The night had been eerie, unsettling—but now, dawn crept quietly into the healing chamber.
Kore's eyelids fluttered open. Her vision blurred for a moment as she took in her surroundings, confusion twisting in her chest.
Shin Yato wasn't there.
A cold spike of panic ran through her. Her body trembled, her hands shook—but no tears fell. Not yet.
The door slid open, and Saintess Kyria stepped inside. Her eyes widened at the sight of Kore's trembling form.
"Kore!" she exclaimed softly, hurrying forward. She wrapped her arms around the girl in a comforting hug, holding her close. "What happened? Don't be scared… everything is alright."
Her voice was gentle, warm, yet threaded with worry.
Kore's chest heaved slightly, but the presence of Kyria's arms, the sound of her calm voice, began to anchor her fear.
And then—
The door creaked again. Shin Yato entered, silent as a shadow.
The sight of him—the calm, unwavering figure beside the morning light—stilled Kore completely. Her panic faded. Her trembling ceased.
She looked at him. He looked at her. No words were needed.
Shin Yato stepped closer, his expression calm—almost too calm.
"Oh… you're awake, Kore!?" he said, voice soft but carrying a note of fake worry. "I was so worried."
He lingered beside her, hands idle at his sides. Kore blinked at him, confusion flickering in her eyes—but she didn't speak. She didn't react.
Saintess Kyria exhaled softly, relief washing over her. Kore was calm. Finally.
Kyria turned her gaze to Shin Yato for a brief second, measuring him, then looked back at Kore with a bright, comforting smile.
"You must be hungry," she said gently. "I'll go get something for you to eat."
She rose from her seat, her movements graceful, and stepped out of the healing chamber, leaving Kore and Shin Yato alone.
Shin Yato watched the door close behind Saintess Kyria. He moved quietly and sat down beside Kore.
"Hey… you woke up, Kore!?" he said, his voice calm, faintly laced with worry and relief.
Kore blinked, confused. She didn't say anything. She didn't move.
Shin Yato's eyes softened just a little — not genuinely, but enough to play the part.
Saintess Kyria let out a small sigh of relief, seeing Kore calm, and turned her attention to Shin Yato for a moment. Then she faced Kore again.
"You must be hungry," she said, her smile bright. "I'll go get something for you to eat."
With that, she stood and walked out of the healing chamber.
Shin Yato turned his gaze back to Kore, calm as ever, a small smile forming on his lips.
"I'm playing a roleplay game," he said softly. "Do you want to play?"
"Roleplay…?" Kore's voice trembled, and her body stiffened.
"Yes," Shin Yato replied evenly, his smile faint but steady. "A roleplay. You are my sister… and I am your brother."
Kore's eyes widened, confusion mixing with a hint of unease. She didn't move, didn't speak. The weight of his calm presence pressed down, subtle but undeniable.
Shin Yato leaned slightly closer, his voice calm and steady.
"So… you want to?"
Kore froze, her small hands trembling at her sides. Her wide eyes searched his face for a hint of jest or danger, but found none.
Slowly, almost reluctantly, she nodded.
Shin Yato's small smile remained calm as he reached out and patted Kore's head.
"Okay, good girl," he said softly.
The sound of footsteps approached, and Saintess Kyria returned, carrying a tray of food and a cup of water. She set them gently in front of Kore.
"Here, eat well," she said brightly, her smile warm and caring.
Kore didn't respond. She simply stared at the plate.
Shin Yato's voice cut through the silence, calm and faintly amused.
"Come on. Take it, and say thank you to Saintess Kyria."
Slowly, hesitantly, Kore lifted her small hands and took the plate. Her voice was flat, almost hollow.
"Thank you," she whispered, her motion lifeless, like a puppet following orders.
Saintess Kyria's eyes softened at first—but then she froze, a chill creeping through her chest.
The calm obedience… the void in Kore's tone…
And Shin Yato, watching with that faint, unreadable smile, made the air feel… heavier.
A shiver ran down Kyria's spine. Something about this scene was… eerily unsettling.
Kore picked at her food slowly, eyes fixed on the plate.
Saintess Kyria leaned slightly closer, a soft, awkward smile on her face.
"Little girl… how old are you?" she asked, her voice gentle—but the unsettling feeling from before still lingered in the room.
