Ezette
Night
Before long, the two boys found themselves standing at the entrance to the arsenal.
I'll go in first. Once I confirm it's clear, you come in.
Huh? Why can't I scout ahead?
A muscle in Azael's jaw jumped. It took him considerable effort not to reach out and cuff Kamui upside the head.
Because every single time you step foot in the arsenal, you start making weird noises for no reason. We're sneaking this time. I don't have time to help you stress-test the alarm system. Got it?!
If you go in first, the second your restless feet cross that threshold, all I'm gonna be thinking about is how to make a quick getaway.
Understood?!
Kamui offered a sheepish smile and an obedient nod. Azael, however, was not fooled. He'd seen that look a thousand times since Kamui was small—the performance of remorse, the promise of reform, followed immediately by the same mischief undeterred.
...Now wasn't the time to worry about this, Azael told himself.
Keep an eye on the entrance. If anything happens, come in and tell me immediately.
Hm? Wait, Azael. I think there's something—
No time! Whatever it is, tell me later. Just watch the entrance while I go in!
But—
Three. Two. One—I'm going in!!
Click!!
Just seconds after Azael entered, the switch flipped, and the dark swallowed Azael no more. Light exploded into the space, and he recoiled, arm rising instinctively to guard his unprepared eyes.
The lights are on?! Did we get caught?
Azael could already picture it: Odile standing before them, arms crossed, waiting for an explanation.
At least Kamui was still outside. The boy hadn't followed. He could still salvage this.
It was my idea! I told Kamui I needed a replacement weapon. I made him break in here with me.
Whatever punishment, put it on me! I'm not gonna run from it.
His words hung in the air, met by nothing but an awkward, echoing silence.
A-Azael...
Kamui's hand came up to rub his cheek, sheepish, as he met Azael's unwavering gaze. In the silence of the arsenal, with no one else around, the weight of being alone together settled between them.
So... there was this glow-in-the-dark sticky note by the light switch? It said, "All alarms have been disabled. Remember to turn on the lights."
So I just...
So he just turned on the lights, and Azael, convinced that Odile had caught them red-handed, blurted out all that embarrassing confession.
...Why didn't you tell me earlier?
I tried. But you said—
"Whatever it is, tell me later."
Azael would have given anything to rewind time, just for a moment to slap a hand over his own foolish mouth and silence himself before the words could slip out.
...Come here and get your weapon fixed.
Yes sir! On it!!
Kamui didn't press Azael with more questions. This subtle yet evident display of concern was more than enough to lift his spirits.
The two boys made their way to the training ground where Kamui's broken greatsword had been left, still embedded in the earth.
Or so they thought. As they approached, the empty crack in the ground greeted them instead. The shattered blade was gone. In its place, propped neatly against the wall, stood two gleaming new greatswords.
Whoa, this is even better than my old one! And they tweaked the details too!
Azael noticed a sticky note attached to the sword handle and pulled it off.
"Don't forget to thank Mom for this."
The phrasing was unmistakably Eurytes'.
Tch. Looks like Mom and Dad knew exactly what we were up to. They've already got us set for the trial.
And to think he had sabotaged the sword, then hesitated and lurked at the scene to make sure Kamui wouldn't actually get hurt.
But seen through Odile and Eurytes' eyes, it was nothing more than a child's clumsy attempt. They'd had everything under control from the start. Kamui had never been in any real danger.
Well yeah! We're family. We all know what each other's thinking!
Kamui's optimism remained undented, but his words landed differently on Azael, nudging his mind down a darker path.
...Know what they're thinking? That's exactly why I've been upset.
...You're talking about that thing you mentioned at the training ground today, right?
You know about it too?
You've brought it up a ton. 'Course I remember! Plus... I can tell Mom and Dad've been getting ready for something lately.
This trial to the restricted area's gotta be connected, yeah?
...Even you noticed. And they still won't level with us.
Hey, don't be like that! From the way Mom was talking today, things might change once we're back from the trial!
If nothing changes, we'll corner them together! And if they still won't talk, we'll dig it up ourselves!
Whatever happens, just don't lose hope! Long as we stick together, we can handle anything!
...You really haven't changed at all. Standing next to you makes me feel like a coward.
But seeing you like this... it's not too bad.
