"WHAT?! Two new S-Ranks appeared out of nowhere?!"
Reina was visibly shocked as Sashi summoned her into her office.
"Yes. As of now, they’re waiting downstairs."
"B-but how? Where did they even co from?"
"The first one is Adam Faber. Twenty-five years old, a bit of an optimist. Never served, refused blood analysis for years despite his parents pushing for it. Only yesterday did he finally decide to co forward publicly. Twenty-seven percent demon blood."
Sashi displayed Adam’s profile. He had a strong neck and broad shoulders, short dark blue hair, and light-colored eyes—an obvious foreigner.
"Looks like a brainless hunk."
"I like that description," Sashi smirked. "Second: Shingen Hattori. Twenty years old. Born and raised in Seoul. Twenty-five percent demon blood. We know virtually nothing about him."
Reina glanced at his photo: pale face, white hair with black sides, apathetic red eyes.
"He looks like he just got out of prison. Too grim."
"Neither of them has combat experience. I called you here, Miss Reina, to ask: should we allow them into our ranks? They both seem willing. What do you think?"
Reina hesitated. Were they actually giving her a say?
"Hard to say right away... But in my opinion, they need training. No grand announcents or ceremonies. Just real work."
"I agree. We’re not in a position to turn away talented newcors."
Reina added:
"They need to be trained. Still, I’m unsure about granting them S-Rank status. We used to do that to attract attention and funding, but now... this is a different world."
Sashi relaxed her shoulders at Reina’s words. Soon after, she summoned the two candidates. The room was prepared: curtains closed, bright lights on, and ard guards present—to simulate a high-stress environnt.
"Co in," she said. The two young n entered, flanked by grim-faced agents. "My na is Sashi Heiwa. I’ll be conducting your preliminary interview. You’ll et the Director later after you pass the first stage."
The rapid-fire questioning began. It was agreed: Adam answers first, then Shingen.
"Have you ever encountered a demon?"
"No, ma’am!"
"No."
"Are you here of your own free will?"
"Y-yes, ma’am!"
"Yes."
Adam seed more rattled by the guards than the interview itself.
"Have you ever co close to death?"
"Yes, I have!"
"Yes."
"Have you used demon blood before?"
"Y-yes, ma’am!"
"No, but I can feel it circulating in my arms."
"That’s... a little too convenient," Sashi sighed, rubbing her temple.
Next question.
"Are you willing to give your life for this country?"
"Yes, ma’am!"
"No."
Sashi cast a sharp look at the Japanese youth, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he looked away.
"Why not?"
"Well, I’m still young. I’d rather live a little longer."
"H-how dare you?!" Adam blurted. "This is a job interview—just say YES!"
"Why should I lie to soone who’s asking for honesty?"
Sashi was quietly impressed by Shingen’s sharpness. His red eyes radiated serenity and detachnt.
"Am I wrong?" he added, crossing his arms. "This whole interview was to test our readiness. Until we prove it, we won’t et the Director, right? Adam, looks like you failed."
"Hah?! No way, man. I answered everything with a pure heart. Unlike you, I have a sense of duty!"
"You’re awfully loud."
Sashi raised her hand to interrupt:
"Alright, enough. You’re both right. Didn’t expect you to catch on so quickly, but that makes things easier. It’s good to know we’ll have strong recruits."
She clapped her hands. The agents opened the curtains, and sunlight flooded the room.
"All that’s left is to review and sign your docunts. Once done, you’ll be considered official S-Rank hunters."
Adam lit up with excitent, while Shingen calmly glanced at the contract.
"Don’t get ahead of yourselves," Sashi added. "I know you’re eager to join, but let’s be clear—you’re untrained. We don’t send amateurs to the front lines. These contracts will stay with until you’ve been drilled to hell and back."
She gave a sarcastic smile.
"You’ll study theory and undergo intense training. Your instructor will be Mr. Nam. You start now. Good luck."
As the two left the office, they were t by a towering man—Nam, the sa martial arts expert who once trained both and Jisun.
"Let’s go, boys. Duty calls."
"W-wait!" Adam protested. "Right now?!"
