Creature:
"First and foremost, kid, let's get out of here. Those things just left in a rush—either they felt my presence, or a stronger demon is in the area. I know you can't even speak right now, let alone move, 'cause you're bleeding a lot. Anyway, you better let me understand those video games, 'cause I'll be doing you a favor right now. Sit tight, kid. This is gonna hurt.
Oh yeah—I can't guarantee you'll live, by the way."
He places his hand on the boy's head. A strange aura, shifting from purple to green, begins to swirl around them. The creature grins wide, exposing jagged teeth, and chants:
"AWOGA WOBUSHILA!"
Noush (internal):
It hurts. It hurts so much. My body's tearing apart. I can't even scream—this pain is unbearable.
What did I get myself into?
Wait… what's happening? My body... it's healing. Even the blood I lost is coming back.
Damn, it's amazing, but eerie at the same time.
Wait a minute... What about those low demons or whatever they were? Shouldn't they still be around?
What if they attack other people? My house is close to this park. I should head back—what if my mom gets killed?
Creature:
"Chill out, child. Those things won't be back here for a while. They're called Creptsz.
You're lucky those were the ones you ran into—demons nowadays are much more violent and have been scattering all over.
But that's not my problem. The good thing is, you're alive, and now you get to teach me about that game from your... uh, I forgot what it's called. That large square thingy.
Anyway, let's get going before more show up."
Noush:
"So... they'll come back, won't they? I gotta go now... but I can't move an inch. My body feels too weak."
Creature:
"Don't push your luck, kid. Humans normally can't survive that skill.
The only reason it worked at all is 'cause a demon mark hit you—if a human tried it, you'd be dead already.
And for the record, I'm not a demon. You people call me a mythical creature.
Don't lump me in with those things.
I may kill a human—but only if they disturb my slumber or try to kill my kind, which they've done before.
But that was a long time ago. I don't hold that grudge anymore.
And stop calling me 'monster' or 'creature.' Call me Elipeh. A friend once gave me that name.
Let's get going, kid. Ask your questions later."
Noush:
"Uhm... I still can't move. And yeah—it hurts. A lot."
Elipeh:
"Fine. I'll carry you back. No one's watching anyway. What a poorsome kid.
But you gotta teach me video games once we're back, or I'm leaving you behind."
(Cut scene - Park)
Uraaakkk. Uraakkk. Uraaaak.
One of the Creptsz is suddenly decapitated, its head split in two. A man wielding a massive axe appears, stepping into frame.
Unknown Hunter:
"The world's in terror again... I can't believe more of them are resurfacing.
Their numbers are far greater than before. That old man was right.
I can smell their stench—even while people are still around.
And the worst part? These murder cases... they weren't man-made.
It's disgusting, honestly.
Damn. They're calling me again."
He presses his comms device.
"Govriel here.
Yes—I'm on-site. Five low demons spotted.
Huh? What do you mean there are more sightings?
Where are the others?
...They're not responding?!
Damn it. More casualties again?
Even the higher-ups can't do much.
And the top exorcists... they're all abroad.
Damn it all.
Anyway—just tell me where to head next."
Scene: Home
Elipeh:
"We're at your dwelling now, kid.
Hey—it's the dog again. At least now it's not trying to chase me off.
It's just a playful little fella.
Oh dear, it's your parent. Time to dip."
He drops Noush on the ground and hides himself.
Noush's Mom:
"Noush! Where have you been?
I already ate without you.
I'm gonna start watching my K-dramas now, just text your sister or call her to see where she is, okay?
And why are you lying on the ground like that?
For God's sake—you're 20 years old!"
Noush (inner thoughts):
That hurts so bad.
Screw that mythical—or whatever—creature.
I'm gonna beat his ass after this. Tears start to fall.
"Okay, Mom. I'll update you when she arrives."
"Hey—can you carry me back to my room?
My mom's gone now, and don't worry... once she starts watching K-drama, there's no turning back. She won't even notice anything."
Elipeh:
"Okay, child."
He picks up Noush and throws him onto the bed.
"Now—how do I play these video games?"
Noush:
"Never mind that—tell me about those demons.
How many are there?
Do they only come out at night?
What's going on right now?
Don't frown—just give me a proper explanation.
Tell me their origins, and I'll help you with whatever game you want."
His phone buzzes.
"Oh wait, my sister messaged me."
He shouts:
"Mom! Atthea's home now—she's by the gate!"
Elipeh:
"Okay, kid.
I know you're worried those ugly-ass creatures are lurking around.
But if I were you, I'd turn a blind eye.
Now that you know they exist, it's safer to protect your family without letting them know you know.
Those hunter-like humans will deal with them anyway.
Their numbers are dropping.
But for kids like you—it's better to stay out of it.
Let's just talk about this 'video game' thing now.
Since I'm loafing around your house, don't worry—I'll wipe out any that get close.
I may not be as strong as I once was, but I can still hold my own against low demons—or ones a bit higher.
You really are a funny fellow, huh?
Earlier, your suicidal thoughts were oozing out like gas.
But now that things got out of hand—you just want to live as much as possible.
I admire that, kid.
Not everyone can change for the sake of others."
Noush:
"Thanks a lot, Elipeh.
Now tell me what game you're interested in.
Then I'll teach you how to play it."
Elipeh presses Alt + Tab accidentally. An... inappropriate window appears on screen.
Elipeh:
"Ahh! O... Oh!
AGHH! AAAH!
Not there, Richard!
AWOGA!!! MOOGA WOODA!!!
What game is this?! Quite fascinating!"
Noush, flustered and horrified, quickly exits the window and pretends nothing happened.
Noush:
"Not that game.
You need a high-caliber skill set—or years of experience—before you can play that one."
His heart races. He sweats profusely, dying on the inside.
Thank God mythical creatures don't have internet.
He opens up another game.
"Let me teach you WoahBlox instead. It's beginner-friendly."
(Not really.)
And so, Noush teaches Elipeh how to play... and how to verbally destroy children online.
Elipeh:
"MWEHEHE!
AWOGA!!
You suck! Eat bread, kid!
KEKEKEKE."