How It All Started

"Agh agh." Heavy breaths drifted through the thick woods, followed by wet crunching sounds.

A heavy footfall hit the floor, sending tremors through the soil, as the massive creature came into view.

Before it stood a boy, holding a dagger, clothes tattered, blood dripping down his face.

His eyes locked onto the demon, chest heaving heavily.

Suddenly, a voice chimed in from behind.

“The god of fate and sorcery...” the girl whispered.

"Ugh?" The boy froze.

'Wait... did she just say...?'

A violent gust of wind blasted past him...and when he turned, the demon’s fist was already coming.

The boy raised his dagger instinctively...

Time slowed, as the force connected.

His dagger caved in...then shattered.

He barely tilted his head before the fist grazed past him.

The impact tore the air apart.

Blood exploded from his body, his right arm ripped clean off, as half his face shredded.

“Neh?" The boy blinked, dazed, watching his own arm smash against a tree.

He couldn’t even scream. He just stare blankly as the demon raised another fist.

The girl’s eyes stayed shut. “Lord Aethrauzon...”

The demon’s shadow engulfed the boy.

“Grant us your divine protection...”

The demon’s arm fell.

“Divine Shield!!” The girl screamed, and a blinding white light burst forth, forming a vast, circular barrier around them.

The boy looked up, eyes hollow.

'I should have known. Why did I even believe. Why did I hope? Did I forget...?That divine protection doesn’t work on me...'

“We did it!” The girl smiled, looking up, until she saw the truth.

The demon’s fist crashed into the boy.

Blood exploded through the air.

“I’m an atheist,” The boy whispered, and his body flew, smashing into a boulder with a sickening crunch.

“Code!!!” The girl's scream tore through the forest.

Flashback To How It All Started One Day Ago...

Hazen.

Seventeen-year-old Code Weber stood hunched in a dark alley, dimly lit by the faint glow of the setting sun.

He slowly stepped out of the alley, scanning everyone who passed by, until suddenly, a voice called out to him.

"Oi!"

"Heh?" Code turned, locking eyes with the man standing beside him, who gripped a metal baton.

"You bastard!" the man gritted his teeth as he raised the baton and swung it toward Code's head.

"Oops." Code twisted aside, dodging the attack, then kicked the man's leg hard.

"Ugh!" The man grunted as he collapsed with a thud.

"Hahaha!" Code chuckled and bolted back into the alley.

Footsteps echoed as three other men in black uniforms reached the fallen one.

"Where is he?"

"We didn't find him!" they reported.

"You fuckers, he went in there!" the man shouted, saliva spraying from his mouth.

"Catch him before he escapes!"

"Yes, sir!" the three men replied and charged into the alley.

Inside the alley...

"Arghh, arghh." Code panted while racing through the darkness.

'Fuck!' His foot slammed into a metal box, and he crashed to the ground.

'Not today.' He scrambled up and kept running.

Far ahead, a corner glowed with light seeping in.

"Hehe." Code grinned and sprinted toward it.

Just as he reached the turn and started to round it...

A metal baton whipped toward his face.

"What the?" he muttered.

The baton connected before he could react.

BANG!

"Ugh!" Code grunted. He collapsed, head spinning, blood trickling from his nostrils.

"What the fuck was—" His gaze lifted, and the words died in his throat the moment he saw them.

"Motherfucker, you think you can run away, huh?" the leader snarled. His three men loomed behind him.

"After borrowing that much money from me?" He stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.

"Oi, calm down. We can talk about this—" Code pleaded.

The man's fist smashed into Code's face before he could finish. Blood splattered across the floor and walls.

"You stupid bastard!" Code roared and lunged forward, trying to stand.

The other three men instantly surrounded him, each raising a baton.

"Shit," Code whispered as the batons arced down.

Blood sprayed the walls while metallic impacts echoed.

After several seconds of beating, the leader barked, "Oi, that's enough. Don't kill him yet."

The men stepped back.

"Aww..." Code groaned. His face was swollen, covered in bruises and cuts.

"I'll be back tomorrow for my money," the leader said and turned to leave.

"Fuck you!" Code spat.

The men vanished from the alley, leaving him sprawled helplessly on the ground.

"Ugh." He groaned, rolling in pain until he gathered enough strength to stand.

'Man, what a day,' he sighed and limped out of the alley.

A voice suddenly called:

"Code Weber!"

"The fuck now?!" Code groaned, as he sighted the man approaching.

