Chapter 45 Dain Hollow

The City of Ashford – Inside a House on the Street

The lifeless bodies of an entire family lay sprawled across the floor, their vacant eyes frozen in silent horror. Blood pooled beneath them, soaking into the wooden planks—from the father to the mother, the daughter, and finally, the son.

A sinister figure crouched beside the boy, its elongated fingers tracing patterns in the crimson mess. Its pale gray skin, laced with dark veins, seemed almost fluid, shifting with unnatural ease. With a slow, deliberate motion, the creature dragged its tongue across the boy's neck, savoring the taste, its glowing crimson eyes brimming with twisted delight.

A low chuckle escaped its lips as it leaned back, admiring its work. "Ah... Now that's refreshing."

****

Crimson Vanguard - The Principal's Office

Kai stood in line with the rest of Alpha Squad, all listening attentively to the principal—except for Kai, who was lost in thought.

"It's been nearly a month since Victor fell into a coma... Damn, what's taking him so long to—"

"Kyler."

Kai snapped out of his thoughts.

"Are you listening to me?" the principal asked.

Kai's eyes widened. "Umm... Yeah, yeah… I'm listening."

"Good." The principal's gaze sharpened. "Since you've heard everything I just said, I'm sure you understand the gravity of the mission."

Kai blinked. The gravity…? "Yeah. Of course."

Aiden crossed his arms. "The mission sounds serious. Are you sure you want Kai to handle it alone?"

The principal nodded. "Kai's performance has been impressive so far. I trust him with this." His gaze locked onto Kai. "Don't let me down."

Kai gave a confident nod. "I won't." Then, after a pause, he awkwardly smiled.

"Uh… Quick question—what's the mission about?"

The Principal grunted, studying him thoughtfully.

 An awkward grin crept onto Kai's face as he flashed his teeth, his palm rubbing the back of his neck in unease.

****

Kai's boot tapped against the pavement his hands tucked in his pockets as he strode down the street. The sound of cars zooming past the road filled the air, the morning sun glinted on his face and fresh air gently slapping his face.

"The mission sounds simple yet tricky" The Principal's deep voice echoed in his mind. "We've received reports about a civilian who's been marked by a demon, His name is Dane Hollow about in his early twenties"

"Even his name sounds miserable" Kai muttered. "He's also known as the most miserable person in Ashford, the mark placed on him is something that'll activate only if he commits suicide and the way things are looking in his life that could be any moment from now". 

"The mark is one that'll make him blow up immediately he commits suicide taking everything out within a 200 meter radius of his death which of course would claim millions of lives. The mark was especially placed on him due to how miserable his current life is. So you're to bring him back here and whatever you do don't let him die"

Kai sighed, his gaze drifting toward the clouds. "A single death can literally lead to the death of thousands more," he muttered. His fists clenched tightly as a cold seriousness settled in his eyes. Slowly, he tilted his head downward, determination burning within him.

"Whoever did this to him… will pay with their life."

****

Kai stood in front of the wooden door at the end of the hallway, the lively chatter of people passing by filling the air. He exhaled, glancing at the number on the door.

"This must be the place."

Dun! Dun! Dun!

He knocked firmly.

A dull, overstretched voice groaned from inside, dragging every word like speaking was a chore.

"Go away."

Kai smirked. Yep… This is definitely the place.

"Are you Dain Hollow?" he asked, leaning lazily against the doorframe.

"No."

Kai raised a brow. "Then what's your name?"

"I'm… uh… Stain. Stain Bollow. Yeah, that's me."

Kai blinked. "Right. And that totally doesn't sound made up." He sighed, rapping his knuckles against the door again. "Come on, man. Open up. I need to talk to you."

"Well, I don't wanna talk to you! Don't make me bring out my staff!"

Immediately the door burst open, Kai shut the door behind him as he walked in.

"Hey, I never said you could come in," Dain muttered. A miserable young man in his early twenties sat slouched in a dim, cluttered apartment. His disheveled black hair covered his pale face, dark circles under his eyes. Dressed in a wrinkled hoodie, he stared blankly at Kai, surrounded by scattered papers and empty bottles, the dull lighting casting heavy shadows of loneliness.

"We need to talk, Dain," Kai's face twisted. "What's that smell?"

"You're literally a kid, dressed like you're off to a funeral. And most importantly… Get out!"

"This is important," Kai insisted.

"Get. Out."

"No, listen, man." Kai stepped closer, crouching to meet Dain's level. "This is serious."

Dain studied his face, searching for any hint of deception.

"Alright, I'm listening."

—

Kai sat across from Dain, his face grave after explaining everything. Meanwhile, Dain remained blank, lips twitching in disbelief.

"So, you're telling me some demon cursed me to explode the moment I commit suicide?"

"Yeah, and if that happens, thousands will die." Kai leaned in. "So, are you coming with me or not?"

Dain stared at him, thoughtful.

"I say..." Kai waited, hopeful.

"You're crazy. Get out of my apartment."

Kai blinked, frowning as his head tilted back in shock.

"And what made you think I'd commit suicide, man?" Dain asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You don't want to commit suicide?" Kai's face twisted in disbelief.

"I mean, sure, my life's been one setback after another, but at least I still got my mom."

"Wait… your mom's still alive?"

"Yeah, man. She's in the hospital, but she'll get better. I was literally on my way to see her before you showed up."

Kai's eyes widened. "For real?"

"Yeah."

Dain scoffed, shaking his head. "You really expect me to believe all this? A curse that kills thousands if I die? Come on, man."

Kai sighed, leaning forward. "Dain… I know how it feels."

Dain blinked. "What?"

Kai's gaze darkened, memories flickering through his mind. "Losing people. Feeling like life is just one big joke at your expense. Like no matter what you do, nothing changes." His fingers clenched into a fist. "I used to think like that too. Until someone saved me."

Dain frowned but said nothing.

Kai's voice dropped lower. "I had a friend… He was like a brother to me. Strong, smart, always smiling. I thought he had it all together." He swallowed hard. "And one day, he died saving me from a monster."

Dain's lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

"And it didn't stop there." Kai's fists clenched. "Someone else—someone I should've protected—is in a coma right now because I wasn't strong enough to help him." His gaze locked onto Dain's. "Everything I've told you is real. You remember the night of April 24th, don't you?"

Dain stiffened.

"You've been spelled, Dain. Whether you plan on ending your life or not, this mark isn't something you can ignore. So I'm asking you—no, I'm telling you—you ne

ed to come with me."

Silence.

Dain let out a shaky breath. "I need to see my mom."

Kai stood up. "Then let's go."

This time, Dain didn't argue.