Chapter 1 – A Beautiful Day to Start Off
In a world where strength decides everything, the strong climb to the top while the weak are left to be trampled.
When night falls, shadows stretch long and cold, and the air thickens with whispers. That's when they appear — the evil spirits who hunger for human souls.
We, the so-called Seekers, are the ones who stand in their way… the last light before darkness swallows the world.
But that day… my enemy wasn't a spirit.
The afternoon sun spilled gold across the park, painting everything in a warm, peaceful glow.
In my hands, I held a bouquet of fresh tulips — her favorite.
It was our third anniversary. I'd imagined her smile when she saw them.
But then…
My steps slowed.
There she was — Raiya.
Her hair caught the sunlight like threads of gold. But she wasn't alone.
A man stood beside her.
Close. Too close.
My heart skipped. My fingers tightened around the flowers.
No. I must be wrong. It's not what it looks like… right?
The laughter I heard next crushed that hope.
She laughed with him. Not the polite laugh she gave strangers, but the one I thought was mine alone.
I walked forward before I even realized it. My pulse pounded in my ears.
??: Oh—hey, Daif. Uh… what are you doing here?
Daif: I force my voice steady. I should be asking you, Raiya. Why are you with another guy?
Raiya: Oh, him? He's a friend. Daif, meet Tobias. Tobias, this is Daif.
Tobias: smirks This is your boyfriend? A weakling like him? Don't make me laugh. Tell him the truth, Raiya.
Daif: The truth…? What truth?
Raiya: looks away, her voice barely above a whisper I… I cheated. He's more than a friend to me.
Time stopped.
The wind died.
The park fell silent.
Even the sunlight felt cold.
The tulips slipped from my hand, falling in slow motion — their petals scattering across the pavement.
Daif: …What? You're joking, right? This… this is absurd.
Tobias: No joke. Now get lost, peepsweak.
He shoves me aside like I'm nothing.
Then, taking her hand, he walks away.
She smiles at him — brighter than she's smiled at me in months — and doesn't even glance back.
Daif: Raiya…? My voice cracks. RAIYA!
But my words can't reach her. They dissolve into the crowd.
Footsteps approach from behind.
A warm presence drops to its knees beside me. Arms wrap around me.
??: Hey… I'm here. You don't have to cry now. What happened, Daif?
It's Tanya.
Her voice is soft, but steady — the kind that can stop you from falling apart.
Daif: Oh… hey, Tanya. I'm fine. Really. It's nothing.
Tanya: Really? Stop pretending to be tough, idiot. I can see it in your eyes. You're hurt. Badly. Now tell me.
Daif: …It's Raiya. It's… a long story.
We sit on a bench by the river. The water ripples softly, like it's listening. I tell her everything.
Tanya smirks, then lets out a short laugh.
Tanya: Pfft. You're way better than that silly witch. You're the kindest guy I've ever met, Daif. Don't waste your tears on someone who couldn't see that. People like her… they just chase what they think is better.
Daif: But it's so cruel. I loved her. I treasured her every single day. What she did… it's like she took a knife to my chest. It's going to haunt me.
Tanya: Yeah, I know. But listen — your best friend Tanya is here. Always. She tosses a stone into the river — splash.
Daif: …Thanks, Tanya. You're the best.
Tanya: Anytime, bud.
Daif: Should we head back? It's getting late. This place is starting to give me chills. I shiver.
Tanya smacks my arm.
Tanya: Scaredy-cat. When will you face danger head-on? She teases, laughing.
We walk through the dimming streets. The lamps flicker to life, one by one.
Then —
A sound. Low. Wet. Like claws dragging against stone.
From the shadows, it steps forward.
Its eyes glow an eerie green.
Its shell is dark blue, ridged like a tortoise's armor.
Claws gleam like silver blades under the streetlights.
Tanya: Daif… get behind me. This is about to get real messy. I'll protect you.
She summons her sword, the blade erupting in bright yellow light symbolizing Diligience.