Zane was still trying to wrap his head around everything Azrael had just told him when the door to the Afterlife slammed open again. The air seemed to shift immediately, and both Zane and Azrael turned to see Nereza standing in the doorway, looking flustered—quite the contrast to her earlier cold and confident demeanor.
Azrael raised an eyebrow, a smirk already forming on his lips. "Back so soon, little sister? Did you forget something?"
Nereza glared at him, her face slightly flushed, clearly irritated. "Don't call me that," she snapped, marching toward them. Her regal composure was cracking, and Zane could sense something was definitely wrong.
Azrael's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, reading her more deeply than she likely realized. "You seem... troubled, Nereza. Need some help?"
Nereza's lips pressed into a thin line, her pride battling with whatever had brought her back. She hesitated, but finally, she crossed her arms and muttered, "I didn't come here for your stupid jokes, Azrael. There's something happening in the city."
Azrael tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "Oh? Do tell."
Nereza exhaled sharply. "There have been... incidents. A lot of them. The dead are walking—undead creatures, more and more of them, appearing across the city. And it's not normal. I came because I want you to investigate."
Azrael's smirk widened into a knowing smile. "Ahhh, so you do need my help after all."
Nereza's eyes blazed with frustration. "I don't need your help. I just thought that since you're already meddling in things you shouldn't, this might be up your alley."
Azrael chuckled, clearly enjoying how much this was getting under her skin. "Whatever you say, Nereza. I'll take a look."
Zane, standing off to the side, was trying to process the sudden shift in the conversation. "Wait, undead creatures? You mean like zombies?"
Nereza shot him a sharp look. "Zombies, ghouls, wraiths—there's a variety of them popping up. It's unusual. Someone or something is stirring them up."
Azrael straightened up, the playful tone dropping from his voice as he focused. "Well, that does sound like a problem. But you didn't come all the way here just to ask me, did you? You're rattled, Nereza. This is bigger than you're letting on."
Nereza crossed her arms tighter, clearly frustrated at how easily Azrael could read her. "I can handle it. I just need to know if this is your doing, or if you know what's causing it."
Azrael waved a hand, dismissing the idea. "Not my work. I've been a model citizen of the supernatural realm lately." He smirked. "Mostly."
Nereza didn't seem convinced, but she was running out of patience. "Fine. Just do your investigation."
Azrael's smile returned, sly as ever. "Of course. But... I'm sending Zane."
Zane blinked, completely caught off guard. "Wait, what?"
Nereza frowned. "You're sending him?" Her eyes flickered to Zane, her skepticism clear. "He's barely... whatever he is now. You think he's capable of handling this?"
Azrael shrugged nonchalantly. "He's got to learn sometime, and what better way than in the field? Besides, he won't be alone."
As if on cue, a shadow seemed to shift in the corner of the room. A figure stepped forward from the darkness, tall and poised, with an aura of quiet power. Zane's eyes widened as the man revealed himself—a pale, dignified figure dressed in a black suit, his sharp features betraying something not quite human. His eyes, dark and calculating, glinted with an unnatural intensity, and there was a distinct air of danger about him.
Azrael waved lazily in the man's direction. "Zane, meet Rael—my butler and, let's just say, a rather talented individual when it comes to handling... difficult situations."
Rael bowed slightly, his voice smooth and measured. "A pleasure to meet you, young master Zane."
Zane stared at him, still trying to process everything. "Uh... nice to meet you too?"
Azrael clapped his hands together. "Right! So, Rael will accompany you on this little investigation. He's more than capable of keeping you out of trouble."
Rael's expression remained calm, but Zane didn't miss the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I will ensure the young master's safety."
Zane turned to Azrael, feeling a sudden surge of anxiety. "Wait, wait. You're sending me out there to face undead creatures? I don't even know how to use these... powers."
Azrael grinned, giving him a pat on the back. "That's what Rael's for. Besides, you're a fast learner. You'll be fine."
Zane glanced over at Nereza, who still looked skeptical. "And what about her?" he asked, jerking his thumb in her direction. "Isn't this her problem?"
Nereza's icy gaze narrowed. "It is, but you're the one who's in a position to clean up your mess."
Zane frowned, confused. "My mess?"
Azrael waved a hand. "She's exaggerating. It's no one's mess—yet. But I wouldn't be surprised if this whole undead situation has something to do with you being in a liminal state."
Zane's stomach twisted. "What does that mean?"
Azrael shrugged, completely nonchalant. "Could be nothing. Could be that the boundary between life and death is a bit... unstable around you."
Zane's eyes widened. "You're saying this is happening because of me?"
Azrael chuckled. "No need to panic. It's just a theory."
Nereza crossed her arms again, still glaring at Zane. "Great. You could be tearing the city apart and you don't even know it."
Zane opened his mouth to argue, but Rael stepped forward smoothly. "Shall we, young master? The sooner we investigate, the sooner we can solve the problem."
Zane hesitated, glancing between Rael, Azrael, and Nereza. "You're really throwing me into the deep end, huh?"
Azrael smiled, giving him a playful wink. "Sink or swim, kid. That's how you learn."
Zane let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
Rael gave a polite bow to Azrael and Nereza before gesturing for Zane to follow him. "I've already prepared the transportation, young master. We'll be on our way shortly."
Zane followed Rael toward the door, still feeling a knot of anxiety in his gut. As he passed Nereza, she shot him a warning look.
"Don't screw this up," she muttered under her breath.
Zane gave her a forced smile. "I'll do my best."
As they left the Afterlife and stepped out into the cool night air, Zane couldn't shake the feeling that he was in way over his head. But there was no turning back now.
Rael led the way, his presence calm and composed as they approached a sleek black car parked just outside. He opened the door for Zane, gesturing for him to get in.
Zane hesitated. "So... what exactly is the plan?"
Rael smiled, the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes. "We investigate the source of the disturbances. I'll be by your side to guide you."
Zane climbed into the car, feeling like he was being thrown into the fire. "Right. Easy enough."
As Rael got into the driver's seat and started the engine, Zane glanced out the window, wondering what the hell he had just gotten himself into.