Kore replied with a shaky voice, still picking at her food.
"12…"
"12!" Saintess Kyria exclaimed, her voice brightening. "Oh… I heard your brother calling your name—Kore! So that's your name?" She smiled warmly, her relief and curiosity shining through.
Kore replied with a small, emotionless nod.
"Hmm."
"What a cute name," Saintess Kyria said brightly. "By the way, I'm Kyria."
Kore said nothing.
Saintess Kyria glanced at the plate and saw it was empty. A soft smile spread across her face.
"You already finished your food! What a good girl. But your clothes are dirty… you should clean up. Now… do you want to take a bath with me?" Her voice was warm, cheerful, inviting.
Kore slowly turned her gaze toward Shin Yato.
"You should," he said, his voice calm, a small, unreadable smile on his lips.
Kore glanced back at Saintess Kyria and nodded quietly.
"Okay… shall we go?" Kyria said gently, her smile warm and serene.
Kore slid down from the bed. Saintess Kyria extended her hand, and Kore took it.
Together, they walked toward the Saintess's private bathhouse, the soft sound of their footsteps echoing lightly in the quiet room.
As they walked away, Kore stole a glance at Shin Yato. He met her eyes with the same calm, small smile, his expression almost bored. A shiver ran down her spine—not from fear, but from the strange weight of his presence.
She quickly turned back, focusing on the path ahead. The streets blurred past her as they approached Saintess Kyria's private bathhouse. When they arrived, Kore noticed there were already four other women inside. The sight was quiet, almost ordinary—but for Kore, every detail felt significant, charged with an unspoken tension she couldn't yet name.
Saintess Kyria smiled gently at Kore. "Don't be scared," she said, her voice calm and reassuring.
The other women noticed Kore and began to move toward her. Their steps quickened, curiosity and warmth in their eyes.
Lish leaned close, peering at her with bright interest. "Oh… you're that little girl!" she said, smiling. The sudden attention startled Kore, making her flinch slightly.
Saintess Kyria's calm voice cut through the moment. "Lish… you're scaring her."
Lish froze, realizing her mistake. Her smile faltered. "Sorry," she murmured, her voice low and awkward, tinged with embarrassment.
The other women returned to their tasks and stepped into the large bathtub, the warm water rippling quietly around them.
Saintess Kyria's warm smile turned toward Kore. "Kore, come here," she said gently.
Kore hesitated for a moment, then slowly stepped forward. Kyria knelt slightly and carefully helped her remove her clothes, guiding her with patience and quiet reassurance.
Kore's hands trembled slightly, but she remained still, letting Kyria take the lead. The soft warmth of the bath and Kyria's gentle presence seemed to ease some of the tension that had held her since the village.
As both Saintess Kyria and Kore settled into the warm bath, the water rippling gently around them, a sudden voice broke the quiet.
Nifti, standing right next to Kore, leaned slightly closer, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Is he really your brother?!" she asked, her voice rushed, almost breathless.
Kore's small frame stiffened. She didn't respond immediately, her gaze dropping to the water as if avoiding the question. The warmth of the bath did little to ease the unease curling in her chest.
Saintess Kyria glanced at Nifti, her expression calm but firm. "Nifti… give her a moment," she said softly, her voice carrying both authority and kindness.
Kore's lips quivered ever so slightly, but she remained silent, letting the question linger in the air.
Lish leaned toward Nifti, a small laugh escaping her lips. "Idiot," she said with light mockery, then turned her gaze to Kore. "Don't mind that fool. By the way… I'm sorry for startling you before. I'm Lish," she added, her voice calm and her smile warm.
Kore didn't react. She didn't even blink.
Lish's smile softened, and she asked gently, "So… you're Kore. How old are you?"
Kore's voice was low, almost hollow. "12."
"12 years old?" Lish's eyes widened slightly. "I'm 18, so… from now on, you can call me Big Sister," she said warmly, her smile bright and inviting.
Nifti quickly piped up, not wanting to be left out. "You can call me Big Sister too!" Her voice was hurried, almost breathless, and she smiled brightly.
Lish raised an eyebrow, a little annoyed. "Hey! Why are you copying me?"
"When did I?" Nifti replied, frowning slightly, trying to sound innocent—but her tone was just as playful.
