[Runa's POV]
We run as fast as we could. Wveryone we passed on the streets stared at us.
Looking back, I saw five city guards in pursuit. Honestly, I didn't want to keep running like this. Why shouldn't we try to defeat those guards? Don't we have abilities far stronger than theirs?
However, Thomas and Deana seemed to understand our current situation better. I trusted them both.
"Catch those kids!"
Suddenly, four more guards appeared from the front. The three of us skidded to a stop. Thomas scanned the surroundings, searching for an escape route to lose our pursuers.
"Into the alley!" Thomas commanded.
We followed him into the narrow city alleys. However, not long after entering the area, we realized we were facing a dead end. Footsteps echoed, drawing closer; the guards would be here any moment.
"Deana! Runa! Get ready, I'm going to use my power!"
Thomas spread his arms wide. Suddenly, Deana and I were lifted into the air, flying upward before landing on top of the building. After raising us both, Thomas flew up to join us.
"Thomas, you can control your power so well!" I praised him.
"Thanks. It's because I've been practicing longer than you, Runa," he replied, looking a bit sheepish.
We resumed our run, leaping across the rooftops to distance ourselves from the guards. After a few minutes, we stopped to rest for a moment. There was no way they would find us up here, right?
But I was wrong. We saw several guards appearing on the roofs of the surrounding buildings.
"There they are! Quickly, catch those kids before they escape again!"
Ugh... we had no choice but to keep running. However, we were now trapped on top of the buildings with nowhere left to go. The guards began to close in.
"Deana, take Runa down!" Thomas ordered.
My female friend scooped me up and jumped from the roof, landing on the city street. I had forgotten that Deana was an incredibly strong girl. Shortly after, Thomas followed, landing smoothly beside us using his power. We ran again, but the streets were packed with crowds, making it difficult to distance ourselves from the relentless guards.
"Get back here, you damn brats!"
Several guards were right behind us. One of them reached out to grab me, but Deana suddenly appeared and struck him so hard he was sent flying, crashing into a cart on the side of the road. Seeing the commotion, the citizens on the street began to panic.
"Thomas, we have no choice but to use our powers!" Deana shouted.
Thomas nodded. He pressed his palms together and then opened them quickly.
— Wosshhhh!
The sea of people filling the street was suddenly pushed to the sides, clearing the path ahead of us. We ran once more, though I had no idea where we were in the city anymore.
"Contact the mages and knights! They can use troublesome magic!" I heard one of the guards bellow.
"Thomas, how much longer must we run? My legs are so tired!" I cried.
Thomas's expression turned grim. It seemed he didn't know which way to escape either. Suddenly, the boy shoved me to the ground. A split second later, the sound of an explosion rocked the area nearby. Opening my eyes, I saw flames consuming the space around us. It seemed Thomas had just saved me from a magic attack.
"They've stopped! Quickly, neutralize those kids!"
I saw several cloaked men standing atop the buildings. Everything was chaotic; I didn't understand what was actually happening.
"Got you!"
A massive man in heavy armor suddenly appeared before me, swinging a sword.
— Clang!
Deana shielded me, parrying the man's blade with her bare arm. The large man looked shocked when his sword shattered instantly upon hitting Deana's arm.
"Take this!"
Deana struck the man; his armor cracked, and his body was hurled violently against a stone wall.
"Damn it! There's no mistake—that's Telekinesis!"
On the other side, I saw Thomas flicking his fingers. The mages on the rooftops were suddenly yanked into the air, colliding with one another.
"They are Cursed Children! Quickly, call the Inquisitors!"
***
[Brian's POV]
After obtaining Excalibur, Master and I discussed the matter within the Soul Room.
Initially, he was surprised to hear that I could already use Excalibur; he still believed that my mental maturity and understanding of heroism were lacking. I was quite offended by his words, but I knew Master wasn't entirely wrong. That was because I wasn't the one who summoned this sword—it was the masked man. However, I didn't tell him that.
