The shooting range echoed with the sharp crack of gunfire. One shot. One target. Dead center.
The General lowered his custom rifle...an AI-enhanced machine of steel and circuits, its targeting system precise to the millimeter.
It was his signature tool to everyone. It was rumored that the body of the gun was made with a certain kind of metal that was said to be indestructible.
A product of his countless experiments.
Vorden chuckled to himself. "Democracy breeds weakness," he muttered, sliding another round into the chamber.
"The people don't care for freedom. They want safety. They want strength. And I will give it to them."
Another shot. Bullseye.
His hands were steady, but his mind drifted. Back to the streets where he grew up—a nameless boy with nothing but hunger and rage.
Presidents came and went, their promises crumbling like sand. Politicians lined their pockets while children like him starved. The country bled while they debated ideals.
He spat on the floor. "Freedom?" he scoffed. "Freedom is a leash wrapped around the neck of the strong. Safety is the true currency of power."
He recalled the riots, the chaos, the soldiers marching in to restore order.
That day, he knew his path.
Not to defend democracy.
To crush it.
To take control.
The military was the only order that had ever worked.
"I didn't join to salute flags," he whispered, aligning the next target.
"I joined to erase weakness. To rewrite the rules."
The AI scope lit red as the target shifted. He fired again. Perfect. Always perfect.
His lips curled into a grim smile. "The people don't need choice. They need a fist."
His voice grew harsher, filled with the certainty of a man who saw himself as destiny incarnate.
"Presidents failed. Politicians failed. But I… I will not fail. The throne of this nation was built for men like me."
One last shot. The bullet split the center of the bullseye.
The General rested the rifle against his knee, staring at the shredded target.
"The Night Demon…" he murmured. "A perfect blade in a world of cowards. Useful for now. But every blade must return to the hand that wields it."
His AI assistant, Lora, spoke with her usual robotic composure.
"What has become of the snipers that were sent to monitor the boy?" Vorden asked, adjusting the settings. New targets began sliding across the range faster
"They were all killed by the Night Demon," Lora answered.
"Just as you predicted, sir."
"Hmph…" Vorden exhaled, his lips curling into a thin smile.
He fired three rounds in succession...three targets dropped in perfect order. He never missed.
"The chess pieces are becoming useful."
....Did you do as I told you?"
"Affirmative. The soldiers all had the message imprinted on their uniform."
Vorden chuckled, lowering the rifle, his eyes glinting with ruthless satisfaction.
"Good. Very good."
He raised two fingers slowly, as if marking commandments in the air.
"First… I'll know the true nature of this Night Demon."
His tone sharpened.
"And then…" He smirked, turning toward the empty wall as if it were a throne waiting for him. "…perhaps I'll pay my dear brother a visit."
Lora's lights blinked. "Shall I prepare the next directive, sir?"
"No,"
Vorden replied coldly.
"Let the board play out. The Night Demon ....or should I say.....Demons.... they are storms tearing at each other. All I have to do is calm it
He slung the rifle over his shoulder, walking past the ruined targets. "And Lora....."
"Yes sir"
"Keep my victory song playing in the background while I test the new subject"
*********
The night park hummed with music and noise. The lights filled the air, giving a rainbow feel to the park.
Zaviel walked in, hands shoved into his pockets, his mismatched eyes sweeping through the shadow
He wasn't here for the scenery. He was here for her.
A small group of girls near the fountain noticed him immediately. Their chatter stilled, then turned into giggles.
One of them whispered loud enough to be heard, "Look at his eyes… they're so cool!" Another stepped closer, flipping her hair, trying to catch his attention.
Zaviel didn't bother responding. His gaze never wavered from the crowd, scanning for the one person that mattered. To him, their stares were nothing but background noise.
Then—
"Zaviel!"
The dreamy, sing-song call cut through the night. He turned just in time to see Lyra running toward him, arms open wide, her face glowing with joy.
Before he could react, she threw herself into his chest, hugging him tightly as if she hadn't seen him in years.
"I thought you wouldn't come," she said softly, her voice trembling with relief.
Zaviel's hand hovered for a moment before he placed it on her head, ruffling her hair. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"You really thought I'd ditch you?"
Lyra looked up at him with sparkling eyes, cheeks flushed. Then, almost bouncing on her feet, she began rattling off dreamily, her words spilling one after the other:
"I planned everything! First, we'll go on the swings together, then buy ice cream....oh! There's a spot near the bridge where the fireflies gather, it'll look so magical! And then maybe we can just sit under the big tree and—"
Zaviel chuckled under his breath. To anyone else, it might have seemed out of character for him. But with her, he allowed it.
"Slow down," he said, amused. "You're going to run out of breath before we even do half of that."
Lyra only clung tighter to his arm, tilting her head against his shoulder. "Doesn't matter… as long as you're here."
RING RING RING.....
Lyra's phone buzzed in her pocket. For the briefest second, her cheerful face faltered—her smile slipped, her eyes sharpened. Not quick enough for Zaviel to miss it.
"Ah—just a sec!" she chirped, forcing her usual sweetness back.
She pulled away, jogging a few steps farther into the park, her back turned as she lifted the phone to her ear. Far enough that no one could catch her words.
Zaviel watched silently, hands still in his pockets. His mismatched eyes glinted under the park light, never leaving her silhouette
When she returned, her smile was bright again, maybe too bright. "That was my dad," she said lightly, sliding the phone away. "Just checking up on me."
Zaviel met her gaze, lips curving into a small, knowing smile.
Inside his mind, the thought echoed like a whisper only he could hear.....
I see....