The Last Step Chapter 58: Red Flags Of Tomorrow

Celia's Perspective:

4/9/2017 - 11:53 AM

His silhouette was unmistakable—black hair, blue eyes—just like him. My heart skipped a beat, my breath caught in my throat. I blinked, unsure if I was seeing things, but the figure remained, almost as if waiting for .

"Kaiser?" I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it.

I stood up, my legs feeling like they were made of jelly, the ground beneath almost giving way. The figure didn't respond, didn't even acknowledge . A wave of confusion and longing washed over .

Is it really him? I thought. I took a few shaky steps forward, my feet almost stumbling on the uneven ground. I couldn't let myself believe it was him... But it looked like him. The sa posture, the sa striking features, the sa damn blue eyes that made my heart ache.

But then, the mont of my doubt ca crashing in, shaking to my core.

"Who's Kaiser?" The voice that ca from him was clear, almost mocking. It was definitely not the voice I had grown used to, not the one that had carried through so many monts with him.

Who is this? Why do you look so much like him? The face, the eyes, they were his. But his body—his build—was different. It felt... wrong sohow. Was this a dream? Or maybe so trickery? I didn't understand. I really didn't understand.

My pulse raced as I tried to process it all. No, no, no. He looks like him. Why? Why is he different? My mind was a ss of questions I couldn't answer. I wanted to approach him, to reach out and make sense of it all, but my feet were rooted to the spot.

"I'm Arius Astraea," he said, his voice laced with a kind of charisma that was so unnerving I didn't know whether to be chard or suspicious.

I blinked, struggling to regain my composure.

"Celia... It's nice to et you." I stuttered, surprised by the sudden flutter of nerves that coursed through . What was it about this man? Why did his presence feel so... dangerous?

Arius tilted his head, his blue eyes studying with an intensity that made my heart race for all the wrong reasons. "I'm here to take care of the grotesques," he said, his voice smooth, almost like he was telling a casual fact. "rcenary work, you know how it is."

I nodded, my mind still reeling. Grotesques? That was what brought him here? I wanted to say more, but I wasn't sure how to respond.

"I'm... here for the sa reason," I finally managed, my voice soft but firm. "Taking part in the fight, for now, until things settle."

I swallowed hard, trying to push the awkwardness out of the way. "I'm sorry," I said, my voice quieter this ti. "I thought you were soone else." My cheeks flushed in embarrassnt, but I couldn't help it.

Arius raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his expression. "Soone else? Who?"

I hesitated, unsure if I should ntion it. But it's not like I can lie to him, right? "I... I thought you were my friend, Kaiser. He's—well, he's soone I'm close to. And he looks... so much like you." My voice trailed off, but it felt so strange to be talking to him like this—like we were just two strangers who happened to cross paths by the river.

Arius smirked slightly, his lips curling in a playful yet dangerous way. "Kaiser, huh?"

"Well, I suppose you've made a mistake. But," He looked over, his gaze lingering on longer than I was comfortable with, "I'm sure I could be soone worth rembering."

It wasn't like I hadn't t other people before. But Arius, with his charm and calculated movents, was different.

I cleared my throat, standing a little straighter. "I'm sorry about thinking you were soone else. It's just..." My words trailed off, as I couldn't explain what was happening. "I guess I'm just a little... confused."

Arius chuckled, the sound low and smooth, like velvet. "Don't worry, Celia. It's a pleasure to et you, even if I've confused you for soone else. We all have our secrets, after all." His smile never wavered...

Then he spoke.

"I saw you," Arius said, voice smooth like water running over stone. "Earlier. Training out there, by the clearing. For quite a while, actually."

I blinked, my eyes snapping to him. "You... were watching?"

"Mhm." He nodded once, slowly. "You didn't stop once, did you? Magic, chain swings, even the footwork drills. Incredibly consistent. Not many can push themselves like that."

He took a step closer, his gaze narrowing slightly in a way that made my heart feel weird. "It was admirable. Beautiful, even."

I looked away, cheeks already warming up. "I-It's not a big deal," I mumbled. "I just... want to get stronger."

