Heavy, ragged breaths cut through the dense woods, accompanied by the sickening wet crack of bones reshaping themselves.
A massive foot slammed into the earth, shuddering the ground.
The creature finally emerged from the shadowed trees. A grotesque mass of flesh with two protruding horns and a grin that spelt doom.
Before it stood a boy, clothes shredded, dagger trembling in his grip, fresh blood streaking down his face from a torn scalp. His chest heaved heavily, eyes locked on the demon.
Then, a soft voice came from behind him.
"The god of fate and sorcery…"
The boy froze. "Ugh?"
'Wait… did she just say—?'
A violent gust tore past him, and when he turned, the demon's fist was already descending.
With a swift motion, he raised his dagger, bracing for the impact.
The punch connected, folding the blade like paper, before shattering it into glittering fragments.
The boy jerked his head aside at the last possible instant, as the fist grazed past, devastating the terrain behind him.
The shockwave of the attack peeled half his face away in ribbons, as his right arm tore free at the shoulder and spun away, smashing against a tree trunk with a wet thud.
"Neh…?" The boy blinked in horror, staring at the stump where his arm used to be. He didn't scream, he just looked in silence.
The demon's grotesque grin widened as it raised another arm toward the boy.
Behind him, the girl kept her eyes squeezed shut in prayers.
"Lord Aethrauzon…" she whispered, voice shaking, "…grant us your divine protection."
The demon's shadow swallowed the boy whole, arm hurtling downwards.
"Divine Shield!!" The girl screamed, as a blinding white radiance exploded outward, forming a perfect circular barrier around them. For one heartbeat, the world was pure light.
The boy looked up at the descending arm, eyes hollow, dark lines stretching under his sockets.
'I should have known. Why did I even believe? Why did I hope? Did I really forget… that divine protection doesn't work on me?'
"We did it!" The girl opened her eyes and smiled until she saw the demon's fist crash straight through the boy, as his blood exploded outward in a crimson shower.
"I'm an atheist," he rasped.
His body flew backward like a ragdoll, smashing into a boulder with bone-shattering force.
"CODE!!!"
The girl's scream ripped through the forest.
Flashback — One Day Earlier
Hazen.
Laughter, hawkers, and the stink of cheap liquor filled the streets.
"Fresh steamy bread! Get it while it's hot!"
"Kekeke!" Drunken cackles spilled from an open beer parlor.
"Special discount! First ten men only!"
A woman in clothing that barely qualified as fabric leaned against the doorway of "Erotic Girl — All Night Satisfaction" brothel, waving eagerly as a crowd surged forward.
Children darted between legs, shrieking with joy.
"Oi! Watch it, you little shits!" a man bellowed after getting shouldered.
A few blocks away, in a narrow, piss-stinking alley barely touched by the setting sun, a boy crouched in the shadows. Code Weber stepped out slowly, eyes scanning every passing face.
"Hey!" A voice suddenly called out to him.
He turned swiftly, locking on a man standing three steps away, holding a thick metal baton.
"Code Weber!" the man snarled, swinging hard for his skull.
"Oops." Code twisted aside, then drove a sharp kick into the man's knee.
"Ugh!" The thug grunted and collapsed face flat with a crunch.
"Hahaha!" Code laughed wildly, then spun back into the alley and bolted.
Behind him, three more black-uniformed men skidded to a stop beside their fallen comrade.
"Where is he?!"
"You fuckers, he went that way!" the fallen man shouted, saliva splattering from his mouth.
"Catch him before the bastard escapes!"
Inside the maze of alleys, Code panted, sweat glistening on his forehead. His shin slammed into a rusted metal crate, as he collapsed.
"Fuck! Not today—" he rasped, as he scrambled up and kept running and saw light glowing at the end of the alley.
"Hehe," he grinned, as he raced towards it.
He rounded the corner at full sprint, but just as he was about to pull out, a metal baton connected with his face with a BANG!
