"criminal hiding among us today"

The words echoed relentlessly in her mind. She was guilty of a crime—of being a criminal. The hit squad sent after her, the ones she had killed, that alone was a death sentence in this twisted castle. And now, she wasn't sure if her head was next on the chopping block.

Rin could feel cold sweat trickling down her spine. Gunlaug's voice, slithering and venomous, rattled her nerves, making her want to drop to her knees and beg for mercy. But deep down, she knew she wasn't alone in that feeling. Everyone gathered in the grand hall was suffocating under the same dread, silently wondering if their pasts would soon catch up to them. In this place, anything could be deemed a crime if it suited the tyrant's whims.

She wasn't exempt from that.

For a moment, Rin half-expected people to start spilling their darkest secrets, desperate to save themselves. But before any confessions could escape trembling lips, a sudden commotion near the doors broke the tense silence.

Her attention snapped toward it. Two guards stormed in, their movements sharp and unyielding, dragging a man between them. They hauled him to the center of the hall and flung him onto the cold stone floor. His thin, ragged clothing and gaunt frame spoke volumes—he was clearly one of the outer settlement dwellers, a man who had been surviving on nothing but scraps.

The hall went quiet, but the tension only deepened.

Beneath the thin layer of his skin, muscles rippled with strength, and his eyes burned with a fierce, unyielding defiance. The man's gaze was sharp, filled with pride and a silent challenge. Ignoring the guards with a scornful glance, he pushed himself off the ground, rising to his full height. His posture was rigid, shoulders squared, and his chin held high. There wasn't a trace of fear in him—only a seething, simmering anger.

From atop his throne, Gunlaug observed the man, his head tilting slightly in curiosity. The outsider's lips twisted in a grimace as he caught sight of himself reflected in the golden mask, but he refused to bow, his stare never wavering.

*That's pure willpower*

Sunny thought, sounding impressed by the stranger.

*Or he's an idiot*

Meanwhile, Bright Lord's voice resounded in the grand hall once again:

"My wards. We have a guest today. This man, called Jubei, is visiting us from the outer settlement. Recently, he had been heard leveraging an accusation against one of my men. As a just and benevolent lord, I have invited Jubei here to plead his case and expose the criminal. We must get to the bottom of this matter! After all, the law is our only guiding star in this dark world…"

Gulag's voice carried a smooth yet commanding tone, each word weighted with undeniable authority. His speech had the power to break through even the toughest minds, like a hammer striking stone, shattering any resistance. Most would bend under the force of his words. But the man called Jubei only smirked, unfazed.

"That's right. I'm here to accuse one of your thugs, Gunlaug. Let's see how you'll get out of this one, bastard."

He lifted his hand, singling out the group of Hunters who had been quietly observing from their usual spot in the corner of the grand hall. His finger pointed directly at them, as if daring them to step forward, a gesture that drew all eyes to the shadowed corner where they stood.

"That man right there, one of your so-called Pathfinders, is guilty of murder. He had killed an innocent kid in the most repugnant of ways. I've been watching you and your minions commit all sorts of vile crimes over these years, but enough is enough. Today, I'll see him answer with his life for what he did!"

A ripple of stunned murmurs swept through the crowd. No one in their right mind would dare accuse a Pathfinder—these men were held in such high regard, they were practically untouchable. But Jubei stood firm, unwavering in his boldness, refusing to back down despite the weight of the accusation.

Gunlaug spoke:

"...Is that so? That is a heavy accusation, Jubei. Please, tell us more."

The man from the outer settlement gritted his teeth.

"That scum and his people lured a naive kid into their party by promising him all kinds of rewards and riches. They told him that he is going to become one of them and come to live in your damn castle. But in reality, they just fed him to the monsters as bait!"

He spat on the floor.

"You dare to call yourself Hunters, you damn cowards?! Don't you have any shame?!"

A tense stillness filled the grand hall, so thick it seemed to press down on everyone present. All eyes were locked on the group of Hunters, their faces grim and unforgiving. The castle's inhabitants were well-practiced in turning a blind eye to the cruelty of men, as long as it remained a conflict between humans.

But this? Betraying one of their own to the Nightmare Creatures? That was a line no one dared cross. In the Dark City, such treachery was more than just a crime—it was a blasphemy, a violation of their very nature.

Gunlaug slowly turned, his cold gaze falling on the Hunters, who quivered under the weight of his silent judgment. His stare held no mercy, only the promise of consequences.

"Is this true?"

The Pathfinder, the eldest among them, cast a shadowed glance at Jubei, his expression twisting into a deep scowl.