"I know," he said instantly. "I could see it in your eyes."

His words made my stomach flutter. Ugh... stop. Why is he talking like that?

He didn't stop.

"It's rare," he continued, voice lower now, softer, like he was letting in on sothing secret. "To see soone so driven but still kind. Innocent, but strong. You don't see that mix very often anymore." He tilted his head. "That's what caught my eye."

Caught his—what now? "I'm... not that special," I muttered, barely able to et his eyes. "I still have a long way to go."

"But that's what makes you different," he said, smiling gently. "Most people want to be strong for power. You want it to improve yourself. It's rare... and honestly?" He gave a light chuckle. "Kind of refreshing."

I looked up at him again. Sothing about the way he said it felt real. Like he really saw it. And part of —just a small, traitorous part—liked hearing that.

A lot.

"And you?" I asked, trying to shift the focus off . "You're strong too, right? You... looked like you could fight."

Arius smirked. "Let's just say I've had my fair share of fights." He ran a hand through his hair like he wasn't even trying to be cool—he just was. "But you—Celia—you have sothing I don't."

"...What's that?"

He leaned in slightly. "You haven't lost yourself."

My breath caught.

"You're still... pure. Honest. Not many stay that way in a world like this." He paused, then smiled in a way that made my chest tighten. "I envy it."

Wh-What is this guy even saying? My face was way too hot. I turned away, brushing my hair behind my ear just to do sothing.

"You don't have to flatter like that," I said, trying to play it off with a light laugh.

"I'm not flattering you," he said. "I'm being honest. You deserve to hear it."

Oh no. He's that type.

And it was... kinda working.

I looked at him again. His expression hadn't changed. It wasn't cocky, not loud or obnoxious like Levi. It was calm. Confident. And his words kept landing right where I couldn't block them.

"You're kind, strong, beautiful... and still fighting." His eyes t mine again. "That's the kind of person I'd stand next to."

I almost choked. "W-What?!"

He laughed—not mockingly. Just amused, like he knew exactly how I'd react. Which annoyed . A little.

"I an it," he said, shrugging. "People like you? They deserve soone who understands them. Soone who sees the world the way they do."

"And... that's you?" I asked, squinting a little.

"Maybe," he said, that smile still there. "But I'll let you decide."

I didn't know what to say to that. My heart was beating too loud. He's definitely dangerous... but like... charming-dangerous? Ughhh why does this feel like a trap I'm slowly stepping into with both feet?

Still, I couldn't stop myself from smiling... just a little.

"Thanks, I guess," I muttered. "Even if you're just saying all that to ss with ."

"I'm not," he replied smoothly. "But if it makes you smile, maybe I should say more."

I pouted. "You're weird."

He grinned. "So are you. That's why we'll get along."

I didn't know whether to laugh or punch him.

Maybe both.

Arius glanced at the sky, a faint golden hue lting into the blue. "Looks like I've got a few things to take care of," he said, brushing the dust off his coat casually.

I blinked. "Already?"

He smiled, tilting his head slightly. "Duty calls. Grotesques don't kill themselves, unfortunately."

"Right..." I mumbled, a little disappointed. He shows up out of nowhere, causes chaos in my brain, then just leaves like it's nothing.

But before he turned fully, he paused—looking right at again, eyes softer than before.

"Oh, and Celia?"

"Y-Yeah?"

He leaned in just a little, not too close, but close enough to feel his presence. His voice lowered like it was only ant for .

"Keep fighting like that. It suits you." Then a beat. "But... don't forget to smile while you do."

My eyes widened slightly, and before I could say anything, he turned and walked off, his overcoat catching the wind as he vanished into the trees.

I stood there, staring at where he'd gone, hands clutched near my chest without realizing.

"Smile... while I fight?" I whispered.

Maybe... I should do that often.

Levi's Perspective:

4/9/2017 - 2:14 PM

The Celestial Apex guild building hadn't changed one bit. Still flashy as ever, tall white stone pillars, golden trims, and our unnecessarily large guild emblem hanging like a royal family crest. I pushed the main doors open like I owned the place—which I technically did—and strolled in with the usual flair.

