Legend of the Misfit

"Fleeters City was founded centuries ago by two demons who dreamed of escaping the Circuit's jurisdiction. After years of hardship, sacrifice, and determination, they built this—a city where ink didn't matter."

"Impressive… how did you find me, though?"

"I'd say we were lucky. We just happened to be using a tunnel nearby."

"Be happy for being my hero. What happened to suddenly turn you Black?"

"We had a lot of beasts to kill. I wasn't the first though; Ahvi was—

"Whoa…"

Before Killian was a fancy dojo. Though intrigued by its beauty, his expression remained dull—but his mind spoke for him.

As he gazed at the shomen, the dojo's wooden walls shimmered between deep mahogany and silver, its surface shifting under the crystal light.

Massive statues stood at the entrance, each one with a finger pointed toward the fifty-foot ceiling.

[How exactly did these demons build these? Damn.]

They ascended to the forefront of the dojo, where the grandeur was undeniable. Five demons, dressed in battle robes, stood at ease in front of the dojo.

Killian wanted to see what lay beyond the dojo's doors once they opened, but his limbs refused to move. A massive aura pulsed from within, weighing down on him.

[What is that? Lucid's? No.]

He began to sweat as he struggled to steady his steps, yet his senses were sharpened.

Morningstar paused; turning to Killian, he signaled he followed suit.

But Killian was lost in thoughts, his eyes wide open.

Morningstar neared him, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Relax, Kill. Just come with me."

He held Killian's hand, dragging him into the dojo.

Upon entering, Killian immediately snapped out of his thoughts, though his heart still raced.

"Tsk… why was I scared?" He slurred.

A black-inked demon sat at the center of the wooden floor meditating. He had a bald head, a long mustache, and his shirtless masculine figure was sweating from his immense aura. 

[Not close to Lucid, but damn.]

Killian began to wonder how Lucid managed his aura so casually.

[Lucid is more than a demon.]

Morningstar suddenly bowed on his knees, while Killian stood there with his hands tucked in his pockets.

After a brief moment, the demon stopped meditating and gestured for them to approach him.

"This is Master Ash. The leader of the Fleeters."

Killian stood idly, his expression dull.

Before Morningstar could introduce Killian, Master Ash asked. 

"Is he the leader?" His voice was deep and fearsome.

"Yes, Master Ash."

[Leader? Not bad…though.]

Killian tilted his head back, sensing a few auras closing in.

Before he knew it, he was wrapped in a tight hug. 

"I'm glad you are alive, Killian."

[Why must you hug someone this tight? She is Black? I should have stayed.]

Killian felt uncomfortable, unsure of how to free himself from Ahvi's grip. 

As Killian stood there, his teeth gritted and his eyes darting, Master Ash cleared his throat—a subtle yet firm reminder for them to respect his presence.

Zeya walked near them, yanking Killian from Ahvi's grip with a disgusted stare at Killian.

[What's that for?]

Master Ash grabbed his attire from the wall and gestured for them to follow him as he walked towards a door within the dojo.

Killian stood still, watching the others follow suit before finally making his way.

The door led to a massive meeting room with a long table for thirteen with three demons already occupying a seat. Master Ash asked them to take their seats, heading for the highest seat.

Killian glanced, watching them occupy their seats.

[What am I doing?]

He thought, hurrying to take his seat.

Master Ash, who had been standing, waiting for everyone to take their seats, finally sat down.

The moment he did, something about him changed—his aura grew heavier, demanding absolute attention.

He propped his hands against the table, signaling Killian to rise.

Killian sat there, leaning against his seat, until Zeya held him and pulled him up.

Master Ash cleared his throat; his voice was steady and firm. "I'm glad to have you. Your comrades told me a lot about you."

[What? Me?] Killian glanced at their faces.

Master Ash took a deep breath.

"It's quite obvious—the Wildlands aren't the same anymore. Our hands are tied, and before us is an inevitable battle—

"Wait… can you brief me on everything? I'm new to this." 

Master Ash's expression darkened; tilting his head, he gazed at Killian.

Morningstar rose. "I will enlighten him, Master Ash." 

Killian turned back to Morningstar.

"Animals have been turning into giants recently. This began a while after you left." 

