In the farthest reaches of the north, where peace was a stranger, the night seemed unnaturally bright. The sky blazed more than usual, casting a blood-red hue over the land. The clash of swords, the deafening shots of guns, and the booming explosions of cannons reverberated through the air.
"Why hasn't help arrived yet? We're really cornered here!"
Barrox Country, led by President Carlo, was in the throes of a political crisis. It had spiraled out of control, and now, the consequences were deadly.
"Mr. President, the rebels have breached the first defense! What do we do now?"
This was a world where bloodshed had long been woven into the fabric of human existence.
"We're facing ten thousand armed rebels, and there are only fifteen hundred of us here at the palace. There's no way we can hold them off."
"Damn it, why did this have to happen now?"
President Carlo and his aides were lost, struggling to make sense of the chaos. It had been sudden—people who had been holding back their rage for so long were now charging, swords drawn, into the heart of the palace.
Then, a shadow caught their attention through a nearby window.
"President Carlo of Barrox Country."
They turned in unison, startled by the unfamiliar voice.
The man standing there was unlike anyone they knew. He wasn't one of their own, nor was he part of the rebel force. His presence was almost... otherworldly.
"What are you?"
The man was dressed in a black robe that obscured most of his body, but the luxurious tuxedo beneath, with its top buttons undone and no tie, was visible. His mask was unique—something that would be unforgettable to anyone who saw it. But it was his eyes, glowing golden against the night, that truly stood out.
"Just an uninvited guest."
One of President Carlo's subordinates spoke up, his voice shaking.
"Sir, that's him. The most wanted man in the North Continent. Black robe, white hair, and that mask… it's Black Death—the leader of the Liberation Army!"
"Haha, guess I've made a name for myself."
---
Meanwhile, at the APF Navy's Main Military Base...
"Another rebellion on the northern continent. Barrox country this time. That's the sixth in the last year," Admiral Marc Atomic said, speaking on the phone from his office.
"Is it the Liberation Army again?"
"It looks like it. The battle's reaching its peak in Barrox, and they've asked for our help."
"Should I head out, sir?" Atomic's voice was cool, but there was a subtle tension beneath his words.
"No need. I've already handed this over to the Army."
Atomic's face tightened at the mention of the Army. His feelings toward them were... complicated.
"Understood."
The voice on the other end continued. "Speaking of the Liberation Army, their leader, Black Death, could be a serious problem if he's not dealt with soon."
"We'll manage, but let's focus on the immediate issues. We've got our hands full right now."
"I'll think on it."
With a heavy sigh, Atomic ended the call and rose from his desk. He walked over to the window and stared out at the ocean, lost in thought.
"I don't have time for this," he muttered.
---
Back at the palace...
One of President Carlo's men, realizing the situation, raised his gun and aimed at Canis.
"Die!!!"
Bang!
The shot rang out, but before the man could pull the trigger, a bullet pierced his skull. No one saw the shooter—only the faint gap between Canis and the window, where the bullet had come from.
"Ah, he was just my subordinate."
"Black Death... What the hell are you doing here? Wait… you—" Carlo's voice faltered. "You're the one behind all this, aren't you?"
"Yep, I planned the whole thing," Canis replied casually, stepping closer to Carlo, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.
Carlo took a slow step back, his body hitting the wall behind him. His breath quickened.
"Why? What did I do to deserve this?"
"Are you really asking me that?" Canis's eyes flared for a moment. "I've worked my ass off to get to the top in this country, and you've come along and ruined it all."
"Accused? No, not just accused. I see everything inside you, President. You're not just guilty of the corruption you're accused of—you're five times worse than that."
"That's not true! No one has any proof!"
"I don't need proof," Canis said, his voice low. "I can see the rot inside you. You can fool the world, but not me."
Carlo stumbled back, trying to steady himself. "This is madness."
"You've been out there living the high life, stealing money while your people starve in poverty. Does that not bother you at all?"
"So what? What makes you so righteous that you think you can judge me?"
Canis's lips curled into a twisted smile. "Don't get me wrong—I'm not here to stop you from corrupting yourself. But…"
"But?"
"Don't stop me from cutting your head off."
---
From a distance, Aron—dressed similarly to Canis—approached, his footsteps light but deliberate.
"Boss, looks like everything's going according to plan."
Canis glanced down at the body of President Carlo, his robe stained with blood. Carlo's decapitated body lay nearby, a testament to the brutal execution.
"I see. Tell the others to finish up here. Our part is done."
Aron nodded. "Got it."
---
Later, as they were preparing to leave, Canis glanced at his watch.
"By the way, what time is it?"
"4 AM," Aron replied.
"What?! Why didn't you say anything earlier?"
"What's going on?"
"I forgot—I'm supposed to go to school today!" Canis exclaimed in disbelief.
---
And so, the devil had returned to the world. But it seemed he still had some very human responsibilities to deal with.
{Chapter 12 End}