Several days passed, yet Inspector Carter’s words still echoed in Toma’s mind, refusing to fade. The sun was already setting. Leaning against the balcony railing, he gazed at the horizon.

  But his thoughts were somewhere else entirely.

  I can’t get Carter’s tragic story out of my head. It really makes me wonder… what are we humans? Just tiny grains of dust? And ghosts… they really exist. Most people don’t even know about them. But maybe that’s for the best. We couldn’t do anything against them anyway, and it would only cause massive panic if it ever became public.

  Just then, footsteps approached from behind, and Carter stepped onto the balcony.

  "Hey, Toma! Beautiful summer evening, isn’t it?"

  Toma gave a faint nod, his voice quiet. "Yeah… it is."

  Carter studied him for a moment, noticing how distant he seemed. "What’s up? What are you thinking about so deeply?"

  Toma exhaled slowly, his eyes still on the horizon. "I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that ghosts exist… But how strong are they? You and your master defeated that one, didn’t you?"

  Carter’s expression grew serious.

  "It’s not that simple. That wasn’t its true form… It was just some kind of manifestation that allowed it to possess people. In its real form, it can’t enter the human world. To this day, we still don’t know how it managed to possess my family if it supposedly can’t cross into our world. And it’s also a mystery how it possessed multiple people at once. A ghost can normally possess only one soul."

  "I see…" Toma nodded slowly. "I didn’t know that… So, Carter, do you think a human could defeat a ghost?"

  Carter raised an eyebrow.

  "Honestly? Impossible. Ghosts are something entirely different from humans, demons, or any other living beings. They are immortal, omnipotent entities. A mortal cannot kill them."

  Toma blinked. "Seriously? Not even the captain of the Elite Division?"

  "Unfortunately, no human can compete with an omnipotent being — not even the captain of the Elite Division." Carter’s gaze drifted into the distance. "But I swore that one day I would find the ghost that destroyed my life… and kill it. Even if I know full well that it would be the last thing I ever do."

  Toma looked straight into his eyes. "So that’s what keeps you alive?"

  "I guess so. And my little brother." Carter’s voice softened. "He’s the only relative I have left, so I want to see him grow up. But when my family died — when I had to kill them with my own sword — I thought everything was over for me. I didn’t want to live… and I didn’t want to die either. It felt like I didn’t even exist. The only thing that kept me going was protecting him. He was just a child. It was incredibly painful for him too. We had to stay strong for each other."

  A gentle smile appeared on Toma’s face. "Then you must be really good brothers."

  Carter looked up at the starry sky.

  "You know… when I see Iren smile, it feels like my whole family is there with us again."

  "Yeah…" Toma smiled faintly. "When I think about it, I feel the same about my little sister. I’d protect her even at the cost of my life…"

  Then another question surfaced in his mind.

  "By the way… what do we actually know about ghosts? What kind of records exist?"

  Carter crossed his arms, thinking.

  "That’s a tough question. The records mostly date back five hundred… maybe even a thousand years. Very old parchments. Access to that information is limited — only the king and the captain of the Elite Division can see them. From the legends, we know that long ago — no one even knows exactly how many centuries or millennia ago — there was a great war among the ghosts. In the end, it was forbidden for mortals to cross into the ghost world, and ghosts were forbidden from leaving their own world. We call it the ‘Forbidden World.’"

  "Wow… that’s really fascinating."

  Carter’s tone remained heavy.

  "If a ghost possesses a human, it’s over. A ghost cannot be exorcised from a human body. Sooner or later, it will consume the soul."

  Toma swallowed. "Whoa… that sounds pretty brutal…"

  Carter let out a small breath, lightening the mood.

  "Yeah, but I don’t think something like that would ever happen to you. Anyway, I think I’m heading to bed now."

  He turned to leave, then suddenly stopped and looked back.

  "Oh, right. I meant to tell you — tomorrow I’m going on a mission nearby. A horde of demons is heading this way, and I was thinking… maybe you could help me."

  Toma’s eyes lit up instantly.

  "Seriously?!"

  "Yeah. I already talked to Teacher Iseon and got permission to take you along tomorrow."

  "Whoa, that’s awesome!!! Thanks, Carter! Finally, some excitement!"

  Carter laughed.

  "Alright, alright! But get some sleep — we’re leaving early tomorrow!"

  "Definitely!"

  "I’m going to turn in too. Good night, Toma."

  "Good night, Carter."

  Carter walked away, but Toma remained there for a while longer, gazing at the sky.

  Hmm… ghosts, huh? What are we humans compared to them? And what is this world really…?

  ***

  The next day, on a nearby highway, Lyrien, Arlen, and Toma fought beside Carter, slaughtering demons.

  Toma sliced off one demon’s head, then drove his blade into another’s stomach. A third lunged at him, but he shoved it aside toward Arlen, who split it clean in two without hesitation.

  The final demon became trapped inside a sphere of water created by Lyrien — and was crushed within it.

