Lenquartika was a vast and diverse realm, rich with lush forests, flowering mountains, and sparkling rivers. At its heart, nestled in the far west, stood Dustrik, the ancient and illustrious capital. Its name echoed through time as the most historical city in the world, a title earned during the golden era when the Dustrik royal family defeated a shadow that once threatened the entire kingdom.
Among Dustrik's revered monuments stood the grand church, the court of justice, and the majestic royal castle—home to Princess Rose Dustrik, a member of the ruling bloodline whose name was carried by all her noble relatives.
Servant: "Your Highness… a letter. A letter for you."
Princess Rose Dustrik, 27, sat gracefully upon her throne, one leg crossed over the other. Her long, light-brown hair cascaded to her back, ending in gentle helices, and her almond-shaped hazel eyes could pierce through armor—or hearts.
Rose: "Inform all the captains about the mission... except for Hayato. Let Marigold handle that disgusting man."
Servant: "As you wish."
The disdain in her voice was unmistakable—Rose loathed Hayato Seishii from the depths of her soul.
The letter's contents were troubling. In the northwestern region of Lenquartika, rumors of suspicious activity had begun to spread. Civilians in Triganoc, a city north of Dustrik, were growing uneasy. To the west of Triganoc loomed the jagged mountains of Anazula, a lawless, uncharted region known grimly as No Man's Land.
That night, under the weight of moonlight and silence, Jiro was sparring with Hayato in the royal training grounds.
Hayato: "Good, Jiro. You've nearly perfected your body application. But don't get complacent. You're not there yet. Keep pushing. No soft spots in your training."
Hayato turned to glance at his student—sharp-eyed, ever vigilant—but his gaze softened as he noticed Jiro's hand resting against his chest.
Hayato: "Are you worried about your demon?"
Jiro hesitated, his brow furrowed in uncertainty.
Jiro: "Yeah… quite a bit. Can I really live a normal life with that thing inside me? I know I could try to dominate her, but… I'm weak."
Hayato: "Then why not talk to her?"
Jiro: "What do you mean? I… I can't just talk to her whenever I want. Can I?"
Hayato: "It's a mutual bond. If she wants to talk to you—and you want to talk to her—you can. But remember: you're reaching into your unconscious mind. She'll appear in a dream… which means you'll faint in the real world."
Jiro: "And how do I reach out?"
Hayato: "Relax your body. Close your eyes. Focus… and say her name."
A long pause.
Jiro: "…Au…ro…ra."
As her name left his lips, Jiro collapsed.
When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in the training grounds. He stood barefoot on warm sand, the rhythmic sound of waves crashing nearby. The golden light of dusk painted the sky in shades of burnt orange and soft lavender. He was on a beach—or something like it.
As he walked forward, the salty breeze brushing his cheeks, he spotted a woman sitting atop a massive rock, gazing out at the ocean's endless horizon. Her hair flowed in the wind, swaying with the same rhythm as the tide. From either side of her head curved two dark, obsidian horns.
Her eyes—light purple and glowing—were calm yet piercing. She wore a simple T-shirt and very short shorts, her bare feet sunk into the rock's sun-warmed surface.
Jiro slowed, awestruck, unsure whether to speak or simply marvel.
She tilted her head toward him, expression unreadable—her glowing eyes sharp with something between curiosity and quiet menace.
Jiro: "Hey! Are you… Aurora?"
The woman didn't even flinch. Her glowing lavender eyes drifted toward him like storm clouds slowly recognizing a threat. Then, without hesitation—
Aurora: "I hate you to the core."
The words hit Jiro like a slap. He froze mid-step, stunned by the cold hostility in her voice—yet it remained eerily calm, like a blade held steady at his throat.
Jiro: "What… what did I ever do to deserve that?"
Aurora: "Typical human," she muttered, her voice devoid of emotion. "You ask as if this bond is something you understand. Let me simplify it for you: you are the only thing standing between me and my freedom. And the worst part? If you die, I die too. So now I'm shackled inside your pathetic subconscious—forced to protect the very parasite that imprisons me. Talk about a pain in the ass."
Though every word she said was drenched in contempt, she never once raised her voice. Her fury simmered beneath a surface of unnatural calm.
Jiro: "But why me? Why are you inside of me to begin with? I don't even remember meeting you…"
Aurora turned her gaze back to the horizon.
Aurora: "That's a story for another time. Or maybe never. Leave. Don't return unless I invite you."
