Use him? Red flags rose at Amias's words. Why did he say it like that? Did you accidentally come off as demanding when you asked him for help or instructed him on what to do? Hopefully, you were overthinking things and this wasn't the start of something unhealthy.

"Amias," you said, voice firm, "Please don't say use, you're not a tool."

Amias was silent for a brief moment. "Sorry."

The limited time prevented you from adding more onto your words. A swarm of apparitions covered the sky and created a ceiling above before they dove straight down. You and Amias jumped out of the way and you didn't fail to notice how he placed himself in front as a means of protecting you.

"Should I use the teleport points?" he asked, summoning the digital screen.

A quick and simple solution, but your shoulders slumped when a possibility ran through your mind.

"They're locked, aren't they...?"

Amias opened the map and you took a peak.

You cursed under your breath. I didn't think game mechanics would apply to real life.

A grey tone froze the usual pale yellow screen and Amias was unable to select the teleport points. It took a minute for your brain to register it since you didn't expect to experience this scene with Amias, but you recognised this scenario as part of Anomalous's plot.

In the game, the SF trial was about world exploration, grinding levels, testing new skills, learning new mechanics, and doing optional side quests. There would be occasional instances where the player would be locked onto the story mode, which was, apparently, right now.

Teleport points wouldn't work here. During the story events, the player isn't granted the usual luxury features such as teleportation for quick and efficient gameplay or the chance to let your protagonist stand in the middle of nowhere as you went to get a snack. It was a simple game mechanic that made sense to a player.

This is where Cecil and Amias work together for the first time.

A quick summary of what happened in the original story: Amias and Cecil work together to exorcise the apparitions in the area. Development between the two occurs and the player learns of Cecil's abilities. Amias's ability to teleport in quick and short successions allowed for a flexible means of diversion, which provided the perfect opportunity for Cecil's snake-like abilities to prey on the apparitions.

If things go according to the plot, then I'll be safe. You narrowed your eyes. However...

Cecil and Amias arrive late at the scene you were currently trying to reach. The exorcism they did was efficient, but still ate up a lot of time. Even if Amias used a teleport point after the story section ended, it would be too late. Meaning, you can't afford to follow the plot even if it was best for your personal safety.

Deaths during and outside of operations weren't an uncommon thing. Doing something ambitious or overstepping your boundaries can increase your chances of being in danger.

That was a prominent thought in your mind when you first came into this world. Sometimes, despite your efforts and determination to change your manner of thinking, it would creep up when conflicting situations like this arose. You mentally scolded yourself and pulled yourself out of the depths filled with doubts and fear of death. You were going to overstep your boundaries here and take a gamble. It was crucial that you interact with the vengeful apparition and you weren't going to shy away because of an uncertain predicament.

Also, you needed to prove to yourself that you truly have developed.

So, the issue was that you needed to access Amias's teleport points to reach the scene as quickly as possible, but it's locked behind a story mode. How would you counter that? Deviate from the original story.

You let out a breathy chuckle. "I'm an author, I think I can write a fun little scenario."

You dodged another swarm of incoming apparitions and Amias exorcised them. But, as anticipated, more kept coming. You never realised how exhausting dealing with the apparitions were. When you played the game, you were just having fun using Amais's teleportation abilities.

More apparitions came, but someone else exorcised them before Amias.

"Cecil! How nice of you to join us again."

"Did you two have a fun date without me?" Cecil mused, brushing some of his jade green hair out of his face. For someone who had to deal with apparitions after apparitions, Cecil still looked like he could still be on a magazine cover. "I'm jealous."

"Yeah, fighting for my life is super romantic," you replied.

Amias gave you a confused look. "It is?"

"Sarcasm, Amias." You lightly chuckled at his perplexed expression. "By the way, guys. Can you leave this to me?"

Cecil's ability engulfed another wave of apparition. "By this you don't mean the apparitions, right?"

"Unfortunately, I do."

"Trying to impress us?"

"If I say yes, would you let me?"

"Darling, you know I like you very much," he said, "putting you in danger doesn't sit right with me."