Morningstar sat down. "According to Master Ash, there were signs of an unusual change at the border and their route being widened—which happened to be you, Killian. That's when everything began."

A demon shook his head in disbelief. Killian glanced at him, wondering what he was doing there.

"Since then, giant monsters began appearing at the border, their behavior grew increasingly aggressive, and all the lower demons on the surface were slaughtered."

Killian stood there, playing with his fingers.

[Those weren't that though… Oww, all animals, not just ants.]

"We were lucky enough to be saved by the Fleeters, and we've been living here ever since.

"We have no idea how they came about; we just fight them."

As soon as Morningstar finished speaking, something struck Killian. He immediately turned to him.

"Did you say everything began after my incident with the route?"

Morningstar gave a quick nod with a yes and a confused expression.

Killian started tapping his bottom lip with a finger, deep in thought.

"I might be wrong, but I think I have a fair idea."

They all turned to Killian with a curious look.

His presence seemed to intensify Master Ash's focus more and more.

"Ahvi, Zeya, and Sherry, if you would remember, when we went looking for the artifact, Raiden collapsed."

They gave a firm nod.

Killian sat down, resting his chin in my hands, with his elbows propped up on the table.

"On our way back to Lucid's, I asked Raiden what happened to make him collapse."

Master Ash's attention was at its peak at the moment.

"He mentioned being overwhelmed by a creature's aura.

"Moreover, if the artifact was able to turn Lucid into that beast of a demon, then what if everything is happening because of the artifact?"

Their faces were etched with confusion.

Master Ash's hands were shaking, his voice cracked as he spoke.

"What kind of artifact did you take?"

"Uhm… it was a crown." Killian awkwardly replied.

Master Ash let out a deep sigh, massaging his forehead as he shook his head.

"I've personally seen the crown artifact before and the creature you spoke of."

He tilted his head upward and exhaled.

"The creature is Lilith, the Mother of Beasts. And you kids somehow broke her seal."

[I knew the crown was connected to the creature.]

"Wait… Did you say mother of the beast?"

"I don't know much about her myself, but our ancestors made it clear to us who she is."

Killian sat there, his mouth slightly open, filled with genuine concern for Raiden and confusion over what Lucid truly wanted.

Morningstar sat on his seat with a relaxed posture.

"So, would everything go back to normal if the crown is returned?"

"I am not sure. I guess we will have to try."

Ahvi immediately got up, slamming her fists on the table as her body trembled.

"Why aren't any of you worried about

Raiden? Isn't he in trouble here?"

They all stared at her in confusion as tears streamed down her cheeks.

[She is right, though.]

She turned to Killian as his mind wandered.

"He is your best friend, isn't he?"

"Was."

She stared at him in disbelief. "How can you give up on him like that?"

Sherry got up and began consoling her, but she refused to listen. Undeterred, Sherry remained persistent and managed to lead her outside the hall.

Though Killian was concerned for Raiden, he was certain Raiden was alright. For some unknown reason, he fully believed Raiden would be the last demon Lucid would attempt to kill.

"If the crown mhas something to do with Lilith, then I think we are in huge trouble here. Don't you think so, Kill?"

Killian snapped out of his thoughts by Morningstar's words.

"Yeah. I doubt any of us can take down Lucid—even without the crown."

Master Ash had remained silent this whole time. It was clear he had no solution to the problem at hand.

"There is a war at hand in two days, and unfortunately we can only do little with this information."

[War?]

Confused, Killian voiced out.

"How are you people alive? And why must you go to war? The village I was in was doing just fine."

"Master Ash said it earlier, our hands are tied. They know our location."

[Looking at this baldy, we don't stand a chance.]

"Well… anything to help me grow stronger."

Master Ash rose from his seat, dismissing the meeting. But before he could leave, Killian was already on his feet, heading out ahead of him.

[Two days, huh?]

A sudden tap on his shoulder made him stop—it was Kira.

"Where have you been, Killian? We were worried about you."

Killian tilted toward her, his face etched with confusion.

"What's your name again?"

Kira paused, watching Killian walk away.

"Like, seriously?"

Killian tucked his hand in his pocket, waving over his shoulder.

"I just know you are strong. Your affinity is dark flames, right? Let's spar before the war."

[I completely forgot about her.]