"There must be some kind of a misunderstanding, my lord. The boy in question was a highly valued member of my party. We all had high hopes for his future. His death saddened all of us a great deal."

His voice was steady and calm. Perhaps even a little too calm.

*Hes guilty*

*Yep*

Jubei snarled:

"Lies! I happened to be hunting on that day myself and saw everything with my own two eyes! I know what you did, bastard!"

Gunlaug slowly turned to face the gathering of crows, a deep sigh escaping his lips. Moments passed in silence before he finally spoke, his voice heavy with a sense of resignation:

"What an unfortunate situation. It seems that it is your word against his, Jubei. What to do, what to do? I trust my brave men wholeheartedly, of course. Who would be so ungrateful as to distrust these heroes when they are the ones keeping you all alive? Surely, there's no one that vile and wicked among you, my precious wards."

The sinister and unsettling danger lurking behind those words was anything but subtle.

Gunalug paused for a few moments, enveloping the crowd in his heavy, oppressive psychic aura that felt almost suffocating. He could sense their discomfort, their unease. After a moment, he turned away, lifting the weight of his presence just enough for them to take a breath of relief. Finally, he spoke:

"But it would be unbecoming of me to play favorites in such a grave matter. And this matter, oh, it is grave indeed. What a dilemma. How do we uphold justice, my wards?"

In the ensuing silence, Gemma, the leader of both Hunters and Pathfinders, suddenly spoke:

"My lord, if I may speak. Isn't there a law that suits this situation perfectly? It has existed for as long as humans lived in this ancient castle. I'm talking, of course, about the right of challenge."

He glanced at Jubei and smiled:

"If this brave hunter has any shadow of doubt about his accusation, he should step down. If not, he can challenge the criminal and prove it with blood. Of course, the real culprit here is… me. As the person responsible for these men, any crime they commit in their roles as Hunters is my fault."

Gemma's charismatic smile was wide and friendly.

"So how about, Jubei? Will you step down? Or do you want to challenge me?"

The hunter from the outer settlement glared at him for a while, his eyes burning with fury and contempt. Finally, he spat:

"Do you think I'm afraid of you, lapdog? Sure, why not. I challenge you!"

*****

The entire event was so meticulously staged that Rin felt a flicker of doubt creep in, almost convincing her of its authenticity. Yet deep down, she understood the reality of the situation.

What lingered in her mind was the uncertainty surrounding the performances by the Pathfinder and Gemma. Had they rehearsed every gesture and line beforehand, or were they improvising in the moment to appease their lord? Gunlaug had a reputation for maintaining a carefully crafted facade, and Rin suspected this display was no different, designed to mask the brutal truth: the public execution of a man who had dared to challenge his authority.

This was undeniably an execution. Rin had no illusions that Gunlaug intended to allow the brave hunter to walk out of the grand hall alive. The lord sought not just the death of his opponent but wanted everyone to witness it, sending a clear message to anyone considering defying him.

He wanted to instill fear, to make sure no one thought they could voice dissent and escape the consequences unpunished.

And yet, in the midst of her dread, a tiny flicker of hope persisted in Rin's heart. Jubei was not just any hunter; he was seasoned and formidable. His reputation as a warrior who had faced countless monsters and emerged victorious spoke volumes. His strength was palpable, fueled by an indomitable will that could likely crush stone into dust. Perhaps, just perhaps, a miracle might unfold before her eyes.

No matter how slim the chance, the possibility remained.

Rin couldn't fathom why Gunlaug would put his right-hand man's life on the line for what seemed like such a ridiculous scheme. It just didn't make sense to her.

It was as if the Bright Lord had tapped into her thoughts, for he then spoke:

"A challenge? Ah, so be it. This is a sacred tradition, indeed. As long as good men are willing to put their lives on the line for the sake of righteousness, depravity can't win…"

The crowd of Sleepers erupted into hushed murmurs, a mix of tension and unease hanging in the air. Some faces were grave, reflecting the weight of the moment, while others glimmered with a sinister excitement. Rins noticed the slight downturn of Gunlaug's mouth, a sign of his discontent.

As Rins surveyed the scene, it became painfully clear that depravity had already taken a stronghold, if not outright triumphed. The shadows of corruption loomed large, and hope felt like a distant memory.

Yet Gunlaug was far from finished; his voice rose above the murmurs, commanding attention and insisting that there was still more to be said.

"...However, it would not be suitable for you to represent the accused personally, Gemma. The Bright Castle can't afford to lose you, my friend. Jubei, would you mind if the accused chose another champion?"