The two immediately started bickering, voices rising in small bursts of annoyance and mock indignation.
Vanessa and Jenney, who had been watching, stepped in almost in unison. "Both of you—stop being childish!" they said, trying to separate them.
Saintess Kyria's voice cut through the commotion, calm but carrying an unmistakable authority. "Girls! Stop, be quiet. Can't you see Kore is here? Hurry up, finish your bath, and get back to work," she said, her tone firm yet tinged with gentle scolding.
The bickering slowed, though Lish and Nifti still shot each other glances, reluctant to fully give up their playful argument.
Meanwhile, Kore simply watched, silent, her gaze following the calm rhythm of the bathwater.
Half an hour later, they had finished bathing and were dressed.
As they prepared to leave for their temple duties, Nifti said to Kore, "Kore, bye, rest well. I'm going to prepare a tasty meal for you," with a warm voice and smile.
Kore gave a small nod, barely noticeable, before Nifti walked away.
Saintess Kyria spoke softly as they walked toward the healing chamber. "I know Lish and Nifti can sometimes be a handful, and Vanessa and Jenney are a bit quieter… but they're good kids. And I think everyone likes you, Kore." She smiled warmly.
Kore glanced up briefly, then looked ahead. Together, they entered the healing chamber.
As they entered the healing chamber, Kore's eyes immediately searched the room.
Shin Yato was nowhere to be seen.
A cold spike of panic shot through her chest. Her body trembled. Her hands shook.
Her breaths came fast and shallow. For a moment, she felt as if the world itself had tilted beneath her feet.
Saintess Kyria noticed Kore trembling, her panic rising again.
She knelt beside her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay," she said softly, her voice calm and warm, like sunlight cutting through morning mist. "I sent your brother on errands. He'll be back soon."
Kore's eyes searched Kyria's face, hesitant and uncertain. The lie didn't matter — the warmth in Kyria's tone was enough to slow the racing in her chest.
Saintess Kyria helped Kore onto the bed, her hands gentle.
"It's okay… it's okay," she said softly, her voice warm. "I'm here. You can rest now."
Kore closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.
Meanwhile, Shin Yato walked through the town streets, his gaze scanning the surroundings. The town was alive—peaceful, cheerful. Stalls of all kinds lined the lanes, small vendors calling out their wares. Children ran and played, their laughter ringing through the air.
As he moved further along, he encountered a familiar face—a guard who had once helped him.
"Hello, sir," Shin Yato said, his voice calm, a small smile playing at his lips.
The guard looked up, surprise and warmth in his expression. "Oh, hello, young man! How are you and your sister?" he asked, his tone light, laughter threading through his words.
"Fine," Shin Yato replied, his voice calm, a small smile tugging at his lips. "All thanks to you."
The guard shook his head with a gentle smile. "I didn't do anything. All I did was guide you to the temple."
Shin Yato's gaze remained steady. "No, sir. If you hadn't let us inside the town, my sister would have died," he said softly, still smiling faintly.
The guard's eyes widened slightly. "Okay, okay," he said, chuckling. Then he held out his hand. "By the way, you can call me Parakaló. And yours?"
"My name is Shin Yato," he replied calmly, his face unreadable.
"Shin Yato!" Parakaló exclaimed, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Are you a noble?"
Shin Yato shook his head lightly. "No, sir," he said, still calm, the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.
"No?" the guard asked, a little confused.
"Yes," Shin Yato said after a beat. "Because of my name, people often mistake me for a noble."
"Oh… my bad," Parakaló said, laughing softly.
He leaned closer, curiosity bright in his eyes. "So… what are you doing here? And what about your sister?"
"I'm looking around for a job," Shin Yato replied evenly. "My sister is with Saintess Kyria."
"Why!?" Parakaló asked, his voice threaded with genuine curiosity.
Shin Yato tilted his head slightly, a calm smile brushing his face. "I need to start earning—for me and my little sister. I cannot stay in the temple forever."
Parakaló's eyes widened, a laugh escaping him. He patted Shin Yato on the back lightly. "Oh… what a good man," he said, surprise and warmth mingling in his voice.
Then Shin Yato said, "By the way, Sir Parakaló, aren't you on duty?" His voice was calm, his face unreadable.
Parakaló chuckled. "I'm on my way to buy groceries. Took a few days off."