Only then did she finally face him fully—her sharp, beautiful features now framed with disdain.
Jiro's shoulders slumped. He had come hoping for understanding, maybe even some kind of connection. But all he received was rejection… and a warning.
Aurora: "Oh, and one more thing…"
She stepped closer, her shadow stretching toward him like a coiled predator.
Aurora: "Don't expect me to be your helpful little companion. If I ever get the chance to take over your body—your soul—I will. No hesitation."
Her voice was soft. Final.
And with that, Jiro's surroundings dissolved into darkness.
Jiro awoke with a sharp gasp. He was lying on the cold stone floor of the training grounds, the dim torchlight flickering above him.
Hayato stood nearby, arms crossed.
Hayato: "It's 3 a.m. You're awake. Did you speak to her?"
Jiro nodded slowly. His expression said more than words could. There was no triumph in his eyes—only confusion and the weight of disillusionment.
Jiro: "I think… she hates me. And I don't know why."
Hayato raised an eyebrow.
Jiro: "I never even met her before all this. But she looked at me like I was the worst thing that ever happened to her."
Hayato: "And you thought she'd greet you with a hug?" Hayato scoffed. "That demon—Aurora—was never on your side. She's dangerous. I wanted you to meet her so you'd stop fantasizing about making peace. She's not your friend, Jiro. She's your prisoner. And she knows it."
Jiro fell silent. His idealistic hope—that he could reason with anyone, even a demon—crumbled beneath the weight of Hayato's words.
Hayato: "And another thing. Don't talk to anyone about her. Not a word."
Jiro: "Why not? What kind of trouble would that bring?"
Hayato's tone turned grim.
Hayato: "Demons are outlawed in Lenquartika. If you're caught hosting one, it's an automatic execution. No trial. No mercy. And remember… if the host dies, the demon dies too. So she will protect you—just enough to keep herself alive."
Jiro: "…Understood."
Hayato: "Good. Now get some sleep. It's late, and you've got training tomorrow."
As the night deepened, the palace returned to silence. Every team member had already retreated to their assigned quarters.
There were rooms in abundance—spacious, well-furnished, and more than enough for everyone. But for reasons known only to herself, Hilary had chosen to sleep in the same room as Samuel.
No one questioned it aloud. Not yet.
Then, early one morning, as the first light pierced the sky over Hayato's estate…
A guest arrived.
Marigold: "I always get confused... is this a royal castle or just Hayato's house?"
Her voice echoed lightly as she stepped through the tall gates, accompanied by Yuzu and Tetsu—both now fully recovered from their brutal battle against Haruka. Their injuries had healed, but the memories hadn't.
Normally, it was Daphne who greeted visitors at Hayato's mansion. But today, for reasons unknown, Samuel opened the door.
Samuel: "Welcome. This way, please."
He led them to the salon, where Hayato sat quietly—arms crossed, his gaze already set on Marigold with unconcealed irritation.
Marigold: "I see I'm not exactly welcome here…"
Her voice faltered slightly under Hayato's cold stare, but she kept her posture upright.
Marigold: "Regardless, an official mission has come down for us captains. The queen has instructed me to bring you with us."
Hayato raised a single eyebrow, unimpressed and unmoved.
Hayato: "And why the hell should I care what that bitch orders? I'm not bound to any royal leash. If this mission doesn't benefit me, I won't move a finger."
The room fell uncomfortably silent. Even Hayato's team—accustomed to his bluntness—shifted awkwardly. Marigold, however, tried to remain composed, despite a flicker of tension in her expression.
Marigold: "It's a reconnaissance mission. The queen wants us to begin exploring Anazula—No Man's Land…"
Hayato: "That's enough."
He stood up slowly, not in aggression, but with an unsettling stillness.
Hayato: "I'm not going there. I don't care who commands it. And if any of you are suicidal enough to follow her, then go ahead. But don't expect me to save you. I won't even come to collect your corpses."
He said it so calmly, so matter-of-factly, it unsettled everyone—except Daphne, who simply watched in silence, her eyes narrowed.
Marigold: "So… should I report that you and your team refused the mission?"
Hayato: "I refuse. They're free to make their own choices."
He turned to his team, his voice suddenly sharper.
Hayato: "If anyone wants to go, raise your hand."
To Marigold's—and even Hayato's—surprise, every single hand went up.
Hayato: "There's your answer, gold girl."
