1 Near The End

It has been a year since Free-Annihilation Day was first executed by the government. Many citizens still did not know the objective or the reason for the occasion's implementation.

History had repeated itself. The streets and the houses were just like last year's, but this year was bloodier which was inappropriate for the young ones to look at. Comparing it to the previous event, many had perished during this year's "Gory Freedom".

Residents, who were still alive at that point, were hiding again for the sake of their lives. They were shivering in fear. Some people even wanted to scream to take all of their heavy feelings away, but offenders might find them and slay them immediately.

Free-Annihilation Day is an annual occurrence implemented by the "Supreme Legionnaires" consisting of the World's 8 Strongest Warriors. The "Gory Freedom" was first administered on June 9, 2020. Its duration lasts a whole day, starting from 12:00 AM until 11:59 PM.

As stated in the name of the enforced occasion, individuals may kill one another. The authorities will legitimately tolerate these actions. People who will commit this crime will not get any charges or punishments, as long as Free-Annihilation Day is still occurring.

The occurrence seemed to have bewildered many of the compatriots living inside the world. Although citizens cannot comprehend the whole situation instantly, criminals took advantage of the crisis and carried out their greedy desires to kill. On this day, they freely did whatever they want to do, which is particularly murder.

The streets were full of dead bodies. Many properties had been destroyed. Some humans can't take the depression and have committed suicide. Blood was splattered everywhere.

It was a disaster that had been brought by the higher-ups. 2020's whole scenario was unexpected, so no one was ready for what was about to occur.

-----

"It is currently 11:45 PM of June 9, 2021. Fifteen more minutes before Free-Annihilation Day officially ends." An alarming yet tranquilizing message came from the capital's loudspeaker. Based on its voice and formal tone, it was from an automated robot.

"Ohh, this day is about to end, huh." An old man sighed with relief and took a quick sip from his warm cup of coffee.

"Fifteen more minutes and I can finally sleep in peace." A teenager uttered in a calming tone while stretching his arms and legs due to prolonged sitting.

In the midst of the ongoing commotion, a 69-year-old man and his 18-year-old grandson were nonchalantly lounging on a wooden bench outside their well-crafted modern dojo.

Deci, also known as the "World", is made up of two main parts, namely the "Upper Hemisphere" and the "Lower Hemisphere". Most annihilations happen in the northern part and at the boundary of the two hemispheres.

While innocent people were dying, these two relatives were just chilling like nothing was going on. It was expected since their location is in the "Southeast Portion" which was relatively far from where "Gory Freedom" usually takes place.

"When I was a kid, I wanted to be like the Supreme Legionnaires. But looking back at it now, I take it back." As a response, he can only scratch his head lightly about it.

People, especially children, admired the World's 8 Strongest Warriors as they had the most unique and the strongest of powers, which only they could utilize. They had maintained the balance and kept the community stable. However, the tables have turned.

"That ambition was like, from 11 years ago. You were so silly back then, Shin." The grandfather remembered it as he chuckled softly towards him.

"Stop saying that, Grandpa Makoto. My whole childhood is the definition of cringe." The grandson "Shin" face-palmed as he smiled sarcastically from the embarrassment.

"Cringe, huh?" The grandfather "Makoto" slurped his hot coffee again. "That 'cringy' childhood paved the way for you to meet Miss Hanabusa," he added.

"You still remember that?" Shin's eyes widened in surprise. The memory recollection of elderly people is truly frightening.

Shin closed his eyes as he cleared his throat and blushingly asked, "S-speaking of her, where do you think she is right now?"

"Oh, did she piqued your interest?" Grandpa Makoto teased Shin. It was quite rare for his grandson to become red about such a topic, so he can't hold himself back to chaff him.

Not taking his grandfather's tease seriously, Shin stared at the aesthetic night sky whilst feeling the cozy and gentle breeze around them.