"Days off?" Shin Yato repeated, calm and steady.
"Yes," Parakaló said with a bright laugh. "My wife is pregnant. Could give birth any moment now."
"Oh. Congratulations, Sir," Shin Yato said quietly, a small smile touching his lips.
"Thank you. You know… my wife and I tried for years but failed. After all that time, finally… a child." Parakaló's voice carried a gentle warmth, a mix of joy and relief.
"I should go get the groceries and head back home," he added with a smile.
"Okay, Sir," Shin Yato replied calmly.
As Parakaló walked away, he turned his head. "Oh, boy, if I hear of any work, I'll let you know!" His voice was cheerful, full of life.
"Okay, Sir," Shin Yato said quietly, expression calm, as the guard disappeared into the streets.
Alone, he murmured to himself, a faint smile on his lips, "I should also go back."
When Shin Yato returned and entered the healing chamber, he saw Kore still sleeping, and Saintess Kyria beside her, holding her hand gently.
Saintess Kyria heard the door creak open and turned her head.
"You're back," she said softly, a calm smile on her face. "I should get back to my work."
She walked toward Shin Yato, her gaze briefly flicking to Kore.
"Kore… she panicked again. Trembling. I think she thought you abandoned her when she couldn't find you. Please… stay close to her," Saintess Kyria said, her voice calm but laced with worry.
With that, she turned and left the room, leaving Shin Yato alone with Kore.
An hour later, Kore opened her eyes.
Shin Yato sat beside her, expression unreadable, eyes calm and still.
"I heard you panicked… trembling when you couldn't find me," he said, his voice calm, a small, faint smile tugging at his lips.
He leaned slightly closer, still calm. "So… you love me that much?"
Kore froze. Fear gripped her, and she didn't respond.
Shin Yato's small smile didn't waver.
"Don't be scared," he said, calm and steady. "I'm your sweet elder brother… and something fun is about to happen."
Kore's eyes widened, her body stiffening as a shiver ran down her spine.
Four days passed.
Everything seemed normal. The town bustled as usual. Children played, merchants called out their wares, and the sun rose and set without incident.
But all was not as it seemed.
Far beyond the town, Captain Lochagos Tychon rode with his knights, their armor glinting in the sun. They moved at full speed, every hoofbeat and clink of metal carrying the weight of urgency and unspoken dread.
After four quiet nights, the next night arrived.
A man walked alone through the dimly lit streets, heading home. His steps echoed softly on the cobblestones.
Then he stopped.
Something was wrong.
A subtle shift in the shadows. A whisper of movement behind him.
He felt it—someone was following him.
His heart skipped a beat, and instinctively,
The man quickened his pace, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the empty street.
But the feeling remained. Someone—or something—was following him.
He stopped again, frustration and fear mingling in his chest.
"Who's there?" he called, voice tight with anger and nerves.
From the shadows ahead, a figure stood. The night cloaked their face in darkness, hiding every detail.
"Who… who are you?" the man asked again, his voice shaking slightly, still edged with anger.
The figure's voice was calm, unnervingly calm.
"Nékt… Nékt… Nékt?"
" who?" the man asked again, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and confusion.
The figure stepped closer, the darkness parting just enough to reveal a calm presence.
"Sir… it's me," the figure said, voice soft, calm, a small smile playing at the lips.
Nékt froze. His eyes widened as he studied the man properly.
"Ah… you," he said, a mix of mockery and relief threading his words. "You're the one… the one begging at the town gate, weren't you
"Yes, Sir… it was me," Shin Yato replied calmly, a faint smile on his lips.
Nékt's face twisted in anger. "What the hell are you doing following me, you son of a—! You scared me for a moment!"
"I… I don't know," Shin Yato said calmly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Before Nékt could react, Shin Yato surged forward. His fist connected with Nékt's chest with precise force.
"Aaaww!" Nékt cried out as he stumbled backward, crashing to the ground.
Nékt groaned, pushing himself up slightly. "Wh… why did you punch me?" he asked, pain and confusion in his voice.
Shin Yato looked down at him, expression calm, eyes unreadable. "I… felt like it," he said, his voice calm, almost detached.
Nékt's eyes widened. "What the hell—!" he started to shout, but before he could, Shin Yato stepped close. One hand shot up, covering Nékt's mouth.
