The Next Morning…
Ren and Souta stood at the entrance of the grand city, still amazed by the busy streets and towering buildings. This was nothing like their quiet village or hill home.
Souta:
"Woah… So this is what a real city looks like."
Ren:
"…Hmph. Loud."
The two of them decided to explore. As they walked through the main square, a sudden gathering of people drew their attention. A Holy Knight in a royal white cloak stepped forward, raising his hand for silence. His name was Lorth of the Ivory Cross one of the city's high-ranking Holy Knights.
Lorth:
"Good day, my fellow citizens. I, Lorth of the Ivory Cross, bring important news.
Due to the rising threat of demons beyond the city gates, the Order is holding a training camp for new Exorcists and Holy Knights.
Young or old if you have the will, step forward.
Registration begins today. My men will take your names and assign your path.
Thank you… and stay blessed."
The crowd clapped. The city buzzed with energy.
Souta (grinning):
"This just happened right in front of our eyes. Come on, Ren. Let's go!"
As they moved forward, Souta glanced at Ren.
Souta:
"Do you think… I should really become one of them? Like… join for real?"
Ren was about to answer when BUMP!
A girl collided lightly into him.
Girl:
"Oops! Sorry about that!"
Ren blinked, surprised and speechless. She was… beautiful.
Girl (smiling):
"Are you guys registering for the Exorcist camp?"
Souta (smirking):
"Yes, we are. Right, Ren?"
Ren (blushing):
"Y-Yeah… we are. And you…? What's your name?"
Girl:
"I'm Ayame."
Ren (blushing):
N-Nice... to meet you A-ayame. My name is Ren
Ayame (blushing)
Ahh that's a nice name Ren, we see later
They moved to the registration line. While waiting, Ren noticed a commotion nearby.
A group of teens were messing around, and one of them cocky and loud shoved a girl out of her place in line.
Cocky Guy:
"Oops, my bad. This is my spot."
Girl (annoyed):
"That's not fair. You just cut the line!"
Cocky Guy's Gang (laughing):
"Haha and what are you gonna do about it?"
Suddenly, a firm hand landed on the guy's shoulder. He turned it was Ren.
Ren (coldly):
"Go back to your place."
Cocky Guy:
"Hah? Don't touch me with those filthy hands!"
He pushed Ren. Bad move.
Ren clenched his jaw and grabbed the guy's collar.
Ren (calm but dangerous):
"If you don't move… I'll beat you so hard you'll forget you ever existed."
In that moment, Ren's left eye shimmered red, glowing faintly fragments swirling inside.
Cocky Guy (falling back, panicking):
"DEMON!!! HE'S A DEMON!!!"
Chaos.
A few Holy Knights rushed over.
Knight:
"Where's the demon?!"
Cocky Guy (pointing):
"Him! His eye he had a demon's eye!"
Ren (confused and calm):
"…I guess you hit your head. Don't call me a demon."
Another knight stepped forward, coldly placing a hand on the panicked guy's shoulder.
Knight (low voice):
"Enough. Don't ever say that out loud again."
The knights ignored the rest and resumed the registration.
Registration Begins
Souta stepped forward.
Knight:
"What role do you seek, kid?"
Souta:
"I want to be a sword exorcist."
The knight blinked, then chuckled.
Knight:
"A katana? Most exorcists use books, crosses, or guns and holy weapons what's so special about yours. This is a first."
Souta (serious):
"You'll see me in camp."
Knight (smiling):
"Heh… Sure I will."
Then it was Ren's turn.
Knight:
"What role do you want to pick?"
Ren hesitated. Sweat ran down his face.
Ren (thinking):
What do I even say? Damn it… Souta's not here…
Then a voice behind him — Ayame.
Ayame:
"Pick Exorcist. So we can be together."
Ren froze for a second, then nodded.
Ren:
"Exorcist."
Knight:
"Let me see your palm. True exorcists are born with a seal on their hand."
Ren held it out nervously.
A faint light glowed — the seal appeared.
The knight stared at Ren's hand… then into his eyes.
Knight (thinking):
No signs of demonic aura… Then why did that boy claim otherwise?
Knight:
"Alright. You're done. Next."
---
After Registration
Ren caught up to Ayame.
Ren:
"Hey… Ayame, right?"
Ayame:
"Yup."
Ren (smiling):
"Nice name. See you in camp."
She waved as she walked off. Ren waved too cheeks slightly red.
Souta suddenly popped up behind him, arm around his shoulder.
Souta (grinning):
"So you made a girlfriend. How cute."
Ren (yelling):
"HEY! SHE'S MY FRIEND AND GIRLFRIEND!"
Souta (laughing):
"You already got a crush, huh?"
Ren (blushing hard):
"STOOPPPP!"
They play-wrestled in the middle of the street, laughing.