Chapter 1: Empty forest, crowded rain

Above him loomed the deep ocean of the sky, a mass of dark, undulating water pressing down, heavy and ominous.

Within its depths, strange shapes moved, and every now and then, droplets would break free, raining down in a cold, salty spray.

Crisp leaves left a familiar sensation under thin woven shoes, Agi had been moving consistently for almost a month and he had finally reached his destination.

Made clear by the dense forestry and bustling noise of nature’s favorite symphony—The End.

It was a novel name for a location, but it was fitting. Incredibly fitting. Unlike the vague labels of other survival zones, “The End” left no room for misinterpretation.

For many, it was indeed just that: the culmination of their struggles, where survival was a fleeting hope.

Even the most formidable inheritors, blessed with unparalleled strength, found themselves at the mercy of this place.

The reason is quite simple, the density of monsters is unbearably high.

It almost seems like a mistake, as though some higher being placed down a bit too much in one spot and simply left it.

But man has no time to worry about the mistake of the gods.

It is their reality, harsh it may be you must keep walking, keep looking forward.

Agi held this belief close. It’s what he believed. But as he now looks back upon this location, so void of the fear or dread that follows, he felt his heart grow colder.

He is not that Agi. He is older, stronger, and he has seen much more than what this small enclosure of death can hold.

But even a man so great he can shoulder the sky will feel its weight.

With heavy feet he walked, slowly, slowly, he took each step.

He controlled his breath with deep concentration.

This was not a place to be taken lightly, and he would not allow his presence to be acknowledged for even a moment—that was a death sentence.

For days he walked, occasionally he would prey on a weak beast, not to be confused with the great monsters that roam this place.

He would avoid the territory of terrors and stroll confidently through the lands of fiends.

He knew this place well. Better than any should.

But it felt so empty, even as he strolled through locations of his greatest struggles—he couldn’t feel that spark of his past.

The desperation that once ignited his spirit was a mere ghost.

In a fleeting memory, he recalled the moment—

“It’s dead, Agi.”

The boy of that time continued to furiously claw and stab.

Only his soft sigh—The man known as Pekko, brought him back.

“It’s dead.”

The boy of the past had a resolve—and he was desperate to prove it.

Heavy rain billowed down.

It was familiar. The rain here, on this dreaded world… it would never end.

Constantly battering down it would stake its claim on the world like no other.

Its touch was that of the reapers, causing sickness and grief to whichever unfortunate human had the misfortune to feel it’s cold grasp.

To Agi this didn’t matter.

He wasn’t a human in the traditional sense, he had inherited the heart of a monster.

Monsters were the threat to mankind. The vile gear which slowly grinded toward extinction.

But him?

He was the threat to monsters.

He was not one of those prisoner like humans.

But was he free? A question unanswered.

It couldn’t be answered.

Perhaps the answer was—yes.

He was a man like no other, strong and fierce, capable of surviving where no one else could.

Was that freedom?

At the end of it all, nobody can truly escape the rain.

However he knew one thing for certain.

He didn’t feel free.

He never had.

Agi crouched down holding a pocket of dirt within his large hand.

It wasn’t the same. Nothing was the same. The dirt, the locations, even the trees had grown!

The place he wanted to go is long since lost to his past.

He can never go back.

Yes… like a cruel retelling of his life—

He could never go back.

“Oh? You’re back, little beast. Show me if you’ve gained any worth.”

The echo of a distant memory taunted him.

“Is this it? Is this what you gained from killing your kin?”

A forced chuckle escaped his lips, hollow and devoid of humor.

“I must be getting old… remembering all these insignificant things.”

He recalled those cold green eyes–detached… Their lack of warmth.

Their aggression.

He stood letting the dirt flow from his hand to the floor and began to walk once again,

“One last stop… If I don’t find what I’m looking for there…”

For another two days he walked, getting closer to the center of The End.

He could feel a deep sense of familiarity, like returning to your hometown after a long time, it was deeply nostalgic.

Was this his home? He didn’t know. He has never truly had a home.

As the nights passed he spotted an unexpected sight—a tree that defied reason.

