Ashes in Reverse

It was a small four-by-four room with a bed on the right and a table with a chair to the left of it, topped with a table lamp. A wardrobe clung to the left wall. The walls were painted a light red, and directly across from him was a window covered by red curtains. The room was clean on the inside but had a more vintage feel compared to the modern design outside, perhaps to give hunters a home-like vibe and keep them from feeling overwhelmed.

"It's a beautiful room... a hundred times better than that abandoned house I used to live in," said Leon as he closed the door behind him and jumped onto the bed. The mattress was soft and warm, welcoming him like a long-lost comfort.

"I don't remember the last time I slept in something this warm," he muttered, pulling the white blanket over himself. He turned over and over in the bed, unable to stop himself from enjoying the feeling.

Then he sat back up, realizing he was acting too relaxed. "I'm too big for these childish things," he muttered, shaking his head. He moved toward the table and pulled open the two drawers. The first was empty, but the second contained a book. It was a heavy one with a cover decorated by multiple glowing spheres and a title written in mystic text: World Mythology.

"World Mythology? Is this some kind of religious book or what?" he said, picking it up and examining the worn cover. The book felt old, and its pages were aged and fragile, as if it had passed through many hands over many years.

"What's it doing here? If this is a copy given to all hunters, couldn't they have at least provided a clean, newer version?" he questioned aloud, then opened the book.

...jagatah adih kaschan api na anumanayitum shashak. ye shatravah iti abhipretah aasan, te vastutah purvajah aasan - satyam chaikam ch sabhyata...

That was what was written on the first page of the book. Leon stared at it, eyes widened, confused by the strange phrasing and deeper meaning behind the words.

"What do they mean by that? What are they trying to explain... by saying the world has an unknown beginning, and those seen as enemies were actually the true ancestors - the only and true civilization?"

Just as he was about to read further, a knock came at the door.

"Leon, let's go. It's time for lunch already."

Snapping out of his thoughts, Leon quickly slipped the book back into the drawer, stood up, and adjusted his clothes. He opened the door and followed Hiroshi out.

But even as they walked together, his mind kept spinning, haunted by the words he'd read. Who were seen as enemies back then? And why were they called the true ancestors... the only and true civilization?

Why was that book there in the first place? Does the organization want us to read it? Leon wondered. But from my years of experience, people in this world don't understand ancient language at all. I only know about it because of my...

He shook his head, pushing the thought away. Was that book given to all hunters... or just me?

Hiroshi noticed Leon lost in thought. "What are you thinking about? Don't tell me you don't like the room?!" he asked in shock.

Leon quickly waved his hand. "No, it's not that. I like the room. I was just thinking... about how your friends might be. Nothing else."

Hiroshi nodded, then gave a thumbs up. "They're all cool fellows," he said with a grin. Then, lowering his voice and lighting up with mischief, he added, "There are some hot baddies too."

Leon gave a nervous, fake smile. I'm not here to pull ten-on-ten baddies, though... But I guess there's nothing wrong with seeing hot baddies, even if I'm not interested right now.