The hunter from the outer settlement simply shrugged and said:

"Bring your worst, cowards."

The Bright Lord turned toward the Pathfinder, tilting his head slightly. The pale hue of his face was cast against the eerie mask of the strange golden armour he wore, creating an unsettling juxtaposition. For a moment, he remained silent, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging in the air. Finally, in a soft voice, he broke the silence:

"I choose Harus, my lord."

She was genuinely interested in watching this fight. If he was going to be her new target, it was crucial for her to understand his fighting style and assess his strength. She needed to determine whether he could be an asset to her plans and how much she could depend on him in the future. This wasn't just about the fight itself; it was about evaluating his potential and figuring out if he was someone she could rely on to have her back.

In the deathly silence, Jubei smirked and spat with grim satisfaction:

"Even better!"

Harus, who had seemed somewhat disinterested and uneasy throughout the entire procedure, fixed his gaze on the Pathfinder who had given him his name. His bony face revealed no particular emotion as he slowly descended the steps.

The other lieutenants reacted in their own distinct ways to this unforeseen development. Gemma frowned, casting a quick glance at Gunlaug before stepping back, her expression darkening. In contrast, Tessai wore a grin, clearly anticipating a dramatic turn of events. Kido, however, paled slightly, taking a small step sideways to distance herself from the hunchback making his way down.

Amidst this mix of reactions, Seishan remained silent and detached, her cold, beautiful face betraying no hint of emotion.

*Strange woman, gives me the hibbie jibbies*

*Agreed*

Realising what was about to happen, Cassie squeezed both of their arms and whispered:

"I want to leave."

After a short pause, Sunny answered in a raspy voice:

"I'm sorry. We can't leave now."

Even though she felt a strong urge to distance herself from Gunlaug's frightening scarecrow, she understood that leaving at this moment would only draw unwanted attention. With all six lieutenants present, along with Golden Serpent himself, the stakes were far too high for any missteps.

Their objective inside the castle was clear: to extract as much information as possible. This was a rare opportunity to observe one of the most dangerous creatures lurking within this seemingly serene stronghold, and they couldn't afford to let it slip away.

At that moment, the hunchback descended from the steps, halting directly across from Jubei in the cleared space of the grand hall. His expression remained impassive, tinged with a hint of boredom.

As Gunlaug sat quietly on his imposing white throne, Jubei reached deep within himself, summoning his Memories. Instantly, flexible armor fashioned from shimmering red scales enveloped his body. A winged helmet crowned his head, while a kite shield formed in his other hand. In a flash of light, a beautifully curved scimitar materialized, its blade glinting with a razor-sharp edge.

With a steady gaze, Jubei turned to Harus and spoke, his voice calm and resolute:

"Let's see what you're capable of, butcher."

*That was cringe*

Sunny lowered his head, attempting to suppress the grin that was creeping across his face.

The hunchback fixed his glassy gaze on him, and without a word, let his heavy cloak slide to the floor. A grimace crossed his face as he strained to straighten his back, momentarily shedding the image of a frail and delicate cripple.

Now standing tall, Harus loomed over the majority of the Sleepers gathered in the grand hall, his height only rivaled by the towering figure of Tessai. His grotesque and twisted form exuded an aura of raw, primal strength. Instead of calling forth any Memories, he locked eyes with the hunter, his expression revealing nothing but an icy detachment.

Jubei's lips curled into a scowl, discomfort creeping into his expression as he sensed the tension in the air.

"So be it."

With bated breath, Rin watched the fight unfold before her, her heart pounding with excitement. The proud hunter surged forward, raising his shield with one hand while expertly slashing with his scimitar in the other. His movements were a blur of speed and agility, honed to perfection through countless battles fought in the Dark City. Each strike was a testament to his years of experience, a dance of lethal precision shaped by the harsh realities of his past.

*Good… he's good*

*Yeah but*

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

*Did Jubei… really have a chance?*

As Rin's eyes widened in disbelief, Harus appeared to evade the attack entirely. It was as if he had momentarily forgotten that he was unarmed. With an unexpected calmness, the hunchback simply raised his hand to intercept the razor-sharp blade.

To everyone's astonishment, he caught Jubei's strike with nothing but his bare fist, halting the lethal blow in an instant.

For a brief moment, the grand hall fell silent, each witness frozen in shock—except for Jubei. The hunter, sensing the gravity of the situation, immediately struggled to free his scimitar from the iron grip of the man who had slain Gunlaug. But his efforts were futile; it felt as if the blade had been embedded in solid stone.

However, it wouldn't have mattered even if he had managed to escape.