"Ugh!" Code groaned and dropped to the floor, blood gushing from his nose, head spinning.
"What the fu—" He started, but as his vision cleared, he swallowed the rest of the sentence.
Before him were the four men, each grinning and holding a metal baton as they walked toward him.
"You think you can run away, huh?" The leader cracked his knuckles, reaching him. "After borrowing that much money?"
"Oi, wait, we can talk—" Code started, but a fist smashed his words back down his throat. The wall behind his head cracked, blood splattering across it.
"You stupid bastard!" Code roared in fury and tried to rise, but the other three instantly closed in, their batons arching down toward his head.
"Shit—"
Metal connected with flesh in a wet bang as blood scattered across the floor.
After minutes of metallic echoes, the men finally stepped back. Code's face had become a swollen, bruised and bloodied mess.
"That's enough," the leader grunted. "Don't kill him yet." Then he crouched, grabbing Code by the hair. "I'll be back tomorrow for my money, bastard."
"Fuck…you…" Code spat blood onto the man's boot.
The group turned away and vanished, their manic laughter still audible from a distance.
"Ugh…" Code rolled onto his side, wheezing and gasping for breath, as he mustered some effort to force himself upright.
'What a fucking day,' he muttered internally, steadying himself with the wall, and limped out of the alley, blood trailing off his body to the floor.
As he walked out, another voice called.
"Code Weber!"
"The fuck now?!" Code snarled, jaw clenching, as he turned, sighting the approaching figure. He was clad in a tall, black gleaming armor, with a 5th-tier sorcerer badge shining on his chest. His long black hair that fell to his shoulders framed a deep blue eyes and neatly trimmed goatee.
Ran Cowell.
"You're pretty popular around here, y'know," the man said with a teasing smile.
"What the hell do you want?" Code snapped, fists clenching as he staggering backwards.
Ran blinked, shocked at Code's outburst at first, then stepped forward and cleared his throat, extending his hand for a shake.
"Ran Cowell," he said courteously.
'Ran Cowell?' Code echoed internally, staring at his hand like it might bite him. 'What does someone with a fancy name want with me?' He pondered, but an idea soon dropped.
'Hehe, someone I can scam,' he chuckled, lips curling into a mischievous smirk.
"Hello?" Ran brought Code back from his thoughts, his hand still extended.
"Oh," Code muttered, instantly grabbing Ran's hand, tightening his grip deliberately, as his smirk transformed into a wicked grin.
"Hmm!" Ran cleared his throat, forcefully jerking his hand back in surprise.
"So," Code said, tone flat. "Creditor? Debt collector?"
"What? No—" Ran denied.
"I almost got beaten into paste ten minutes ago," Code cut in.
"Good to know," Ran replied dryly. "But I'm not here for that."
"Then what?"
Ran walked closer to him, tone lowering to a whisper. "I've got a mission."
"Mission?" Code raised a skeptical brow. "I don't do wetwork. Yeah, I'm broke, but suicidal? Nah." He waved, turning away.
"It's not that illegal, y'know," Ran grinned slyly. "A mid-class demon was sighted near Sylva, and we need a team of ten, but we're one man short."
Code stepped back instinctively. "A 9th-tier isn't gonna make a difference against a mid-class."
"The Sorcerers' Association hasn't certified the request yet," Ran explained. "The village is offering private payment. And honestly… it's not a strong mid-class. So a 9th-tier will be fine."
"I know I'm 9th-tier. No need to twist the knife," Code snapped.
"My bad." Ran chuckled. "So? In or out?"
Code rubbed his bruised jaw, brows furrowing in thought. 'Taking a demon job as a 9th-tier is suicide. But then... could make real money.' He smirked, rubbing his palms together.
"Alright. I'm in," he finally admitted. "But then, there's still something I need to clarify," he added, eyes narrowing.
"My cut. What's the deal?" He asked, trying to act cool, but his eyes gave him away.
