( chapter unfolds:19" second mission ")
After they left, Haru approached Nobaya, who was sitting, looking out, deep in thought after burning a letter that had arrived for him.
"Why was the mission suddenly split into two? What happened?"
Nobaya remained seated, gazing outside. "We have sensed the presence of another Zek here. We must eliminate him as well."
"Another Zek?" Jinso walked in.
"Yes. There is a village beyond the Eastern Valley. In that village, there is an old monastery. The Master learned that people have been disappearing there over the past few months."
"What makes you certain it's a Zek, Nobaya?"
"The Master knows very well what a Zek attack looks like. The one there is someone who willingly became a Zek, just like Ray. Another mark of Shapta."
"So?" Haru asked.
Nobaya looked between the two of them.
"So, you two must eliminate that Zek in the village. Izuma and Sai will be in the foothills of the mountain. You can meet up once their mission is complete."
"Then?"
"The Zek in that village is very powerful and more dangerous. This is an opportunity for you to use your powers."
"We are ready, Nobaya. I don't care who Ray or this other Zek is, or what they are. The Master's command is what matters here," Jinso said, clutching his sword tightly.
"Then you must be careful. Even death can occur here.
This mission is completely confidential. Do not let anyone know that you are Sapahans. Remember that it could be dangerous for you."
Both of them agreed.
After receiving the warning from Nobaya, Haru and Jinso put on their cloaks and swords and set out.
"And remember... you are not going to face an ordinary Zek. He is a Zek who transformed willingly," Nobaya reminded them.
Both of them nodded in agreement.
"Remember, control your powers. Only draw your sword if necessary. Do not let anyone outside know who you are, as it will lead you to danger.
Izuma and Sai have also gone to the Eastern Valley. You might meet them once their mission is complete. Remember to be careful."
Nobaya reminded them.
"We know, Nobaya."
As the two of them walked away, a deep sense of anxiety filled Nobaya. He knew they were not heading out to face an ordinary Zek, and this was their very first mission.
The village lay beyond the valley. It was a small settlement, but the Zek had already destroyed almost everyone there.
Haru and Jinso moved quickly, hoping to reach the village before dark. However, they didn't succeed; night had already fallen.
"I can't walk anymore," Jinso said, sitting down on the path. He was completely exhausted.
"We can't stop, Jinso. Staying in this forest at night is dangerous."
"Facing a Zek without taking any rest is like inviting death, Haru. You go ahead, I'm staying here," Jinso insisted.
Haru was tired too, so he sat down beside him.
"Sai and Izuma must have returned by now, right?" Jinso asked.
"I don't know. Knowing Sai's nature, Izuma probably had to finish him off too," Haru joked.
"That's true," Jinso replied.
Time passed as darkness blanketed the valley. While Jinso slept, disturbing visions began to haunt his mind. He woke up with a start. Haru was still awake, sitting apart and tending to his sword.
"What happened?" Haru asked.
"Let's go quickly, Haru. I feel like some danger is approaching," Jinso said, picking up his sword and heading forward.
Just before sunrise, they reached the outskirts of the village. It was eerily quiet, with a thick atmosphere of fear lingering in the air. All the houses were shut tight, and windows were covered with black curtains.
"Where is the monastery then?" Haru looked around.
Jinso unfolded the map Nobaya had given them. "It's in the northeast part of the village, on top of the hill."
"First, we need to gather more information about the disappearances how and where the hunting began," Haru said.
They walked through the village, carefully hiding the fact that they were Sapahans. Eventually, they stopped in front of a small grocery store. Jinso tapped gently on the door. After a moment, a voice came from inside.
"Who is it?!" It was a woman's voice.
"We are travelers. We need some water," Haru said softly.
After a while, the door opened slightly. A middle-aged woman peered out, only her eyes visible.
"You shouldn't stay here long. This village is cursed," she said in a hushed tone.
"What??" Jinso inquired.
Hearing that, the woman moved to close the door immediately, but Haru quickly wedged his sword in the gap to keep it open. Upon seeing the sword, the woman's eyes widened with fear.
"What happened? Where did the people here go?" Jinso asked.
The woman slowly poked her head out and looked around. "The monastery... the monastery has awakened. No one should go out. At night... he comes at night. He takes the grey-colored souls."
"Grey-colored souls?" Haru suddenly remembered what Nobaya had told them.
The aura of a soul forced to become a Zek is grey, he recalled.
"Yes," the woman said fearfully. "His target is weak souls."
After saying this, she quickly shut the door. The two of them looked at each other. They had received the first clue of their mission and knew where their prey was hiding.