The village was alive with joy and laughter as the annual New Year's Eve festival filled the square with colorful decorations and the sweet scent of food wafting through the air. Lanterns hung from every corner, casting a warm glow over the excited faces of children and adults alike. Families gathered to celebrate the coming year, their voices blending into a cheerful chorus.
Shin and Sen, two brothers filled with youthful exuberance, darted through the crowd, their laughter ringing out as they raced toward the stalls. Shin, the older of the two, felt a surge of pride as he watched his younger brother. Sen was always full of energy, a bright light that brought joy to everyone around him.
"Come on, Shin! Let's get some sweets!" Sen called, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Alright, just be careful not to eat too much!" Shin replied, grinning as they approached a stall overflowing with colorful candies.
They savored the moment, relishing the simple pleasure of being together, unaware of the dark shadows looming beyond the village's borders. The festival was a much-needed reprieve from the hardships of their daily lives, a chance to forget the lurking dangers outside their peaceful home.
As night fell and the celebrations reached their peak, the sound of drums and cheers echoed throughout the square. Parents danced with their children, and friends exchanged wishes for a prosperous year ahead. The atmosphere was electric, filled with hope and dreams for the future.
But just as the first fireworks lit up the sky, a deafening roar shattered the joyous sounds of the festival. The ground trembled, and a chilling wind swept through the square, silencing laughter and music alike. Panic erupted as people turned to the source of the disturbance.
Emerging from the darkness were figures unlike any the villagers had ever seen—demons, their forms twisted and grotesque, eyes gleaming with malevolence. Their presence was an omen of terror, a nightmare come to life.
"Run! Get to safety!" Shin shouted, instinctively grabbing Sen's hand. Fear coursed through him as he glanced around, taking in the chaos that ensued. Families were torn apart as people fled in all directions, desperately trying to escape the impending doom.
Shin felt a surge of protectiveness over his younger brother. "Stay close to me, Sen!" he urged, his heart racing as they pushed through the throng of terrified villagers.
The demons laughed, a haunting sound that sent shivers down Shin's spine. They reveled in the chaos, tearing through the festival with a hunger for destruction. The joyous celebrations quickly transformed into a scene of horror, as flames erupted from the stalls and the screams of the villagers echoed in the night.
In the midst of the chaos, Shin spotted their parents, desperately trying to usher people to safety. "Mom! Dad!" he yelled, but his voice was drowned out by the cacophony of terror.
"Shin! Sen!" their mother cried, her eyes wide with fear. She reached for them, but a demon lunged forward, blocking her path. With a fierce growl, it swiped at her, but their father stepped in front, determination etched on his face.
In that moment, time seemed to freeze. Shin's heart sank as he realized the danger his parents were in. "No! We can't leave them!" he protested, struggling to pull away from Sen's grip.
But Sen, his voice trembling, urged, "We have to go, Shin! They'll be okay!"
Tears filled Shin's eyes as he saw the fear in his brother's face. Reluctantly, he nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of uncertainty. They turned and ran, desperation fueling their every step.
The once-vibrant festival was now a landscape of flames and despair, a memory tarnished by violence. As they fled into the night, the brothers could only hope that their family would survive the horrors that had shattered their world.
Shin knew he needed to toughen up for his younger brother. He composed himself, wiped the tears away, and pulled Sen together. "Listen, Sen, we're gonna live through this."
The brothers walked down a hill and witnessed the atrocities in the cities. Buildings were on fire, and demons slaughtered people like they were insects. Helicopters flew over the city, jets bombed certain areas, and tanks, along with soldiers, fought back.
Sen watched in horror, but Shin… he watched with anger. His expression was filled with rage, hatred towards the demons.
After the chaos passed...
As they walked through the town, they saw many people—soldiers—dead on the ground, some torn apart.
They came across a heavily injured demon, growling at them but unable to stand due to the wounds it had received from gunshots.
Shin's anger consumed him...
Sen was afraid and wanted to get away, but Shin picked up a knife from a dead soldier nearby and started tearing the demon apart, taking advantage of the creature's vulnerability. Shin's face became covered in the demon's blood, but he didn't stop even after the demon was already a corpse.
Sen stopped him. "Brother, stop... please." Sen said, holding onto Shin, tears streaming down his face as he watched his older brother lose himself.
