They walked a short distance until they reached a towering structure that dominated the streetscape. The building was an imposing fusion of traditional Stygian architecture and modern design, its high walls crafted from dark, polished stone, giving it the severe, minimalist aesthetic of a military fortress. However, its roofline was distinctly curved, adorned with elaborate carvings and topped by a gilded crest—features more commonly associated with ancient houses of worship.

  "What the hell is this? A place you can worship or a place you actually live in?" T'Jadaka said, raising an eyebrow at the jarring combination.

  "This is the head family manor," Yui explained, leading him toward the massive, carved mahogany entrance doors. "It was built on the site of our original clan shrine centuries ago, and over time, we just incorporated the original structure into the mansion where the head family lives. It's so big that a lot of our extended family lives here too."

  T'Jadaka let out a low whistle. "You guys must make a lot of money to keep a place this size in perfect condition."

  Yui giggled, a hint of pride in her voice. "We make a decent amount, yes. Now, let's head inside. My dad is most likely waiting for us in the main hall."

  They started walking down the main hallway, the polished stone floor gleaming under the overhead lights.

  "And here we mostly do basic stuff," Yui explained, gesturing to a series of closed doors. "We have a weight room, a family mess hall where we all eat together, and a room where we practice martial arts together. We occasionally bring in Outsider teachers to train us, but—"

  T'Jadaka cut her off with a sardonic grin. "But they're only allowed to teach because they are seen as potential candidates who could bring quality genes into the Stygian gene pool."

  "Bingo!" Yui replied, her dark silver eyes sparkling.

  "It was obvious," T'Jadaka admitted with a shrug. "But even if I was interested in contributing to your clan's genetic future, you guys must already know about the Viltrumlight curse."

  Yui's expression turned serious, though her tone remained casual. "The curse where, if your partner is genetically incompatible for the parasitic-like fetus, both the mother and the child will die? Oh yes, we are very well aware. I actually have a few cousins who are married to Viltrumlights."

  T'Jadaka stopped walking, genuinely surprised. "Are you dead serious? How is that even possible?! I thought Viltrumlight incompatibility is pretty much always fatal to normal people."

  Yui giggled, a hint of dark amusement in her eyes. She gave him a devilish smile. "Because we're not entirely human, either~" she purred. She tapped the side of her dark silver eyes. "As you can see, our eyes are not human. It's because we're all part demon, and our biology allows us to adapt to genetic threats like that."

  "Huh... That's pretty cool," T'Jadaka mused, a flicker of genuine interest in his eyes. "Guess you could have kids with pretty much anybody despite how difficult it is for them."

  "Hmm, pretty much," Yui replied, her voice dropping to a smooth purr as she edged closer to him. "So, if you ever want to have kids... I'm guessing I won't be too far from a call?~"

  T'Jadaka let out a short, noncommittal "Wahoo," gently placing his hand on her shoulder and steering her back to a respectable distance. "Still too soon for all of that. I just lost my V card not too long ago, so you are definitely on the back burner. But it is noted."

  Yui let out a dramatic, audible sigh. "It was worth a shot. Come on, let's keep going."

  They continued to walk down the hallway.

  They walked into the main corridor, an enormous space that stretched far beyond the norm, its polished stone floor reflecting the light of ornate crystal fixtures. The hallway culminated in a raised dais where a massive, carved obsidian throne sat empty, dominating the far wall like a relic of ancient royalty.

  As they proceeded, they encountered a figure standing near a towering column: Shikiba Stygian. He was a canvas of controlled fury, his face a mosaic of rapidly healing purplish bruises, and his right arm was encased in a restrictive mana cast, glowing faintly. He sported a small, infuriating smirk as he saw them approach.

  T'Jadaka and Shikiba locked eyes for a long, silent moment, the air thickening with palpable hostility.

  "Look who finally woke up from the ass-whooping I gave him," Shikiba drawled, his voice laced with mocking condescension. "I thought I'd left you brain-dead for a moment."

  T'Jadaka returned the smirk with one of flat contempt. "Well, you seem quite pleased with yourself for barely making it out alive. Must be nice to be on equal footing with a 'commoner,' huh?"

