The Eastern Branch Mansion woke slowly under a pale, gentle sunrise.
Golden light spilled across the courtyard stones, painting everything in soft warmth.
The morning breeze carried the scent of river mist and pine bark, brushing past the training dummies and bamboo racks like a whisper of calm before movement.
Haruto stepped out of Room 7 first, tightening the knot of his headband.
His breath fogged faintly in the cool air.
He scanned the courtyard—empty, quiet, still—until footsteps approached behind him.
Raiden yawned loudly.
"Morning, Flamehead. You look way too awake."
Haruto smirked. "Maybe sleep earlier next time."
"Impossible," Raiden declared proudly. "Greatness doesn't sleep before midnight."
Kaede appeared next, adjusting the strap of his katana.
"You were snoring like a dying boar," he said calmly.
Raiden froze. "...I snore?"
"Yes," Haruto and Kaede answered together.
Across the yard, the sliding door of Room 6 opened.
Yuki stepped out with her usual quiet grace, snowy hair catching the morning light.
Airi followed behind, tying her cloak neatly, her steps soft as petals.
The five instinctively gathered in the center of the courtyard.
Before Raiden could complain about his reputation again, a stern voice called out:
"Form up."
Captain Hayato crossed the courtyard with the weight of someone used to command.
His uniform was crisp, his posture straight, and his gaze sharp—but not unkind.
Behind him walked three figures, each wearing the dark coats of official Demon Hunters.
Haruto, Raiden, Kaede, Yuki, and Airi immediately straightened.
Hayato stopped in front of them and spoke clearly.
"These three will evaluate you this morning—your footwork, coordination, and adaptability. A final check before I assign your missions."
He gestured to the first man: broad-shouldered, jaw sharp, eyes steady.
"Senior Hunter Riku. Close-combat specialist."
Riku bowed his head slightly.
"An honor. I look forward to seeing your discipline."
Next was a lean man with calm eyes and precise movements.
"Senior Hunter Masato. Sword technician. A master of form."
Masato nodded. "I'll be testing your refinement, not your strength."
The third was a woman, slender, with sharp eyes that missed nothing.
"Senior Hunter Shinobu. Speed and reaction specialist."
Shinobu smiled slightly. "Let's see how well you handle pressure."
Raiden whispered to Haruto, "We're dead."
Haruto whispered back, "Probably."
Hayato motioned toward the center.
"Five rookies. Three seniors. Controlled spar. No killing blows. No elemental techniques beyond first form. Show me how far you've come."
The courtyard shifted.
The air grew tense—charged like a bow pulled to full draw.
Riku stepped forward and rolled his shoulders.
"Rookies first. Move."
Haruto drew his katana.
Raiden cracked his neck.
Kaede steadied his stance.
Yuki's breath turned faintly cold.
Airi exhaled slowly, focusing.
Shinobu flickered forward.
The fight began.
Shinobu moved first—too fast for the eye.
A blur of fabric, steel, wind.
Raiden reacted instantly.
"Thunder Arts—First Technique!"
He dashed sideways, intercepting her approach, blade sweeping in a bright arc.
Shinobu twisted midair, landing lightly on Raiden's shoulder and kicking off.
Raiden spun.
"I'm not a perch—!"
Before he could finish, Riku charged in like a boulder.
Haruto met him head-on.
Their blades collided.
The shock rattled Haruto's arm.
"Good spirit," Riku said, pushing him back. "But your center is open."
Kaede slid behind Haruto and blocked the follow-up strike.
"We cover each other," Kaede said quietly.
Masato appeared beside them without making a sound.
"You're too focused on one opponent."
Yuki stepped in.
"Not too focused," she said softly.
"I calculated your step."
Her blade sliced upward—precise, icy, aimed at Masato's shoulder.
Masato deflected it with perfect ease.
"Better," he said. "But predictable."
Airi darted in from behind, her short blade cutting across Masato's blind spot.
Masato twisted—but the tip grazed his sleeve.
Raiden shouted from the left, "YES! Airi landed a hit!"
