“You forcefully undid the seals in your baseless suspicion, almost taking her life in the process. And even if you didn’t kill her, the backlash of those memories would eventually drain her life force dry. I currently see no reason why I shouldn’t kill you while you’re in your weakened state.” There were almost no emotions as he looked at Cyran.

Cyran’s eyes widened in alarm.

Before he could react, thorns erupted from the ground beneath his feet. Noir held out his palm, squeezing them into a tight fist.

The thorns wrapped themselves around Cyran and dug into his flesh. His skin that had been pierced showed signs of being poisoned as they turned a darker shade with each passing second.

Without hesitation, Noir waved his tightly closed hand in every direction, throwing Cyran all over the place like he was a piece of rag. He had ignored his warnings, even harming his mistress. He would make this fiend feel the pain ten times his mistress went through because of him!

Cyran didn’t utter a sound, only clenching his teeth as the thorns dug deeper into his flesh and the unknown poison turning his blood cold.

Noir, the king’s most loyal servant. A stone-faced man that never showed any emotions to others except his master. Whoever dared to go against his master, he would mercilessly deal with them, giving them a living hell.

Noir was just a familiar while he was a pureblooded vampire. If this were the past, their strength could be said to be equal. Whenever they fought, they would always end up in a draw. But now, in his weakened state, he was unable to even avoid such a simple attack. The years he had been sealed away finally showed their effects.

His sight started blurring, obstructed by the blood that dripped from his face.

The foolish one could be said to be him, not Charlotte. Perhaps what declined wasn’t only his strength, but also his intelligence. All the clues stood right in front of his nose, yet he was still unable to see them. No, perhaps he just refused to belief them and ignored all the warnings in his head. He could only curse himself for not seeing this coming.

=

“Hey there little guy, are you lost?”

A memory of long ago. He remembered them as though it happened just yesterday.

“Astina, what are you doing?”

This was a memory from the age of war and chaos.

“Lax, isn’t he’s just so cute~”

A meeting between an injured young fox spirit and a group of four teenagers.

“What? It’s a spirit animal. It’s rare for them to appear in this area.”

“Yeah, maybe it got lost. Just how you’re always getting lost despite having a map, Livi.”

The three of them broke out into laughter while the other teenager hung his head down in embarrassment.

“So, what are you going to do with it?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’ll keep him! It’s fine right, Nat?”

This was the beginning of their journey that would one day bring about complete change to this chaotic world.

This odd group of fox spirit, demon, elf, drake and human.

This was a tale of old, now forever forgotten in time.

The human who was called Astina

The demon named Volax

The drake that possessed a humanoid form, Livi

And the elfen girl granted the name of Natrus by the forest elders

“Hey, when did you complete the contract? You’re way too hasty Astina!”

“Aww~ come on, it’s not like it’ll kill me. What do you guys think of his name? Noir!”

“Hah? See, that’s why I told you to stop being hasty!”

“Oh, I quite like it though. Don’t listen to Lax, he’s just jealous since you’re better than him at magic.”

“Thanks Nat, I know. He’s always been like that. Haah…how I worry for his future bride.”

“Haha, but isn’t that person you, Astina?”

“Liviiii! Shut up! I’ll kill you!”

“H-hey, I was just kidding around. No need for violence!”

“{Shadow blade}!”

“Nat! Help me!”

“Heh, you brought this upon yourself. Good luck Livi.”

“This isn’t funny! Lax, get your girlfriend under control already!”

“…You know, I think I’ll join her.”

“You guys! Stop! Stop! Stop!”

Although it was a chaotic era, the time they spend together was irreplaceable. They did not care for their difference of origin; they were just a group of naïve and ignorant kids that sought out adventure.

The little fox spirit watched as they grew stronger, protecting the girl that had saved him from death.

It never would have thought that one day; this bond that seemed unbreakable would shatter.

Leading them to their destruction

“Do you know why you’re still alive?” Noir looked at Cyran who was in such a sorry state

“You still refuse to reveal your real identity. What else could there possibly be than your original reason?”

“You should feel it as well. The time is nearing. Her seal will undo itself one day, that will be the time ‘they’ return as well.”

“You think I will agree to it now that I know who she is?”

“You have no choice if you want revenge.”

“Kgh, once I regain my strength, I will make you pay as well.”

“I shall look forward to that time.”

Noir and Cyran glared at one another but eventually made a deal.