Rei's vision was hazy, from seeing dim lit lights around him to seeing auras of the people around him. After regaining his complete vision and consciousness, he was surprised to see a man with white hair and bicolored eyes consisting of blue and a glowing emerald. Rei's first thought was Sylvie as he passed out from the fight. The last thing he was able to remember was a voice that was monotone and cold before he passed out completely.
"He's awake now"
Rei was surprised to hear Eunji's voice. As he tried to stand up from the bed and move his head, he felt heavy restrictions around him. The restrictions felt unbearable as he could feel it burning his skin while being suppressed to the point where his nerves started to show. Eunji in the meantime was having flashbacks with her encounter with the ancient being that somehow incarnated into Rei's body.
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The Fallen was enjoying his new flesh as he squeezed his hands and breath heavily, expressing his success for incarnation. An insane laughter filled the area which made the other spirits within the vicinity gathered and kneeled directly on the ground while bowing down with their heads onto the floor.
"Are these women offerings?" The Fallen questioned before checking the surroundings all over him. "So, that's the idiot who decided to use my power." The Fallen said after seeing the exhausted and unconscious David on the floor several feet away from them.
As the Fallen further examined its surroundings, it began to smile wickedly but what made Eunji spook was its eyes staring right directly into hers. What Eunji saw in its eyes were curiosity, lust and desire. It made her feel as if she's a prey being stalked by a predator. "Hm… maybe I'll allow the offerings this time…" The Fallen paused as he went near Eunji, grabbing her chin to make her look at him as he checked her out. "Beautiful curves, splendid…" The Fallen added before catching Eunji off guard by laying its hands on her waist, slowly raising her shirt up which revealed her body, smooth and firm skin.
"Smooth ~ I like it!" The Fallen expressed its liking to her before dropping her to the ground gently. "What a beautiful gem to be owned by me." The Fallen teased while smirking right at her.
Eunji was about to power up and use her techniques but was surprised when the markings on Rei's body started to disappear slowly. "Fuck… I wished I had more time to spend with my new toy but it seems like this vessel isn't ready for me yet…" The Fallen uttered out before completely disappearing along with the tattoos while Rei's unconscious body fell onto Sylvie's arms who just woken up after hearing the insanity of the ancient being.
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Eunji pushed the thoughts away, trying to stay calm despite feeling something warm in her chest, decided to brush it off and stayed professional. "Jeong-san, you alright?" the white-haired male said as their eyes met. "Y-Yes." Eunji stammered, cursing herself for dwelling too much on her memory regarding her confrontation with the Fallen from the previous events. Upon coming back to the current situation, the white-haired male started the conversation to ease the tension in the room. "Rei ~ Do you like being tied up?" he asked with a playful tone, the manner of a child. Rei felt disturbed before Eunji smacked the man's head and eased Rei, "Sorry about my colleague, he's very childish no matter what the situation is.".
Rei was about to speak but Eunji cut him off, "Rei Nishimura, is there anything that you recall from the previous events?" Rei was lost trying to recall what happened next but seemingly unable to remember anything after he passed out but only those words of coldness that sent chills to his spines.
"I am free…"
Eunji and the white-haired male raised an eyebrow in confusion before Rei started to explain further, "All I remember was getting knocked to the side then I felt a weird energy mixing into my aura… before I passed out… I only recall a voice that sounded so cold and husky… but before that… There was lots of screaming… as if they were dying… like eternal suffering…"
Eunji's face turned from calm to disturbed despite her years of being a sorcerer with experience of fighting and seeing brutality. It was not enough for her to imagine what it sounded like and how it looked like from what Rei had described. Adding the fact of the ancient being to be the reason for Rei's disturbing statement, it only made her even feel unwell.
"Is that so?" The male said before looking at him seriously, locking eyes as if he was trying to look for something deeper.
Rei was confused but Eunji answered the question he was gonna ask, "He's checking if the fallen is really in you." Rei looked disturbed but before he could say anything, the male gasped aloud, his eyes screaming fear and terror.