Currently, I was practicing alone in the fortress training grounds. Previously, I often trained with Holy Knight Remilio, but today he was at the Great Temple to discuss matters with the Temple Authority.
"Brian! Quickly, prepare your equipment! We are going to Grenaut City!"
Inquisitor Elvira approached me in a hurry. She was the woman who became my mentor after Inquisitor Marcus was killed by The Masquerade.
"Huh? Why the rush, Inquisitor?" I asked.
"We have reports that three Cursed Children are rampaging in the city."
Cursed Children... Why was the Temple Authority so afraid of these children? Weren't they the reason The Masquerade was formed?
After donning my combat gear, the Inquisitors and I raced toward Grenaut City on horseback. After nearly an hour of travel, we arrived. Commotion and screams echoed everywhere.
"Ah, you've arrived. Hurry to the commercial district; the three Cursed Children are there," said one of the city guards.
We dismounted and rushed toward the area. Honestly, I had never faced a Cursed Child before. Inquisitor Marcus once told me never to underestimate them. Seeing the destruction and the struggle they caused the guards, I realized my Mentor's words were true.
Shortly after, we reached the commercial district. Several guards and mages lay scattered on the ground. Not far from them, two girls and one boy were staring at the Inquisitors and me with eyes full of hatred.
"No way... they were all defeated by just three children?" I muttered in disbelief.
"Neutralize those three!" one of the Inquisitors shouted.
Four Inquisitors began to advance. The boy flicked his hands, and surrounding objects rose into the air, hurtling toward the advancing knights.
— Tung! Tang! Ting! Tung!
Two Inquisitors were struck by the flying objects, while the other two parried with their swords. But as they prepared to attack the boy, a young girl suddenly intercepted them. She grabbed the two Inquisitors by their legs, spun her body, and hurled the armored knights into the air.
So... this is what they call a Cursed Child? Their magic and physical strength are truly overwhelming.
Inquisitor Elvira and I were the ones to approach them this time. The boy with Telekinesis once again controlled the objects on the street, directing them toward us. Drawing Excalibur, I slashed through everything that flew my way. Soon, I was standing right in front of him.
"Stop this! We won't harm you if you and your friends come with us!" I said, trying to persuade him.
"You know, a Priest once told my two friends the same thing," the boy revealed. "But I never saw them again after they agreed to go with the people from the Temple. You'll have to be smarter if you want to fool a child, Sir."
As soon as he finished speaking, my body was yanked into the air.
— Bam! Bam! Bam!
Ugh... the boy used his power to repeatedly slam me into the buildings along the street.
"Uraaaa! Come on, you villains!"
On the other side, I saw the girl beating the Inquisitors with a massive stone pillar.
"Keep the pressure on! It won't be long before they hit Mana Exhaustion!" Elvira shouted.
As she commanded, we continued to close in on them. However, only two of the children had been using their abilities so far. Was the last girl saving her magic for a specific moment?
After nearly half an hour of fighting us, the boy looked exhausted; his telekinesis began to weaken. Elsewhere, the girl with super strength fell to one knee, appearing to lack the energy to swing the heavy pillar anymore.
The Inquisitors and I slowly surrounded them. The children's expressions turned to panic and fear.
"Don't come any closer, you bad people!"
"I won't forgive you if Deana and Runa are hurt!"
But when we were only twenty meters away, a thick white smoke suddenly filled the area, blinding us to their positions.
"Cough! Cough! Damn it, who released this smoke!?" one Inquisitor barked.
In addition to blocking our vision, the smoke irritated my throat, making me cough uncontrollably while my eyes watered. After a few moments, the smoke cleared—and the three children were gone.
"Damn it! Find their tracks! We can't let those Cursed Children escape!"
"Summon a Sensor-type Mage from the nearest tower immediately!"
Was there someone helping those children escape?