In the blink of an eye, Harus advanced with a serpentine swiftness, placing his massive hand firmly on Jubei's shoulder. Then, with a sickening sound, he effortlessly tore the entire arm off.

Somebody screamed.

As crimson rivulets gushed across the pristine marble, the haughty hunter gazed at the void where his imposing arm once was, stunned into disbelief.

The searing torment that would soon ravage his being hadn't yet arrived.Harus seized Jubei's skull with unyielding grip, his fingers digging into the hunter's flesh like talons as he snapped the neck in an abrupt, brutal motion. The defeated warrior crumpled to the ground, his broken form careening back a dozen paces, harus punched and the dolls mangled ribs exploded from his chest like shattered pottery.

Lifeless and ravaged, the broken corpse of the defiant challenger came to rest on the blood-soaked stones, a macabre canvas for the crimson tide that surged from its grievous wounds. From the opening salvo to the final, brutal conquest, the entire confrontation had transpired in a mere five heart-stopping seconds.

Harus glanced down at his hands, flicking off a few crimson droplets that stained his skin. He then stepped back to stand next to the master of the castle, his demeanor as icy as ever. But there was a noticeable shift in his expression.

It was no longer one of boredom; instead, a quiet satisfaction danced in his eyes.

He had just played a crucial role in helping his lord deliver judgment, a weighty responsibility that he took seriously. This was more than just a moment; it was a reaffirmation of law, a connection to age-old traditions, and a stark embodiment of justice.

'hes good'

****

A crowd of several hundred Sleepers gazed in shock at the grotesque sight before them. Jubei's scale armor shattered into a cascade of shimmering light, vanishing completely and leaving him clad only in tattered, blood-soaked rags. His expression, a mix of surprise and confusion, remained eerily fixed on his face, capturing the horror of the moment. The atmosphere was thick with disbelief, as the onlookers struggled to comprehend the scene unfolding before their eyes.

Awash in blood and broken, the man who had been proud and defiant just a minute ago was now nothing but a pathetic corpse. He was sprawled on the floor in a glistening crimson puddle, reminding everyone of one simple truth.

Never, ever dare to disobey Gunlaug, the Bright Lord.

Or you'll end up just the same.

In the vast expanse of the grand hall, Rin stood out as one of the very few individuals not fixated on the lifeless body that lay before them. Instead, her attention was drawn to Harus.

Harus, on the other hand, was fixated on the wall, his gaze blank and distant, utterly indifferent to the gruesome result of his own dark deeds. The scene around him felt almost surreal, as if he were a ghost haunting the aftermath of a horror he had orchestrated. While the others were absorbed in the stark reality of death, he remained detached, as though the gruesome spectacle held no power over him.

'Well he certainly beat my expectations, the question now is was how to confront him without being turned into…that'

She looked back at the body

She had always known the facts, but now, for the first time, she truly grasped the futility of even considering a challenge to the Golden Serpent. For her, the stakes felt slightly different—if her plan succeeded, everything could change.

The Dark City was a fortress designed to bolster Gunlaug and his army, rendering them nearly invincible. This was precisely how that wretched hunchback had so easily dispatched an experienced hunter from the outer settlement, relying solely on brute strength. He hadn't even needed to reveal his Aspect Ability. How could there be such a staggering divide in their physical capabilities?

The answer lay in the nature of the inhabitants of the Dark City. Each person possessed a dormant core, but two key factors could elevate someone above the rest: Soul Essence and Memories. Unfortunately, both of these resources were under the tight control of Gunlaug.

He was the only one with the manpower and expertise to navigate the treacherous depths of the Dark City, which allowed him to secure an endless supply of both Soul Shards and Memories. The few scraps that independent hunters managed to gather would inevitably find their way into Gunlaug’s hands. After all, he dominated the primitive economy of this cursed realm. By offering food and protection in exchange for what he called "tribute," he ensured that all resources flowed unidirectionally—straight into his grasp.

With an abundance of Soul Shards and a wealth of Memories at his disposal, he could bolster his army’s strength, which, in turn, would grant him even more Soul Shards and Memories. This vicious cycle perpetuated itself, making his grip on power increasingly unassailable with every turn. It was a chilling, self-sustaining loop, and she felt trapped within its confines, yet a flicker of hope ignited within her. If she played her cards right, perhaps she could alter the course of this bleak narrative.

By the time the four of them reached the Dark City, the chasm between Gunlaug's forces and the rest of the inhabitants had grown insurmountable. Rin felt certain that most of the elite warriors within the Host had cores brimming with Soul Essence, their power fully realized and ready for battle.

