Killer City

Kael sat on a rickety wooden chair in the dimly lit room of the Hunter Union, his fingers tapping impatiently on the table. Across from him, Garens leaned his muscular frame against the back of his chair, his black cat, Astrone, curled up on his lap, staring at Kael with sharp eyes.

"You look exhausted, kid," Garens began, his voice rough like grinding stones. "But I have a task that I can't entrust to anyone else. The city of Suitsen."

Kael's eyes narrowed. Everyone knew Suitsen was a city ruled by demons, a place where darkness roamed freely. "Who's the target?"

Garens slid a document toward him. "Alamen. The leader of the demon mafia there. If he falls, Suitsen loses its strongest grip."

Kael flipped through the document, examining the sketch of Alamen's face. "And I'm going into his den alone?"

Astrone let out a meow that sounded like a faint laugh. "You're half-vampire. You should be used to suicidal missions."

Kael snorted, then stood up. "Alright. I'll leave tonight."

On his way to Suitsen, Kael rode a horse-drawn carriage, letting his mind sink into his new mission. Midway through the journey, a man dressed entirely in black appeared beside him, like a shadow emerging from the darkness. Himato, a renowned informant from Evernight and a bounty hunter from the eastern lands. "You need to be careful in Suitsen, Kael. That city isn't friendly to hunters like you."

Kael eyed Himato warily. Informants from Evernight weren't exactly trustworthy, especially with his reputation as a bounty hunter. But if Himato had come personally to warn him, something bigger was brewing in Suitsen.

"What do you mean?" Kael asked, his voice flat, but his eyes never left Himato.

Himato smirked faintly. "Suitsen isn't the city you once knew. Since Lord Varess rose to power, the rules have changed. Hunters like you… aren't welcome anymore. You'll need to control your bloodlust."

Kael sighed. He had heard rumors that Suitsen was now under the control of Varess, a nobleman known for his ambition and willingness to use military force to maintain his power. But he hadn't expected the changes to be so drastic.

"So, what do you suggest?"

Himato folded his arms, leaning casually against the side of the slowly moving carriage. "You can still enter Suitsen, but don't make a scene. If you want to complete your mission, you'll have to operate in the shadows."

Kael let out a small snort. "Who do you think I am?"

Himato chuckled lightly. "Exactly? A hunter too stubborn to take advice. But consider this a free warning."

Kael shifted his gaze forward, watching the gates of Suitsen grow closer. Tall buildings loomed behind them, a sign of the city's growth. But if what Himato said was true, then shadows of death were growing alongside its grandeur.

As the carriage passed through the main gate, the sharp gazes of the guards greeted them. Kael felt the tension in the air, and at that moment, he realized—this wasn't just another mission. In Suitsen, he wasn't just a hunter; he was also prey.

Himato gave him a light pat on the shoulder before disappearing into the crowd. "Be careful, Kael. In this game, one wrong move could mean the end."

Kael remained silent. He was used to danger, but this time, something inside him whispered that Suitsen held a threat far greater than anything he had faced before.

Now alone, Kael stepped into the heart of Suitsen. The city was magnificent, with streets lit by lanterns and buildings that reflected a blend of human and demon cultures. Demons and humans coexisted peacefully, creating a scene that contrasted sharply with the dark tales about the city.

Kael let his eyes wander, observing the faces of those passing by. There were merchants peddling their wares, soldiers patrolling vigilantly, and nobles indulging in their luxurious lives. Yet, beneath the bustling surface, Kael could sense something hidden—an invisible tension.

He decided to gather more information. Without wasting time, he headed toward a pub in a corner of the city. The building looked old, with a wooden sign that read "The Silver Fang" hanging above the door. Inside, laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the air.

Kael pushed the door open and stepped in. The smell of alcohol and smoke filled the room, and various faces—both human and demon—glanced at him briefly before returning to their business. He walked to the bar, eyeing the bartender who was casually wiping a glass.

"What can I do for you, friend?" the man asked in a deep voice.

Kael gave a faint smile. "I need information."

The bartender raised an eyebrow, studying Kael with a scrutinizing gaze. "Depends on what kind of information you're looking for."

