Inside the dimly lit inn, a man sat at a corner table, his black coat draped over his shoulders, a giant axe leaning beside him like an unspoken threat. His yellow eyes glimmered faintly as he unfolded a small slip of parchment.
On it was an image—sketched with precision. The face of a boy, sharp-eyed yet still youthful. Beneath the drawing, the name was written clearly: Rey.
The man narrowed his eyes, muttering under his breath.
"...So that's him. No doubt about it."
His mind replayed a memory from earlier.
It was in the noble quarters of Iwata Village, where three pampered young lords had summoned him. Zane, Zefert, and Zander—sons of a powerful nobleman. They bore mocking grins as they explained the task.
> "Eliminate that boy, Rey. Do it quietly. If you refuse…"
"...our father will deal with the orphanage in Dormyouth. You wouldn't want those children to suffer, would you?"
The man's eyes had widened at the mention of the orphanage. Dormyouth—the very place he once swore to protect. The orphans there were innocent, relying on scraps of kindness to survive. He had no choice. He accepted the request, though bitterness lingered in his chest.
Now here he was, watching his target laugh and speak among companions.
The man stood, slipping silently into the shadows. His boots made no sound as he followed Kyawey's group, blending with the forest's embrace.
As they walked along the path, Rey's steps faltered. A chill crawled up his spine, his instincts screaming. He turned his head slightly.
"Mr. Kyawey… someone is following us."
Akame and Shoko immediately looked back. Noir did the same, hand already drifting toward his weapon.
But Kyawey shook his head.
"There's nothing there, Rey. You're just imagining things."
Rey frowned. "No… I can feel it."
Akame placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'll use my magic—Search." She clasped her hands, faint blue light spreading outward in rippling waves.
But nothing appeared. No signal. No red dots of danger.
The hidden man smirked in the darkness.
"Cute trick… but it won't work on me. I'm not so easily found."
Still, Rey's organe eyes sharpened. He whispered under his breath.
"He's there. Behind that tree. Watching us."
Shoko shouted suddenly, snapping him out of it.
"Rey! Stop spacing out and keep up! You'll get lost!"
Rey blinked, startled, before nodding quickly. "Ah—coming!"
The group pressed on deeper into the forest.
After some time, Flio the merchant stopped, crouching among bushes.
"Here we are. The materials should be close." He began plucking leaves and strange herbs, humming to himself.
Kyawey glanced around warily. "Isn't it odd? We haven't encountered a single monster yet."
Noir nodded. "You're right. This forest is supposed to be crawling with dangerous creatures."
Shoko shrugged. "Hey, less fighting means less trouble for us."
Akame crossed her arms. "Still… it's suspicious."
Flio chuckled nervously, still picking herbs. "Well, I'm just glad we haven't been attacked."
But Rey's gaze lingered on the treeline. Something was off. He could feel it.
Unknown to them, in the deepest part of the Senju Forest, a colossal beast stirred. Its aura stretched across the woods like an unseen barrier, weaving through trees and twisting paths.
Every monster that approached felt the suffocating pressure of that aura and fled in terror.
The man in hiding—Kenji, the Axe Reaper—suddenly collapsed to one knee, sweat dripping down his brow. His heart pounded violently.
"W-What is this presence…? This pressure… it's like… nothing I've ever felt before."
And then—his vision blurred.
In an instant, he stood before the towering figure of the beast itself. Its yellow eyes burned like suns, piercing through his soul.
"Look at him with those deadly eyes," the beast rumbled, voice shaking the earth. "Do not harm my master. If you try… I will make you pay."
Kenji's jaw clenched. "M-Master? What are you talking about…? I don't even know who you are."
The beast leaned closer, its breath hot and heavy.
"I know you act for the orphanage in Dormyouth. But I'll warn you only once. Do not touch him."
Kenji's eyes widened in disbelief.
"...That kid? He's your master?"
The beast's fangs glistened as it whispered:
"Yes. That boy you hunt—Rey."
Before Kenji could reply, a blinding flash swallowed his vision. He staggered back into reality, gasping for air, his axe trembling in his grip.
He clenched his fist. Damn it… what do I do now?
Meanwhile, Rey walked quietly with the group, unease gnawing at him.
"This presence… I've felt it before," he muttered, remembering the beast from his dream. "Just… who are you really?"
Finally, Rey broke the silence.
"Mr. Kyawey, I'm going to look around for a bit."
Kyawey frowned. "It's dangerous, Rey."
Rey smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I won't go far."
Before Kyawey could argue further, Rey slipped away.
In the shadows, Kenji followed, every step heavy with conflict.
Rey stopped by a quiet riverbank, the sun reflection rippling in the water. He closed his eyes and whispered:
"You don't need to hide anymore. I know you're there."
Kenji exhaled slowly, stepping into the open. His massive axe gleamed faintly in the moonlight.
"You're sharper than I expected, boy."
Rey turned, his expression calm but firm. "Did the three brothers send you to kill me?"
Kenji smirked faintly. "Impressive. And here I thought you were just a kid. You're what… fifteen? Sixteen?"
"Seventeen," Rey corrected flatly.
Kenji studied him quietly, then asked, "Did you feel it too? That beast's aura?"
Rey's eyes narrowed. "So you felt it as well."
Kenji muttered under his breath, "This boy… he's something else." He tightened his grip on the axe, lowering it slowly into battle stance.
"I'm sorry, kid. I don't want to do this… but it has to be done."
Rey inhaled deeply, raising his fists. The air around him shifted, faint golden sparks flickering along his arm where the mark glowed faintly.
"Then there's no need to say more," Rey said, his voice calm but resolute. "If it's a battle you want… then let's fight."
The river's current quickened, as though the world itself braced for the clash.