Amias nodded. "(Y/n), we can work together."

"I know a way to end it much faster than the rate we're going." You did your best to sound confident even though you had some uncertainties about your plan.

Cecil's expression was still the same, you couldn't tell if he was convinced or not. "I doubt someone like you would say something like that without a plan."

"Plus, we won't know when the swarms will end. You and Amias are strong, but stamina still exists," you said.

Cecil sighed softly. "Alright, I'll leave it to you."

The fact that Cecil let you go easily could be interpreted in many different ways. But, knowing his character, it was either because he had faith in you or he wanted an opportunity to gauge your abilities. Though it made him look bad, you were leaning towards the latter.

You nodded. "I'll be done before you know it."

"You better keep your word." He chuckled. "Or else~"

You shuddered. Cecil's control over his voice scared you sometimes. How did he make that sentence sound much more r18 than it needed to be?

Amias still looked concerned, but he didn't speak up and instead kept quiet with a conflicted expression. Amias... he rarely challenged your decisions or raises questions, huh? If he does, he'll be quick to back down. Though it made things easier, that behaviour still worried you.

Hopefully, the reassuring smile under your mask reached your eyes. You patted him lightly on the shoulder. "I'll be fine. Don't worry."

"Okay...just be careful, alright?"

"You got it."

When the next swarm of apparitions came, you ran straight into them. You resisted against the apparitions' possessions while darkness dominated your vision. Cold air tightly wrapped around you in a not-so-comforting embrace, and much as your body protested against strenuous movements, you summoned Mochi and a small amount of light spilled into the area. There wasn't much to view, but being able to see your hands and feet as well as the ground you stood on gave you a semblance of reassurance.

With Mochi's presence, the possessions dwindled. For the few attempts here and there, it was easy to brush off for you.

"Hope you guys are up for a civilised conversation."

The apparitions around you made a low grumble, the sound echoing around you. Mochi growled back, showing his sharp canines.

Okay, maybe scratch the civilised part.

The apparitions resembled dark and blurred silhouettes of people. Hm... who were they in their past lives? Those who died in the last SF trial? Maybe amongst them some were the researchers from 50 years ago. That was the best assumption you've got. Either way, they should be a lot easier to deal in comparison to the abnormal and irregular apparitions. Mainly because discussion was actually an available option.

"Look, the two guys over there? The one with green hair and the one with gold eyes? I'm going to be honest, they can exorcise you guys like this––" You snapped your fingers. "It's in your best interest that you prey on someone else."

Though you couldn't see their expressions or hear them, judging from how they ramped up the cold air they probably disapproved of your words. Alright, time to scrape any persuasion skills you've developed over your life and combine it with your knowledge of this game.

You brought out your book. You weren't planning to use it, but something about holding it gave you a sense of confidence and comfort. Maybe it's because it reminded you of your days as an author, writing about characters and taking the time to understand them. And what you were about to do would require you to put your understanding to the test. Well, and also some luck would be needed.

"You could sense it too, right? There is a strong presence looming over this abandoned city." Namely, the vengeful apparition. "Such an apparition can wipe out everything in its path easily while commanding the apparitions around them to help them fulfil their revenge. Including you guys. Do you really want to be controlled again? Controlled for someone else's goals? I'm asking you to let us go so I can deal with the apparition. It benefits both of us."

Control, being puppeteered. Previous SF member candidates would feel bitterness, regret, anger at how they were essentially being played by the chairman at the trial. The researchers would feel frustrations at being controlled by the chairman.

"You guys are apparitions, my supposed enemies. But if it's truly black and white like that, then why do you think I'm standing here talking? There's frustration, bitterness, regret; emotions strong enough to surpass death and bring you back to life in a different form. These emotions came from you when you were once human, so who is to say that these human feelings don't have merit in apparitions? Why does society view you guys as something to exorcise without a thought? Why are your stories and feelings dismissed so easily?"

You raised your gaze. "I don't view apparitions as my enemies, but I don't consider all of them as my allies. It's just like how there are good and bad people in society, there are good and bad apparitions. So, tell me, which one are you guys?"