Shinobu appeared behind him instantly.
"And you're loud."
She kicked Raiden's knee, sweeping him into the dirt with a graceful spin.
"OW—!!"
Haruto moved without thinking.
"Raiden!"
Riku intercepted him.
Haruto slashed—blocked.
Stepped—countered.
Flipped—parried.
Riku grinned.
"Not bad. Again!"
Haruto struck harder.
Kaede joined him, attacking from the flank.
Their blades crossed in a synchronized motion they'd practiced quietly during evenings.
Masato cut between them, redirecting both blades with a single, elegant arc.
"You fight well together," he said. "But your timing is not unified."
Raiden leapt back into the fray, lightning-fast.
"Well unify THIS—!"
He clashed with Shinobu, sparks flying.
Yuki stepped in silently behind him, covering his blind spot.
Airi moved to support Haruto, her blade darting toward openings only she noticed.
Kaede switched positions fluidly, reading the flow of the battlefield with calm focus.
For a moment—
Just a moment—
The five moved like a single creature.
Haruto slashed.
Raiden pressured.
Kaede guarded.
Yuki created control.
Airi filled every gap.
Even the seniors paused for half a breath.
Riku muttered, "Impressive."
Masato smiled faintly.
"They're syncing."
Shinobu narrowed her eyes.
"Let's push harder."
All three senior hunters vanished at once.
The rookies reacted instantly.
Clash.
Parry.
Step.
Guard.
Strike.
Slide.
Block.
Counter—
The courtyard rang with steel and rapid breath.
Haruto and Raiden back-to-back.
Yuki intercepting Riku with a cold precise cut.
Kaede timing Masato's footwork and deflecting him.
Airi landing a clean strike on Shinobu's shoulder.
For twenty seconds—
They held their ground.
Then Riku surged forward, sweeping Haruto and Raiden aside.
Masato broke Kaede's form.
Shinobu slipped behind Airi and tapped her neck.
And in a blink—
The five rookies were disarmed or pinned.
Hayato raised his hand.
"Enough."
Silence fell—heavy, but warm.
Riku stepped back, breathing steady.
"You lasted longer than expected."
Masato nodded.
"Your coordination is real."
Shinobu smiled softly.
"You five… will become something strong."
Haruto wiped sweat from his brow.
Raiden lay flat on the ground, wheezing.
Kaede bowed respectfully.
Airi caught her breath.
Yuki sheathed her blade cleanly.
Hayato stepped forward, expression unreadable for a moment—
Then he nodded.
"You're ready."
The rookies straightened.
"Ready for what?" Raiden asked, still panting.
Hayato looked at all five.
"Your first mission."
The courtyard had returned to quiet after the evaluation match—quiet, but not empty. Dust still hung faintly in the air, drifting in golden waves through the late morning sunlight.
The stones were warm from the sun, and the slight scorch-mark from Raiden's footwork still steamed faintly at the edge of the mat.
Haruto and Raiden stood side by side, both catching their breath. Kaede wiped sweat from his brow, while Airi and Yuki watched from under the shade of the east walkway, the wind brushing softly against their uniforms.
For a moment, everything felt still—like the calm heartbeat after thunder.
Then Captain Hayato walked forward.
His boots echoed across the courtyard—measured, firm, each step carrying the weight of someone who had walked through a lifetime of battles. The breeze tugged gently at his white haori as he unrolled the scroll in his hand.
"Good," Hayato said quietly, though his voice carried to every corner. "Your recovery month has done its job. Your bodies move sharper. Your breathing is disciplined. And your blades…"
His eyes lowered briefly to Haruto's and Raiden's swords.
"…your blades answered you."
Raiden straightened, proud. Haruto remained calm, though his quiet posture carried a steady confidence.
Hayato continued:
"Now your real duty begins."
The entire courtyard fell still—not out of fear, but anticipation. Months of running, bleeding, fighting, healing… all of it led to this moment.
Lady Hoshimi stepped beside the captain, hands tucked gently inside her sleeves. Her eyes softened at the sight of the five.