...I'm sorry, Kamui.
For everything I've done before.
Azael fell silent. The apology had cost him—that much was clear. Whatever turmoil still churned inside him, this was as far as he could go for the moment.
It's cool, really. We're family, right? We'll get through it.
Even the closest people clash sometimes. What matters is talking it out! Besides, I've got total faith in myself!
I believe we make our own destiny! I'll win everyone over with my actions, so they won't have a choice but to be impressed!
Leave this trial to me! I'll protect you, and I'll take care of you, promise!
Kamui puffed out his chest and gave it a confident thump, promising Azael he could handle everything. The thump, alas, was a bit too confident. Air caught in his throat, and his grand declaration dissolved into a fit of coughing.
Cough, cough...??!!!
...?! You idiot!!
Azael rushed over and began thumping Kamui's back, coaxing air back into his lungs. The poor boy's face was flushed, his breath ragged, but through the coughing fit, he still managed to lift his gaze and offer Azael a smile.
He truly was a hopeless fool, Azael thought.
...Kamui, you really are—
...Kamui, you really are an idiot! Is that thing in your head actually a human brain?!
Deep in the restricted woods of Ezette, Azael felt his cheek twitch. He rushed up and snatched Kamui's hand mid-reach, stopping it inches from the dark pot.
If your birth records weren't so detailed, I'd seriously question whether you were genetically modified before you were born.
Why does your brain work nothing like a normal person's?!
Huh? Does it?
...You genuinely don't realize it, do you? Let me refresh your memory.
On day one in the restricted area, we overcooked the fish we caught. Then, you somehow decided to prop them up and started talking nonsense to them. What was that?
It wasn't nonsense! I was describing the cafeteria's grilled fish special! You know that story: imagine plums and your thirst goes away?
I figured if I brainwashed the fish hard enough, they'd start tasting like the cafeteria ones! And they did turn out way better!
...That might've been slightly convincing if your stomach hadn't been growling louder than your voice the whole time.
Then on day two, we stole eggs from a wild hen's nest. After we ate them, you went back and replaced them with pebbles. Explain.
Well... We already took the ingredients, right? But I felt bad. The mother hen would be lonely. I wanted to compensate her somehow.
Pebbles were the only things nearby that looked kinda like eggs. Figured she wouldn't feel so alone while waiting for the next batch!
Oh, she wasn't lonely at all. She was too busy chasing you down, pecking your head the whole way. I spent an hour pulling feathers out of your hair!
And day three!! Why did you mock that wild bird?! Do you have any idea how insufferable it was when you started screeching with it?!
That wasn't just any bird! I remember its species always nests near water. You were scratched up by those thorn bushes. We needed to clean your wounds, and we were low on water.
I thought, why not try? And it worked! My impression was so good it thought I was one of its own! Led us straight to a clean stream!
...It didn't think you were a companion. It thought you were a female bird and spent the entire day trying to court you. We even had to leave before dawn just to lose it!
...And today. The pot burned. We have backup cookware. Why were you scraping the burnt food off the bottom?!
Huh? Didn't you say we were running low on ingredients? I figured I'd test it. What if burnt food wasn't so bad? Then nothing goes to waste!
Azael's attention wavered for just a moment, but it was long enough. Kamui's hand shot out, grabbed a piece of charred jerky, and stuffed it into his mouth. His face lit up with delighted surprise as he turned to Azael, nodding vigorously, as if saying, "Not bad at all. Genius move, honestly."
Azael's smile was terrifying in its emptiness. It was the look of a man who had passed through frustration, through anger, and arrived somewhere beyond caring.
...You've actually been useful these past few days, so I'll let it slide. I don't have the energy to deal with you anymore.
But from now on, Kamui, keep your guard up and stay in my sight. No wandering off to do stupid things alone.
...You must've noticed it too. Something's wrong with the restricted area these days.
I know. Good news is we're close to the end. Once we find the exit, we're out.
Wait. You've actually been behaving for a while, ever since the danger picked up. What's with the sudden relapse?
Oh, that? Eh... doesn't matter. I just noticed you've been all tense and gloomy. So? After letting all that out, you feel better now?
I'd feel a lot better if you'd stop charging headfirst into every beast attack like you've been doing!
I'm not your backup. Stop underestimating me. I'm just as capable as you are.