Marigold let out a soft chuckle, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
Marigold: "It's settled then. Thank you for your time."
As she turned to leave, Yuzu stepped forward.
Yuzu: "A moment, Miss."
Marigold: "Yes?"
Yuzu and Tetsu knelt down in unison before Hayato, their voices full of sincerity.
Yuzu & Tetsu: "Thank you for saving our lives, Mister Hayato. We owe you everything."
Hayato sighed, unamused, but stepped forward and placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
Hayato: "No need to thank me. Just take care of each other."
He turned away, his back to the room, and addressed his team one last time.
Hayato: "Get ready for the mission. But try not to die."
He paused, then added without turning around:
Hayato: "I meant what I said. I won't come looking for your bodies."
His words carried no warmth—only something cold and distant, edged with something deeper. None of them dared question it. Not even Daphne, though her eyes lingered on him longer than the rest.
There was something off.
And she knew it.
Hayato: "By the way, gold girl... Let headquarters know I'll be gone for a few days. I'm heading to Dominica."
Marigold: "Sorry, but my curiosity spiked... Are we talking about Demonica, the land of the vampires? The country located south of The Canyon—which is already south of our own?"
Hayato: "Yes. That's exactly it."
Marigold: "Shouldn't you at least bring some bodyguards with you?"
Hayato turned to face her, a sharp, arrogant spark dancing in his eyes.
Hayato: "And who do you think you're talking to?"
Without further warning, he projected a wave of quartz energy toward her. The force was overwhelming—dense, crushing, and heavy with authority. Marigold had no chance to brace herself. The impact drove her to her knees, her arms trembling slightly as she resisted its full weight. She gritted her teeth and stared at the floor, frustration rising.
Marigold: "There's no point arguing with you... You're too strong to resist anyway. I'll pass your message to HQ."
She stood slowly, brushing off her clothes.
Marigold: "We'll meet tomorrow with everyone participating in the mission in front of the Royal Dustrik Family's Castle, located at the heart of Dustrik. Please be there at 8 a.m."
Hayato's house was also located in Dustrik, as he was the regional protector assigned by royal order—like every other captain who oversaw a designated region of Lenquartika.
Several hours later, preparations for departure were complete. Though the destination, Anazula, was a snow-laden wasteland, everyone wore gear suited for combat over comfort.
Daphne was the first to appear, clad in a long, elegant black dress with subtle silver arcane runes etched across the hem, shimmering faintly in the light. A fox-fur scarf was draped around her neck, and she wore short, pointed black-heeled boots, her outfit flowing gracefully with each step.
Hilary had chosen the same design in a deep green variant, her dress laced with glowing gold runes and paired with beige-heeled boots. She looked equally regal, and the contrast between the two was striking.
Samuel stood tall in a sleek black coat, accented with delicate gold embroidery that lined the sleeves and collar. His eyes were sharp, his stance disciplined—clearly ready for what lay ahead.
The younger boys wore practical travel clothes: light combat t-shirts, baggy pants designed for ease of movement, and well-worn sneakers meant for agility and endurance. Jiro stood out among them, his double axes strapped firmly across his back, their handles peeking over his shoulders like crossed wings.
Just as the team began gathering outside, the sound of boots against polished stairs echoed through the mansion.
Hayato descended, and everyone turned to look.
He was wearing an olive suit, immaculately tailored to trace every line of his muscular frame. He carried no bags—only his weapon: a massive 1,000 kg scythe, strapped to his back, held in place not by physical bindings but by the sheer force of quartz energy radiating from his spine and shoulders. The energy crackled faintly, coiled like an invisible serpent, keeping the weight afloat as if gravity had simply given up.
For a brief second, no one spoke. The air was heavy with awe.
Daphne stepped toward Jiro and Akihiko, lowering her voice so only they could hear her.
Daphne: "Hey boys, you've learned the basics of quartz energy over the past week, haven't you? Good. Use it now—on your eyes. Tell me what you see."
She wasn't trying to flex Hayato's power. This was a test—to see if they were truly ready for what awaited them in Anazula. She needed to be sure.
Jiro and Akihiko focused, channeling quartz energy into their vision. Their pupils glowed faintly as their perception shifted.
Both froze.
Behind Hayato, glowing like a sun trapped under his skin, was an immense surge of raw quartz energy—a dense field actively holding the impossibly heavy scythe in place.