  Shikiba’s eyes narrowed. "The only thing 'equal' about you is that you were going to be on the same level as dirt if my objective wasn't cut short. But it must be nice knowing that you're only still alive by a technicality, trash~"

  "Alright, boys, let's all settle down," Yui intervened, stepping smoothly between them, her voice firm but placating. "I know you two have some bad blood, but let's not focus on that, okay?"

  "You're right, I shouldn't have to worry about this cocky bastard," T'Jadaka conceded, his gaze never leaving Shikiba. "Eventually, he's going to play with his food too much and end up getting himself killed anyway."

  Shikiba laughed, a sharp, unpleasant sound. "You're saying that like you're the one who almost did it."

  "Oh, I know I did," T'Jadaka countered, leaning in slightly. "I might not remember everything after I got knocked out, but I had a feeling. Deep in your soul, you know you were put in a bad spot because of your arrogance. You can lie about it all you want, but deep down, you know I'm right. That's what your bitch-ass gets for thinking you're so superior above everybody else you let someone inferior to you almost kill you."

  "WHO YOU TALKIN'—" Shikiba roared, his voice cracking with sudden, white-hot fury, his good hand clenching into a fist. He caught himself mid-yell, instantly cutting off the shout and taking a shaky breath. His expression smoothed over, replaced by icy indifference. "Why am I yelling? I don't argue with common trash. Have Yui speak in your place."

  T'Jadaka shook his head, a final, stinging shot. "Man, shut your bitch-ass up and go get laid or something, virgin." He turned, walking past Yui.

  Yui fought hard to suppress a giggle, adjusting her posture. "Maybe if you had a girlfriend, you might mellow out a little bit, Shikiba," she managed, quickly following T'Jadaka.

  The comment, following T'Jadaka's final jab, seemed to be the last straw. Shikiba's carefully maintained composure finally shattered. He slammed his good fist into the column beside him with a concussive CRACK, leaving a large, spider-web of cracks radiating outward from the impact point. He stood there, chest heaving, his dark silver eyes blazing with impotent rage as T'Jadaka and Yui continued down the hall.

  "That felt fucking awesome," T'Jadaka corrected, a satisfied smirk replacing his contempt.

  Yui giggled, stepping closer to him. "Yeah, I bet you did. Nothing gets under my older brother's skin faster than calling him out on his arrogance."

  "Well, you can tell your mother I'm sorry she raised an asshole," T'Jadaka replied dryly.

  As they reached the end of the long corridor, the massive, carved obsidian throne, which had previously been empty, was now occupied. Sitting upon it was a figure that immediately commanded attention.

  The man was clad in a simple, heavy black kimono, the fabric rich and unadorned, paired with a matching black hakama and haori. His long, straight black hair flowed down his back, while chin-length strands framed his face, partially obscuring the subtle, dark shadows beneath his eyes. He sat slumped in the throne, his posture radiating a profound weariness, his expression one of disinterested melancholy.

  Bro, I don't know what's up with him, but there's this heavy aura coming off him... He feels immensely strong, but completely exhausted, T'Jadaka thought, his internal alarms silent but insistent.

  "Daddy!" Yui cried, her composure instantly melting. She ran the remaining distance, leaping onto the dais and throwing her arms around the seated man in a tight hug.

  He smiled, a fleeting, almost painful expression that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Hey, my little princess. I'm glad to see you again," he murmured, gently embracing her.

  T'Jadaka raised an eyebrow. Again? He's saying that like he doesn't see his daughter that often.

  "Oh!" Yui pulled back slightly, pointing enthusiastically at T'Jadaka. "Dad, this is the boy you told us to save. His name is T'Jadaka—pretty exotic name, right?" she said, beaming.

  The man's eyes, the same cold, dark silver as his children's, finally fixed on T'Jadaka. He slowly rose from the throne, unfolding himself with a fluid, terrifying grace. T'Jadaka had to crane his neck to look up, realizing the man was utterly massive.

  Holy shit, this dude is a giant! He has to be 7 feet, or well over 6'7" easy!

  He slowly walked off the dais, the movement deliberate and unhurried, until he stood directly in front of T'Jadaka. The head of the Stygian clan was indeed enormous, his presence radiating immense, controlled power. He finally spoke, his deep voice carrying a weary resonance.