The man wore black armor, and on his chest gleamed a 5th-tier sorcerer badge. His black hair fell to his shoulders, and his deep blue eyes framed a neatly trimmed goatee.

"You're pretty popular around here, y'know," the man teased.

"The hell you want?" Code shouted, fists clenched.

"Uh?" The man stopped, looking surprised.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat. "Name's Ran Cowell," he said, extending his hand for a shake.

"Ran Cowell?" Code repeated. 'What does someone with such a fancy name want with me?'

'Heh, someone I can scam?' he smirked.

"Um..." Ran brought Code back from his thoughts, still holding out his hand with a smile.

"Oh." Code hesitated but eventually shook it, his smirk twisting to a grotesque smile.

"What the?" Ran staggered backwards in alarm.

"So," Code said, his tone turning serious. "What do you want with me?"

"If it's a creditor who sent you, tell him I don't have a dime to give!"

"What?" Ran blurted.

"I almost got beaten to kingdom come!" Code added sharply.

"Okay, good to know, but I'm not here for that," Ran said coldly.

"Then what are you here for?" Code shot back.

Ran's tone lowered, his aura changing.

"I've got a mission," he said.

"Mission?" Code raised a brow. "Nah, I don't do dirty jobs. Yeah, I'm poor, but I'm not desperate." He waved dismissively.

"It's not too illegal," Ran grinned. "A mid-class's been spotted near Sylva. A little help could do."

"Uh?" Code stepped back. "I don't see how a 9th-tier's help makes a difference."

"The problem is, for weeks now, the demon has been running wild, and the Sorcerers' Association hasn't sent anyone to deal with it. The village offered us payment if we could handle it," Ran explained. "We're one man short."

"Hmm...still, the association hasn't certified the mission yet," Code rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"It's not even a powerful demon," Ran continued. "Just mid-class. Even a 9th-tier like you has nothing to fear."

"I know I'm a 9th-tier, no need to rub salt on the wound," Code said.

"My bad," Ran chuckled lightly. "So, what's your decision?" He asked.

'Man, taking a mission as a 9th-tier is a no no,' Code pondered. 'I barely have any fighting skills.'

'But then, I could make a killing off this,' he grinned.

"Alright," Code finally gave in after a few moments of thought.

Still, he had one more thing to clarify.

"What's the cut?" he asked, trying to sound casual, though his eyes betrayed his anticipation.

Ran's smile faltered slightly. "One percent."

Code's face fell instantly.

"Is that a joke?"

"Joke?" Ran asked. "We're talking business here, man."

"Fucking hell, man. What do you take me for?!" Code said sharply, spinning away.

"Uh?" Ran exclaimed.

"Okay, two!" he shouted.

Code kept walking.

"Four!"

Code stopped.

"Really, four! I can't go higher than that!" Ran pleaded.

"Four?" Code repeated, eyes shining. "I guess I can consider that, given my worth," he said, trying to sound cool.

"Arrgh," Ran groaned. "Four percent it is!"

"Yes!" Code grinned, reaching out to shake his hand. "Nice doing business with you."

"2 PM at Sylva, sharp," Ran replied, shaking his hand before turning to leave, waving as he walked away.

As he disappeared down the street, Ran bit his lip, brows furrowed. "The bastard thinks he's a hotshot."

Once he was gone, Code turned. "Four percent isn't much, but it's more than the zero I've made in months," he whispered.

He glanced around to make sure no one had overheard, then sighed in relief.

'That fucking landlord will be surprised.'

Grinning to himself, Code slipped into the next alley.

...

The Next Day...

Code woke up as early as 9 AM, even though they were supposed to meet by two.

After getting ready, he boarded a train from Hazen Central Station to Sylva. His wallet was empty, but he had hope that it would be full on his way back.

Before stepping onto the train, he checked to make sure he had his most prized possession — his dagger — in hand. It was the same dagger he used to ward off thieves at night.

The train moved forward with a loud screech, as Code sank into a worn seat that creaked with every movement.

Gradually, the train passed through, leaving behind the silver rooftops of Hazen.

Code stared out the window, watching the city fade into green hills and winding rivers. Every bump along the tracks stirred up his memories, fears, and fragile hopes.

Still, a small flame burned inside him. Maybe, just maybe, this mission could be his way out.

He grinned and whispered to himself,"Four percent today, four hundred tomorrow."

...

Sylva.

The train screeched to a stop as it pulled into Sylva Station.