Behind , Alina walked in like a ghost made of ice. Cold eyes, no expression. Like she was calculating the best way to kill everyone in the room for breathing the sa air. Hopefully she won't do that.

Zain stood near the entrance of the war room, arms crossed. His cloak barely moved as he turned toward , calm as always. Mature guy. Reliable. Also, painfully boring sotis. But I still like the guy.

Zain uhh... explaiend a few things and...

"What the hell do you an, Zain? Levinton is out of danger?" I raised a brow, stepping forward and flicking off a piece of dust from my shoulder. "Did soone hit your head while I was gone?"

Zain didn't flinch. He never does. "It's true. Miraculously, they've lost interest in Levinton. Scouts haven't seen any grotesques for over three days."

Three days?

Alina, who had been busy judging everything with her eyes, cut in sharply. "Nonsense."

Zain blinked. "And... you are?"

She turned her gaze to him like she was about to deduct his entire personality in one sentence. "Sword Saint of Technique. Alina."

Zain's eyes widened just a little. Just enough to show how shocked he was. He looked at like I'd lost my mind.

Which, to be fair, is sothing most people do eventually.

"Don't look at like that," I shrugged. "I'll explain later. Focus on the grotesques first, and no, I didn't get possessed. She's actually helping."

"Helping? That's impossible." Zain muttered under his breath like he was trying to convince himself this was real.

"Zain," I snapped my fingers. "Focus."

He nodded, rubbing his forehead like he needed a nap. "Right. Co to the office."

We stepped inside the guild's war room. A round table with our map of the region sprawled across it, dotted with markers and scorch marks from my accidental lighter drop. I plopped down into my chair, legs up on the table. Alina sat with a stiff back like the chair might betray her. Zain remained standing.

"For the past three days," Zain began, gesturing to the map, "this entire region—including this side of Celestine, and Levinton—has been grotesque-free. Completely. We've been keeping tabs with our scouts... nothing. But here's the weird part—"

"There's always a weird part," I muttered.

"They've started appearing near Rinascita."

My legs dropped from the table.

"Wait, what?" I leaned forward, my playful tone vanishing like mist. "Why the hell would they shift targets like that?"

Alina folded her arms. "Rinascita is more populated, less defended, and has no major guild presence. Tactically, it's a vulnerable piece of land."

Zain nodded. "That's our theory, too. But it doesn't explain why they suddenly changed direction. Grotesques don't exactly plan like armies. They act on instinct."

Alina tilted her head slightly. "Perhaps their instincts have evolved."

"Or they slled sothing tastier," I added, trying to lighten the mood.

Alina looked at like I was a particularly annoying kid. "If you were bait, I'd throw you into Rinascita myself."

"Aw," I smirked. "You do care."

"I care about efficiency," she replied without missing a beat. "And your existence is highly inefficient."

Zain rubbed his temples. "Are you two always like this?"

"Yes," we said in perfect unison.

I let out a chuckle, then leaned back again. "Okay, so we've got a town about to beco a grotesque dinner. What's the plan?"

Alina's eyes sharpened. "First, we confirm if this change is temporary or permanent. Then we send a unit to Rinascita for observation."

"I'll go," I said without hesitation.

Zain raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"

"If I'm not there, who's gonna flirt with death and make it jealous?" I grinned. "Besides... I've got a bad feeling about this. Sothing's off."

Alina turned to slowly. "You have feelings?"

"Just enough to make interesting," I winked.

Before Zain could respond, a knock echoed through the office door.

Three taps. Clean. Sharp.

I raised an eyebrow.

Zain frowned. "That wasn't scheduled."

Alina's hand was already drifting near the hilt of her sword. "Unscheduled usually ans uninvited."

I stood up, stretching lazily. "Well then... let's see which unlucky soul decided to interrupt a eting of geniuses."

I narrowed my eyes. "Wait a second..."

The door creaked open like it had arthritis, and stepping in with the elegance of a man who'd just rolled out of bed ten seconds ago—because he probably had—was none other than...

"Xander?" I gawked. "It's 2 PM! Why do you look like you just woke up?!"

