I sit at the table, dinner served in a fancy display of a wide variety of foods. The hanging lamp over the dining area seems to reflect the fine cutlery and the steaming pots, as all four people present serve themselves eagerly. The cool air coming from outside provides much comfort to today's warm, summer night.

  Friedrich: [I already told you... There was no need for such a celebration. Now I have to wash all these dishes after you leave.]

  A smirk appears on my face as I take a bite of roasted chicken, though the pleasure of its rich taste doesn't last long. An elbow to my stomach makes me nearly choke, as the woman sitting next to me shoots me a stare in mock disapproval, her jade rosin eyes shining brightly. Her long hair, the same brilliant jade, flows freely.

  Woman: [Can you not, Friedrich? You're ruining the effort those two Lovebirds put into feeding you.]

  I chuckle at her comment, the pair becoming flustered.

  Boy: [Don't s-say it like that!]

  The girl nods fervently, her black hair bouncing around. Her face is buried in her hands as she tries to hide her blushing.

  Friedrich: [You're too old to be making these types of comments, Jenneah.]

  She seems to be devastated by my words, though she's just acting.

  Jenneah: [I'm only 46, thank you very much. And with that constant scowl of yours, you'll look like an old geezer way before I do.]

  I shake my head, brushing off her words. A comfortable silence falls on the dining room as we enjoy our food. After a while, I put down my fork, meeting gazes with the couple.

  Friedrich: [Germand. Liliana... Have you thought out what I said?]

  Jenneah's eyes fall on me for a short moment before focusing back on her plate. Germand exchanges a meaningful glance with Liliana before shifting his gaze. His eyes —a unique gargoyle gas shade, matching his tousled blonde hair— meet mine.

  Germand: [Well, we talked about it, and... We're staying.]

  I sigh, tension already building up on my shoulders. The wind outside seems to pick up, making a shiver run through my spine. Or maybe, it wasn't the wind.

  Friedrich: [Why don't you understand? Being an Exterminator is no easy task, and you know that. We risk our lives every time we battle Isothes. You're just two months away from your wedding, what if—]

  Jenneah: [Enough, Friedrich. They've already decided what they want to do.]

  I pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration. Jenneah pours some water on my glass. I grab it, taking a sip.

  Friedrich: [I know. But they're youn—]

  Germand: [Why do you always act like you're so much older than us?! I know you're our Mentor but... You're only 23 Friedrich! We're a year apart!]

  I clench my jaw as frustration overtakes me. Liliana fiddles with her napkin, growing uncomfortable as her luminous violet eyes shift from one thing to another. I reply, raising my voice slightly.

  Friedrich: [What does that have to do with anything?! You don't know how dangerous it is out there, Germand. After all... You're just a 3rd Rank.]

  Jenneah: [Enou—]

  A loud noise startles us as Germand slams his fist into the table, some of the cutlery falling to the floor. His face is twisted in rage and indignation. The lamp above us flickers slightly, reinforcing the heavy tension in the room.

  Germand: [Well sorry for not being as talented as you! I always do my best, and even that's not enough for you? I meet all your expectations, and it's still wrong if I'm just a fucking useless 3rd Rank?!]

  I recoil at his words. They sting more than they should. Jenneah sighs, though she doesn't interfere. She steps on my shoe under the table, making it clear who's got to handle this.

  Liliana: [Germand...]

  She reaches out to his hand, caressing it. He sighs, looking around the living room to avoid my gaze.

  Germand: [I'm sorry. I shouldn't have... Burst out.]

  Friedrich: [No... Germand. It's my fault. I just... Want you two to be happy. I wouldn't forgive myself if...]

  Liliana meets my gaze, a look of determination across her face.

  Liliana: [It's what we want to do. No matter how dangerous it is... We've always wanted to be like you.]

  Germand: [It's not about hunting those demons... We just want to make this world a better place, just as you do. We want to keep people safe, Friedrich. So they can live as they should.]

  Jenneah finally sighs, a wide smile playing on her lips shortly after. Almost immediately, she serves some stew to the pair, who look at her in confusion.

  Jenneah: [See? They're fit for it, Friedrich. They might not have your strength yet, but they're catching up. And you know it.]

  Liliana: [Yeah! And if things do go south...]

  She smiles brightly.

  [We can always trust you to protect us!]

  I wipe my face with a hand, tension leaving my body. I pick my fork up again, hesitantly taking a bite of the now lukewarm roasted chicken.

  Friedrich: [Alright, I won't press you further. But you'll receive double the training from now.]

  They look at each other, baffled, before staring at me.

  Germand: [Huh?! W-wait Friedrich... We can talk this out, right? Right?!]

  I scoff, serving myself another piece of chicken.

