Published at 3rd of May 2026 9:54 am

Chapter 200: The Mice Will Play

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Chapter 200: The Mice Will Play

There wasnt much natural wildlife left in the freelands.

Most species that had survived the Convergence were things that lived underground, burrowed deep, or crawled through places where life barely held on. Right now, every worm, mole, and insect in the soil was fleeing as far from Seo-jin as their tiny bodies could manage.

Your Future Sight?

Seo-jins voice came out cold enough to cut.

The tone alone nearly made Teals legs give out, but somehow she held herself upright, nails digging into her palms as she fought to keep her teeth from chattering.

Y-yes.

When did you see this?

A loud, ugly gulp slipped down Teals throat.

When I was in that space after you fought the giant.

Seo-jin leaned in close.

The red glow in his eyes felt like twin suns burning straight into her face, and Teals breath caught sharp in her chest.

Why didnt you say anything earlier?

Her knees nearly buckled under the weight of it, but she locked them before she dropped.

You had already said you were going to finish the dungeon as fast as possible. I didnt think telling you would help anything until we got out.

He stayed there, close enough that she could feel the pressure of him, his stare unblinking. Her thoughts started to spiral. Her skin went pale as sweat rolled cold down her brow despite the night air. She flinched the second he finally spoke.

Tell me what you saw. But in the future, you do not get to decide what is good for me or not. If you hold off on telling me about your visions again, I will tear your arms off. You understand?

Teal nodded so hard her neck hurt.

Shed lived around enough monsters to recognize one when it stood in front of her, and Seo-jin mightve been the worst yet. She had no intention of landing on his bad side.

So with her pulse hammering and her voice shaking, she told him everything exactly as she saw it.

Just know, my visions arent perfect. I dont see everything, but this one was bad.

Her eyes shut for a moment as the memory slammed back into her. A shiver ran through her body, sharp enough to rattle her breath, but she kept going.

I saw Shatterbay. It was night. Then I saw docks... Dead Hands tags everywhere. Bodies too. I saw a warehouse explode, and inside was a man from the church. He was surrounded by an aura of pure light

She faltered there.

Her gaze dropped to the dirt, fingers twitching at her sides as she fidgeted, but one look up at Seo-jin still staring down at her tore the rest loose.

The last thing I saw was a man. He was tied to something... and

Say it.

His arms and legs were gone.

The words came out thin.

Was he bald?

She nodded, throat tight.

And youre sure this has already happened?

With my visions, theres another part to them. I call them impressions.

Her voice shook, but she forced it steady.

I get feelings. Concepts. Things that come with the images. Its hard to explain, but after so many years, Ive learned how to read them.

She swallowed hard.

What happened already passed. Also... the angel is waiting for you.

The night suddenly felt colder.

Thats why the bald man is still alive. Im not completely sure, but... I think the angel wants him to watch you die.

Finally, Seo-jin leaned back, and the pressure crushing Teals lungs eased just enough for her to breathe again. Still, as she watched him in the dark, shoulders tense and skin damp with sweat, it didnt feel like safety. It felt like a predator had only stopped pacing.

A flash of crimson system light made Teal squint, but once it faded, her eyes widened as she fumbled and caught the flask Seo-jin tossed her.

Anything else?

With shaking hands, she popped the top and threw back a shot. The burn hit hard enough to make her inhale sharp through her teeth.

Nothing.

The second she confirmed it, before her mind could even catch up, one of Seo-jins serpents lunged and swallowed her whole.

Her last thought before she dissapeared was of the only thing she had held back. The final image, the one part of her vision that hadn't happened yet. Seo-jin bloody and broken beneath the glowing heel of the angel.

Normally she wouldn't have held this back, but while the angel stood over Seo-jin, the final attack raised about to land, Seo-jin said something in hopes of saving his life. His true-name.

If he found out she knew it, her death was more than certain.

[This is bad.]

No shit.

Turning away, Seo-jin walked back toward the burning log as firelight flickered across his eyes. John was still sprawled on the ground nearby, chest heaving hard beneath the crushing pressure.

Before John could speak, Bahamut stretched down and devoured him. At the same time, Tiamats maw split open and began spitting out wet clumps onto the earth. Seconds later, Min, Pain, Panic, and Snare stood around Seo-jin, dirt and phlegm clinging to boots and claws alike.

The broodlings immediately dropped to one knee, heads bowed.

Min didnt.

She stared at Seo-jin instead, brows pulling tight as the heat from the fire brushed one side of her face.

Whats wrong?

