayed in the light glacial breeze, that lurked through the floral scented air around them.

“Why am I here? As in the cult?” He asked as the two sat atop the grassy, green hill overlooking the sparkling jewel-like river that slithered through the mossy forest before them.

“Of course.” She added as the thin grass beneath them, tickled their fingers in the dancing winds.

“Well—I’m not sure… Hugh says that this is a big opportunity for me and to make him proud… What about you, Silvia?”

“The same. My mother sent me here and told me to be of use.”

“She must have high hopes for you.” Said Benji with a warm smile.

“I’m not sure, it feels more like she’s selling me off and I’m just expected to do this without any say of my own.”

“Don’t you want to be inaugurated into the cult?” Asked Benji as the howling gales took over for a passing moment, silence grazing the air while Silvia pondered her answer.

Just then, she turned, shooting him a curious glance before asking “Well—Do you?”

Benji found his voice whisked from the lick of his tongue as her silent gaze of anticipation left him stunned to speak.

Silvia chuckled lightly, standing up from the grass.

“To answer your question first—though, I’m not entirely sure what I want to do with my life at the moment. So, I’m just letting other people decide for me. I’m not sure if this is the right call or not but I’d honestly like to hear your answer after the inauguration.” Silvia let out a soft sigh.

“Maybe it will help me make my first important decision.” She said with a gentle smile that blossomed in the air, filling Benji’s conflicted heart with a sizzling sense of warmth.

“Well—See you later, Benji.”

And with that, he watched Silvia walk off and into the forest tree line, not for a second did he avert his astonished gaze from her until she disappeared out of view. Benji sat feeling robbed. As if she had stolen something important. He checked his pockets. Then realising he never had anything in them to begin with, fell back onto the fluffy grass, with an overpowering, uncanny desire to reclaim whatever it was he felt so lost with.

-WHACK-

The electrifying feeling of unparalleled pain usurped his body as he felt himself thrust back into the chilling grasps of death. Benji felt the strive to fight bubbling within him however, his body felt the latches of death wrapping its wriggly fingers around his trembling limbs as exhaustion took its toll.

“F- fuck—you…” Muttered Benji as one of the cultists held him up by his jaw before aggressively tossing him aside and turning to chuckle with his fellow cult members. Their laughs and impudent remarks, however, began to muffle within the air as Benji’s reality blurred around him and finally, he felt it.

Deaths bitter touch sunk itself, indefinitely, around him as it pulled his soul towards the awakening release. The glimmering glint in his eyes flickered like a lone candle upon an emerald, lily pad, floating atop a body of still, icy water. The inky night seeped down within the misty cold as it twisted itself closer and closer around the dimming flame like a glacial serpent, diminishing its luminescent warmth in a tight hold as the light began to dwindle against its every wish. However, once a flame is lit, its inevitable extinguishment becomes imminent with every passing second. And so, in its final moments, as the jet void seemingly encapsuled reality, the world halted, as a single glowing ember drifted down through the slick air, fluttering softly upon the flickering flame… as-

-WHOOSH-

An explosive burst of tremendous power snapped upon the lake, lighting up the void, as the once dwindling flame ignited into a vigorous cloud of hellish carnage, as if the air were gasoline; reality erupted into a glimmering display of blitzing lava-like colours.

Benji’s eyes shone with resolve as the bickering ceased.

Each of them turned to Benji in astonishment as they watched his garish red wounds begin to rapidly regenerate as a violet haze emitted its malevolent glow beneath the skin and unsettling energy seeped out into the room.

Immense uproar ensued. “He’s doing it! He’s doing it!” They called out as a multitude of cult members suddenly surrounded him, glaring on in excitement as after only moments, Benji’s body had gone from a black and blue—bloody massacre, to a shade of silky pale milk.

Breathlessly panting in exhaustion, Benji’s eyes sunk into the ground, watching each drip of sweat slip off his brow and splatter onto the murky ground as an ecstatic voice stood out from the crowd.

“Benji- You did it! I don’t know what to say—Congratulations!” Benji glanced up as Hugh’s gleaming, smiley, face stared back.

“Go on, what’s your ability—do you know?”

Benji sat plastered with shock. The throbbing fatigue and pain he felt were no more and his physical discomfort was lifted, however, there was this—lingering—sense of macabre that pricked up the hairs under his shoulders. As if someone were holding a knife to his back, or a brooding monster was breathing down his spine. Just, something, a certain sense of death that eased its way around him. Jealousy. Anxiety. Malice and murder. Feelings that, unlike the sense of pain he felt before, were external, a complete, separate matter to him.

Benji squinched his eyes, focusing harder, finally noticing a distinct red, cloud that stagnated behind Hugh, specifically, the other cult members. The cloud oozed from them like a putrid odour normally expected from someone who hadn’t showered in weeks. Its presence alone gave a sense disorientation.

But, from this new prickly feeling of discomfort to the reality rotating sensation of immense hatred, Benji’s mind lay in anticipation, waiting for the one thing that he ever so yearned for with every fibre of his being. As through all and everything, after all the pain and torment he was unwillingly subject to for what felt like several hellish days. Not a single soul, not even the man who spent his life preparing him for this moment, took even a second of their time to utter him the words: “Are you okay?”

