> "Rael-san, are you sure about this? Wouldn't it be better to wait until the event starts tomorrow and make our move then? The place should be less guarded."
Rael lowered his head, deep in thought. He knew Kirishima was right—this wasn't the most logical decision. But he couldn't just stand by knowing there were people, children, imprisoned here.
"Kirishima, you said that on the ship you overheard one of the leaders mention a possible invasion of the island. If that's true, then they might already know about me. That Draven guy definitely does, but he hasn't told the island's rulers yet. I'll act while there's still time," Rael said, his voice hardening with resolve.
"Fine then..."
-
When Rael arrived, the place looked ordinary enough—just another gray building among many. But after a few minutes of observation, he spotted people in chains being escorted inside.
Awakened ones patrolled the perimeter in casual rotation. Rael crouched in the shadows, choosing to observe for a while longer before making his move.
Just as he shifted positions, he sensed movement behind him.
"!!!"
He spun around and thrust his palm backward.
BAM!
His hand met another in midair—strong, but not overwhelming. A dark mist flared between them, and dozens of shadowy hands erupted from the air, enclosing him in a dark dome.
Rael responded instantly. Energy surged through his body, and he released a wave of repulsion, shattering the cocoon apart. Dust and wind burst outward as he glared at the cloaked figure in front of him.
"Who are you?" Rael's voice was cold, steady.
The figure gave off an unsettling aura—something twisted, tinged with death itself. Even without looking closely, Rael could feel it.
"Greetings," the man said smoothly, smiling beneath his hood. "No need to be hostile. I don't intend to harm you."
Rael narrowed his eyes. "You're saying that after attacking me?"
"Hahaha! Fair point," the man chuckled. "But I couldn't help myself—you give off a different kind of presence. I'm not your enemy."
"And why should I believe that?" Rael shifted into a fighting stance.
"Well…" The stranger lowered his hood.
The right side of his face was horrifying—rotted, burned, stitched together with dark threads.
"My name is Edward," he said with eerie politeness. "But among the Awakened, they call me... Reaper."
Rael kept his guard up but sensed no hostility now. The man's energy had calmed completely.
"I must admit, I'm impressed," Edward continued. "An Awakened your age blocking my attacks? Remarkable. I suspect you're here for the same reason I am. Why not cooperate?"
Rael frowned. "Same reason?"
"You want to get into that building, right? I have business inside as well. I can help you enter."
Rael stayed silent, weighing his options. Alone, the operation would be riskier and slower. And though Edward's presence was disturbing, he didn't seem to be lying.
Edward smiled faintly. "You don't have to trust me, but I wouldn't offer help if I were one of them."
"What do you have against them?" Rael asked. "Why are you going in there?"
"Well, it's simple." Edward's smile darkened. "They took my most precious treasures from me. They also took my self. All that remains is a cursed shell walking this world." He pointed to the dead side of his face.
Rael said nothing. The man's tone carried the weight of truth—and bitterness.
"Anyway, I'm looking for something," Edward continued. "An Energy Vein buried beneath this island. Once I destroy it, their little paradise will crumble."
"Energy Vein?" Rael asked. "What's that?"
Edward blinked in surprise. "You really don't know?"
Rael shook his head.
"This island feeds on an underground vein of pure energy. It's what allows the Awakened to increase their strength and use their powers so freely here. Cut it off, and the balance collapses."
"I see… My goal is to reach the prison area. We can cooperate—for now."
Edward nodded approvingly. "Wise choice. And your name?"
…
"Rael."
"Rael…" Edward repeated thoughtfully. "A familiar name, somehow."
"You know me?"
"No, no," Edward said with a faint grin. "But who knows—maybe we've crossed paths before."
...
"Anyway," Edward said after a pause, pulling out a small metal sphere. "This little beauty is a neutralization artifact. Once I throw it inside, everyone within range will lose consciousness. It won't last long, though—so we'll have to move quickly."
Rael nodded. "Fine."
