The heavy rain beating down on the night was drowning everything out. As lightning ripped through the sky, the old manor loomed like a giant in the darkness. The wind whistled through broken windows, and shadows by the door flickered as if they were alive. A scream echoed in the distance… but no one heard it.
Two silhouettes appeared in front of the door.
One was Haruto Akatsuki. Shuffling his Kuiri cards in his hand, he looked up and took a deep breath of the rain-scented air.
The other was Kaito Shirogane… He looked dangerous with his ice-cold gaze and silver chains at the ready.
Haruto frowned and muttered:
"This scent… This place has literally become a Kuiri nest. A few might still be alive."
Kaito cut him off with a cold voice:
"Then let's finish this quickly. We're going in."
Haruto stretched and yawned.
"I get so sleepy in rainy weather… Ugh…" He let out a long yawn.
Kaito suddenly rattled his chain and swung it toward Haruto.
"Are you serious, man? One day I'm going to pin you to the ground like a stake with these chains!"
Haruto stepped back and smirked.
"Don't we need to be careful? Maybe there's someone left alive inside…"
Kaito cut him off sharply:
"There are no survivors. Only corpses. Open the door."
Haruto let out a deep sigh.
"Are you really like this? I've been trying to change you for years. I hope someone comes along one day and sets you straight."
The door burst open with force. Both plunged into the darkness.
The hallway was filled with blood and remnants of black shadows. A glowing gold necklace on the floor caught their attention. It bore the crest of the Kurogane family.
Kaito grit his teeth.
"Them again… Those rich bastards who sacrifice their own children."
Haruto clenched his fist.
"Let's go down to the basement."
As they descended the stairs, bloodstains and small handprints of children became more prominent on the walls. The sound of chains echoed: Ting… ting…
The basement door was ajar. A faint sound of breathing was coming from inside.
When they pushed the door open and entered, both froze.
A child, about ten years old, was leaning against the wall, bound by chains. His hair was a mess, he was drenched in sweat, and his eyes looked vacant and desperate. Pale black veins were slowly beginning to surface on his body. It looked like the Kuiri curse, but it was something different.
Haruto whispered in shock:
"This is… a child."
Kaito narrowed his eyes.
"How is he still alive?"
Haruto approached slowly, speaking in a softened voice:
"Don't be afraid, kid… We're getting you out of here."
The child trembled but said nothing. With a single strike of his flaming sword, Haruto shattered the chains.
At that exact moment, the child flinched violently. The black veins on his body suddenly bulged.
The child groaned in pain:
"It hurts… Don't come closer…"
Kaito warned immediately:
"Don't touch him! The energy is backfiring!"
But it was too late. The child let out a horrific scream. Waves of black energy exploded from his body. The Kuiri remnants around them melted, and the room grew even darker. The blast threw them both backward.
Haruto lunged forward to protect the child.
"Hey hey, calm down, kid! It's okay, it's over now…"
When the explosion ended, the child had fainted.
Kaito spoke in a cold voice:
"This child is dangerous. Let's leave him here."
Haruto shook his head.
"No. He's a victim. We're taking him to the Organization."
Haruto took the child on his back. They moved away from the manor under the rain. The child was unconscious, but his eyes were slightly open. The black veins inside him were still glowing faintly.
Do you want me to continue the story from here, or would you like to refine the descriptions of the characters' powers?