Kael pulled out a few gold coins and placed them on the table. "Everything about Alamen."

The man tensed for a moment before carefully taking the coins. "You're playing with fire, friend. Alamen isn't just any mafia boss. He controls half of the black market in Suitsen."

Kael remained calm. "I don't need a lecture. I just want to know where he is."

The bartender glanced around, making sure no one was listening. Then, in a low voice, he said, "He has a base in the southern district, behind an old wine storage warehouse. But the place is heavily guarded. If you're serious about meeting him… make sure you're prepared."

Kael touched the handle of his axe beneath his coat. "I'm always prepared."

The bartender nodded slowly, then leaned in closer. "If you want to get close to Alamen without drawing attention, try talking to one of his insiders. There's an informant named Jarek who often hangs out behind this pub. He might be able to help you—for the right price."

Kael stared at the man for a moment, then nodded. He took a glass of wine offered to him and sipped it slowly. As he waited, he thought. Tonight, he would meet Jarek. If the information was accurate, the next step would be to approach Alamen's base… and complete his mission.

When Kael stepped behind the pub, he saw Jarek standing in a dimly lit corner. However, as soon as their eyes met, Jarek turned and ran.

"Damn it!" Kael growled and immediately gave chase.

Jarek darted through narrow alleys, jumping over wooden barrels and pushing past people in his way. But Kael was faster. With agility, he navigated the tight alleys, closing the distance until he finally managed to tackle Jarek and pin him against a wall.

"I just want to talk," Kael said coldly. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

Jarek trembled, his eyes darting to Kael's now glowing red eyes—a sign of his vampiric power surfacing.

"O-okay! I'll talk!" Jarek stammered in fear. "Alamen is surrounded by many guards, but there's one who's the most dangerous… Selene."

"Who is she?" Kael asked sharply.

"Alamen's personal bodyguard," Jarek answered, breathing heavily. "Half-demon, half-human. Her strength rivals that of the ten best hunters. If you want to kill Alamen, you'll have to get through her first."

Kael narrowed his eyes, processing the information. If Selene was as strong as Jarek claimed, this would be a far more difficult fight than he had anticipated.

Kael released his grip on Jarek, who immediately slumped to the ground, gasping for air. His face was pale, and his eyes were still filled with fear. Kael looked at him for a moment, making sure the man wouldn't try to run again. Once satisfied, he stepped back, giving Jarek some space to breathe.

"Selene," Kael muttered, repeating the name he had just heard. "Half-demon, half-human. Her strength rivals that of the ten best hunters." He let out a slow breath, digesting the information. If Jarek wasn't lying, then Selene wasn't an opponent to be taken lightly. But Kael wasn't an ordinary hunter. He had faced many powerful enemies in his life, and he knew that every fight required strategy, not just brute force.

"What else do you know about Selene?" Kael asked, his voice low but threatening. He didn't want to waste time with unnecessary questions. Every detail could mean the difference between life and death.

Jarek nodded quickly, his hands trembling as he tried to straighten his crumpled collar. "She… she's not like a regular bodyguard. Selene isn't just strong; she's cunning. She's always by Alamen's side, rarely leaving him. In fact, there are rumors that she's the only person Alamen truly trusts."

Kael frowned. "So, she's not only strong but also loyal. That makes her even more dangerous."

Jarek nodded again, his eyes darting around as if afraid someone might be listening. "But… but there's one more thing. Selene has a weakness."

Kael's gaze sharpened. "A weakness?"

"Yes," Jarek whispered. "She's weak against fire. If you have fire magic, you might be able to defeat her."

Kael considered the information. "Weak against fire magic?"

"Yeah, she's really weak against it. You have to believe me," Jarek added, his voice trembling.

"How do you know she's weak against fire?" Kael asked, testing the truth of Jarek's story.

Jarek looked nervous, scratching his arm nervously. "I… I saw her fight once. A few years ago, a group of hunters tried to attack Alamen. Selene fought them alone. She almost won… but one of the hunters used fire magic from his staff, and it sent her flying. Before she was thrown back, I saw her freeze for a moment, like she couldn't counter the magic. And I know Selene is usually strong enough to resist magic, but… unfortunately, the hunter died right after using that spell."