"Shin came to his senses, breathing heavily. He looked at his palm, covered in blood, and quickly threw the knife away. A conflict raged within him—satisfaction mixed with fear of what he might become. He held Sen tightly."
In a nearby public bathroom, Shin washed his face, scrubbing away the blood. Meanwhile, Sen stared at the destruction of the market.
When Shin returned, he found Sen eyeing the supermarket. "Let's find something to eat," he said, taking Sen's hand as they walked down the empty, bloody street toward the store.
The brothers entered cautiously and looked at the shelves lined with canned food. They ate hungrily, as if they hadn't eaten in days. Suddenly, Sen burst into sobs.
"Hey, it's alright, Sen... We're going to live through this..." Shin said, though he wasn't sure himself.
Holding Sen tightly, he fought back his own tears, wanting to appear strong for his younger brother. "Our parents died..." Sen sobbed.
Shin tightened his grip. "Don't say that. We can't be sure..." He tried to comfort Sen as best as he could, but doubts swirled in his mind.
Shin continued to hold him. "Sen, I love you. Even without our parents, I will be the one who protects you. I will will do anything even if it means killing people who tried to harm you. Even those who tries to lay their fingers on you!" he said, rethinking their past before this nightmare and wishing it would just end.
They finished eating and packed up some food—canned goods, snacks, and meats—before they spoiled due to the lack of electricity.
They wandered through the empty, eerie, bloody streets of the city and camped out in an empty apartment as the sun settled down.
Shin heated up some water and put noodles into it. "Sen, pass me the chips." Sen nodded and handed them to him, and they had their dinner.
Shin set up their sleeping bags, which they had taken from a cabinet in the clearly abandoned apartment. "Are you comfortable, Sen?" he asked, fixing the blanket.
Sen nodded. "Yes, but it's pretty cold tonight…" Shin gave him another blanket.
Shin adjusted his own bed. "You know the double blanket method." He patted Sen's head.
Sen nodded and did exactly what Shin suggested. The two of them settled into separate sleeping bags, still maintaining closeness.
Sen fell asleep peacefully. Shin, however, lay awake, thinking about their parents, who had been separated from them three days ago. He stood up from the bed and watched the empty street—once filled with people, now littered with corpses.
In the morning, Sen woke up to find Shin already awake. "Good morning, brother..." Sen yawned as he stretched.
"Good morning to you too," Shin replied, continuing to stare out the window.
"What are you looking at, brother?" Sen asked with curiosity.
"That figure... It's still there..." Shin said, sending a little chill down Sen's spine.
"What?" Sen stared at a nearby building, where a humanoid shadow figure stood in a window, just watching them. "It was there last night..." Shin added.
"Pack your things, Sen… NOW!" Shin shouted, his fists clenched in desperation. Sen nodded, quickly packing his belongings. They rushed through the back door and into the empty, bloody street.
As they ran, they glanced back, and the figure was there, staring at them from the buildings. No matter where they went, it lingered in the shadows, watching.
They ran as if there were no tomorrow, darting from building to building, street to street, until they finally stopped.
"What's happening? Tell me what's going on, brother!" Sen panted, panic creeping into his voice.
"Sen, that figure—it never stopped watching us. It watched us all night. And now, while we're running, it's still there! I see it in every window we pass. It wants us!" Shin replied, fear tightening his chest as he glanced back at the street they had just turned from.
"Could it be a demon?!" Sen said, shaking slightly.
"I don't know…" Shin responded, uncertainty clouding his mind.
"Let's just go into one of the houses..." Shin said, glancing back around the corner to see if that figure was still following them.
"We lost it, right...?" Sen asked, his voice trembling as he glanced nervously down the empty street.
"I hope so..." Shin replied, doubt gnawing at him. The question filling his mind was, What if that figure wanted to box us in? They were just kids; they shouldn't have to endure this.
The brothers entered a nearby house, dropping their belongings as they surveyed their surroundings. They checked every room, cautiously clearing each hall until Shin approached a door that gave him an uneasy feeling. The air felt heavy, and he hesitated, instinct screaming at him to turn back. But despite his trepidation, he pushed the door open.
The figure stood inside, clutching a scythe.
Before he could react, it lunged forward, seizing Shin by the arm. "Sen!" Shin yelled, panic rising in his throat as he struggled against the figure's grip. Sen rushed to the room, his eyes wide with fear.
