Chapter 2: Uninvited Guests

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Katsuki pressed his back against the cold, crumbling wall, his heart pounding as the royal guard slowly advanced. Each step the guard took felt like the tolling of a death bell, echoing in Katsuki's ears. The blade gleamed wickedly in the dim light as it rose, poised to strike. Katsuki’s breath caught in his throat, his legs trembling.

“I’m terrible. I’m not a good friend… How could I leave him behind? Ren… I’m sorry, but I don’t want to die,” Katsuki thought, guilt and fear swirling in his mind.

Just as the guard was about to bring his sword down, a sudden, immense aura washed over the alley. Katsuki barely had time to register the overwhelming pressure before his vision blurred, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

The royal guard staggered, confusion gripping him as the powerful aura grew stronger. What is this? He struggled to stay upright, his body betraying him as he fell to his knees. Mustering all his strength, the guard forced himself to stand and looked up at the sky.

His eyes widened in shock and terror. The sky was filled with demons—dark, ominous figures, their numbers increasing by the second. Sweat poured down his face as he stared, unable to comprehend the horror above him.

Before he could react, a swift shadow moved through the air. In an instant, the guard’s head was severed from his body, falling to the ground with a sickening thud. His lifeless body crumpled beside it.

One of the demons descended, landing near Katsuki and the fallen guard. It moved closer, its dark, twisted form towering over the unconscious boy.

“Remember our mission. We have more important matters to attend to,” a deep, commanding voice echoed from above.

The demon hesitated, then unfurled its wings and ascended into the sky, joining the others as they flew toward the heart of the kingdom.

Meanwhile, the royal guards stationed at the kingdom's gates stared in disbelief at the approaching horde of creatures. They scrambled to alert the king, their voices filled with urgency and fear.

Inside the castle, the king’s face paled as he listened to the frantic reports. His mind raced. Demons? Here? How is this possible? He immediately issued an order: “Summon the commanders. We must prepare for battle.”

Back in the slums, fear gripped the hearts of the people as they huddled in their homes, praying for safety. The usually lively and resilient community now stood silent, their hope smothered by the ominous presence looming over the kingdom.

Katsuki’s mother had been frantically searching for her son when she stumbled upon the narrow alley where he lay. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw him motionless on the ground. She rushed to his side, shaking him gently.

“Katsuki… Katsuki, wake up,” she whispered, her voice trembling. When he didn’t respond, she scooped him up in her arms, cradling his limp body. Without a second thought, she hurried back to their small home, her mind consumed with fear for her son and the terrifying events unfolding around them.

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