All you really needed to do was create a shift in the plot, your words didn't need to successfully convince the apparitions over to your side. But you felt the need to truly put your emotions in what you say. The only times you ever got to express these thoughts was through discussions over the internet. Being able to express your feelings about a game you loved within the game itself? Who could blame you for saying a little bit too much?

Various whispers circled around you. It was difficult to discern what the apparitions were saying since there were so many voices. Some were pitched high and some were low. Some sounded raspy and some were clear. After a few seconds of immense concentration on the voices, you could make out one short sentence that all of them had in common.

"Who are you?"

You shrugged. "An exorcist who can't exorcise apparitions?"

The book in your hand faintly glowed. You opened it. Ah, the light was coming from the empty pages, compelling you to put ink to the paper, and you gave into the temptation. Mochi leaned in closer to give you better lighting.

The sensation of a pen gliding through the pages as ideas and thoughts rushed through your mind, begging to be documented; it really reminded you of your days as an author. Warm drink, alone but comfortable in your apartment, rain softly pitter pattering outside as you scribbled down ideas with passion behind each and every letter.

When you finished the last sentence, the apparitions around you disappeared and the book felt a little heavier for a moment. You let out a much needed sigh of relief and almost gave into the urge to collapse. Instead, you looked up at the sky and noticed the blue digital screen across the sky and how you currently on display. Cameras were definitely on you now. Luckily, you closed the book in time before the words could be seen.

Mochi barked at the sky and you chuckled, patting his head. It wasn't like you were trying to hide him, so you'll indulge in the spotlight. You waved at the camera and hoped your support team was watching.

When Amias and Cecil caught up to you, Mochi growled and protectively stood in front.

"Don't worry, they're teammates."

Immediately Mochi obediently sat down, panting happily with the most adorable smile ever. Cecil and Amias took a moment to observe Mochi, speechless.

"I know," you said, "He's so fluffy."

Cecil laughed, not his usual sultry chuckle or beautiful laugh with an intent to make someone's heart flutter. A genuinely carefree one, it was still just as pleasant to the ears. "This is quite the surprise." He looked at Mochi. "Aren't you adorable?"

Mochi barked as if to respond with 'yes!'

"Though, it is a shame. I couldn't see what you were doing because the apparitions were hiding you." Cecil sighed dramatically. "How unfair, I showed off my ability to you out in the open as well."

"But you also wanted to look good for the camera."

"Ah, caught me. It's fine. I'm sure I'll get many opportunities to see you in action." He smiled. "By the way, good job."

Hearing his compliment put a smile on your face and you felt a little proud of yourself.

A sly smile crept on Cecil's lips seeing your improved mood. "Would you like a reward?"

You gave him a thumbs up. "No thanks."

"(Y/n)..." Amias whispered. "It works now."

You looked at the holographic screen. Being out of the story mode meant the 'game' had reverted back to open world exploration. The teleport points weren't restricted anymore. You were glad that theory of yours was correct even if you weren't sure how much of the game rules applied here.

Cecil gave you a puzzled look. "What are you two referring to?"

Ah, right. Only you and Amias could see the screen.

"Don't worry about it." You dismissed Mochi, not after calling him a good boy and throwing affectionate head pats, and asked, "Cecil, wanna join us?"

"Dear, you know how my mind works. Are you purposefully being vague?"

"Yup. Exciting, isn't it?"

"Very."

You held out your hand. Anyone else would've asked why you were extending out your hand all of a sudden, but Cecil took it without a question and even kissed the back of it. You playfully rolled your eyes to hide the fact that you were flustered. You gestured to Amias which teleport point to click on before holding onto his shoulder. The entire time, Cecil watched you two with a curious gaze.

"I recommend you close your eyes," you whispered to him.

After a swift teleportation, you almost fell backwards at the sudden change in ground. You knew that the teleport point spawned you on top of a tall building, but you weren't prepared to be right on the edge of it. The sky's dark red hue stained the dilapidated city and the rain that poured also matched the colour. The air hung thick with the daunting nature of death and the most prominent sound that reverberated in your ears was the low grumbles of an incoming storm.