Akihiko: "...The fuck is wrong with this guy? Why would anyone load quartz energy into a weapon like that?"
In less than a second, Hayato disappeared from their field of view—and suddenly reappeared behind Akihiko, leaning in just close enough to speak with a dark grin on his face.
Hayato: "What's that, hysterical kid?"
Hayato placed both hands firmly on Akihiko's shoulders, locking him in place. The young man immediately tensed, unable to move.
Akihiko: "You dumbass—get off of me."
Hayato: "Who are you calling a dumbass, idiot...?"
His grip remained steady, yet effortless. It wasn't violent—but it didn't need to be. His presence alone was enough to weigh Akihiko down.
Standing off to the side, Samuel and Hilary watched the scene unfold with lifeless expressions.
Hilary: "Sometimes I wonder why this guy's our leader..."
Samuel: "...And then you remember he beat all five of us without even trying."
Hilary sighed. No one argued.
They left the house soon after.
Outside, as they walked toward their rendezvous point, Hayato turned to the group for one final remark.
Hayato: "I really didn't want any of you to go there… but I know I can't change your minds now."
He stopped walking for a second and looked over his shoulder.
Hayato: "Just a bit of advice... If you ever feel overwhelmed by a massive surge of quartz energy—don't look back. Just run."
Before anyone could respond, he turned and vanished into the distance.
The five members of Hayato's team continued on foot and eventually reached the meeting point: the castle gates of the Royal Dustrik Family, where others had already gathered.
They immediately spotted familiar faces.
Marigold, flanked by Yuzu and Tetsu, stood confidently near the entrance. The three of them had already confirmed their participation in the mission.
Among them stood a new girl, roughly the same age as Jiro and Akihiko. She had a distinct charm: long, light pink hair that fell down her back, and striking gold-colored eyes that shimmered even in the shade.
Her white dress was clean and simple, though a daring slit on one side revealed a bit of her leg, subtly contrasting her otherwise petite, youthful appearance. She wore a pair of sandals—practical and perfectly fitting for someone her age.
Marigold: "So, the five of you actually came… but I see Hayato stayed true to his word."
From behind her came a snide voice:
Arthur: "Well, if it isn't the loser squad. Try not to slow us down during the mission."
Daphne: "Always such a welcoming atmosphere with you, Arthur… It's comforting to know that none of you have even a shred of basic honor."
Arthur clicked his tongue, clearly irritated, but said nothing in return. His glare lingered on Daphne, though he didn't challenge her further.
Just then, the crowd quieted as a figure stepped onto the balcony above them.
It was Princess Rose—poised and radiant in her ceremonial dress, framed by the banners of Dustrik flapping gently in the wind.
Rose: "Now, now... let's calm the spirits down, shall we?"
Her voice was smooth, commanding, but kind.
Rose: "Let me explain the mission. Last week, I received an anonymous letter warning of suspicious quartz activity in the western mountains—specifically in Anazula, the no man's land."
"As you all know, no one should even be there."
She paused, letting her words hang in the air.
Rose: "Your mission is to investigate the region. If you find culprits using quartz energy illegally, arrest them. If it's just monsters—slay them all."
"You'll depart at first light tomorrow. Until then, you're free to rest or prepare."
"Remember—hunters are the future and hope of our beloved nation, Lenquartika. Every citizen is counting on you to bring us clarity and success."
A roar of cheers erupted behind them.
Unnoticed until now, a crowd had gathered just outside the castle square—common citizens, traders, and soldiers alike, all cheering and praising the princess as if she were a living saint.
Jiro and Akihiko exchanged glances, both confused.
Jiro: "Hey… Akihiko."
Akihiko: "What?"
Jiro: "Why do they idolize her so much? Isn't she just a princess?"
Before Akihiko could respond, a soft voice cut in from behind them.
???: "She's so popular because she genuinely loves and cares about this country… and its people."
They turned around to see the pink-haired girl speaking proudly, her eyes glowing with quiet conviction.
Akihiko, clearly annoyed that someone had inserted themselves into the conversation without invitation, frowned.
Akihiko: "...And who the hell are you?"
The girl stuck out her tongue playfully and winked, flashing a double peace sign with both hands.
Maëlie: "Oops! I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Maëlie Emerald, Class C hunter from Marigold's team. Nice to meet you both!"
Her cheerful, carefree demeanor cut through the tension like a fresh breeze. She seemed like a respectful and friendly young hunter… but could she really be trusted?