(Written by Solomon Paul)

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Amon was silent for a moment when Sasuke asked his opinion. Thoughts ran through his head like wild fire before he finally nodded.

Amon:

“Fine.”

Sasuke:

“Good. The documents will be ready tomorrow. I knew you’d understand.”

Amon:

“Hm.”

Sasuke:

“You hungry?”

Amon:

“No… I’m full.”

Sasuke:

“Alright then. It’s time for bed. Let me show you to your room.”

Sasuke led Amon upstairs and pointed to the far end of the hallway.

Sasuke:

“The room at the right end is yours. Keep it clean, okay?”

Amon:

“Okay.”

As Sasuke turned to head back downstairs, Amon’s voice stopped him.

Amon:

“Mr. Sasuke?”

Sasuke:

“Yes?”

Amon:

“Why don’t demons or monsters come into the city?”

Sasuke turned slightly, hands in his pockets.

Sasuke:

“There’s a powerful magical barrier surrounding the city. It was built nine years ago by three of the top magic users in the agency. Back then, the elders united to drive out the demons for good.”

Amon’s brows furrowed.

Amon:

“Then why didn’t you do the same for the village?”

Sasuke sighed deeply, his eyes darkening.

Sasuke:

“The village had its own guardian—a priest from our agency. When he passed, my sister took his place. But she was overwhelmed. There were too many of them.”

Amon:

“Oh…”

Sasuke:

“Anything else?”

Amon:

“No.”

Sasuke:

“Alright, get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

Sasuke descended the stairs, leaving Amon alone. The boy lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Memories of the forest came flooding back.

Amon (chuckling softly):

“Those goblins were tough… Thought I wouldn’t escape their grip. They were moving like a migrating horde… But I guess I gained some experience. Tomorrow’s a big day… Gotta wake up early.”

He closed his eyes and slowly drifted into sleep.

---

Meanwhile, downstairs…

Sasuke sat in silence, his hands trembling slightly as Claire wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

Sasuke (moaning):

“If only I had gone with her… She wouldn’t have had to face them alone.”

Claire:

“It’s not your fault. She died a hero, Sasuke. Her sacrifice protected that village. She wouldn’t want you drowning in guilt.”

Sasuke:

“You’re right… It’s time I picked up the pace.”

---

The Next Day

Sasuke took Amon to complete the adoption process. All documents were filed, and Amon was officially given a new name:

Jonathan Sasuke.

Later that afternoon, Sasuke drove him into the heart of the city—to the headquarters of the Anti-Demon Agency.

The towering building stunned Amon.

Amon:

“Whoa… Is this really it?”

They entered, walking through the security checkpoint. Inside, a man in military uniform approached.

Sasuke:

“Long time no see, Commander.”

Captain Luis:

“Sasuke! It’s been ages. What brings you here? And who’s this kid?”

Sasuke:

“This is Jonathan.”

Luis looked at him with a familiar smile.

Captain Luis:

“How’s Elizabeth?”

Sasuke froze. A heavy silence filled the room.

Sasuke:

“She’s dead.”

Captain Luis (gently):

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

Sasuke:

“It’s alright.”

Captain Luis:

“So, why are you here?”

Sasuke:

“I want to enroll Jonathan into the elite department.”

Captain Luis:

“What’s his ability?”

Sasuke:

“He’s immortal… and highly skilled. He’ll be a valuable asset once he matures. He’ll train while attending classes.”

Captain Luis:

“I’ll do this for free… for Elizabeth.”

Sasuke (grinning):

“What? You giving up money?”

Captain Luis:

“Oh, shut up. Commander Joe—show them the training grounds and classroom sectors.”

Commander Joe:

“Yes, sir!”

Luis handed Sasuke the enrollment documents.

Captain Luis:

“You’ll need to sign these.”

Sasuke:

“No problem.”

Amon was shown the classrooms, though they were closed for the day. They proceeded to the training hall where other young recruits were sparring with swords and channeling ki and magic.

Commander Joe (to the trainees):

“Everyone, this is Jonathan Sasuke. He’ll be joining you starting today.”

Amon (bowing slightly):

“Pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to working with you.”

Students (excitedly):

“Where are you from?”

“Are you really Mr. Sasuke’s son?”

“Have you fought demons before?”

Questions bombarded Amon from every direction.

Instructor (sternly):

“That’s enough! Introduce yourselves and return to training.”

One by one, the kids shared their names:

1. Becky

2. Sophie

3. Elioth

4. Ralph

5. Charlotte

6. Ares

7. Daniel

8. Elaine 

They returned to their drills—practicing swordplay, spellcasting, and ki control. Amon watched in awe. For the first time in a long while, he felt… at home.

---

Elsewhere...

Diane stared at the shimmering city barrier, her expression cold and determined.

Diane (whispering):

“There must be a way through.”

---

The Next Day

The students were taken outside the city for field training. As Amon wandered briefly from the group, he came face to face with an unexpected presence…

Diane.

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TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT CHAPTER