I don’t remember what happened in the past. I don’t remember my parents. I don’t remember my childhood… My earliest memory began… inside a cage.

*Uuuuh~~~ah~~~~ha..ha...hah…*

*Snap! Snap!* The sting of the whip on my skin… At first like searing fire, then fading until I felt no pain at all.

*Ah~~ya~~~~uuuh~~uh… ah…*

They… the ones in black masks… sewed my eyes shut with needle and thread. The darkness made me crave light… even just the faint glow beyond the iron bars. I loved watching dawn’s light slip through the window into my cell… Placing my hand in that beam brought warmth.

They hung me from the ceiling. I lost touch with the earth. Though the wounds grew numb, so did the taste of being alive… This must be how the undead feel about the world… emptiness…

One day, I must have been curled on the floor when a rat scurried past. It always gnawed my hair… I felt no pain, but its nibbling reminded me I was still human.

That light—even in this darkness, I could see it. I no longer craved light… because my eyes were filled with it.

I wouldn’t die even without food or water. Why? I didn’t know. It was innate…

*Creak… CLANG! Scraaape… CRACK…*

*Ugh… nngh…*

Blinding light. The stitches over my eyes were cut away. I saw a man in lavish robes, flanked by others in similar garb, observing me.

"My lord… this is the one."

"Hmm. Looks like a boy of twelve or thirteen… Hard to believe the Holy Scion would appear thus. Place him in the insect vat… I wish to witness the birth of the Insect King."

"Yes, your command shall be obeyed…"

They dragged me to a circular arena ringed by towering walls. Round holes and iron gates dotted the stone. I was thrown to the ground. A basin of fragrant meat landed before me. Its rich aroma made my mouth water. Others like me—*if we could still be called human*—were dumped nearby. Eleven in total. Meat lay before each of us.

My shackles were unlocked. The first thing I did was… eat! I devoured the meat desperately. It was delicious! I needed more!

They did the same, gorging like starving beasts…

Gradually, more objects fell. Weapons. They clattered against the wall behind us…

Everyone understood: only one of us would leave alive today.

Chaos erupted. One man lunged for a heavy warhammer. But as he stood, a faster figure slit his throat with a dagger… Only to be shot down by an archer, whose thrown dagger then avenged him.

Killing and being killed. I ignored it all, focused only on eating. I knew… I’d be the last one standing. I wouldn’t die. Why did I know? It was innate…

Finally, only the man with the spiked shield and flail remained. He strode toward me. I’d just finished the meat.

"RAAAH~~~!"

The flail swung at me. I sidestepped, stomping the chain to the ground. He abandoned it, charging with his spiked shield… I leapt, stepping off its edge to vault over his head. Hanging upside down, I locked my arms around his neck… and slammed him into the earth. I knew it hurt. He crashed hard. I pounced, driving a freshly gnawed bone shard deep into his eye… Gripping his head as he screamed, thrashed, and wept… Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword. I didn’t stop until his struggles ceased, his breath gone… Then I rose and released him.

A shadow dropped from above, knocking me unconscious… He wasn’t strong. Given time, I’d have crushed him like an ant. Why did I know? It was innate…

"From today, this Holy Sword is yours. I appoint you Captain of the Feather of Light Knights…"

*Hmph…* That sword always belonged to me. It was born to serve me. I’ve always known these things. Fool.

---

Over mountains… across plains, from dawn’s first light to sunset’s glow, then beneath a star-strewn sky—the Pipe Captain led, the white-robed youth followed.

Riding the Freedom Wind in flight form, they’d raced toward the kingdom’s heart for a full day and night. The mysterious boy gave the Pipe Captain an odd feeling: no hostility, yet no warmth either. Not an enemy… so why accept his help so readily? Truth was, he couldn’t shamelessly return to his ship for a map. A free guide… he’d use him for now.

"We’re here… land."

The boy’s voice was harsh, but the Pipe Captain nodded without hesitation and descended.

They touched down in a forest. Pitch darkness surrounded them, but the Pipe Captain’s night vision revealed the youth unfastening the Freedom Wind bracer.

"Keep it. It’s yours… The Freedom Wind. A precision flight device. Payment for guiding me."

"Thank you…"

The boy accepted it readily, then reached into what seemed like thin air. He pulled out a robe and tossed it to the Pipe Captain.

"A spatial storage pocket?"

"Mm."

"Who taught you that?"