The doors opened, and people poured out in every direction.

Code stepped off the train, and the moment he did, a cool breeze brushed against his face.

He took a taxi, yelling the directions to the driver. Their destination: Teron Forest, on the outskirts of Sylva.

The city soon gave way to open fields and clusters of trees. Eventually, the car came to a stop.

Code stepped out, gazing at the vast expanse of forest ahead.

As he scanned the area, his eyes caught sight of them; Ran and the others.

They were already there, about nine in total.

Code approached, feeling their eyes on him as they sized him up. He was about to ask why everyone was staring when it hit him:

He was the only one without a badge. For some reason, 9th-tiered sorcerers weren’t certified.

"Fuck," Code hissed.

"Right on time," Ran said as Code joined the group.

The others chatted among themselves, voices low but audible.

"I still can’t believe Ran said we could do this with fake badges," one man whispered to his partner beside him.

"They’re specialists in this kind of business," the other replied, nodding toward Ran and the tall man beside him.

Code's eyes shifted to the right, and met the gaze of a man standing at the far end. The man was of average height, but his pot belly and soft features made him look nothing like a sorcerer.

As their eyes met, the man whispered to the woman beside him, "What's a little boy doing here? This isn't a place for kids."

'What's a potbellied pig doing here?' Code snapped internally.

The woman beside the man didn't seem interested in his words. She looked up, her indifferent gaze meeting Code's angry eyes.

'Ok, she's hot,' Code thought, as Ran clapped, grabbing everyone's attention.

'Focus, idiot!' Code yelled to himself.

"We're all here," Ran said, his eyes scanning the group.

"This is a mid-class demon raid mission," he continued.

"Let's start with introductions!"

"I'm Ran Cowell, mission leader. I specialize in demonology and combat specialization."

The towering man next to Ran stepped forward. His cold blue eyes matched his stern expression. "Kael Jensen. Battle and strategy."

The others followed with quick introductions.

Then the beautiful woman from earlier stepped forward. "Elara," she said in a calm, detached tone. "Support and healing."

Finally, it came to Code's turn.

He swallowed hard, glancing at the ground. "Err... uh... Code Weber. I'm, uh... good with a dagger."

Silence fell. Kael raised an eyebrow, while the others exchanged glances.

Elara looked up at him, bored and uninterested.

"Ahem," Ran cleared his throat, breaking the tension.

"Let's get into formation!" he commanded, his voice firm.

The swordsmen took the front, sorcerers formed the rear, and healers moved to the center.

Code hesitated, unsure where to go, so he joined the healers, conveniently next to Elara.

"Zero," Elara whispered.

"Eh?" Code said. He didn't hear her clearly.

But Elara didn't reply. Her gaze fixed forward.

The group finished their preparations, double-checking their gear.

Code took a deep breath, narrowing his eyes and tensing his face.

"Alright, let's get this mission done!" Ran shouted.

The group moved out, stepping into the shadowy depths of the forest.

The march had begun.

The group entered the forest, swallowed almost immediately by its shadowy depths.The only sounds were the crunching of leaves beneath their boots and the distant cries of an owl somewhere above.

Code's thoughts were divided, part of him on the mission, and part hopelessly trapped on the four percent profit. Everyone else moved with focus and discipline, but Code couldn't keep his mind steady.

They ventured deeper and deeper, but there were no signs of demons or even demonic presence. Only trees, fog, and darkness surrounded them.

Low murmurs drifted from behind. The pot-bellied man was already complaining.

"Jeez, I'm tired," the man groaned.

"Then go jump off a cliff," Code said.

Hours passed. The sun had begun to set, streaking orange light through the canopy, and still, there was nothing.

"Hey..." someone whispered behind Code.

"Is there even a demon here?"

"We should've found one by now," another voice answered.

"I'm getting tired," came a third.

Code looked ahead again. This time, Ran and Kael's expressions were tense.

'Wait...' Code stopped. 'Demons that live near the edges are usually low or mid-class... but if we've gone this far without seeing one, that means we're dealing with...'

He shook the thought away immediately, trudging on.

Minutes turned to hours, and frustration began to boil.

"You know what?!" someone snapped.

The group halted. All eyes turned toward Lyra.

"I think we're just wasting our time. There's obviously no demon here!" she shouted.

"What if we go a little farther? We might find it," Kael replied, his voice steady.

"Nonsense!" the pot-bellied man barked, spittle flying from his lips. "It's sunset already! There's no demon here, goddamn it!"