The figure turned its attention to Sen, capturing him as well. With terrifying strength, it slammed both brothers against the wall. Pain coursed through their bodies, leaving them groaning helplessly. As the figure raised its scythe, ready to strike, Shin instinctively wrapped his arms around Sen, bracing for the worst.
"This is it... This is the end, Sen. I'm so sorry I can't protect you," he whispered, feeling his brother tremble against him. Tears welled in Sen's eyes; he didn't want to die. There was so much he still wanted to do.
They closed their eyes, waiting for the inevitable blow.
Silence enveloped them...
After what felt like an eternity, they cautiously opened their eyes, only to find the figure gone, leaving them in a haunting stillness...
They stood up, shocked but somehow felt better. Shock and confusion were the only thing that filled their minds.
But despite this, they felt better. All the anger, sadness, and hatred were gone. They felt like they're at peace.
They went back down and just sat with their belongings. "What do you feel, brother...?" Sen asked. "I feel... somewhat better..." Shin replied as if he was still confused.
"I know, right...? What just happened? Why did that figure strike us...? There's so many questions that need to be answered..." Sen added.
"Let's just rest... We've been running all day." Shin stood up and patted Sen's shoulder. He knows his brother is right; they've been running all day from that figure. He lost count, but he knows they're trying to get away from it for hours, yet their attempts failed, and it caught them earlier.
Hour passed...
Shin looked at the house kitchen, looking to see if the gas tank has some gas left. He fired up the stove and cut the meat they got from that supermarket. He smelled it; thankfully, it's not spoiled and destroyed.
Shin seasoned the meat and cooked it. He had been taught by their mom how to cook before everything went bad... Shin felt and remembered how their mom used to guide him in cooking.
The brothers have their dinner. "Mmm... Is this mom's recipe?" Sen said as he took another bite. "Yes it is it's pretty recognisable from the taste." Shin said smiling.
In the morning.
"Pack your things Sen we'll hit the road." Shin said as he gently shake Sen from his sleep. "Mmm... 5 more minutes please..." Sen said as he pull the blanket up to cover himself up.
"Cute..." Shin said in a soft whisper. He See's Sen as a baby despite being 13 years old already. "Mmm... What did you say brother...?" Sen said unable to hear shin as he's very sleepy.
"Nothing I'll give you time to get some slacks." Shin said as he cooks breakfast for the day before hitting the road again.
The smell of the breakfast made Sen get out of the bed and go to the kitchen. "You're such a good cook brother..." Sen said eyeing at the food. "Thanks now eat up, pack your things and we'll move out." Shin said as he pat his shoulder.
"Hey brother... When will we have our place you know? not moving house to house and actually stay on one house that we could call home?" Sen said genuinely. "When it's safe sen. When we're safe." Shin said as he prepare their breakfast to plates.
"When?" Sen asked his eyes looks goddamn adorable for Shin. "Umm... Let's just eat." Shin said as he plated their breakfast.
The brothers eat and they pack their things. "Sen did you have everything?" Shin asked. "Yes. I got everything set." Sen replied. They look one last time on the house they stay at for days and hit the road again.
The brothers continue their walk across the city the roads still filled with corpses and smells bad.
As they walked down the street filled with corpses and a terrible smell, Shin and Sen had no idea they were being followed. Lurking in the shadows were demons, hungry for human flesh. They found the two boys appetizing, believing that young kids tasted the best.
The demons silently stalked the brothers, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and devour them alive. These heartless beasts took pleasure in hearing their victims scream in pain and despair.
"Sen... I think something is following us..." Shin said, pulling Sen closer, ready to either run or hide.
"Could it be the same figure?" Sen replied, staying close to his brother.
"I don't know..." Shin said, scanning the buildings around them, staying alert. "Should we run?"
The demons, hidden in the shadows, drooled at the thought of tasting young human flesh. They wanted to hear the boys cry out in pain while they crushed their bones and tore them apart.
"We should," Shin decided, grabbing Sen's hand to run.
But just then, the demons jumped from the shadows, landing in front of them. The sheer weight of the demons caused a small tremor, making the brothers fall to the ground as the towering figures loomed over them.
"This is the end..." The brothers thought.
They held each other knowing they will die a painful and slow way. Sen couldn't contain and just break down.