There was a threshold to how much Soul Essence a carrier of the Nightmare Spell could absorb before hitting a plateau in their rank. However, few ever reached that limit. Advancing to the next rank would lift that restriction and enhance the body based on the saturation of the core. But here, in the Dark City, the inhabitants were trapped in their current state, unable to progress further. Their only means of gaining power lay in the sheer volume of Soul Essence they could gather.

Within the ancient walls of this city, bound to the will of a single man, resided the most formidable group of Sleepers in human history.

And it was this very man that Nephis intended to kill.

Yet, Rin couldn't shake the feeling of unease. There was still that other man lurking in the shadows, a potential threat that needed to be neutralised. He could wield power equal to Gunlaug's, and Rin knew that if left unchecked, he would become a significant obstacle in their plans.

A rose that needed pruning

She also remembered dozens of skulls swinging in the wind above the castle gates.

*Curse it all… what is she going to pull us into this time? I really have to persuade her to give up for once. My life might depend on it.*

*Oh don't be such a sorrow soul, besides you think Changing Star even knows how to give up*

*Curses!*

The Bright Lord soon departed from his gleaming white throne, vanishing into the shadows that loomed behind it. His lieutenants followed in quick succession, with Harus being the last to step away. Once they were gone, the lifeless body of Jubei was callously dragged away, while a group of Handmaidens moved in quietly, meticulously scrubbing the bloodstains from the immaculate marble floor.

Tables were rearranged to their original positions, and the assembly of Sleepers was beckoned to resume their breakfast, as though nothing had transpired.

Yet, any semblance of appetite had vanished. As they led Cassie away, she cast a fleeting glance at the plates brimming with food, their thoughts tinged with a bitter irony:

*how could anyone feel hunger after such a grim spectacle?... I guess there's a first time for everything.*

*Oh the food yeah i was looking at that too, feels weird*

***

Over the next two days, their time was consumed by a frantic search for information. With their departure from the castle drawing closer, Sunny grew more daring in where he sent his shadow, venturing into places he had previously avoided.

He spent hours spying on the Hunters and Pathfinders, observing their tactics and uncovering hidden strategies. He watched the training routines of the Guards, memorizing their methods. Through careful observation, he figured out which Artisans held true influence and which ones were less significant. The only group he deliberately kept his distance from were the Handmaidens—there was something about them that unsettled him.

Beyond simply watching people, they poured over the engravings and stone carvings that adorned the castle walls, trying to decipher any hidden meaning or forgotten history within the ancient symbols.

Meanwhile, Rin was receiving constant updates from her own spy, who left paper notes in secret locations around the castle. These notes detailed the movements and schemes of the cultists, who seemed to be preparing for something ominous. Every scrap of information they gathered hinted that the clock was ticking, and the danger was closer than ever.

Finally, the week they had paid tribute for came to an end. On the dawn of the eighth day, the trio once again appeared in the large hall with beautiful stained glass windows and saw the gates of the castle.

Despite the fact that there was nothing outside these gates but a dirty slum, Rin felt relieved. She couldn't wait to leave this damn place. She did however know that she would be seeing this place again, she'll recover from her use of Kotoamatsukami and harus… would serve a new master

*Why do people even want to live here?*

*Safety for absolute submission, some people would take that in a heartbeat, besides with never actually seen the settlement out here, castle might be a paradise compared to it *

*I doubt it… how bad can it actually be? I guess they just never lived on the outskirts.*

Shaking her head, they walked toward the gates, but then stopped when someone called their names.

Turning her head, Sunny noticed the familiar young man with a thin face. Today, Harper seemed to be especially distressed. His clothes were a bit less tidy, and there were a few ugly blotches of ink on his parchment.

His nervous eyes were constantly drifting to Rin

"Ah! Red… Sunless and Cassia, right? Goodness, it has already been a week. Ah… where was I? Oh, yes. Are you guys here to pay tribute for the next one?"

Sunny stared at him for a few minutes, then forced out a smile and pretended to be sad:

"No. We haven't been able to… you know, earn shards. So, we're leaving. Maybe we will see each other again, someday."

Harper opened his eyes wide and stuttered:

"W—what? Why would I be… oh, sorry. I'm very sorry that you couldn't stay longer. But don't despair! Lord Gunlaug is truly kind, and life is unpredictable. I'm sure you'll be able to come back soon."