Ran raised his hand. "Keep your voice down. We don't want to alert anything nearby," he warned, but that only made the uproar worse.

"I can't go further!" the pot-bellied man yelled.

"Me too," Lyra and Alric said together.

"This is pointless!" Alric argued. "We should've seen some kind of demonic trace if there really was one!"

"There's a demon here!" Ran snapped, losing patience. "The villagers swore they saw it!"

"Are you sick in the head?" the pot-bellied man fired back.

"You're the one who's sick!" Ran shouted. "I'm sure there's a demon here!"

"You're just being foolish!" Alric snarled, pointing at Ran. "If you want to die, then die alone!"

Code and Elara stood at the center of the argument, watching silently.

"Good grief." Code shook his head. 'I don't care, as long as I get my pay,' he shrugged.

He glanced at Elara. She hadn't moved or spoken, just stood still, her calm eyes watching the chaos unfold.

The argument grew louder, echoing through the forest.

When it looked like it might turn violent, Kael finally stepped in.

Clap!

The sound of his hands slamming together cracked through the air like thunder. Birds burst from the trees in every direction. Silence fell instantly.

"Whoa," Code whispered, impressed. That single clap had silenced an entire fight.

Kael stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Ran's shoulder. They exchanged quiet words, and then Kael turned to the group.

"Alright," he began, voice sharp and commanding. "We've come to a decision."

Everyone leaned in.

"If you want to leave, you're free to go," he said.

Murmurs spread through the ranks.

"However," Kael continued, his piercing blue eyes narrowing, "only those who continue from here will receive payment."

"What?"

"Huh?"

"What kind of nonsense is that?" voices erupted again.

"Yes!" Kael snapped. "The village only offered payment for defeating the demon, not for casualties or cowards. So anyone who leaves now gets nothing!"

"Tch," Alric hissed through his teeth, veins bulging.

"Make your choice. Now," Kael commanded.

Within moments, the group split.

Those turning back: Dane Mikas, Alric Screedinger, Lyra Evermere, and the pot-bellied man.Those pressing on: Ran Cowell, Kael Jensen, Darian Soudra, Darian Tenò, Elara, and Code Weber.

"Tch. My life's worth more than this suicidal mission," Alric said as his group turned to leave.

"Just don't scream when you die, 'cause no one's coming for you," the pot-bellied man mocked as they vanished into the trees.

The forest fell silent again.

"Code," Ran called, turning to him.

"Uh?" Code blinked.

"I honestly thought you'd be the first to bail," Ran said with a grin, patting his shoulder.

"Oh, haha," Code chuckled nervously. He didn't know what to say, especially since his reason for staying was the four percent.

"I guess I shouldn't have doubted you," Ran said, giving another tap before turning away.

"Ahem," Kael's voice drew their attention.

"We're down to six. That means we'll need a tighter formation," he said. "Sword users and battle specialists will surround the healers. We can't lose our only support."

He glanced at Elara, who gave a small nod.

"I'll ask again," Kael said. "If anyone wants to leave, this is your last chance."

A soft wind passed through the trees, but no one moved.

'I can't go home empty-handed after coming this far,' Code thought.

The four percent mattered more than pride.

"Alright!" Kael barked. "Let's move!"

The group nodded. Kael signaled to Ran. "Lead the way."

"Tch," Ran hissed under his breath. "Fucking bastards." He punched the nearest tree...

...and froze when a heavy thud answered back.

"Uh?" Ran blinked. "Was that... me?"

But it wasn't. The sound came again.

THUD.

The ground trembled beneath them.

"What's that?" Code whispered, shivering.

Kael's face darkened. "Something's coming."

He turned sharply toward the noise...and froze.

Smash!

Something slammed into a nearby tree with a sickening thud.

Code jumped back, eyes wide. "What the hell...?"

He looked closer, and his blood ran cold.

Ran staggered back, horror washing over his face. "De... demon!"

Pinned to the tree was the pot-bellied man, broken, mangled, limbs twisted at impossible angles. His bloodied eyes were wide open.

He twitched, still breathing, and his cracked lips kept muttering the same word.

"De... De... mon..."

Code clamped a hand over his mouth, heart pounding.

Then, the sound came again.

Thud!

"What the hell..." Darian whispered, stepping back.

Boom! Boom!

Heavy footsteps echoed through the forest. Slow, thunderous, and impossibly close.

"De... De... mon..."