4th Dawn

I was slightly relieved to hear that Maya was still alive, but I couldn't ignore the unease creeping in as he added, "for now."I turned to the old man and said, "I'm not really sure I have anything tangible to offer you. I don't even have enough mone—"

He cut me off before I could finish."If I sold this for money, Night City would be overpopulated. And I'd probably be dead."

I blinked, confused and intrigued. "Why?" I asked, curiosity slipping into my voice.

His expression shifted—from smug to fearful."You'll understand once you reach Yommir City," he muttered. "That aside, regarding the price for the incantation—I want your name."

I stared at him, stunned. "That's easy for me. My name is Jere—"

Suddenly, I heard Hildegarde's voice inside my head:"Don't do it, Jeremiah. Names hold value—they can be used to curse you. Only give your name to those you wholeheartedly trust… which is equivalent to never giving it at all."

I stopped mid-sentence and instinctively nodded, silently acknowledging her warning.I had so many questions—like how this old man knew her name—but I kept them to myself.

"I'm sorry," I told him. "I can't give you my name."

He smiled faintly. "Very good. Consider that your first lesson—and a test. You're preparing for Yommir City. Besides…" he looked me dead in the eyes, "…I already know your name, Jeremiah."

A chill ran down my spine.

He continued, "Give me time to prepare the incantation. Come back here tomorrow—before midnight. And make sure to eat a bird before you come."

I snapped, "What the hell? A bird? Why?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Is there a reason you can't eat it?"

"I'm vegetarian," I said. "I don't eat animals. That'll be difficult."

Then he said something that made my blood run cold."To increase your chances of survival from zero to 0.1… you'd better eat the damn bird."

"I'm not gonna eat it," I muttered under my breath.

"Whatever," he said, waving me off. "Just be here before midnight."

I thanked him and left in a hurry.

Meanwhile — Yommir City, 2:00 AM

Aloka: "I've returned, my lord."

Unknown: "Who's the female human, Aloka? And have you taken her soul yet?"

Aloka: "Unfortunately, the male host was in a learning facility. I couldn't extract her soul before sunrise."

Unknown: "This delay is unacceptable. And what does she have to do with your assignment?"

Aloka: "My lord, she shares a connection with the male host. I took her to lure him here."

Unknown: sighs "Whatever. Make sure to bring me her soul before tomorrow. And once you're done—kill the girl."

Aloka: "Yes, my liege."

It was the day. The big day.I was anxious. My heart pounded, and fear weighed heavy on me—but I had to do this. Someone was in danger because of me.

Hildegarde must have sensed my anxiety, because she said,"Be calm, Jeremiah. You're going to rescue someone, not to fight."

That was the most human, most considerate thing she had ever said to me.

"Thank you," I replied. "But my anxiety isn't going away. I mean, I'm going to rescue someone who's only in danger because of me—from someone who's literally superhuman."

"Superhuman is an exaggerated word," she said. "He is a Night Creature. You'll understand once you reach Yommir City."

I was curious, but something told me it wasn't the time to ask questions. I just nodded.

And then I remembered: the bird.I sighed and asked her, "Why the hell do I have to eat a bird?"

"You'll find out once you've consumed it," she replied.

I took the bird I had bought under the pretense of keeping it as a pet. I looked into its eyes—and it looked right back at me. I felt a wave of guilt. But I had no choice.

With a trembling hand, I pinned its wing to the table using a fork. Then, I stabbed its heart with a knife. Blood spilled across the table. I wanted to throw up, but I held it in.

I cut off its head. The bird stopped breathing. Its life—gone.

I felt like a murderer.Then, I took a bite of the bird's head.

Immediately, my body began to shake violently. It felt like something inside me was trying to tear its way out through my back.Then, with a searing pain, two black wings ripped themselves free from my body.

I shrieked. The pain was unbearable—but thankfully, it was brief.

Afterward, I took what was left of the bird and buried it.I felt immense guilt.I could see imaginary blood on my hands. The image of the bird haunted me.

I turned to head back to my apartment—but then, invisible hands seemed to lift me from the ground.I began to float… toward the crescent moon.

I was flying.

As incredible as the sensation was, I couldn't enjoy it. I couldn't stop thinking about the innocent creature I had just killed.

The moon above seemed ashamed to look back at me.The stars sparkled in the night sky, but I couldn't see any beauty in them.

My heart was blackened with guilt.And as I looked at the wings on my back, I was reminded of what it cost me to gain them:I had become a murderer.