  "I see. T'Jadaka," the man said, his dark silver eyes studying the boy's face with unnerving intensity. "The son of the infamous Raiken, the last of the Mazoku, and Farrah the Reaper, a lost member of the Yamazato Tribe. You possess a uniquely potent, albeit tragic, lineage."

  T'Jadaka shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks...? I, uhm... Don't really know how to feel about that. Infamous, huh?" He paused, getting straight to the point. "So, what made you call off the mission to kill my mother and take her head? I want the truth."

  The man smiled faintly, a ghost of an expression that aged his eyes. He returned to the throne, and Yui immediately nestled herself on his lap, leaning comfortably against his chest.

  "A reasonable question," he conceded, resting one massive hand on Yui's back. "Before you were even born, your father, Raiken, came to us."

  T'Jadaka's head snapped up in shock. "Really? What did he say? I thought he hated your clan."

  "He told us, in no uncertain terms, not to take any future bounties or missions that involved Farrah," the Stygian patriarch explained. "He also told us she was potentially part of the extinct Yamazato Tribe. That warning, coupled with the Yamazato's history with us, prompted me to keep an extremely close eye on any mission concerning her."

  He sighed, the sound heavy. "Shikiba was never supposed to take that mission; he was meant to consolidate intel and report back to me first. For his insubordination and the disrespect he showed your family, I apologize for him attacking you."

  T'Jadaka shrugged, his expression lightening a fraction. "I mean, he's a dick, but to be fair, it's not the first time somebody tried to kill me, so I just have beef with him for being a dick about it." He chuckled, reaching out to give Yui's head a playful rub.

  "Your reaction is surprisingly mild," the father noted, "but perhaps that is also your lineage speaking. As for Shikiba's antagonism, it is not entirely his fault. He simply inherited our family's curse."

  "Oh great," T'Jadaka muttered, rolling his eyes. "The Mazoku have a curse, the Viltrumlights have a curse, and now the Stygians have one too? How perfectly coincidental this crap is."

  Yui spoke up, her voice serious. "You see, every few births within our clan, a child is born who will be the strongest in our entire lineage. We can identify them by the stark lack of humanity they possess. Shikiba, for instance, locks fundamental human emotional concepts like empathy, compassion, and sometimes even love."

  "To put it simply," her father continued, "he is a black sheep within our family, a pure engine of destruction who enjoys hurting and killing others. These side effects of his immense strength could probably calm down with time, but trying to tame his nature outright is impossible. I will say, however, after fighting you, his demonic side has actually calmed down a little."

  "Probably because I'm the only one who was relative in power to him, and not a total pushover," T'Jadaka suggested.

  "That may very well be the case," the father agreed. "Also, you share your father's trait of not having any Mana within your body at all, making you an anomaly even among anomalies. Though, you are still part Yamazato, so you can have access to all of our assets as well."

  This shocked T'Jadaka. "Wait, WHAT!? Why?"

  Yui giggled at his surprised reaction. "Well, since your tribe was so kind to us, when we found out that the Yamazato Tribe might be extinct, we agreed a long time ago that anyone who is related to the tribe is free to use our assets as they see fit. After all, they could have taken us out if they wanted to years ago, so it's only fair."

  Stolen story; please report.

  Her father smiled warmly. "You can also marry your way into the clan if you really wanted to, which would make you immune to the Viltrumlight curse. Since you have very little Yamazato in you, we might actually be able to produce viable offspring from you."

  Yeah, I'm still not sold about being a stud horse, bro... I don't care how good sex is, T'Jadaka thought, carefully masking his internal panic.

  "That's cool and whatever," he said, giving a noncommittal wave of his hand. "But I really need to get back home. I haven't even had the chance to bury my mom yet, and I have other people that rely on me to protect them."

  Kinjiro let out a low chuckle, a rich, weary sound. "Yeah, you definitely have some Yamazato in you. That combination of kindness and absolute refusal to give up. How about this, then? We'll keep an eye on them for you, and even tell them that you are perfectly fine."

  T'Jadaka's hope flared, then instantly died at the look in the patriarch's eyes. "But?"

  "I would like for you to stay here for three years," Kinjiro stated, the proposal a simple, absolute decree. "And let us train you."

  "Three years!?" T'Jadaka exclaimed, the time frame a crushing weight. "Yo... that's a—"

  "Long time? Be honest with yourself, T'Jadaka," Kinjiro countered, his voice soft but penetrating. "You literally have nothing but time on your hands."

