For the first time… fear wasn't what controlled Naz.
A strange calm settled deep inside his chest.
Cold… steady…
As if something within him was whispering: You are not alone.
He ignored the old woman's warning and looked at her directly.
"What happened to you…? Why are your forms changing?"
The old woman slowly shook her head, her eyes distant.
"No one knows, my son…"
Silence fell.
Then suddenly
Chimini.
Naz's eyes widened as he swallowed hard.
No…
He stepped closer and spoke quickly,
"Grandma… I need a favor."
She looked at him weakly.
"I can barely walk… how can I help you?"
"I'll carry you," he said firmly.
"And we'll hide using my cloak."
She froze.
"A cloak…? Hide from what?"
Naz glanced outside, where the light was fading.
"From demons… and demonic beasts."
Her eyes widened in shock.
"…Alright… alright…"
Naz bent down and carried her on his back.
She was light…
but the weight in his chest was far heavier.
They stepped into the streets.
But
The kingdom was no longer the same.
The calm was gone.
The air felt heavier… colder…
filled with something unseen.
From the shadows
Things moved.
Demons.
Some crawling.
Some running.
Others tearing each other apart in madness.
Sounds of ripping flesh…
screams…
distorted laughter.
The old woman whispered, trembling,
"Your cloak… it's magical…"
Naz replied quietly,
"I don't know…"
But deep inside…
he knew.
Someone was watching him.
They reached Chimini's house.
Naz knocked.
No answer.
He knocked again.
Silence.
A heavy feeling sank into his chest.
Where is she…?
He slowly turned
Then
A cry.
Not human.
Distorted… broken…
A demonic cry.
From a dark alley nearby.
Naz's body tensed.
He gently put the old woman down and covered her with the cloak.
"Stay here. Don't move, no matter what happens."
She nodded, fear in her eyes.
The katana…
began to glow.
But this time
It wasn't violent.
It was… calm.
In sync.
Naz felt something new.
Control.
He gripped the handle…
and slowly drew it.
The blade shimmered in the dark.
One step…
Then
In a flash
Something lunged at him.
A small demon, its fangs like blades, aiming straight for his throat.
But
Naz moved.
Faster than he could understand.
He shoved the katana straight into its mouth.
Silence.
The creature froze.
Then it growled…
and cried.
"I'll kill you… I'll kill you!"
That voice…
felt familiar.
Naz's eyes slowly widened.
The shape…
The size…
The trembling…
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"…Thank you… for the rice balls."
He gently placed the katana against her forehead.
Instantly
A black aura began to pour out.
The same one…
The same thing that came out of the old woman.
Screaming… twisting…
"You will regret this, huma!"
But
Before it could finish
The katana trembled violently.
It broke free.
Naz's arm moved on its own
A slash.
Another demon fell behind him.
Naz didn't turn.
As if… he was already used to it.
He looked at Chimini.
She stood there.
Silent.
Not crying.
Not moving.
Only staring at him.
He extended his hand.
"Come. We have to go."
He grabbed her hand.
Cold…
small…
Then he ran.
The old woman watched everything, her eyes filled with something deep.
"Finally… you'll face your punishment… Lucy…" she whispered.
Naz carried the old woman again.
Chimini in his arms.
And ran.
With everything he had.
The sounds behind them grew louder.
The monsters were coming closer.
The ground trembled.
His breathing broke apart.
But he didn't stop.
They reached the house.
Entered.
Closed the door.
Silence.
Three breaths…
In one room.
They sat.
Exchanging looks.
Heavy silence.
The old woman spoke,
"What will you do… if they come here?"
Naz didn't answer.
Far away…
In darkness…
A faint candle flickered.
A tired hand kept writing.
The index finger… twisted… from endless writing.
Then
Laughter.
"Zehahahahaha… zeh… zeh… hahahaha…"
A cold voice whispered,
"You want to play…? Then let's play."
"I can see you now…"
"You won't escape."
Back in the house
"I will hide with Chimini using the cloak…"
the old woman said.
Then she looked at him.
"But you… what will you do?"
The katana…
started shaking.
Naz's chest tightened.
Something is coming.
Without warning
The door exploded open.
Demons flooded in.
Many.
Fast.
Terrifying.
Naz froze for a moment
Then moved.
The katana flashed.
Cut.
Blocked.
Struck.
But
It wasn't enough.
From his blind spot
A beast lunged.
A massive dog-like demon…
Its jaws like blades.
It struck.
A muffled scream.
Naz fell.
Blood
Everywhere.
His left leg… torn apart.
He collapsed.
Bleeding.
His body trembling.
"Brother!"
Chimini ran toward him, crying.
"Brotthheerrrr!!"
"Stop!!" he shouted.
But
Too late.
Another monster raised its massive arm
Aimed straight at her.
"Damn it…"
He tried to move.
His body didn't respond.
"Stop… stop… stooooooooooooo...