"Help!"
"Save me!"
Ryuzen heard the desperate cries echoing from just around the corner of the alley.
A little girl. Her voice was trembling, terrified. She was running from a Hollow.
He wasn't supposed to be a hero. That was never the plan.
But hearing that cry—something in him stirred. Something deep. Unshakable.
Without a second thought, he bolted forward.
His speed surged, faster than the bird-like Hollow chasing her. His figure blurred against the ruined cityscape. He was sure he'd make it in time. He had to.
But just as he turned the corner, ready to strike—
Another Hollow leapt out of the shadows.
It was shaped like a monstrous hound, sleek and wide-jawed. And it struck with horrifying precision.
Crunch.
It tackled the girl mid-step, jaws clamping down before she could even scream again. Blood sprayed. The world went still.
Ryuzen froze.
His heart sank.
Then—Rage.