  T'Jadaka remained silent, the terrible truth of his longevity hitting him again. He didn't have a response.

  "Daddy, I don't think we should make it seem like we're forcing him," Yui interjected, her voice laced with concern.

  "Of course we're not," Kinjiro said, his gaze fixed on T'Jadaka. "He always has the decision to reject. But me personally, I think it's a wasted opportunity. After all, if I didn't call off the order, Shikiba would have killed him. And even he knows this."

  "I know he does, but Viltrumlights get stronger from every battle," Yui pressed. "He might be close or relative to him now."

  Kinjiro turned his dark silver eyes onto T'Jadaka, the question in them sharp and unwavering. "Do you honestly think you can survive a rematch with him once he's fully healed and going all out?"

  T'Jadaka shook his head slowly, the answer a painful admission. "No."

  "It seems like he understands now." Kinjiro pulled Yui gently off his lap and stood up. "We'll start your training immediately tomorrow. Sleep well and learn well, T'Jadaka. Because I have a feeling that we can make a real warrior out of you." He finished with a small, encouraging smile.

  "Before I go, two quick questions."

  "Sure."

  "What's your name, and are you the strongest one here?"

  Kinjiro smiled fully this time. "It's Kinjiro, and yes, I am."

  "Bet. My goal for the three years is to surpass you."

  Everyone in the room, including Yui, gasped audibly at the defiant declaration. Kinjiro threw his head back and laughed—a sound both booming and genuine. "That's the spirit, T'Jadaka! I guess we'll have to see. Yui, show him where he can sleep."

  Inside the Hotel's makeshift kitchen, Vitaliya and Lila were focused on cooking. The rhythmic clinking of cutlery and the comforting aroma of frying spices filled the small space.

  "It's still hard to believe T'Jadaka's family had connections with the Stygians all this time," Vitaliya remarked, leaning over the stove to check the seasoning. "It worked out for the best, though. They've been sending us money to cover things while he's been in training."

  Lila sighed, her movements slowing as she arranged vegetables on a cutting board. "Yeah, I'm grateful for the help. It's just a shame he was only allowed to visit twice a month. I really wish I could see him more, even if we did break up..." A shadow of genuine sadness crossed her face.

  "It was probably for the best, Lilia," Vitaliya said, her voice softening as she prepared plates and began serving the meal. "He's facing that whole longevity issue—outliving everyone. I bet ending things was far more painful for him, knowing he'd watch you age." She shot Lilia a quick, knowing smirk. "Besides, you two might not be officially dating, but you're still acting like a couple whenever he manages to sneak home, aren't you? Friends with benefits, sleeping with him and acting all domestic until he leaves again~"

  Lila’s cheeks instantly burned a vivid red. "Vitaliya! You know that's not how it is! Ugh!" She hid her face dramatically behind her apron. "Why do you always have to embarrass me with that stuff!?"

  Vitaliya laughed, a bright, carefree sound. "Oh, relax. I'm only teasing! We're eighteen now; it's completely natural to talk about what you two are really doing when he visits."

  "Still... Things haven't been the same since Marla died and Remigio got sent back home," Lilia said, her voice dropping to a somber whisper.

  "Well, he was supposedly kidnapped as a baby, so he's probably quite happy to be reunited with his family now," Vitaliya countered, a forced lightness in her tone. "But look at the bright side: it's been three years. T'Jadaka should be coming home soon. You should be excited."

  Lilia let out a shaky breath. "I am excited, truly. But everything is just changing so fast... I don't know how to feel about it. I'm not sure if it's changing for the better or the worst."

  Vitaliya turned from the stove, her expression suddenly serious, her dark eyes meeting Lilia's. "Only time will tell, Lilia. And being completely honest? I'm not sure if you or I will live long enough to know the final answer. Only Jadaka will."

  Lilia stared, her mind struggling to process the blunt, terrible truth of that statement, the full, crushing weight of his longevity finally sinking in.

  Ruy, perched high within the dense canopy of the forest, peered through the scope of his high-powered hunting rifle. His breathing was slow, controlled, and his eyes scanned the grazing deer herd below. He was hunting for meat, not sport.