Xander yawned. Loudly. His hair looked like he fought a tornado and lost. "Because... I did just wake up..."

I stared at him.

He blinked slowly, like answering took years off his lifespan. "The rooster didn't crowwwww this morning."

I blinked back. "What?"

"You know. The rooster. The one that always wakes up and lives in levinton in Zain's ho."

"...You have a rooster in Levinton?"

He nodded. "Had."

"...Had?"

Xander rubbed his belly with a satisfied sigh. "I had roast chicken last night."

Zain choked on his own air.

I deadpanned. "So you're telling ... the reason you woke up late is because you ate the one thing responsible for waking you up?"

Xander nodded again, completely shaless. "He's a part of now. Spiritually. Digestively."

"Bro, what kinda bullshit logic—"

"Look, I didn't want to eat him, but he looked too juicy not to. It was fate."

I was already laughing. "You absolute idiot."

"He was delicious," Xander shrugged. "It's what he would've wanted."

Alina, seated nearby and sipping cold tea like it offended her existence, raised an eyebrow. "This is who you people allow to call himself a Sword Saint?"

Xander looked at her with one eye open. "And this is who you brought into the guild, huh? Looks like she was built in a lab using disappointnt and knives."

"Oh?" Alina smiled... the kind of smile that could kill plants. "And you look like an expired human being whose life goal is to beco furniture."

Xander slumped into a chair and closed his eyes. "Furniture doesn't have to deal with insufferable won."

"Furniture also serves a purpose."

"Oh damn," I whispered, biting my knuckle. "She got you good."

Xander cracked an eye open, expression blank. "Didn't realize mannequins learned to speak."

Alina shot up from her seat. "At least I don't sleep through grotesque invasions."

He slowly raised a hand like it weighed fifty kilos. "At least I don't look like one."

"Enough!" Zain's voice thundered.

All three of us paused.

He stood with both hands on the table, glaring like a disappointed dad who just found out his kids burned the house down because they were arguing about who gets the last chicken wing.

Zain pointed at first. "You act like a damn clown until the world's falling apart—then suddenly expect everyone to follow you."

I raised a hand, grinning. "Can't argue with the results though."

Then he turned to Alina. "You'd sacrifice five villages for a 'tactical advantage' and think emotions are viruses."

She looked at him like he was a at sack who dared to speak logic. "They are."

"And you," Zain growled, finally facing Xander. "You slept through a crisis, blad a damn rooster, and sohow made it sound spiritual."

Xander blinked slowly. "...I an... he's in a better place now."

We all stared at him.

"The plate?" I asked.

Xander nodded solemnly. "Exactly."

We glared at Zain in perfect unison.

"...Don't act like you're better than us," I muttered.

Zain sighed deeply, walked to the window, and whispered, "I should've been a farr."

"Don't get any ideas," I called out. "He already ate your rooster."

Zain glared and... things were about to get more heated.

Celia's Perspective:

10:18 PM

The night had co in soft, wrapping the town in quiet. The stars weren't all that bright today, but there was still sothing peaceful about it. Maybe because my body was screaming from all that training. Maybe because my brain wouldn't shut up.

Dinner was... fine. Nothing fancy. Just , Emma, and a suspiciously good looking dinner that might've been from last week.

We sat across the table like, eating in exhausted silence until Emma finally muttered, "Oh, by the way, Levi's back."

I perked up a little. "Oh?"

"He's still at the guild office. Sothing about a... roasting competition?"

"...A what?"

"Yeah. Apparently, it started as a eting, and then Levi, Zain, Xander and soone called Alina started roasting each other. Now it's chaos."

I blinked. "So... a normal Tuesday."

Emma just shrugged like this was the most natural thing in the world.

"That's Levi for you."

I nodded, biting into the last of my rock-solid bread.

"Hope he wins."

Soon after dinner I was tooooo sleepy.

I flopped onto the bed in Levi's guest room, face buried into the pillow, I felt like a corpse returning to the earth just to die again.

"Ughhh... I'm dead. I trained so hard I think even my hair got abs."