Benji Ceruno, at aged 15, had joined the infinity cult and acquired:「Vlepo」

* * *

2 Years later, the rapid tapping of footsteps hitting laminate wood flooring echoed down the pine green painted hallway as the exuberant huffing of a man wearing verdant green robes approached the tall, dark oak double doors that stood imposingly at the end far end.

-BANG-

Bursting through them like a cannonball, the man zipped down onto one knee before speaking.

“Council Member Hugh, Sir!” Roared the individual with a shuddering sweat seeping off his forehead.

“What is it?!” Snarled Hugh, dressed likewise, as he stood from his desk and approached the man.

“Sh- she… she is-” His teeth chattered from a mix of great exhaustion and undying fear.

“Well, speak up already.” He groaned as he bent over the kneeling man, imposing a robust pressure upon the courier.

“She’s gone…”

“The demon girl… Is gone!”

Hugh’s tense face evaporated upon the news. “What…” As soon as he heard of this, within the hour, a meeting was held in the main board room with all available council members to discuss the matter.

7-8 Council members sat around the large wooden table as Hugh sat at the far apex, standing as he begun the meeting.

“We’re here today to discuss the disappearance of the endling demon. As the world knows it, this is the last remaining demon to exist. In the struggle for power that currently usurps this world, acquisition of the endling demon is essential for the Infinity Cult’s plan to seize power and initiate the prophecy.”

“First things first, I’d like to discuss what happened to our assets Axel and Blake who were assigned to survey duty the night she awakened.” Said Hugh. A skinny man with black slicked back hair suddenly stood from his chair, picking up one of the many sheets of paper from the table directly in front of him that he had brought.

“Sir!” Announced the man. “They aren’t ‘assets’ they were renowned member-”

“Right, I get it. Just read the report,” cut in Hugh.

“Yes, sir! Due to sufficient evidence collected from the survey site, it is clear that Axel and Blake were assassinated.”

Question marks were suddenly appeared up upon each face around the room.

“Kale…” Muttered Hugh. “Do you mean to tell us that Axel, the man with the ability to understand and control all soul energy within a 10-meter radius was not only snuck up on—but killed?”

The man now known as Kale spoke again. “I know it may be difficult to believe sir, but that is nothing but the truth. They hadn’t moved an inch from their posts, and with no signs of combat, someone simply snuck behind them and snapped their necks, killing them instantly.”

Concerned glances were tossed around the room lavishly, as Hugh sat hesitant to speak.

“Kale.” Exclaimed a deep voice coming from a buff man who sat feet splintered up on the table as he lent back in his chair. “What ‘bout the demon already? I don’t care about two weasels who can’t even use their abilities properly. ”

Kale side eyed him a glance of repulsion. “Part of the temple doorway was smashed and there were traces of blood splattered around the area leading up to the staircase. It seems the demon woke up and immediately fought someone. I think it’s safe to assume whoever they fought was killed and the demon consumed them.”

“If that answers your question, Drey.”

“An’ what about now, where’s the demon at?”

“I was just getting to that. Right now, the demon is in Prude village. It seems to just be stagnant right now, blending in with the townsfolk.”

Drey stood from his chair. “Then A’ll go N’ get it”

“Hold on, hold on!” Said Hugh. “If you go, you’ll cause a scene. We shouldn’t let it be known that the endling demon has awoken. We should send someone more—innocent.”

“Innocent?” Questioned Drey as if this approach were unsuitable to him.

“How about we send in your student, Hugh. Benji?” Asked Kale.

“Yeah, Benji.” Chuckled Hugh. “Finally, he’ll have a use for something.”

“Are you sure he’ll be able to handle the demon if they flip out though?”

Hugh scoffed a knowing grin. “We’ll have Benji bring the demon to an isolated area where Drey and I can subdue it without anyone seeing. We’ll have control of the endling demon before the boss returns from his trip in a few days.”

“Then it’s decided?” Sighed Kale, sitting again in his seat.

“Of course. Drey, get yourself ready while I fetch Benji. If he fails to do as he’s told, send Nectar to deal with him. Does everyone understand the events that are to follow?”

“Yes, Sir.” Roared the room unanimously as the meeting dispersed and Hugh scoured the ground for Benji, spotting him alone practicing sword swings in the training field.

“Benji!” Called out Hugh, prompting the boy to come running over.

“What is it?” He muttered breathlessly.

“Come walk with me for a bit.” Said Hugh as the two strolled through the luxuriant forest, a hint of hydrating moisture beginning to linger in the air along with the faint whooshing of water that gradually grew as they strolled forward.

“Benji, it’s time for you to recruit your own student,” said Hugh as the two walked out into a moderately open area within the forest. Benji froze, glaring straight at the explosive splashing of water that glimmered in the sun light as it impacted against the mossy rocks positioned along the slithering serpent of sea that seeped through the forest ahead of them.