They gave him a curt nod and turned away, with Cassie in the middle of their group

*I hope not. Not too soon, at least.*

“Wait!!... Red… three seconds…”

The same nervous voice spoke behind, it was directed at her, well obviously he said her name, it seemed harper, had something to say

“Bec-.. because its your first time using our services there is parting gift for your group in your housing”

“Cool we'll go collect it then”

His face turned to panic as she looked at her

“No! It can't it can only be…you-…i mean only one of you can go”

He was choosing his word carefully, trying to at least. They probably shouldn't give tasks like these to someone so skittish

*Somethings fishy*

*Yeah but I'll go with it i wanna see whats gonna happen*

*Alright stay safe*

She gave her own fake smile and played along”

“Alright harper, i just need to go to my room yes?”

He nodded more times than necessary sweat pouring from his face

“Yep….good luc- i mean have…fun?”

The last word sounded.more like a question but i played the part of a non suspicious victim

*Wow hes shit at lying*

*yeah he is… sunny can you stay at the gate please*

*Will do… you want a shadowy friend to help you*

She shakes her head, then begins walking toward the tower where she had been staying. The small courtyard in front is dotted with trees resembling dark oaks, their twisted branches casting long shadows in the fading light. A stone path, made up of unevenly placed square slabs, winds from the tower's entrance and connects to various gates beyond, guiding her steps as she moves through the quiet, shaded space.

She smiles as her constant sensory pulse washed over something that definitely wasn't a tree, a dozen hooded figures moved from behind the trees

The pulse of essence washed over one particular individual, hated painted his face ashis heartbeat was racing and the bow he held was taught and aiming at her, the weapon itself was special, strong tension making the string shake in anticipation

The arrow was set free, begging for flesh to harm, begging for blood to be spilt, to bad it didn't care whose blood it was, so its metal glistened in glee when caught by a swift hand and dug greedily into the chest of a ambushing from behind

A shimmer of light and a raven black katana had formed, grasped by a woman who knew only disaster and death, her stance shifted, but stopped when her ankles sunk into the floor like quicksand

‘someones skill’

She looked back up and her Irises had betrayed the darkened shadow of a man who had leaped at her, dagger in hand striking down, she wasn't a killer, she just wanted to survive…she would survive.. it didn't matter who she had to draw her weapon against to do so. She took a deep breath, her eyes had closed and she lowered her stance. She was now calmer than still water, what happened around her was unnecessary noise moving at a turtle's pace, yes her feet were locked in by the Dirt that had clamped around her, but the pain was little to none, the enemy falling towards her, the drop of water that was dangerously falling to disturb the peace, her hands grasped around the scabbard of her sword

And like water being cut in two, it fell into the still water, a small insignificant ripple, her eyes opened, blood trickled down the jet black razor, like it savoured the taste of the ichor.

The blade knew it wouldn't be the last life essence it would taste today

There was a moment of silence between both parties

Her blade flicked the blood on the dirt and pointed back at them

And like a wave they moved forward, powered by rage and revenge, so she positioned herself there. A stance ready for war, standing her ground, she had no option the ground had consumed her so she would act like the wave breaker they had turned her into

The crash was violent and like a wave crashing into a breaker, spurts of blood erupted, sparks of metal and the clang of metal meeting metal was all that was heard besides the screams of death

A sword swung down and she caught the mans hands not giving the attacker enough time to react, the grip on her blade switched to look backwards as it sliced the stomach of another open, the blade dropped and her hand braced into a fist that dug into the helpless attackers liver.

She sent another sensory pulse and she frowned, she needed to move, or at least do something, she let essence rip through her leg and her foot kicked out from the floor that tried to swallow her again, her blade flicked back up and her hand grasped it again, she positioned it and in a flash of iron an arrow was splinter and crumpled to nothing

A swarm of bees against a hornet, and they didn't have enough people, she was a conductor and her tune was death

The essence within her surged and erupted like a volcano

A screaming was silenced by the breakage of a nose meeting with the pommel of her sword as it came back to greet the man again, the sharp end begging for more blood

And that's when she felt it, the spike in her body the feeling of a explosion that had punched every organ in her body, this was her flaw, her weakness, she hunched over a cough of blood split from her lips, a moment of weakness, she couldn't allow it to happen, she couldn't die, she looked back up, her body was in so much pain that she didn't even realise another arrow had been shot and was currently in her shoulder, the force had moved her into a direct course with another blade that cut into her skin only stopping as it met the bone of her ribs, and it only stopped there because she was holding his arms

And in a split second her arms grasp his clothing around his chest and she pulls the guy in digging her head into his, he fell back and she fell on top of him, her other foot ripping from the ground too, raising both her arms and striking down to his throat, breaking what was there with a gory crunch

She got up and saw the last person their bow raised arrow pleadings to be let loose, his body was shivering like it had lost control, the bloodied woman smiled as she sensed someone else

She walked, no real urgency in her step, like she was finishing a chore, her form painfully bent to pick her blade up and she walked over towards the man, whose eyes danced around the area, panic as his body refused to move.

