The moon cast its silvery glow over the sleeping city, the only sound being the distant hum of crickets and the occasional hoot of a night owl. Amidst the peacefulness, a sense of urgency hung in the air.
Etah, a young man with confidence and a mischievous glint, sprinted down deserted streets, footsteps echoing off buildings. He was being chased and knew it. Etah was a lean and agile young man with short, spiky black hair and piercing brown eyes. He had a quick wit and a sharp tongue, and was always getting into trouble.
"Stop right there, Etah!" a voice shouted from behind. Etah didn't look back, knowing his pursuers. With a wrist flick, he summoned a ring-like object from his pocket. The device pulsed with soft blue light, and the air rippled and distorted. A shimmering portal materialized, its edges churning with otherworldly energy.
"See y'all later in the True Beings regime," Etah said, grinning, before stepping through the portal and disappearing.
It had been 10 years since the Awakening, when humanity gained the Paradox Orb, leading to 60% of humanity awakening. In a grand courtroom, a heated debate raged among high-classed government officials.
"Its been ten years since the Awakening, and we've yet to apprehend the Rebellion... I think Contractors are stronger than True Beings," a judge remarked.
"I believe we won't apprehend the Rebellion," Aira replied. Aira was a striking woman with long, curly brown hair and piercing green eyes. Her slender yet athletic build was evident even under her formal attire, and she carried herself with confidence and poise.
"Why?" the judge asked. Aira, head of the Melanthos clan, stood tall, her eyes scanning the courtroom.
"The new constitution is a sham," she declared. "It consolidates power for the Chosen few, leaving Unchosen to suffer."
Kael sneered, his face twisted in disgust. Kael was a tall, imposing figure with a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes. He had a reputation for being ruthless and cunning, and was feared by many in the courtroom.
"You're afraid of losing privileges, Aira. Melanthos clan thinks themselves above the law," Kael said, his voice dripping with disdain.
Aira's eyes flashed anger, but she kept cool. "I'm not afraid of change, Kael. I won't stand idly by while Unchosen rights are trampled."
The courtroom erupted into chaos, with some jeering and catcalling. "Order!" another judge banged his gavel.
Aira continued, "Rebellion may be seen as a threat, but I see them as freedom fighters. They're fighting for Unchosen rights, marginalized and oppressed for too long."
Kael snorted. "Marginalized and oppressed? Melanthos clan oppressed others before the Awakening... you're just protecting your clan... damn you Satanists."
Aira's eyes narrowed. "I'm fighting for all Unchosen, regardless of clan or background... I care less about reshaping Melanthos' reputation."
The courtroom erupted into chaos again, with shouting and arguing. Aira stood tall, eyes flashing determination.
A judge leaned forward, smiling cruelly. "Tell me, Aira, as a Satanist, aren't you tainted? Your clan's history isn't relevant?"
Aira's face paled, but she refused to back down. "My clan's history isn't relevant," she said steadily.
The judge raised an eyebrow. "Oh, isn't it? If you're from a clan of devil-worshippers, can you be trusted?"
Aira refused to let the judge's words deter her. "I understand my clan's history, but I'm fighting for a just cause."
After the heated debate, the judge banged her gavel. "This case is hereby adjourned until further notice."
Aira left the courtroom, eager to share her experience with her manager, Jean, waiting in the carriage. Jean was a tall, imposing figure with a rugged face and a no-nonsense attitude. He had been Aira's right-hand man for over 20 years, and she trusted him implicitly.
"Welcome back, My lady," Jean greeted, bowing. Aira hopped into the carriage, Jean followed, and the carriage started moving.
"Arghhh... how shall I explain what happened in the courtroom today?" Aira sighed. Jean nodded silently.
"My lady, you've received an important invitation from a stranger to meet at a restaurant downtown," Jean relayed.
Aira's curiosity piqued. "What a hassle...let's head there then." As the carriage ride continued, Aira couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. She had been receiving strange messages, and she wondered if this invitation was connected. "Jean, do you know anything about this invitation?" Aira asked. Jean hesitated before responding, "I'm not entirely sure, My lady. But I did notice that the invitation was delivered by a mysterious figure in a black cloak." Aira's eyes narrowed. "A black cloak? That sounds ominous." Jean nodded. "Yes, my lady. I think we should be cautious."
As the carriage ride continued, Aira's mind was filled with questions and concerns. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, and the mysterious invitation only added to her unease.
The carriage finally arrived at the restaurant, a small, unassuming building in the heart of the city. Aira stepped out, followed by Jean, and they entered the restaurant. The interior was dimly lit, with only a few patrons scattered about. Aira's eyes scanned the room, searching for the person who had sent the invitation.
That's when she saw him - a tall, imposing figure with piercing blue eyes, sitting in the corner of the room. He was wearing a black jacket, a single earring glinting in the dim light, and a mask that covered half of his face, leaving only his left blue eye visible. His dark hair was messy and unkempt, and he had a rugged, brooding air about him.
He stood up as Aira approached, his movements fluid and confident. "Welcome, Aira," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I've been waiting for you." Aira's instincts told her to be cautious, but she couldn't help feeling drawn to this mysterious stranger.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice firm. The stranger smiled, his eye glinting with amusement. "My name is not important," he said. "What's important is the message I have for you."
Aira's curiosity was piqued. "What message?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Ermm... let's just say Jigoku leaders sent me," the man said, even with the mask, his expression was still readable, as his blue eye looked murderous. Aira felt a shock and almost lost her balance.
The man's gaze locked onto hers, his expression intense. Aira's heart was racing, her mind reeling with questions and concerns. What did he mean by Jigoku leaders? And what did they want with her?
The man's piercing blue eye seemed to bore into her soul, as if searching for something. Aira felt a shiver run down her spine, but she refused to back down. She stood tall, her eyes locked onto his, waiting for him to continue.
"Huhhh? You seriously feel fear Aira after taking what belongs in Jigoku? Huh?" The strange man smirked devilishly. "C'mon have some wine" the man said as he poured some red wine into a glass cup and handed it over to Aira.
Aira collected it and gulped it as if she just ran 100meters. She knew anyone from Jigoku could cause a huge disaster even if it's just one man.