When Eran opened his eyes, the soft crackle of firwood burning in the corner reached his ears, filling the small wooden room with a warm, smoky scent. A cool breeze drifted through the narrow ventilators, carrying the scent of damp earth and rustling leaves. Moonlight filtered in through the gaps, casting silver streaks across the floor. Beside his bed, a plate of roasted fish rested on a desk. He stared at it silently, resisting the urge to eat. But soon, his stomach growled, loud and impatient. With a sigh, he picked up the fish, took a bite — and then finished it in seconds.
Just then, Haruki walked in.
"Wow," he said with a small smile. "You finished it all. How are you feeling now?"
Eran looked up, his voice flat. "I want to leave."
Haruki crossed his arms. "That's not a good idea right now. The entire region is in ruins. Demons have spread everywhere."
"I told you before," Eran muttered. "I don't care. I just want to kill everyone — even if it kills me."
Haruki paused, then said calmly, "You're still too weak. But let's make a deal. First, try to kill me. If you succeed, go ahead — kill whoever you want and leave.
But if you can't… you'll stay here and train. Get stronger. Then decide what to do."
Eran thought to himself, He won't let me leave… and I can't defeat him right now. I'll pretend to give up — and run away the first chance I get.
He glanced at Haruki and nodded. "Fine."
Haruki studied him for a moment. "Why do you want to kill everyone? You're still alive… isn't that enough?"
Eran said nothing. Without answering, he walked out of the room. At the doorway, he spotted Yuki standing quietly — perhaps she had been listening to everything.
As he stepped outside, the night embraced him in silence. It was dark beyond the house, but the stars shimmered above like distant embers, and the moon bathed everything in a silver glow. The cool breeze whispered through the trees, rustling the leaves gently. The sword he had used to attack Haruki lay abandoned on the grass, its blade catching the moonlight . Eran bent down, picked up the sword, and looked around. The house was surrounded by forest on nearly all sides, with only a narrow path leading deeper into the woods — and possibly, to freedom the sword.
Inside, Yuki turned to Haruki. "Why are you trying so hard to stop this kid?"
Haruki's expression was serious. "You don't understand. There's a storm inside him — deep, burning rage. And with the kind of power he holds… he's a danger to the world."
He paused, then added, "We need to guide him before that rage consumes him. Keep an eye on him, Yuki.
Yuki stood by the doorway, her eyes searching the darkness. "It's getting late… should I call him inside?"
Haruki shook his head. "No. Let him be for now."
"But what if he runs away?" she asked, concern lining her voice.
Haruki turned toward her with quiet certainty. "Trust me. He won't."
Without another word, Haruki gently kissed Yuki's forehead and guided her into the other room, closing the door softly behind them.
Outside, Eran lay on the wooden platform of house. his back resting against the cool wood. The moon and stars looked down on him with a silent, watchful grace. A gentle breeze stirred the trees and brushed over his skin like a whisper. The sword lay beside him, its blade now calm, reflecting fragments of the night sky.
He had awoken a while ago, but his eyes remained heavy, half-closed in weariness. For the first time in days, his mind felt quiet—no screams, no fire, no pain,no blood. Just silence.
The sun had barely risen when Yuki's voice rang out from outside the house. "Haruki! Eran isn't outside… and he's not inside either!"
Haruki stepped out calmly, rubbing his eyes. "He must be nearby. Search properly," he replied, scanning the edge of the forest.
The two of them began searching the nearby area with growing concern. Yuki's expression tightened. "What if… he really left?"
Haruki narrowed his eyes and pointed ahead. "Look—there. He's coming."
Sure enough, Eran emerged from the forest, walking slowly with a dead deer slung over his shoulder. His clothes were dirt-stained, his face a little scratched, but his steps were steady.
Flashback: A Few Hours Earlier
When Eran had opened his eyes, the first rays of dawn were creeping over the horizon. The world was still quiet, bathed in soft blue light. Without a sound, he stood up and slipped into the forest, trying to sneak
But the forest was unfamiliar, dense with trees and shadows. After wandering for some time, he realized he had no idea where he was.
Then suddenly, a low growl echoed from behind a bush. A large black wolf lunged at him, foam and saliva dripping from its jaws. Eran reacted just in time, rolling to the side and drawing his sword. His breath caught in his throat as the wolf circled again.
Before he could strike, a pack of wolf appeared nearby, startled by the commotion. Confused and unable to see clearly in the fading darkness, Eran backed away cautiously. Then, deciding not to risk it, he turned and ran.
Branches whipped past him as he dashed through the woods. The wolf didn't follow. The trees slowly began to thin, and as the sky brightened into a soft orange, Eran found himself back near the house.
Huhhh..! Again
The morning sun hung low and red in the sky. Birds chirped overhead. And then, through the trees, he saw a deer.