"HAHA! Human cries are music in our ears!" The demons said with a malicious grin.
The others drooling as it's been a while since they've consumed younglings flesh. They still remember how tasty soft and easy to break bones of the kids they have consumed in the passed days, Truly evil beings.
The demons slice Sen but Shin shield himself, taking the slash and getting slashed deep in the back thankfully it's not deep enough to kill someone...
"You humans are weak! Fragile! And a fresh and free meat for us demons! We're superior than any human!" The demon said as he lick his nail tasting Shin's blood.
Shin yelled in pain. His agony heard from across the street that caught a attention. A figure not so far in them heard the agony.
The creature quickly headed on the source of the agony.
Once the creature got in the scene he saw the brothers in agony filled with cuts in their body. The demons slowly tasting their bloods, drinking it like it was some kind of wine. Without hesitation the creature jump.
A huge shake can be felt by the brothers and the demons...
"You can't be serious..." The demon said his eyes filled with fear so does the brothers. A decaying hug creature. It has a eye that never blink and broken jaw. It's body and it's whole existence seems like it came out from a very deep hole of nightmare of every human in the world.
"Demons..." The thing said. His voice is so deep yet soft at the same time, he has a broken jaw yet can speak clear yet so unhinged. "Demons have no rights to leave hell." The creature said it gave nothing but unsettling presence to both demons and the brothers.
"You can't be here...!" The demons said their face sweating their body and instinct telling them to run away. "The all father didn't want us to just watch people die." The creature said with a clear yet unclear voice that it's hard to explain...
The creature look at sky and Began praying.
"The sky is beautiful, the world is beautiful. Till you demons destroy the balance."
The creature prayed it's eyes looking towards the sky it's jaw hanging broken yet still voice are coming out of it.
Then silence... The creatures eyes slowly bled he look at the demons with eyes that aren't blinking but blood dripping from it, his mouth wide open.
The creature launch at them it uses it's long yet decaying body to strangle of the demons and crush on of the demons neck, the other demons run but the creature didn't follow...
Instead the creature walk towards Shin and Sen... "Oh poor children the skies are so beautiful yet you two had suffered alot..." The creature seems soft, genuine, and sad about them.
The creatures offered his hand. "NO!" Shin yelled. "What are you?! Another type of demon!?" The creature replied with a soft, unsettling, yet genuine voice. "My name is Vermis i am a angel..."
"You're lying... Angels doesn't see to look that wa-" Shin got cut off as he remembers the weekly bible story that their parents read them both to. Before sleeping their father and their mom said in sync. "The angels take the form of something scary and malicious to intimidated and destroy all evil while devil and demons use charm and seduction to lure the innocents."
Shin hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he looked up at the towering figure before him. "You... you're an angel?" he asked, suspicion thick in his voice, still clutching his wounded side as he kept a protective arm around Sen.
Vermis didn't flinch, sensing Shin's doubt. Instead, he slowly reached up, brushing some dust from his shoulder and letting it drift down over the brothers' injuries. As it touched their wounds, they felt warmth, the pain fading as the cuts sealed up, leaving no scars behind.
"Believe what you will," Vermis said, his deep voice calm and steady. "I have only come to save... You two are the future." He paused, as if choosing his words carefully. "Stay strong—and goodbye."
Without waiting for acknowledgment, Vermis turned and walked away. Shin watched, his mind torn between distrust and the undeniable proof of healing left behind by the gentle giant.
Shin hesitated, his lips trembling as he struggled to find the right words.
"WAIT...!" he yelled, determination lighting up his eyes. "Please wait, I'm begging you..."
Vermis turned, exuding a powerful presence. "You two children are the future." He approached Shin and Sen. "Come with me, and I will teach you both how to be strong to destroy all evil."
The brothers followed Vermis to a safe haven not far from the city. It was surrounded by protective symbols, a sanctuary against the demons. "Where are we...?" Shin asked, scanning the area.
"This is a safe place, child," Vermis replied, his voice calm.
"When will we start learning?" Shin pressed.
Vermis nodded, then began a séance. "My dear God, open the gate between Earth and Heaven." His voice rose with a mix of prayer and authority, the air shimmering with energy.
"Umm... Hate to interrupt, but... what are you doing?" Shin asked, beads of sweat forming on his brow as the heavy presence of the heaven loomed over him and Sen.
