Samurai vs Demon: The Prophecy unfolds

Chapter 2: Mushiruko District.

Two weeks had passed, and the night had descended upon the Mashiruko District once more.

The streets were set ablaze with vibrant lights, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the bustling pavement. The air was electric with the hum of activity, as individuals pursued their various ventures with fervor.

Amidst the whirlwind of casinos, bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops, one establishment stood out - the infamous Sanctuary Bar.

Joon-oh pushed open the door, and a soft bell above it rang out, announcing his arrival. As he stepped inside, the dim, colorful lights enveloped him, casting a seductive glow over the lively atmosphere.

Patrons danced with abandon, while strippers mesmerized suited men with their captivating performances. Joon-oh's lips curled into a sly smile as he claimed a seat at the counter.

"One Shot of My special treat," he ordered, his voice low and husky.

The bartender's eyes snapped up, widening in shock as he took a step back, bowing deeply. "My prince... I... I didn't realize you had arrived. Right away, I'll prepare your drink."

The bartender hastened to the back room, disappearing into the dimly lit space. The air was chilled, and rows of premium drinks lined the shelves.

He approached a locked fridge, producing a key to unlock it with trembling hands. Inside, he retrieved a sack of blood, its contents chilled to perfection.

With deliberate care, he grasped a medium glass and returned to the fridge. He opened the blood sack, and the faint scent of iron wafted through the air. As he poured the crimson liquid into the glass, his hands shook, and sweat beaded on his forehead despite the cold.

Taking a deep breath, he composed himself and emerged from the room. His eyes locked onto Joon-oh as he approached, the glass held out with shaking hands. "On the house, my prince - no payment necessary." His voice trembled, and he swallowed hard.

Joon-oh's gaze narrowed, his smirk intensifying. "And what makes you think I'm incapable of paying? Are you trying to insult me?" His tone dripped with amusement, and his eyes sparkled with curiosity.

The bartender's eyes widened, and he shook his head rapidly, his face pale. "Of course not, my prince, I just thought-"

Joon-oh's voice cut through the air, his tone laced with a hint of menace. "You thought, and what exactly did you think?" His words dripped with curiosity, but his gaze pinned the bartender, demanding an answer.

The bartender swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously. "I-I thought, perhaps, you might not... carry payment, my prince." His voice trembled, and he bowed his head, awaiting Joon-oh's response.

Joon-oh's smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And why would you assume that?" His voice was low, velvety, and dangerous.

The bartender's gaze lifted, his legs trembling as he carefully chose his words, mindful of the safety of the patrons and the bar. "I'm sorry, I assumed that, my prince," he stammered. "You, the Prince of Demons, of course, have vast wealth at your disposal, my prince."

Joon-oh's smile spread, his eyes glinting with mirth. "And you think saying that flatters me?" He chuckled, a low, husky sound. "You mortals truly amuse me sometimes. Your attempts to curry favor are... quaint."

The bartender's face paled further, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape or a reprieve. Joon-oh's smile only grew wider, his presence seeming to fill the space, making the air thick with anticipation.

A sultry voice whispered in Joon-oh's ear, "Hey handsome, wanna have some fun with me?" A woman's hands wrapped around his neck from behind, her touch sending a spark through the air.

The bartender's eyes widened in horror, his mind racing with thoughts of impending doom. "Oh God, what is she doing? I swear, if we make it through tonight, I'm going to kill her myself!"

Joon-oh's smirk grew, his eyes glinting with intrigue as he turned to face the mysterious woman. "And what kind of fun do you have in mind?" His voice was low, husky, and inviting.

The woman's smile was a sly, come-hither curve of her lips. "Come with me, and I'll show you," she whispered, her breath tickling Joon-oh's ear.

The bartender's face turned ashen, sweat beading on his forehead as he intervened, "Tiffany, I think that's enough, okay? Our... uh... guest here isn't into that." His voice trembled, betraying his desperation.

Joon-oh's expression turned stern, his eyes narrowing. "And what exactly do you mean by that?" His tone was icy, his gaze piercing, as if daring the bartender to reveal more.

Tiffany smiled, her curiosity piqued. "Oh, so he's like bisexual or something?" She laughed, her voice playful.

The bartender's face turned bright red, and he spluttered, "T-Tiffany, that's not the point!"

Joon-oh smiled and said, "Sorry, darling, but I have work to do, so not tonight." He drained his glass of blood, paid, and left a generous tip. "I'll return next time, and I hope it goes as well as it did today." The bartender smiled with relief, eager to see the prince leave without further incident.

Tiffany, however, chose that moment to insult Joon-oh. "My prince, ha! Prince of what? A man who rejects a good-looking girl like me isn't a man. And you, Joon-oh, aren't a man." The bartender's eyes widened in horror as he tried to intervene. "Shut your mouth, Tiffany! What are you doing?"

Joon-oh's face transformed from a smile to a serious, stern expression. "What was that you said?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

Tiffany, undeterred, looked him straight in the eye. "You heard what I-"

Her head fell off her body in an instant, and her lifeless corpse collapsed to the floor. Joon-oh's expression remained unyielding. "It's a shame; I was starting to like her. Anyway, you all have a good night." With that, he turned and exited the bar, leaving the stunned patrons and bartender in his wake.

As Joon-oh exited the bar, he took a deep breath, and a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness above, descending upon him. "She's in Banghinko village, residing in the house of a prominent businesswoman," the figure reported. "She was gravely injured but managed to survive."

Joon-oh's face lit up with a sinister grin. "Oh, so it's a she, is it? Hahahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!" His maniacal laughter echoed through the night air. "What do you say we pay the village a little visit?"