"You two have a knack for being puzzling, don't you. Not that I'm complaining," Cecil said, followed up with a flirtatious wink at you and Amias. "It excites me."

Excites him––god, why does he need to say it in that tone?

You diverted your attention away from Cecil. Below, there were crowds of SF candidates. Most struggled to exorcise the apparitions, desperately trying to do enough damage to bid time to retreat. A good few weren't having any trouble and kept pressing forward, a couple lay unconscious due to the abnormal apparitions, a group––either confident or blissfully ignorant––were still acting as if the danger ahead wasn't something to be cautious about, some were possessed or were fighting against possession, and...

Your breath hitched.

More than you'd like to see laid dead––it ranged from peaceful expressions as if they were simply sleeping to bodies that delineated very well that the person had suffered greatly before their death.

"Ah, some people are trying to look good for the camera. It can be both a smart and stupid decision to make," Cecil commented, noting the group of people diving head first into danger.

"Why is that?" Amias asked.

"There's a popular assumption that, other than survival, gaining approval of the public is another criteria to be an SF member. Think about it, if it was just about survival there's no way the numbers will narrow down enough or the trial to act as a proper testament of one's capability. There are too many loopholes. You can hide out until the clock stops, you can play dirty, you can get lucky and not encounter as many apparitions as others––you get the point."

"At the end of the day, they're still assumptions," you added. "Though, the whole loophole argument is valid. There's more to the trial than survival."

Cecil nodded. "I wonder what it is."

You had a good grasp on the true reasons for these cameras. To put it simply, being shunned by society sometimes makes for a perfect recipe for an apparition. How were the SF force members selected? That was up to your survival and the chairman. The public eye was there for the added pressure and for the aftermath of those who failed. There is more to it but...Well, it's better to think about it later.

"I'll be heading off to do my own thing!" Cecil said. "Plenty of cameras means I can show off a lot more. I hope more people come to my bar after this."

After blowing a kiss towards you and Amias, Cecil made his way down. Amias was dumbfounded while you sighed. When you played the game, you would 100% simp over Cecil's flirtatious antics. Good times.

"If you need my help, just say the word," Amias said.

You paused. "Why do you trust me so much?"

He was quiet for a moment, eyebrows slightly furrowing. "I feel like... you can help me understand something."

Understand what? You'd have to contemplate his words later. Right now you needed to focus on the vengeful apparition.

"I'm going to head down. Stay safe, alright?"

Amias looked like a kicked puppy for a moment. "You're going alone?"

You had to mentally bonk yourself to not fall for his expression. "Yeah, I have something to take care of."

You looked over the edge of the building. If you fell without a plan, your bones would perform a million curses on you. Taking a few steps back and whispering a quick prayer, you jumped off the building.

A scream almost left your throat. The sensation of falling and seeing the world rush you in a blur was exhilarating, but also terrifying. Stunts like these were done effortlessly by the characters in the game––just how?! If the cameras focused over to you and displayed your reckless stunt all over the holographic screens, you would not be surprised.

You summoned Mochi mid air and climbed on top of him. The wolf was huge and you immediately felt safe burying yourself in his soft and fluffy white fur. Mochi landed perfectly on the ground and a thin dust cloud scattered from his claws at the harsh impact. You allowed a moment to appreciate the fact that you managed to pull off whatever that was. You jumped off Mochi, gave him your thanks, then dismissed him.

Looking up, you saw yourself staring back at the holographic screen. The blue from the digital rectangle shone brightly against the dark red in the sky. You pulled down your mask just to smile confidently at the camera as if to say 'watch this'.

Eyes were most likely watching you attentively. A support member with a hidden ability––that would most likely be everyone's first assumption. The next connection would probably be that your ability was similar to Cecil's. Eventually, people will realise that Mochi was an apparition.

I'll find a way to deal with the backlash when the time comes.

You ran straight towards the source of the storm. Seeing a support member diving headfirst into danger evoked two main reactions: being exasperated by your recklessness or one's pride being hurt seeing a support member show more initiative than most defence and offence members.

