Narrated by Ronan (a.k.a. Lucan Elias)
It's been two years since I joined the GSSA. Two long, grinding years filled with training, bruises, and missions that almost took my life more times than I care to count. But I've made it. I'm fifteen now—and I've finally earned the rank of Sentinel. Skipped right past Seeker too. Not many can say that.
They know me as Lucan Elias now. I chose that name for a reason. Lucan and Elias were my closest friends—no, more than that—they were my family. Five years ago, I watched them die. I made a promise that day: I wouldn't let their names vanish into silence. So now, I carry them with me—literally.
I've gotten really strong these past two years. After all the training, I've really gotten better at this fire power thing. It's like it finally listens to me. Controlled. Sharpened.
Akihiko Mori has been keeping a close eye on me. Always watching. Making sure I don't lose control… don't go berserk again. But something's been strange. Since the incident at the castle, I haven't seen those shadows—the ones that used to protect me. I haven't felt their presence, not even once. It's like they vanished the moment I lost control.
I've heard from my father—King Alistair—every now and then. Always through Akihiko. But not once have I heard from my mother… or Draven. Not a word. Not a whisper.
I don't really care about that, though.
I finally got my own apartment, no longer living with Akihiko Mori, I gotta find my way, my own path. Not big, not flashy—but it's mine. Well, mine and Elucan. That's my dog. At least, I still think he's a dog. He was small when Hiroshi gave him to me… now, if he stands on his hind legs, he reaches above my waist. Built like a dire wolf, smart like a soldier. There's something strange about him, but I don't ask too many questions. He's saved my life more than once. That's all I need to know.
I haven't made any real friends in the three years I've been in Japan. I didn't come here for friendship. I came here to survive… and to grow. In the GSSA, you get paid monthly. Your allowance increases as your rank rises, and each mission you complete stacks bonuses on top. Now that I've made it to Sentinel, the pay's better—but I still can't take on solo missions. That privilege is reserved for Wardens and the elite ISS-ranked hunters.
So for now, I have to be placed into a team. Sentinels, Seekers, Apprentices—we're all mixed into strike squads, usually teams of four: a healer and three combatants. Today, I'm meeting my new squad. No idea who I'll be stuck with. Hopefully not dead weight.
But I need to get stronger. I have to reach Warden. I want to take on missions alone—no distractions, no liabilities. Just me and my fire.
And then there's Draven—my twin brother. Back in England, he's already made Warden. Formed his own squad too. The Order of Light… classic Draven name. His light-based magic, Luminara, is all radiant justice and heroic speeches. The guy's always one step ahead of me. Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard I climb, he's already looking down from the next peak.
But I'm not trying to catch up anymore. I'm carving my own path. Flame and shadow. I've made it this far… and I'm just getting started.
...End of Ronans' narration...
Across the globe, only five hunters hold the elite ISS rank. These individuals are the most powerful demon hunters alive—each strong enough to face Monarch-class demons alone. Their identities are known to the world, respected and admired, but for now, we won't delve into who they are or the true extent of their abilities. What we do know is this: one hails from Nigeria, one from Japan, one from America, and the remaining two are from England and Germany.
Wardens, while not as rare as ISS ranks, are still top-tier hunters. Each country has its own number of them, with Japan currently having nine. Eight of these Wardens have formed elite units—strike teams personally led by them. These groups receive direct orders from their commanding Warden, and sometimes, if a mission is particularly dangerous or important, the Warden may personally lead the charge.
However, due to the limited number of Wardens available, not every hunter can serve under one. Some strike teams operate independently under the direct authority of the Association itself. These teams usually consist of four members, with ranks ranging from Sentinel to Apprentice. One among them is appointed as the team captain, and they are dispatched on missions by the headquarters.
Ronan, now a Sentinel, is awaiting assignment. He hasn't been picked by any Warden yet, so he's bound to one of the independent teams. His journey is just beginning—but who he'll be paired with may change everything.
Scene: GSSA Japan Headquarters – Special Assignment Wing
Ronan stepped into the pristine hallway, the echo of his boots swallowed by the soft hum of machines and distant voices. He found the designated room for squad appointments and quietly pushed the door open.
Inside stood a single figure, back turned, hands folded behind him as he gazed out a large digital-pane window overlooking the Tokyo skyline.
The room was quiet—calm, almost too calm.
"You're early," the voice said—young, but carried a confidence beyond its years.
Ronan gave a slight nod. "I'm used to being early."