  "Come on, God damn it…" he muttered under his breath, his finger resting lightly on the trigger. "One of you has to be the alpha around here."

  He knew the local white-tail deer could reach weights upwards of 500 pounds, a substantial haul for the hotel residents. He needed a clean, ethical shot: heart or head. After several minutes of patient searching, his scope finally settled on the most magnificent specimen—a colossal buck with a massive rack, standing slightly apart from the others.

  "I got you now, you big fuck…" Ruy carefully centered his crosshairs, preparing to execute the flawless shot.

  Just as his finger tightened on the trigger guard, the buck suddenly went rigid, its head snapping up, agitated by something in the distance.

  What the hell?

  Ruy shifted his scope, scanning the tree line. Standing face to face with the massive buck was a solitary figure clad in a heavy black hoodie, the lower half of their face obscured, their head slightly bowed.

  "Is this dude fucking crazy!?" Ruy hissed, his voice dropping to a panicked whisper. "He’s going to get himself killed!"

  He lowered his rifle and yelled, the sound muffled by the trees. "Hey! If you’re trying to kill that thing with magic, it’s not going to work! Their hide is very resistant to mana!"

  The hooded figure didn’t move.

  The buck snorted, pawing the earth, and then charged, its head lowered, a living battering ram of bone and muscle aimed at the intruder. Ruy quickly snapped his rifle up, attempting to acquire a kill shot, but the angle was too obscured, the movement too fast.

  I’m not going to make it in time!

  In a display of shocking, effortless strength, the hooded person didn't dodge. They simply stuck out one hand and clamped onto the charging deer's massive antlers. The impact drove the person's feet backward a few inches through the forest soil, but their posture remained firm. They held the creature in a stalemate, the buck’s powerful momentum brought to an impossible halt.

  "How the hell did they do that…?" Ruy breathed, his jaw slack.

  "You’re a handsome little thing, huh?" the person's voice drifted up, low and amused, before they cracked the knuckles of their free hand.

  In one smooth, lightning-fast motion, the person placed two fingers flat against the center of the deer’s chest. There was no sound, only a single, thin beam of invisible energy that pierced cleanly through the animal’s body. The buck collapsed instantly at their feet, a silent, massive heap.

  "That should have did it," the figure said, dusting off their hands. "But I don’t know if I should have went for the head or the heart. The heart probably worked quicker instead of the head."

  Wow. Killed it with very little blood, too. Ruy lowered his rifle and cautiously descended from the tree, walking over to the scene.

  "Hey, I know you killed it and all, but I was hunting it first," Ruy said, stepping out from behind a thicket. "So, you wouldn’t mind if I have it, right?"

  The person turned, a casual indifference in their posture. "Of course I don’t. After all, we’re both planning on eating this later."

  Ruy looked confused. "I wouldn’t say that, but I wouldn’t mind sharing either. But I have to bring this home to my family."

  The figure offered a short, dry chuckle. "After three years, you still don’t recognize my voice? You should be ashamed of yourself, Ruy."

  Ruy paused, the familiar, slightly deeper timbre of the voice finally resonating with a name he hadn't spoken in years. He took a moment for the reality of the statement to click.

  "Wait… Bro!?"

  The person reached up and pulled down the heavy black hood, revealing T'Jadaka. He stood slightly taller, with a broad, confident smile that reached his light-brown eyes.

  "It’s been a while, hasn’t it, bro?"

  After preparing the deer for transport, T'Jadaka and Ruy walked together, T'Jadaka effortlessly hoisting the massive carcass onto his shoulder.

  "Are you sure you're going to be able to carry that thing all the way back by yourself? It's easily five hundred pounds," Ruy asked, watching the casual display of strength with a mix of awe and concern. "It's not the heaviest thing I've lifted, but still."

  T'Jadaka let out a short, dry chuckle. "Yeah, I'll manage. The Stygian clan didn't just teach me how to punch people harder. They gave us a whole bunch of things to help us survive better." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, metallic device resembling a stylized dog tag. "I actually had them send over a lot of tech to the hotel. This thing is supposed to be a magical forklift that could help me carry this thing back." He pressed a button, and the deer carcass began to float a few inches above his shoulder, following him with minimal effort.

  "Yeah, I asked them to help you guys out while I was gone," T'Jadaka continued, a casual tone covering his genuine worry. "You haven't missed me too much, right?"