His eyes widened in disbelief. A Hundred-Year Oak?

He felt a shock ripple through him. When he last traversed this land, not even a sapling had graced its soil.

He had lived here with his brothers for two long years, yet now stood before a towering tree that pierced the sky, its canopy large enough to deflect the unending rain.

Such growth took centuries; how could it possibly in a few short years?

“This shouldn’t be possible.” He determines, “Am I in the wrong place? No…”

He had been far from The End for many years—But some memories never fade.

He wanders closer crawling up a tree to get a better look.

finding a good location he looks between the trunks, his eyes squinting.

However his eyes trembled. His body shook, and the hunter who had never been easily shaken, was truly shocked to his core.

“A village?” he muttered, his shock flowing through.

A village in the end.

An impossibility.

How? He would question inwardly, It had been the exact location he lived for two years.

How could a village show up here?

Clenching his fists, he felt a familiar surge of strength, reminiscent of when he had first undergone the bleeding.

He believed he could face most threats here, one-on-one, provided he was prepared.

Yet uncertainty washed over him now.

This territory was unknown, but his instincts—the sharpest tools he possessed, honed since birth—called out to him. This village held what he sought..

He glances at the wood bracelet that holds a single golden feather on his wrist.

Touching it lightly he decides—

“I will not use it, not until I understand the situation.”

Leaping down he gets close to the floor, following the forestry under the canopy he feels the lack of rain and becomes more cautious.

For monsters and beasts alike the rainless canopy is a great boon.

With the rain, smell and hearing are severely limited, and they must rely more on their sight, but beneath the canopy it becomes much easier to find someone in hiding.

Luckily, Agi is not someone without experience.

Slowly he gets closer to the strange village and his enhanced hearing picks up on something he expected, but was shocked to find nonetheless.

“The sound of people… There are really people living here, in The End.”

He couldn’t believe this to be the truth, but remembering Pekko, he decided it wasn’t completely impossible.

It was however impossible for such a village to appear from nothing, similarly to the tree.

The village was sizable, Agi could only ponder it’s limits.

It had a surprising amount of homes, boasting a farm and even cattle, something difficult for even Human outposts to have in large numbers.

This village by the standards of the outside world, was thriving, poised for growth.

But Agi would notice something strange with his keen eyesight,

No children? It was truly a mystery, how could a village of such population, although paling compared to an outpost, have no children. It was almost an impossibility.

“I have to take a look before making a judgment.”

However it did confirm something important, this village was human.

He didn’t know how they respond to outsiders but they were undoubtedly human.

He didn’t necessarily feel any sense of comradery with them for being human, but he was intrigued.

There were a few races in this world, predominantly Asura, humans were a minority, weak and easily killed.

They only barely survived in the few outposts that existed for as long as they’ve had history.

Humans are naturally innovative so they learned to expand, creating more outposts.

But they couldn’t even survive outside—requiring the canopies that shield them to have a semblance of normalcy.

For such a race to suddenly pop up in The End, he was intrigued. Perhaps he could really find what he was looking for here.

With his heart racing slightly faster than usual, he approached the village entrance. There, two youngsters lounged, caught in a stupor, oblivious to his presence until he cleared his throat.

“Ahem.”

Agi cleared his throat, inwardly he felt strange, approaching a village head on wasn’t his style but he couldn’t be bothered anymore, he just wanted to know something, anything.

“Eh.. ah!” The young man stumbled back in surprise, his companion stirring at the commotion. “You…!”

“Ahh!” The other boy gasped, panic painting their faces.

Agi felt his eyelid twitch. Was this some sort of comedy skit?

“Ahh… umm… You must be a Temple Warrior. W-welcome to our humble village!” The guard stammered out.

“If we had known an esteemed sir was coming, we would have prepared something!” The more competent of the two stammered, his demeanor shifting from shock to nervous energy.

Agi narrowed his eyes at the familiar term,

“The Temple. I’ve made my decision. I will stay here for a while.”

Feigning ignorance, he replied coolly, “Actually, I’m a traveler.”