  Liliana: [Friedrich...? Don't leave us hanging?]

  I shrug, getting two deep sighs as a response. Jenneah laughs loudly at the situation.

  Friedrich: [Don't laugh too much, old woman. Your dentures might fall off.]

  All of us laugh wholeheartedly. That is, except Jenneah, who pinches my cheek.

  Friedrich: [Ow, ow! Alright, I'm sorry...]

  Jenneah: [At least you know how to apologize, young man. And what are you two laughing at, hm?]

  [Nothing!]

  They say in unison, the food suddenly their only focus. Jenneah chuckles as she takes a bite of her food. Soon enough, the mood leans towards festive as we cheer on and joke freely.

  Once our stomachs are full and our energy depleted, we shift from conversation to conversation.

  Germand: [And man, that thing was regenerating his whole spine. I'm telling you, it was the worst thing I've ever seen in my life!]

  I laugh as Germand makes an expression of disgust.

  Friedrich: [They really are disgusting. And those limbs they grow... Sarchi. Those weapon-like limbs make anyone stand on edge.]

  Jenneah: [Where even are those demons coming from?]

  Liliana: [Nobody knows for sure... All we know is they exist, and have for thousands of years.]

  Germand: [You've really studied about this, huh?]

  Liliana: [Everybody knows this.]

  She smiles amusingly as Jenneah laughs at Germand.

  Jenneah: [Are you sure you don't live under a rock?]

  Germand scratches the back of his head, embarrassed. The next hour passes by in chatter, the guests now preparing to leave as I place the dishes in the sink.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  Friedrich: [Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it.]

  Jenneah: [Well, couldn't miss celebrating you're one year closer to death, can I?]

  She grabs her purse, shooting me a playful glance as she leaves. Liliana bows, following suit after kissing Germand on the cheek, the act making him extremely flustered. Nonetheless, he does the same shortly after, earning a suppressed giggle from Liliana.

  Germand: [W-well... I should get going, too. Uh, Happy birthday, Friedrich.]

  Friedrich: [I almost thought you'd never say it.]

  I walk up to him, holding out a hand. He takes it, smiling shyly.

  Friedrich: [I'm proud of you, Germand. You've come far. And you can still go further.]

  Germand: [Yeah. Thank you, Friedrich.]

  He holds my gaze for a moment, worry growing on his face.

  Germand: [Are Isothes really... Hunting more, now?]

  I nod slowly, intently focusing on the still open door. The air seems to be colder yet again, giving me goosebumps.

  Friedrich: [That's what I'm concerned about. Be safe, always. Okay? You're not alone anymore, Germand.]

  [You've got someone to take care of.]

  I feel his pulse quickening as his hand quivers slightly. I hold his hand firmer, reassuring him. He sighs deeply.

  Germand: [Friedrich... T-take care of us... Alright?]

  [Yeah. I will.]

  The answer seems sufficient for Germand, as he nods and finally leaves. I close the door, walking over to the couch and sitting on it.

  I stand up, closing the window, yet the cold doesn't seem to go away. The hairs on my arms stand on edge, breathing slow yet raggedy.

  Friedrich: [I should probably go to sleep.]

  I walk over to my room, the corridor narrower than ever. I sink on the bed, closing my eyes as I try to sleep. I stay awake for hours, restless as the same cold feeling lingers on my whole body. I force myself to slumber, shutting my eyes firmly.

  ——

  I wake up abruptly as my phone rings loudly. I take the call immediately, too groggy to see who it is.

  Friedrich: [...Hello?]

  As soon as I answer, a familiar voice starts speaking.

  ???: [Exterminator Bax, I need you in Base 13 right now. A 5th Circle has been spotted.]

  My eyes widen, breath catching short. I hang up immediately and get dressed in my uniform as my hair swishes around freely, grazing my shoulders. I put on a black compression shirt with tactical pants and a long trench coat of the same color. Putting on some boots, I rush through my home to the entrance door, opening it abruptly.

  Heavy rain falls from above, countless drops of water raining down with nearly the strength of a waterfall. The sky adopts a deep, dark gray color, as a few thunders are heard. Despite all this, I run to my car, not a single drop of water touching me as I get in. Starting it as fast as I can, I drive off to base 13 with the wipers on max.

  I zip through the highway in top speed as I barely manage to keep the car in control, the tires slipping on the wet surface of the asphalt.

  Once I see the base nearby, I stop the car in the middle of the road and hurry inside the Base. He stands there, waiting for me. His face shows severe stress as he scratches his brown hair, ruining his middle part. His black suit seems to be recently pressed, though wrinkles are still on it.

  Friedrich: [What's to do, Mr. Butterdam?]