The figure turned. A boy, no older than seventeen, with short steel-blue hair and eyes like storm clouds. He wore a black GSSA coat, customized with silver linings and a Warden's insignia on the collar. His presence was composed, but sharp—like a blade that had been honed, not forged.
"I'm Minato Arakawa. Warden of Squad Kurohane."
Ronan blinked once, recognizing the name. He'd heard of the boy—Japan's youngest Warden in history, appointed not even six months ago. No one rose that fast without power… or purpose.
"You're Lucan Elias," Minato said, eyes locked onto Ronan. "I've read your file. You're strong. Let's see if you're disciplined."
Ronan didn't respond. His silence hung in the air like an answer of its own.
Minato gave the faintest smirk, then looked back out the window. "The others will arrive soon. Try not to make enemies before they get here."
Too late, Ronan thought, as faint footsteps echoed down the hall.
The quiet tension between Ronan and Minato lingered in the air when the door slid open again.
Three figures stepped in.
Leading the trio was a tall boy with sharp, spiky orange hair and a jagged streak of lightning-blue through the fringe—Takeshi. His electric-blue eyes narrowed the moment they landed on Ronan. Behind him came two girls: one with golden-blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, the other with long, straight black hair cascading down her back. Both wore modern GSSA trainee jackets, their expressions curious as their eyes bounced from Ronan to Minato.
Ronan's gaze locked with Takeshi's instantly. A flicker of recognition passed between them—and then, the tension.
"You…" Takeshi muttered under his breath, the corner of his lip twitching. "Didn't think I'd see your face again."
The black-haired girl leaned slightly toward the blonde. "You know him?"
Takeshi scoffed. "We trained together. Two years ago. Back when he still knew how to act like a ghost."
Minato glanced over his shoulder, reading the room instantly. "Is there a problem?"
Takeshi didn't answer. His stare stayed fixed on Ronan.
[Two years ago – GSSA Tokyo Training Grounds]
It was a clear afternoon, the yard filled with fresh recruits practicing their forms and sparring drills. It's been over 2 years and Ronan still hasn't made a friend, he doesn't talk to anyone or smile at anyone.
Ronan stood alone at the edge of the grounds, arms crossed, watching others in silence.
Takeshi approached him, irritation already bubbling in his tone.
"You really think you're better than everyone here, huh? Walking around like you own the place."
Ronan didn't respond. He didn't even look at him.
Takeshi stepped closer. "Don't go around ignoring me, you—"
Ronan turned his head, cold eyes meeting Takeshi's. Calmly, he reached up, removed Takeshi's hand from his shoulder, and said nothing.
That silence hit harder than any insult.
Takeshi's anger exploded. "You think you're so cool? You think you're better than everyone because you're quiet and fast?! Let's see how fast you are now!"
Lightning cracked from Takeshi's fists as he launched forward.
The first strike missed. So did the second. And the third.
Ronan weaved through them effortlessly—until he darted in, delivered a clean punch to Takeshi's side, grabbed his arm, twisted, and swept him into the ground with a slam that knocked the wind out of him.
The other recruits watching were stunned.
Takeshi lay there, furious. Not just because he lost. But because Ronan didn't even try.
Back in the present, Takeshi crossed his arms.
"Still brooding and silent, huh?" he said sharply.
Ronan's voice was calm, unreadable. "Still insecure?"
That hit harder than lightning. Takeshi's face tensed.
Minato stepped between them slightly. "Enough. You're squadmates now. Act like it."
Ronan said nothing. Neither did Takeshi, though the fire in his eyes hadn't faded.
His gaze moved to each of them in turn. "Before we begin, introductions. Format: Name. Age. Rank. Start from the left."
He gestured to Ronan.
Ronan stepped forward calmly, hands in his pockets, eyes sharp and unreadable.
"Lucan Elias. Sixteen. Sentinel."
Minato gave a subtle nod and turned to the next.
Takeshi stepped forward, posture rigid. "Takeshi Mori. Seventeen. Sentinel."
There was an edge in his voice, and he didn't hide the brief glance of irritation he threw Ronan's way.
The blonde girl smiled warmly and stepped forward with grace.
"Hana Akiyama. Sixteen. Seeker."
Her voice was gentle, yet confident.
Next came the quiet girl with long black hair. Her expression was calm and serious.
"Reika Tanaka. Sixteen. Sentinel."
Minato turned to face all four. "Three Sentinels and 1 Seeker, that's great and balanced. Welcome to Squad Kurohane. You'll be training together. Fighting together. Surviving together. If any of you have issues—settle them in the field."