The guards exchanged glances, relief washing over them as one sighed audibly. “You really scared me! You look just like them. Geez, just say so next time.”

The more lazy of the two—Evans squinted his eyes, “Yep. Not a speck of red to be seen.” He said staring at Agi’s eyes.

“Anyway, what’s your name?” the more competent guard asked.

“Agi… But, is there any way I’d be able to stay in this village for a while? I’m a bit how do you say it… Lost.” He persuades, he absolutely must stay in this village, but he cannot force it.

The more competent one—William finally spoke, “Well… you’ll need to speak to the chief. We can’t just let someone like you in without permission.”

“That’s fine. When can I meet him?” Agi nodded agreeingly.

“Evans,” the more capable guard, shot a glare at the boy. “Take him to the chief.”

Evans fidgeted nervously, protesting, “What? What about you! You’re always so lazy! I do everything!”

Agi had never been so overtly dismissed before. It was an odd feeling, but as he observed the two young men bicker, he was transported back to his own youth with Asketill and Ari.

After a while of bickering the boy Evans finally gave up with a grumble and began to escort the strange visitor Agi.

Agi observed the “guard” Evans more closely from behind, scrutinizing the boy. He noticed an unusual combination: red eyes, black hair.

The scene of dimly lit halls and loosely dressed Initiates crowded his mind. “Second Lord, You seem distraught.”

The thought of those initiates… Head bowed to the floor in fear—He could only shake his head. What an unruly child he was.

Leading him through the dirt road Evans felt more like a tour guide than a guard.

Rambling on about the villagers and random things he found interesting.

Agi would listen of course but as none of it was really important he would phase it into the back of his mind.

“Well anyway…” Evans kept talking even in Agi’s silence. It seemed like a nervous tick.

“Granny Vera lives over there…” He would point to a smaller house.

“She makes some great stew… I can practically taste it just thinking about it.”

Is he a glutton too? Agi inwardly reprimanded him. Agi felt a disconnect with this place, the difference was just too startling.

This place seemed like some sort of sanctuary and it made him uneasy, especially when he considers all that he suffered at this very location.

“Agi… Forget protecting your brothers, you’re just a waste.” He recalled a certain scene of his youth.

He wanted to sigh, “It’s gone… Replaced by this peaceful place. It just feels wrong.”

“Maybe you’ll have to introduce us then.” Agi replied to the boys rambling.

Turning back, Evans seemed a bit startled that Agi actually replied, but his nervous smile became replaced with a hint of joy. His eyes turning a bit more genuine.

“Yes, I’ll have to do that if you can stay. She’s a good person, just a bit of a talker.” He shivers slightly.

Seeing Evans scrunch back in fear of someone talking too much…

“Should I be worried?” Agi thought.

The village was beautiful. It felt untouched by the worries of the world and seemed almost pure.

The streets were busy and people were cheerful and smiling, the villagers would even have a small market, trading goods between one another. It was peaceful.

“How long has this place been here?” Agi asked curiously, hoping to get some answers.

“Uhh…” The boy looked puzzled. “How would I know? I may be incredibly intelligent but I’m not that old.” He chuckled, clearly amused by his own joke.

The boy continued on, he didn’t give any time for Agi to push further. Occasionally a villager would approach them, and Evans would have a lengthy conversation.

“This is Ah… Ahbi?” Evans scratched his ear, “He’s a traveler.”

This is the third time Agi has been introduced by a different name.

“This is my first time in the area,” Agi would start as he introduced himself to the villagers they would pass.

Agi would usually just patiently listen, gathering what he could from their conversation before they would go their separate ways. Evans wasn’t much of a guard, but he was a great people person.

As Agi watched the villagers bustling about, a pang of longing stirred within him.

They seemed untouched by the horrors the world has to offer. Was this happiness? The thought both intrigued and unsettled him.

“Well anyway… Here we are, A-Ahti?” Agi felt his eyelid twitch.

“Agi.” He corrected walking up the steps, Evans knocked on the door before quickly scurrying off.

He seemed a little… frightened? The door creaked open and Agi was met with an unexpected sight.