Hayato lifted the scroll.
"This is your first mission."
Raiden immediately leaned forward.
"Finally!"
Yuki stepped on his foot.
He yelped, whispering, "Ow—okay, okay."
Hayato ignored them and began reading.
"A remote village on the eastern border has reported disappearances in the last two weeks. Seven people gone. No bodies found. No witnesses. No sound."
Airi's expression grew concerned.
"…No sound?"
"That's right," Hayato said. "People vanish as if swallowed. Doors left open. Lanterns still burning."
Kaede stepped closer, voice low.
"That pattern matches… possible demon activity."
Haruto nodded.
"Or something close."
Hayato didn't answer immediately. He let their deductions settle before he finally spoke:
"There is no confirmed demon sighting. This could be a false alarm."
He paused, then added:
"But we do not ignore fear. We investigate it."
Raiden crossed his arms. "So, basically… we go, take a look, and smack whatever is causing problems?"
Yuki shot him another icy glare.
"Or we observe carefully and avoid stupid decisions."
Raiden muttered, "Cold-hearted ice cube…"
"I heard that."
"…sorry."
Haruto's voice cut through softly but firmly.
"What's our objective?"
Hayato nodded at the question.
"Simple.
You go to the eastern village.
Assess the situation.
Confirm if this is demon activity.
Report back alive."
He rolled the scroll closed.
"This isn't a Grand Hunt. Or a demon pursuit. You are rookies. Your first mission is about discipline—not glory."
Lady Hoshimi added gently:
"Many young hunters die on 'small missions' because they underestimate them. Promise me you won't."
Raiden froze, swallowing.
"…We won't."
Haruto placed a fist over his heart.
"We understand."
Kaede bowed slightly.
"A small mission deserves full attention."
Yuki's eyes narrowed with quiet focus.
"We'll complete it."
Airi nodded firmly.
"We won't fail."
Hayato gave a small, approving nod.
"Good. You leave at dawn tomorrow."
The rest of the day unfolded with a warm tranquility that contrasted the looming responsibility.
The five dispersed across the mansion's grounds to prepare.
Haruto
He stood by the river, adjusting the grip of his new sword.
The water reflected light onto the blade, making it glow softly.
He practiced slow cuts—precise, controlled.
Not vengeance. Not rage. Purpose.
He inhaled deeply.
The scent of pine filled his lungs.
Raiden
Raiden packed noisily, throwing items into his bag: extra clothes, rice crackers, a spare cloth, dried meat—
Airi snatched a giant hammer-like object from his bag.
"Raiden… what is this?"
"Backup weapon!"
"You can't even lift it properly."
"That's why it's backup!"
Yuki smacked him with the hilt of her scabbard.
"Remove it."
"Fine, fine…"
Kaede
Kaede sat in the shade, polishing his new blade with slow, careful strokes.
Yuki approached quietly.
"…You're the only one not causing trouble."
Kaede smiled faintly.
"I'm sure I'll fail that expectation eventually."
Yuki almost smiled.
Almost.
Airi
She prepared small herbal pouches—one by one, with delicate fingers.
Haruto approached.
"You're making medicine?"
"Yes."
She offered him a small, cloth-wrapped bundle.
"For fever. And for fear."
Haruto blinked.
"Fear?"
"It happens to everyone," Airi said softly.
"But… you always hold it well."
Haruto nodded, touched.
"Thank you."
Yuki
She sharpened her blade quietly by the garden—each motion like snow falling: clean, cold, silent.
Raiden peeked from behind a pillar.
"Hey, Ice Queen—want help packing?"
"No."
"I can carry your bag—"
"No."
"…Want snacks?"
She paused.
"…Maybe."
Raiden grinned triumphantly.
Just as the sky turned gold, Lady Hoshimi called them into the courtyard.
The lanterns glowed softly behind her.
"Stand in a line," she said gently.
They did.
She walked to each in turn.
Haruto
She placed a hand over his chest.