'Course, 'course! I know you're awesome! If you hadn't had my back during those ambushes, I'd be way more banged up. That would've sucked!
...At least you know it. Go wash that grime off your hands at the river. Fill the canteens. We need to keep moving.
Suddenly, both Azael and Kamui freeze. An unnatural silence descends, swallowing the usual ambient sounds of the area. Their gazes lock onto the dense brush nearby.
Something was wrong. It wasn't just quiet; it was a dead zone, a patch of stillness that screamed of a hidden, waiting threat.
Grab your weapon.
Got it.
Their gazes remained locked on the brush, every muscle coiled for an imminent attack. The standoff stretched until finally, the undergrowth rustled. A moment later, a wild wolf emerged.
...Just a regular forest wolf, and it's alone. If we don't provoke it, it shouldn't attack.
Quiet. We move slowly out of its sightline.
Azael exhaled slowly, relief washing through him. Of all the things that could have been hiding there, a wolf was manageable. His coiled muscles began to loosen as he retreated step by step, keeping his weapon trained on the beast.
Wait— NO!! AZAEL! DON'T MOVE!!
Behind them, danger stirred, and Kamui caught it first. His hand shot out, seizing Azael by his clothes and yanking him backward just as something lunged for the space where he'd been standing.
...?! It's a pack. And by the looks of them... they're setting up an ambush!
There are too many of them... Damn it. Why'd our luck have to run out today?!
The first wolf hadn't retreated. Far from it. With unsettling confidence, it began to advance, each deliberate step eating away the distance between them. Around them, the rest of the pack waited patiently, eyes tracking their leader's movements.
That one's the alpha. What's the call? Take it down first, or find a gap and run?
...Give me a sec to read the pack. Keep your eyes on that one.
I got your back.
Back-to-back, the two boys formed a single unit against the encircling threat, neither willing to blink first. The alpha wolf began to circle, and Kamui met its gaze without flinching, knuckles white around his weapon as he settled into a combat stance.
Awoooo!!
The alpha lunged, but its target wasn't Kamui. In a flash of gray fur, the beast pivoted mid-air and hurtled toward Azael, who had been scanning the pack for openings.
AZAEL!! LOOK OUT!!
Drip. The sound registered before the sight. Azael glanced down and froze. Blood stained his leg, dark against his clothes, but there was no pain. Not his blood.
Kamui?!!
Azael lowered his guarding arm, and his heart stopped. Kamui stood before him, having placed himself directly in the wolf's path. The beast's fangs were buried deep in his forearm, blood dripping from the wound in steady pulses. But Kamui didn't move an inch.
...Nngh?!
The fangs had sunk deep. Another millimeter, and they'd scrape bone. Agony laced through Kamui's nerves like fire, but he didn't yield. He held the beast at bay with his pinned arm, buying precious seconds.
The wolf, frustrated by its failed strike, reared back and slashed with its claws. Kamui raised his greatsword just in time, the impact shuddering through his wounded arm. He seized the moment and hurled the beast away.
The wolf crashed to the earth with a heavy thud. It rose immediately, undeterred, jaws dripping crimson with Kamui's blood.
You bastard!!
Kamui!! Get back! I'll kill it!! AAAH!!
Rage ignited in Azael's chest. Without a second thought, he charged toward the alpha, blade ready. Against a single wolf, either of them would hold the advantage. The sneak attack was the only reason Kamui had been wounded. But Kamui didn't retreat as ordered, worried about Azael.
Instead, he swept his gaze across the surrounding pack, noting their coiled muscles and hungry stares, and tightened his grip on his greatsword. He wouldn't leave Azael to face this alone.
Hmph. Come on, then!
You want another sneak attack?! Try it! See if I let you touch him!
Several wolves broke from the pack to test Kamui. They were nothing compared to the alpha. A few well-placed strikes sent them tumbling to the ground, yelping. The pack hesitated, their reckless charge stalled. Kamui held his position, confident he could hold them off and keep Azael's back covered.
Azael, meanwhile, had descended into something primal. Each strike landed with savage force, emotion overriding technique as fury drove his blade. Kamui watched for his moment, then surged forward to join the assault against the alpha.