"Don't make a sound," Shin Yato said, calm, with that same small smile. "Or… I will kill you."
Nékt froze, eyes wide with fear. Not a single sound escaped him.
Shin Yato released his mouth just enough to smirk, then grabbed one of Nékt's legs and effortlessly dragged him into a dark corner of the street. The shadows swallowed them, leaving only the faint glimmer of the moonlight on Shin Yato's calm, unreadable face.
Nékt cowered on the ground, tears streaking his face. "Please… don't kill me! I'm sorry!" he begged, his voice trembling.
Shin Yato looked down at him, expression unreadable, almost bored. "Why are you… afraid?" His calm voice carried no anger. Just… curiosity.
"I… I…" Nékt stammered, his voice trembling as tears ran down his cheeks.
Shin Yato's eyes flicked down at him. "Stop it. I told you—not a sound." His calm, bored tone left no room for argument.
Nékt froze, his pleas caught in his throat, though his body still shook with fear.
Shin Yato leaned slightly closer, expression unreadable. "If you do exactly as I say… I'll spare you. Will you do it?"
Nékt's nod was almost instantaneous, frantic, desperate.
Shin Yato's gaze didn't waver. "Okay." He paused, letting the silence stretch. Then he spoke again, calm, measured.
"You know… there were parents," he began, his voice flat, almost gentle. "Who endured unimaginable pain to save their child. When I told their child to cut off the father's arm… the father comforted the child. Said it was okay. And let his own arm be severed. The mother… even when one of her eyes was pulled out, she didn't let go of her child."
His eyes flicked to Nékt, who trembled, frozen in terror.
Shin Yato's small, faint smile returned. "So… to save yourself, you would have to do even more than that, wouldn't you?"
Nékt's voice broke, pleading, tears streaming down his face. He dropped to his knees, clutching Shin Yato's feet. "Please… spare me… spare me…"
Shin Yato's calm voice cut through the dark silence.
"So… you won't do it?"
Nékt froze, a moment of hesitation stretching unbearably long. Then his voice cracked, trembling with terror.
"I… I will do it! I will do it! Just… don't kill me!"
Shin Yato's faint smile didn't waver.
"Okay," he said softly. "Pull… your own eye out."
Nékt's eyes widened in shock, terror rooting him to the spot. He hesitated, trembling violently.
Finally, with shaking hands, he raised them to his own eye.
A wet, sickening sound echoed through the empty street as he began to pull it free.
His body quivered. Every nerve screamed in pain. And all the while, Shin Yato stood beside him, calm, expressionless, watching.
Nékt writhed on the ground, agony etched into every line of his body. Blood poured freely from the eye he had just torn out, staining his trembling hands and the cobblestones beneath him.
Shin Yato crouched slightly, calm, expression unreadable.
"Okay," he said softly, a faint smile touching his lips. "Now… chop your own arm into pieces."
Nékt froze, horror flooding him. He began to plead, his voice cracking:
"P-Please… I did what you told me! You said only one thing… now, please, spare me!"
But Shin Yato didn't move. He didn't raise his voice. He simply watched.
The street was silent, except for Nékt's ragged breathing and the sickly wet sound of blood hitting the stones.
Shin Yato's eyes glinted faintly in the dim light, calm and unyielding.
"Did I say that?" he asked softly, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Nékt whimpered, frozen in terror, but Shin Yato's gaze didn't waver.
"Do it," he said again, voice calm, almost casual.
The words hung in the air. Silent. Deadly. Inevitable.
Nékt's hands shook violently, blood from his eye dripping onto the stones, but the command was clear—and there was no escape from it.
With trembling hands, Nékt slowly drew his sword.
His vision blurred—blood still pouring from the empty socket—yet he obeyed.
The first strike chopped his hand off.
A scream tore through the empty street.
Steel met flesh.
His body convulsed as pain exploded through him.
Sobbing now, no longer thinking—only obeying.
Second strike chopped his forearm off.
The sound of metal hitting bone echoed faintly in the darkness.
By the time he raised the blade for the third strike, his strength was gone.
His arm shook violently.
The sword slipped from his blood-soaked grip and clattered against the stone.
Nékt collapsed, body twitching, breath ragged, mind breaking under the weight of agony.