Yup, you now had a trail of other SF candidates wanting to challenge the vengeful apparition as well.

"I know I expected this, but freaking hell."

Summon your pen, click the back of it, rip the right paper out of the book, and bring out Mochi. It's gotten to the point where these sequences were as natural as breathing. You stopped running for a moment to point ahead.

"Hold them off."

The wolf barked happily and you chuckled at his enthusiasm. While running, you stole a brief moment to glance over your shoulder to marvel at how the wolf towered over everyone. Did... Did Mochi grow even larger? The candidates might as well be ants to him.

The intensity of the rain picked up and you thought it was hailing for a moment with how heavy each raindrop was. You kept your gaze low to avoid it from getting in your eyes and it seems like there wasn't a step you could take without drenching your feet in a puddle. Howling winds, intense rain that created walls of water, furiously freezing temperature, endless roars from thunder; just how much control did this vengeful apparition have over the weather?

"I'm praying that I don't get killed by the rain before I even reach them."

Using an arm to shield your eyes, you pressed on forward. The most you could do was walk at a brisk pace if you wanted to maintain your balance against the wind. Pieces of buildings went flying and you barely dodged an incoming brick. The corner of your eye stung, it must've scratched you. Guess you can't keep your gaze low anymore.

As dangerous as it was, you kept going.

You were someone who desired for something more in their life, you were someone who lived through the pages of a book, someone who fulfilled their urge to take action through reading and writing tales. But now, you were given an opportunity to personally take action without the boundary of fiction.

Those were the thoughts that fueled your strength and quelled your fear.

From the corner of your eye, you saw a few other SF candidates heading in the same direction and slowly catching up to you. With a frustrated sigh, you were about to dismiss Mochi and summon him here, but stopped when you noticed the SF candidates shadows moving abnormally. It elongated before suddenly leaping out of the ground and surrounding the group of people. Muffled cries were quiet against the rain.

You stood there, stunned. What the hell just happened?

A scream almost left you when someone emerged from the ground through your shadow.

"They're not dead, by the way," a boyish voice said. Silver diamond eyes glanced over in annoyance at the caged individuals. "Just trapped."

You'd recognise those unique eyes anywhere. Seriously, how was he not a main character in Anomalous and was tucked away behind some lore you'd only find if you bothered to delve into deep research?

"You're the kid I met earlier in the trial!"

He gave you an exasperated look when you referred to him as a kid. With a drawn out sigh, he waved his hand in a dismissive motion and darkness closed in on you.

The boy's voice drifted in the darkness. "No one should see us."

"Hold on a second. This is what happened to me last time. So, it was because of you."

"Are you done with the questions?"

"That wasn't even a question––"

"Ughhh, this is why I didn't wanna do this."

You furrowed your eyebrows and quickly summoned Mochi for light. When you located the kid, you said, "Okay, explain what's going on."

"Walk with me." He saw your uncertain expression. "Just trust me."

"You know, I have somewhere to be."

"I know that, that's why I'm doing this thing in the first place."

With a shrug, you followed the kid. It wasn't like you had a clue on how to escape the pitch black cage he put you in anyway. Similar to last time, it felt like walking in an endless void and making no progress despite the steps you were taking. At least you had a guide this time, though.

"Why are you here?" you asked.

He scrunched his nose. "I dunno how to explain it... We felt something strong and wanted to check it out."

Something strong? They're referring to the vengeful apparition, right?

"Where are the other two kids?"

"They're supposed to be fighting the bad guys so we don't get interrupted."

"The SF candidates? They're not all bad people."

"I don't care," he replied. "Anyway, so you're going to the... the."

"Vengeful apparition?"

"Vengeful apparition...that's what you call them?" He shrugged. "Yeah. I'll take you there."

You were surprised. "You're helping me?"

"I didn't want to, the others did."

"Still, you're helping me."

"Not me. I was dragged into this!"

"How?"

"Lost a game of rock paper scissors."

You feigned a hurt expression. "Wow, that's tragic."

"I swear they cheated––hey don't give me that look!"

You stifled a giggle. "What look?"

"Ugh, you're so annoying."