"One percent," Ran replied flatly.
Code's face dropped. "You're joking, right?"
"Business, man," Ran said, nodding away.
"Fuck you!" Code spat, face twisting in anger as he turned to leave.
"Okay, two?" He shouted, but Code kept walking. "Four!" he pleaded, and this time, Code stopped.
"Four percent. Final offer. I can't go higher."
Code slowly turned back, eyes shining. "Four percent, huh…?" He rolled his shoulders. "I suppose that's acceptable… considering my value."
Ran groaned. "Four percent. Deal?"
"Deal." Code grinned wide and grabbed Ran's hand without his consent, shaking it hurriedly, and this time with a friendly smile.
"2 PM sharp at Sylva," Ran said, retracting his hand, already turning away. "Don't be late."
As Ran disappeared around the corner, he hissed under his breath, "The cocky bastard thinks he's a hotshot…"
Seeing that no one was in sight, Code exhaled in delight. "Four percent isn't a fortune…
but it's more than the zero I've made in years. I'm gonna make sure that damn landlord shits himself," he whispered with a cold grin and slipped into the next alley.
The Next Day
Code woke at 9 AM, even though they were supposed to meet at two. The joy of finally making "Four percent" profit wouldn't let him rest.
After getting ready, he boarded a train from Hazen Central Station to Sylva. Before stepping onto the train, he checked to make sure he had his most prized possession — his dagger — in hand. It was the same dagger he used to ward off thieves at night. He also checked his wallet which was empty, but he had hope it'd be full on his way back.
The same words: "Four percent" found its way to his lips as he entered. The train moved forward with a loud screech, as Code sank into a worn seat that cried for maintenance with every movement.
Gradually, the train passed through, leaving behind the silver rooftops of Hazen. He stared out the window, watching the city fade into green hills and winding rivers. Every bump along the tracks stirred up his memories, fears, and fragile hopes.
Still, a small flame burned inside him. Maybe, just maybe, this mission could be his way out.
"Four percent today, four hundred tomorrow," he whispered it like a prayer, and this time, he almost believed it.
Almost.
...
The train screeched to a halt at Sylva Station. Doors hissed open as passengers spilled out in every direction. Code stepped onto the platform, as a cool breeze immediately brushed his face, carrying the faint scent of flowers and damp earth. Unlike Hazen, Sylva was more rural, filled with open fields and scattered trees.
He quickly called a taxi and barked the destination: Teron Forest, edge of town.
The car's radio coughed to live: "The Sorcerers' Association Surveillance Team has confirmed a mild surge in Anti-Tenzen density across certain areas in Eldrid such as the Kaidan Duchy and Sylva. Current readings show Anti-Tenzen levels exceeding low-class range, reaching the mid-class to upper-class threshold."
Code paid no attention to the radio announcement, since his mind was focused on something else: the Four Percent profit.
The car drifted to a stop with a belch, roaring dust into the air.
"We there yet?" Code asked, looking outside.
"Yes," the chaffeur replied.
Code paid and stepped out of the taxi, watching it as it zoomed off. Then he turned back to the wide expanse of woods far before him. "Now, where could they be?" He said, eyes scanning for any sign of life.
His gaze quickly found them. They stood at a corner, next to a fallen log, nine figures total. All of them turned as he approached, sizing him up in silence.
Code felt the weight of their stares on his body, but the reason quickly hit him.
He was the only one without a sorcerer badge. Why? Because he's a 9th-tier sorcerer. Sorcerers were graded from 1st-tier to 9th-tier, the bottom rung, which were uncertified.
"Fuck," Code muttered under his breath, reaching them.
"Right on time," Ran said, nodding towards Code as he joined the circle.
Low voices drifted around him.
"Still can't believe we could actually do this using fake badges," one man whispered.
"They're specialists, y'know. This kind of work is their bread and butter," his companion replied, tilting his head toward Ran and the tall man beside him.
