Southeast Germany, Bavaria, Primeval Forest Nature Reserve.
That year, the one tied to the prophecy of Nostradamus, the climate had turned strange.
It was already March, yet winter refused to loosen its grip. The forest stood silent under heavy snow, branches stripped bare, the cold biting deeper than it should.
Swoosh.
A black arrow cut through the air.
Puchi.
It sank cleanly into flesh.
Roar!
The brown bear let out a furious, desperate cry, sending loose snow scattering in every direction.
"Master, I hit it."
A tall young man in a hooded trench coat lowered his crude wooden bow.
"Cough, cough..."
The woman beside him, wrapped in a wool hat, coughed softly before speaking.
"Yes, well done, Torika. That bear likely stepped into a trap earlier. Still, remember this, always finish it immediately. Until your prey stops breathing completely, never lower your guard."
She was shorter than him, her voice gentle, almost soothing. Her pale skin looked unnaturally fragile, her green eyes clouded with a faint darkness. A beauty mark beneath her right eye added an odd charm to her delicate features.
"I understand, Master."
Torika slung the bow over his shoulder.
They approached the wounded bear without hesitation.
Before it could lash out, Torika drew a simple spear, aimed for the throat, and drove it down.
Puchi.
Fast. Precise. Ruthless.
The bear's struggles faded. Its life ended in seconds.
Clap, clap.
Zeina gave a light applause.
"Cough... excellent, Torika. You hunted an adult brown bear on your own."
"Mm."
His expression did not change. Praise meant little to him.
He turned toward her, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
"Master, what is the point of hunting a bear? This feels too easy."
Zeina smiled faintly.
"Torika, do you still feel like you're killing a living creature?"
He paused, gripping the spear.
"No. I only felt the vibration of the bowstring... and the numbness when the spear pierced its body."
As he spoke, he pulled out a dagger and began skinning the bear with practiced efficiency.
Food was scarce in winter. This kill would keep them alive for quite a while.
"Cough..." Zeina watched him with quiet satisfaction. "You really are talented."
"I come from a family of hunters," Torika replied flatly. "I used to handle skinning. This is nothing."
"I see... cough, cough..."
She raised a handkerchief to her lips.
When she lowered it, faint red stains spread across the white cloth.
Torika noticed.
His movements sped up.
Her condition was worsening. He could not keep her out in the cold any longer.
Soon, he carried the prepared meat as they returned to their cabin.
Inside, he lit the fireplace and began cooking. Organs and ribs simmered in a pot, filling the room with heat and scent.
Zeina sat at the table, humming softly as she brushed snow from her clothes.
After drinking hot water, her coughing eased.
Gurgle.
The pot was set down.
Torika served two portions and sat across from her.
"Master, eat while it's hot."
Instead of reaching for the food, Zeina pulled out a photograph and slid it toward him.
"Torika, this mission is different. The target is not a devil."
"It's this man."
Torika glanced down at the photo.
A young man stared back at him.
"Oh. If it's me handling it, there won't be a problem."
Zeina picked up a dagger, speared a bear heart from the pot, and placed it on his plate.
"You must kill him like prey. Skin him. Take his heart."
Torika paused for a brief moment, then nodded.
"If it's for you, I can do it."
Her expression shifted, growing serious.
"This man is dangerous. He holds contracts with multiple devils. Many skilled hunters have died at his hands. Even the Gun Devil could not deal with him."
Torika met her gaze without hesitation.
"As long as it's for you, it doesn't matter."
Zeina blinked, surprised.
"You would risk your life just for me?"
He took a bite of stew, speaking slowly.
"The Stasi gave me information. If I succeed, you can retire as a Devil Hunter."
He continued eating, voice steady.
"Your contracts have already taken too much from you. You have less than six months left."
His grip tightened slightly on the spoon.
"I like you, Master. I want you to live peacefully until the end."
Zeina's cheeks flushed faintly.
Whether from the warmth of the meal or his words, it was hard to tell.
She placed a hand over her stomach, smiling softly.
"Torika, you really are my best disciple. If I had more time... I would have given you a child as a gift."
Torika shook his head.
"Don't say that. Your body can't handle it. I don't want to see you suffer more."
"Then let's change the reward," she said, turning to the snow outside. "This will be your final exam. Complete it, and I will introduce you to every devil I've contracted with."
"Understood. Thank you, Master."
She rested her chin on her hand, a playful glint in her eyes.
"But are you sure you don't want a child? I'm not that old. If we try now, it might still be possible."
"Master, there's no need."
She laughed softly.
"What a good boy."
...
Tiergarten Park.
A bench by the lake, facing away from the Reichstag.
An old man sat reading a newspaper.
A tall man in a double-breasted suit approached and sat beside him.
"Santa Claus, you still haven't delivered your gift from last Christmas."
The old man did not look up.
"It's Hans," he replied in a raspy voice. "Who is the gift for?"
"A dangerous man in Japan. He's been getting involved with China lately. The Stasi wants his heart."
Hans glanced at him.
"Can you do it?"
Santa Claus narrowed his eyes.
"Payment?"
"What do you want?"
A thin smile formed.
"Four children. Beautiful, regardless of gender. No older than thirteen."
Hans did not hesitate.
"Fine. What's the purpose?"
"Three for contracts. One for interest."
Hans stood.
"Good. I'll prepare them."
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews
(Leave a review/comment)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100
Power Stones.
◇ Read chapters ahead on [email protected]/_Zeph