That woman, she was death, she was everything he feared, when his team was sent to kill her, they were told she was a minor threat, they were wrong..SO FUCKING WRONG, he looked into those red eyes that were slowly getting closer

RUN

FLEE

ESCAPE

Except he couldn't, so when she walked past he wondered why he could see his body before his vision blackened.

*****

Rin broke the wooden part of the arrow leaving only the metal arrow head lodged inside, she pulled some clothing from one of the corpses and put it around her bleeding wounds

“Luna just in time”

Rin smiled before the blue haired woman jumped down from a tree branch, her expression filled with worry and shame

“Rin i'm so sorry, i tried to get here as fast as possible and-”

She was starting to ramble on about the guard that wouldn't let her through and the lies she had to tell, when rin spoke up

“Luna”

“And-...and i-”

The cultists that questioned her and information she got was outdated and she was really trying to look for more information

“Luna”

“And-”

“LUNA”

She stood at attention, or at least tried to. Her posture was rigid, feet planted in the dirt as her trembling hands hovered by her sides. The sword, supposed to be gleaming in her grip, clattered onto the ground at her feet with a dull thud. Her eyes widened in alarm, and she quickly stooped to snatch it up, only for it to slip through her fingers like a bar of soap.

With a gasp, she bent again, the metal clanging against her boot as she fumbled for the hilt. She almost had it – her fingertips brushed the cold steel – but then it slipped from her grasp once more, bouncing a few feet away. She darted after it, her boots scraping in the dirt, nearly losing her balance in her frantic chase.

Flustered, she gritted her teeth, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She snatched it up finally, holding it tight this time, only to let out a soft yelp as the weight of it pulled her arm down too fast, making her wobble again. She stood upright, gripping the sword in both hands now as if afraid it might spring to life and leap from her again. But her body was a mess of tension—her shoulders hunched forward, feet shuffling, her jaw clenched tight in determination not to let it happen a fourth time.

The more she tried to steady herself, the more comically unsteady she became.

Rin chuckled, this was the assassin sent to kill her not to long ago

“Im fine, i don't blame you, can you help clean up, and can you bring me a sewing kit, maybe some leather clothing to put over this please?”

She placed a hand on her fluffy blue hair and looked down at her own bloodied clothes

*****

Rin joined the rest at gates and they made there way through the gates leaving the Bright castle

She was obviously bombarded by questions on why she took so long, but she brushed it off, Sunny of course was skeptical, he wouldn't shut up in her mind

Grey skies of the Forgotten Shore once again, the goal was to meet up with nephis, which was easy, you just have to follow where the most destruction was

The outskirts were a maze of makeshift hovels, and finally as they got to the centre they found her

At the farthest edge of the slums, teetering on the brink of a sheer drop from the stone platform, was an unusually large structure. Its walls were pieced together haphazardly from stone slabs salvaged from the ruins. Many of the stones still carried the intricate carvings etched by the long-lost inhabitants of the Dark City, giving the place an odd mixture of barbarity and forgotten artistry.

Of all the makeshift dwellings that made up the outer settlement, this one sat closest to the gleaming road of white stone. Perhaps it was this proximity that gave the building a slightly more solid appearance than the others. Remarkably, it even boasted a small extension that looked like a crude attempt at a second floor.

Changing Star sat on the roof of this structure, her legs crossed as she watched the sun slowly rise over the cursed city below. The early morning light gave her ivory skin and silver hair an otherworldly beauty, both captivating and unsettling.

She had set aside her armor, opting instead for a simple, rough tunic cinched at the waist with a piece of rope. Without needing to turn fully, she sensed their approach. With a quick glance in their direction, she rose to her feet. In one fluid motion, she leapt from the roof, landing gracefully on the vast stone platform below, as though the height was of no consequence.

Nephis led them into the stone lodge, which had unexpectedly become her new home. The inside was stark and unwelcoming, with broken furniture scattered about, and a chilling breeze flowing unhindered through the wide, empty hall on the first floor. The place, though large and clearly well-constructed, felt abandoned—likely because it was. No one else had wanted to live so close to the edge of the platform, right where the road began and the risk of Nightmare Creature attacks was highest. But Nephis, or Changing Star as she was often called, wasn’t concerned.