Before his eyes was a frail looking woman, she was short—thin. There was a thick black band over her eyes and she had pale skin.

Her hair was a deep black, though it was relatively short for a woman of this time falling just past her shoulder, “How may I help you?” Her voice came out gently.

“Evans brought me here to meet the chief, would that be you?” He was slightly skeptical.

Why would Evans be afraid of some frail woman, she was even blind.

Agi couldn’t believe it, but he had seen many strange things in his life anyway so he was willing to work with it.

“Chief… me? Pfft…” She actually started to laugh…

“She’s laughing?”

Agi was once again in shock from this village. Do all these villagers have something missing in their heads? He seriously pondered.

She cleared her throat quickly, getting back her calm, “You said Evans brought you?” She sighed, “Of course you’re alone…” She mutters to herself.

She opened the door more, leading him inside and directing him to take a seat.

The house was smaller than you’d expect. It was a simple layout and very traditional for a house like this.

However it had a small lounge where Agi assumes is where the chief meets with people.

“I’m Mireille.” She declares, puffing her chest out slightly as if her name is something to boast about.

Maybe she’s well known here? I’ll guess she’s the chief’s daughter.

Agi ponders on her confidence while she starts speaking again,

“You probably haven’t figured it out since travelers tend to be a bit less smart, but I’m the chief’s daughter.” she gives a smug smile.

She seemed to always know where Agi was, despite being blind.

“Thought so.” Agi replied while continuing to look around the room. For a moment she’s silent before getting visibly embarrassed by her display.

“W-well..” she changes the subject quickly, “My father is a busy man so I can deal with you.”

Agi seems skeptical but does not outwardly show it. “I want to stay in this village for a while. Will there be any problem with that?”

She Thinks for a bit before responding, “There shouldn’t be an issue but you’ll have to play your part. You said you’re a traveler, are you a merchant?”

Agi considers lying, letting her create her own story in her mind, claiming to be a merchant and going from there.

I’m tired of lying.

“I’m one who has inherited.”

Mireille didn’t react to overtly, tilting her head, “A bit early, aren’t you?”

Agi furrowed his brow inwardly.

“Early?”

He shook his head, “I’m not here for that.” He says, purposefully vague.

She turns her head and goes into thought.

“You can see?” he asks.

She shoots back to him as if she was staring at him, but it’s clear she’s just looking in his direction.

“Huh? No, I can’t see. What a rude man.”

She comments, digesting some kind of information.

“You can. Maybe not through your eyes… but you can definitely see… Something.” He replied with utter confidence.

There was a knowing glean in his eyes.

She opened her mouth several times, trying to respond, before the door swung open with a bang.

“Mireille, you brat! Always getting up to trouble.” A man with a rugged appearance and a muscular build stepped inside, red eyes blazing beneath furrowed brows.

His sigh was heavy, one hand lifting to pinch the bridge of his nose. This was the Village Chief.

“No, I… I’m just so bored!” Mireille gave up trying to defend herself, throwing her hands in the air with an exasperated declaration.

The Chief leveled her with a stern gaze. “Do you think being the chief is fun? Sometimes you act so mature, and then you go and make me worry with your foolish antics.”

His eyes narrowed as he gestured to the guest in the room. “Do you even realize who stands before you?”

Mireille swallowed, her confidence wilting. “I do,” she mumbled, her voice wavering.

The Chief sighed again, rubbing his temples. “Mireille, we’ll talk about this later. For now, I have matters to discuss with our visitor.”

Knowing any argument would be shut down swiftly, Mireille rose to her feet, dragging her steps as she begrudgingly exited the room.

Turning to Agi, the Chief managed a polite smile. “I apologize for that, my hunter friend.”

Agi shook his head. “I’m in your home; you have no reason to apologize.”

The Chief leaned back in his chair, his eyes scrutinizing Agi. “You want to stay in this village?”

“I do,” Agi replied, voice steady.

The Chief’s brow furrowed in thought before he spoke, his tone blunt. “No.”

Agi’s expression didn’t change, but there was an edge to his voice. “I’ll do my part for the village. You, of all people, understand what it means to inherit.”

