Wild Forest
Outskirts
A chilly breeze brushes against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. The wind whistles through sparse, withered branches, moaning like something in agony.
Kamui crouches down to examine the ground closely, pinching up a bit of soil between his fingers and rubbing it.
The ground here's definitely been disturbed lately, and these footprints...
Someone was here recently. Could very well be the mastermind behind Gecko Tail.
The scars left on this forest from that fire... that's the proof.
Kamui rises to his feet, his gaze heavy as he surveys the lifeless, barren forest around them.
There was something unusual with that fire at the cabin seven years ago. It burned like crazy, and it left nothing but scorched earth in its wake.
That strange fire spread all the way here, to the forest we're standing in now.
The flames might be long gone, but everything here's been burnt to death. Nothing can grow back, not ever.
No farmer's gonna set foot... in a land that's been dead for so long.
Only the restless dead linger in a place like this. No one else would choose to come back.
The burned-down cabin is just up ahead. Used to be one of Gecko Tail's old bases before they abandoned it.
Stay behind me, [player name]. Let's keep moving...
—Help! Is a-anyone there?! Please, you have to help me!!!
You hear a desperate scream from up ahead. Locking eyes with Kamui for a split second, you break into a sprint with him toward the source of the sound.
The Revenant Hunter is here! Don't worry, we're coming to get you!
L-Lord Kamui?!!
The fleeing figure freezes briefly upon recognizing Kamui's face, but his survival instinct kicks in just as quickly. Stumbling over his words, he scrambles to get behind Kamui.
I-I'm so sorry for everything, Lord Kamui! Please forgive me!
Regardless of what I've done, I used to serve under you! Please, you have to save me!
Pathetic fool... Crawling back to the old master you betrayed? How utterly stupid.
Hadrian's fear spikes the moment he hears that voice. Curling into himself, he clutches at Kamui's cloak desperately, as if it could somehow hide him from sight.
Marlis... I knew it'd be you.
Kamui raises his weapon instantly, ready to strike at Marlis at a moment's notice.
Get behind me, [player name]. Stay as far from her as you can.
This woman is the mastermind of the Gecko Tail incident!
Insolent fool. How dare you show such disrespect, Kamui?
And to slander me with these accusations... Hmph. Where's your proof, former "Revenant Hunter"?
Marlis takes a few steps forward, utterly unfazed that Kamui has exposed her crimes.
To the world, you're nothing but unredeemable Aberrations. Meanwhile, I'm the new commander of the Hunter Legion, the hero who put down monsters like you.
And I have all the witnesses I need right here! That little soldier cowering behind you... Your former subordinate's testimony will be more than enough.
Though... from the looks of it, he does seem to be having second thoughts...
A single glance from Marlis sends a chill down Hadrian's spine.
But that hardly matters. The solution is simple enough, so long as...
I kill all of you right here.
And dead—men—tell—no—tales.
WHOOSH!
The moment the words leave her lips, Marlis lunges forward, her weapon clashing against Kamui's raised guard.
You lowlife... I won't let you get away with this!!
Kamui blocks her strike with ease, seizing the initiative without breaking a sweat before driving Marlis back with a single blow.
Oh? So the great Revenant Hunter is nothing but a fool. You would protect someone who stabbed you in the back?
Murder and vigilantism won't give me the justice I'm looking for. As for his crimes... I'll let the courts decide his fate.
Unlike you... Marlis, all you do is lurk in the shadows with your dirty tricks, framing people for crimes they didn't commit and throwing around lies and threats!
Hah, how sanctimonious... Do you honestly believe you can cling to such empty ideals?
She lets out a soft laugh before raising one arm in an elegant, unhurried motion, before swiftly bringing it down in a graceful arc.
"Snap."
With a snap of her fingers, the air around you warps into something sinister. Gray mist coils in, enveloping everyone.
I knew it... My investigation showed that the Mist's appearance is tied to the Archdevil. He even gave Marlis the power to control it.
I've dealt with this a few times before, but I still can't let my guard down—
Kamui keeps his guard up even as he explains, his eyes scanning the area for threats. He can't afford even the slightest slip-up.
[player name]! Behind you!
Kamui lunges forward and pulls you behind him to safety, blocking the Mist creature waiting to ambush you.
—Haargh!!!
Kamui's blow connects hard, sending the Mist creature sprawling. Any normal being would be out cold by now, but this thing...
Rargh... rargh...
It writhes back to its feet in a grotesquely twisted motion, almost as if trying to process the situation... despite being a mindless abomination.
Rargh—rargh?
The creature scans the targets before it: an obviously powerful warrior, a coward hiding behind him, and a human who appears utterly harmless.
It hesitates, wondering if it should follow its instinct and eliminate the greatest threat first.
...Simpleton.
Marlis arrogantly sends a command with a flick of her hand, and the twisted creature responds instantly. Its neck wrenches around with sickening snaps, its head swiveling toward you.
—RAARGH!!!!
—?! You bastard! Stay the hell away from [player name]!
The creature shrieks as it lunges toward you without holding back. A direct hit from it would be devastating for a human body.