"You're right."

He glared daggers at you. Okay, you should probably stop messing with him. He may be a kid, but he was far from harmless. With how effortlessly he subdued the SF candidates and trapped you was enough of an indicator. From what was seen so far, his abilities looked like it had something to do with manipulating shadows.

He stopped walking. "Okay, that's all I'm gonna do."

"Am I close to the vengeful apparition?"

"Pretty much."

"But you never answered my previous question," you said. "Why help me?"

The child paused for a moment. "You're the only one who talked to us without wanting to exorcise us." He went behind and pushed you forward. "No more questions, okay? Go. Bye."

When you turned around, he had already melted into your shadow and disappeared. You dismissed Mochi when the darkness around you disappeared. You gasped at the onslaught of rain and wind that suddenly hammered down on you. The strong wind oppressed your body and your feet were glued to the ground.

The kid really did lead me closer to the vengeful apparition.

The wind swirled and created a wall of rain around you, everything past the water looked like a blur. And it wasn't long before black mist encompassed you and darkness filled your vision once again. This time, you didn't bring out Mochi. The calamity outside was muffled and no rain and wind weighed you down. Though it was still freezing, it was eerily peaceful.

A few seconds of silence elapsed before you called out to the darkness, "Alastor. That's your name, I'm sure of it."

Your breath was suddenly stolen––and not in the romantic way––and you doubled over. Possession from a vengeful apparition was still difficult as hell to manage despite your improvements, huh?

"The students...school..." You were constantly fighting for your consciousness and getting a word out took a million times more effort. "They..."

Talking in this condition isn't going to work. Guess plan B it is.

Vengeful apparitions utilised their ability to access an individual's memory to manipulate their emotions. They target insecurities, past grudges, haunting pasts, anything to perpetuate an individual's negativity. Frustration was one of them. You recalled the theory you crafted that was most likely the cause of the vengeful apparition's death and felt immense frustration.

You were going to allow the apparition to possess you and let full reign over your body and mind. Hopefully, through that, they can sense your emotions and understand where you are coming from. You were betting on that they would be willing to cooperate after. You relaxed your body and closed your eyes, allowing your consciousness to fade. Before you passed out, you faintly made out a pair of red eyes.



===



When Amias saw you jump off the building, he almost dove after you without a plan in mind. He stopped himself when you summoned a book and tore off a page. Amias was speechless for a moment at how swiftly you took action and how beautifully the blue light lit up your features.

She's safe.

"Of course she'd have a plan, she jumped off on purpose..." he mumbled to himself before chuckling softly. "I should head down as well."

Amias teleported in quick and short successions before eventually reaching the ground with a thud. Though you made it clear that you were going off on your own, he still felt the urge to go after you.

The rain fell heavily and large puddles were created. He should be more mindful of his footwork so he doesn't slip. There was also that fact that his teleportation abilities generated small amounts of electricity so being cautious of others around him was another thing he needed to keep in mind.

Underneath the clamorous thunder and instances where a blinding flash of light would tear apart the sky, Amias could make out the indignant and incredulous yells of the other SF candidates.

"What is that support member doing?!"

"What the hell is that?! A wolf?"

"Just what did she create?!"

"It keeps dodging me, I can't exorcise it!"

People rushed towards the wolf to enact physical damage, but phased right through it. That's when the idea that the wolf was an apparition settled in their head. With a quick flick of its tail, the wolf pushed back the group of people.

So the wolf can touch us, but we can't touch it.

Amias took a step back, intimidated by the wolf's height. Just before when he saw it with you, it was roughly double his height and size. Now, it had grown much larger. Amias heard that animal apparitions were often harmless, but there were occasionally hostile ones. However, those were easier to deal with as they don't have a desire to possess humans or a rationale mind.

The wolf you summoned was unfamiliar territory. At least, that's what Amias thought. He wasn't in this city for long so he wasn't sure if he picked up on the mindset and perspectives of the people here well.

Someone managed to get close enough to exorcise the wolf, but when the ability went for the wolf, it was deflected by a barrier. A barrier made up off indiscernible words.

