CHAPTER (SIX)

(Written by Solomon Paul)

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Tokyo pulsed with life. Neon lights bathed the streets in an artificial glow, and the hum of traffic blended with voices, laughter, and the soft rustle of wind. Yet, amidst the vibrant chaos, Amon felt like a ghost—drifting through a world that moved too fast, too loud, too alive.

He sat across from Sasuke at a small table inside Asura Restaurant, his bowl of ramen barely touched. The rich aroma of broth filled the air, but Amon stirred his food listlessly. Sasuke slurped his noodles eagerly, occasionally glancing up at the silent boy across from him.

Sasuke (cheerfully):

“Come on, kid! This is really good. It's gonna get cold.”

Amon offered a faint, tired smile.

Amon:

“It’s just… weird. Everything here is so different. So loud. So clean.”

Sasuke’s grin faded slightly. He set down his chopsticks and leaned back.

Sasuke:

“So… what happened back there? In Sora Village?”

Amon’s eyes dropped to his bowl. The pain was still fresh, still burning—like a wound that wouldn’t heal.

Amon:

“She... and the village perished because of me. The villagers found out I couldn’t die... They tried to exorcise me. But she saved me. In the end, they decided to exile me to protect the village. If only I didn’t have these abilities—or if I were stronger—none of this would’ve happened.”

Sasuke paused, his gaze softening. He stared at Amon with quiet sympathy before asking:

Sasuke:

“Did you join forces with the demons when the village was attacked?”

Amon:

“No.”

Sasuke:

“Did you plan any of this?”

Amon:

“No.”

Sasuke:

“Then it’s not your fault.”

Amon:

“But—”

Sasuke:

“Look, kid. Monsters attacked. It wasn’t your fault the villagers let their guard down. You’re just a kid—no one can blame you for that. Instead of drowning in guilt, get stronger. Avenge them. I’m sure Elizabeth would’ve wanted that.”

Amon:

“…I guess you’re right.”

Sasuke (smirking):

“Come on, eat up before it gets cold.”

Amon picked up his chopsticks, muttered a small blessing, and took a bite of the ramen. His eyes widened with joy.

Amon:

“It’s good… I haven’t tasted anything like this in a while.”

Sasuke:

“Right?”

Amon:

“Elizabeth used to make ramen for me and the other kids back then.”

Sasuke:

“So… which one’s better?”

Amon (smiling):

“Hers.”

Sasuke (chuckling):

“Knew you’d say that.”

Both of them burst into laughter, the first genuine moment of lightness Amon had felt in days.

Sasuke:

“Alright, we better head out. We’ve got other things to do.”

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DEMON REALM – FIRST LAYER

Diane returned to the Demon Realm after weeks of investigation. She arrived at the towering Demon Lord's Castle and addressed the gatekeepers:

Diane:

“I request an audience with our Lord. I bring a critical discovery.”

Initially, they hesitated. But from within, a calm voice echoed through the hall:

Lucifer:

“Let her in. I would like to hear what she has to say.”

The gates creaked open. Diane entered. The entire chamber fell silent as she approached the throne.

Diane:

“My Lord, I bring a report.”

Lucifer:

“It’s been a while, my daughter. What news do you bring this time?”

Diane:

“From my research, humans have developed a group who experiment on our kind. Somehow, they’ve discovered a way to extract our magic and convert it into their own. I recently encountered a human who used a spell I’ve never seen before—a magic so powerful, it could erase everything into the void. But it came at the cost of half the user’s life. If they manage to harness more of our magic, it would make such spells far easier for them.”

Lucifer:

“So… what do you propose we do?”

Diane:

“I suggest we send out troops to locate their hideout and retrieve all their research.”

Lucifer:

“Do as you please… but I do not tolerate failure.”

Diane:

“Yes, my Lord.”

Without another word, Diane departed the Demon Realm with a squad of elite soldiers to uncover the humans’ secret operations.

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BACK IN TOKYO – LATER THAT NIGHT

The scene shifts back to Amon and Sasuke, driving through the city. The car's speakers pumped out hip-hop as the night lights blurred by.

Sasuke:

“You like this music?”

Amon:

“It’s fine.”

Soon after, Sasuke pulled over to pick up his girlfriend from work.

Sasuke:

“Wait here, I’ll be right back.”

As Amon waited, he noticed a young boy outside—clearly hungry—struggling to find food for his little sister. Moved by compassion, Amon stepped out and handed over the food they’d bought earlier.

Moments later, Sasuke returned with his girlfriend.

Sasuke:

“Amon, this is Claire. Claire, meet Amon—he’s my sister’s godson.”

Claire:

“Nice to meet you.”

Amon:

“Me too. Are you two getting married?”

Sasuke & Claire (in unison):

“No, no—we just met!”

Amon (innocently):

“Oh.”

They shared a laugh as the car rolled through the city. By the time they arrived home, Claire and Sasuke sat beside Amon on the couch.

Sasuke:

“I’ve been thinking about giving you a new name—Jonathan.”

Amon:

“Why?”

Sasuke:

“Because I plan to adopt you. Get you back in school. Give you a fresh start.”

Amon(angrily):

“But… you promised I’d get stronger, you lied to me!”

Sasuke:

“And I meant it. Truth is, Claire and I are part of a secret organization—The Anti-Demons. That’s another reason I wanted to change your name. From now on, if you accept, you’ll be working with us... while continuing your education.”

Claire:

“And you'll finally get your chance to take revenge—on your own terms.”

Sasuke:

“So, what do you say?”

......

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT CHAPTER....!