"Of course," Nam said, grabbing them both by the back of their necks. "Quit whining. You’ll get to spar with the others."
They were trapped—and Nam dragged them to his private training hall.
Sashi collapsed into her chair with a sigh of relief.
"If they survive training, maybe they’ll be a problem later... but for now, I’m glad they’re here. This stress is killing . Too many decisions, not enough clarity."
She glanced out the window. From this height, she could see the heart of the city.
"Park Jisun... When will you wake up?"
anwhile, the sun began to dip below the horizon. Crimson twilight stretched across the windows and the city streets.
All day, I had been trying to secure clearance for re-entering the Orange Zone. Director Suwon finally granted it, but with conditions—I would have to go under escort.
Sitting in the back of a black car, I recalled the conversation:
"Why the sudden desire to return to the Orange Zone?" Suwon had asked.
"I want to see how things are holding up," I replied. "The destruction left by that demon fight weighs on . I feel responsible for the damage."
"I understand, but last ti, you barely made it back alive..."
"Don’t worry about . I just want to walk through the area."
Suwon had stared at in silence, probably surprised by my composed, almost detached tone. I think, in that mont, he realized how much I’d changed.
...Why am I thinking about that now? Maybe because he’s started treating less like a soldier, and more like... a nephew. Or even a son.
What nonsense. Where the hell were you when I needed soone?
During the ride, I brought my old friend with . Junho climbed into the car without hesitation.
"Long ti no see, Kihyun. How’s your nothing?"
"Junho... Still cheerful as ever."
"Why not?" he grinned. "Every eting with you’s a good one."
Relieved to see him alive and well, I looked out the window.
"Sa here, brother."
We arrived at a familiar street. This place... it used to house the Hive. And nearby... was the café.
"What about the Hive?" I asked, hands in my pockets.
We followed the path where the Hive had once stood. Now there was nothing.
Two agents in black suits trailed behind us—Junho wasn’t fond of their presence.
"Ah, right..." Junho muttered. "We analyzed the Hive. Nothing unusual. Sa structure as those in the Red Zone. No idea how it grew. The demons inside... their veins were glowing."
"So no new information. That’s frustrating."
"If such a structure can form in the Orange Zone, the residents must be evacuated imdiately. We’re pushing for governnt approval. They might be infected."
We turned onto the adjacent street. I froze.
The café—Kokuto. Still standing.
I asked the agents to wait outside.
"Junho, wanna grab sothing to eat?"
"Sure, I’m down. Kokuto, huh? Sounds Japanese."
Junho walked in first.
"Welco!" two familiar voices rang out.
What is this feeling...?
I entered slowly behind him—and froze.
Those faces... The black-haired girl, the owner. They were still here.
"What would you li--"
When she glanced at , the girl staggered—and dropped a plate. It shattered.
"Oh, you dropped this," Junho said, bending to help.
"No, I’ve got it. Thank you."
I looked at the older man. He smiled as if there was nothing wrong.
"Welco back to Kokuto."
"R-right... I’m sorry."
"No need to apologize. It’s our fault. Nao, clean it up. We have guests."
"Yes, sir~!"
But that "sorry" wasn’t for the plate. And the owner knew it.
They’re demons. Yet... why does my heart ache?
We ordered so food to go. While I waited outside the door, Junho chatted with the owner, full of ease.
He could get along with anyone.
I stood still, thinking.
Should I tell the truth?
If I so much as pointed a finger... soldiers would storm the place and wipe them out.
Should I? Do I even want to kill them?
They’re demons. Monstrous beings... driven by endless hunger. How many humans have they killed?
All I have to do is raise my hand. One gesture—and I’d be doing humanity a favor.
Raise it...
But I couldn’t. Sothing inside resisted.
Do I feel sorry for them? They’re good to , but they’re demons...
I lowered my shoulders. I couldn’t do it.
To act like that... would make sothing else. Sothing I don’t want to be.
Behind the window, Nao watched quietly, sadly. She sympathized with the choice I had set myself up for.
As we left, she saw us off with a smile:
"Take care. Stay safe! Hope you’ll find your peace."
I said nothing. Just stared.
And yet, I didn’t regret it.
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