"Do not be afraid. What you are experiencing is the presence of Heaven's Gate," Vermis replied, his voice resonating with a calm authority. He continued the séance, and the overwhelming aura of Heaven began to seep into Shin and Sen. Sensing their discomfort, Vermis conjured a glass-like shield of energy around them.
"I apologize; the power of Heaven's Gate is such that no mortal can withstand its presence," he said, his voice steady yet unsettling, filled with an empathy that seemed to soften the weight in the air.
"Then how come the dead walk the stairs to Heaven and feel nothing?" Shin gasped, panting as he struggled against the intense force. "When a human dies, their soul undergoes a spiritual journey. No living being can enter Heaven unless they are dead or in a spiritual state."
Vermis finished the Séance and the heaven's gate portal closed after powering the symbols around the place for not even powerful demons could cross as they would be burned to ashes if dared crossing the boundaries.
"You two should get a rest. You kids have been in so much situation today..." Vermis said his tone is genuine and filled with sympathy. "The symbols will protect you from any danger. I Vermis one of heaven's forces will protect you two with my life."
Sen despite Vermis unsettling look he came and hugged him "Thank you for saving us..." Vermin being a scary and unsettling looking angel he is yet one of the kindest Angel Patted Sen's head. "You're welcome Sen."
Shin gently pull Sen back away from Vermis. "I'm sorry he's clingy... We'll get some rest thanks." Vermis nodded and started another Séance.
Vermis said before continuing another Séance "You kids take the room on this place. I'm an angel. I don't to need sleep." The brothers nodded appreciating him.
The brothers entered their room and put their belongings aside and lay on the floor after the long day...
"We are lucky a literal angel saved us..." Shin said with a smile. "You're right brother... If it wasn't for Vermis we would have been tore apart by those demons..." Sen said very relieved that they survived another day.
"I can't believe angels and heaven is real..." Sen said as he looks at the ceiling the air of the night is nice. Shin scoffs "Well demons are real they've killed tons of people what makes you think that they're the only thing that exist? Our parents read us bibles every night back then."
"I missed them..." Sen said sadness getting drawn into his face. "Our parents may have been died but they wouldn't want us giving up." Shin said. comforting Sen in a soft way.
"Tomorrow Vermis will train us. He said we are the future. I don't know what he means but there must be something in us that an angel will give his life to protect us..." Shin said.
"I know brother... Let's hope whatever we learned will help us put an end on this hellish world." Sen replied. The night is nice the two brothers went to sleep and Vermis still doing a séance a lot of séance."
7 A.M.
"Wake up, Sen." Shin shook him gently.
"What time is it...?" Sen yawned, stretching as he sat up.
"Seven."
"It's been a while since we've actually slept well... we keep switching places." Sen rubbed his eyes.
"Yeah, I know. Get up; let's go check on Vermis." Shin took a sip of water.
They stepped outside the apartment and found Vermis lingering by the corner.
"Morning, children..." Vermis greeted, his voice soft but unsettling.
"G-Good morning..." They still felt chills whenever they saw Vermis standing in a shadowed hallway.
"U-um... Vermis, could you please not stand in creepy hallways?" Shin asked, shivering as a chill ran down his spine.
Vermis tilted his head, his voice softer. "Oh... Apologies, children. I'm in my physical form, not my spiritual one. Didn't mean to frighten you."
Shin let out a sigh of relief. "It's alright; it's just that we're not used to your appearance... no offense intended." Vermis chuckled, his voice softening to ease the tension. "I understand. Angels often choose to appear frightening to intimidate evil, while evil beings present themselves beautifully to lure the innocent into darkness."
Sen chimed in, curiosity lighting up his eyes. "U-um… Vermis, what did you see in us, and why did you save us?" Vermis smiled gently. "Sen, angels don't choose whom to save; it is our duty to protect the weak and helpless. Always remember this: the strong exist to protect the weak."
Sen nodded, admiration shining in his eyes. "You and my brother have powers far beyond what you realize. You just need to awaken them." Vermis said as they began to walk outside to the open field.
Shin tilted his head, skepticism clear on his face. "We're just humans; we're not angels or demons. It's impossible for us to have any powers or abilities." Vermis chuckled softly, his tone reassuring. "Humans are incredible in their own right. Within every human lies a soul. When a human dies, their soul can enter a spiritual state. But that's not its only purpose; we call it Ascendance."