"Don't carry the burden alone. You fight with a team now."
Haruto nodded deeply.
"…I will."
Yuki
"You hide your pain well. Too well. Share your strength, but share your limits too."
Yuki lowered her gaze.
"…I'll try."
Kaede
"You're the calm one. When fear rises, keep them steady."
Kaede bowed.
"I will."
Airi
"Your kindness protects others. But protect yourself too."
Airi whispered,
"I'll remember."
Raiden
She sighed.
"…Just please don't start chaos."
Raiden saluted dramatically.
"No promises."
"Raiden."
"…Fine! I'll behave!"
They laughed together under the amber sky.
The warmth of their bond wrapped around them like a small flame against the dark.
The next morning, mist clung low over the courtyard, glowing faintly in the rising sun.
The five stood together at the main gate, carrying their packs and swords—uniforms neat, expressions sharpened by purpose.
Captain Hayato waited with arms crossed.
"You leave now," he said simply.
"Remember your goal: return with answers."
Raiden took a deep breath.
"First mission… feels weird."
Kaede smiled gently.
"It's only the beginning."
Airi clutched her herb pouch.
"We'll stay together."
Yuki adjusted her gloves.
"We always do."
Haruto tied his headband slowly—the same way Renga used to.
Then he stepped forward.
"We'll handle it. All five of us."
Hayato nodded firmly.
"Then go."
The gates opened with a long wooden groan.
Wind swept through, carrying pine scent and promise.
The five stepped out—side by side.
For the first time…
As official Demon Hunters.
Their shadows stretched across the dirt road ahead.
Five young hunters.
Five blades.
Five flames ready to step into the unknown.
The path to the east awaited—
and with it, the first whisper of darkness.
The road leaving the Eastern Branch Mansion twisted through long stretches of forest and sunlight. Morning mist clung to the ground in pale ribbons, drifting around their boots as the five walked in a loose formation.
Raiden stretched with a loud yawn.
"Ahhh~! First official mission! I feel like a damn hero already."
Yuki didn't even look at him.
"You haven't done anything yet."
"I walked. That's effort."
Kaede rolled his eyes.
"Your standards are… unsettling."
Haruto stayed quiet, watching the treeline.
Not tense—just thoughtful.
Airi walked beside him, humming a little tune.
"It's warm today. Perfect traveling weather."
Raiden leaned toward her.
"It's perfect weather for fighting."
Yuki flicked his forehead.
"No fighting until necessary."
"Ow—! Why do you always hit me?!"
Haruto:
"Because you always deserve it."
Raiden gasped.
"Even you!?"
Airi giggled, and the sound softened the morning air.
By noon, they reached a stretch of tall bamboo that swayed like green mountains.
A soft breeze rushed through, filling the air with gentle hollow notes.
Haruto stopped walking.
"…It's peaceful."
Kaede nodded.
"I used to visit places like this with my mother. She said bamboo forests keep away evil spirits."
Raiden squinted around.
"So… this is like a demon-repellent place?"
Yuki:
"No. Spirits and demons aren't the same."
Raiden:
"Then what's the point of bamboo?"
Haruto replied quietly:
"Beauty."
Raiden frowned in confusion.
Airi smiled and explained:
"It helps people forget fear. Even for a moment."
Raiden blinked.
"Oh. That's… kinda nice."
Yuki smirked.
"See? Not everything is for punching."
Raiden:
"But punching is nice too."
Kaede sighed.
"Hopeless."
They kept walking, laughter flowing between the bamboo trunks.
They reached a small river with crystal-clear water flowing over smooth stones.
Raiden immediately dropped to his knees.
"WATER!!"
Airi:
"Don't drink—"
Raiden drank.
Immediately choked.
Yuki smacked his back.
"Idiot. It's cold water. Drink slowly."
"Why does everyone hit me? WHY!?"
Haruto ignored them and filled gourds with steady hands.
Airi gathered mint leaves.
"These will help us stay awake later."
Kaede inspected footprints near the riverbank.
