Chapter— Cracks Beneath the Fireworks
The New Year festival was alive with color.
Lanterns swayed gently above the streets, their warm glow reflecting on smiling faces. The air smelled of grilled corn, sweet dumplings, and festival spices. Laughter echoed everywhere—children running, couples walking hand in hand, and guild members enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Luke walked at the center with the group, hands in his pockets, eyes calmly scanning the surroundings.
"This place is way too crowded," Chika said, slightly annoyed as someone brushed past her shoulder.
Liod chuckled. "Of course it is. New Year festival, national holiday, and fireworks at midnight. Everyone's out tonight."
Shuri walked quietly beside them, her heart lighter than it had been in days. A festival… fireworks… and all of them together. It felt unreal.
"Let's pray first," Marin said, stopping near the shrine. "It's tradition."
They all nodded and walked up the stone steps. One by one, they stood before the shrine, clapped their hands, and closed their eyes.
Uno muttered, "Please let this year be less dangerous than the last."
Chika smirked. "You should pray for better skills instead."
Luke remained silent. His eyes stayed open, sharp and thoughtful. If only prayers could stop what's coming.
After the shrine, they moved toward the open ground where fireworks would soon light up the sky.
Suddenly, Uno clapped his hands. "Hey, if we had popcorn and juice, this would be perfect."
"That's actually a good idea," Liod said. "What does everyone want?"
Orders flew in quickly—sweet juice, salty popcorn, grilled snacks.
Liod sighed dramatically. "That's a lot. I'll need help. Anyone coming with me?"
Luke turned slightly toward Shuri. "You should go with him."
Shuri blinked. "M-me?"
"Yes," Luke said casually, then leaned closer and whispered softly near her ear, "You'll get time to enjoy the festival… and him."
Shuri's face turned red instantly. "L-Luke!"
Liod was already walking ahead. "Come on, Shuri. Let's go."
As they walked through the crowd, Shuri tried to calm her racing heart.
"So… what do you like to eat?" she asked nervously.
Liod smiled. "Honestly, I like almost everything. But chowmein with a cold drink is my favorite combo. Today though… grilled corn feels right."
Shuri smiled to herself. He really is simple…
When they reached the food stalls, Liod looked around. "There's too much to buy. Let's split up so we're faster."
He pointed. "You get Luke and Uno's stuff. I'll get Marin and Chika's. Let's meet at the big pole near the fireworks area."
"Okay," Shuri nodded.
They separated.
Shuri moved carefully through the crowd, holding the drinks and snacks tightly. Don't spill… don't spill…
But fate had other plans.
Suddenly—thud.
She collided with someone hard. A soft drink slipped from her hand, splashing all over the man's expensive clothes.
"I-I'm so sorry!" Shuri bowed repeatedly. "It was an accident!"
The man's face twisted in anger. "Are you blind?! Do you know how expensive this is?!"
"I really apologize," Shuri said, her voice trembling. "The stain will come off easily with washing—"
"Don't argue with me!" the man shouted, drawing attention. "You'll pay for this!"
People started whispering. Shuri felt her chest tighten.
"Please… I already said sorry…"
The man raised his hand. "I'll teach you some manners—"
Suddenly, his wrist was grabbed mid-air.
"Stay away from my friend."
The voice was calm—but dangerously cold.
Liod stood there, eyes burning with anger, his grip firm.
The man froze, meeting Liod's gaze. Something about it made him step back.
"Tch… whatever," the man muttered. "I'll let it go today. Next time, you won't be so lucky."
He disappeared into the crowd.
Liod turned to Shuri immediately, his expression softening. "Are you okay?"
Shuri nodded, tears still shining in her eyes. "Y-Yes…"
"Let's go back," he said gently.
Without thinking, Liod took her hand and started walking.
Shuri's heart felt like it would burst. He's holding my hand…
By the time they returned, Uno was waving impatiently. "What took you so long? Fireworks are about to start!"
"There was some crowd," Liod replied casually.
Luke glanced at Shuri. Her face was glowing—not from the lanterns, but from quiet happiness.
Looks like it worked, Luke thought, smiling faintly.
The fireworks exploded into the sky.
Red. Gold. Blue.
Gasps filled the air.
Shuri watched in awe, standing beside Liod, her hand still warm from his touch. This moment… I'll never forget it.
Then—
BOOM.
The ground shook violently.
Screams erupted. Lanterns swayed wildly. Some people fell.
After a few seconds, it stopped.
People murmured nervously.
"It was just an earthquake," Liod said. "It ended quickly. Japan has these often."
He turned to Marin.
Her face was pale.
"This wasn't normal," Marin said quietly. "My aura felt it… something twisted."
Chika swallowed. "You mean… danger?"
Luke closed his eyes briefly. So you felt it too.
"Yes," Marin said. "Something is happening beneath us."
Luke looked toward the distant city lights, his expression darkening.
So it's starting…
Elsewhere
Kaizen stood atop a restricted zone, his cloak fluttering violently.
"Aura levels are rising uncontrollably," a squad member reported. "The seal is weakening faster than predicted."
Kaizen clenched his fist. "So it's worse than last time…"
He looked toward the city.
Can we really stop this… before it reaches them?
END OF CHAPTER.