Code's eyes shifted right. A short, pot-bellied man who looked nothing like a sorcerer met his gaze and immediately leaned toward the woman next to him.
"What's a kid doing here? This isn't a playground."
Code's inner voice answered instantly: 'What's a walking ham hock doing here?'
The woman next to him didn't react. She simply lifted her indifferent and uninterested eyes to Code.
'Okay. She's hot,' Code admitted to himself, meeting her angelic gaze.
But Ran clapped sharply, cutting through the murmurs.
"Focus, idiot!" Code told himself, as he straightened.
All eyes turned to Ran. "We're all here," he said, scanning the group. "This is a mid-class demon raid, so let's keep it short. Introductions first."
"I'm Ran Cowell. Mission leader. Specialization: demonology and close combat."
The tall man beside him stepped forward. He had a cold blue eyes, face stern and unfriendly. "Kael Jensen. Battle tactics and strategy."
The others followed in quick introductions; a lady and five men. Then it came to the woman's turn. "Elara," she said in a calm and detached voice. "Support and healing."
Next was Code's turn. He swallowed hard, avoiding everyone's gazes by staring at the dirt on the ground. "Uh… Code Weber. I'm… good with a dagger."
A long, awkward silence followed.
Kael Jensen raised a skeptical brow at him, while every other person exchanged glances. They all looked like they were about to burst into laughter.
However, Elara simply stared blankly.
"Ahem!" Ran cleared his throat, easing the awkwardness in the air. "Right. Let's take formations."
The two swordsmen moved to the front, while the sorcerers to the rear, and Elara, the only healer stayed in the centre. Code hesitated, unsure of where to go, so he simply decided to stay conveniently next to Elara.
"I'll be the first to get healed if anything happens." He chuckled at the idea.
"Zero," Elara whispered.
"Hm?" Code glanced at her, expecting her to repeat what she'd just said, but no words came. Her gaze stayed fixed forward.
Everyone checked their gear one last time. Sword weilders drew their weapons, and sorcerers prepped.
"Alright," Ran shouted. "Let's move. We finish this and get paid."
With that, the group stepped into the forest, swallowed by its darkness almost instantly.
Silence filled the air, occasionally punctuated by the crunch of leaves and cry of a distant owl.
Unlike the others which were focused on the mission, Code's mind was hopelessly fixed on something else: Elara's face and the four percent waiting at the end of the mission.
The deeper the group went, the thicker the trees and grasses grew. However, there was no demonic trace, no strange footsteps or scattered leaves.
Code exhaled, cold air blowing out of his lungs. His eyes were getting dizzy, taking him all he could to keep them opened.
Complaints began to drift in from behind. "Gods, my legs are killing me," the pot-bellied man groaned.
"Then walk off a cliff," Code hissed.
Elara glanced at him, and back forward. A slight smile touched the corner of her lips.
Hours passed, and the sun began to set, casting pale glows through the overhead canopies. And still, there was nothing to be found.
"Is there even a demon?" someone whispered.
"We should've seen signs by now if there really was."
"I'm exhausted."
Code glanced ahead at Ran and Kael. Their faces had hardened, they also seemed to be concerned.
'Wait…' An unwanted thought crept into Code's mind. 'Low- and mid-class demons usually stay near forest edges. If we've come this deep without a trace...'
He forced the idea away and kept walking.
More time passed, and the moon had already begun to shine, casting a silver glow upon their faces.
"You know what?" Lyra snapped, stopping dead.
The whole group halted and turned to her.
"There's no demon here. We're just wasting time!" she shouted.
"Maybe a little farther," Kael said evenly.
"Ridiculous!" the pot-bellied man barked. "It's almost dark! There's nothing!"
Ran raised a hand. "Keep your voice down. You'll attract something worse than nothing."
But his caution only led to something worse.
"There's nothing here, goddamn it!" Alric screamed. "The villagers must've lied to you!"
