Karry walked beyond the borders of Ritna, entering the United Species Empire (USE).
Unlike the rest of the world, USE allowed all major species to coexist. Humans, elves, beastfolk—each ruled together. Four leaders governed the empire.
Four.
There should have been five.
"Demons…" Karry thought.
Even the fifth leader had vanished, as if erased from history. Their achievements were now credited to other species.
"This isn't just memory manipulation," Karry realized.
"It's world-building itself being rewritten."
Shaking his head, he returned to his work. His small business was his only source of income—for now.
Later that day, Karry stood in a crowded city square filled with merchants, guards, and officials.
He raised his voice.
"Does anyone here know about demons?"
"If you do—meet me at the highest tower at 5 PM."
A wave of whispers spread.
"Is he insane?"
"Demons? That's fiction."
A man stepped forward, visibly furious.
"Hey, punk," he snapped.
"This is the year 2035. Demons don't exist. If you're sick, I can get you a doctor."
"All I did was ask," Karry replied calmly.
"Why are you so angry?"
The man's face twisted.
"You people keep talking about demons—the so-called 'lost race.' Then you say we are the idiots who forgot them?"
He laughed bitterly.
"That's the greatest insult of all."
Karry froze.
You people?
He wasn't alone.
"Please," Karry said quietly.
"Tell me where I can find others like me."
The man's expression hardened.
"I told you to leave."
He swung a punch.
Karry dodged—so fast that no one saw him move.
In an instant, Karry vanished into the crowd.
"I must find them," he thought.
From a dark alley, a voice whispered:
"If you truly want the truth… follow me."
Karry turned.
An unknown figure was already moving—fast.
Karry chased him through twisting streets until they reached a small, ordinary store.
"This way," the figure said.
Behind the shelves, a hidden basement opened.
The figure spoke softly:
"Sinners shall meet."
The floor parted.
They descended through a tunnel that led into a vast underground chamber.
At its highest point sat a figure upon a throne-like platform, others standing behind him.
The figure smiled.
"Welcome to the Sinners, Karry."
Karry's breath caught.
"How do you know my name?"
End of chapter