  Toma slid his katana back into its sheath and looked at Carter.

  "Supervisor, those demons were kind of boring… Sure, there were a lot of them, but they were all only level one… I thought it would be more exciting…"

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Carter, however, was focused on a strange device in his hand, adjusting it without responding.

  Toma frowned. "Hey, are you listening??? What’s that gadget in your hand?"

  Carter finally looked up.

  "It’s a demon radar. It can detect demons within a certain area." His expression darkened. "And right now… it’s showing another demonic presence nearby. At the local elementary school…"

  Toma’s heart nearly stopped. He grabbed his head.

  "Shit… Iren goes to that school!"

  "And he’s in danger!" Lyrien’s voice filled with panic.

  Carter immediately drew his swords.

  "Toma, looks like you won’t be bored after all. Kids, we’re heading to the school immediately! I’ll move fast, so try to keep up!"

  "Understood!"

  ***

  It was recess at the school. Iren was walking back from the cafeteria to the classroom with a friend.

  But then his friend suddenly stopped, realization flashing across his face.

  "Iren, I need to go to the bathroom! You go ahead back to the classroom."

  "Okay, see you later." Iren nodded and continued down the hallway alone while his friend hurried off in the opposite direction.

  He walked peacefully, even humming a quiet tune to himself.

  Then suddenly, a massive crash exploded just a few meters ahead.

  Windows shattered, glass scattering across the floor as a demon forced its way inside and landed directly in front of him.

  Iren froze.

  Terror gripped his body. When the demon’s eyes locked onto him and it began to move, instinct took over.

  He ran.

  The demon roared and chased after him.

  It was getting closer.

  Closer.

  Iren’s heart pounded wildly in his chest.

  Then he reached the stairs.

  Without slowing down, he jumped onto the railing and slid down along it instead of taking the steps.

  It worked.

  He hit the bottom and kept moving, putting distance between himself and the monster.

  Finally, he stopped for a moment, breathing heavily.

  That was when he heard it — the emergency alarm.

  In the distance, teachers were guiding students outside, evacuating the building.

  Relief washed over him.

  "Damn it… I live with four warriors, and of course something like this happens when none of them are with me."

  Then his eyes widened.

  His friend.

  The bathroom.

  He’s right in the demons’ path…

  Damn it, what should I do now? If I go back, I could die… But should I just leave my best friend alone?

  Iren clenched his fists.

  No… that’s not an option! I’d rather help him than be haunted by this for the rest of my life!

  He turned and ran back up the stairs.

  His legs trembled, but he didn’t stop.

  Soon, he reached the hallway leading to the bathrooms.

  He slowed down, scanning the area.

  No demons.

  "All right… looks like the area’s clear."

  He rushed inside the restroom.

  "Hello? Is anyone here?"

  One of the stall doors slowly creaked open, and his friend peeked out with wide, fearful eyes.

  "Iren… is that really you?"

  "Yes, it’s me! Are you okay?"

  "Yeah… I was just coming out when I saw a demon in the hallway… so I ran back in and locked myself inside."

  "Good. Then come on, let’s get out of here!"

  They stepped toward the exit.

  But suddenly—

  The demon burst into the restroom.

  The door exploded inward.

  The two boys froze.

  Rows of razor-sharp teeth filled the creature’s twisted mouth.

  Desperation surged through Iren.

  He raised his hand and unleashed a lightning strike.

  But the demon reacted instantly.

  With a Xeron strike, it blocked the attack effortlessly.

  Then something terrible happened—the demon grabbed the two boys, who were cornered and had nowhere to run.

  It lifted Iren straight toward its mouth.

  But then something happened. Something no one truly expected.

  Someone cut off the demon’s hands.

  And that someone was Toma.

  “Looks like I arrived just in time! Are you boys okay?”

  Iren nodded, while his friend just cried.

  The demon attacked Toma with its sharp rows of teeth. But Toma was faster and immediately cut off its head.

  “Die, monster!”

  Iren and his friend felt an immense sense of relief. When they looked at Toma, they saw a true hero standing before them.

  But Toma noticed that the kids were staring at him strangely.

  “Huh? What’s wrong, guys? What are you staring at? Are you okay? Or did you get really scared?”

  Iren struggled to get the words out.

  “Toma… but how? How did you get here?”

  Toma smiled.

  “I’m always where demons need to be killed. Anyway, Carter’s demon detector led me here. Come on, I’ll get you out of here!”

  In the schoolyard, Lyrien, Arlen, and Supervisor Carter were already waiting for Toma.

  Carter smiled with satisfaction.

  “Iren, I see you’re okay! Thanks, Toma, for saving him!”

  Toma didn’t make a big deal out of it.

  “It was nothing. I sensed Iren’s Aima and immediately rushed to save him.”

  Carter placed his hand on Toma’s shoulder.

  “Well done, Toma! And your Aima sensing is getting better and better!”

  Toma, however, looked at the others.

  “Did you manage to save everyone? No one got hurt?”