"What's that?" Shin asked, intrigued.
"Ascendance breaks the limits of humanity," Vermis explained. "It unlocks true abilities based on your personalities."
"Sorry, you're not making sense, Vermis... Are you saying every human can become powerful if they really want to?" Shin asked, his curiosity piqued.
"No, Ascendance can't be easily acquired. It requires a strong soul—one that never gives up," Vermis explained, his tone patient.
Shin furrowed his brow. "That doesn't make sense... My brother and I accepted our fate a long time ago. Isn't that giving up?" Confusion laced his words.
"That's not what I meant," Vermis replied, his voice soothing. "A strong soul is one that doesn't give up on hope. It's about being unafraid of death, accepting your fate, and choosing to protect others above yourself."
Shin looked at Sen, who nodded in understanding. "You and your brother never stopped caring for each other. You'd die for one another, and that's enough to gain Ascendance. The courage to sacrifice yourself for someone or something that matters to you is what truly counts," Vermis continued.
"But there are other ways to awaken Ascendance as well... Human emotions, when pushed to their limits, can activate it," he added.
"So you're saying it can be used for evil?" Shin asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"I'm afraid so," Vermis replied, a solemnity in his eyes. "Ascendance users are rare, but with demons roaming free and angels out of Heaven, both Heaven's gate and Hell's gate are open. This means the chance to access Ascendance is greater than ever, for anyone, anywhere, and by any means."
"Then... Please teach us." Shin replied. Vermis sensing his soul becomes so strong whenever he's determined. "I Vermis will be glad to train you boys into strong fighter of evil."
On the other hand Vermis could feel Sen's soul is very sharp and strong. He now knows what kind of abilities they will unlock through ascendance.
"Let's Begin your training." Vermis said as he does another séance this time enhancing the abilities of the brothers.
Another séance this time Vermis is putting a lot of effort into this one. A sword is made from the heaven's energy. "Sen you shall use this from every fight from now on."
Shin standing besides Sen with a jealous face. "W-what about me...?" Vermis chuckled. "Oh shin... You don't need a weapon your body is the weapon."
"Huh?!" Vermis chuckled. "Don't worry too much Shin. If you mastered your ascendance you can beat opponents twice or thrice the size of you with just physical strength."
"And Sen will cut opponents bigger than him as well." Vermis followed up. "How strong is the Ascendance actually go...?" Shin asked.
"I myself haven't witness or know any continental destructive level of Ascendance for now..." Vermis said. "Wait... So if you haven't witness any continental. Then there's Ascendance powerful enough to destroy a entire city...?!" Shin asked worried.
"Yes I've witnessed cities before your time get demolished by a single Ascendance user." Vermis replied.
"Of course, we took immediate action to ensure that it seemed like the person responsible for the destruction died a mysterious death. But the truth is, it was us—the angels," Vermis leaned closer to Shin, his expression serious.
"So, you're saying you won't hesitate to kill anyone who brings harm to the world?" Shin asked, his voice trembling slightly with a mix of curiosity and unease.
Vermis nodded solemnly. "Exactly. We will protect the balance of this world at any cost."
"What happens if something like that were to happen to us?" Shin pressed, worry clouding his brow as he glanced at Sen, who looked equally concerned.
Vermis smiled gently, sensing their anxiety. "It's impossible for you. Your souls are far too pure to ever be swayed by evil."
Shin felt a weight lift slightly from his chest, but doubt still lingered. "But what if we change? What if something happens?" He couldn't shake the fear of losing their way.
Vermis's eyes softened, reflecting understanding. "You both share a deep bond and a strong sense of loyalty to one another. That love will always guide you. It's that very connection that protects you."
The brothers nodded in acceptance. "Please teach us everything…"
Vermis smiled, sensing their determination. "In time, you shall be the strongest. Your journey will be long and challenging, but together, you will rise."
7 years later...
Years passed, filled with relentless training and growth, the brothers honing their skills and deepening their bond.
As they stood before the looming structure of the slave auction, a heavy resolve settled over them.
"Today, we begin to make a difference," Shin declared, his eyes blazing with conviction.
Sen nodded, gripping his sword tightly. "Let's tear this place to the ground."
To be continued...