The Kurai were an order that had long burdened themselves with the responsibility of shielding humanity from the unknown. What began as a small organization had grown over centuries into a hidden community, veiled from mortal eyes and guarding against Dreknars and demons alike.They resided at the very center of the Fourteen Kingdoms, concealed behind layers of ancient wards, yet even beyond their cloaked sanctuary, whispers of their existence spread. Among nobles and high officials there were those who knew of the Kurai and could reach out when shadows stirred, but in villages severed from civilization, far from the reach of crowns and armies, tragedy was a familiar companion. Just like what happened to your village."That," Raizen said evenly, "is one of the reasons I'm always far from home. I walk close to the forgotten places, bringing relief where no one else can, against human cruelty, Dreknar claws, and above all, the schemes of demons."His gaze fixed on Nox. "Your journey fro

Nox woke up to a pounding headache."I've been passing out a lot and waking up in strange places, haven't I?" he muttered with a smirk. "So, where am I this time?"A gentle warmth kept him cozy. He shifted, and his head throbbed with every movement. The forest's insects chirped as usual, but the sound seemed distant and muffled.Across the fire, someone was speaking, but Nox couldn't make out the words. His body felt strange, unbalanced, his head spinning.It was the self-proclaimed prince from earlier.A calm wave of Iora radiated from him, pure and nothing like the twisted energy of the Dreknar. Nox recalled Raizen's warning about staying away from Iora wielders, though he still didn't understand it. Instinct told him he was safe.The boy rubbed mud on his hands and pressed them against his ears. Instantly, the ringing and pounding eased."I think the mud helps. When that monster screeches, this calms it," Nox realized.He cleared the mud, focused Iora into his hands, and touched hi

The king walked toward Nox and Soren with an authority so heavy it seemed the very earth bent to his will, a magnitude of evil Nox could not comprehend.Nox lay on the ground paralyzed, Soren shifted back a few feet trembling. He couldn't sense Iora like Nox could, yet even he felt crushed by the aura pressing down on them.Each step the king took made Nox's heart pound harder, he finally understood why Raizen had once told him: if you see one, flee.Moments ago the Iora from the binding ring had made him feel unstoppable, now that strength melted away under the weight of this presence.Ten feet away, Nox's body refused to move, his mind blank. He cursed silently, think damn it think!, but no thoughts came.Then a spear slipped from a soldier's hand and clattered against the stone. The sound shattered the silence, halting even the king's steps.Another breath broke the stillness, from the ranks of the marching army a young soldier ran forward.Blonde hair, soft pink lips, a face delic

An old man walked slowly toward the gate, breath rasping, his cane striking the ground in steady rhythm, koink, koink, koink.The terrain was jagged, scarred by the battle between Nox, Soren, and Rios, leader of the Ten Thousand.An aroma thick with Iora pulled him closer, a heartbeat faint and fading. His wrinkled eyelids barely opened, but he followed the dim glow of Iora that pulsed like a dying ember.He stumbled to a gruesome sight. A young man, Portos, the first victim of the king's cruel judgment. Half his face was pulp, golden hair matted with blood. His abdomen torn open, organs spilling out, yet clinging desperately to life.The floor was painted with the blood of young men who had died from the King's merciless slaughter.The old man dropped his cane with a clatter. His hand trembled as he reached for the youth's cheek. A dark light erupted, piercing the night.The old man collapsed, lifeless.Portos's body convulsed violently, flesh knitting, bones realigning, his face reg