  He points to a map on the screen, with several routes, points and numbers in red. Hunting areas.

  Mr. Butterdam: [Zone 8, last spotted was 2 hours ago. We've sent some exterminators there...]

  His face darkens.

  [They haven't come back.]

  I nod, fully understanding my duty. As I turn around to leave, he grabs my shoulder, stopping me on my tracks.

  Mr. Butterdam: [I'm sorry, Bax. You won't be going alone.]

  Friedrich: [What do you mean?]

  [They'll be going with you, too.]

  I focus on the two silhouettes at the back, approaching. Fear crawls on my insides as I recognize their faces, wearing the same uniform as me. I meet Mr. Butterdam's gaze with intensity.

  Friedrich: [What's the meaning of this... Oskar?]

  Mr. Butterdam: [Look, we're in a state of emergency. We need as much exterminators as we can. And this is all we've got.]

  I stare at the two figures, their faces filled with determination. Germand... And Liliana. My heart drops, hands trembling.

  Friedrich: [You both... Can't go.]

  Germand clutches his chest in defiance. Liliana steps forward.

  Germand: [Friedrich, I'm begging you! There will be countless lives at risk if that thing keeps roaming around!]

  Liliana: [We know you can't do it alone. We want to help in any way we can.]

  I ignore the two, staring daggers at Mr. Butterdam.

  Friedrich: [They're not even qualified, Oskar! It's a 5th Circle we're talking about, god damn it! You know what happened... Last time we fought one unprepared.]

  My eyes widen with horror at the scenes playing in my mind.

  Screams.

  Hopelessness.

  Dismemberment.

  Death.

  Death.

  Death.

  I recoil. It's like someone's crushing my heart with bare hands. The rain seems to intensify even more, lightning splitting the sky —over, and over, and over.

  Friedrich: [We can't let them, Mr. Butterdam. It's too d—]

  [How many people will die, Exterminator Bax?]

  He grips my shoulder firmly. A muscle twitches in his jaw as his hurtful expression almost immediately gives way to seriousness.

  Mr Butterdam: [They'll go. Such is your duty, to protect your disciples and the lives of everyone in this country.]

  Germand stomps on the floor as he salutes.

  Germand: [We can't stay still anymore, Friedrich. People's lives are at stake.]

  I part my lips to argue, but stop as I notice a small detail. Both their hands are shaky, grabbing each others' firmly.

  [T-take care of us...]

  [Alright?]

  I clench my fists as I start running out the Base.

  Friedrich: [Move! We've got no time!]

  We rush to the car, driving off to Zone 8. As the rainfall increases, it becomes impossible to see from the windshield, wipers working in futile attempts to clear it.

  Friedrich: [Listen to me. Don't go near that thing. I'll keep it at bay, focus on attacking it from afar. Knowing Oskar, he hasn't evacuated the zone yet.]

  Liliana: [Friedrich... You can trust us.]

  She says as Germand nods in agreement. I let out a deep breath, speeding through the streets as we arrive to Zone 8. Immediately, I get out of the car, with the pair doing the same after me. I take a good look around the area —A big and tall building, probably an abandoned hospital.

  I run to the entrance, signaling them to follow.

  Germand: [I'm drenched...]

  He whispers. I put up a finger to command silence as I cautiously walk over to the stairs. The place seems to be in ruins, with crumbled walls and over-the-place furnishing and machines. Some cracks on the ceiling drop water, the smell of static and dryness ever present.

  Once I confirm the place to be safe, I take the stairs to the second floor. With a quick scan, I gesture them to continue with me to the third one. I take the left side, while they both go explore the right.

  As I peek around, I hear a faint sound, muffled by the downpour. Then, a movement in the corner of my eyes.

  My muscles tense up, like a spring ready to bounce. Despite the growing unease in my heart, I follow the movement, treading carefully. As I reach the corner, I spot something black, my mind racing as my eyes widen.

  A cat.

  I curse under my breath, returning to the staircase. Liliana and Germand stand there.

  Liliana: [Nothing on the right side. Shall we go to the rooftop?]

  She whispers.

  I hesitate. Just now, I realize, the deafening sound of rainfall, the flowing water on the stairs, the suffocating humidity of the rain. The smell borders on overwhelming as panic overtakes me.

  I nearly step back, but hold myself still. Not know, Friedrich. If you cower, they'll...

  Friedrich: [Yeah. Follow after me, and keep your distance.]

  As they nod, I step on each stair carefully as I ascend to the rooftop. A thick mist descends, shortly before a putrid smell that makes my stomach churn. I stay still for a while, my body unmoving. The shadows seem to dance around, the sound of rain distorting into morbid laughter. A faint red tint seems to coat my surroundings.

  Germand: [Friedrich?]