Slowly, Seo-jin let the bloodlight bleeding off him dim as he forced himself back under control.

Then he looked at Min. Really looked at her. The expression hit hard enough to make her gut twist.

Our turf came under attack while we were away. Everyone is dead besides Gregor... but hes heavily wounded.

A yellow aura erupted from Min, blasting loose dirt outward, while bloodlight and fire burst from the broodlings.

Who dares?

Mins rage was already boiling hot, breath coming hard through her nose, but the second Seo-jin answered, her fury hit something cold and stalled.

The Church of Light. Specifically... an angel.

Unlike Min, the anger rolling off the broodlings only deepened.

Snare rose smoothly, his eyes burning like live coals in the dark.

What are your orders, Broodfather?

And just like that, shame hit Min low in the gut.

At the mention of the church, her hesitation clawed up. Her thoughts started spiraling through old fears, old instincts, old possibilities.

The broodlings didnt hesitate. Not even an inch.

Teal saw all this using her Future Sight, and I have no reason to doubt her. From what she says, an angel is waiting for me to return, and he is keeping Gregor alive until I do.

Seo-jins voice stayed flat, steady.

So we will take our time getting back.

What?!

The word tore out of Min so hard her throat burned.

What about Gregor?! He just supposed to wait?! We should fucking go right now!

Watch your tone, human.

Snare spoke, and both he and Panics auras flared hotter as they stared her down, pressure thickening the air between them.

What the fuck are you gonna do about it?

Min stepped forward, shoulders tight and fists clenched, but before she could close the gap, a hand like a steel vice clamped around her arm.

Pain.

She jerked hard, but his grip didnt move at all.

Anger doesnt help. Calm down and listen.

The words hit hard enough that not just Min, but Seo-jin, Snare, and Panic all turned to Pain in open surprise. For a second, even Min forgot to fight. That alone made her back down half a step.

Human smart.

Panic poked Min in the side with his tail, then immediately jabbed it toward Snare.

But little brother is smarter.

Their bickering barely registered. Seo-jin was already thinking ahead, jaw tight as he weighed every angle. No matter what path he chose, there would be risk. He just needed the one withthe fewest obstacles.

Broodfather, may I make a suggestion?

Go ahead.

Ignoring Mins stare boring into the side of his skull, Snare lowered his staff and began carving lines through the dirt at their feet.

If everyone is in the growths, then traveling at your full speed, there is about an hours travel back to Shatterbay. Am I correct to say we have twelve days left?

Seo-jin nodded.

Twelve days isnt a lot, but its enough.

Snares staff scratched deeper, dividing rough paths in the soil.

Whatever the Woon corporation is planning, we dont want to return right as their plan is about to happen. So lets say we have nine days left to get back. That gives us enough time to separate and level.

Separate?!

Mins voice cracked like a whip.

Listen, you fucks can do what you want, but Im not letting Gregor suffer a second longer than

This time, Pain didnt stop her. Seo-jin did. He didnt move or raise a hand. He just looked at her. The warning in it hit like a blade against her throat, and Min felt it clear down to her spine.

One more word, and she knewknewhed put her down where she stood.

So her mouth snapped shut.

Snare cleared his throat, the night suddenly feeling much quieter.

We have an enemy waiting for us... one stronger than anything weve faced before.

Doing everything she could to choke down the anger climbing her throat, Min spoke through clenched teeth.

How do you know its not another Cherub?

Would Gregor be reduced to that state if it were just a Cherub?

Snares answer came instantly, his tone flat as his staff came to a stop.

Every Dead Hand he has a real emotional attachment to is with us. I highly doubt he would sacrifice himself for new recruits. Add in the Woon sanction. For someone to launch an attack under that restriction and still achieve results like this, the only reasonable explanation is that we are dealing with a high-level A-Rank angel.

Min wanted to argue. She really did, but she couldnt find a single flaw in his logic.

Before she could force one anyway, Snare kept moving, scribbling fresh marks into the ground.

Right now, our priority hasnt changed. We still need to get stronger, and the best way to do that is to split up.

He tapped one path with his staff.

Broodfather, Pain, Panic, and I will be one group. You and the rest of the humans and brood will be another.

He tapped the second route.

While your group moves closer to Shatterbay to avoid stronger enemies, you will lead them in farming as much experience as possible.

Min stared down at Snares rough dirt map, sneering as she folded her arms tight across her chest and forced herself to breathe.

What will you all be doing?

Snare straightened, then looked to Seo-jin. He said nothing, he only gave one sharp nod. Understanding immediately, Snare bowed his head slightly before turning back to Min.