And in front of him—
Shin Yato simply watched.
Unmoved.
Unblinking.
Almost… bored.
Nékt's hand trembled as he forced himself to lift the sword again.
His vision swam.
Blood soaked the stones beneath him.
His breathing came in broken, animal-like gasps.
He tried to swing.The blade barely moved.
His body refused.
He collapsed forward, screaming, half-conscious from agony.
Shin Yato stepped closer.
Not hurried.
Not excited.
Just calm.
He crouched beside Nékt and tilted his head slightly. "You can't?" he asked softly.
Nékt sobbed, shaking violently.
Shin Yato's small smile widened just a fraction. "I see."
He picked up the fallen sword.
For a moment, it looked like he might finish the job himself.
But instead—He placed the blade gently back into Nékt's remaining hand. "Then you're useless."
And that sentence… hurt more than the wounds.
Shin Yato tilted his head slightly.
"And you wanted my sword before, didn't you?" he asked, voice calm, a faint smile returning.
Nékt weakly shook his head. "No…" he whispered, barely audible.
Shin Yato's smile did not change. "I see."
He crouched down slowly, close enough that Nékt could see his expression clearly now.
It wasn't hatred.
It wasn't amusement.
It was emptiness wearing a polite face.
"I will spare you," Shin Yato continued gently, "if you tell me where Sir Parakaló's house is."
The words were soft.
Almost reasonable.
Almost merciful.
Nékt's breathing stuttered.
Hope flickered inside his shattered eyes.
That hope was more painful than anything that came before.
Nékt nodded quickly.
"Okay," Shin Yato said calmly. "Guide me."
With unbearable effort, Nékt forced himself up.
One arm gone.One eye empty.
Blood trailing behind him as he staggered forward.
Each step looked like it would be his last.
Shin Yato followed at an unhurried pace.
Minutes later, they stopped in front of a modest house.
Shin Yato looked at the door. "Knock."
Nékt hesitated only a second before raising his trembling hand and knocking weakly.
Once.Twice.Again.
The door creaked open.
Sir Parakaló stood there. "Who—"His voice stopped.
His eyes widened at the sight of Nékt's mutilated body.
"What happened? Who did this to you?" he asked, panic flooding his face.
Nékt's remaining eye filled with tears.
He looked at Parakaló "I'm… sorry," he whispered.
"I… wanted to live…"His body gave out.
He collapsed forward.
"Hey—! Nékt! Nékt!" Parakaló dropped to his knees in shock.
And then—A shadow stepped across the threshold.
"Hello, Sir Parakaló."Shin Yato's voice was calm.Polite.A small smile resting on his face.
Like a guest arriving for tea.
Parakaló slowly stood up his hands were shaking—not from fear.From rage.
"Are you the one who did this to Nékt?" he asked, voice cracking between horror and disbelief.
Shin Yato gave a small nod.The same faint smile."Yes."
Something inside Parakaló snapped."How dare you!" he roared, lunging forward.
His fist flew toward Shin Yato's face.
But Shin Yato did not step back.
Did not flinch.The punch connected.A dull sound.
Shin Yato's head tilted slightly to the side from the impact.
Silence followed.Parakaló froze.Because Shin Yato was still smiling.
Slowly… Shin Yato turned his head back into place.
"That was unnecessary," he said calmly.Not angry.Not offended.Just mildly inconvenienced.
And that's when Parakaló realized something terrifying.
He hadn't hit a man.
He had hit a wall.
Shin Yato adjusted his posture slightly after the punch.
Then he spoke gently. "Sir… please lower your voice."A small smile."You wouldn't want to wake your wife, would you?"
Parakaló's anger drained instantly his face turned pale.
He took a slow step back. "You—"Before he could finish—A soft voice came from inside. "Darling? What's going on?"Footsteps approached.
A woman appeared from the hallway, rubbing her eyes.She stopped when she saw the open door.
Saw Nékt's blood on the ground and saw the stranger standing inside her home.
Confusion shifted into fear.
Parakaló moved slightly in front of her. "Go back inside," he said quickly.
Shin Yato glanced at her just once.
Evaluating.
Then back at Parakaló. "You're trembling," Shin Yato observed calmly.
"That's interesting."His eyes lowered briefly to the blood pooling near the door.