What followed was chaos: man and beast alike lost to bloodlust, trading blows and wounds in equal measure. Roars and snarls filled the air. By the time the grass beneath them had soaked through with crimson, the alpha wolf finally fell, death delivered through their combined effort.
Awoo...
The alpha lifted its head one last time. A weak, trembling howl escaped its throat. The pack received the signal and vanished into the trees like smoke, abandoning their fallen leader without hesitation. Kamui's legs gave out. He hit the ground hard, chest heaving, knowing the danger had passed for now.
...Phew. Azael, you—
OW?!
Only when the adrenaline faded did the pain arrive, a searing, white-hot fire consuming his arm. Kamui drove his greatsword into the earth with his good hand, using it as a crutch to stay upright. Then, carefully, he turned his attention to the mangled limb.
DON'T MOVE!!
Azael's voice cut through the air, sharp with panic. He closed the distance in seconds, eyes locking onto Kamui's wounded arm. The moment he saw the mangled flesh, he dropped his weapon and began tearing through his pack for medicine.
This time, Kamui didn't cry out. As he'd grown older, he'd learned how to swallow pain before it reached his throat, not wanting to worry others. Only when joking, when the act could be passed off as exaggeration, did he let the mask slip.
But now he watched the barely contained chaos behind Azael's eyes, and knew that his brother couldn't take any more.
The woods had returned to life around them—leaves rustling, birds calling, the familiar symphony of the wild. Now it mingled with the sounds of medicine being applied, bandages being wrapped. Kamui stared at Azael's shaking shoulders and found himself utterly silent.
...Azael? Hey. Look at me. We beat it.
It's okay now. We're okay.
Azael tore off the last strip of bandage, but Kamui's words landed like a spark in dry tinder. The fuse, smoldering since the first drop of blood, finally reached the powder. His emotions exploded.
Okay?! Easy for you to say!!
If I'd been a second slower, that thing would've had its fangs in your skull!!
And why your hand?! Why do you always protect everyone else first?! What if your bones broke?! What if you couldn't use it again?!
Every word cut like a rebuke aimed at Kamui, but it was Azael's own composure crumbling with each breath.
Do you know the last time I saw an injury this bad?!
It was soldiers carried back from a high-risk mission. They didn't make it through the night!!
What was I supposed to do if something happened to you?!
I'm the one who dragged you into this trial! How could I ever face everyone if you... if you...
How could I... ever face myself? Face you??
Azael still couldn't forget that scene. It was the first time death had ever stared him in the face.
And now he couldn't shake the fear that Kamui would join them. Gone were the jokes, the bickering, the simple proof of life beside him. Replaced by carved stone and silence.
Everyone who joins Ezette... we can't just walk away. Kamui, you need to hear this. You need to value yourself the way you value everyone else.
You're one of us. If you ever dare to leave us behind, none of us will forgive you.
...Remember that. If you really see me as family.
...I know. But I wasn't thinking that far ahead.
I just saw it coming at you. And all I could think was... I have to protect you.
I'm sorry for scaring you. But... thank you, Azael.
Thank you for really seeing me as family now.
That familiar radiant smile spread across Kamui's face, carrying nothing but sincere gratitude and pure joy.
...Then you'd better remember this.
Stop being reckless. Stop acting like you don't matter. If not for yourself, then for us.
You. Mom. Dad. None of you... Nothing bad should happen to any of you.
That final sentence hit Kamui's ears like a warning bell. Something wasn't right.
...Is this about the thing we talked about before we left?
...I'm not certain yet. But it could be bad. Do you know why our punishment lined up with the candidate selection?
I looked at their planning documents. If they activate "that project," they'll start handing Ezette over to us.
This isn't just busywork anymore. They're willing to risk their lives for it.
So when you mentioned the weird training lately... that was them evaluating us?
Yeah. I thought if we failed, they'd put it on hold. But they won't stop, and they won't tell us anything.
I even saw... the death risk documents. Signed by them. I couldn't think straight for days. I thought maybe—maybe—they'd say something on Family Day. But...
...They missed it first time ever. And it looks like that thing is the reason.
These days, I kinda... lost it. You were the only one who came to check on me, and I... I took it out on you. It's my fault. You really have nothing to do with it.
Hey! Who says I have nothing to do with it?! You just said we're family! You can't shut me out now!
