Nobody exactly knew when or how these monster started popping up. Some scholars believed they were born from human malice during the times of great progress; some others claim that these monsters had always existed along side humans as a sort of culling for the weak. Wherever they came from, they all share one name. Fitting for the parasites that kill not for food, but for entertainment. They were known as Festers.

In this world, being hunted and being the hunter are one and the same. Those who chose to hurt others are swiftly brought justice. But at the same time those who try to enforce justice, are either killed, or end up becoming unrecognisable. This is a constant in our lives. So I wonder... How long will it take for a hero to rise, and fall?

[9 am, Rand residence]

The blare from the alarm clock, the sound of the birds chirping, the yelling of a dear family member, all these loud sounds weren't enough to wake up a certain young man. He slept in a position some might call "roadkill" and his snores rivaled the alarm clock that was supposed to keep him punctual. His unnaturally black hair was ruffled beyond belief, as if a tornado blew through his room while he was sleeping! His unruly hair was so bad that even the turquoise coloured parts of his hair that hid behind the black started to poke out - some even stabbing into his face. However despite all this, the young man slept with a content look on his face - dreaming about the best things in life such as sweets, heroes and little birdies.

Suddenly, his bedroom door swung open violently. The force shaking the trinkets and collectibles he stored on his shelf.

"Oliver Liam Rand, I've been yelling at you for ten minutes, and you're still in bed?! Wake up ya lil shit!" His aunt shouted, looking rather pissed.

Oliver finally woke up with a jolt. He looked around his room frantically before grabbing his alarm clock. He looked at it, reading the numbers “9:12” on the digital screen - horror filled his face.

"I'm going to be late!!" Oliver said, pure terror in his voice.

He then sat in bed for a couple of minutes, causing annoyance and confusion from his aunt.

"You were literally yelling about being late! Whatcha still doing in bed" his aunt asked, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

"Hold on.... I'm still kinda sleepy... Huh maybe a quick nap would be fine..." Oliver said groggily, some drool escaping his mouth.

His aunt sighed before dragging him to the bathroom. Feeling the hardwood floor against his back hurt a lot - causing him major discomfort and annoyance.

"Ouch ouch ouch! Let go of me! Ok I get it! I get it..." Oliver said with a sigh.

His aunt huffed before dropping him on the ground. Rubbing his back - the young man stood up and dusted his clothes before walking to the bathroom himself.

"Geez, I told you not to stay up late, but you never listen do ya?" His aunt said, shaking her head.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

"It was my birthday! You can't blame me for staying up a bit late..." Oliver said, defensively.

He remembered how much fun he had… and how much cake he ate. If he wasn't mistaken, he couldn't even sleep a wink until 3 am thanks to all the sugar in his system.

"It was your sister's birthday too!" His aunt said angrily.

Giving a look that said “crap she's right” - Oliver cleared throat before putting on a proud expression.

"W- well she's probably still sleeping! S- so I'm actually better than her for waking up at all." Oliver said, boastfully.

His aunt stared at him with a deadpan expression, before informing him that she not only already woke up, but also woke up early.

"She woke up at 7 and went straight to the hall… I didn't even get to say bye to her" his aunt said, disappointed and annoyed.

"W- well you can't really compare us two right...?" Oliver said, sounding a bit embarrassed.

Trying to hold back her annoyance, she gave a sigh.

"Just go and get ready!" His aunt said, smacking his back.

A few minutes went by and Oliver was finally ready. He put on his best outfit and styled his hair in a professional manner. He looked at himself in the mirror, feeling a bit weird. Maybe it was the fact that he threw on the first jacket he found, or maybe it was because he chose black pants to match grey and green, but he couldn't put a finger on why exactly he felt uncomfortable looking at himself. He then looked closer, realising the problem.

“Yeah… My hair looks shit. I… I don't like this…” Oliver said, covering his right eye with his unkempt black hair - its messiness causing the bang to have some volume.

Looking at himself, Oliver finally felt content with his appearance. He had always covered his right eye with his hair ever since he was a child. Why should he change now?

Smiling at his reflection, he gave himself a pep talk.

"You can do this! You were made for this Oliver! You've always wanted to be an investigator ever since you were a kid!" Oliver said.

With those words, Oliver was filled with determination, feeling as if he could take on the world. Most people would call him bipolar, but he likes to call it “quick determination”. He went downstairs with a pep in his step. He then realized he lived in an apartment and subsequently fell face first into the ground. His aunt noticed this, causing her face to grimace. Although… seeing such enthusiasm from him, she couldn't help but let out a soft smile.

“Come on get up you dork. I have some eggs and sausages frying up-” His aunt tried to say, however was interrupted by him barging into the kitchen.

“Sorry, no time!” He said, opening up cabinets left and right.

Like a tornado he began rummaging around - though making sure he didn't leave a mess. Placing some bread in the toaster, Oliver patiently waited in front of the device. He watched the bread slowly toast - his aunt looking at him with a confused look.

“You're such a weirdo..” she said, shaking her head with a smirk.

When toast popped up, Oliver grabbed his butter knife that he had pre-scooped peanut butter on - looking at the slowly falling bread with intensity.

“Special move: super cool peanut butter spreading breakfast techniques - deluxe mode.” He said in a cringey manner.

His aunt was used to his horribly named “special moves”, however watching him spread peanut butter on the toast as it fell was honestly quite impressive. Hearing the clapping from his aunt, Oliver puffed up his chest and smirked.

“Thank you, thank you… now I'm gonna go eat before I’m later than I already am…” He said before biting the sandwich and heading to the front door.

He began tying his shoes as he ate an energetic breakfast of toast and peanut butter - causing some concern for his aunt.

"Only that…?" His aunt asked in shock.

Looking at her with a smug expression, he gave her a thumbs up.

"I'm a very powerful man, aunt Susan! This is perfectly enough for me." Oliver said, rather assured in his decision.

His aunt signed then shrugged.

"Fine, do whatever I guess..." his aunt said, chuckling to herself.

He finished his meal then headed towards the front door. Before leaving, his aunt called out to him.

"Do your best, and whatever happens, I love you, okay?" She said, smiling.

Oliver gave another thumbs up as he grinned.

"You got it!" Oliver said, a determined look in his eyes.

He opened the door, ready to begin the test that will decide his future.