The trail's end was drawing near. Orpheus could feel it in the subtle change in the air, in the way the giant trees began to thin, allowing occasional glimpses of a distant skyline dotted with gothic spires that seemed to pierce the dark sky. The group walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, when a familiar figure materialized before them as if emerging from the very shadows.
Zack.
His black, bottomless eyes contrasted sharply with the red light of the moon filtering through the trees' orange leaves. There was no surprise on his face at seeing the group—as if he knew exactly where they would be and when they would arrive.
His gaze, however, fixed immediately on K.
"You will die," he said without preamble, his voice calm and factual as if remarking on the weather. "Tobi already knows who you are. Even if you run, he will find you."
A chill ran down K's spine. It wasn't just the content of the words that terrified her, but the absolute certainty with which they were spoken—as if Zack were describing something that had already happened, not a future possibility.
"Your only option is to stay with us," he continued, not as an offer of protection but as a statement of an inevitable fact.
K swallowed hard, aware of the group's eyes on her. Part of her wanted to refuse, to flee as far as possible from this man whose name was whispered with terror across the known world. But another part—the rational part that had survived so many years as a mercenary—knew he was right. If Tobi had marked her, her chances alone were practically nil.
"All right," she agreed at last, her voice firmer than she felt inside.
Orpheus, watching the interaction closely, noticed the tension in K's body—the way her red eyes avoided direct contact with Zack's, the almost imperceptible tremor in her hands.
"K," he said gently, "you don't have to pretend. If you don't want to come with us, I understand."
The mercenary looked at the boy, surprised by his perception and empathy. For a moment she considered being honest—telling him about her fear, about what she really knew of Zack. But then her eyes met Zack's again, those black abysses that seemed to absorb light itself, and the words died in her throat.
"It's fine," she lied. "I'll go with you."
Zack watched the exchange with a neutral expression, then said something that surprised everyone:
"I only invited her because Orpheus asked," he revealed, his tone casual as if commenting on something trivial. "He told me she helped him on the mission, that she's strong and a good person."
K blinked, genuinely surprised. She looked at Orpheus, who seemed slightly embarrassed but didn't deny his master's words. Something inside her warmed a little—she hadn't expected the boy to speak well of her to Zack, much less for the feared Hunter of the Black Eyes to value his apprentice's opinion.
"Why are you here?" she asked abruptly, mustering courage. "Why is the Hunter of the Black Eyes on the Red Continent?"
A heavy silence fell over the group. The elders, Matheus and Loren, exchanged confused looks—they clearly didn't know the title. Orpheus seemed proud, as if his master's nickname were a badge of honor rather than terror.
Zack studied K for a long moment before replying.
"I came to fetch something that belongs to me," he said finally. "And since you're part of the group now, it's good you know at least that."
"What?" K pressed, seizing the opening. "What are you here to fetch?"
Zack simply ignored her and turned to Orpheus. "How was handling that creature? Did you use the technique I taught you?"
Orpheus's face brightened instantly; all previous seriousness gave way to a youthful enthusiasm that reminded K how young he really was.
"It was amazing, master!" he exclaimed, gesturing excitedly. "I used the Dog's Blood technique exactly as you taught me. The creature was huge, with tentacles and a child's voice—truly the most terrifying thing I've heard—but I didn't back down!"
Zack smiled—a genuine smile that softened his harsh features and made him look almost… human.
"I knew you could do it," he said, ruffling Orpheus's hair in an affectionate gesture that left K agape. "You've always been a quick student."
"And did you see how I used the Coyote katana?" Orpheus continued, practically bouncing with excitement. "That move you said I'd never master? I did it! I cut three tentacles at once!"
Zack laughed—a surprisingly warm sound from someone with such a sinister reputation. "I'm proud of you, boy."
K watched the interaction with mounting perplexity. This was not what she had expected. There was no obvious manipulation, no sinister mind control or coercion. What she saw was… affection. Genuine, unmistakable affection between master and apprentice. Zack truly cared for Orpheus.
"And did you know your head is worth a billion gold coins?" Orpheus asked excitedly. "That's amazing! You must be the most dangerous man in the world!"
Zack raised an eyebrow; his smile vanished. "And how exactly did you learn that?"
Orpheus froze, realizing his mistake too late. Zack turned slowly to K, and she felt her blood run cold.
"You been sharing stories, K?" he asked, his voice dangerously soft.
"I… I just…" she stammered.
To her surprise, Zack only shook his head, an ironic smile playing at his lips. "Well, at least you got the price right. Last time I checked, they were only offering nine hundred million."
Orpheus exploded into laughter, and after a moment of shock, K allowed herself a tentative smile. The tension eased slightly, and the group continued toward the city, Zack now leading the way.
The first full view of the Red City took everyone's breath away. Even K, who had traveled extensively across the known world, had never seen anything like it.
The city rose like an otherworldly vision—a gothic metropolis of black and gray stone, with tall, pointed towers that seemed to stab at the perpetually dark sky. The streets were paved with black stone, each slab meticulously engraved with eye symbols that seemed to watch passersby. Statues bearing the same eye motif stood everywhere, creating an unnerving sense of constant surveillance.