"When I first met her? Uhm, yes. Today? No, I don't know. It has been a while since I last saw her. Her face might have completely changed. Anyway, I want to ask you, why did you suddenly bring her up in our conversation?" Shin placed his chin on his right hand.

"Hmm... After all, I got a call from the Hanabusa Clan. She will come here on June 13."

"Heh?" Shin immediately cast his eyes on Grandpa Makoto as he was shocked by the news he just heard.

Grandpa Makoto gripped his cup of coffee once again and gulped all of the remaining liquid in there. He deposed it on the side of the bench and stated, "She will temporarily live here with us. It is up to her when and where she will move out."

"I know that, I know that. But why here in all of the places in Deci??"

"Lower your voice!" Grandpa Makoto smacked Shin handily on his head.

"I'm sorry. That was unintentional. Can you please tell me the reason?" Shin rubbed the spot where he was whacked by Grandpa Makoto.

"Even though she is a great conjurer, Miss Hanabusa is kind of bad at hand-to-hand combat. She needs to improve on that aspect as the world is not focusing on sorcery only." Grandpa Makoto stood up to the extent that Shin's view was just at Grandpa Makoto's waist-level.

"Then, is she gonna—"

Grandpa Makoto looked at Shin. He flexed his aged muscles as he contracted his right biceps to Shin and answered, "Of course, she will come here to train obviously."

Back in the days, Ayase Hanabusa was called the "Illusory Prodigy". Most wizards and witches are both trained to achieve the precise way of wielding magical arts, but they find it hard to control and manipulate their auras nonetheless. The aura circulation of a magic-user must be flexible and not completely firm.

Ayase Hanabusa was disciplined to master the "Perfect Aura Flexibility" to exceed other sorcerers. After years of practice, she could easily control and manipulate one's aura and was granted the title she rightfully deserved. She was still living up to that record.

Although she was the chosen one when it came to magical arts, Ayase is only a mere child when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. If she were to fight against Shin physically without using any magic, Shin would dominate the fight due to his solid routine.

"Stop showing your nasty muscles. I feel somewhat sick by looking at that old arm, grandpa." Shin covered his mouth entirely with his left hand, implying his grimace.

"You will also reach this point, blockhead." Grandpa Makoto grinned secretly.

"I hope not." Shin blankly gazed at him while swaying his legs over the ground. Their bench was taller than any normal bench.

"No chance, grandson. Stop wishing." Grandpa Makoto's expression immediately turned opposite. He fanned his left hand near his face, signaling that it was impossible.

Shortly, his facial appearance went back to normal, and asked, "By the way, did you already perform the ritual for the technique that I told you earlier?"

"About that? Not yet." Shin crossed his arms. "It requires my blood, so I will probably do it when it is the right time."

"Wise choice, kiddo." Grandpa Makoto patted Shin's head vigorously. It was noticeable that Shin was irritated as his head was being shaken.

"It is currently 11:50 PM of June 9, 2021. Ten more minutes before Free-Annihilation Day officially ends." Once again, the robotic voice from the capital notified the citizens regarding the current time. It had a higher pitch than before.

Right after the announcement, Grandpa Makoto took his hand away from Shin's head.

"Five minutes had already passed? Time flies so fast." Shin leaned on the bench as he put both of his hands on top of his head.

"Like they always say, time is gold." Grandpa Makoto turned around and glared at the broad and eye-catching night sky while standing still.

The wind blowing in the area suddenly became colder and gustier. Leaves were dancing, their hairs were waving, and the roofs were creaking.

In a dejected tone, Grandpa Makoto queried, "Hey Shin, can you tell me your honest opinion about this?"

"Yeah, yeah. As long as it is not algebra, I can answer it. What is it?" Shin leered at him.

"What if..." Grandpa Makoto closed his eyes as he lifted his right arm upward while gradually expanding its reach, exposing his wrinkled palm to the air.

"...my fate is to die tonight?"

"Huh?"