  I jerk my head around, sweating profusely as the pair looks at me with confused expressions. I shake my head.

  Friedrich: [It's nothing. I'll... I'll keep going.]

  I take the remaining stairs, step by step. Each one I take seems to bring me closer to the deafening sound of rainfall. And just as I take the last step...

  I see it.

  [... last spotted...]

  [... hours ago.]

  [haven't come back.]

  Five... No. Six corpses, all mangled on the ground as the thing feasts upon them with its mandibles.

  Its deformed human skeleton is covered in hardened, pulsing organic mass, with the part resembling a head covered in insect-like eyes. Long, unsightly antennas wiggled around.

  The humidity revealed the creature's breathing, from the pores on its skin.

  His arms and legs ended in claws, gnawing at the human carcasses.

  Amber tones scattered around its body, with black symmetrical spots on its back.

  Yet one thing was clear above everything else. Two additional, hardened limbs grew out of its back, shaped like scythes.

  It wasn't the first time I had seen an Isothe. But it was the first time I felt true fear of one.

  Friedrich: [Two Sarchi...]

  Germand tenses, standing just behind me. Liliana stays behind, putting on her black gloves.

  Liliana: [I-I've never encountered an Isothe with two... Aren't they s-supposed to have just one...?]

  Friedrich: [That's what marks the difference... Between a 1st Circle, up until 4th, and... and a 5th Circle.]

  The creature fixes its gaze on us. A chill runs on my spine as I brace to strike.

  Friedrich: [Stay back.]

  They nod. I step firmly into the ground, the demon's scythe-like limbs scraping against the floor with a shriek of metal on stone.

  The sound of rain mutes. All I hear now is the thrum of my heartbeat —And the Isothe's breathing. Slow. Controlled. A stark contrast to my own short, shallow gasps.

  The ground vibrates at my feet, cracking as I lunge at the beast. Its scythes lash out in a grotesque spiral, too fast to follow. A wall of blades. I'm forced to leap back, boots skidding across the wet floor, friction burning through the soles.

  The Isothe consumes another carcass. And in that moment, I realize.

  [It's growing another one.]

  I move before I can think. The air around me compresses —the wind coils tight like a whip before it snaps forward in a hail of invisible bullets.

  A sharp sound zooms through.

  They rip through the Isothe's flesh.

  It shrieks —A sound that stabs at my ears, rattling deep into my skull.

  Germand and Liliana separate, stepping further away to give me space. I look back at them for a brief moment, as they see it. And I do too.

  An opportunity. I step to charge again, yet the action never occurs. I freeze. Oxygen doesn't arrive to my lungs, no matter how much I breathe.

  My clothes are damp.

  No. They're soaked.

  The demon weaves its muscles back, swallowing a corpse whole. It recoils —but not from pain.

  From excitement.

  My whole body screams alert as I zip through the space between us. I grab its arm — pulsing, twitching — and twist. Wind howls from my hand, eager to tear. I don't hold it back.

  I step sideways. A sharp motion of my elbow crushes its ribs, bone shattering as the fragments pierce my arm. I leap back as the demon swings its blade-like mass in a swift crescent, dodging...

  ...

  ...

  Stillness.

  Silence.

  Oh... Right. There were three...

  All 5 senses seem to dim as I scream, nearly rupturing my vocal cords.

  A deep pain settles on my chest —but there's no wound.

  One of the demon's limbs extend several meters, piercing Liliana's gut. Blood spatters on the ground, covering it in crimson. Germand's eyes widen beyond compare, his whole body trembling as he slowly steps back.

  I fix my gaze on the girl's face. But it's too late.

  Countless spikes rupture from the inside, shredding her whole. I stumble back, bile rising up at my throat.

  [F-Friedrich! Liliana!]

  Germand shouts as he runs towards Liliana.

  Or what's left of her.

  A severe pain spreads through my head, as if someone was bashing it. The boy tries to gather the remains in a heartbreaking display of desperation. He shouts, his voice raw and raspy.

  [Liliana!]

  I step back, not believing any thought that this is real.

  It isn't. It can't be.

  I stumble on the rooftop's edge.

  [?]

  The Isothe's remaining two limbs pierce Germand. I see it. His face —Twisted in deep hatred— as I fall from the building.

  The rain soaks me. The wind brushes against me. And then, I see it.

  A moth.

  It settles on my nose as its wings crumble from the heavy rain.

  A thunder splits the sky, as I hear a loud thud. I lay, on the ground, as I feel several bones breaking.

  Tears fall from my eyes, though concealed by the raindrops. Germand... Liliana...

  A deep feeling of anguish strains my heart. And yet...

  I smile.

  I...

  I'm safe.

  I survived.