As time passed, the group began to settle into their new reality. Plans were made, strategies discussed, and vital information exchanged. Yet, despite the growing consensus among the others, Changing Star remained stubbornly fixed on her own course. Her determination was unwavering, much to the frustration of her companions, who struggled to get her to reconsider or alter her plans. Dealing with her was proving to be a challenge, as convincing her to budge on anything was like trying to move a mountain.

******

As day faded into night, each person retreated to their own little corner for rest. Rin eventually found her space, quietly settling in. She stared at her reflection, her mind drifting. In one hand, she clutched a sewing kit. Her other hand trembled slightly as she worked, the needle slipping into her skin as she struggled to close a bleeding wound. The sting of each prick was sharp, but she kept at it, determined to seal the cut, Which was going horribly

The door to her room had opened unceremoniously and the black haired idiot walked in before he stared at her Or more specifically at Rin's exposed chest for a moment he paused before shaking his head to focus his thoughts

"Damn it, Rin, what happened?”

She deadpanned at him

“first of all Knock, also I saw where your eyes went first”

Sunny's cheeks reddens slightly as he averts his gaze, embarrassment as he was caught peeping

"I...I just didn't expect that you were shirtless. What happened to you? Is that a wound?”

“No just this sharp metal arrow head i keep in my shoulder for old times sake the cut over here is a trophy actually”

The sarcasm dripping from her voice as she groaned, missing the needle and digging it into the wrong spot by accident

Sunny rolls his eyes

"Clearly you're in no mood for jokes. Let me take a look at that."

Sunny gets closer to Rin, inspecting the wound with a serious expression she pulled the arrow head out and tried to tame the bleeding but it wasn't helping. Sunny gently pushes her hands away, taking over the task of stitching the wound

"You're making a mess of it. Let me do it."

Sunny starts stitching the wound, between her groans of pain and her digging her fingers into his shoulder it was done, both wounds were closed

She smiled as a faint laugh escaped her lips

“My Knight in shining armour huh”

Sunny smirks, tying off the thread

"I wouldn't go that far, but I do know a thing or two about tending wounds."

He steps back, admiring his handiwork with a satisfied nod

"There, all done.”

“Shirts on the table”

Her head pointedly looks toward the table for sunny, Sunny's cheeks redden again as he glances at the shirt on the table, then back at Rin

"Uh...can I at least turn around while you put it on?”

She leans back into the rugged couch

“Are you asking me or yourself”

Sunny looks hesitant for a moment, torn between respecting Rin's privacy and his own curiosity

"Um, I suppose I'm asking both of us. It's just...you know, seeing a friend undressed is a bit..."

He trails off

There was one word in that babble that really brought her spirits up

“Sunless has called someone a friend, unheard of”

Sunny rolls his eyes, but a small smile betrays his true feelings that Rin can see Clearly

"Oh, shut up, will you? I have friends. Sort of. Mostly. Well, alright, you're the closest I've got.”

“Im glad”

There was a moment of silence between them, he had looked back at her after confirming she was wearing a shirt again before sunny ushered again

“I…never thanked you properly”

His memories played in her head the feeling of death as the scavenger had caved his chest in,

Her own expression played the way she was holding his hand begging him to wake up, the caressing of his hair

“No one's ever done anything like that for me before.”

She punched his shoulder

“Slum rats stick together”

Sunny lets out a dry chuckle sitting next to her on the couch

"Slum rats, huh? I suppose we make quite the pair. Two outcasts, bound together by circumstance and necessity.”

“If were slum rats what nephis then?”

Sunny's expression darkens as he mentions Nephis

"Nephis? She's something else entirely. A high-and-mighty daughter of a noble family, dropped into our lives like some sort of twisted joke.”

‘if only he knew’

She thought to herself as she tries to pick up the canteen of water on the table, her shoulder moved and her stitches stretched, pain invading her mind, she groaned in pain

"Don't move, dumbass. You've just been stitched up. Let me get that for you.”

“Oh please i live in a place surrounded by monsters i can get my own water”

Sunny huffs in annoyance, shaking his head

"Oh, right, because getting attacked by monsters every day makes you invincible, right? For someone who lived in a castle, you're pretty dumb sometimes, you know that?”

She raised her middle finger and and spoke enjoying this discussion

“Fuck you”

Sunny rolls his eyes, but a small smile betrays his amusement

"Ah, yes, charming as always, Rin. Remind me why we're friends again?”

“Let's see.... Not a clue”

A/n: the ***** are chapter breaks basically i'm writing more than one chapter into a chapter and need a way to split it