Chapter 8: In Pursuit of the Map

Kurumi quietly packed her bag in her room at the cult house. A week had passed without her even realizing it; the days had blurred together until time itself felt meaningless. After closing the zipper, she paused and looked around. The room was dim as always, the walls cold and unwelcoming.

Amy was lying on the bed. Her small body shifted slightly as she breathed in short, gentle breaths. Kurumi leaned closer and stroked her head. Her fingers softened without her noticing. Then she placed a light kiss on Amy’s forehead.
It wasn’t a farewell—at least, it wasn’t meant to be—but it felt like one.

The moment she stepped out into the hallway, she saw Hu waiting for her. He was leaning against the wall, his doll weapons strapped forward, his posture clearly saying ready for the mission. His confident eyes examined her carefully.

“So,” Hu said with a faint grin.
“Are you ready?”

Kurumi looked at him. She couldn’t deny the hesitation inside her, but she had to make a good impression.

“Yes,” she said.
“I’m ready. I’ll do everything I can.”

Hu’s grin widened slightly. There was something reassuring in her voice.

They began walking through the long, narrow corridors of the cult house. Kurumi was lost in thought. This was her first mission, and the tension grew heavier with every step. She tried not to show it, but the unease inside her was slowly beginning to surface.

Once they stepped outside, Kurumi took a deep breath.

“Alright,” she said.
“This is going to be a long day.”

Hu placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry,” he said.
“We’re just finding the man who provides the map. Sae will handle the dirty work.”

Kurumi hesitated.

Sae… He was only twelve years old. And yet, the darkest tasks always fell to him. The thought unsettled her, but there was nothing she could do to change it.

They walked a little farther before Hu suddenly stopped. Kurumi turned to him.

“Why did we stop?”
“Is something wrong?”

Hu shook his head. He looked like he was waiting for someone.

“We’re meeting Sae here.”

Kurumi scanned the area. That was when she noticed someone on the rooftop.

White hair. Gray eyes. Long lashes framing a cold, emotionless gaze.

Sae.

He jumped down from the roof, landing almost silently. His movements were elegant and controlled. Without saying a word, he gave them a look that clearly meant follow me.

Kurumi felt uneasy about Sae’s icy demeanor.

They continued walking through the bleak streets of Ayannon. Hu broke the silence.

“We need to talk about the mission now, Sae.”

Sae glanced at Hu briefly, then looked forward again.

“You two will blend in with the spectators,” he said.
“Find the patron organizing this fighting event. Get information about the map. If they have it—”

He didn’t finish the sentence.

Kurumi let out a quiet breath. The idea of Sae entering a life-or-death fight disturbed her deeply.

Hu checked his bag and pulled out a small knife, handing it to Kurumi. She took it and nodded in thanks.

“Just in case,” Hu said.
“And don’t tell anyone you’re from Ayannon.”

That warning was common in Rune Land. Being from Ayannon was considered a sin—even within Ayannon itself. Rebel Ayannonians, especially, were killed on sight by Dravok forces.

Kurumi nodded, and they kept moving.

After a while, Sae raised his arm, signaling them to stop. Lost in thought, Kurumi didn’t notice and bumped straight into him. Sae turned to her with a serious expression.

Kurumi looked up.
“Sorry,” she said.
“I was distracted.”

Sae stared at the massive, ancient arena ahead of them. The walls were worn down, the stones marked by years of blood and violence. He raised a hand, signaling caution, then gestured for them to move.

They stopped in front of the arena gate. It creaked open slightly, and a head emerged from the darkness inside. One eye was injured, the teeth crooked—barely human in appearance.

“Name,” the man growled.

“Child Killer,” Sae replied.

A short silence followed. Then the gate opened fully.

Inside, Kurumi scanned the area. Everyone she saw was a potential opponent for Sae. Some sharpened their swords, others shoved knives into their mouths to clean them with their teeth. The sight was revolting, but she forced herself to focus.

Hu turned to her.
“Let’s go up and blend in with the spectators,” he said.
“The patron will have a lot of guards. It’ll be easier to find him this way.”

Kurumi nodded and followed him. The spectators looked just as dangerous as the fighters themselves.

After a while, Hu stopped.
“Here,” he said.
“Let’s watch Sae’s first fight.”

Kurumi looked down at the arena. She knew Sae was strong, but she wasn’t sure he could win this time. His opponents looked terrifying.

The announcer’s voice echoed through the arena.
“Before you—Hamis, one of Dravok’s infamous robbers! A man who steals both lives and coin!”

The crowd roared.

“And on the other side,” the announcer shouted,
“An Ayannonian brat! The Child Killer!”

Boos erupted. Insults were hurled alongside debris.

“Die!”
“Kill him!”
“You’ll be torn apart!”

Kurumi clenched her hands together.
“Come on, Sae,” she whispered.
“Don’t die…”

Hamis stood before Sae and removed the bandage from his eye. In its place was a small hollow.

“This wound,” he said with a grin,
“was given to me by an Ayannonian I chose not to kill. Ever since then, I’ve spared none of them.”

Sae stared at him with empty eyes.

“Your life story,” he said coldly,
“doesn’t mean shit. Die.”

He drew both daggers.

Hamis charged.

But Sae was gone.

A kick—Hamis staggered back.

Sae vanished again.

A dagger spun through the air and pierced Hamis’s skull. It didn’t go all the way through—he was still moving.

Sae kicked the dagger.

Metal crushed bone.

As Sae landed gracefully, Hamis’s body slowly collapsed to the ground.

The arena fell into a deep silence.

Even the announcer was stunned.
“And the winner… the Child Killer. Advancing to the next round.”

Hu nudged Kurumi.
“Come on,” he said.
“While everyone’s distracted, let’s keep looking for the patron.”

Kurumi stood up. As they moved through the crowd, Sae had already advanced to the next round.

And this was only the beginning.