Houses and buildings were built in an exaggerated gothic style, with pointed arches, decorative gargoyles, and stained glass depicting people in prayer and children contemplating the stars. The light filtering through those windows cast hypnotic patterns on the streets below.
But what truly dominated the skyline were the churches—or temples, as Zack called them. Monumental structures that made the most imposing cathedrals of the outer world look like modest chapels by comparison. Each was adorned with Void symbols—black clouds surrounding a giant eye—and depictions of an armored figure with red eyes that Zack identified as Skull.
"That's the Temple of the Void," he said, pointing to the most imposing structure at the city's center—a colossal building of gold and red stone that gleamed beneath the moonlight. "The largest temple in the world, built more than two thousand years ago."
The entire city was lit by an elaborate system of blue lights emanating from the ground, creating an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection that permeated everything. There were no street lamps as in other cities; all wiring ran underground, allowing the gothic architecture to dominate the landscape without modern interruptions.
"Why is it so dark?" Loren asked, looking up at the sky. "Is it always night here?"
"Yes," Zack replied. "The Red Continent never sees sunlight. Only perpetual darkness relieved by the blood moon."
As if responding to the mention of its name, the moon seemed larger and redder here, dominating the sky like a bleeding eye watching the city below. Its crimson light bathed everything, accentuating the gothic architecture and creating deep shadows that seemed to move with a life of their own.
"But look up," Zack continued, his face lit by the red glow. "This is the only place on Earth where the stars are truly visible."
Everyone raised their eyes and was astonished. The sky above the Red City was breathtaking—bright constellations, colorful nebulas, and even what looked like other galaxies were clearly visible, as if the veil between this world and the cosmos were thinner here.
"It's… beautiful," the old woman whispered, her wrinkled face softened by wonder.
As they walked the city's streets, the group began to notice the inhabitants. Monks in loose red robes, with shaved heads and gaunt bodies, moved silently among ordinary citizens. All, without exception, had eyes of an intense red that glowed in the dim light like rubies.
"They're the Vermilion," Zack explained. "Natives of the Red City. Fervent devotees of Skull and Visão."
"Visão?" Orpheus asked, curious.
Zack pointed to the giant-eye symbol decorating a nearby temple. "The supreme deity, represented as the all-seeing eye. Skull is regarded as its general, sent to judge and inspire fear."
K noticed that, despite the somber atmosphere and intimidating architecture, the city had an undeniable beauty. Cherry trees and red-leafed trees were planted on every corner, and lakes and rivers wound through the urban fabric, reflecting the blue lights and the red moon on their surfaces.
The population was surprisingly diverse—people of every conceivable ethnicity living side by side, united only by the characteristic red eyes and their devotion to the Void. Everyone was armed—swords, knives, bows—reflecting a highly militarized society constantly prepared for combat.
But the most surprising thing happened when people began to notice Zack—or more specifically, his black eyes.
The reaction was immediate and shocking. Folks stopped what they were doing to stare. Some approached hesitantly, as if they couldn't believe their eyes. Others dropped to their knees spontaneously, murmuring prayers in a language K didn't recognize.
"What's happening?" Matheus whispered, clearly uncomfortable with the attention.
"Black eyes are extremely rare," Zack explained calmly, as if he weren't being treated like a walking deity. "Here, those born like that are considered messiahs of the Void, Visão, and Skull."
"Messiahs?" K repeated, incredulous.
"While in the rest of the world we're hunted like animals," Zack added, an ironic smile playing on his lips. "The Red City is a refuge for people like me."
Orpheus watched everything with growing admiration and pride. His master—the man who had trained and protected him for years—was being treated with the reverence he had always believed he deserved.
"One day," he told K in a low voice, "I'll be like him. And the world will respect me the same way."
K didn't answer, still processing the complete reversal in how Zack was received. The man who was the most-wanted criminal in the world, a feared killer across the land, was here worshiped like a messianic figure.
Even more surprising was the change in Zack himself. His usual tense, vigilant posture had visibly relaxed. He smiled—not the calculated, cold smile he sometimes used in negotiations, but a genuine smile that lit his face. He looked… happy. As if he were home.
When they reached a central square dominated by a colossal statue of Visão's eye, Zack turned to the group.
"K, I want you to sweep the area," he instructed. "Make sure there are no immediate threats."
K nodded, secretly relieved to have a task that temporarily removed her from Zack's side.
"Orpheus, take the group to the Hotel Lua Carmesim," he continued, pointing to an elegant building across the square. "Stay with them the whole time."
"Yes, master," Orpheus replied promptly.
"And you?" K asked before she could stop herself.
"I'm going to the Holey Mug Bar to meet Tobi," Zack answered. "After you finish your sweep, join me there."
K blinked in surprise. Zack was treating her as an equal—trusting her with an important task and then expecting her to join him for what would presumably be a consequential meeting with Tobi. Despite everything she knew about him, she couldn't help feeling a swell of pride.
"Understood," she said, keeping her voice neutral.
Zack nodded and turned to leave, but stopped and looked back one last time.
"K," he called, "be careful. The Red City may seem welcoming to visitors, but it has its dangers."
