(Translation was done using AI, there may be errors)
The rain was falling on the night so heavily that it felt like the sky itself was trying to swallow the world. Lightning tore through the heavens, briefly turning everything into daylight before plunging it back into darkness. The old manor stood like a giant shadow within that darkness; its broken windows, tilted roof, and iron door groaning in the wind made it seem like a living creature breathing slowly.
The wind slipped through cracks in the walls, passing through shattered glass and producing faint whisper-like sounds. It was as if the house itself was speaking… or something inside it still was.
And strangest of all… even the rain itself didn't feel natural.
Each drop fell as if part of an invisible will trying to erase this world.
A scream echoed from far away… but no one heard it.
Two silhouettes appeared in front of the door.
One was Haruto Akatsuki. He slowly shuffled his Kuiri cards in his hand, drawing in the sharp cold of the rain as he looked up. The cards flowed between his fingers, and the faint sealing symbols on them trembled every time lightning flashed. He looked calm, but his eyes were constantly scanning everything, not missing a single detail.
The other was Kaito Shirogane… standing one step behind, like a blade ready to strike at any moment. Silver chains wrapped around his arms and waist; each link was engraved with sealing runes. Raindrops hit the chains, producing a faint metallic chime, as if the chains were whispering among themselves. His gaze was icy—cold, sharp, and emotionless.
Haruto frowned and muttered:
"This scent… this place has basically become a Kuiri nest. There might still be a few alive."
His words were swallowed by the rain.
Kaito immediately responded:
"Then let's finish this quickly. We're going in."
Haruto sighed and looked at the manor. A flash of lightning revealed the building fully for a split second, and in that moment it looked like it was leaning toward them.
"I always get sleepy in rainy weather… ugh…" he let out a long yawn.
Kaito suddenly snapped his chain and swung it toward Haruto. It wasn't meant to hit him—just to warn him. The chain stopped right in front of Haruto's face, slicing through the falling raindrops.
"Are you serious? One day I'm going to pin you to the ground like a stake with these chains!"
Haruto stepped back, completely unfazed, and smirked.
"You say that every time. And yet I'm still here."
A brief silence followed, filled only with rain and distant thunder.
Haruto's gaze shifted back to the manor, his tone turning more serious:
"Maybe someone is still inside… don't we need to be careful?"
Kaito answered immediately:
"There are no survivors. Only corpses. Open the door."
There was no hesitation in his voice.
Haruto sighed.
"You really are like this… I've been trying to change you for years. I hope someday someone comes along and sets you straight."
For a brief moment, something flickered in Kaito's eyes… but it vanished instantly.
The door exploded inward with force.
Both of them plunged into the darkness.
Inside, the air felt heavy.
Not just dust… but memories filled the space.
The corridor was covered in blood and fragments of black shadows. A glowing golden necklace on the floor caught their attention. It bore the crest of the Kurogane family.
Kaito gritted his teeth.
"Those again… those rich bastards who sacrifice their own children."
Haruto clenched his fist.
"Let's go to the basement."
As they descended the stairs, the markings on the walls changed. Bloodstains grew larger, and small children's handprints became clearer. With every step, the sound of chains echoed:
Ting… ting…
As if something was breathing.
The basement door was slightly open.
A weak breathing sound came from inside.
When they pushed the door open, both of them froze.
A child, around ten years old, was leaning against the wall, bound in chains. His hair was messy, he was drenched in sweat, and his eyes were empty yet full of despair. Dark black veins slowly began to spread beneath his skin. It resembled the Kuiri curse… but something about it was different.
Haruto whispered in shock:
"This… a child."
Kaito narrowed his eyes.
"How is he still alive?"
Haruto slowly stepped forward, softening his voice:
"Don't be scared… we're getting you out of here."
The child trembled but didn't respond. Haruto spoke something to his Kuiri cards, suddenly throwing them toward the chains, trying to break them with his ability.
At that moment, the child flinched violently. The black veins on his body swelled instantly.
He let out a painful voice:
"It hurts… don't come closer…"
Kaito immediately shouted:
"Don't touch him! The energy is rebounding!"
But it was too late.
The child let out a terrifying scream. Waves of black energy exploded from his body. The remnants of Kuiri melted away, and the room grew even darker. The blast threw both of them backward.
Haruto quickly recovered and jumped in front of the child.
"Hey, hey, calm down kid! It's okay… it's over now… you're safe…"
When the explosion ended, the child had lost consciousness.
Kaito spoke in a cold voice:
"This kid is dangerous. Let's leave him here."
Haruto shook his head.
"No. He's a victim. We're taking him to the Organization."
Haruto carried the child on his back. They stepped back into the rain. The child was unconscious, but his eyes were slightly open. The black veins inside him were still faintly glowing.