Rumble! Rumble!
The dark sky deepened, accompanied by crimson rain that continuously poured down on a grand, foreboding castle, reinforcing the ominous aura that had long enveloped the place. Despite its gloom, the castle exuded an air of elegance, creating a stark contrast that amazed and terrified anyone who dared to gaze upon it.
Clank! Clank! Clank!
Outside, several humanoid creatures roamed slowly. Their bodies had no flesh or veins—only bones connected together. Inside their ribcages, a bright blue fire burned, serving as the heart that kept them moving. Ordinary humans referred to them as skeletons. Though they appeared aimless, these skeletons were actually patrolling, diligently guarding the eerie castle. The blue firelight from their chests cast terrifying shadows on the ground, soaked by the crimson rain.
In a different part of the castle grounds, other creatures with even more terrifying appearances—ghouls—tended the garden behind the castle. The plants looked strange, with dark purple leaves and flowers that glowed in the dark. Despite their frightening appearance, the ghouls cared for them with diligence, creating an unsettling yet harmonious atmosphere. Their movements were slow but deliberate, as though each leaf and petal held profound meaning.
Among all the creatures outside, one stood out the most: a massive dog, so large that its body could block the castle gate. Even more terrifying, this dog had three heads, each one ablaze with fire. The saliva dripping from its mouths was as hot as lava; when it touched the ground, it scorched the earth black and burned anything it came into contact with. A noxious smell of sulfur and smoke wafted from the creature, deepening the ominous atmosphere around the castle gate.
In stark contrast to the dark and menacing exterior, the castle's interior was filled with luxurious furniture and ornate decorations. Displays of armor crafted from rare materials and various classical embellishments added opulence to every corner of the room. Thick carpets in deep red covered the black marble floors, muffling the footsteps that traversed over them.
"Ahahaha! This time, I'll get there first!"
A young boy's cheerful voice echoed through the castle's long corridor. Lined with strange ancient paintings, the corridor was now alive with the sound of excitement. Behind him, a girl a few years older ran after him, her spirited smile reflected in her eyes. Her feet echoed firmly against the cold marble floor.
"Too slow!"
With dramatic flair, the girl unleashed a dark purple tentacle from her back. It shot toward the boy, wrapping around his ankle and causing him to tumble to the ground. Thankfully, the thick carpet softened his fall, making him bounce slightly before coming to a stop.
"Big sis, you're cheating!" the boy protested, annoyance coloring his tone. Tears brimmed in his eyes, ready to spill over. What had started as joy now turned to anger, his face flushed red.
Feeling a twinge of guilt, the sister approached him calmly. She knelt beside her brother, extending her hand without saying much. A soft smile graced her features, conveying her good intentions. When their eyes met, she gently touched his hand, helping him to his feet. The tentacle slowly released its grip, retracting smoothly behind her.
"Are you okay?" she asked, concern lacing her voice as she helped him stand.
"Cyclops' eye candy..." he mumbled under his breath, nearly inaudible. His face still bore the shadow of his frustration, his cheeks puffed out like a pufferfish, and his grip tightened on her cloak.
"What did you say?"
His sister, not catching his words clearly, raised her eyebrows slightly, demanding clarity.
"I said I want Cyclops' eye candy!"
He repeated the request louder this time, hope shining in his eyes as he fixed them on his sister, emphasizing how important this was to him.
"What?! Cyclops' eye candy?! You know that stuff is super expensive, right?!"
His sister's eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth gaping. She shook her head, staring at him incredulously.
"If you save your allowance for a year, maybe that'll be enough," the boy teased, a cheeky grin spreading across his face as he playfully poked his sister's side.
"You little...!"
Her temper flared instantly, cheeks reddening with anger. Without a second thought, she hit him with surprising strength for her small frame, sending him flying momentarily before crashing down.
"Guhhak!"
He hit the plush carpet with a thud, this time making no sound of laughter. Instead, he lay there, unconscious after the harsh impact. The playful atmosphere shifted to one of tension, as the sister stood frozen in horror, realizing the consequences of her actions. Her face drained of color, her hands trembled as she looked down at her brother's still form.
"My brother!"
She screamed, panic rising within her as she knelt beside him, shaking his body desperately.
---
"Mother, I'm here!"
"Madam Veronica, I'm here too!"
The two children who had been racing around the castle now reached a large, opulent room. The strong smell of medicines filled the air, from fragrances meant to ease breathing to herbs that seemed completely out of place in this world. The warmth of the room was soothing, though the sharp aroma of herbal concoctions dominated the scent.
Yet the two children paid no mind to these details; they sought one person—the beautiful, graceful woman lying in her bed. The maroon curtains around the bed were adorned with intricate gold embroidery, while soft candlelight illuminated her pale face, which still radiated captivating beauty.
From a distance, Madam Veronica caught sight of the two children standing in the doorway. A gentle smile spread across her face, and joy illuminated her tired eyes at their arrival.
"Hahaha, it looks like we got here first this time, my dear brother!"
"Hahaha! It seems so, my dear—"
As if they had just won a race, laughter erupted between them, but it was short-lived. Upon entering Madam Veronica's room, they noticed two adults already present. Startled, their laughter faded.
"You took your time, didn't you?"
"Hey there, my children."
"Father and Mother?! Why are you here?!"
One of the girls, astonished at their presence, asked. The two adults were, of course, her biological parents. Her expression shifted from joy to confusion.
"Father and Madam Caroline, didn't you both say you were busy?"
The boy echoed his sister's question, moving closer to the two adults with curious eyes.
Trying to ease the boy's concern, Madam Caroline knelt down, gently stroking his head and lovingly raking her fingers through his hair.
"Actually... that... was... all... a lie~" Madam Caroline replied playfully, wearing a wide smile.
"What?!"
The boy's eyes widened, disbelief plastered across his face.
"By the way, Vento, have you and Valentina eaten yet?"
Now it was the father asking Vento, as he prepared a drink that resembled tea. Wisps of steam rose from the exquisite porcelain cup, releasing the calming aroma of herbal tea.
"Yes! Big Sis Valentina and I have already eaten!" Vento chimed in, raising his hand enthusiastically as if he were answering a teacher's question. The earlier tension dissipated as his face brightened again, and the small deception was forgotten.
"I see."
Satisfied with his son's answer, Vento, the father—also Valentina's father—smiled gently. Soon, the tea brewed to perfection was poured into the cups set on the small table in the room's center.
Seeing the drinks ready, Madam Caroline clapped her hands lightly and announced, "Alright then, everyone, let's listen to Madam Veronica's story about the human world!"
"Ohhh!!"
"I can't wait, Mother!"
"I wonder what story Madam Veronica will tell us today?!"
Various excited responses came from the three others, their eyes sparkling and smiles wide. They clapped their hands in anticipation of Madam Veronica's tale.
"Fufufu, you're all so enthusiastic," Madam Veronica said, chuckling softly. She leaned back against the plush pillows, taking a deep breath before beginning.
"Alright, this time the story is about the origins of the Awakened, or what we also call Hunters."
And so, the three creatures—vastly different from humans—along with a boy who closely resembled one, sat together, listening attentively to Madam Veronica's story. Her soft voice filled the room, mesmerizing them with a tale that was both thrilling and tragic.