  Ruy let out a heavy sigh, kicking at a loose rock on the trail. "I haven't, because I know you'll be all right. But you know one person does."

  T'Jadaka's smile faded. His voice, when he finally spoke, was quiet, laced with a terrible weariness. "Did she take it hard? The breakup, I mean."

  "It nuked her, but she'll never tell you that to your face," Ruy admitted, his eyes filled with genuine sadness. "She just pretends she's okay because she understands. She knows she might fall in love a few times in her life, but you can barely afford to do that. Because even if you live the rest of their lives with them, when they're gone... the cycle will only continue. God forbid you eventually feel numb to it, ya know?"

  T'Jadaka's gaze dropped to the ground, the horror of Ruy's words echoing his deepest fear. "Honestly, that scares me the most. Sometimes I wonder if that's what my dad feels all the time—that detached, cold indifference, because every single bond he ever makes is already a death sentence for the other person."

  Ruy rubbed his shoulder, his expression settling into a thoughtful line. "I don't know how your dad deals with his shit, but I have a feeling that you'll deal with it better than he does."

  T'Jadaka raised an eyebrow, a shadow of the old cynicism returning. "And what makes you so sure?"

  "Because you still have us," Ruy replied, glancing toward the deer carcass floating beside them. "You're not facing that future alone. Your pops, allegedly, he has nobody. That changes everything."

  "I guess. I'll have to find him and ask," T'Jadaka murmured. He straightened his shoulders, the weariness giving way to a grim determination. "But I need to do some catching up and some 'cleaning' too."

  Ruy's confusion was plain. "What do you mean by 'cleaning'?"

  T'Jadaka remained silent, his gaze fixed on the dense forest ahead. Ruy watched him for a beat, then simply shrugged. I don't think you'll do something drastic, he thought, a sense of quiet relief washing over him. I'm just glad to have him back.

  Vitaliya pushed her plate away with a contented sigh. "I have to say, we've really outdone ourselves tonight, if I do say so myself."

  Lilia's smile was gentle. She pulled a worn, kitchen-stained book from the shelf and tapped the cover. The title, in script, read: Marla's Love Recipes. "Don't give us too much credit, Viti. If Marla hadn't left us this cookbook, we'd still be stuck making instant ramen and microwavable food."

  "Geez, that sounds exactly like something Jadaka would say. He's rubbed off on you more than I originally thought."

  "Says the one who's started acting like a MasterChef," Lilia shot back, folding her arms.

  "Okay, look here, you—"

  A sharp rap on the door interrupted the banter. Lilia went to the door and quickly pulled it open. "Ruy! How was the hunt?"

  Ruy, visibly exhausted, gestured over his shoulder. Lying neatly on the ground was a massive, field-dressed deer. "It went well. I got a big boy this time."

  Lilia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Jesus. Are you sure your rifle could have taken down something that size?"

  "I don't know," Ruy admitted, shrugging. "Somebody killed it before I could shoot, but they just left it for me."

  Lilia turned back, a frown of confusion on her face. "Wait, if you didn't kill it, then who did?"

  "That would be me." The voice, low and resonant, came from just beyond the deer.

  Lilia's breath hitched in her throat, her body locking in a paralysis of shock. Her eyes fixed on the silhouette of a man in a heavy, black hoodie. It can't be... She slowly turned toward the voice.

  The figure reached up, and the hood dropped, revealing T'Jadaka's face. His features more defined, and his expression was a mix of exhaustion and relief.

  "You look different," Lilia whispered, her voice a raw, thin sound.

  He offered a small, tired smile. "Did you change your hair?"

  Lilia didn't answer. She only stared at his face as hot tears instantly began to stream down her cheeks, the shock melting into pure, raw relief. "Jadaka... Is it really you...?"

  "Yep. No more sneak-aways, Lilia. I'm home for good this time."

  With a cry that was half-sob, half-gasp, she launched herself into his arms, clinging to him and shaking violently. The sound of her desperate crying brought Vitaliya racing from the dining room.

  "T'Jadaka!? You're back!" Vitaliya shrieked, tears instantly flooding her own eyes.

  T'Jadaka held Lilia tightly, looking over her head to meet his other friend's gaze. "Hey, Vitaliya."