Kaizuren

Three hundred years ago, the Sun and Moon collided—wiping out ninety percent of humanity. From their ashes, two mortals rose as gods by making a divine deal. But peace demands a price. Every six months, children disappear—sacrificed to keep balance. Now, two orphaned brothers live under this false peace. As secrets unravel and powers awaken, they must choose: become the world's saviors... or its next gods of ruin.

Crimson Order

Chapter 5: Reflections of the Moon

Sitting atop the shadowy steed, Tatsuo clung tightly to the strange man before him. The trees rushed by as the horse galloped with supernatural speed through the haunted forest. Tatsuo's voice broke the eerie silence.

Tatsuo: "Who… who are you really?"

The masked man chuckled, his voice low and gravelly beneath the bone-like fangs of his helmet.

Masked Man: "Didn't you notice the scythe I carry? Or the double fangs on my mask? You should think of me as the God of Death himself."

Tatsuo: "Yeah, sure. Enough with the cosplay jokes. We've been riding for a full day. Where are you taking me?"

Tatsuo: "That makes no sense. Just tell me your name first."

Masked Man: "Very well. My name is Velmox. And we are headed to the Crimson Zone."

Before Velmox could answer, something slithered through the undergrowth. A monstrous serpent—long as a tree and with grotesque, rotting scales—lunged from the trees behind them.

Velmox yanked the reins and swerved, avoiding the serpent's gaping maw. With his free hand, he unsheathed his scythe. Flames erupted from its blade—but his hand didn't burn.

Velmox slashed across the snake's neck as the horse leapt forward. The creature shrieked and released a foul-smelling gas as it died.

Tatsuo: "That was close! What was that thing? I thought Tyran said monsters were myths!"

Velmox: "They only appear when beings of power enter these woods. Sun God, Moon Goddess, or anyone else… marked by destiny."

Tatsuo: "So... are you one of them? A god?"

Velmox: "Come with me and find out."

They pressed deeper into the forest, encountering cursed goats with glowing eyes, invisible spiders whose webs caught light like crystal, and blood-colored butterflies that whispered secrets.

Suddenly, the forest trembled. An icy wind blew through the trees as a dragon emerged from the canopy, its scales shimmering with frost-fire. It soared above them, then landed before Velmox with a thud.

Dragon: "I have come for my master."

Velmox raised an eyebrow. "You know me?"

Dragon: "No. I speak of the one behind you."

Velmox moved aside. Tatsuo's eyes widened.

Dragon: "My name is Sethyrosis. I was born to serve you, Tatsuo."

Sethyrosis: "Yes. You are my master. Your presence awakened me. And I offer you my wings."

Tatsuo approached, touched the dragon's nose, and beamed.

Tatsuo: "I'm a dragon rider now!? This is insane!"

Sethyrosis: "Climb on, both of you. I will take you to the Crimson Zone."

Velmox: "Wait. What about my horse?"

Sethyrosis turned his massive head slightly and smirked.

Sethyrosis: "My back is vast. Your horse can ride comfortably between my wings."

Velmox blinked. "A flying taxi dragon... well, that's new."

He signaled, and the horse climbed beside them. Tatsuo climbed onto the dragon's back, his eyes gleaming with wonder. Velmox followed, mounting behind him.

With a mighty roar and a gust of icy wind, Sethyrosis launched into the sky.

Cairo stood by the door, startled as a sharp knock echoed. Opening it, he found Lysendra, breathless and anxious.

Lysendra: "Cairo! I overheard my parents. They plan to take two more children tonight—for the sacrifice!"

Lysendra: "Yes! I heard it myself! This has to end. I want to help you stop them."

Cairo: "But that would mean going against your own parents… and losing everything they gave you."

Lysendra: "What kind of daughter would I be if I stood by their cruelty? No power is greater than human life."

Cairo met her eyes. A flicker of hope returned to his heart.

Cairo: "Then let's do it. Tonight, we end their godhood… and free the children."

—End of Chapter 5: Reflections of the Moon