Heavy, ragged breaths cut through the dense woods, accompanied by the wet crack of bones reshaping in the dark. The woods reeked of damp earth and iron.

  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.

  "Huh…?" 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 him.

  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. 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!!!" Her scream tore the silence.

  The world shattered into crimson.

  One day earlier, in the filth-stained streets of Hazen....

  Laughter, hawkers, and the stink of cheap liquor filled the streets. "Fresh steamy bread! Get it while it's hot!" A woman cried. "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, Code Weber crouched in the shadows, scanning faces, sweat glistening.

  "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?!" They asked.

  "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. He saw light glowing at the end of the alley. He grinned, and 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 faster than he could react.

  "Ugh!" Code groaned and dropped to the floor, blood gushing from his nose, head spinning.

  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. The other three instantly closed in, their batons arching down toward his head. Metal connected with flesh in wet thuds as blood splattered 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, gleaming black armor, with a 5th-tier sorcerer badge shining on his chest. His long black hair that fell to his shoulders framed 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 staggered backwards. Ran blinked, shocked at Code's outburst at first, then he stepped forward and cleared his throat, extending his hand for a shake.

  "Ran Cowell," he said courteously.

  'The hell?' Code rasped internally, staring at Ran's 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 his hand and 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.

  "Interesting," 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."

  He looked into Code's eyes. "So? In or out?"

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  Code rubbed his bruised jaw, brows furrowing in thought. 'Taking a demon neutralization raid as a 9th-tier is suicide. But then... I 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.

  "Tsk!" Code spat, face twisting 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. "This 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 disappeared into the next alley, emerging into a bustling marketplace. The sun had begun to set, casting golden-brown hues on the pavement, and stretching long shadows.

  Code moved through the dense crowd, shoulders brushing strangers, occasionally muttering apologies. He let his feet drag along the ground as he left the marketplace behind, the crowds thinning quickly. The path eventually opened into a deserted dead-end: a short fence painted in peeling pale yellow, corners full with moss and lichen. A small dusty bag lay slumped against the wall, one leg of a worn trouser poking out. Beside it sat a stained, ragged mattress that had clearly seen better decades, sagging in the middle.

  Code stood still for a moment, staring at the familiar sight. Then he let out a long breath through his nostrils and lowered himself onto the mattress. The springs creaked and groaned in protest. He lay back, arms folded behind his head, and stared up at the night sky.

  Code closed his eyes. For now, this was home.

  "Living shouldn't be this hard," he whispered and fell asleep.

  He'd tried praying. He'd tried hoping. But nothing happened.

  .....................................................................

  “What’re you doing zoning out?!” A voice suddenly boomed inside Code’s head. His eyes snapped open.

  Before him stood… himself. A perfect reflection, and the only other thing in the endless crimson void.

  "It never works," the reflection said, voice perfectly Code-like. "Not for us."

  “Huh?” Code’s mouth fell open, his face caught between confusion and shock.

  "You already know what you are. Zero."

  “What are—” he began, but a sharp pang of pain lanced through his skull.

  “Gah!!” Code gasped and jolted upright, as his eyes flew open to reality.

  He looked around, taking in the familiar sight of his ragged mattress. Bright morning sunlight streamed down, warm against his vision.

  ‘It’s morning already?’ he thought. ‘Wait…!’ His eyes widened as realization hit.

  “I’m late!!” he screamed. He scrambled to his feet and bolted toward the train station, reaching the platform just minutes before noon.

  “Arrgh, just in time,” he panted. He hurried toward the train, which was already hissing and preparing to depart.

  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.

  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.

  “What was that dream about?” he wondered aloud.

  His thoughts were cut short by the train porter.

  Code glanced up. A middle-aged man with a no-nonsense glint in his eyes stared back.

  “Your ticket?!” the man demanded bluntly.

  ..................................................................

  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 a rural city filled with open fields and scattered trees.

  He quickly called a taxi and barked the destination: Teron Forest, edge of town. The car drifted to a stop with a belch, roaring dust into the air.

  "We there yet?" Code asked and looked outside.

  "Yes," the chauffeur 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 sprawled before him.

  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.

  "Right on time," Ran said, nodding towards Code as he joined the circle. Code glanced at the other sorcerers, starting from the tall man next to Ran, who also had a 5th-tier sorcerer badge emblazoned on his armor.

  Opposite Code were a group all clad in black cloaks; a man who held a long wooden staff stood in front. He seemed to be their leader, and behind him were two men and a lady.

  Next were two young men, both holding swords, with one of them having two scars strung across his face. Code's eyes quietly rolled away, sighting the girl beside him.