Kael nodded slowly, processing the information. If Jarek's story was true, it could be the key to defeating Selene. But he couldn't be reckless. He needed to verify it first.

"Alright," Kael finally said. "You've given me useful information. But if this turns out to be a lie…" He didn't need to finish the sentence. His cold stare was enough to make Jarek tremble.

"I'm not lying, I swear!" Jarek replied quickly, his hands raised in a pleading gesture. "I just want to live. Please, don't hurt me."

Kael took a step closer, his glowing red eyes locking onto Jarek's. The killing aura emanating from him made the air feel heavy, as if every breath Jarek took could be his last. Kael didn't need to draw a weapon or make a threatening move—his presence alone was enough to make Jarek feel trapped.

"One more thing," Kael said, his voice low but filled with deadly intensity. "Why did you run when you saw me? What made you so afraid?"

Jarek trembled violently, his hands pressed against the wall behind him as if searching for an escape that didn't exist. Cold sweat dripped from his temples, and his breath came in ragged gasps. "I-I… I didn't…," he stammered, struggling to find the right words.

Kael didn't give him time. He stepped even closer, his face now just inches from Jarek's. "Don't waste my time, Jarek. I know you have a reason. What is it?"

Jarek swallowed hard, his eyes darting to Kael's chest, where a Hunter Union badge was pinned beneath his coat. The badge glinted faintly in the dim light of the alley, and Jarek looked as if he had seen a ghost. "T-that badge…," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "You… you're from the Hunter Union."

Kael frowned, his eyes narrowing. "What's the problem with the Hunter Union? Do you have business with them?"

Jarek shook his head quickly, his hands raised as if trying to calm Kael down. "No, no! I just… I'm just scared. The Hunter Union is hunting people like me. Informants, spies… they see us as a threat. And…," he paused, his eyes flicking back to Kael's glowing eyes. "And your eyes… they look like a vampire's. I thought you were one of them, sent to kill me."

Kael fell silent for a moment, digesting Jarek's words. He realized that his appearance—the glowing vampire eyes and the Hunter Union badge—could easily be misunderstood. But he didn't have time to explain or reassure Jarek. He just needed to make sure this informant wouldn't interfere with his mission.

"I'm not here to kill you," Kael finally said, his voice calmer but still laced with threat. "But if you try to hinder me or tell anyone about our meeting, you'll regret it."

Jarek nodded quickly, his hands still raised. "I understand, I understand! I won't say a word, I swear!"

Kael stared at him for a moment, ensuring that Jarek wasn't lying. Then, he stepped back, giving Jarek space to breathe. "Go. And remember, if you break your promise, I'll find you."

Jarek didn't need to be told twice. He immediately turned and ran, leaving Kael alone in the narrow alley. Kael let out a sigh, his eyes returning to their normal color as his vampiric aura subsided. He knew his presence in Suitsen wouldn't remain a secret for long. But as long as he could complete his mission before other hunters or his enemies found him, it didn't matter.

After releasing Jarek, Kael decided to find temporary lodging. He knew he needed to carefully plan his next steps tonight. Suitsen wasn't a place to be taken lightly, especially with threats like Selene and Alamen's power looming over the city. He walked through the increasingly quiet streets, searching for a safe place to rest and strategize.

Not far away, Jarek, still trembling and terrified, hurried home. His mind was filled with the image of Kael's glowing eyes and the threat he had felt. But his bad luck wasn't over yet. As he arrived at his doorstep, he saw a tall, slender figure standing in the shadows of the doorway. The figure exuded a cold aura that made Jarek freeze in place.

"Yo, Jarek," the figure said slowly, his voice like a hiss. "You look troubled."

Jarek swallowed hard, his eyes widening as he recognized the figure. Yohelkiel, one of Alamen's right-hand men, a vampire known for his cruelty and ruthlessness. Yohelkiel stepped out of the shadows, his pale face clearly visible under the moonlight. His glowing red eyes locked onto Jarek, making him feel like he was already half-dead.

