THE SACRIFICE
Mount Kailash – 24th June 1904
In the snow-covered mountains where Lord Shiva is believed to reside, a young boy climbed steadily through the frost-bitten path. The wind howled, and ice cracked beneath his feet. He was close—so close—to reaching the summit. His breath steamed in the cold air. Every step now was a test of will.
15th August 1784 — Osaka, Japan
It was the day a boy, destined to die, was born.
The church stood silent under grey skies. Inside, only one man knelt before the statue of Jesus—Mr. Okaku. His eyes were closed in prayer, until hurried footsteps echoed down the cold corridor.
"Sister Lilly?" he called out. "Why are you running?"
The nun didn't answer. She grabbed his arm and led him to a small, dim room. On the bed lay his wife, pale and weak, cradling a newborn child.
"It's a boy," Sister Lilly whispered.
Mr. Okaku stood still—his heart torn between joy and dread. A soft smile crept across his face, but his eyes trembled.
"Sister… can you wait for me outside the church?" he asked quietly.
Once alone, he knelt beside his wife and gently helped her sit up. His voice was low, steady.
"You know what will happen. But I will try my best to stop it, my love."
Those were the last words she would ever hear.
A sharp red blade pierced her from behind.
Blood spread across the sheets as her body went limp. Standing behind her, in the faint candlelight—was a demon.
Mr. Okaku rose slowly, his eyes fixed on the creature.
He was ready.
Mr. Okaku held the baby close, his body trembling from exhaustion and fear. The flickering candlelight danced across his bloodstained hands. With a voice filled with desperation, he whispered a final prayer:
"God of the heavens, creator of this world—oh my Jesus, help us save this innocent child."
Clutching the silver cross from his chain, he pressed it against the demon's chest.
With a flash of blinding light, the demon shrieked—its body splitting apart and scattering into ash.
But the silence didn't last.
A shadow emerged from the corridor. Tall, calm, and terrifying.
A voice echoed through the stone walls."Rin Okaku… there's nothing you can do now. Leave the child. Save yourself. You already lost your life the moment you betrayed us."
It wasn't just another demon.This was a man—a human—but one who bore the terrifying backing of Lucifer himself.
Rin Okaku didn't hesitate. He turned, using the last of his strength to dash toward the church's entrance. His robes were torn, his body bleeding, but he made it.
Barely.
He collapsed at the doorway, handing the baby into Sister Lilly's arms.
"Run," he whispered.
Then he stood again—blood dripping from his mouth—as he faced the figure walking calmly toward him.
A mere human against the will of the Demon King.
There was no battle.
Only death.
Mr. Okaku was struck down brutally, his body falling limp in the doorway of the sacred church. But his sacrifice bought something greater than time—it bought hope.
Lucifer had gained nothing.What he wanted wasn't the man.
It was the newborn child to complete the CRIMSON CONTRACT
✦☩ Demon Contract ☩✦Since ancient times, demons have formed contracts with humans—considered the most efficient way for a demon to grow in power. Each contract's type and cost depends on the human's situation. Only Demon Kings can form high-ranking contracts, making them rare and dangerous.
✦☩ Crimson Contract ☩✦One of the five highest-tier demonic contracts. It is used specifically to revive a human, but the cost is always the life of another human—chosen by the demon. Once the deal is struck, it cannot be undone.
✦☩ Contract Penalty ☩✦If a demon fails to complete a contract within 150 years, the penalty is severe: the demon will die, and all of its powers will transfer to the human soul which had to be taken.
Leaves rustled as Sister Lilly sprinted through the forest, her breath sharp, her hands trembling around the newborn she held tightly against her chest.She clutched a letter in her palm—one written hastily by Rin Okaku before he died.
"Sister, I knew this day would come. I've already made arrangements.Don't worry about what to do.You must take the train from Osaka to Tokyo.A man will be waiting there for you.Thank you… for everything."
The train's engine hissed as it prepared to depart.Sister Lilly sat by the window, the baby wrapped securely in her shawl. Her fingers trembled with anxiety. She looked out, scanning every face, hoping to see someone—anyone—who might be her guide.
Before she could react, a group of teenage boys swaggered down the aisle toward her.
"Hey old lady," one of them sneered. "Give us all the money you've got. Or you'll regret it."
Her heart pounded. She was already in enough danger.But the truth was worse—she didn't have a single coin on her.
Just as one of the boys reached for her shawl, a commanding voice stopped them cold.
"Hello, Sister. Are you Sister Lilly?""I am Yamamoto Taira—a friend of Mr. Okaku."
The man stood tall and unshaken, his tone firm but respectful.The gang of youths froze.Then scattered.
The moment they heard the surname "Taira," their arrogance vanished—replaced by sheer terror. In Japan, no one crossed paths with the Taira Clan and lived comfortably.
Yamamoto Taira sat beside her and continued in a low, serious tone.
"Everything has been planned.I will take the child to China.He must be trained to fight demons.You, Sister, must live in India. It will confuse Lucifer, making him believe the child is with you.And one last thing—Mr. Okaku asked you to name the boy… if he died."
Sister Lilly went silent.
She looked down at the baby, now softly sleeping in her arms.Then, just as she opened her mouth to speak—
Her eyes rolled back. She fell into a sudden trance.
In a voice that didn't sound like hers, she whispered:
"Kaiser… the King of Shadows."
And just as quickly as it came, the trance faded. She blinked in confusion, then looked down.
The baby was smiling.
But his eyes…For a moment…They had turned pitch black.
✦☩ Taira Clan ☩✦One of Japan's most feared warrior bloodlines. Their influence spreads across regions and centuries. Known for their unmatched strength, honor, and a brutal history of warfare, even demons hesitate to cross them