I sat back down on the edge of the bed, Kuro leaning against the wall with his usual smirk and Astrid standing beside him, arms crossed. Their words echoed in my head.
"Join our faction.""We hunt bigger threats."
I stared at the floor, my fingers drumming lightly against my knee.
Kuro raised an eyebrow. "You're quiet. Thinking about it?"
I exhaled through my mask. "You could say that."
Astrid tilted her head slightly, her piercing gaze fixed on me. "You came here for more than just this tournament, didn't you?"
I froze for a moment. "…What makes you say that?"
"Because I know that expression ," she replied softly. "You're not here for glory. You're here because you're chasing something dangerous."
My jaw tightened. She wasn't wrong. Elarion's mission weighed heavy on my mind—finding the demonic presence hidden in this city, the one festering beneath the tournament. This "faction" they spoke of… if they truly hunted curses and demons, then maybe this was exactly what I needed.
Kuro grinned knowingly, stepping closer. "C'mon, Tarek. You've seen how shady this whole tournament is. Something's festering under our noses, and you know it too. With us, you'll have more eyes, more strength. Or do you wanna keep pretending you can do this alone?"
I met his gaze sharply. "I can do this alone."
Astrid interjected, her tone calm but firm. "Maybe. But if we combine our strengths, we stand a far better chance. Besides…" Her eyes softened just slightly. "I don't think even you want to face what's coming completely alone."
For a moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the distant rumble of thunder outside. I thought of Elarion's face. Of my father. Of my village.
Finally, I nodded. "Fine. I'll consider it."
Kuro smirked like he'd already won. "Good enough for me."
Astrid gave a faint, approving nod. "We'll give you time. But don't take too long—things are accelerating faster than we expected."
The two of them left shortly after, leaving me alone once more.
Hours passed. The city outside had gone quiet, the tournament grounds shutting down for the night. Rain pattered against the window, steady and relentless, while thunder rolled across the sky. I leaned against the glass, staring out at the glowing skyline of Uonuma.
Then I felt it.
That presence.
Cold, sharp, and suffocating—it prickled against my senses, unlike anything else. My chest tightened instinctively, mana stirring in response. I recognized that feeling.
"The same… as back in the village," I muttered.
Without hesitation, I grabbed my mask and hood, slipping them on before heading for the door. The rain hit hard as soon as I stepped outside, soaking my clothes, but I didn't care. That sinister aura cut through the storm like a blade, pulling me forward.
Lightning split the sky as I sprinted down the empty streets, water splashing beneath my boots.
Somewhere in the distance… it was waiting.
I clenched my fists, ice forming faintly around my knuckles. "If that's you…" I growled under my breath, "…then I'll find you tonight."
The storm raged louder, thunder roaring as if the heavens themselves were warning me.
And yet, I didn't stop.