I kicked off my shoes with all the energy of a dying person and rolled onto my back, arms sprawled out. My hair was a ss, my body sticky from sweat, but I didn't even care.

Then it hit again.

"Keep fighting like that. It suits you. But... don't forget to smile while you do."

"...He really said that, huh." I mumbled, staring up at the ceiling with a dumb little smile twitching on my lips. "That stupid charming overcoat man."

My cheeks puffed out slightly. I reached for a pillow, hugged it tight to my chest, and buried my face into it. "Ughhh, why am I smiling?! Stop it. No smiling. He's just a rcenary. Just a really, really hot—NO. NOPE. Not going there."

Still, the words lingered. That tone in his voice, like he wanted .

And it was stupid because... Kaiser said sothing like that once too.

I shifted, pulling my knees up to my chest, chin resting on them now. My fingers absentmindedly played with a loose thread on my blanket.

That day... I rembered it. Crystal clear. I was sad yet smiling—no, pretending to. I didn't want anyone to ask if I was okay. Didn't want them to look too closely. Because if they looked closely, they'd see it. The pain I held deep inside.

But he did.

Kaiser didn't say anything flashy or clever. He just... walked up, saw through everything like it was nothing, and pulled into his arms.

No judgnt. No awkwardness. Just quiet comfort.

"You don't have to pretend when I'm here," he said.

And I broke.

I had cried, quietly, shaking in his hold, and he didn't flinch. He didn't even speak more. He just stayed.

And that night...

"Ughhh..." I groaned again, slapping my pillow into my face. "Don't think about it, Celia. Don't. Do. It."

Of course, I did.

I begged him to stay that night. Said I didn't want to feel alone again. He hesitated but gave in with that annoyed 'fine' tone of his like I'd twisted his arm when I probably didn't even need to.

And I...

I felt my face warm up, my chest tense as the mory hit again. That night, when Kaiser had fallen asleep on my lap, his breath steady and calm, and I'd whispered those words, barely audible. "I love you."

It wasn't even intentional. It just slipped out, soft and vulnerable, like it had always been there waiting to be said.

I buried my face in the blanket, wishing I could disappear. He didn't hear , of course, or if he did, he didn't say anything. But I couldn't shake the heat on my cheeks, the stupid way my heart fluttered at the thought of it.

Then my thoughts shifted, and the warmth in my chest faltered.

Kaiser's kindness. His quiet understanding. That night he understood —the real . Not the façade I put up, not the strong girl everyone thought I was, but the one who was scared, the one who cried because she didn't know who to trust anymore.

I rembered when I first found out. When I overheard Levi and Emma laughing about how they were just pretending to be my friends, being polite because of Kaiser. I felt so small, so stupid and... hurt.

Was I just so charity case to them?

The sting of it lingered in my chest. I had never really believed it until that mont, but the way they talked, the way they laughed—it was all so fake.

And then I thought of Kaiser. He didn't pretend. He didn't act like he cared just because it was expected. He was real, even when I wasn't. Even when I didn't want him to see weak.

That night, he stayed with , and in his quiet way, he showed what it ant to have soone truly care.

I pressed my hands against my face, trying to push away the swirling thoughts. Arius is charming. He's kind, and he makes feel like maybe I'm worth sothing. But...

But can I trust him? Can I trust anyone, after what happened with Levi and Emma?

I don't want to go through that again. I don't want to get hurt again...

Kaiser is the only one who's never played gas with . He's the only one who's been true.

I can't forget that. I won't forget it. He's the one who sees for who I really am, not so act I put on.

With a deep breath, I forced myself to close my eyes, the warmth of the night wrapping around like a blanket. Only Kaiser.

I'll trust him.

Just him.

I thought I'd imdiately go to my demonic palace or whatever I see in my dreams to train but... I had a normal dream tonight for a few monts. Not really a dream, a mory from weeks or even a month ago when Kaiser was just recovering...

I can't believe this actually happened.

------------------------------------ A few weeks ago.

I had a spoon of soup in my hand, hovering near Kaiser's mouth as he lay there in bed, his face a little pale from the wounds, but still that lazy, teasing smile of his plastered on.

