Extra Scene - Act 1, Chapter 1 (Rayco's POV)

Notes:

• MC is a builder in this scenario. I’ve used a randomizer to choose between the different paths.
• Amidi = Friend
• Achicasnay = Evil

>>>>>>>>>>

Someone’s messing with the barrier again.

The feeling is an instant sting in Rayco’s mind, and it makes his body tense all over.

"Anyway, I have to go. It's time to head back to the clinic, and as tempting as it may be, showing up drunk is unprofessional." Ada says as she gets up from her seat and heads for the exit, stopping at the doorway and waving goodbye. "See you tonight!"

“Goodbye…”

Rayco’s voice is distant. He barely registers the doctor’s words, all his senses focused on that tingle on the back of his head. Fortunately though, Ada’s already gone.

The sensation narrows. It tightens and condenses into a single point. From the outside, anyone would think the young keeper’s vacant gaze means he’s lost in thought; however, in the midst of the tavern, Rayco concentrates all his energy on keeping the barrier raised. For a moment, it seems like he succeeds, but the relief is short-lived.

There’s a breach. Rayco closes his eyes and strives to fight off the intruders from afar, but they’re already inside.

It’s happening again.

He starts compulsively cleaning a mug under Enid’s watchful gaze. She feels it too, and only one question remains capable of breaking through Rayco’s intense focus.

How many are there?

He feels seven scouts advancing through the forest, but none of them should have been able to break the barrier. Rayco furrows his brow. Who’s pulling the strings? An unanswered question that takes a back seat when he realises the direction in which the scouts are heading.

The construction site.

He immediately releases the mug on the sink with more force than necessary, but fortunately, it doesn’t break or draw unwanted attention. Rayco hurriedly leaves from behind the bar, whispering to his eternal companion with his back to the tavern’s customers.

“Stay vigilant. I’ll be back soon.”

The celestial spirit nods discreetly.

“Be careful, amidi.”

The achimencey makes his way to the door, stopping only when he hears the voice of one of his customers calling out.

"Hey, Rayco! What are you doing, slacking off from work at this hour?" one of the neighbours laughs.

Rayco sheepishly scratches the back of his head, wanting to rush out to defend the small village but not wanting to appear rude.

"Sorry, it's just that I have a little matter I forgot to take care of. I won't be long," he replies with a nervous chuckle.

The human waves his hand to play down the matter, showing that he was just joking. Something Rayco already knew but still appreciates. He still struggles to understand the sarcasm that mortals use. He doesn't remember them communicating this way ten thousand years ago.

"Nothing to worry about, kid. Take advantage of being young and do what you have to."

Rayco smiles and nods before heading out the door.

'Young.' If only they knew...

Rayco shakes off the guilt that briefly invades him and ventures into a deserted alley. When he feels there is no one nearby who can see him, the achimencey teleports to the outskirts of Sorrol.

-----

Traces of ash guide him to the river.

Rayco did everything he could to help the builders as he advanced through the lush vegetation. Although he couldn't arrive in time to prevent one of the scouts from injuring one of their co-workers, $name and Albert managed to endure without further casualties, thanks in part to Leire appearing on the scene as reinforcement.

Now, with the demons destroyed and the path to Sorrol cleared, the humans shouldn't have any trouble taking the injured man back to the village. Rayco prays for his soul to be saved.

That should have been the end of it, except that one of the scouts managed to escape, which would have been fine if it weren't for the fact that Leire didn't hesitate to go after it to hunt it down, and Rayco follows her trail to prevent her resentment for the corrupt creatures from leading her to her doom.

As he gets closer, Rayco can feel them as if he were right there.

Leire and the scout face to face, each on a different side of the river. Leire grips her sword tightly and raises her shield, determined to be the first to attack. The demon stares into her eyes. There's a cry. A corrupt threat only comprehensible to celestial beings. Leire hesitates, she's scared, which makes Rayco quicken his pace.

The scout tenses up. It roars. It’s about to leap and attack just as Rayco reaches the river.

“Not a step further, Achicasnay.”

Rayco lands on a tree branch, with his knees bent, arms hanging loose, and his back slightly hunched forward. The wind whispers a warning, causing the demon to come to a sudden stop. Their gazes meet, and the scout tenses.

Leire furrows her brow and lowers her shield slightly. She doesn't understand why the demon appears... frightened?

"On sacred ground, I am the master."

Rayco's violet eyes begin to shine intensely. Hidden among the tree leaves, he resembles a predator from another world. In a way, that's how he feels; dangerous, unstoppable, and hungry.

The demon trembles and takes a step back. It can't look away from the amethyst terror. The next whisper is no longer just mental; Rayco's lips form a word:

"Out."

An act more merciful than the beast deserves, but right now, all Rayco wants is to keep Leire safe.

No more needs to be said for the demon to turn and run away, disappearing into the vegetation. Rayco feels it stepping out of the barrier, but it doesn't even bring him relief. The achimencey tightens his lips and furrows his brow as frustration makes its way alongside the reproaches.

It's time to act; he can no longer pretend to be someone he's not.

Leire turns around, uneasy, looking for the place where the strange sense of calm she shouldn't be feeling is coming from.

But Rayco has already disappeared.