***
[Sister Giada's POV]
I was shopping at the main market in Grenaut City when I heard the commotion. Initially, I wanted to ignore it and return to the orphanage immediately. However, I heard some guards saying that the chaos was being caused by three small children.
I rushed toward the scene. My bad feeling became a reality. In the middle of the city street, Thomas, Deana, and Runa were surrounded by mages and knights.
How could they be here!? Hadn't I forbidden them from leaving the orphanage? They were usually such obedient children, so why did they defy my orders this time?
My body felt hot and cold seeing the knights swing their swords at Deana. Fortunately, she possessed a physique stronger than even a wild beast. On the other side, Thomas managed to repel the mages who were firing projectiles at them.
Deana and Thomas fought exceptionally well... but they still couldn't control their powers perfectly. One mistake and their powers could run wild and harm them. Furthermore, they were in the city center where many Inquisitors were stationed due to the dragon attack a few days ago.
"Corner those kids!"
More Inquisitors began to arrive; they were elite knights, far more experienced than ordinary soldiers, specializing in hunting Heretics like us. Thomas looked exhausted from continuously using his power, while Deana had stopped swinging the pillar she held.
What could I do to help them? If I stepped onto the battlefield, I would surely die against this many Inquisitors.
The Inquisitors began to close in on Thomas, Deana, and Runa. Their faces were full of terror; they glanced around, but every escape route was blocked by steel. I bit my lip and clenched my fists tightly, watching the children I raised show such sorrowful expressions.
I won't let the happy life they finally found be ruined by blind worshippers like these Inquisitors!
I pulled an object from my pouch—an artifact Joker had given me some time ago. After activating it, I hurled it toward the group of Inquisitors. Thick smoke filled the area. I held my breath and rushed toward the three children.
"Eh, Sister!"
"Shhh! We have to escape quickly! Hold my hand and don't stop running, understood?"
I carefully led the three children into the city's narrow alleys. Thomas and Runa were coughing from inhaling the smoke. Seeing that Runa was completely exhausted, I led them into an old building so they could rest for a while.
They were gasping for air; Thomas sat with his eyes closed, Deana leaned against a wall, and Runa just stared at the floor. After giving them time to breathe, I looked at them with anger.
"Thomas, Deana, Runa... didn't I tell you not to leave the orphanage?" I asked coldly. "Why did you ignore my command?"
Their bodies trembled; they remained silent and did not answer. Goodness, I knew they were just children who wanted to explore the world outside, but Thomas and Deana should have known the danger of being caught by Inquisitors.
Runa suddenly raised her head. In her hand was a wooden necklace with beautiful carvings.
"Happy birthday, Sister," Runa said, handing the necklace to me. "I'm sorry we ignored your orders; we just wanted to buy you something for your birthday as a thank you for always taking care of us with patience and love."
Hearing Runa's words made my anger vanish instantly. I put on the necklace they gave me.
"Thomas, Deana, come here, my dears," I called out. I placed my hands gently on their shoulders. "Thank you for the gift; I am so happy to receive this from you all, truly." Hearing my sincere words, the three children smiled happily. "But don't do something this dangerous again, okay? I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to all of you, understand?"
The three of them nodded. I could only smile at their attempt to surprise me with a birthday gift. They were such good children... they didn't deserve a destiny like this, to be hunted like heartless monsters.
— Tap... Tap... Tap...
Suddenly, I heard footsteps.
"Quickly, search every corner! They couldn't have gone far!"
Hearing that voice, the children looked terrified again. I signaled for them to be quiet and control their breathing. Peeking through a hole in the building, I drew a knife from my pouch.
They were entering the surrounding buildings; one knight was headed here. I prepared to kill him. As the man opened the door, I lunged, stabbing his neck and muffling his mouth with my hand. His body thrashed; he tried to scream, but failed. He collapsed, and blood began to stain the floor.
I ordered the children to follow me. Sooner or later, we would be discovered if we stayed. We crept out, trying to evade the knights conducting the sweep.