—
At dawn, both men were ready. Concealing their presence as best they could, they moved silently toward the compound.
"How long do we have to keep that kid locked up down there?" one guard complained to another.
"Until tomorrow, I think. Those were the orders—"
BAM!
A faint thud echoed near their feet. The two guards looked down.
"Huh? Did you drop—?"
Before the sentence could finish, the sphere burst open, releasing a black mist that filled the corridor.
"Wha—We're under atta—!"
The guards collapsed before they could finish. Within seconds, the entire watch team was unconscious.
Rael and Edward entered, both wearing masks.
"Watch out!" Edward shouted.
A guard staggered toward them, still half-conscious. Rael grabbed his arm and slammed an elbow into his face. The man hit the wall and crumpled.
*BAM!*
They advanced through the hallways, Rael striking efficiently, Edward quietly disabling locks and barriers.
"I'll go after what I came for," Edward said. "You find the prison. I'll meet you there."
Rael nodded and moved deeper into the facility.
-
Minutes later, he found the cells.
"This is it," Rael muttered, scanning the rows of prisoners. "But moving all these people... it'll be tough."
Edward appeared behind him, frowning. "Wait—you're not seriously planning to free everyone, are you?"
"What's wrong with that?"
Edward sighed. "You don't even know why they're here."
"Do you?" Rael shot back. "Look at them. Some of them are kids. Tell me they deserve to be chained like this."
"Well…"
"Hey! Who the hell are you?... You don't look like those damn guards." a prisoner shouted from one of the cells. The others stirred, alarmed but curious.
'Big shots here?'
"What brought you all here?" Rael called out.
"Huh? What does that matter?" a woman snapped. "You people are with them, aren't you?"
"We're not," Rael replied calmly. "We're here to free you."
"Free us?" Confusion spread through the room.
A young boy in a separate cell stood up. His golden hair gleamed faintly under the dim lights.
"They're here because they're considered threats to Awakened society," the boy said evenly. "The Awakening Artifact isn't the only way to gain power—sometimes, other supernatural events cause it. Those who refuse to join the organizations are captured. Their fate… varies."
Rael glanced at him, curious. The boy's composure was unsettling—almost regal.
"Even if you try to free them, it won't be easy," Edward said. "Those cells nullify energy. The collars too. Moving everyone would be suicide."
Rael didn't reply. Instead, he walked to the nearest cell and covered his arms in a pale blue glow.
"Wait, what are you—"
BAM!
He tore the door open with his bare hands.
Everyone froze.
"How…?" Edward touched the metal and instantly felt his energy drain. His eyes widened.
"What are you waiting for?" Rael said sharply. "Move. All of you."
He broke open each cell one by one until all twenty-three prisoners were free.
> "Rael-san, people are approaching your position! You need to hurry!" Kirishima's voice echoed in his head.
Edward sensed them too. "They're coming, kid. Let's make a deal."
Rael frowned. "What deal?"
"I'll help you get these people out. In return, you owe me a favor."
Rael glared. "If you're thinking of using that for something—"
"Relax," Edward interrupted with a smile. "Nothing villainous. Just a small matter. So? Do we have a deal?"
Rael hesitated, then nodded. "Fine."
He turned toward the golden-haired boy's cell.
"I'll get you out too."
But the boy raised a hand. "No. I don't need rescuing. I'm not like them. I'll be released tomorrow—and don't worry, I won't say a word about this."
Rael paused, confused. Before he could reply, Edward's urgent voice broke in.
"They're right above us. Move!"
Footsteps thundered overhead. Rael turned to leave—but Reyna called softly:
"Before you go… tell me your name."
Rael met his gaze. "Rael."
"My name is Reyna. It's a pleasure to meet you, Rael-san. I'm sure we'll meet again."
"Boy!" Edward shouted.
The footsteps grew louder. Rael ran back to Edward's side just as darkness enveloped them and the freed prisoners.
The dome of shadows collapsed in on itself—
and they were gone.