"Yeah no. You need to get executed before it has a chance to become stronger." The male said as he prepared to attack Rei with him performing hand seals. Eunji was about to retaliate when suddenly the room became filled with an overwhelming sense of power. "You dare to touch my vessel?" The same voice that Rei heard from before; there laid a ghostly image of the fallen on the corner of the room, its eyes screaming dreadfully upon the male before him. The male was shocked and dumbfounded but didn't hesitate to move to eradicate the ancient being upon his sights although he didn't have the chance to land his attack on it as the fallen had already moved to Rei's side. Its speed as if he was teleporting away while Eunji could only stare in confusion; the fallen more interested in Rei and Eunji as it was not bothered by the attack and gaze of the other person in the room.
"So, this is the vessel that I've been residing in for years… Needless to say… I'm surprised that you're still alive and well." The ancient deity said as it only blocked another strike from the male, energy like a blade stuck between its fingers. "Boy… Can you stop for a split second? It's embarrassing since you look desperate rather than being committed to exterminating me." Its tone rather being sarcastic than humorous; the male feeling the humiliation couldn't help but gritted his teeth in frustration.
"So, you can talk with manners?" Eunji asked sarcastically as she reminded the ancient being of their previous encounter. "Yes darling. I just choose to be vulgar with a hottie like you ~" The fallen responded with a flirtatious manner, winking at her as they licked their lips after eyeing her up and down in which Eunji felt shameful then tried to cover herself up. "Stop looking, fucking perv." She demanded although it fell at deaf ears as the ancient being only continued to tease her more. "Can't help it if your skin is smooth… smooth enough to put a mark on it." The fallen smirked at her before it focused on Rei.
"Now then… Let's set some ground rules for us then?" It said before introducing himself.
"For names… Just call me Keith or Fallen… To confirm your question. Yes, I'm a male despite my appearance and mythological history or whatever your history has recorded me as."
Rei had no clue on how to respond to the supposedly "ancient" being until Eunji but in the conversation. "What do you mean by ground rules?" She asked with authority in her tone. "Symbiosis. I rather live in a vessel with a will that I can take control rather than not taking control or forcing my control over the body… although I hate him, I would like to have fun rather than being stuck and unable to do anything." Keith said before adding more, "That's why I want to discuss some rules between me and him… forming a contract to ensure one's honesty and loyalty to the deal…" His tone became more serious rather than being monotone moments ago.
Eunji's eyes widened at the thought of the contract, after all, contracts are a technique that requires both users to agree on something to develop a strong share of advantages. However, the drawbacks are a major high risk… if the other party disobeys any of the contract rule… they die while the latter survives for a couple of living age until death of old age… additionally, if one disobeys the rules while the other party has already been perished… death is still the outcome. Which is why contract techniques are banned within the ranks of sorcerers except for high-ranking ones or special division sorcerers like herself.
Rei, on the other hand, had already prepared his rules, ready to discuss it with the ancient being upon him. "Alright then… I got some ideas…" He said as he caught both Keith and Eunji's attention. "First rule. No killing when taking control, except for being attacked… Second rule, don't hurt anyone that I know of… especially Slyvie…" Keith nodded his head at the name of Rei's best friend; not believing the two being best friends when had watched them being closer than a best friend and doing things like a normal couple would do such as watching the movies or taking them on a date for Netflix. The Fallen pushed back the memories of witnessing such intimate action between the two as he listened more on Rei's rules. "Third rule, don't destroy my clothes when taking control…" Keith chuckled at his request but accepted it either way. "Fourth rule, if you can manifest yourself just like now…don't do anything evil…" Rei watches Keith's eyes roll around as if he was a teen being disobedient to their parents.
"Is that all?" Keith asked.
Rei nodded as Keith started listing out his own as well.
"First of all, if you're going to have some intimate moments, allow me to manifest myself briefly and stay with a trusting sorcerer until you're done. Alright?" Keith said as he smirked at hitting a nerve at Rei for exposing in front of Eunji; Eunji on the other side just sighed in disappointment and amusement from whatever was happening.
"Second, when I'm in control… Allow me to change some differences in our body so that they can tell who's in control…" Rei nodded his head as he let Keith continue on.
"Third, I'll only take control if the situation turns into a wrong way that y'all can't control." Keith said as he saw Eunji eyed him carefully.
"And… That's all I can think for now…" Keith said as he watched Rei and Eunji face turn into relief, as if they were expecting evil from him. "What? You think I'm that evil?"
Rei, Eunji and the other male in the room sighed in unison, saying yes since Keith is an ancient being that is rumored to be a demon god that only causes tragedy and suffering to the world.