Much like the ravaging torrents of the river he found himself captivated by, Benji’s mind was suddenly flooded with the heinous memories of his torture.

“If she awakens her ability, you’ll be promoted to a higher-ranking official within the cult.”

“She?” He questioned as images of Silvia began to haunt his mind also realising the spot, they stood was that of Silvia and his last meeting.

“Yes, she’s currently being treated at the Prude Village infirmary. You’re to meet her there.”

“Sh- She.” Muttered Benji, suddenly feeling the weight of the world bear over his being.

“Benji. You’re to bring her here, make sure you gain her trust. Can you do that?”

“Y- Ye- Y—es…”

“Benji.” Muttered Hugh as he arched down to him. “Listen, I know you must be excited about this.”

Benji tilted his head away with a sour face. “Look at me, you’re really excited about this.” Said Hugh with a mischievous grin prompting Benji’s gaze to return to him.

“If you manage to bring her here, I’ll be able to reward you with a higher position in the cult. You know I’ve been trying—really—hard to get you this moment. Girls are weak, protect her and make sure she gets here safe. You want to protect people weaker than you, right? You wouldn’t want what happened last time to happen again, right?”

“O- Of course—not.”

“Then go and make everyone proud. You were specifically chosen for this job after all. Everyone is counting and relying on you here.”

“Go, go protect her—and bring her here.”

“I know you can do that for me, Benji. We’ll be waiting.”

Those words ran through Benji’s head as he stood outside the Café, looking through the window at Athena.

“I can do this… I’ll make everyone proud of me again.” He pepped to himself before letting out a single, elongated sigh and entering the building, striding straight up to Athena as he-

“Girls—are weak- “

-Smack!-

The shimmering shattering of glass erupted around him as a hazy numbness pulsed at his temples. Benji lay against the grimy cobblestone ground, staring up blankly at the baby blue sky.

‘Poor choice of words.’ He thought to himself as the tapping of footsteps approached. Benji heaved himself up in heart tightening anticipation for the sound of repulsive cackling at his misfortune. Only, however, to have the drooping weight that sat on his shoulders cleared completely upon the soft, melodious sound of her voice drifting into his ears.

“H- Hey— Are you okay?!”

Benji felt his existence flip topsy-turvy as, in that moment, the blissful grace of God’s blessing befell his soul with its heavenly glow that bloomed in the surrounding ambience of his world.

His heart melted with a fuzzy flutter as he grabbed Athena by the hand and dashed through the streets. His mind blitzed in excitement as he scoured his entire catalogue of memories for a moment, a single moment in time in which someone—anyone—had ever asked him:

“Are you okay?”

“Well, Benji? Are you?” Asked Athena, now awake and staring at Benji from her chair with a concerned gaze.

“Yeah, I’m uh-” Benji jittered as he tried to set himself properly in bed, only to feel an airy, open breeze to his right.

“B- Benj- Be careful…” Muttered Athena jumping up from her seat in anticipation to attend to him. “I carried you here as fast as I could but…”

“My arm…” Muttered Benji in a bewildered whisper.

“M- My arm…” He said with panic beginning to rise in his trembling voice.

“M- M- m- M-”

“It’s okay, it’s okay” Said Athena, sitting down on the puffy bed to console him. Benji sunk into her arms, resting his head on her shoulder as tears dripped down his face.

“Shh… Shh… Shh…” She muttered, glancing down on him with a blank face of compassion.

“Athena.” Sniffled Benji.

“mhm.”

“There’s probably something I should tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Yesterday—I lied to you…”

“Sorry?” Questioned Athena.

“Yesterday… When I said I was going to help you find the flower… I was actually going to lead you to a place where you would be tortured.”

“Wh- What?”

“They said I would be promoted if I gained your trust and brought you to them—I- I’m sorry…”

Silence graced the air like a potent poison that simmered in the atmosphere like a predator stalking its prey. Benji hesitated to move under its pressure but eventually, found the courage to wobble his little head up at Athena.

Her cool, compassionate gaze had contorted to a ghoulish apathetic one that latched its tightening vulturous grasp around Benji’s neck as he felt his breath absent under her reaping glare. Saliva slipped down his heavy throat as his lip shuddered upon opening.

“A- Athena—I just wanted to-”

“Shut up.” She cut in.

“I don’t know why I let myself fall for the same fucking trick, time after time.” She said, sliding away from Benji, as he felt her warmth evaporate from his body.

He watched her stand from the bed. He watched her walk across the room to the door, and then open it. He watched her walk through it and then around the corner. He watched her until she left his sight. He watched her without doing anything. Frozen with overpowering regret. Letting the moment once again simply slip from his palms.

Benji glanced down to his right shoulder before letting his depressed gaze of sorrow drift to his right pocket. Tangy tears spouted from his eyes as he squinched his face before turning to burrow into his pillow as the muffled, throat straining, wailing cries erupted around the room as he desired nothing more than for Gods gracious palm to rest itself against his back and guide him in the right direction; knowing full well—that it was nothing more than wishful thinking.

‘I Messed it up… Again…’