Ken_Ashahi

Raito Yakamura followed strict rules in life. He believed in discipline, being efficient, and keeping control. He used to work as a mercenary but left that violent life behind for a peaceful civilian life. Everything changed, though, when he met Kurai, a clever and mysterious demon, and his world turned upside down. Kurai is not just a voice in his mind; she wakes up new powers inside him. She makes him stronger, quicker, and offers him abilities that are beyond human limits. But with this power comes a tough truth: he is no longer just Raito.

A Quiet Life Seems Perfect

Raito stepped out of the car slowly, the cool morning air brushing against his face as he scanned the alley.

His eyes weren't on the men—not really. He was analyzing everything.

Four targets. Two tall, muscular, likely ex-military by their posture. The third shorter, twitchy—nervous, likely the driver. The fourth carried himself differently, a little more measured, calculating. The leader.

But their formation was sloppy. No tactical spacing. Weapons not visible, but the way their jackets hung hinted at concealed blades or pistols. They weren't thugs. They were mercenaries.

"They're not here for some random hit and run," Raito murmured to himself. "They were aiming for someone."

Yumi stood in front of him, shoulders squared, her badge still raised.

"Last warning," she said firmly. "Drop your weapons and surrender. Backup is on the way."

The men didn't budge. In fact, they laughed.

"Really? A lady cop?" one of them snorted. "You serious right now?"

Another gave her a once-over and smirked. "What's with the civilian? That your boyfriend or something?"

Raito remained still, expression unreadable.

Yumi stiffened slightly. "No, he's not and that doesn't matter to you."

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, betraying the irritation she was trying to hide.

The leader chuckled. "Cute. He's quiet. She's hot. Almost feel bad ruining the moment."

Yumi's jaw tightened. "I said—surrender. Backup will be here any minute."

"Oh, we'll be done by then," one of the men sneered. "After all… might take her with us. Warehouse ain't too far from here. Could use some company."

Raito didn't flinch. Yumi, on the other hand, took a step forward, eyes blazing.

"You say one more thing like that—"

"Detective Yumi," Raito said calmly, stopping her with just his voice.

The men started to move, spreading out slightly. The leader glanced at the mouth of the alley, confirming there was only one exit. They were boxing them in.

"Uh-oh," one of them said mockingly. "Looks like the mouse is in the trap."

Yumi stepped slightly in front of Raito, lowering her voice. "You need to run. Now."

"That's a terrible idea," Raito said plainly.

"You don't understand," she hissed. "There's four of them—"

"And you're not going to win if you're worried about protecting me," he said. "Stay focused."

Yumi gritted her teeth, torn between ordering him to go and admitting she was outnumbered.

The circle tightened. Four sets of footsteps. Eight hands. Multiple weapons, likely. The tension in the air thickened with each passing second.

"This really isn't my problem so how about you all let me leave," he muttered.

Another step. Another chuckle from the mercs. One of them cracked his knuckles like he was warming up for a game.

But then Raito took a single step forward, just enough to shift the air around him. Yumi glanced sideways—confused at first, then wide-eyed. Something about him had changed.

Chapter 19 - Cat and Mice