Time passed by as Keith returned to Rei's body while the other two had left Rei to rest as Eunji left her number behind for announcements. Slyvie had entered the room as the two began discussing the future paths and their current situation which turned into sweet interaction. Just like what Keith had expected, he was allowed to manifest immediately and teleported at Eunji' location which startled the poor sorceress that was changing clothes after her bath.
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After a couple of days, Rei was allowed to leave the hospital although he had a lot of bags with him. Sylvie on his left accompany him to the place where Eunji was waiting for them, Eunji having a dark eyebags under her eyes and looked exhausted due to the fact they were meeting early in morning. "I'm sorry for waking you up early…" Rei said while Slyvie groaned beside him in a stressed-out manner. "Its fine. It's not like you had any other choices when the headmaster had applied you to our school of sorcery after the incident." Eunji stated as she looked opened a portal behind her with a tool on her hand. "So… ready to go?" She asked as she watched Rei and Sylvie have a brief talk.
"I'm sorry that I can't be there with you… especially when you're trying to change and recover from your trauma…" Sylvie said as she looked like tearing up.
"It's okay." Rei reassured Sylvie as he gave a hug to her, comforting her with his warmth.
The two hug each other, seemingly lost in time as they recall the days of how they first met and how they became friends. Memories of their hardships and happy moments sinking into their minds.
"Are you lovebirds done already?" Keith asked, interrupting the two as he was already manifested and stood side by side with Eunji. "You are making us wait too long."
Rei and Sylvie blushed at Keith's remark but say goodbye to each other one more time before leaving.
Once entering the portal, Rei couldn't believe his eyes upon seeing the sight bestowed to him. It was a setting that he couldn't put between medieval and futuristic nor modern. Buildings ranging from a regular wooden and stone build to concrete ones, windows that were either designed simple or complex. This gave Rei a better understanding of how each area he walked around was a lot of changes compared to where he was living before. While Hong Kong evolved with steel and concrete buildings, the world he was currently residing in was to determine the social hierarchy and jobs. The wooden to stone like buildings were the lower tiers which were mostly filled with villagers or commoners he could describe. Concrete buildings where most of the mid-tiers were living were mostly a fisherman, weapon smith, low rank guards, low grade academy teachers and assistants for the high tiers. Metallic or what could be described as futuristic structures on the other hand where high tiers mostly reside: jobs in the area were similar to his home as it was filled with millionaires, nobles, high ranking officials and higher-ranking jobs.
"Welcome to the other side of Hong Kong." Eunji said before adding more, "In this realm, Hong Kong is called 'City of the Bright Lights: Eternum.'" Rei amused by the name but understood why due to the history he studied during his third year of high school. Afterall, Hong Kong is truly beautiful during the night due to colorful lights that shine brightly just like how lively and active the citizens are. Ignoring the fact, Rei couldn't help but think of the high difference of hierarchy in Eternum compared to Hong Kong. While Hong Kong was advanced with modern and futuristic-like buildings such as having the components of steel beams, strong metal and concrete that prioritizes utility and streamline appearance, Eternum had the basic, modern and futuristic components but mostly prioritized the utility and purpose of the building itself. After all, there are some buildings that had spaces for a room that's for prostitution services.
With time seemingly lost to Rei, Eunji was having her conversation with the ancient deity during their long walk that became taking a ride in a royal-like carriage. "I thought there were vehicles around here?" Keith asked as he manifested as a mouth on Rei's left cheek. "Oh? You mean the vehicles like the ones in Hong Kong? They are only used as a transportation vehicle for delivering high quality equipment or vital information. Some of them are used for raid operations and scouting missions outside of Eternum." Eunji answered as she continued to stare outside the window. Rei felt a feeling of anxiety as soon as the carriage had entered a gate, assumingly an area for where he was staying at before going to the academy.
"Welcome to Eternum's High Capital City: Sovereign's Heart." Eunji said before sighing. As minutes had passed: seemingly almost an hour already before the carriage suddenly came to a halt, signaling that they had arrived at the place. "We're here." She said as she opened the door and left the carriage immediately, stretching due to how uncomfortable it was to stay in the carriage for a long time.
