1. Demons..in the barrier?

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On Planet Zephyrus, demons and humans coexist in a state of constant unfavorable interaction, causing immense pain and suffering. Humans are born with varying levels of abilities, ranging from two to one. Unlike in most universes, demons are not considered fictitious entities here. It is a tragic reality that both sides must endure to protect their people, and engaging in relationships of any kind is strictly forbidden. However, one man chooses to challenge these regulations, and the outcome of his actions remains uncertain. Join him on a daring adventure, filled with a range of emotions, from sorrow and hardship to the possibility of love. By gaining a deeper understanding of the perspectives of those around him, you will develop an emotional connection with him and the world he inhabits. Are you ready to explore this fascinating planet? Let's not keep you waiting any longer.

Jay

When my alarm goes off, I let out a frustrated sigh and buried my face in my pillow, not wanting to leave the cozy embrace of my bed. Despite feeling a bit nervous, I'm excited to begin the actual process of hunting demons. I got out of bed, leaving behind the warmth of my blankets. I walked over to my closet and changed into attire suitable for what I like to call "work". I rush into the small kitchen of my apartment and hastily prepare some toast using bread, as I am running short on time for a proper breakfast. I put on my coat and leave the apartment, stepping out of the building and into the chilly morning air. 

I inserted some coins into one of the electric scooters and rode it to the head-building at a fast pace. As the chilly wind hit my face, my eyes started to sting. I observed the trees passing by as I finally arrived at my destination. Feeling anxious, I straightened my coat and tried to fix my hair as neatly as possible. After taking a deep breath, I walked into the building. 

As I looked around, I noticed employees and hunters walking by, some engaged in conversation while others got ready for their tasks. A man with black hair, who goes by the name Sunghoon, approached me. "Ah, Jay is it? Welcome! I was told to greet you at the door." With a smile on his face, he extended his hand towards mine. As we greeted each other, I observed his hand and shook it with my own. "Oh--Erm, Yes! I am Jay, though I have been here before. So, no need to "welcome" me." I let out an awkward laugh. The Sunghoon's pupils dilated in surprise. "Oh really? I musn't have seen you around." I awkwardly nodded, whilst pursing my lips. "Yeah, I'm just moving up the ranks. I am now a hunter." I informed, pivoting my weight from one foot to the other. "Oh, congrats!" He replied to me with a broad smile of congratulations. I bowed a 'thank you' and passed by him. I boarded the elevator, selecting the fifth floor. As I ascended the floors, I was subjected to the dreadful elevator music that filled the air. 

After the elevator doors opened, I stepped out and made my way into the room. I walked past the training and mission rooms before entering the gathering area. I sat down beside Ni-ki, a skilled young hunter who had achieved success long before I did. "Ah, Jay-Hyung!" With a smile, Ni-ki turned to face me. "Hi, how are you? Taking care of yourself as you are supposed to?" I asked, ruffling his hair. "Mhm! I have waited for you to finally move up places! Since you are such a skilled hunter and all." He let out a small laugh, running his fingers through his hair to fix it. "Skilled is certainly not the way to put it-," I admitted, feeling awkward as I fiddled with my thumbs. All of a sudden, Mimi, whose occupation is solely informing us, burst into the room. I had feelings for her, but unfortunately, my advances were repeatedly turned down. "Sir! Sir!" She called, rushing over to Heeseung who was the boss of the hunter segment. "Yes, Mi Cha?" Heeseung shifted his attention from his files to the distressed-looking woman. "There are reports of demons inside the barrier! I had a vision, and you will need as much help as you can get..or I fear the worst to come." She spoke with a visible expression of worry on her face.

Demons? In the barrier? 

"What-? " Heeseung gazed at her with a stoic expression. It appeared that the impact of her words had just reached him. "Gather everyone, all hunters!" "Even the trainees?" He paused at that. "Ah- no, leave them be to train." I hesitated, unsure of my next move. Observing the other hunters, I noticed them standing up and forming a line. I followed their lead. It appeared that everyone was anticipating an instruction or something similar. "Ni-ki, as always," Heeseung called out, Ni-ki left the line and approached him, standing near. "Si-woo, Ha-rin, and.." Heesung paused, observing the hunters. "Jay." As he finished with a grin, I was surprised to hear him call my name. It felt like an opportunity to showcase my abilities and demonstrate my value. "Oh, and of course Sunghoon and I will also attend." He shrugged, and he proceeded to neatly organize and store his files. "Get ready for a pursuit around the barrier. We will hunt these creatures until dawn or until we successfully capture them." After Heeseung gave the order, everyone quickly nodded and bowed before leaving through the door. I was getting ready with a mix of anticipation, a hint of fear, and of course, excitement. I mean, I have never encountered a demon myself. Which begs the question, why did he select me? What about me drew his eye, thinking I could successfully hunt a demon. It leaves me wondering why he assigned me such a significant task as my very first mission.

