WHOOOM.
With a burst of wind sharp enough to make the nearby torches flicker, Terrence skidded to a stop in front of a massive crowd. Cloaks fluttered, tails twitched, horns rattled because to everyone here, he didn't run into the plaza..
He just appeared.
People stared, wide-eyed, confused, whispering.
"Looks like we made it right on time. Actually closer than I expected." Terrence said casually, smiling like he didn't just break several laws of physics.
He gently set Eiselle and Treasure down..
or tried to.
FLOP.
Both of them face-planted in the most anime way possible.
"T-Terrence..do you not realize how absurdly fast you were going?" Eiselle groaned, stars orbiting her head.
"Stars..my head..everything's spinning…" Treasure clutched her temples dramatically.
Terrence chuckled. "Come on, y'all weren't going that fast."
He wasn't even breathing hard.
Then he looked around and realized they weren't alone.
Not even close.
All around them were supernatural monsters and monster hybrids of every species imaginable: vampires in immaculate coats, massive werebeasts with war tattoos, hulking orcs, sleek humanoid demons with ember eyes, beast kin with swaying tails and feathered wings etc.
Not a single human.
Except Terrence.
And the stares hit him from every direction—curiosity, disgust, attraction, suspicion, hunger, hatred.
Whispers rippled:
"Is that a human? What the hell is one doing outside of Xyani?" a lizardman hissed.
"He better turn around. Humans may be welcome, but they ain't liked." a wolfman muttered.
"Are you sure he's a human?" a Kitsune giggled. "I don't remember humans being that tall, dark and..handsome."
A demon snorted. "He looks strong. I wonder if he can even put up a fight."
Terrence ignored them.
His attention was locked on the massive, enchanted black brick wall towering over the plaza. It was over 100 meters tall, glowing with layered runes. At the bottom were dozens of different-colored portals, each guarded by armored soldiers and magical detectors.
A mage vampire stepped forward, raising his voice.
"Welcome to the outer entrances of the Kingdom of Xyani!"
His red eyes glowed brightly. "Every monster and human is welcome, except the unawakened. If you are unawakened, turn around and leave. If we catch you.."
His fangs lengthened.
His voice darkened.
"…you will be thrown to the monsters. Mercilessly."
That shut a few people up real fast.
He clapped with an exaggerated smile.
"Now! Let's all behave. Honesty helps the process go faster!"
Treasure gulped. "W-We're all awakened..right?"
"Of course," Eiselle said. "My hair turning black-tinted is part of it. I just don't know what my Talent does yet."
"Oooh! You'll find out soon!" Treasure beamed proudly. "My Talent's A-Ranked. I get more durable and stronger the more I fight."
Several nearby monsters turned their heads at that.
Then she looked at Terrence.
"And you? What's yours?"
"I'll tell you later."
If the crowd reacted like that to Treasure's talent..yeah, no need for chaos if they heard what his was.
"Too shy to reveal it, pretty boy?" a deep voice rumbled.
The three turned.
A tall, muscular humanoid demon with skin a fiery blend of red, orange, and black, grinned at Terrence.
That grin reminded him of those people from the Truth or Dare movie.
He wasn't alone; several other demons stood behind him.
"You humans..so fragile..weak..and puss-"
Terrence raised a hand.
"Before you call me that next word, Surtur, let's talk."
The demon froze, surprised Terrence knew his name.
He actually didn't know it was. He just reminded Terrence of him.
"I'm new here. I'm not tryna cause trouble. Me and my women are just trying to chill and have a nice time. You feel me?" Terrence smirked.
One of the demons behind Surtur sneered.
"Tsk..fuck them bitc-"
"HEY!" a guard shouted, pointing at a glowing blue portal. "Language! If you wanna fight, go to the Xyani Versus Arena!"
Surtur laughed.
"Haha! We'll gladly kill this piece of filth, and take those sexy women of his! You messed with the wrong S-Rank Awakener, human!"
He and his group walked off toward the arena, laughing and taunting Terrence loudly.
Crowds followed, excited for blood.
Terrence watched them go, smirk widening.
Eiselle and Treasure looked furious.
"How foolish of them..They must not know how strong you really are." Treasure muttered.
"Give them hell, T," Eiselle growled. "Those dumbass demons don't deserve to breathe."
"Say less," Terrence said instantly. "Was already planning on it."
They headed toward the portal, when three figures approached.
Most people avoided Terrence's vicinity.
These three didn't.
"Wow agh you are very agh brave for wanting to fight agh S-Rank Awakener!" a voice sputtered.
Terrence turned..
and blinked.
A Zombie, a pink Skeleton, and the Kitsune woman from earlier stood side-by-side.
Okay..that's new, he thought.
The Zombie was a gray-skinned man with patchy hair, a partially torn face, wide creepy yellow eyes, and casual clothes.
The Skeleton was well..bones.
Pink bones.
Probably female? Maybe?
And the Kitsune—
Damn.
She was gorgeous.
Long black hair with purple tint.
Amber slit eyes.
Caramel brown skin.
Split white top showing a toned stomach.
Black combat leggings.
Four black fluffy tails swaying behind her like they had minds of their own.
"Hello there!" the Zombie waved enthusiastically. "Name's Crank. C-Ranked Awakener!"
"Hi lovelies! I'm Happy, B-Ranked Awakener!" the pink Skeleton chirped.
The Kitsune smiled, mostly at Terrence.
"Nyashara," she purred. "You can call me Nya for short."
Her eyes slid over him slowly.
"And I'm also a B-Ranked Awakener."