"Impossible!!" Ran shot back. "They wouldn't lie about a demonic attack!"
"I'm done!" the pot-bellied man yelled.
"Same," Lyra and Alric said at once.
"This is suicide," Dane snarled, jabbing a finger at Ran. "If you want to die, then do it alone."
Code stayed quiet beside Elara, arms crossed as he watched the scene unfold. "Man, you don't get to see cinemas this good everyday," he said.
Elara who stood beside him hadn't moved or spoken, she just kept watching.
The shouting escalated into a hot argument until Kael couldn't take it anymore. He stepped forward and slammed his palms together once.
The sharp crack echoed like a gunshot, sending birds exploding in every direction out of fear.
The forest fell silent instantly.
Code blinked in awe. "Damn."
Kael placed a heavy hand on Ran's shoulder, and they exchanged a few low words, after which he turned back to face the group.
"We've decided," he said, voice deep and commanding. "Anyone who wants to leave is free to go. But understand this, the village pays only for the demon's head. No completion means no coin. If you walk away now, you'll get nothing."
"What the fuck's that?!" Alric protested.
"What of the walking we did?!" The potbellied man said, exhaling heavily, as he rested his back against a tree.
"Make your choice now," Kael said.
The decision took less than a minute. Four were turning back: Dane Mikas, Alric Screedinger, Lyra Evermere, and the pot-bellied man, while six remained: Ran Cowell, Kael Jensen, Soudra, Tenò, Elara, and Code.
"Tch. My life's worth more than your suicide pact," Alric spat as his group disappeared into the trees.
"Don't scream too loud when it eats you," the pot-bellied man called back. "No one's coming to save you."
The forest fell silent again.
Code's head bowed, as he hid his delighted grin. "That's more profit!" He beamed.
Ran walked to Code, tapping his back, as he rose up, avoiding eye contact in an attempt to hide his joy. "Honestly thought you'd be the first to bail," Ran said.
Code gave a nervous laugh. "Yeah… haha."
'Heh...who cares about some fucking mission. Just pay me,' he thought, but maintained a straight face on the external.
Ran clapped him on the shoulder. "Guess I shouldn't have doubted you."
Kael cleared his throat. "We're six now, so we'll need a tighter formation. Swords and battle specialists surround the healers, we cannot lose our only support." He glanced at Elara who gave a slight nod.
"One last time," Kael said. "If anyone wants to leave, now's the time!!"
A soft nightwind howled through the leaves, but no one budged.
Code clenched his jaw. 'I'm not going back with nothing.'
"Ok then, Ran, lead the way!" Kael ordered.
"Alright," Ran took point. "Fucking bastards!" He rasped, punching a nearby trunk in frustration, and froze when a wet thud answered back.
"Huh?" Code blinked.
"Wa-was that me?" Ran asked, voice cracking in unbelief. "M-maybe I've finally awakened my powers," he whispered delightedly, staring at his fist.
But he was wrong. Because the thud came again, this time, louder.
The ground tremored beneath their boots as leaves rained downwards.
Code's breath hitched. "What the hell is that?"
Kael's face darkened. "Something's coming," he announced, turning towards the sound, and almost immediately...
SMASH!
Something massive collided with a tree metres away.
Code stumbled back. "What the—"
Ran staggered, eyes wide with horror as he dropped his fist, and stared at the tree.
Pinned to its trunk was an human body, broken, mangled, and twisted beyond recognition. His face was battered in, legs crushed, arms shattered, blood pouring out of every wound.
His face was barely visible, but still obvious; it was the pot-bellied man.
His eyes were still open and twitching, and his cracked lips gradually parted and kept repeating the same word.
"De… de… mon…"
Code clamped a hand over his mouth, heart racing and threatening to burst.
Then came the thud again, shaking the forest to the ground. The forest itself seemed to hold its breath.
"Demon," Ran whispered.
"Yeah," Kael replied grimly.
"De... de... mon..."