With that he moved off, disappearing into the crowd that immediately parted to give him way—many still bowing or trying to touch his robes as he passed.
The Holey Mug Bar was exactly the sort of establishment its name suggested—a place where secrets, reputations, and occasionally people were pierced and drained like cheap beer mugs. But its appearance was far more impressive than the name implied.
Built in an extreme gothic style, the bar occupied what had once been a chapel. Pointed arches supported a high ceiling painted with frescoes depicting ancient battles between red-eyed warriors and creatures of darkness. Decorative gargoyles perched on column ledges, watching patrons with expressions frozen in malicious smiles or grimaces of pain.
Lighting came from forged-iron chandeliers and lanterns of blue flame, creating a hypnotic play of light and shadow that danced across the dark stone walls. Massive carved wooden tables filled the main space, each surrounded by high-backed chairs that resembled miniature thrones.
The bar counter itself was a work of art—a single slab of black petrified wood, polished to an obsidian shine, carved with scenes of ancient battles and forgotten rituals. Behind it, shelves displayed an impressive collection of bottles holding liquids of every imaginable color—some glowing from within, others emitting smoke or slowly changing hue.
The decor was completed by human skulls and those of unknown creatures—some turned into mugs or lamps, others simply arranged on shelves like silent trophies of untold stories.
The bar was crowded when Zack entered; the clatter of mugs, loud conversations, and occasional bursts of laughter created a cacophony that contrasted with the gloomy atmosphere outside. Card games were underway at several tables, high stakes won and lost in seconds.
Behind the counter stood Vex—a tall, thin man with intense red eyes that seemed to glow in the dim light. Bald, with ritual tattoos covering his skull and neck, he wore a leather apron over plain black clothes. His hands moved with uncanny precision as he mixed drinks, never spilling a drop.
On a small stage in the corner, Lyra sang a melancholic ballad about lovers separated by the Void. She was a slim, elegant woman with one red eye and one green, dressed in a long black silk gown embroidered with silver. Her silver hair fell in waves to her waist, and a curved ceremonial dagger hung at her hip. Her voice was hypnotic, causing even the loudest players to quiet down to listen.
At a table near the bar, Mira dominated a card game, her face marked by almost symmetrical scars and impassive as she collected another round of bets. A solidly built woman with eyes of an almost luminescent blue, she wore reinforced leather garments in dark blue and black. Her black hair was cropped short and practical, and a pair of ornate pistols etched with runes on their barrels lay within reach on the table.
When Zack entered, silence spread through the bar like a wave, beginning at the door and sweeping until only Lyra's ethereal voice floated over the hush like a ghostly thread.
Vex was the first to react, a wide smile spreading across his tattooed face. "By Visão's eyes," he murmured, though he made no move to leave behind the counter.
Zack ignored the stares, his black eyes scanning the room until they found what he sought—Tobi, sitting alone at a table near the bar, facing the entrance.
The Hunter looked exactly as before—large English-style coat, white dress shirt, black trousers, impeccably polished shoes, immaculate white gloves, and the signature red hat with a black band. A cigarette hung casually from his lips, smoke rising in lazy spirals.
Zack walked toward him deliberately, each step echoing in the tense silence that had taken hold of the bar. All eyes followed his path—some fearful, some reverent, others hungry with curiosity.
When he reached Tobi's table, Zack stopped. The two stared at each other in silence for a moment that felt endless. Zack's black, Void-deep eyes met Tobi's stormy blue ones, cold as a sea on a storm day.
The tension was palpable, dense as the mist that sometimes covered the Red Continent. Some of the more nervous patrons slipped away discreetly, anticipating imminent violence.
Then, to everyone's shock, the tension dissolved instantly as Zack and Tobi rose and embraced like old friends, laughing and clapping each other on the back with genuine warmth.
"You black-eyed bastard," Tobi cried, his jaunty voice echoing through the still bar. "How long has it been!"
"Too long, you hired killer," Zack replied, a real smile lighting his usually severe face.
They sat, and Zack motioned to Vex, who immediately began preparing drinks with no request needed.
Gradually, conversation resumed around the bar, though many eyes stayed fixed on the unlikely pair. Lyra resumed her song, now a ballad about friendships forged in blood and inevitable betrayals, her ethereal voice hanging over the scene like an omen.
Vex personally brought the drinks—two goblets of a dark red liquid that seemed to absorb the surrounding light, served in meticulously polished human skulls repurposed as chalices.
"To old friendship," Tobi toasted, raising his skull-cup.
"And to old enemies," Zack finished, clinking his cup against Tobi's with a sound like bones snapping.
As the two leaned close, speaking intently to keep their conversation private, Mira watched with her supernatural blue eyes, a knowing smile playing across her scarred lips. Lyra kept singing, but her heterochromatic eyes never left the table where the two Hunters conferred. And Vex, carefully polishing a glass with a rag that looked suspiciously like cured human hide, observed everything with the expression of someone who knew far more than he would ever reveal.
The Holey Mug Bar went on with its night as usual, but something had shifted. A new story was being written, and everyone there knew—somehow—that they were witnessing something significant, even if none could predict exactly what would come next.