"You don't have to feed , Celia," he said, waving a lazy hand in the air like he was so king dismissing his servant.

I frowned. "I want to, okay? You're hurt, and I'm not about to let you starve just because you're being stubborn."

He chuckled softly, still wincing a little, but he was always so damn charming even when he was injured. "I can feed myself, you know. I'm not dead, just a little... broken."

I narrowed my eyes, not having any of it. "And you think I'm going to let you eat with one hand when you can barely lift your fork? Please. You just want to do it."

Kaiser smirked. "Maybe I do. Who could resist your charms, right?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up my cheeks. "Oh, shut up. I'm not doing this because you're charming." I tried to focus on the soup instead, not letting him throw off track.

He squinted up at , his eyes twinkling with that mischief of his. "You know, Celia, I think we make a pretty cute couple. I an, look at us—, injured and helpless, and you, being all sweet and... well, pretty."

"Pretty?" I retorted with a sarcastic snort. "Is that the best you've got? You're just saying that because I'm feeding you, you big baby."

"Aw, co on," he said, clearly enjoying himself, "admit it. You like the idea of being your boyfriend. Makes it official, right? My girlfriend, Celia."

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest as I tried to act unimpressed, but I couldn't hold back a tiny smile. "You're ridiculous. I'm not your girlfriend, and I'm definitely not your nurse either."

Kaiser laughed, the sound light despite his injuries. "Right, right. You just keep pretending you're not already swooning over ."

I shot him a playful glare. "I am not swooning. I'm just being responsible. You're a ss, and soone's gotta make sure you don't make everything worse."

He turned his head toward the window, staring out at the night. "Tonight, the moon's bright."

I followed his gaze, my brow furrowing in confusion. "Okay? And?"

He turned his gaze back to , and I swear, I saw a bit of softness in his eyes. "Tonight, underneath the bright moon, I can clearly see how beautiful you are."

I froze for a mont. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt heat rush to my cheeks. "W-What? Stop that." I pushed him lightly in the shoulder, my face burning. "Stop being like that."

He just grinned, enjoying my flustered reaction way too much. "What? You don't like the moonlight complints?" He winked. "I could go on, you know."

I crossed my arms, trying to hide my blush, but I could feel myself getting all tangled up in how easy it was to fall for his charm. "Ugh, you're so annoying. You're lucky you're hurt, or I'd be kicking you out of here."

"Oh, co on," he teased, still with that mischievous grin. "You know you love ."

I snorted. "I do not." I grabbed the bowl of soup, setting it on the table. "Alright, that's it. I'm done here."

He sat up slightly, eyes twinkling with the sa playful glint. "Well, if you're not going to be my girlfriend, how about I just make a proposal then?" He leaned forward, his voice dropping in mock seriousness. "How about I ask you to be mine, right here, right now?"

I was so done with this conversation. Without a second thought, I leaned in and BIT his neck, just hard enough to get his attention.

Kaiser scread at the top of his lungs. "AAAAAAAAAAAA?! What the hell, Celia?!"

I imdiately pulled back, my face the very picture of innocence. "Oops. Was that too much?"

He was holding his neck, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Too much? You just—" He looked at in total shock. "I don't even know how to—Why would you do that?"

I leaned back in my chair, trying to suppress my giggles. "You're lucky I didn't bite any harder, buddy. I think that'll teach you not to ss with ."

Kaiser threw his hands in the air. "Alright, alright! I admit defeat! I'm officially afraid of you."

I grinned, feeling smug. "Good. You should be."

He leaned back into the pillow, giving a side-eye. "You're such a nace."

"You're lucky I still care about you," I said, pretending to be all serious, though I could barely keep a straight face.

"Yeah, yeah," he said, grinning. "Well, I guess I'll be more careful around my neck from now on. But I know the truth. Deep down, you totally care."

I stood up to leave, shaking my head, trying to ignore the warmth that was still creeping up my neck. "I hate you, Kaiser."

He smirked as I walked toward the door. "I know."

I paused at the door, still smiling to myself, but I didn't let him see. "You're lucky I don't just kick you out of here for real, you jerk."

