Junyu looked up at the morning sky.
A black crow circled above the house, its wings cutting through the pale sunlight. The bird descended slowly and landed on the wooden gate. Tied to its leg was a small seal marked with strange silver symbols.
The moment Junyu touched the seal, it burst open with a flash of light.
A floating projection appeared in the air.
A young man with silver hair bowed dramatically.
"Greetings. My name is Rudy, and I am your official messenger for the Black Meeting."
Junyu jumped back so fast that he almost fell over a chair.
Katsa covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"Calm down, Junyu. It's just a messenger."
Junyu cleared his throat and stood straight again.
"Right. I knew that. I was definitely not scared."
Rudy blinked.
"Are you always like this?"
"Only on important days," Michael muttered.
Rudy opened a glowing scroll.
"As invited participants, I must inform you that your crew has been classified as the Dogs of the Black Meeting."
Silence.
Then Mil slammed his hand on the table.
"DOGS?! EXCUSE ME?! I AM LITERALLY A KING!"
Ton pointed at himself.
"I'm a dragon-lizard hybrid! I deserve a cooler title!"
Salim's third eye twitched.
Katsa sighed.
Junyu slowly stood up.
Rudy raised both hands quickly.
"HEY! CALM DOWN! Let me explain before the Dragon King burns the house down."
The room quieted.
Rudy continued, "In Black Meeting terminology, Dogs refers to crews invited for the first time. It means you are newcomers who hold little political influence within the meeting."
Junyu folded his arms.
"So basically you're calling us weak."
"Within the meeting? Yes."
The entire crew glared at him.
Rudy coughed nervously.
"I mean… you are powerful outside, but compared to the monsters attending the Black Meeting, you are currently the lowest-ranked crew."
Salim stood up.
"I do not accept that explanation."
Rudy shrugged.
"Nobody asked you to."
The old man burst into laughter.
"Finally! Someone insulted Salim before he could threaten them."
Salim looked offended.
Rudy floated lower and revealed a glowing black seal.
"Now, each of you must place your energy into this seal. Once you do, you become recognized participants of the Black Meeting. Refusal is considered an act of war."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
The wind outside stopped.
Even the crow went silent.
"Act of war?" Michael repeated.
Ikiro stepped forward calmly.
"It's fine. We'll do it."
One by one, they placed their energy into the seal.
Blue.
Red.
Purple.
Gold.
Dark green.
The seal absorbed each aura and began rotating slowly.
Rudy suddenly frowned.
"Wait… why do four of you not possess Super NIT?"
Junyu answered before anyone else could speak.
"They're new."
Rudy stared at Mil, Ton, Junyu, and Salim.
"No Super NIT… yet invited anyway. That's unusual."
Mil grinned.
"Maybe we're special."
Ton whispered dramatically,
"Or cursed."
Katsa smacked him on the head.
Rudy finished the ritual and closed the seal.
"It is done. The Devil Horns are now officially registered."
In the corner, the old man folded his hands happily.
"They're finally leaving. My house survives another day."
Rudy ignored him.
"Pack your belongings. Departure is in a few minutes."
PREPARATION
The house became strangely quiet.
Junyu
He wore black pants, a white shirt, and a dark coat. Before leaving, he sat cross-legged and meditated, sealing the leaking energy around his body. His red aura slowly faded until only his eyes glowed.
Salim
He dressed in the robes given to him by Guru Acharya Ji. Quivers filled with NIT-infused arrows rested across his back.
Michael
He wore the same suit he had worn at his wedding. Around his neck hung a locket containing Olivia's photograph.
Ikiro
He chose a deep blue outfit embroidered with silver patterns, carrying the dignity of the Blue Emperor.
Mil
Brown trousers, an open black coat, and Yoru no Kiba resting at his side. The dragon mark on his back pulsed faintly.
Ton
A full-body concealment suit hid the scales and claws beneath his skin, leaving only his face visible.
Katsa
She stepped out in a stunning black dress. Her smile was calm, but her eyes carried the weight of Verdant Path.
The front door opened.
Cold wind swept through the courtyard.
The seven members of the Devil Horns stood side by side as sunlight broke through the clouds behind them.
Rudy floated above them, the crow circling overhead.
Junyu looked at his crew.
Everyone nodded.
Together, they spoke with one voice.
"DEVIL HORNS ARE READY."