"Animal tracks. Boars. Rabbits. Nothing dangerous."
The sunlight shimmered across the water, reflecting on Haruto's new sword.
He tested the weight, slicing once in the air.
The blade cut clean, singing softly.
Raiden:
"Showoff."
Haruto:
"You jealous?"
Raiden:
"YES."
Haruto smirked.
"Good."
They climbed a gentle hill overlooking a vast valley.
Wind swept upward, cool and refreshing.
Airi gasped softly.
"It's… beautiful."
Yuki's expression softened—barely visible.
"…It is."
Kaede closed his eyes, letting the wind brush through his hair.
"This is the kind of place I imagined hunters resting."
Raiden placed a hand on his hips dramatically.
"One day, we'll have statues here. Me in the center, of course."
Yuki:
"No."
Haruto:
"Absolutely not."
Airi:
"You'll be in the back."
Kaede:
"Or underground."
Raiden:
"You're all cruel."
They laughed again, their shadows stretching across the golden grass.
For a moment, life felt simple.
Warm.
Human.
But as the sun dipped lower, the air changed.
The wind stopped.
Birds fell silent.
The warmth slowly thinned.
Airi hugged her arms.
"…It's colder suddenly."
Yuki:
"Temperature drop like this only happens near…"
Kaede crouched.
"Look."
Tracks.
Human.
Dragged.
Fresh.
Haruto's eyes sharpened.
"…We're close to the village."
Raiden's grin faded into a tense smile.
"Finally. Something real."
But even he lowered his voice.
There was something wrong in the air.
A metallic smell.
Like rust.
Like blood sleeping under the soil.
They walked slower now.
The road narrowed.
Trees leaned inward, their branches clawing overhead like fingers made of bone.
Haruto quietly unsheathed his katana—
not fully, but enough for the steel to whisper.
"Stay alert."
Raiden loosened his grip.
Kaede scanned the ground.
Airi stayed behind Haruto.
Yuki moved to the side, watching the shadows.
The forest felt alive.
Watching.
Listening.
Waiting.
The trees finally opened—
revealing rooftops.
Small houses.
Stone paths.
Lanterns hung on wooden beams.
But no voices.
No footsteps.
Not even a dog bark.
Yuki's breath was almost invisible in the cooling air.
"…It shouldn't be this quiet."
Kaede touched the dirt.
"Multiple drag marks. Some recent."
Airi's fingers trembled slightly.
"This place… it feels wrong."
Raiden didn't smile now.
"…Where is everyone?"
Haruto stepped ahead, hand on his sword.
"The air is heavy. Something happened here."
He approached the nearest house.
The door—
half-open.
Swaying.
Creaking.
He pushed it gently.
The hinges moaned.
Inside:
Darkness.
Empty tatami floors.
Lantern overturned.
Bowl of rice spilled mid-meal.
And on the far wall—
deep, clean, fresh claw marks.
Three.
Long.
Precise.
Kaede whispered:
"…These marks weren't made by a low-rank."
Yuki narrowed her eyes.
"It's close."
Airi stepped backward instinctively.
"The air is colder…"
Raiden unsheathed his katana with a quiet scrape.
"Good. Let it come."
Haruto didn't move.
His eyes were fixed outside the window—
toward the narrow alley between the houses.
A sound drifted from it—
low.
Rumbling.
Wet.
Hungry.
A growl.
Deep enough to vibrate the air.
Airi gasped.
"Behind the houses—"
Yuki's hand gripped her sword.
"Ready yourselves."
Kaede stood beside Haruto.
"This is not a false alarm."
Raiden stepped forward, blade raised, eyes burning.
"Finally."
Haruto exhaled slowly—
steady, resolved, calm flame rising within him.
He whispered the final command:
"Form up."
The growl grew louder.
Closer.
Closer.
Something stepped into the dark alley—
a shape tall enough to scrape the roof,
eyes glowing faint red in the dusk,
claws dripping fresh blood.
The demon smiled.
Haruto tightened his grip.
"It's here."
TO BE CONTINUED…