Year: 1574 A.W.

  Location: Random Street, Sector 9B, New Tokyo

  “Alpha-2, come take a look at this.”

  A D.S.O. agent stood before a dark alley; his gaze was fixed on an object that had been left lifeless on the ground. His partner walked toward the alley, covering his nose as he inched closer.

  “I see it, Alpha-1. We were too late, huh?”

  The two stood in silence for a few seconds before the taller of the pair, Alpha-1, raised his hand to his ear and flicked a small internal switch. A faint hum of static bled into the darkness surrounding them.

  “Reporting a casualty,” a muffled voice then responded from the other side.

  “Yes, ma’am. Sending coordinates,” the agent continued, before ending the transmission. The pair then turned and resumed their patrol through the dark streets of New Tokyo.

  “How many have there been this week, Alpha-2? This is supposed to be the most secure outpost in Japan, yet a body lies in every corner.”

  Alpha-2 continued his stride down the lone street in silence. “Just think about it, two. There are hundreds of agents nearby, several S-ranks back at HQ, not to mention the Holy Pillar too. No demon could possibly hid-”

  Alpha-2 halted, his hand drifting toward the blade at his waist. “Shhh.”

  Alpha-1 paused, looking slightly annoyed. “I said, like, two sentences, Alpha-2… badum-tush. See what I did there, two? No?” Alpha-1 sighed softly. “Damn, alright.”

  Suddenly, the sound of uneven footsteps echoed up the street as a strange figure emerged from the darkness ahead. Both agents instinctively reached for their blades, waiting to see what would step into the light. Alpha-2’s gaze sharpened on the shadow as it neared the streetlamp. A demon? he thought. Just one? Why would it attack from such a distance when outnumbered?

  “Help me, please!” a voice screeched through the darkness, immediately followed by a woman in torn clothing.

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  Alpha-1 glanced at his partner in confusion before approaching her.

  “Are you okay, ma’am? What happened to you?” Alpha-1 asked.

  The woman did not respond at first. Instead, she had clung onto his armour and began to mourn before them. Alpha-2 unbuckled his black coat and gently wrapped it around her before kneeling at her side.

  “Ma’am? What’s your name?”

  The woman wiped her tears with the soft fabric draped around her shoulders, then glanced down at it in confusion. “It’s, um… Yui, sir.”

  Her gaze drifted to their boots, black metal reinforced along the soles. Then to their stripped uniforms and dark chest plates. Yui’s eyes widened as she stumbled to her feet and took a step back. It couldn’t be… no, it is! Her focus snapped to the sigil on their left arms. A skull with wings? They’re Blood Wardens! She stood in awe for a few seconds, then focused on Alpha-2 as he stepped toward her.

  “Is someone chasing you, ma’am?”

  The question snapped Yui back to reality as she remembered why she had been running. “Demons!” she blurted out. “Demons took my children!”

  The two agents locked eyes, immediately understanding the severity of the situation. Without hesitation, Alpha-1 flicked the switch in his ear to request backup.

  “Alpha-1 requesting immediate backup and medical units.”

  A muffled voice responded from the other side. “Request accepted. Nearby Alpha squad approaching with a medic. ETA twenty seconds.”

  After a brief pause, the voice continued. “What is the situation? Over.”

  Alpha-1 reached for the switch once more. “One civilian, possible casualties. Awaiting further instructions. Over.”

  The voice on the other end, now clearer, gave a single instruction. “Protect the target at all costs.”

  The two drew their silver blades and positioned themselves beside Yui, shielding her from whatever lurked within the shadows of the quiet street. She stood enclosed by their protection, the blades shimmering faintly in the moonlight.

  “It will be okay, ma’am. Once backup arrives, we’ll find your children,” Alpha-2 said. His words were meant to calm her, perhaps even give her hope, but they failed. Yui stumbled forward, trying to slip past their guard.

  “We can’t just stand here! My children! My babies!” Her face tightened as memories of her little ones flooded her mind. What should I do? I can’t wait for them, but I can’t fight those monsters myself.

  “Oh… Joshua, Ren, Hina, I’m so sorry,” Yui mumbled as she faltered, tears streaming down her face. “No, you must help me. I beg you. I cannot lose my babies too.” She clutched Alpha-1’s black coat, struggling to keep herself upright. “Please, sir. If we don’t go now-”

  She froze, both hands flying to her mouth. The two agents exchanged a brief glance. Then Alpha-1 raised his right hand. In a single, smooth motion, he struck Yui across the neck, lowering her unconscious body onto the grassy patch beside them. Alpha-2 exhaled slowly, then turned his gaze toward the towering buildings behind them. “Are you sure about this, one?”

  Alpha-1 straightened, facing the darkness ahead. “The others should be here any moment. I’ll radio in while we move.” He turned back toward Alpha-2. “You can sense it too, right?”

  “Yes, I can.”

  The pair stood motionless for a moment before disappearing into the darkness.