[The well-known Fong family is currently experiencing profound sorrow due to the sudden passing of their lone offspring, Shaynna Fong, an esteemed student at a renowned educational institution in Finland. As per the investigator's statement, the homicide occurred at precisely 10:00 p.m. last night.]
Eine delicately sipped the cup of coffee that adorned her hand while intently observing the recent global dissemination of information on a sizable monitor situated before her..
Given the Fong family's prominent involvement in the importation and production of various types of metal, it is to be expected that this news swiftly traversed international borders.
Repeatedly observing the news, Eine meticulously examined every minute detail captured within the photographs, videos, and accompanying information. Furthermore, she utilized her extensive connections across diverse industries to procure more precise and credible intelligence regarding this incident."
And why, you may ask?
This stems from her unwavering conviction that the reported cause of Shaynna Fong's demise being homicide is in question.
This skepticism arises because the female victim bears a striking resemblance to her, an 'Aviel'.
Because the female victim, Aviel, is like her.
A few moments later. The incoming call from his secretary, Jinro, appeared on the monitor and she immediately answered it.
His face appeared with a faint smile; it will definitely bring good news.
[It looks like our little bird is ready to fly, Eine. ]
A sweet smile immediately formed on Eine's lips. She immediately stood up and turned away from Jinro.
" Prepare her, Jinro. " She instructed as she exited the room. "It appears that matters are about to become intriguing."
--
Akemi sat silently and wordlessly within a room entirely adorned in white, devoid of any windows. Evidently, this room was specifically designated for confidential discussions, much like the one set to transpire today.
She had resolved to uncover the truth behind the recent events, firmly believing that she could accomplish this with the aid of those who had brought her to her present location.
Her gaze fell upon the recently opened door. Through it, a woman and a man, both attired formally, entered, their countenances familiar to her, affirming that they were the individuals who had come to her assistance, as well as her grieving family's.
Without delay, she rose to her feet, bowing as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
The pair smiled and nodded in response.
"There's no need for formality, I am Eine Schruvijer. " the woman declared as she took a seat.
As the woman settled in the chair opposite her, the man remained standing, with his unwavering smile by her side.
"I shall provide you with clarity." the woman asserted, her gaze fixed intensely upon her eyes.
"You are no longer a typical human."
She offered no surprise at these words, as the events she had witnessed and experienced firsthand had already revealed the abnormality of her own physical form.
But why and how?
After hearing what the woman, now leisurely sipping her coffee, had to say, Akemi nodded slowly.
"We shall assist you in living a conventional life. " the woman placed her cup upon the table.
"However, is that what you desire?"
This question resurrected the memories of the night in which she had lost everything.
The lifeless bodies, the looks of despair, and the blood strewn across the floor reemerged within her mind.
"No..." she responded tersely.
A smirk graced the woman's face.
"In that case, ready your mind, Akemi." The man conveyed as he handed her a cup of coffee, which she promptly accepted. She took a sip, savoring its sweetness and delightful aroma.
Suddenly, a sizable monitor materialized on the wall adjacent to them. Her gaze shifted towards the woman, who stood and approached the monitor.
"Forty percent of the world's population experiences two distinct births. The first occurs on the day they are delivered by their mothers from wombs, while the second marks the moment they awaken the special component within them—the 'core.'"
Akemi nodded in acknowledgement of her words.
"Cores serve as their founts of power and ability, situated adjacent to their hearts. Individuals possessing such cores are known as 'Aviels'."
"And that's us."
"Aviels..." Akemi murmured as she carefully placed the cup on the table. Her gaze fixated upon the monitor, which displayed the contrasting features between the human body and that of an Aviel.
Gifted with extraordinary abilities, these were realms that she often encountered in the books procured and brought to the orphanage by the nuns. The mere existence of such phenomena left her astonished, but even more astonishing was the realization that she herself possessed these qualities and abilities.
"As I mentioned before, cores serve as the wellspring of power, strength, and abilities for individuals like us. They reside within us from the moment of our birth, yet can also be forcibly seized and extracted from our bodies."
"And this is where the discussion concerning the individuals responsible for your family's demise arises."
A heavy silence ensued as the three of them adopted a solemn demeanor.
Akemi could never fathom forgiving those who had slain her family. Clenching her teeth, she met Eine's gaze, silently affirming her willingness to continue.
"A group of criminals is currently wreaking havoc across the entire world. Known as the Westerian Hunters, they engage in weekly massacres and killings of people globally. Ordinary humans stand no chance against this group, as they possess the same Aviel traits as ourselves."
Upon hearing these words, Akemi felt a chill run down her spine. The situation was rapidly growing gravely serious, overwhelming for a fragile yet resilient young girl like her.
"Their motives, as well as their identities, remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain," Eine paused, inhaling deeply in an effort to compose herself.
"They are relentlessly hunting down every Aviel."
Akemi found herself in a state of shock. So this was a world in which Aviels hunted Aviels, with innocent humans unwittingly becoming entangled?
"They are pursuing Aviel cores." the man declared, rising from his seat and exiting the room.
"Pay him no mind." the woman reassured Akemi, returning to her previous position.
She sighed and offered Akemi a forced smile.
The monitor disappeared, plunging the room into silence, until Akemi finally broke it.
"Does this mean my family were also Aviels?"
The woman solemnly shook her head.
"No... perhaps they detected the essence of your core on the orphanage, I deeply regret their sudden demise, Akemi." Eine spoke softly.
"No, it's ok. You're not at fault."
A surge of rage washed over Akemi, yet she struggled to regain her composure.
"I..." Eine studied her intently. "What should I do, Miss Eine?" Akemi queried, her confusion mingled with resolute determination.
Eine stood up and smiled at her.
"Come with me. I will guide you to the place where Aviels are cared for."