"Hey, one of ours is dead here!"
"They must be here! Find them!"
I heard someone shout; they had found the body I left behind.
"There they are! A woman is with those kids!" A knight on top of a building spotted us.
"Runa, Thomas, Deana! Run as fast as you can!"
We started running. Looking back, I saw four knights in pursuit. A woman and small children were no match for them, and they quickly caught up.
"Die, Heretic!"
One knight launched an attack; I parried it with my knife.
"Thomas, Deana, Runa! Whatever happens, don't stop running!"
"But, what about Sis—"
"I will protect you no matter what! Keep running and don't look back!"
At my command, the three children ran as fast as they could. Two knights tried to follow them, but I rushed to block them, stabbing one in the ribs.
"Agghhhh! You damn woman!" the knight screamed in pain.
"I won't let you catch those children!"
After taking one down, I ran to catch up with the children to protect them. However, more and more knights joined the chase.
"The Inquisitors are here! Kill the woman and catch the Cursed Children!"
Two Inquisitors quickly caught up. I tried to fend them off, but their strength was far beyond mine.
— Clang!
My knife was sent flying after clashing with an Inquisitor's sword.
— Bam!
My head exploded in pain as a kick sent me crashing against a wall.
"Quickly, catch those three kids!"
No, I won't let you hurt them. Forcing myself up, I ran and struck an Inquisitor, knocking him back. Several others attacked; I tried to dodge, but my body was cut by their blades. Blood began to soak my clothes.
I was gasping for air, my body exhausted. In a moment like this, I regretted having no talent for magic or combat.
"You will die for opposing our teachings, Heretic!" one Inquisitor spat.
"I won't let you take my family again! Even if it makes me the world's enemy, I will always be on their side!"
Three Inquisitors attacked. I tried everything to dodge and counter, but it was futile. My wounds increased, and my consciousness began to slip.
"Die!" Suddenly, a mage fired a fireball from a roof toward the children.
I lunged and jumped to protect them.
— Bomb!
My body was scorched; I took the fireball with my back. Unable to stand, I fell to my knees. My vision was blurred, and breathing became a struggle.
"Sister!" I heard the children's voices.
No, don't come back. Keep running...
It's over for me... at least, I want you to be safe. I'll hold them back.
"Any last words before your end, Heretic?"
I felt cold steel against my neck. Tears rolled down my cheeks. I looked toward Runa, Thomas, and Deana as they tried to run back to me.
Since I was little, I had only my younger brother...
After the Temple took and killed him, I was a girl all alone. But after joining this group, I found a new family.
I wasn't lonely anymore. For ten years, I cared for these children...
I considered you my own siblings. A family that meant everything to me.
"Runa, Thomas, Deana... everyone..."
I am grateful I met you.
"Thank you for loving me..."
***
[Runa's POV]
The world is cruel...
But the world is also beautiful at the same time. We must find our own happiness in this world full of suffering and protect it from those who want to snatch it away.
That's what Sister told me when I first arrived at the orphanage. At the time, I didn't understand what she meant at all. But the days I spent with Sister, Thomas, Deana, and the others made me realize the meaning behind her words.
Initially, I thought there was no happiness in this world—a world where people never accepted me for who I was. They shunned me because I was different. But I met Joker, who told me to find people just like me.
In the end, I found happiness in this orphanage, meeting good people like Sister Giada, Thomas, and Deana who accepted me. For the first time, I was grateful to be born into this world.
But now, I understand the last part of Sister's words. There will always be people who try to steal that happiness from us.
In front of me, Sister's blood-soaked body lay on the ground. Her head slowly rolled toward me, stopping right at my feet. The wooden necklace I had just given her for her birthday was shattered by that evil person's sword.
My lip bled as I suppressed the scream of agony I felt. My hands bled from clenching my fists so hard due to the rage peaking in my heart. My eyes felt hot; tears soaked my cheeks.
"YOU MONSTERS! I'LL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!"