Fortunately, you are agile enough, and you dart aside just in time, narrowly evading the behemoth's killing blow.
Bang! Bang!
You draw your sidearm in the nick of time and fire back, striking the creature's vitals and halting its charge temporarily.
Swish—!!!
But the Mist creature has already begun mutating. A thick tentacle sprouts from its back unexpectedly, shooting toward you.
You react as fast as possible, but there is no getting away this time. The tentacle's razor-sharp tip slashes across your arm.
Drip—drip—
Blood from your wound drips to the ground, painting the only splash of red across this barren wasteland.
R-rargh—
Having drawn blood, the Mist creature proudly lifts its grotesque head and lets out what passes for laughter, seemingly begging for praise.
It lurches toward you in twisted motions, eyeing you as if you are a piece of candy dangled before a child—a prize to be claimed for its master's approval.
—WHAM!!!
The Mist creature barely steps forward before something sends it hurtling back and crashing to the ground. Before it can even attempt to stand, a blade pierces its body cleanly.
SHUNK!!!
...
The Revenant Hunter says nothing after saving you, simply driving his heavy greatsword through the creature's center and deep into the earth below, pinning it in place.
Rargh... rargh...
—RAAAAARGH!!!
The wet sound of the greatsword tearing through flesh mingles with the creature's agonized shrieks, each cry ringing louder than the last, echoing across the empty forest.
Deliberately avoiding its vitals, Kamui targets areas that won't kill it outright and stabs again and again, seemingly intent on making it suffer tenfold what you just endured. This is an act of pure vengeance.
...Shut up already.
Disgust twists his features as he stares down at the heap of dying flesh.
Your pathetic scream is sullying [player name]'s ears.
—RAAARGH!!!
The greatsword impaling the Mist creature spins around, shredding its heart to ribbons, and the creature screams one last time.
Squelch... squelch...
What follows is methodical, and the unconscious creature offers no resistance.
Kamui starts from its heart, carving through the putrid mass with the calm precision one might use to portion meals and reducing it to scraps.
In the end, shapeless chunks of viscera lie scattered across the ground, mingling with the charred, rotting earth. In time, they too will become lifeless dirt.
Trash. I told you not to touch [player name].
L-Lord Kamui...
Hadrian stands a short distance away, shaken by what he just witnessed. In all the battles he fought alongside Kamui, his leader always carried himself with honor, dispatching Mist creatures swiftly and decisively.
But the drawn-out brutality he just witnessed... For a fleeting moment, Hadrian couldn't shake the feeling that the Revenant Hunter himself was the real demon.
No... This isn't the first time this has happened.
Hadrian recalls a twisted creature slipping into the Mist with dark magic once, tearing through the Legion and leaving few survivors, whose minds are all shattered.
No one can say if that desperate fury was a curse or a blessing, but it ignited something in Kamui. He unleashed unprecedented power, slaughtering the creature. But he also went berserk, hurting his allies afterward.
It took every last survivor working together just to hold Kamui down until he came back to his senses.
Now, staring at a more unhinged Revenant Hunter, Hadrian does not think he can stop him this time.
...Who's next.
Kamui's gaze shifts to Hadrian, who has collapsed to the ground and is frantically scrambling to get away.
Who else... wants to hurt [player name]?
Is it you?
His gaze shifts to Marlis in the distance, but she shows no sign of panic, as though everything is unfolding exactly as she planned.
Or maybe... you.
He turns his attention back to Hadrian and starts walking toward him.
You're no stranger to betrayal... You betrayed justice. Betrayed me.
And you'll betray [player name] too... You will hurt [player name].
The forest remains bright as day, but the world Kamui sees has darkened into night.
He's back on the gallows, drowning in condemnation from the people he swore to protect. They raise their weapons, baying for his blood.
How could the Revenant Hunter be an Aberration... We don't believe it! He's the reason the Hunter Legion became a real force in the first place!
Exactly! His legion saved countless lives! How could he possibly be an Aberration?!
This has to be a conspiracy by you nobles! You were completely useless back when you ran the Legion. Worthless!!
Hah... Settle down, everyone. I'm Grand Duchess Marlis, the new royal-appointed commander of the Hunter Legion. I assure you that there is a satisfactory explanation.
The charges against the Revenant Hunter are not without merit. We have gathered ample evidence that proves that he is an Aberration.
And now, I present to you a witness whose testimony will leave no room for doubt... Come forth, Legionnaire Hadrian.
...Hadrian?
The crowd falls silent, and Kamui stares in disbelief, as Hadrian steps up with his head hung low. Everyone knows the face of the Revenant Hunter's lieutenant, who fought alongside Kamui in countless battles against the Mist.
I... I can testify.
The Revenant Hunter—no, the criminal Kamui was never our hero. He's a sinful Aberration!
I saw his dealings with the Mist creatures with my own eyes. He secretly sacrificed many innocent lives in exchange for the victories and glory he enjoys today...
He's a sinner, an Aberration! And his accomplices are just as guilty! Hang them all!
The Revenant Hunter... making deals with monsters...? How is that even possible...
I-I don't know either... Is this even real? I don't believe it...