"I-I… I was just…," Jarek stammered, unable to form the right words.

Yohelkiel approached, his steps slow but menacing. "I saw you talking to someone in the alley earlier. Who was it?"

Jarek trembled violently, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. "He… he was just a hunter, Yohelkiel. I don't know who he really is. He forced me to give him information about Alamen!"

Yohelkiel raised an eyebrow, his face showing a hint of interest. "A hunter, you say? And you gave him information about Alamen?"

Jarek nodded quickly, his eyes darting to Yohelkiel, who was now even closer. "I had no choice! He threatened to kill me if I didn't talk!"

Yohelkiel chuckled softly, his voice like the rustling of dry leaves. "You know, Jarek, Alamen doesn't take kindly to betrayal. Giving information to the enemy is a very… unwise move."

Jarek felt his heart pounding, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "Please, Yohelkiel! I didn't mean to betray Alamen! I was just trying to save my life!"

Yohelkiel stopped right in front of Jarek, his face just inches away. "Your life?" he said coldly. "Your life is meaningless now, Jarek. You've made a fatal mistake."

Before Jarek could scream or plead, Yohelkiel moved. His cold, strong hand gripped Jarek's neck, lifting him off the ground with ease. Jarek tried to scream, but his voice was muffled by Yohelkiel's tightening grip.

"Relax, Jarek," Yohelkiel whispered, his voice like a snake's hiss. "This will be quick."

With a swift motion, Yohelkiel bit into Jarek's neck, his fangs piercing the skin and drinking deeply. Jarek only managed a muffled sound before his body went limp, his life slowly slipping away.

Yohelkiel released his grip, and Jarek's lifeless body fell to the ground with a thud. Yohelkiel wiped his lips with the back of his hand, savoring the remnants of blood. His glowing red eyes turned toward the alley where Jarek and Kael had spoken earlier.

"A hunter, huh?" Yohelkiel murmured, his voice filled with curiosity. "This is going to be an interesting night."

Meanwhile, Kael had found a small inn in a corner of the city. The place looked simple but comfortable enough for him to rest. He paid a few coins to the innkeeper and headed straight to his room. After locking the door, Kael sat on the edge of the bed, pulling out the documents about Alamen and the sketch of his face.

He pondered the information he had gathered from Jarek. Selene, Alamen's personal bodyguard, was an enemy he needed to be wary of. But if her weakness was fire magic, then Kael needed to find a way to exploit that. The problem was, Kael didn't possess fire magic. He relied more on his physical strength and combat skills.

Kael sighed, trying to plan his next move. Perhaps he needed to seek help from someone who could wield fire magic. But in Suitsen, who could he trust?

Suddenly, he heard footsteps outside his room. Kael immediately stood up, his hand reaching for the handle of his axe. He approached the door cautiously, listening carefully.

"Kael," a voice came from behind the door, a voice he recognized. Himato.

Kael opened the door quickly, seeing Himato standing there with a serious expression. "What are you doing here?" Kael asked, his voice low.

Himato stepped inside without invitation, closing the door behind him. "I came to warn you. Yohelkiel knows about you. He's already killed Jarek."

Kael frowned. "Yohelkiel?"

"One of Alamen's right-hand men," Himato explained. "A ruthless and merciless vampire. If he's caught wind of you, then you don't have much time."

Kael sighed, feeling the situation growing more complicated. "What do you suggest?"

Himato folded his arms, his eyes locked onto Kael's. "You need to move fast. If you want to kill Alamen, do it now before Yohelkiel and Selene can prepare their defenses."

Kael nodded, digesting the information. "Alright. I'll move tonight."

Himato gave a slow nod. "I'll assist you from the shadows. But remember, Kael, this isn't just about killing Alamen. It's about survival."

Kael stared at Himato for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."

Himato gave a faint smile, then disappeared into the shadows, leaving Kael alone in his room. Kael took a deep breath, trying to calm his thoughts. Tonight, he would infiltrate Alamen's lair, and the decisive battle would begin.