"Your friend trembled like that too."
The wife's breathing became uneven."Who is he?" she whispered.
Shin Yato's smile widened just slightly. "I'm just a visitor."
Shin Yato's gaze shifted,he noticed the curve of her stomach.
Pregnant.
His small smile did not change,he looked back at Parakaló.
Something unreadable passed through his eyes.
Then—He casually tossed his sword aside.
It clattered across the floor.
Parakaló blinked in confusion.
Before he could react, Shin Yato moved.Not toward the wife,toward him.
In a single motion, Shin Yato grabbed Parakaló by the collar and slammed him into the ground hard enough to crack the wood beneath.
Parakaló gasped, the air leaving his lungs.
Shin Yato placed a knee on his chest.Calm. Steady.
He leaned slightly closer. "Why," he asked softly, "would you attack a guest in your own home?"Behind them,
Parakaló's wife froze in terror she understood.
This man did not need a weapon.
Parakaló struggled beneath Shin Yato's weight, his voice cracking. "Please… please don't touch her… she has nothing to do with this… I beg you…"Tears rolled down his face.
Shin Yato looked at him quietly then he spoke. "Don't cry."His tone was calm.
Almost instructive."A man shouldn't cry."
Parakaló's breathing became uneven he tried to hold it back,tried to swallow the sobs.
Shin Yato tilted his head slightly. "You were brave enough to punch me," he continued softly. "Where did that courage go?"
Behind them, the wife covered her mouth, trembling.
Shin Yato glanced at her only briefly—not with hunger, not with rage.Just awareness.
Then back to Parakaló."If you're going to beg," he said, voice steady, "at least do it properly."That small smile returned.
Not wide ,not exaggerated, just enough.
Parakaló's tears wouldn't stop."Please… I'll do anything… just don't hurt her…"
Shin Yato stared at him for a long, silent moment.Then, he rose slowly.
With a light gesture toward Parakaló's wife, he spoke calmly. "You love her."
It wasn't a question.Parakaló nodded desperately. "Yes… yes…"
Shin Yato's small smile returned. "Good."
He stepped back. "I'll give you a choice."
The room seemed to shrink.
"Either you die," Shin Yato continued softly, "or she does."Parakaló froze.His wife gasped.
Silence swallowed the house.
Parakaló's lips trembled. "I—"He glanced at her.
She shook her head violently, tears streaming. "No… don't…"Parakaló closed his eyes.
His entire body shook."I'll die," he whispered. Not heroic. Not dramatic. Just broken. "I'll die… just let her live…"
Shin Yato watched him. No reaction. No praise. No mockery. Just cold observation.
A few seconds ticked by.
Then—Shin Yato turned away. Walked to his sword. Picked it up.
"Oh," he said casually, as if recalling something minor.
"I've lost interest."
Parakaló looked up, confusion etching his face. "What…?"
Shin Yato glanced at them both. "You already chose."A small shrug. "There's nothing entertaining left."
And then—Without warning—The blade flashed.Fast. Precise. One strike.
Parakaló's body collapsed.Shin Yato wiped the blood from his blade calmly.
He looked at the wife. Not with anger. Not with pleasure. Just emptiness.
"I don't like predictable endings," he said quietly.
Then he turned and walked out.
Parakaló's wife rushed to his dead body, crying, "No, no, no!" while her stomach twisted in pain.
Minutes passed.
The house was silent except for the woman's broken sobs as she clutched her husband's lifeless body. Her hands trembled. Her breathing came in uneven gasps. The night air was warm — almost gentle — as if nothing had happened.
Then—
A shadow fell across the floor.
She slowly looked up.
Shin Yato stood behind her.
No anger.
No haste.
Only that same small, polite smile.
For a moment, he simply watched her.
Then the blade moved.
Quick. Clean. Effortless.
Her cry never fully formed.
Her body collapsed beside her husband's, blood spreading across the wooden floor, seeping into the cracks like dark ink.
Shin Yato stepped back calmly.
He lowered the tip of his blade and began to carve into the blood-soaked floor.
Slowly. Deliberately.
"HOLY KINGDOM DI—"
The message remained unfinished.
He straightened, glanced at it once, then turned and walked away without another word.
Outside, the night remained warm.
Inside, the bodies had already begun to grow cold.