Ni-ki pat me on the back, weaponry in his opposing hand. "You ready hyung?" He asked, with a smile. I nodded, but I still had many questions and lacked confidence in what I understood. Footsteps march towards the door, echoing across the rooms on the level. I handle my weapon in a puddle of nervousness and fear. 

We soon exited the building, boarding a bus. As I sat in my seat, I looked out the window. Will I encounter a demon today? What should I do once I see one? Questions flooded my mind, the only thing that could interrupt them was the screeching of the bus tires as it was halting at its stop. Si-woo pat my shoulder, quickly informing me that it was time to move. 

Once leaving the rather small bus, I took in the scent of fresh morning dew and wet grass. A nostalgic and pleasing smell. "Odd that he would pick a newbie." I heard a voice, slightly echoed sounding. I turned to see who it was but noticed nobody had been talking. Things like this occur quite often, so I wasn't really surprised. I have the ability of telekinesis which I can control, but unfortunately, I have no control over my telepathy. It can be a bit bothersome, particularly in moments of silence.

"Alright men--and woman, let's move out." Heeseung gave an awkward laugh, looking at Hi-ra for a brief second. As we walked behind Heeseung by the end of the barrier, the wet grass brushed against our ankles. I stepped on a stick, breaking the silence with its pitiful crack. I caught Heeseung's gaze and was met with a sharp glare. "My bad," I gave a quick bow. 

As we marched on, a sudden screech shattered the silence. Heeseung turned to me, and I quickly raised my hands to insinuate that it wasn't me who made the noise. He looked up in the sky, dark wings soared through the gloomy clouds. I gasped, and everyone looked at me, Ni-ki put his fingers to his lips in a shushing motion. Heeseung indicated everyone to follow him as he snuck around the corner of a building. A being flew through the alleyway, and in a swift motion, Ha-ri shot its wing, bringing it down. My eyes were wide with fear. "Gotcha." Ha-ri snorted, approaching the crumbled creature. She tore the wings from the creature's grip, revealing its body. "it's just a damn bat." She spat, annoyance clear in her voice. "Could it be a false report?" Si-woo asked, lowering his gun. "Mimi said she had a vision, we must have trust in her." Heeseung sighed, sounding not so sure himself. I eyed the large bat, looking around six feet long and 4 feet wide. 

We continued our strive to find the horrid creatures. I heard an echoey voice once again, this time it was unrecognizable. It came from the alleyway saying. "Fools." I turned towards its direction, seeing a glimpse of quick movement. "Heeseung Sir, there is someone here," I muttered, making everyone stop in their tracks. I crept into the alleyway, off what seemed like instinct. I felt a sharp sting run up my arm, I turned to see a young girl, around maybe eighteen years old. "Sir! I saw a demon!" She spoke in distress. "Jay, don't be fooled, dunk!" Ni-ki called, I did as he said with a quick movement. The girl swung a knife, to what would have been neck-level. I realized she could have just decapitated me, right then right there. I extended my hand, picking up a dumpster with force and slamming it into the brick wall where she stood, she leaped out of the way, lunging at Si-woo. Si-woo slid out of the way, causing the demon to land on her feet harshly. Which made me notice she was barefoot. She turned around, giving a hiss with her eyes fading into a white, her sclera seemingly disappearing. Wings expanded from her spine, white swan-like wings. Magnificent to the eye. I was blinded by the beauty of them, giving her a chance to jump and insert her dagger into my shoulder smoothly. I let out a grunt, pain shooting through my nerves.

Heeseung shot the woman with a plastonium bullet, a matter that could effectively weaken demons. She cried out in pain, steam ejected from her wound. Blood leaked from the meat in my shoulder, I winced as I counted to three under my breath. Yanking out the weapon from my shoulder and throwing it to the floor in a sloppy motion. Ha-ri pinned the girl, stepping on both of her wings, whilst holding her wrists prisoner. Heeseung approached her and aimed his gun at her head. Steadying it, and moving his index finger around the trigger. Taunting her. Something in me snapped, I extended my hand, telekinetic waves surrounding the gun and sending it afar, out of Heeseungs grip. "What the hell are you doing Jay!?" Ni-ki snapped, Heeseung shot his icy glare at me. "There is no need to kill them," I spoke with confidence. "No need? They terrorize the individuals of this very city! There is all the need!" Heeseung spat, pulling out a dagger and bringing it to her neck, slicing her head off in a swift motion. Blood spewed from her disconnected veins, her eyes fading to a grey instead of a pearly white. Her body lay limp, no more squirming and struggling to be set free. Just...a bloodied corpse. I sat in shock, my jaw dropping as I felt guilt rush through my brain. They didn't deserve this. Did they?

So, this is really weird for me- I am not used to making descriptive and long chapters so, tell me what you think. I hope you enjoyed~!

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