  Lyrien nodded.

  “Yes, not a single child was harmed! And we destroyed all the demons. Luckily, they were only level one…”

  Then Carter came up with a great idea.

  “What do you say we go home and celebrate our success with a special lunch?”

  Arlen’s eyes lit up.

  “Lunch? That sounds great!”

  ***

  At the end of the day, Iren went to see Toma.

  Toma was soaking his feet at the edge of the pool when he noticed Iren.

  “Iren? Aren’t you in bed yet?”

  Iren stepped closer to Toma.

  “No. Because of today’s demon attack, there won’t be school tomorrow, so I don’t have to wake up early.”

  Toma gestured to him.

  “Then come sit next to me.”

  As Iren sat down at the edge of the pool beside Toma, he tried to start a conversation.

  “And what are you doing here, Toma?”

  Toma was looking at the horizon.

  “Just relaxing, you could say… I know it sounds silly, but I like being alone and just sitting somewhere or lying in the grass. It always feels pleasant and calming to me.”

  “I see… I actually came because I forgot to thank you at school for saving my life. So… thank you!”

  Toma brushed it off.

  “It’s nothing. That’s my job. You know, saving lives gives me a really good feeling—that’s why I became a warrior.”

  Iren looked surprised.

  “Tell me, Toma… do you never get scared?”

  Toma smiled.

  “I wouldn’t say that. But I don’t let fear take control, so I’m able to resist it. There are situations where I get scared too. Still, I believe a warrior has to be fearless.”

  Iren looked at Toma curiously, unable to hold back his question.

  "And why did you become a warrior, Toma?"

  The question caught him off guard.

  "Huh… that’s a tough question." Toma rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully. "As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a warrior. I always thought warriors were cool and strong. And my father was a warrior too… though he’s no longer alive. I guess that’s why I wanted to become one."

  Iren lowered his gaze slightly and nodded.

  "Doesn’t it scare you… that your father died because he was a warrior?" His voice grew quieter. "You know… sometimes I feel like if my family hadn’t been part of a warrior clan, my parents might still be alive… So you could say I grew a little resentful toward warriors…"

  Toma fell silent.

  For a moment, he simply looked at the boy, realizing what was truly weighing on this innocent child’s heart.

  "You know…" he began gently, "I never knew my father. I never even saw him. But I’m proud of him. And I think you should be proud of your parents… and your brother too." His eyes sharpened slightly. "And there’s something I always tell myself… something that keeps me going."

  Iren’s eyes lit up with interest.

  "What do you always tell yourself?"

  Toma’s expression turned serious.

  "I think special abilities exist so that we can protect others. If someone has an ability and knows how to use it, then it’s meant to help and protect people. Since I have an ability, I believe it’s my duty to use it for those who are weaker and don’t have one." He paused briefly. "Otherwise… what’s the point of having it?"

  Iren absorbed every word.

  "Wow… I’ve never thought about it like that…" He looked down at his hands. "You know, today… when the demons attacked us… I felt like I had to go back for my friend. I didn’t even think about it. I just knew I couldn’t leave him alone with the demon…"

  Toma smiled.

  "Yeah… I know that feeling." His voice carried a quiet warmth. "When I was still weak, I turned back to save my friends too—even though I had no chance of winning." He let out a small laugh. "And look at me. I’m still alive. I think that’s what they call a warrior’s mentality. A real warrior always turns back — even when there’s no chance of winning."

  A new light appeared in Iren’s eyes.

  "“Do you think… I could become a warrior too? Even though I’ve barely used my ability in my life?”

  Toma met his gaze without hesitation.

  “Of course! It’s never too late! I was about the same age as you when I gained my ability! And you come from a strong warrior clan—you must have a lot of Aima. Besides, Carter is your brother and a very powerful warrior. I’m sure he can teach you everything you need. And you can always ask me for help too!”

  Iren jumped to his feet, full of energy.

  "I think I found my goal today!" His face shone with excitement. "But I won’t keep you any longer. I’m going back to my room to watch some anime or read a book. Thanks for everything, Toma!"

  "You’re not keeping me," Toma replied with a small smile as the boy hurried off. "Come anytime if you want to talk again."

  Silence returned.

  Toma exhaled slowly into the night air.

  Then Carter’s voice drifted down from above.

  "Looks like you two get along well."

  Toma glanced up and spotted Carter standing on the balcony overhead.

  "Inspector Carter… were you eavesdropping again?"

  "Maybe." Carter shrugged casually. "But you’re a good influence on him. I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time…"

  Toma looked back at the stars.

  "Iren reminds me of myself… When I was his age, I was just like him…"

  Carter chuckled.

  "With that big mouth of yours? Hard to imagine you were ever such a good kid."

  "Tch… shut up."

  Carter turned and headed inside.

  "Alright, alright. It’s late. Time to sleep. You should go to bed too, Toma. You have to wake up early tomorrow."

  "Yeah, yeah, I’m going… You’re worse than a mom…"