Walls crumbled as evil spirits invaded houses, forcing terrified residents to flee. The streets became a graveyard, littered with bodies, while fires raged like wild beasts, consuming everything in their path. Chaos had become the new reality of the Netherworld.
Two weeks had passed since the ruby's sudden disappearance, and desperation hung heavy in the air. Those who survived the onslaught sought refuge underground, enduring discomfort and uncertainty. Makeshift tents served as shelters, but food was scarce, and the only source of sustenance was murky water from the sewers.
In this dark underbelly, the authorities held sway, led by Principal Taike, who now governed both Netherhigh and the underground community. Hierarchy reigned supreme; while the wealthy managed to procure small luxuries, the poor and middle class suffered in silence. Whispers of discontent rippled through the crowd, urging the authorities to act on the pressing issue of the ruby.
Barka and her parents set up their tent alongside Taike, strategizing how to confront the malevolent spirits.
"I'm certain we can't beat them; their aura is too strong," Sadokshi said, his voice heavy with concern.
As they stood outside their cramped tent, Taike took a deep breath. "Gentlemen, I have a plan. Just as my husband said, we can't defeat them directly. What we need is another Transylvanian ruby to cleanse this realm of its unwanted visitors and protect us. We must find it before we lose the Netherworld entirely," Malai interjected, her tone calm yet resolute.
Just then, Barka approached with Nite, her curiosity bubbling over. "Mother, what are you discussing?"
"Nothing, dear. Go play with your friend; we have important matters to discuss," Malai replied, her eyes flickering with urgency.
The friends wandered to a small gathering where an old woman spun tales of the three brothers who once saved the Netherworld. Barka and Nite settled in, captivated.
"A long time ago, before the separation rule, there were three brothers: Zei, Zue, and Zoad—a monster, a demon, and an outcast. They discovered their ability to transform into a fearsome beast with three heads, much like the Takahashi brothers," she narrated, her voice crackling with aged wisdom.
"They vowed to keep this secret, but Zoad, the outcast, faced relentless bullying. One day, after a brutal encounter with a group of gorgons, his brothers unleashed their fury, becoming a two-headed beast. Consumed by rage, they murdered the gorgons and wreaked havoc at their school, leading to their banishment from the Netherworld."
"Left vulnerable outside, they fought against evil spirits until they learned their parents had been murdered by the Takahashi brothers. Fueled by vengeance, they sought to eliminate their enemies. The battle was long and fierce, ending with Zoad's sacrifice. In their grief, the remaining brothers used their rubies to forge one that would protect the Netherworld for centuries. They sealed the souls of the Takahashi brothers within another ruby, banishing them far from the realm."
The kids erupted into applause, and Barka's hand shot up. "Why didn't Zoad tell anyone about his bullying?"
"Because of an unspoken consequence," a boy piped up.
"Very good! How do you know about that?" the woman asked, her eyes sparkling.
"My mum told me," he replied.
"Why is it unspoken?" a girl from the crowd asked.
"It's yet to be told," the woman answered cryptically.
As the crowd dispersed, Barka approached the boy with blood-red eyes and a hint of black hair. "Hey, what's your—"
"Susan!" she exclaimed, but he bolted away, leaving her puzzled.
Two other kids approached. "Are you Malai's daughter?" a girl asked.
"Yeah! So?" Barka replied, glancing at the boy beside her, a demon.
"Forget the rules. Your parents are important; they won't touch us," the girl said with a smile. "I'm Doushi, and this is Xiao Xi. We're friends."
The four kids began to chat, their laughter a brief reprieve from the chaos surrounding them.
Suddenly, a voice boomed through the underground. "Attention, patients! We have come to a conclusion regarding the evil spirits and the Netherworld's situation," Taike announced, his voice cutting through the murmur.
"We've decided to send five brave souls to Weizhi to find a new ruby," he declared, and the crowd erupted into whispers, their discontent palpable.
A demon boy raised his hand. "How will we choose who goes?"
"We will choose through volunteers," Taike replied.
"If you're willing to venture to Weizhi to find a ruby to save the Netherworld, raise your hand!" Taike urged, but silence hung in the air, no arms raised in defiance of the looming danger.
Taike sighed, knowing they were running out of time. The Netherworld's fate rested on the edge of a knife, and hope was fading fast.