We will be attempting Broodfathers class dungeon.

Class dungeon?!

Min whipped toward Seo-jin so fast her hair snapped with it, eyes going wide. She didnt need details. Shard varied just as much as their users, but some truths stayed the same, and class dungeons were one of them.

They were infamous. Brutal. The kind of place that either broke a User completely or changed them into something far worse. And if cleared, the rewards were monstrous.

This will be the best plan to ensure the greatest chance of success. As Broodfather stated, the angel is waiting and keeping Gregor alive until we return. We need to take advantage of that lack of judgment. To rush straight back unprepared would be extremely foolish... and wasteful.

Two long, guttural growls suddenly tore from Tiamat and Bahamut, sharp enough to cut through every other sound.

All talk stopped.

Everyones attention snapped to Seo-jin as the twin serpents coiled tighter around him, scales shifting in the firelight.

Snares plan is exactly what we will do. No complaints.

That last part was for Min. Her lip twitched, heat rising in her chest, but she swallowed whatever came with it before it could leave her mouth.

Dont think youre the only one who wants to rush back

Seo-jins bloodlight began to rise again. But this time, Min noticed something she never had before. The blood wasnt just rising.

It was boiling.

The air around him seemed to thicken as crimson rolled off his body in violent waves, and even standing nearby made her skin crawl.

An angel defiles my home while Im away. Kills my men... and now sits waiting for me in the rubble of my territory.

His voice stayed controlled. That somehow made it worse.

Everyone must think Im running scared.

The ground beneath him cracked under the pressure.

Me. The Butcher of Shatterbay. The Broodfather

All three broodlings instinctively stepped back. Heads lowered.

None of them dared meet their fathers eyes.

Min saw their reaction, and without thinking stepped back as well.

The Church of Light has chosen a path neither of us can turn from. So I will do everything I can to make them regret it.

His bloodlight pulsed hotter.

The Realm of Light has my full attention now."

Then his burning stare locked onto Min.

You will make sure the Brood grows while Im away. Don't disappoint me.

Silence settled hard as the fire cracked. Wind brushed dead grass. Slowly, with all three brothers still bowed, they each glanced toward Min

And froze.

Because Min was bowing too.

Yes, Broodfather.

Her voice came out tight, but steady.

She was slow sometimes, but she wasnt stupid. Deep down, Min had always known the truth. No matter how much they joked, no matter what they survived together, Seo-jin wasnt Seo-jin anymore.

He was a demon wearing her old friends skin.

Standing there beneath the heat of his bloodlight, she could see the dark in his eyes as he spoke, she knew this was the time to lower her headunless she wanted to lose it.

Seeing her bow, Seo-jin said nothing. He didnt need to.

The serpents immediately got to work, one by one, everyone except Slims was brought back out around the burning log.

John standing there among them caused instant noise. Questions. Confusion. A few sharp curses. But the second Seo-jins bloodlust rolled back over the group, it crushed the commotion flat.

Listen up. Snare is going to explain whats happening.

His expression and tone left no room for argument. He knew they would listen, so the moment the words left his mouth, he sent a thought through the link and moved.

With one clean leap, he landed atop Grimm, settling easily atop the ghost as Grimm lifted him skyward.

Hows Split-jaw?

Fine. Hes sleeping... well, not really sleeping, I guess. Ghosts dont sleep. He's in uhhhh... how do I put this?

Doesnt matter. As long as he is...okay?

Seo-jin cut himself off. Leaning forward sharply, his glowing eyes narrowed hard on the horizon.

No way...is that...? You gotta be kidding me. What the fuck are they doing here?

Far off in the dark, something impossible was rapidly closing the distance. Yu-na riding what looked like a giant skeletal vulture. And sitting behind her

Seo-jins eye twitched.

Ash. Waving like a complete idiot.

Hey, its Ash! Hope Triss is with himthere she is!

Grimm immediately started vibrating with excitement beneath him, his voice practically buzzing. The ghost had taken a bizarre liking to Ash.

Seo-jin, meanwhile, just sighed.

Of all possible moments...

Of all possible timing...

It felt like fate itself had decided to personally spit in his face, and then Yu-na got close enough for him to actually see her expression.

Hisstomach dropped.

She looks angry, boss. What'd you do?

Seo-jin stared at the incoming woman, the murderous look on her face, Ash still cheerfully waving behind her like he didnt sense death approaching.

Dont know. Sure Im gonna find out.

And judging by the speed she was coming in...

Probably right fucking now.

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