He just waved off. "You'd miss too much."

Rolling my eyes, I left the room, my heart still racing from the weird mix of annoyance and affection swirling inside .

But, really, I hated to admit it. Kaiser was right about one thing—deep down, I did care. More than I wanted to.

----------------------------------------------

Ugh.

I still can't believe I actually bit him that night. Out of all the things I could've done—punch, kick, even a classic soup-dump-over-his-head*—I bit him.

What am I, a vampire now?

Maybe that's my new anti-Kaiser killer move. The "Neck Bite of Doom™."

Only activates when he's being a total flirt. Which is, like, all the ti.

Ugh.

That flash of mory faded away like warm mist, and just like that...

I was back.

My feet touched the soft obsidian grass of this place—my dream realm. Or well, my self-made dream realm. A space I created deep in my subconscious, where I could train all night without ever tiring. No pain. No exhaustion. Just endless training.

Endless growth.

The air was heavy here—charged, electric. The moon above was split into fragnts, like a cracked mirror hanging in the sky. And in this warped little world of mine, I stood at the center. Alone.

But not lonely.

I drew a long breath, raised my arm, and spoke the words like they were stitched into my very soul.

"O black fla and cursed blood, answer my call—bind, break, and bloom."

Chains slithered out of the ground like serpents. My arms tingled with the pressure of magic ready to explode. My heart beat faster—fueled not by fear, but focus.

Because I had to get stronger. Stronger than I've ever been.

For him.

Even if it ant fighting every grotesque that dared to crawl out of the abyss. Even if I had to do it alone.

I'd fight.

I'd burn.

I'd win.

Like always, I wasn't the only one here.

I felt her before I even turned around.

Evelina.

The previous Queen of Curses. The fear from 500 years ago.

She was just standing there again, like so ghost with nothing better to do than watch struggle. Her eyes—sharp, ancient, amused.

Not judging. Not helping.

Just watching.

"Back again?" I muttered, without facing her.

She didn't speak. She never did, not really. She just stared, as if waiting. Testing. But tonight, I wasn't going to let her stand there like I was so sideshow.

I was done being soone who needed to be watched.

I took a step forward, the chains flowing around like loyal beasts. The cursed energy crackled in the air—wild, chaotic.

But this ti... it was mine.

I controlled it.

Because I wasn't just a little girl with power she didn't understand anymore.

I was the new Queen of Curses now.

Maybe even a demonic one.

And honestly?

I kinda liked the sound of that.

I smirked, a wild grin creeping across my lips as the chains snapped into position, ready to attack. The air thickened, like the world itself was holding its breath.

I looked her straight in the red eyes, my voice clear, full of challenge.

"Ti to begin."

The chains prepared.

"Bring it on, Evelina."

-----------------------

Arius's Perspective:

10:38 PM

I can't believe I had to set that many traps outside today. Then again, if it ans those pests die worse here than they would in hell, I'm all in.

I slid a cigarette from my overcoat, lit it, and took a slow drag. The night wasn't exactly starry, but it was peaceful. That counted for sothing.

From where I stood, Levinton stretched out below —quiet, open, exposed. A town full of prey. If this were the old ... no. Never mind. I'm not going back there.

Today was progress.

I t that white-haired girl—Celia, was it? Cute. Sharp red eyes. A bit too pure for her own good. I'll blackmail her eventually. Not now. I'm playing the long ga. Watching her squirm will be more fun when she trusts first.

My stomach grumbled. Damn, I forgot to eat.

After a while of walking, I made it back to the Celestial Guild building. Supposedly, they'd set up a room for . Sothing about being a "guest rcenary." Cute.

As I stepped inside, the place was buzzing.

Four voices were yelling across the hall—Zain, Alina, Xander, and soone nad Levi. Arguing about... a roasted chicken?

No, wait. A rooster.

I paused, exhaled smoke, and listened to the chaos unfold. Everyone else seed content to just watch.

Who the hell cooks a rooster? And more importantly, why wasn't I invited?

Then I spotted Isaac. Just sitting at a table, minding his own business.

Finally—soone sane.