"What the hell is that?!" someone yelled.

"You're kidding... How do we get rid of it?!"

The wolf's striking light blue eyes met Amias's, but it showed no signs of animosity. Amias carefully walked past the wolf and it made no efforts to stop him. Maybe it's because (Y/n) said I was a teammate? It bared its fangs to the SF candidates and growled, which intimidated Amias even though the hostility wasn't directed at him.

How did you make the apparition your ally? Was it an ability of yours? Did it have something to do with that book?

"What are you doing? Exorcise it!" someone shouted, frustrated at the fact that Amias was standing next to the wolf idly.

"Why? It's not hurting us," he said. "You're the ones attacking."

The wolf was only defending itself and not permitting people to pass. The entire fight can be avoided if people simply turned away, which was probably for the best considering the danger that laid up ahead. If the wolf was truly hostile, Amias believed that these people wouldn't be conscious right now. After all, the sharp claws and canines weren't just for show.

The wolf barked at Amias and, for some reason, he felt like it was asking what he was doing.

"I'm worried about (Y/n)," he said.

Satisfied with his answer, the wolf allowed Amias to slip by without an issue. However, it wasn't long before it suddenly disappeared.

Did something happen to (Y/n)?

With the wolf gone, people were advancing again. Amias felt inclined to push them away. He was certain you were heading towards the vengeful apparition with a good reason in mind and he didn't want anyone to interrupt you. He glanced down at his hands. Should I?

Amias hesitated. He didn't want to fight others, but when he remembered what these people said about you, his heart tightened and he clenched his hands.

"Thank god that thing is gone," a member spat.

"That bitch thinks she's hot working with an apparition, huh?"

That feeling worsened when he heard those words.

Before Amias could do anything, a crack ripped open the ground––he was barely able to dodge in time––and a piece of the earth was lifted before it launched directly towards the exorcists. Amias could've teleported and pushed the individual out of the way, but he paused for a brief moment when he remembered what they referred to you as.

And that one split second caused the individual to get hit and get crushed under the debris. No one is taking care of them. They'll freeze to death. He should have felt concerned, but he couldn't bring himself to.

High pitched giggles echoed around the area, one belonging to a girl and one to a boy. No matter how hard Amias tried to search for them, the most he could see were occasional flashes of ash blonde lines. Whatever, whoever it was, they were so fast that his eyes were unable to keep up.

Just what was going on?

Confusion and frustration muddled amongst the SF candidates. It was difficult to exorcise what you can't see. Some people even began to lift pieces of the ground themselves with their abilities and throw it wherever they could. Amias was left perplexed at the futile attempt. It was clearly ineffective, so why were people wasting energy like this?

Esper abilities, huh? Amias recalled when Elias explained that to him.

"So, along with exorcism, people can move buildings and such?" Amias asked.

Elias nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Buildings are a bit of a stretch. Simple objects at most such as a lamp. Though, with training it can eventually lead to something like that."

"If I train hard, I can move a building?"

"You seem awfully enthusiastic about moving a building."

Amias chuckled sheepishly. "Ah, sorry. The thought was kind of cool."

"Well, think what you will. But I think you were gifted with a far more interesting ability," Elias said. "Not everyone can teleport."

"I suppose so...I'm not sure how I got this ability, though."

Elias chuckled. "You really do need everything explained to you, don't you?"

"S-sorry."

"No need to apologise. I promised you that I'll help you to the best of my abilities. The concept is quite simple. Some individuals were born with more advanced exorcism abilities, special abilities as many like to classify them as. Those part of the SF force are a good example." He smiled. "And, well, you're also an example."

Elias's explanation was helpful, but it didn't explain the holographic screen in Amias's possession. But (Y/n) might be able to explain.

More apparitions came rushing in. Amias heard you refer to some of them as abnormal and irregular apparitions at one point. One of them opened its jaw and let out a screech. Amias winced. It sounded like a mix of anger and desperation. Another dove into someone, a black substance shoveling itself into the individual's mouth as they choked and struggled to fend against the possession. A black liquid dribbled from their eyes and lips and Amias had to turn away and cover his ears at the horrified scream that ripped from the person's throat.

