ZigZagkers

They both screamed together.

"HUHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"

Enix flailed his arms. "What do you mean join you guys??"

Nki threw her hands in the air. "You do know we can't respawn if we die like in video games, right?! One hit and we're gone for good!"

Koru stood calm, hands clasped behind his back. "I'm not joking. I'm being completely serious."

He turned to Nki, his voice softer now. "You can reject the offer. We don't force anyone to join. But...since you've already encountered a Demon, there's a very high chance more will come looking for you."

Nki's jaw dropped. Her eyes widened in quiet alarm. "More…?"

He nodded. "Some demons can sense divine energy. And now that you've awakened yours… well, let's just say, they're probably aware of you now."

Then Koru looked at Enix, his expression much more stern.

"But you...you don't have the option of leaving."

"Huh?!" Enix blinked, confused. "Why not?"

Koru's tone was serious and heavy. "Because the corrupted soul inside you is still there. Dormant, yes, but not gone. No one knows when it might awaken again… and if it does, it could cause unimaginable chaos."

Enix lowered his head, the weight of it finally settling on his shoulders.

He sat on the bed silently, unsure of what to say.

Nki glanced at him, her lips pressing into a line. Then, without hesitation, she took a breath and stepped forward. A soft smile curled on her lips.

She looked directly at Koru and said, "I'll join."

Enix's head snapped toward her. "What?! Are you serious?!"

She nodded, turning to face him. "If that demon inside you comes back… I'll be there to smack it back down and save your sorry butt. Simple as that."

She smiled at him, confident and warm.

Enix stared at her, eyes wide and stunned. For a moment, he forgot to breathe.

Then Koru clapped his hands once. "Good. It's settled, then. From now on, you two are part of the Star Owl Group."

Nki and Enix paused.

Both of them blinked slowly… then turned to Koru at the same time, faces deadpan.

"Star Owl?" Enix said, squinting.

"Seriously?" Nki added. "What are we? A group of forest birds going to deliver magical mail?"

Enix snorted. "Next thing you'll tell me, our base is inside a giant bird's butt."

Koru furrowed his brows, clearly not amused.

Aaru cracked his knuckles, a dark smile rising on his lips. "What's wrong with that name?"

Before either of them could answer, Lali spoke up from behind, cheerfully munching on another cream bun.

"Aaru's the one who named it."

Both Nki and Enix immediately froze like statues.

Then, with exaggerated grins and fake enthusiasm, they both shouted, "What a cool name! So wise! So majestic! Wow! Truly inspired!"

"Thought so," Aaru replied, smirking.

Koru exhaled slowly and continued, "Anyway. First things first you both need to return to your camp."

"Huh?" Enix blinked.

"Oh crap!" Nki slapped her forehead. "We totally forgot about the class camping trip!"

"They probably think we got eaten by bears," Enix added.

Koru turned and started walking toward the door. "We'll bring you some food and clothes to change into. Just rest for now."

Aaru and Lali followed behind him.

At the door, Lali turned around and gave a soft smile, waving her hand lazily.

"See ya later, newbies~"

With a click, the door shut behind them.

And silence filled the room.

Three of them walked together through the dimly lit hallway. The walls were lined with old symbols and soft glowing lights that flickered like fireflies. Their footsteps echoed with a slow rhythm.

Aaru glanced to the side, his voice steady.

"You're too kind, Koru."

Lali chimed in, bouncing beside them with her usual teasing tone.

"Yeah, yeah. Our four eyes is such a softie."

Koru adjusted his glasses slightly, not looking at them.

" I just can't abandon them."

His words were quiet, and then—

A flash hit his mind.

A room. Silent. Cold.

The floor soaked in blood.

Small bodies—children—scattered everywhere.

His hands were shaking.

His cheeks, splattered red.

His glasses cracked and smeared in blood.

His breath was heavy…

And he was the only one left standing.

Back in the hallway, Aaru noticed the sudden change in Koru's expression. He placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry. It seems like those two… they're not the kind to die easily. They're both special."

Koru slowly nodded, eyes soft but serious.

"Yeah… the granddaughter of one of the strongest Deviners…"

He paused, his mind still caught in memory.

"…and a boy who managed to keep control of his body even after being possessed by a corrupted soul. That shouldn't be possible."

Lali twirled her fingers in the air.

"Yup, and not to mention, they're total lovebirds! Uff! I swear, I wish I had a hot and handsome boyfriend like that one…"

Aaru raised a brow and smirked.

"Oh? Look who's simping now."

Lali pouted, crossing her arms.

"I am not simping. I'm just appreciating good genetics."

Koru gave a small chuckle. "Alright, Lali—can you go find where their camp is? They'll need to return soon."

Lali gave a mock salute.

"Yes, yes, as you wish, commander glasses!"

Suddenly, her body began to glow softly.

Pink glowing chains spiraled around her, forming a floating halo above her head. It spun like a wheel, faster and faster.

Then.

Poof!

With a flash of pink light, she vanished.

Aaru glanced at the space she left behind.

"I'll go inform Lord Father about all of this."

Koru nodded once.

"Alright."

Aaru took a turn at the next hallway and raised a hand in farewell.

"See you later, four eyes."

Koru didn't reply at first, just smiled faintly.

Then he turned and started walking forward alone, his coat fluttering gently behind him.