—What are you waiting for?! The proof is ironclad! How could it be false? He's the one responsible for all of this!
Exactly! It's better to execute the innocent than risk letting an Aberration go free! Hang him and his companions!
Hang them! Hang them!
—Sinners! Hang them!
Remembering his betrayal, Hadrian knows that there could always be a reckoning. But it shouldn't be like this—being torn apart by whatever twisted version of Kamui is now.
N-no, you've got it all wrong! I never wanted to betray you, Lord Kamui!
It was all that woman's doing! I had no choice! I didn't want to hurt you!
But Hadrian's pleas fall on deaf ears. Or rather, Kamui can't actually see the desperation on his face right now.
The affliction that has plagued him for so long strikes again, worse than ever before. It clouds Kamui's vision entirely, warping everything into grotesque distortions of the truth.
You are a sinner... an Aberration, a monster.
This world has no place for you—nor the human you're trying to protect.
You claim to be invincible, don't you? But we've found your weakness...
Kill [player name], and you'll have nothing left to live for.
I'll kill the detective... I'll kill [player name]!
You'll die together! You Aberrations freaks will never be accepted by humanity!
You want to hurt [player name]... That makes you a threat.
Any threat to [player name] should be eliminated. That's only right.
No one... will ever hurt [player name].
Kamui backs the broken Hadrian into a corner as he speaks, raising his weapon with a merciless gaze, resembling how he looked when he dispatched the Mist creature moments ago.
The situation is spiraling out of control, and you need to stop Kamui, but physically intervening could be a mistake. Your mind racing, you choose to tap into that power unique to Aberrations once more.
A glowing and formless thread spreads outward from your palm in the same way it did when you were both at the gallows. The thread winds around the out-of-control Kamui, reestablishing the connection between you.
This time, it's not just about sharing power. You are trying to enhance your influence over Kamui to bring his sanity back.
...[player name]?
The connection takes hold, and Kamui's weapon freezes in midair, but his eyes remain hollow. His gaze darts around frantically as if he has lost his vision, his expression lost.
Why... stop? He... hurt you.
He's a threat... They're all... threats. I have to... remove them... for you.
I must... carry out my duty. Protect you. I must protect [player name]... no matter the cost.
I can't see... can't see clearly. Then I'll just... remove everything.
With that, Kamui turns back to Hadrian, ready to resume his attack.
Desperate, you push harder, trying to strengthen your hold on Kamui, but something feels wrong.
Electricity flickers across his stud earring, seemingly keeping him from acting on his own. He stops disturbingly.
Kamui... obeys orders. Stopping... immediately.
Next step... unable to think on my own. Please give me your orders... master.
Kamui must... obey and execute... all of master's commands.
Kamui stops completely, as if all life has been drained from him. He freezes in place like an empty husk.
With that realization, you ease your hold on the thread. It is a gamble—loosening your grip could send Kamui spiraling out of control again. What happens next will depend on you both.
The change doesn't come instantly, but the thread's gentler touch gradually helps restore fragments of Kamui's sanity. His vision remains clouded, but he's starting to try to orient himself.
...Who am I? And... who are you?
...[player name]? What happened...
What's going on... I can't see anything clearly...
Disoriented, Kamui looks up, his vision still clouded. But a faint thread of light has appeared in the fog, and the more he focuses on it, the clearer it glows, and the stronger that connection is.
He feels his way forward along the formless thread, one step at a time, and his weapon drops from his hands somewhere along the way. Tap. Tap. Tap.
Sensing you nearby, Kamui throws himself into your embrace without hesitation, like a traveler lost in the desert stumbling upon water. He holds on tight, having found the anchor he's been searching for.
Your embrace catches Kamui off guard at first, but the warmth spreading through him washes away any hesitation. He clings to this long-lost sense of peace, finally calming down.
Clarity returns to his eyes. Kamui's sanity comes back, and he can finally see the real world around him.
...[player name]?!
Realizing how brazen he is being, Kamui quickly lets go and steps back. Shaking his head, he pieces together what just happened, and his guard goes back up immediately.
The Mist's gone, but... Marlis?!
The mysterious Grand Duchess is already long gone, having probably slipped away quietly during the chaos when Kamui lost control.
Kamui nods in agreement, and you both turn toward the frightened Hadrian. He is obviously still afraid of Kamui, refusing to get any closer.
But after watching Kamui interact with you for a while, he recalls who his former commander used to be. Steeling himself, he decides to trust his judgment and rises to his feet, approaching you nervously.
L-Lord Kamui...
Hadrian watches Kamui's every move with utmost caution. Seeing no sign of another attack, he finally calms down just enough to continue speaking.
I know I have no right to ask this of you, but—please! My family needs your help! That woman has them trapped in a house nearby!
I wronged you before. Once they're safe, I'll accept whatever punishment you see fit! I'm begging you!
Kamui shows no sign of anger at his treacherous subordinate.
Watching Hadrian kneel and cry before him, he remembers how the human soldier once risked everything for him without hesitation in past battles.
Lead the way.
Kamui yanks his weapon from the ground and slings it onto his back. In the end, he can't stand by and do nothing.
