Chapter 6: Volume I. Chapter VI. – Escape From Safety

Demons. The monsters from Hell. They will attempt to kill anything that even closely resembles life and feed on their souls; the flesh is just a bonus to them. They are said to be roaming the world for eons, beyond human comprehension.

These creatures naturally emerge from earth’s soil as they travel from the depths of Hell.

Their physical prowess differs from demon to demon. Wounds can heal in a couple of minutes to only a few seconds, depending on their might; severed tissue can regrow, and limbs can regenerate.

These beings can take on a variety of shapes; some may resemble familiar creatures, while others may appear completely otherworldly.

They can only be killed by decapitation, as a demon’s heart can regenerate even after being torn to shreds.

In reaction to these terrible beasts, a part of the human race has been given special powers called “gifts” that vary from one individual to another. Gradually mastering these skills, they began to fend off the rivals, but it wasn’t enough.

Despite being at war with these creatures, demons have now been less of a threat to mankind for a few hundred years. This was brought about by a single battle that took place on what is now referred to as "The Day of a Miracle."

Overwhelmed by the forces of Hell, humanity was on the brink of extinction; that was when the demons made their final move. On that fateful day, they aimed to devour every remaining human soul and made their move with an army of thousands.

Then, though, something unexpected happened. As the bloodthirsty demons were approaching the last town of survivors, a sudden surge of beams assaulted the army; rays of light were raining down from Heaven.

It is said that, at that time, skies were illuminated across the world, whether day or night.

This single act of Heaven eradicated most of the creatures and gave humanity another chance at life. The opposing race has mostly been silent ever since.

Some sources claim that the number of Demons is fictitious and that they lack the intelligence to organize an attack. Others say that there was a traitor among the Human race. However, there is one point on which all concur: Heaven has meddled somehow...

***

[March 29th, 863]

Torches fastened to the chilly walls light up the stairway. The flames flare as the wind entering through the entry fissures swirls around them.

“What are you doing?! Open it! My friends are still outside!”

I'm still in shock in Hiro's arms, he's holding me tight as he shouts at the two soldiers.

Through the two metal trapdoors, a loud crash and the sound of a structure collapsing are heard.

He releases me and approaches the two knights after they turn their backs on him.

“Didn’t you hear me? Open the damn thing! Are you trying to get them killed?!”

When Hiro approaches one of them, he gets knocked down the steps and finds himself in my arms. The guards don’t appear to be pleased with his reaction.

“Damned brat! There are people taking shelter here! Opening the entrance would expose them all to danger. You should be grateful you were even permitted inside in the first place!”

He’s scared, both of them are. I understand their fear. They are just ordinary knights without any powers, but still…

Hiro appears to be poised to attack; using his powers now would be troublesome for both parties. I don't want us to face any more obstacles than we currently do.

“Hiro, stop. Please.”

I beg him with a hint of anxiety hiding in my voice.

The enraged teen halts for a moment as he looks at me.

“Yuuna?”

Hiro begins to calm down gradually, but his unpleasant expression remains. I take hold of him by one of his sleeves and guide him down the stairwell.

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A vast, square-shaped area is presented to us, and within it, a few tens of individuals are hiding from the danger outside.

“Shit. Those damn cowards, some knights they are.”

Hiro manifests his still noticeable anger by kicking a rock into a neighboring wall.

I stare into the ample space lit up by the fiery torches as I think to myself; what are we supposed to do? I want to get out of here. I don’t want to leave everyone else outside while I’m in a safe place. But we will have to do something about the guards first.

I stop for a moment to take into consideration both of our abilities, then come up with a straightforward strategy.

Hiro's gift is called "Shadow Control". As the name implies, he can manipulate shadows. Though altering the shape of a shadow is the most he can do for the time being.

On the other hand, my ability can interact with physical objects. What I possess is the power of electricity; I can release electricity at a whim and use it to improve my physical capabilities, particularly my speed.

Or I can render someone helpless (paralyze).

I approach Hiro and lightly tap on his back, then ascend on the tip of my toes and whisper into one of his ears.

"I have a plan to get us out of here."

I caught his attention.

Despite it being such a simple plan, it should still get us out of here without resorting to force.

If we tried that, someone might aid the two guards. After all, a few armored knights are resting among the people.

It's best to do this safely and swiftly.

After explaining the plan, I lean on a wall right next to where the stairway touches the ground, while Hiro is on the other side looking for something. I then realize he was searching for the shadow of another person to link to.

By doing this, Hiro can extend the range of his ability; it can't reach too far on its own.

Our objective is a small group made up of a family with four children sitting in one of the furthest corners.

Upon reaching his destination, Hiro then casts the shadow through them straight onto the wall into the children's field of view. He then uses his gift to conjure up a terrifying image of a demon that causes the kids to start crying.

I feel bad for the kids… but I'm kind of enjoying it too. It had the adults also startled, even if only momentarily.

All the youngsters in the room started screaming in unison as a result, provoking the entrance guards to come rushing down the stairs to check up on the unusual event.

Upon descending, they both halt dead in their tracks, trying to make sense of the ruckus. But by standing still, they've only made it easier for me.

I come up from their rear and gently tap them on their backs as I send a surge of electricity through their bodies, completely paralyzing them. I watch them fall to the ground.

They will be just fine after a few minutes. My power isn't strong enough to kill a person... yet.

Before anyone notices, we flee the scene.

As we run up the steps, Hiro bursts straight through the two trapdoors that I quickly seal once again.

Rubble is scattered all around the place; most houses around the shelter were destroyed, including the two on the side of the entrance.

So many homes were taken away from their families… so many lives—all of that in a matter of a few hours.

... that's the first thing running through my mind as I lay my eyes upon the battle-scarred street.

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