Chapter 5 – Bounder
The temple chamber was vast, its high ceiling painted with faded golden suns and ancient runes that shimmered faintly whenever the torchlight flickered. Incense burned in a brass bowl at the center, its smoke curling lazily upward like a spirit reluctant to leave. At the far end, three elders sat elevated, their auras heavy enough to hush the chatter of anyone foolish enough to break the silence.
Kazuki, the white-bearded leader whose very presence seemed to anchor the air, leaned forward slightly. His calm gaze swept across the room, settling at last on Aven, who fidgeted like a schoolboy caught in the wrong class.
Kazuki leaned forward a little, his voice calm but firm.
"Alright, let me explain. We're Bounder Hunters. Our group's called the Sun God Society—just one of hundreds out there. Our job is to keep the balance: to hunt Pureblood Bounders, stop Halfbloods who go out of control, and deal with creatures from the underworld that slip into this world. We work quietly, behind the scenes, so people can live their lives without ever knowing how close they are to danger."
The words hung in the air like iron bells.
A young man near the front raised his hand, his silver hair messy and untamed. A cigarette dangled from his lips, smoke curling upward as if he exhaled disdain itself. His tattoo, a curling storm of clouds, peeked from the sleeve of his loose black shirt.
"My name's Gran Mortefi," he said flatly, his voice carrying a dangerous calm. His eyes narrowed. "So tell me, Elder—what exactly makes a Pureblood different? And how does a normal human even become a Bounder in this world?"
Before Kazuki could answer, Aven leaned forward, jabbing a finger toward Gran. "Oi! Mister 'I'm too cool to comb my hair'—ever heard of manners? You're puffing that stick of cancer right in front of the elders! Show some respect, you nicotine-addicted storm cloud."
Gran's sharp gaze flicked toward him. "What did you just say?" His tone was cold enough to chill the room.
"You heard me! Smoking in here? Pathetic! If I die of secondhand smoke, I'm suing your ghost."
Gran let out a slow drag and smirked. "This isn't just smoke, boy. This cigarette is my weapon. My contract requires I burn it endlessly. If I stop… I burn instead." His eyes gleamed with menace. "And Ranmaru smokes too, you loudmouth brat. You calling him pathetic?"
Ranmaru, lounging nearby with his kiseru pipe, chuckled under his breath.
Aven blinked… then burst out laughing. "Pfff—ahahahahaha! Don't make me die here, man! Your weapon is a cigarette? What are you gonna do—give demons lung cancer? Ahahahaha!" He clutched his stomach, practically wheezing.
Priscilla, who stood behind the group, pinched the bridge of her nose. "This is the son of Allain…? The legend?" she muttered, half in disbelief, half in despair.
Matteo Volta, the stern man with the sharp jaw and green eyes, spoke at last, his voice deep and edged with authority. "Enough. You disgrace your father with that insolence. Learn your place." His words cut through the air like steel.
Aven froze mid-laugh, stiff as a deer staring down a lion. "Y-Yes, sir…"
Xie Yufan, ever the relaxed one, waved his beaded hand lazily. "Oii, oii, let's not skin the boy alive yet. He's new. Give him some slack." He grinned wide. "Kazuki-san, continue your lecture before our newbie combusts."
Kazuki inclined his head. "Very well. Gran, your question is important." His eyes glimmered faintly as he spoke. "A Pureblood Bounder is one born of the lower dimension. Their power is innate, vast, and layered—Resonance comes to them as naturally as breath. A Halfblood, however…" He paused. "They are humans of this world who awaken by consuming the blood of a Pureblood. Only then can they wield Resonance."
Gran nodded solemnly, a thin cloud of smoke escaping his lips. "I see. Thank you."
A woman stepped forward next, her presence softer, almost hesitant. She brushed a lock of bright red hair behind her ear, her cheeks flushed. Her eyes, however, were curious and warm.
"My name is Alya Roxandle," she said, her voice gentle yet clear. "Forgive my boldness, Elder, but… if Purebloods are so powerful, how can we possibly fight them on equal footing? Surely even the strongest hunters would pale before their strength."
Kazuki's smile was calm, patient. "An astute question. Purebloods who ascend here suffer what we call Reblooding. Their power decays. They must manifest the blood of their past selves anew in order to recover their former strength. Until then, their might is but a shadow of what it was."
Alya's eyes widened slightly. She nodded in understanding.
Aven, meanwhile, tapped his chin dramatically. "Everyone's asking clever questions. Guess it's my turn." He shot up his hand like a student who'd just remembered the teacher gives candy for participation.
Kazuki turned to him. "Yes, Aven?"
Aven's grin widened—manic, greedy, eyes gleaming. "How about the payment?" He leaned forward, his grin stretching into something wild.
The room fell into stunned silence. Mouths dropped, even Alya's.
"…He really is Allain's son," Ranmaru murmured, amused.
Kazuki cleared his throat, smiling awkwardly. "Compensation depends on mission success. The Association funds our work, and hunters may also claim bounties on rogue Bounders. Some carry very high prices indeed."
Aven's eyes lit up with cartoonish dollar signs. "Jackpot. I knew this wasn't just charity work!"
Xie snorted. "You're not even hired yet, brat."
Before Aven could reply, Kazuki gestured toward a carved symbol etched into the chamber wall: a red sun cradling a chalice at its heart. The same mark glimmered faintly on Priscilla's tattoo.
"This," Kazuki said, "is the crest of the Sun God Society. Our bond. Our oath." His voice deepened, almost ritualistic. "And for new blood like you all, know this: we possess but one Pureblood Chalice. Only one among you may drink from it, to inherit its power. The right must be earned… in combat."
The words struck the chamber like thunder.
Aven blinked, then whispered to himself, "Oh hell yes… I will beat them all, even that damn chain smoker."
Sephiroth groaned inside his sheath. You utter fool…