There were many sounds in this world that could ruin a perfectly good day. The crunch of demon claws behind you. The whisper of a bounty poster being nailed to a tree with your face on it. Or my personal favorite, the cold, monotone voice of an omnipotent AI breaking your emotional stability.
[System alert: Mission override in progress.]
[New directive: Terminate the Demon Vessel to complete Mission 3.]
I froze mid-step.
"...Come again?" I whispered, hoping I misheard.
[Mission override confirmed. Objective: Eliminate Vessel—codename "Yan." Success will ensure host survival.]
"Wow. You really know how to kill the mood," I muttered
Yan glanced back from where he's scouting ahead. "What did you say?"
"Nothing! Just arguing with my invisible life coach again!"
He raisesd a brow. "Still losing?"
"Spectacularly," I said, forcing a grin that felt like it might crack my skull.
He chuckled softly and kept walking. Bloody traitor. Meanwhile, I was busy internally combusting.