I walked over and took the seat across from him.

Isaac glanced up from his half-empty mug and grinned the mont I sat down. "Well, well. Look who finally showed up. I was about to send a search party."

"Yeah?" I took another puff. "Tell 'em not to bother next ti. If I die, it's probably on purpose."

He chuckled nervously, scratching his cheek. "That bad, huh?"

"Let's just say I almost stepped on one of my own traps."

"That's impressive. Self-sabotage is a rare talent," he said, raising his mug like it was a toast. "Welco back, genius."

I smirked. "So, what's the chaos today?"

"Oh, you missed a show," he said, leaning in like he was about to spill the world's biggest secret. "Apparently Xander cooked Zain's rooster."

I blinked. "Wait, like, the rooster? The one that follows him around like a pet?"

"The very one. Zain's been beaming him with fire spells ever since. Alina and Levi walked in, caught so of the fireballs, and now they're yelling at both of them."

I leaned back, laughing. "Damn, I leave for a few hours and everyone goes full farm simulator. What's next, goat wars?"

"I wouldn't be surprised," Isaac chuckled, wiping his eye. "I'm telling you, this guild is one bad day away from turning into grotesque lunch."

"Yeah, with chickens. The Cock Wars: Rise of the Roasted." I added, grinning.

He snorted. "You're an idiot."

"I try."

We shared a good laugh, the kind that felt like we actually earned it.

Then he nudged , lowering his voice. "So... how'd it go with the white-haired girl? Celia, right?"

I stretched out, smoke drifting from my lips. "Oh, you an my future wife? Yeah, went great. She's basically mine. Emotionally, spiritually, romantically. She just doesn't know it yet."

Isaac blinked. "Wowie. That good, huh?"

"She looked at once. I'm assuming we're already planning the wedding and she's naming our third child after ."

"Charr of the year," he said with a grin. "Teach your ways, oh silver-tongued devil."

"You sure?" I raised an eyebrow. "Step one: look like . Step two: talk like . Step three: beco . Very advanced technique."

"Yeah, no thanks," he said, sipping his drink. "My wife might stab ."

I smirked. "Fair."

Then I added casually, "Funny thing though. She thought I was soone else at first."

"Oh?" he asked. "Who?"

I shrugged. "So guy nad Kaiser."

Isaac paused. "Kaiser?"

"Yeah." I waved my hand dismissively. "Seriously, who the hell's that? Who else could be as charming as ?"

Isaac burst out laughing. "Maybe it's your long-lost twin. One with a better hairline."

"Blasphemy."

We were still grinning when a girl walked over to us—confident steps, head slightly tilted with curiosity. She had long, silky brown hair that shimred under the lights, and her erald eyes locked onto mine like she already knew .

She wore a sleek, violet battle-dress lined with gold patterns, light armor plating across her shoulders and arms, the kind that said: I'm elegant but I will wreck you. There was sothing dangerous in her presence—subtle but sharp. The kind of person you don't ss with unless you've written your will.

"Excuse ," she said, smiling warmly. "Did I hear that right? Did you say the na 'Kaiser'?"

I looked at her. "I did."

Her eyes lit up, like a kid hearing their favorite song. "Really? You know him? You actually heard that na?"

I nodded slowly. "Let's not get too hyped. Who are you?"

She placed a hand to her chest, almost proudly. "I'm Sophia. A-Ranked adventurer. And I know Kaiser really well. Can you help et him?"

I eyed her for a second, taking her in again. Power behind those eyes. Dangerous curiosity. A little too excited for soone who says she knows him.

"Maybe," I said. "A friend of mine knows him. I'll get you to et him tomorrow."

Her smile blood even brighter as she leaned forward and took both my hands in hers. "Thank you! Seriously, thank you!"

Her hands were warm. Her grip was stronger than it looked. I gave her a casual nod and a cocky smile.

Across the table, Isaac just raised an eyebrow and winked. "Nice catch."

I sighed internally, watching Sophia bounce off, probably to skip in excitent or sharpen a blade.

Tomorrow's gonna be another heavy day.

Who was this 'Kaiser' really?