Human World, Osaka, Police Station
Detective Urasaha, holding a folder filled with papers from other detectives, expressed his frustration to a low-ranking officer.
Urasaha: "This case is a mess. Unexplained gas leaks? Missing person? Possible murder? Abuse? They've handed me so many possibilities."
Low-Rank Officer: "I'm sorry about that, sir. I was just told to deliver these. I have no idea what's inside."
Urasaha: "It's okay, son. I was just venting to myself."
The police officer left the room bustling with Urasaha's employees, all striving to crack the case.
Urasaha: "I need to take matters into my own hands more. These other detectives won't find any evidence. They're just in it for the paycheck. I'm the only one who can find this kid."
He muttered to himself as he left the room to pursue more evidence.
World Of The Dead, Village nearby Kishizuno
Rikka greeted Benji the next morning as she emerged from her room and found him seated on the sofa.
Rikka: "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
Benji: "Yeah. It's weird not having a human body. I feel much lighter."
Rikka: "Haha, you'll get used to it."
Benji: "Where's Isshiki?"
Rikka: "He probably went to buy some breakfast."
Benji: "Oh."
Rikka: "Have you remembered anything yet?"
Benji: "Not a single thing. Last I recall is coming home from soccer practice, and then suddenly I was here."
Rikka: "It's okay. It might take a few more days."
Isshiki burst into the house with a basket full of food he'd bought from the local store.
Isshiki: "We got food!"
He announced proudly, depositing a hefty load of vegetables and meats on the table.
Rikka: "Great, I'll try to make something with this."
Isshiki: "I am literally the best at buying food!"
He boasted confidently.
Rikka: "He always says that about everything..."
She chuckled, joining in his celebration. They all shared a laugh.
Benji: "It seems like they have fun here. Looks like there really is an afterlife after all. I didn't expect it to be so straightforward."
He thought to himself while looking down, a strange feeling suddenly overcoming him. It was as if he had transitioned from a very hot place to a very cold one—a shock that left him nearly paralyzed and visibly nervous.
Rikka and Isshiki noticed his sudden change.
Rikka and Isshiki: "Benji?"
He stood there, speechless.
Human World, Osaka
Detective Urasaha updated his partner, Detective Jones, on the case progress at the police station.
Urasaha: "Nothing yet. Neighbors claim they didn't notice anything wrong in the family."
Detective Jones: "One of them mentioned he attended Kizuya High School. Should we check in with people there? They might know something."
Urasaha: "That's a good idea, but we'd need a warrant for that, and I don't want to draw too much attention to this case just yet. Let's proceed without one and see where it leads us."
Detective Jones: "Yes, sir."
World Of The Dead, Village nearby Kishizuno
Benji suddenly broke the silence, addressing Isshiki and Rikka.
Benji: "Isshiki, Rikka... I remember."
Isshiki: "Oh..."
Rikka: "I-I'm sorry..."
Benji: "My parents—where are my parents?"
Isshiki: "Benji, when souls pass here, they're sent to random places. Sometimes families get separated... I'm sorry, we have no idea where your parents might be."
Benji: "But that demon... Do you think he took them?"
Benji said anxiously, trembling.
Rikka: "Demon? What demon, Benji? Tell us what happened when you died."
Benji: "I... I got home from practice one day. When I opened the door, all the lights were off. My mom pulled me aside and said there was a demon in our house. She had a mirror and said it was the only way to see him."
Isshiki and Rikka exchanged worried glances.
Isshiki: "Hey, Rikka..."
Rikka: "Yeah, I know."
Benji: "Suddenly, he was in front of me. He tried to grab me, staring directly into my eyes. It was a fear I've never experienced before. The creature was pitch black, with yellow eyes and a cloak-like substance covering its body. Its face was hidden behind a broken white mask, only half visible. But it was enough to paralyze me. The next thing I knew, there was a massive explosion when he touched me, and then everything went dark. Next thing I know, I'm here."
Rikka: "That wasn't a demon. It was a Hakai."
Isshiki: "He was probably desperate, trying to consume souls. He likely didn't realize you were human."
Benji: "No... My parents. Where the hell are my parents?!"
Benji shouted, his voice cracking with emotion.
Benji: "He took them! I'm sure of it! Whatever that thing is, it took my parents somewhere! I have to help them! I will save them!"
To Be Continued...