Don't worry! We've got leads. We'll handle it when we get back, like we said.
Relax! Kamui's got this. You don't need to worry about a thing!
...You really are something else. But right now, stop moving so I can finish treating your arm.
The fury and fear bled out of Azael until only quiet concern remained. Wordlessly, they worked together to finish bandaging Kamui's wound.
You need real treatment back at Ezette. I'm calling Mom to end this trial early. I'll take whatever extra punishment they give.
Then I'm right there with you. Whatever happens, we face it together.
The two tried to contact Odile, but she wouldn't pick up. The line stayed stubbornly busy. Puzzled, they tried Eurytes. Nothing but the same endless tone.
Something's wrong. Did something happen to Ezette?!
Azael was already reaching for the emergency line to Ezette when Odile's call came through. They answered instantly.
Azael, Kamui!! Stop the trial. Return to Ezette immediately. Maximum speed.
Turn on your real-time location tracking. I'm already on my way to pick you up.
Mom?! What's going on?!
Odile's voice came through sharper than usual, agitated and breathless. She was clearly moving, rushing somewhere as she spoke.
No time to explain!! Just move.
And listen, if you see any strange machines on the way, stay away from them!! Do not engage. Your only job is to get back to Ezette. Now.
Azael! Look at this!!
Halfway back, the urgency behind Odile's recall revealed itself. Remote outposts had barred their entrances, inhabitants huddled inside, terrified of threats that lurked in every shadow.
Some cities had already been reduced to chaotic ruins, fallen not to any army, but to something far more inexplicable. They found no survivors, barely any signs of life at all.
Today, they infiltrated one such place, searching for supplies. Kamui discovered the scene first. The attack was fresh. Bodies lay scattered across the ground, impaled by strange metallic machines.
Blood still seeped from wounds, pooling beneath the dead. Every victim stared with wide, unseeing eyes—frozen in final terror, denied even the peace of death.
...What the hell happened here?
Now they couldn't stop thinking about Ezette. No ordinary war or disaster could cause this much devastation across so many places.
AAAAGHHH!!!
Suddenly, a roar split the air. Kamui and Azael rushed toward it. In an open clearing, a black-haired boy charged forward, metal pipe clutched in trembling hands. Before him stood an eerie machine, eyes glowing red, the very image of a monster.
He stood protectively over the fallen, likely victims of the mechanical monster ahead. Dirt caked his young face, masking his expression but not the fury in his stance. Then he lunged forward, reckless and desperate, willing to die if it meant avenging them.
But he was outmatched from the start. A crude pipe against metal and malice, he never stood a chance. The machine struck him down in seconds, and now its slaughter-blade rose high, poised to end him.
NO!!!
Kamui didn't hesitate. He was already moving, surging forward to shield the boy.
You idiot!! Have you lost your mind?!
Before Kamui could take another step, Azael seized his sleeve and hauled him behind the wall.
You've seen what's out there! We might not be able to take that thing!
Mom told us! Nothing matters more than getting back to Ezette alive!!
He's not even one of us! Why are you throwing yourself away for a stranger when we can barely protect ourselves?!
But the pained groans from outside pulled Kamui back. He tore free from Azael's grip and charged into the open without looking back.
Because he's human! Like us!
Azael, think about everyone Ezette ever saved. We're just doing the same thing.
You stay safe and wait for me. I'm going to save him!!
Kamui charged without thinking, weapon already swinging. The black-haired boy stared, momentarily paralyzed, clearly not expecting anyone to come to his rescue.
Then the spell broke. He staggered upright and lunged forward, weak but willing, determined to fight beside the one who had chosen to save him.
Ugh! Kamui, you... you hopeless idiot!!
Azael refused to hang back any longer. Gripping his weapon tight, he threw himself into the fight.
Mercifully, no more strange machines appeared. The three fought as one and emerged victorious. But the journey had already worn them thin, and this battle drained the last of their reserves. Kamui and Azael sank to the ground, too exhausted to remain standing.
...Thanks.
The black-haired boy brought water, helping them recover. He turned to each of them, offering thanks.
Azael snatched the bottle, irritation plain on his face. He wanted nothing to do with this liability. Kamui drank eagerly, then turned to the boy with an inviting smile, clearly ready for conversation.