  "Damn," He gasped and stepped back. She was extremely beautiful; her silky white hair fell on her shoulders, while her pupils gleamed with an almost purple light, framing an angelic appearance.

  Then Ran clapped sharply, cutting through the murmurs.

  'Focus... idiot!' Code snapped.

  All eyes turned to Ran. "We're all here," he said, scanning everyone's faces. "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 cold blue eyes, face stern and unfriendly. "Kael Jensen. Battle tactics and strategy." The others followed in quick introductions.

  Then it came to the girl beside Code's turn. "Elara," she said in a calm and detached voice. "Support and healing."

  Next was Code. 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, slightly bumping her shoulders.

  "Ah, my bad," he apologized, but she didn't reply, instead, she simply whispered: "Zero."

  "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 wielders drew their weapons, and sorcerers prepped. They muttered prayers under their breathes but Code didn't bother.

  "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, broken only by the crunch of leaves underfoot and the distant cry of an owl. The deeper the group ventured, the thicker the trees and grasses grew. Yet there was no trace of anything demonic. No strange footprints, no scattered leaves, no unnatural signs.

  Code exhaled, a plume of cold air escaping his lungs. His eyes grew heavy, and it took effort to keep them open.

  Complaints began to drift from behind. "Gods, my legs are killing me," one man groaned.

  Hours passed. The sun began to set, casting pale golden light through the overhead canopies. Still, nothing appeared.

  "Is there even a demon?" someone whispered.

  Code glanced ahead at Ran and Kael. Their faces had hardened; concern was clear in their postures. '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 slipped by. The moon rose, bathing their faces in silver light.

  "You know what?" Lyra—the sorcerer in the black cloak—snapped, stopping abruptly. 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!" Dane—the leader of the cloaked group—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 warning only fueled the tension.

  "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," Dane yelled.

  "Same," Lyra and Alric said in unison.

  Kael glanced aside, and suddenly spotted something strange a little distance away. His eyes narrowed. Two shiny orbs stood in the dark. At first, Kael assumed they were shiny rocks until they blinked.

  Something was watching them.

  Kael stiffened and spun back. He stepped forward and slammed his palms together once. The sharp crack echoed like a gunshot. Birds erupted from the branches in every direction, and the forest fell instantly silent.

  "I'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 get nothing."

  "What kind of rule is that?" Alric protested.

  "What about all the walking we did?" Dane grumbled. He exhaled heavily and leaned back against a tree. Lyra rubbed his shoulder. "Oh… leader," she said in concern.

  "Make your choice now," Kael replied flatly.

  The decision took less than a minute: Four turned back. Six remained.

  "Tch. My life's worth more than your suicide pact," Dane spat as his group disappeared into the trees.

  "Don't scream too loud when it eats you," Alric called over his shoulder. "No one's coming to save you."

  The forest fell silent again.

  Code bowed his head to hide his delighted grin. 'That's more…' he thought, beaming inwardly.

  Ran walked over and tapped him on the back as he stood. Code avoided eye contact, trying to conceal his joy.

  "Honestly thought you'd be the first to bail," Ran said.

  Code gave a nervous laugh. "Yeah… haha."

  Ran clapped him on the shoulder again. "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.

  "Okay then. Ran, lead the way," Kael ordered.

  "Alright." Ran took point. "Fucking bastards!" he rasped, punching a nearby trunk in frustration. He froze when a wet thud answered back.

  "Wa—was that me?" Ran asked, voice cracking in disbelief. "M-maybe I've finally awakened my powers," he whispered delightedly, staring at his fist.

  But he was wrong.

  Because the thud came again, louder this time. The ground trembled beneath their boots as leaves rained downward.

  Kael's face darkened. "Something's coming," he announced, turning toward the sound.

  Almost immediately, something massive flung past his ear and collided with a tree meters away.

  Code stumbled back, his stomach sinking.

  Ran staggered, eyes wide with horror. He dropped his fist and stared at the tree.

  Pinned to its trunk was a human body—broken, mangled, and twisted beyond recognition. The face was battered in, legs crushed, arms shattered, blood pouring from every wound and drenching his cloak in crimson.

  It was Dane.

  His eyes remained open and twitching. His cracked lips gradually parted and kept repeating the same word.

  "De… de… mon…"

  Code clamped a hand over his mouth. His heart raced, threatening to burst.

  Then came the thud again, shaking the forest floor. The woods themselves seemed to hold their breath.

  "A demon," Ran whispered.

  "Yeah," Kael replied grimly.

  "De… de… mon…"