Then, they collapsed. Dead. And the abnormal apparition let out what seems to be a disappointed scoff.

I should've helped him, but... Didn't they have it coming?

Amias was shocked at himself. Since when did he think like that? Was it because the person who died was the same one who was bad mouthing you? The inability to sort out the conflict within him left Amias feeling disconcerted. Back when he was confined, the emotions he experienced were a lot clearer to him. First, it was gratitude, then it was longing, then determination, afterwards was frustration, followed by despair, and finally hope.

He turned his head away from the scene. It seems like the giggles had stopped as well. Did they leave?

Up ahead, there was a tornado of rain that would leave anyone in awe. However, all of a sudden, the rain stopped, the thunder settled, and the wind eased. Everyone held their breaths in the peaceful air. What happened to the vengeful apparition?

Apparitions still lurked around, but without the intense storm they were taken care of much faster. Once that was done, all gazes were fixated up front. Amias's eyes widened at what he saw.

"(Y/n)...?"

You were hunched over, head down and hair covering your expression. Slowly, you got up to your feet, massaged your shoulders and let out a sigh. When you fluttered your eyes open, Amias's breath hitched. Red. Your eyes were glowing a menacing crimson, the bold colour juxtaposing your apathetic expression.

A few irregular and abnormal apparitions made their way over to attack you, but immediately backed off, terrified. Irregular apparitions remained still and abnormal apparition closed their jaws and remained silent. They stood by your side, docile like loyal dogs and not the deadly monsters they were before.

You yawned and stretched your arms, flexing your fingers then cracking your knuckles. No, that wasn't you. That was...

"The vengeful apparition," Amias mumbled.

Disrupting the silence as everyone comprehended what was happening, someone shouted out,

"The vengeful apparition is weakened! They made the dumb move to possess the support member!"

Amias felt irritated by that comment.

Your eyes narrowed and you tilted your head. "Weaker?"

It was your voice, but Amias had never heard you speak with so little emotion. Your tone was low and your volume was moderate, but Amias could hear you loud and clear.

It started off with one person taking a step forward. That catalysed everyone else to charge at you. A mixture of lines were shouted by many, but Amias heard one specific sentence.

"It'll be easier to kill her!"

His blood ran cold. Kill her...?

A building crumbled and collapsed. It was going to fall on you. The exorcists used their abilities together to get the already dilapidated building to hit you. Amias didn't have time to express his vexation. Heartbeat racing and panic mauling his body, he immediately teleported and tried to get to you as soon as possible.

But a dismissive flick of your hand sent an abnormally strong wind that knocked him back. Red eyes stared at the falling debris. You didn't move at all. Instead, a yawn left you. Amias paled. Was the vengeful apparition trying to get you killed?

Crash! The building plummeted on top of you you.

"(Y/n)?! (Y/n)!"

Muffling Amais's desperate pleas, the other exorcists cheered.

"Hah! It didn't even try to fight back!"

"Support members will always be weak even when possessed by a vengeful apparition, huh?"

Amias gave them a horrified look. They... they didn't even hesitate...

But their celebration was cut short. A hand shot up through from what looks to be a piece of a wall and gripped it, nails digging into the material. You lifted yourself up, blood dripped from your face and splattered on the debris. You heaved an exhausted sigh as if someone had disturbed a peaceful nap, a minor inconvenience that would evoke a moment of annoyance.

You ran a hand through your hair and swept it back. The red in your eyes illuminated in a way that Amias thought was both bewitchingly captivating and terrifying, especially with how it complimented the crimson liquid trickling down your forehead. You took off your mask and threw it on the ground. Lips pressed in a thin line, you cast an unimpressed look at those who tried to bring the building down.

An exasperated sigh left your lips. "Seriously? I had to heal her for a second time?"

A/n: Just imagining the reader acting all cool with red eyes and kicking ass is vv *chef's kiss* If you imagine the reader to already have red eyes---uh, imagine another hue? Lol

Also yeah there are probably 848973489 typos in this chapter why does this always happen to me