Kodoku

Chapter 1

"100 species of insects were collected, the larger ones were snakes, the smaller ones were lice, Place them inside, let them eat each other, and keep what is left of the last species." - Geography of the Suishu

In the heart of Tokyo, darkness intertwines with the vibrant glow of neon lights. As dusk descends, the streets come alive with a cacophony of sounds: the pulsating beats of music from the clubs, the raucous laughter of patrons, and the occasional distant sirens signaling trouble just out of sight. The neon signs flicker and dance, casting an eerie glow over the throngs of people who wander the labyrinthine streets while dark alleys snake through the district like veins, cloaked in shadows that seem to swallow the unwary whole.

The district pulses with life, a magnet for thrill-seekers and hedonists, drawn to the promise of excitement and forbidden delights. The streets are crowded with a kaleidoscope of humanity – tourists with wide-eyed wonder, locals shuffling one foot after the other with their gazes firmly set on the ground, and those who exist on the fringes of society, seeking refuge in the shadows. It's a place where the rules of society bend, where one can lose themselves in the neon-lit frenzy and forget the troubles that plague the outside world. It's a place where the line between pleasure and peril blurs, and where the thrill of the unknown beckons with irresistible allure.

The year 1939 marked the beginning of World War II. With fear gripping the human population, Sorcerers found it increasingly difficult to control the rising number of curses. The situation escalated further in 1940 when Japan formally entered the war, putting additional strain on the already struggling Sorcerers. However, the most devastating blow came in 1945 with the dropping of the atomic bombs.

Both humanity and sorcery were crippled, causing a massive influx of curses that spiraled out of control. The creatures emerged more and more humanoid in the wake, the fear compounding on itself and forcing an evolution into something more akin to humans themselves. Retaining their horns, multiple eyes, colorful skin, or other oddities, curses were still easily distinguished from humans but their existence had become undeniable to the population. The ability to see curses became more prominent, a necessity for survival.

In 1949, the Japanese government officially acknowledged Curses as a distinct sentient species. This decision faced strong opposition from the Sorcerers, who were still in the process of rebuilding their numbers post-war. However, misunderstandings led to exorcisms being mistaken for acts of murder by humanity. The blame for the anger in the dark hearts of Curses was placed on inequality, with people arguing that it was unfair to kill them before they had committed any crimes. Sorcerers were viewed as rogue vigilantes at best and terrorists at worst, driven off the streets and treated as if they were criminals.

Sorcerers, in the face of contempt and animosity, were compelled to abide by the regulations put in place to safeguard Japan's latest inhabitants. They were obliged to don masks, rendering them readily recognizable to ordinary individuals. A formal record was created, and once a Sorcerer's power awakened, they were acknowledged and recorded in the database.

This had no effect in suppressing the animosity, leading to Sorcerers being singled out despite their persistent attempts to banish malevolent curses. Regardless of the proof provided, regardless of the reality, society had already made up its mind and deemed Sorcery as a criminal act. The deceitful cry of injustice by the curses had triumphed over the humans, compelling Sorcerers to conceal their deeds once more.

Naturally, this gave rise to varying viewpoints, leading Sorcerers to establish their own factions. Certain groups opted to honor their initial pledge of safeguarding humanity, while others decided to abandon their unappreciative responsibilities. Additionally, some made the choice to pledge loyalty to the highest bidder. As time passed, this division would slowly solidify and deteriorate, transforming into a distorted manifestation of the original purpose of Sorcery.