No problem! Hey there, I'm Kamui! And he's my big brother, Azael!
Uncharacteristically, Azael let the claim slide. He just kept drinking, silent and pointedly uninterested.
Oh, right, what's your name?
Catrayv.
Catrayv said nothing more. He kept his head low, fingers restlessly working the edge of his clothes.
Kamui's gaze lingered on the grime covering the boy's face. He poured the last of his water and gently cleaned the stains away, revealing features that had been hidden until now.
Catrayv, do you have any family or friends nearby? We can help you look!
Catrayv's gaze dropped, as if thinking how to put words to what had happened.
...Dead.
Everyone from the orphanage... they're all here.
They broke in. Killed everyone. Only I survived.
He was clearly not one for words, but the pain was unmistakable. As visions of his murdered companions consumed him, Catrayv's hands began to tremble.
Kamui gripped them firmly, steadying the boy with nothing but warmth and presence.
I'm sorry.
The scolding died on Azael's tongue. He just watched in silence, letting the boy take whatever time he needed.
What are you gonna do now?
...I don't know.
Catrayv had lived his whole life within those walls—abandoned there, raised there, never once stepping outside. Now everything he knew had been torn away, and the unfamiliar world beyond felt more frightening than anything.
Then... how about coming home with us? To a place called Ezette.
We'll keep you safe. From now on, we'll be your family.
—Kamui!!
Azael shifted restlessly, clearly itching to cut Kamui off before he could say another word.
Azael, this is Ezette's core principle. You know it too.
Anyone without a home. Anyone willing to join. Ezette takes them in.
...Fine. Fine. I can't control you anyway. You can explain this to Mom yourself.
Which was as good as a yes.
Catrayv! Anything you wanna bring? Go grab your stuff, then we're out!
With a nod, Catrayv turned to gather his meager belongings without a word: edible scraps, remaining water, and a single nameplate with his name etched into it. Then he returned to Kamui and Azael, ready to follow.
He stopped, however, keeping a deliberate distance from them.
Catrayv's gaze first fell on Kamui,
then shifted to Azael.
Then, finally, he seemed to decide. He walked up to Azael and reached for the hem of his clothes.
Let's go, Kamui.
?
...
An awkward, suffocating silence settled among them.
You'd better tell me you're actually blind and can't see a thing.
Uh... Azael, he can probably see fine. I've heard of this. It's called, uh, face blindness...?
At the sound of Azael's voice, Catrayv's hand withdrew as if it had been burned. He could certainly tell the difference between their voices.
Mm.
Clearly, the boy could see, so he must be responding to Kamui.
Yet somehow, Azael still felt deliberately provoked by the quiet brat.
Kamui...
Take this stupid stray you picked up and drag him back to your side. Right now!!!
C'mon, c'mon! No need to get worked up! Just think of it as quality bonding time, am I right, my dear big bro—
Call me that again and I'll beat you too!!
The quiet they'd fought didn't last long. From all around, eerie mechanical sounds emerged again.
Somehow, more machines had found them. And there were many.
Dammit, they just keep coming!
Weapons raised, they prepared to fight once more. Their exhausted bodies screamed in protest.
Split up and take them down fast. I'll count to three. We move together.
Three... two... one...
Go!!
Before they could reach their targets, the machines began to fall. Not from their attacks, as they hadn't landed a single blow yet.
You're in my way! Back off!!
That familiar voice flooded them with relief. Kamui and Azael pulled Catrayv to safety, then threw themselves back into the fight without hesitation.
****! These things are tougher than they look. You two alright?!
We're fine, Mom! What's going on?!
No time to explain. Situation's critical. All three of you, with me. Now. We're getting back to Ezette.
...This world's gone completely to hell.
Drawing closer to Ezette, Kamui finally grasped the full weight of Odile's words. Human settlements stretched between them and home, every single one reduced to rubble and ash.
The day of their return would brand itself into his memory forever. An eclipse swallowed the sun at its peak, plunging the world into an unnatural twilight.
What light remained bled black and crimson, the exact colors of the mechanical horrors that had hunted them across the journey.
Only later would Kamui learn what that day meant. It marked the world's fall. Silence swallowed humanity as the eclipsed sun watched over the ruin.
"On December 25, 2160, the Punishing Virus broke out."
