The Seven Hells Regiment—one of the most mysterious divisions in the entire Norma Kingdom—was holding a rare council. All seven of its high-ranking commanders were present, which was almost unheard of. Many among them were usually deployed beyond the borders, in faraway corners of the continent or even beyond.
Inside a shadowy stone hall, lit only by faint blue torches, the seven sat in silence around a massive round table.
The leader, cloaked in obsidian armor, finally broke the silence."Any findings regarding the recent fluctuations?"
A younger man spoke up, his tone grim."These strange events have escalated in the past three or four years. Especially in the deep sea territories… something is stirring beneath the surface."
The leader turned to the man on his right."And the King? What did he say?"
The reply came in a cold, formal voice."His Majesty's orders are to observe and report. Nothing more."
Several of the commanders scoffed quietly at that—such indecision from the throne frustrated them—but no one voiced dissent.
The leader's gaze then shifted to an old man sitting farthest from him. The elder nodded and said in a low, gravelly tone,"My hounds haven't brought back anything definitive. The casualty rate remains within expected margins. Still, given the circumstances… I've sent my best."
A quiet ripple of acknowledgment followed. That "best" was the general stationed in the Drakerol borderlands—infamous in his own right.
But then, a hooded figure clad in black interrupted with a sharp, disapproving voice."Also... she's at it again. This time using the name Darcia. She was last spotted in one of the ducal territories. If she keeps acting independently, we won't be able to shield her much longer."
The leader's eyes flickered for a moment, but he gave no comment.
"Enough," he said instead. "The situation across the Empire grows worse by the day. Keep your sectors under control. Report all unusual movements immediately. And you—" his gaze returned to the old man, "—monitor the Lost Hell Hounds. And that place. It's been... too quiet lately."
The gathering began to dissipate, one commander after another vanishing into shadows.
Only the old man and the hooded figure remained.
The elder grinned, yellowed teeth gleaming."Darcia, huh? So that's the name this time... Let's see where you lead us next, old friend."
Then he too vanished.
The hooded one muttered darkly, "Friend, my ass. You're still just a dog."
With clenched fists, the figure turned and walked away.'How the hell am I supposed to complete this mission now... That woman is always one step ahead!'
Far away in the blazing desert, a lone horse galloped beneath the dimming skies. The sun hovered over the horizon, its fiery glow casting long shadows across the cracked earth.
Travis Sean sat atop the beast, slightly weary but smiling.
"I've got it," he said aloud.
A shimmer of purple flickered beside him as the tiny, fairy-like spirit appeared."You've got what?"
Travis smirked playfully."You have to ask me properly. Go on... say, 'Master Joe, please give me a name.'"
Purple went still, then spoke with an irritated sigh."M-Master Joe… please give me a name."
He was taken aback by her sudden obedience. There was no sarcasm in her voice. No snark. Only a quiet, sincere eagerness.
He softened.
"Well, well… if you ask so sweetly, how could I say no?"
He dismounted, walking beside the horse as they paused atop a small hill. The desert air had cooled now, a gentle breeze brushing over the landscape. The horizon burned gold and crimson.
Beside him, the tiny purple figure fluttered, leaving trails of sparkling energy in the air.
"You're not just the spirit of Infinitus," he said quietly. "To me, you're something more… something magical."
She blinked, stunned.
"In this second life of mine, you've been... a light. A presence. Something destined to walk beside me through this journey."He looked to the setting sun, then back to her."That's why... I'm naming you Maya. From now on, you'll be my magic—my Maya."
The last sliver of sun dipped below the horizon. Darkness fell across the land.
Only the soft glow of violet remained, wrapping around Travis like a gentle flame.
A few quiet tears—brilliant and purple—fell from the fairy's formless face."You dummy... you have no idea how long I've waited for my name…"
Travis smiled. "Tell me then. I'm all ears, Maya."
"When the time's right," she whispered, her voice echoing with warmth, "I won't even need to say a word."
Then, in a blink, she disappeared—though the glowing sigil on his left wrist shimmered with contentment.
Travis climbed back into the saddle and continued toward the forest's edge.
"Let's see what the Lost Hell Hounds have in store for me," he murmured.
Elsewhere, in the dense forest near the neutral zone, a black-clad scout sprinted toward a cave.
"Lord Blake," she called, her voice tense. "There's activity in the desert. A purple light... and someone's heading toward the neutral zone."
A man stepped out of the cave, adjusting his pants. His smile was feral.
"You better have good news this time. I didn't even finish."
The girl held her ground. "The rider's alone."
Blake's eyes gleamed."Oh? Looks like someone's asking to die. Take a few men. Get him before the Dante group gets wind of it."
The scout nodded and vanished into the brush with six men following her.
From inside the cave, a voluptuous woman stepped out. Her eyes were dull.
"I pity her," she whispered. "She still believes you'll set her free."
Blake slapped her across the face, grinning cruelly."Escape? You think anyone escapes me?"
She said nothing. Tears shimmered in her eyes as he dragged her back into the cave.
'Work hard, girl...' Blake thought.'When I finally gut that bastard Dante, I'll make you watch. Just like our master wanted.'
Back in the forest, a lone horse raced along a crumbling path.
Its rider—Travis—spotted a glint ahead. Wire. Ambush.
He reacted instantly, leaping from the saddle just before the wire could trip the beast.
Two daggers flew down from the trees. He drew his Tier 3 longsword mid-air and parried them.
But then—a sting.
A blade had stabbed him in the back. A thin figure, cloaked in black, stood behind him—barely more than a child.
He didn't even flinch.
"Attacking from behind, huh?" he said, turning to face her. His glowing blue eyes locked onto hers. "Didn't your boss teach you any manners?"
His calm voice sent a chill down the girl's spine. The hand holding the dagger trembled.
She realized—this wasn't some green recruit.
This was a monster in human skin.
'Damn it,' she thought. 'This time… Blake and Dante are both in serious trouble…'
* * *
[A/N:] Hey guys! Due to exams, I'll be releasing fewer chapters a week until next month.
✨ Bonus Chapter Goals:
+1 chapter at 30 Power Stones
+1 more at 50 Power Stones
+1 more at 100 Power Stones
Also, hit me up with music recommendations you vibe to while writing or reading!Thanks for your support, as always 🙏