He glanced back at Ronan and Takeshi.
[Scene: Training Courtyard, HQ Grounds – Late Afternoon]
The automated doors slid open with a soft hiss, and the four teens stepped into the wide, open courtyard behind the main HQ. The sun cast long, golden rays across the tiled ground as the wind gently rustled the banners hanging high on the walls.
Takeshi cracked his knuckles. "So, we're supposed to bond now?" he said, glancing around with a slight smirk. "This is gonna be fun."
Hana smiled, tucking a golden strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess the Warden wants us to get a feel for each other's powers before we start real missions. Makes sense."
Lucan stood a bit apart from the rest, arms crossed, his eyes scanning the courtyard silently.
Reika stepped forward, her calm voice breaking the silence. "We should start. I'll go first."
She gently spread her hands, violet energy gathering around her fingertips in a subtle glow. "I'm a Seeker with healing abilities," she said, kneeling beside a training dummy and placing her hand on a cut in its armor.
The energy pulsed, and the crack sealed with a soft shimmer.
Hana clapped gently. "That's beautiful, Reika."
Takeshi folded his arms. "Alright, my turn."
A sudden crackle filled the air as electricity surged through Takeshi's arm, and with a shout, he thrust his hand forward, releasing a bolt of lightning that struck a distant metal target. Sparks danced across the courtyard floor.
"I'm lightning," he said confidently. "Fastest striker you'll ever meet."
He smirked and glanced at Lucan. "Try not to be impressed."
Lucan said nothing.
Then Hana stepped forward. "Mine might be… a little fun," she said with a playful grin.
She drew a circle in the air with her finger, and a soft blue light shimmered around her. In a heartbeat, her form shifted — golden hair darkened, her eyes turned sharp, and she now looked exactly like Lucan.
Takeshi raised an eyebrow. "Whoa."
"I can shapeshift," Hana-Lucan said in Lucan's voice. Then she shifted again — this time into Takeshi, complete with his lightning sparks.
"It's not just appearance," she continued, reverting to her usual self. "I can mimic a little energy signature too. My magic's… diverse."
Lucan gave a small nod, still silent.
Reika turned to him. "Your turn."
Lucan glanced around. All eyes were on him now.
He sighed and stepped forward.
"I'm fire," he said simply.
Then, with one motion, he snapped his fingers — a single flame sparked to life above his hand, swirling in the air with a controlled burn. He didn't show much… but the heat it gave off was undeniable.
Reika's eyes widened. Hana blinked, stunned.
Takeshi narrowed his gaze.
"That's it?" he asked. "All that cold brooding and you just light a candle?"
Lucan's eyes flicked to him, unreadable. "That's all you need to see."
Takeshi stepped forward slightly. "Or are you just scared to show what you can really do?"
Lucan didn't flinch. "You want me to burn down the whole courtyard just to prove something to you?"
Hana stepped between them quickly. "Guys, come on. Seriously?"
Takeshi scoffed and turned away, muttering under his breath.
The moment hung in silence for a beat before Reika asked, "So… where do you all stay?"
"I live with my mom," Hana said with a soft smile. "She's a tailor."
"I stay in the Warden sector. HQ residence," Reika added.
Takeshi shrugged. "I got my own space in Sector 3. Perks of rank."
Then they all looked at Lucan.
He hesitated. His hands were in his pockets. "I… stay alone," he muttered.
Hana tilted her head. "Alone?"
"With my dog," he added, still avoiding eye contact. "It's just me and him."
Reika looked at him, her violet eyes soft with concern. "That must be… lonely."
Lucan didn't reply immediately. Instead, his gaze slowly lifted, and for the first time, his eyes met Reika's.
She felt it instantly — the intensity in his gaze wasn't cold this time… it was quiet, searching. Like he was trying to figure her out. His eyes were deep, unreadable, yet strangely warm.
Reika froze.
A soft blush crept across her cheeks before she could stop it. She quickly turned her face away, pretending to fix her hair as she mumbled, "I-I didn't mean to pry…"
Lucan blinked, then looked away, slipping his hands deeper into his pockets. He hadn't said anything… but something passed between them — unspoken, brief, but real.
Hana watched with a tiny smirk, saying nothing.
Hana gave a soft smile. "Well… you've got us now."
Lucan looked at her for a moment, then glanced away.
The sun dipped lower behind the HQ walls, casting warm light across the four of them — a quiet beginning to something deeper.