When leaving the carriage, Rei was surprised when his luggage suddenly started to float with a bright aqua blue like aura around it. Eunji had told him that she was going to help him get accustomed to the place as they began to walk around. The place was very spacious as he could see some corresponding icons on the flags on it. Firstly, he saw a red flag with a yellow eagle. Secondly, a blue flag with a white lion when looking at the opposite side. Thirdly, a green flag with a grey snake. Lastly, a purple flag with a black flame that reminded him of an illustration of a foxfire in mythology. Upon arriving from what he assumed to be the general hall or a simple school hall for school announcements, his eyes widened when seeing the number of students, staff and teachers there. "Oh? you must be Rei. Welcome to Kamigami Academy." An old man in his 80s presented himself as the stage, wearing a royal like clothes that represents a high tier mage. The situation gave Rei a feeling of déjà vu, probably from watching too many Harry Potter films in his spare time due to hanging out a lot with Slyvie to watch archived films from the vintage cinema that still promotes the old movies back in the days before prowess was a thing.
Before Rei and Eunji could even follow, the old man shouted at the top of his lungs with pure excitement and joy in his words. "Everyone! Please welcome our new student. Rei Nishimura!". Cheers and a round of applause filled the until a recognizable male was seen in the distance from Eunji and Rei's vision who screamed with pure hate and disgust with a hint of malice in his tone. "Him?! The Fallen's vessel?! How atrocious and low can you go?! Headmaster Sho?!". Immediately the room was filled with gasps and murmurs, the voices becoming louder and louder as every living being in the room started to feel even more anxious and doubtful towards the headmaster and Rei.
"The Fallen's Vessel? Isn't that the ancient demon who was rumored to slay everything that stood in its way?"
"I think so… Didn't it also raped the women from the warriors it slayed too?"
Just like a catastrophic event regarding a great loss, more people started to get involved in the topic of Rei being the Fallen's vessel and the headmaster's decision. All of the sudden, the room was filled with a ridiculous aura of malice which caused all of the people in the room to freeze up. Chill, cold and eerie was all Rei could feel before he found the source of its aura. There, Eunji with a cold and ruthless expression with her eyes glowing in an ice blue hue along with the aura tracing around her. "Dare to doubt the headmaster's decision whether from assuming the worst due to a rumor or personal beliefs. I will execute you on the spot from your code of honor." Her tone filled with an authority that could make almost everyone shiver from her voice alone. The room was filled with silence… silence that was loud to everyone until the headmaster started laughing hysterically before proceeding to delve more into his speech. "The reason why Rei will be studying here despite his condition is because he has the highest potential than the rest of us!" The statement made everyone murmured to each other before proceeding to listen to the headmaster.
Suddenly, the room was filled with gasps that were not filled with hostility but rather admiration. Rei didn't know how to respond to the situation as he could only rely on the information that he was receiving from the being within him. "Potential is about an individual who could push their prowess level and mastery beyond the limit." Rei listened carefully before he started to walk next to the headmaster along with Eunji. "I hope you're comfortable here in Kamigami Academy, young Rei. If there are any concerns, please seek out me or young Eunji." The headmaster said before leaving him alone with Eunji who was now escorting him to his dorm room. Upon arrival, Rei had settled in the room as he unpacked his stuff while taking one last look at the photo before putting it on the desk. The picture had Rei and his father along with his mother who's been missing for years. Rei never knew about his mother personally; all he knew was that she was the reason why he had a prowess in the first place henceforth his late awakening towards his prowess. His father described her to be very gentle, kind, humble and demure. After reminiscing for a while, Rei decided to finish placing his stuff as he changed his clothes into the Kamigami Academy uniform. The uniform fits him perfectly which surprises him but then he noticed some changes compared to the other students. The one he saw from the male students had a grey blazer, white polo shirt with long sleeves, formal black pants, white socks and formal black shoes. The distinctive feature he notices was the symbol crest on the side of the blaze that corresponded with the icons that he saw from the flags. His uniform had a white symbol of what a special operations forces would have that was on his blazer while having a black and white strapping on his biceps at the left side of his uniform.
"Better than nothing, I assume," Rei said before leaving the room with keys in hand and locking the door behind him.
Meanwhile, Eunji had herself doing paperworks while mumbling angrily as she signed each paper one by one. She let out a sigh of relief as she remembered the talk with the headmaster before she went to pick up Rei.
"I hope the headmaster is right in putting Rei in the special ops division…" she muttered before continuing on working with the piles of papers on her desk.
On the corner of Eunji's office…
Behind her….
A pair of golden yellow eyes was watching her….
Her every move…
As if it was studying her….