Falling for them (love and deepspace X OC )

Zoion Hunt

The stench of gunpowder and blood fills the streets, and the continuous Metaflux explosions make my heart pound like a drum.

"If you're not like those "criminals," then you shouldn't mind answering a few questions." I said What are the rules for the Zoion Hunt?"

A cold wind sweeps past us as three humanoid
Wanderers crash into a roadside shop. They grab and tear a person's limbs apart.But then a sudden Protocore explosion engulfs the storefront.

"They're like that... Hunts of the primal variety.People become hunters and prey to fight for a gold coin. With it, they'll be granted one wish from the Lord of Charon." Said the man. "At the very end, whoever enters the central arena with the coin and remains the last one standing becomes the winner."From the upper floor of a shop, a drunken man leans halfway out. He quietly raises his gun in our direction. "You can use Evol weapons, Protocore weapons, and your own fists..."A roar resounds before the bullet can leave the gun. We remain untouched as our would-be attacker falls, his chest pierced by Metaflux. "Wanderers are just another weapon people use to hunt each other."The drones record everything. The screens immediately cycle between shots of death and victory.And somewhere in the darkness, thunderous cheers erupt from the crowd. "What a waste. I've seen him before. He's formidable when he isn't drunk."The man stops, his hands clasped over his cane.He closes his eyes as if to observe a moment of silence for the deceased. "Isn't it brutal? I hope you weren't frightened."

"It takes more than that to scare me. I've witnessed deaths worse than this." I said.

"Indeed... Life has a way of catching us off guard."Stepping over the fallen body, he leads me to a place with a brilliantly lit sign that reads...Elysium, the True Paradise.

The familiar bar is packed tonight. Everyone clutches their drinks as they're gathered around a screen that's broadcasting the Zoion Hunt. Amidst the cacophony of voices urging people to place their bets, this dangerous business brewed from human lives proves to be very enticing.

"A lot of folks are placing bets this year. But being the hunt's primary target isn't exactly a blessing." The owner said.

"Opportunity is always born from danger.It's a traditional rule of the Zoion Hunt." The old man said

The elderly voice cuts through the air with commanding authority. Everyone turns their heads at the same time."Our old man Dimitri is here!Who's your pick this year, old man?"

"I need to discuss something with a friend.Would you mind waiting here for a moment?The meal sets here are good, and the drinks are decent. Give them a try if you're interested."

I politely nod. However, l've decided not to touch the food in this place.

"Oh, dear. Why did you say our drinks are"decent"? You're so picky, Gramps." The owner said.A pair of lemon-scented hands encircle my neck, but they quickly pull away before I can retaliate.The owner of Elysium moves to face me. "Ah, we meet again, Missy. You're really something else if you know someone like Dimitri."

"His name is Dimitri? Who is he exactly?" I asked

"He's the Lord of Charon! As the true owner of Charon, Dimitri is the one who hosts the Zoion Hunt.The arena at the center of the market belongs to him too."

"But Charon is supposed to be a free trading zone. How can a place like that have an "owner"?"

"You're not the only one curious about it.But Dimitri's background...
Elysium has been open for years, but I haven't heard anything about his past.Heh... Even Sylus, the leader of Onychinus, keeps his distance from Dimitri."Come to think of it, sylus hasn't mentioned him before. "Since this isn't our first meeting, let me properly introduce myself. Aislinn. That's my name."

"Silver"

"Would you like to order something?"

"I'll pass. I didn't bring my wallet."

Aislinn's lips curl into a mysterious smile. "Elysium doesn't always collect payment in cash, and our services extend beyond just filling empty stomachs."

Before I can ask for details, Dimitri returns and gives me a nod."I've finished my business. Come here. I'll escort you out."

Behind the counter, Aislinn lowers her voice and winks at me. "If you need anything special in the future, ask for the Connoisseur's Menu. I'll give you a 20% discount.Bye-bye! Come back soon!"

As I step outside, gunshots, screams, and maniacal laughter fill my ears once more.It's hard to believe that this refined, elderly gentleman beside me is the master of a hellish domain.

"So... I heard you're the Lord of Charon.Why do you host the Zoion Hunt? Do you enjoy watching people fight and kill each other?" I asked.

"Fighting, killing, surviving by any means necessary... That has always been the way of life here. With or without the Zoion Hunt, the cycle of violence would continue perpetually in the N109 Zone."

With Dimitri leading the way, every danger we encounter becomes "something to walk past." It allows me to safely traverse this lawless battlefield.

Caw Just as I'm about to step over the thin orange-red laser, a familiar crow breaks the silence.Across the street, Mephisto perches on a lamppost. He looks at me and tilts his head.

"Hi."

"Your friend is here to pick you up."The cane falls onto the laser line, and the Lord of Charon stops at the edge of his "territory," taking not a step further. "I'm sure our next meeting will be much sooner than this time."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, my duty as your escort has come to an end. Until we meet again."

Dimitri watches me leave with an unwavering smile, like an ordinary old man out for a walk in the park.