One Year and Three Months Ago
On that fateful night.
Why? Aaah… sorry…
He was standing there over my father's body.
That man. Those eyes. The killer of my only family. My father's killer.
That night, Aria saw nothing but the destruction of her life. She saw her dear father, a lifeless corpse drowning in a pool of his own blood beneath the feet of a stranger. She understood in an instant he was an assassin, dressed in a combat suit, his sword still gleaming.
Thousands of memories crashed over her. She remembered how her father had always hidden the truth about his work from her. But she had always known this day would come. She knew her father was no ordinary man. Yet even so, she could not accept losing him.
She sat on the worn out floor of her father's house and wept. She wept, and wept, and kept on weeping.
And he did not move. The man who had killed her father remained standing like a statue, showing no reaction. As if he were enjoying her tears.
Her voice came out hoarse. You… you eye… why? Why? Why? Why?
Overwhelming anger consumed her. Crying, sorrow, rage, burning, weakness, all of it at once, in one place.
He looked at her, then slid his sword back into its sheath. Without a word, he simply gazed at her for a moment and walked toward the door.
She stared at him with eyes that seemed to bleed.
I will find you. I will find you, you damned man. I will make you suffer a hundred times what you have done. I swear I will find you.
The man disappeared. Aria stayed where she was, crying without pause until the sun rose.
She closed her father's eyes and over his body she made a vow.
Father… I swear I will avenge you. I swear I will kill the one who did this to you.
Present Day
City of Fronia, Capital of the Kingdom of Marsia
Hunter Squad Headquarters
Commander, orders from the high command. There is a breach at the northern border. The creatures have broken through the first defense line. We are ordered to head there immediately.
Daemon did not lift his eyes from his book. You idiots, do not you see I am reading my favorite book?
He shot them a look of disgust.
Tsss… damn it. Useless fools. Fine, bring my vehicle.
The Kingdom of Marsia was vast, made up of six cities, each with its own borders and defense lines. At first glance, it looked like a land of peace and prosperity, but that illusion did not last.
Hurry up, you idiot. More speed.
I am sorry, Commander, but this is the maximum speed.
What? Do you want me to kill you? Pathetic.
After the Fifth Hunter Squad arrived, only five minutes passed before Daemon, the squad commander, had already exterminated all the Banki creatures.
Tss. This is what you interrupted my reading for? A few weak Banki you could not handle yourselves? Damn you, you weaklings.
The Fifth Squad returned to headquarters.
Jooohn.
Yes, Commander.
Listen, you idiot. You are going to handle my paperwork. I am going to spend some time alone away from this cursed place.
But sir, I am in the middle of important training.
Are you really making me repeat myself, John?
No, no. I will take care of your work, Commander. Please go ahead.
Daemon then headed to his favorite place, the park in the center of the city. He sat there alone, reading until sunset. It was the only thing that gave him peace.
City Center Park
He sat on a wooden bench, reading, when a woman's voice interrupted him.
Mister, could you spare me a moment?
He raised his head with irritation. Who are you? And why would I spare you a moment? Are you stupid?
I am sorry. I am new to this city, and my dog is sick. I need to take him to a veterinarian.
He looked at the small dog in her arms, then at her. She wore a simple dress, her black hair falling over her shoulders.
Tss. What a cursed day. Why can they not leave me alone?
What did you say, sir?
Nothing. Even if you are new, rely on yourself. Why ask a stranger for help? Do not you know people have more important things to do?
I am sorry. I will look for it myself. Sorry to bother you.
Despite his harsh tone, Daemon could not ignore someone in need.
Oi, wait. I will take you to a vet nearby. Follow me.
Thank you.
He clicked his tongue. Idiot.
They walked in silence. He moved quickly, and she followed, holding her dog. No words were exchanged.
Then a voice broke the silence.
Money. Hand over everything you have, or someone is getting hurt.
Daemon stopped and looked back.
Three men stood behind them, faces covered.
Who are you? Are you idiots?
A cold smile formed on his face.
You waited until we entered the alley to appear? I expected you much earlier.
Fear spread across their faces. They understood immediately that he was not an ordinary man.
Even the girl looked surprised for a brief moment.
You really are idiots. I would not even attack myself when I am this angry. I hate being interrupted. Why do you keep interrupting me? Why can you not leave me in peace?
In an instant, the first man's leg broke. Daemon rushed the others, breaking one's arm and crushing the other's. He grabbed the last one and beat him until his face was unrecognizable.
He knew this would not be the last time men like them would appear. So he made sure they would never harm anyone again.
Without looking at her, he spoke.
This is what happens to thieves. Let us go.
She said nothing. She simply watched him.
With a murderous gaze.
He noticed it.
But he said nothing, assuming it was fear.
Was it really fear?
In Front of the Veterinary Clinic
She stood before him, still holding the small dog.
Do you mind if we meet tomorrow? I would like to thank you properly.
He raised an eyebrow. Thank me for what?
For everything. You helped me and protected me. I am grateful. What is your name?
He paused.
Daemon. Daemon Forgan.
He shook his head.
My profession does not matter. We will meet tomorrow. Come to the place where you found me.
He glanced at the dog.
And do not bring this thing. Its barking was unbearable.
She smiled faintly.
Alright. I will come without him. See you tomorrow.
Yeah. See you.
He turned and walked away.
She watched him leave, her eyes fixed on his back.
Then she whispered so softly that no one could hear.
I hope I never see you alive again… you eye.