Renny made his way over to Morrin Omekro, offering his congratulations. Morrin, as always, spoke with spit flying in every direction, gratefully acknowledging the praise. Renny tried to keep it short, but Morrin wasn't done. He launched into talk about his contract, recounting how he managed to pull it off. Then, with a heavy tone, he reminded Renny that he had once given him a seed, only for Renny to fail his own mission.
"I really wanted us to climb together," Morrin said, worry etched in his expression.
Renny offered a steady nod, keeping his composure. "Don't worry about me. I'll get back to the grade I belong. Just give me time."
Morrin looked doubtful, shaking his head with a weary sigh. "I hope so. I really do."
The moment broke soon after, and Renny excused himself. As he made his way back to his seat, his phone buzzed. Sliding it out, he frowned at the message flashing on the screen:
You've made a grave mistake going against the Royals and killing the Grade 5. We won't spare you now. Tonight, after the ceremony, you'll be judged accordingly.
His chest tightened. He quickly pocketed the phone just as Kev glanced over, catching the tension on his face.
"What's up, homie?" Kev asked, leaning in.
"Nothing," Renny said flatly, forcing a dismissive shake of his head.
Kev raised a brow, not buying it, but shifted the subject. "You've gotten real close with Morrin lately."
Renny gave a faint smirk. "Despite his… quirks, he's a good guy."
Kev chuckled. "Man, if that's what you call good company, makes me wonder how you see me. What does that make me?"
Renny cracked a rare laugh. "Pretty much the same... equally weird."
Both of them burst into laughter, the brief levity masking the storm Renny knew was closing in.
***
As they spoke, the new president stepped forward once more to deliver his closing words. He reminded everyone that the December holiday was now upon them, the only true reprieve demons ever got. Yet he cautioned them not to get carried away.
"It is easy," he said firmly, "to forget what we are during moments of leisure. But remember, you are demons. And on the 4th of January, the Bureau will expect you all back at your posts for the new cycle of contracts. Do not test the patience of the council."
He then announced that the initiation of the next wave of Grade Ones would be held on the 3rd of January. On that day, a select few from different grades would also be chosen for particular assignments, and those chosen were to obey the summons without delay once the council sent instructions.
With that, he gave the final signal. The ceremony was officially concluded.
Chairs scraped, chatter filled the hall, and the gathered demons began dispersing, their movements buzzing like a restless hive. Laughter, murmurs, and shouts overlapped as tuxedos and suits drifted toward the exits.
Just as Renny and Kev made their way down the hallway, three familiar figures blocked their path, the Damaruk brothers. Haulgrimeth, their ringleader, bumped shoulders with Renny before sneering.
"Oh, sorry there, punks."
Kev stopped cold, his jaw tightening. "Who the hell you callin' punks, fool?"
Haul didn't flinch. He stepped right in front of Kev, chin lifted with arrogance. "Watch your tongue. Promotion or not, you're still beneath me. Don't mistake your little rise for real power. I'm above you, in everything." His gaze shifted briefly to Renny. "Instead of getting riled up at me, maybe you should be angry at yourself. For running with him. The Ezraphor."
The other two, Arvadren and Mauresh, flanked them, Arvadren edging closer to Kev while Mauresh smirked at Renny. Their mocking laughter echoed down the hall.
Kev's fists clenched. "Man, don't worry about me. Y'all ain't my bosses. Don't tell me who I can or can't ride with."
Arvadren tilted his head with a cruel grin. "Bold words, Khevlack. Seems rollin' with the Ezraphor made you foolish as well."
That was the last straw. Kev snapped, lunging at Arvadren with a wild swing. But Arvadren moved quick, sidestepping effortlessly, then hooking an arm around Kev's torso. In a flash, he twisted and slammed Kev to the ground with bone-jarring force.