His gray eyes darkened, narrowing with a dangerous intensity. “You have The Gift.”

The Chief’s composed expression remained, but his heart began to race. No one had ever recognized The Gift so quickly. The tales of the fearsome hunter were not exaggerated.

He steadied himself. “And if I do? What difference does that make?” he asked, voice carefully controlled.

Agi’s gaze didn’t waver. “You understand the chasm between The Inheritance and possessing The Gift. My presence alone makes this village safer, many times over.”

The Chief studied him. “You are dangerous.”

Agi’s voice was firm. “I am a guardian.”

The Chief considered this, leaning forward—

“You want to stay that badly?”

Agi nodded.

The chief let out a slow breath.

“Prove yourself. You’ll live under the canopy, outside the village’s bounds. For a month, you’ll assist and protect us. Only then will we discuss your place here.”

Agi’s eyes glinted, but he refrained from showing any irritation.

Could he stop me if I insisted?

He knew the answer: the Chief couldn’t.

But Agi wasn’t here to conquer; he was here for something deeper. Rising from his seat, he nodded. “I agree.”

As Agi approached the door, it swung open, and a small figure tumbled through, landing on the floor with her hands pressed to her head. Mireille had clearly been eavesdropping.

Agi sighed.

Seriously?

He couldn’t quite figure her out. One moment she exuded an uncanny awareness of her surroundings, moving with confidence; the next, she seemed clumsy and foolish.

When he extended a hand to help her up, her fingers were unexpectedly calloused—a surprise, given her frail appearance.

A pen? he wondered, feeling the rough skin along her fingertips.

A memory flickered through his mind, unbidden—a child’s voice, bright and innocent. “It’s our future!” The words hit him like a blow, stirring an ache he hadn’t felt in years.

His gaze lingered on the frail woman before him, studying her face as though trying to connect it to some forgotten piece of himself.

Then, without another word, he released her hand and turned to leave, stepping outside and leaving the Chief’s home behind.

He later laid beneath the expansive darkness that encroached upon the cruel world and closed off his mind. It had been hours since he had met with the chief.

Hours he had spent idle.

Agi hated to be truly idle, he felt anxious. He could sit patiently observing and watching, memorizing the patterns of his prey.

But he could never be truly Idle.

But as he sat beneath the pure darkness—a byproduct of the deep ocean of the sky—he felt like closing his eyes and letting that be that.

He wouldn’t ponder if he’d wake up tomorrow. He wouldn’t wonder the state of his brothers.

He would just close his eyes.

Difficult—

It was incredibly difficult. His body refused to let him close his eyes so leniently.

Not unless he checked his surroundings, not unless he was up high enough.

Exhausting. It was all too exhausting.

Tomorrow he would begin assisting the village but he couldn’t help wondering–is this really right?

Agi couldn’t help but question his decision. He didn’t want to get involved with the Temple. He knew that much.

However his instincts were pleading with him, begging him to stay. He recalled the “Guard” Evans. And how he spoke so passionately about the village earlier in the day, Agi heard more stories than he could remember on the way to the chief’s house.

He seemed afraid… no… maybe guilty? Agi began to ponder on the boys nature, before his train of thought eventually landed on someone.

Mireille. If anyone in this village was weird, it was her. Her father had The Gift, but she was frail and weak, even blind. It doesn’t make sense.

Did he receive The Gift after she was conceived?

Though… he would admit that she didn’t seem entirely incapable. She gave him a sense of deja vu. Almost like he was looking at something familiar.

It was a sense, one of his senses that were sealed, they were trying to speak with him, whispering and clawing.

And even through the strength of the five layered seal he could hear it, ever so slightly.

Before long he was walking around the area, his pupils condensed to slits as he observed the world as if it was daylight.

Walking around he eventually surveyed the entire area before settling on a high tree branch.

I’ll have to observe her some more. He concludes, the feather on his wrist erupting into an array of color as it took the ever changing shape into a spear.

Once it calmed down and took on a familiar brown staff and pristine silver blade, with a single golden feather dangling on its blade, he held it tightly in his arms, drifting to sleep.