"Don’t know… It’s innate… Wear this robe. And this—the Archbishop’s vestments and insignia."

"…Understood."

He changed into the white robe trimmed with crimson, hanging the insignia around his neck.

"Later, tell them… ‘this year’s baptism quota’ requires careful reconsideration.’ You’ll see the child. And… I hope you find her still alive."

"Understood… Thank you."

The white-robed youth nodded, turning to leave.

"Your name? I never asked…"

"…I am Bai."

"Bai?"

What kind of name was that? He’d use it for now. *Must reach Sasha… What did ‘still alive’ mean?*

They approached a monastery atop a low hill overlooking a village. Bai knocked on the heavy door. Footsteps approached. A burly, intimidating man peered through a window slit.

"Who goes—? *Archbishop?!* Forgive my insolence! I’ll open at once!"

The thug recognized the Pipe Captain—disguised as Dracula—in full Archbishop regalia, face stern.

"Hmph… Who commands here? Making me wait so long… Clearly, your ‘baptism quota for this year’ requires careful reconsideration…"

"Ah! Forgive me, Your Eminence! I’ll alert the High Priest immediately! No—*I’ll take you to him myself!*"

Sweating, the man bowed low, then ushered them forward with forced cheer. His attempt at a smile was uglier than a sob—like a cabbage ripped apart by hand, his jowls folding into grotesque wrinkles.

"…Lead on."

Inside, the monastery loomed grandly: a three-story main building spanning acres. Yet no crops grew—only ornamental flowers. Below, the village showed crumbling huts… emaciated corpses in corners… survivors with sickly pallor, children running half-naked. Two worlds.

"Praise the Seven True Gods…"

A plump, elderly priest with a gentle face performed a sacred bow: hands crossed, head lowered, then rising to press palms together in reverence.

"Praise… the Seven True Gods…"

The Pipe Captain mirrored the gesture perfectly, his posture even more precise.

"Heh heh… Welcome, Your Eminence. I am Priest Superior Xiu Si…"

Xiu Si waited for an introduction. The Pipe Captain had no idea whose insignia he wore—he’d forgotten to ask Bai.

"*Ahem*… Xiu Si. My mission forbids revealing my identity. For your own safety… His Holiness would be… displeased. Very displeased."

"Oh! Ha… Of course! Of course! This way, Your Eminence…"

*Success!* The Pipe Captain exhaled inwardly as Xiu Si led them to an opulent hall. He was seated at the head table. Xiu Si scurried off, returning with ledgers and maps.

"Your Eminence, please review… This quarter’s pious donations. And… other monastery revenues…"

"Mm."

The Pipe Captain flipped pages, feigning scrutiny. Xiu Si kept stealing glances at his face—but read nothing there.

*Can’t understand any of this. How do I find Sasha? What now…*

After a moment, he set the ledgers aside, sitting upright. Xiu Si beamed from a side chair.

"Have you reviewed them, Your Eminence? Are they satisfactory?"

*How to ask about Sasha…?*

"Hmph… You think *this* is enough to satisfy me?"

"Your Eminence! I serve His Holiness and the nation with utmost diligence! My loyalty—"

"*Enough.* The baptism quota… You understand its importance?"

"Yes! Yes! I do!"

"This humble monastery’s quota… requires reconsideration."

"…Ah. I understand. I understand…"

*Understand what? I was still figuring out my next move!*

"Your Eminence, this way… It’s… not on this floor. Follow me… heh… follow me…"

The Pipe Captain glanced at Bai. A slight nod. He rose and followed Xiu Si. They left the room, winding through endless corridors—the monastery’s layout was a maze. At last, they reached stairs descending underground. Xiu Si glanced back at Bai. Seeing no objection from the "Archbishop," he led them to a small door. He unlocked it, then touched a candlestick beside it.

The doorknob was just for show. The real mechanism was the candlestick... It was a sliding door.

"Incantation—Light!"

A floating orb of light appeared in Xiu's palm. He led the way ahead. The three descended the stairs. The air hung heavy with mildew and a faint stench. Pipe recognized it well—the reek of decaying human flesh.

"Since you arrived in time, my lord, we still have a few finished products... But only two are decent enough to choose from. The others have already been sent away."

"Hmm... Take me to see them."

What was this place?! Pipe followed Xiu deep underground. Ahead lay a dark, flat expanse with stone pillars. Pitch black... a damp, stuffy cavern. Cell-like rooms lined the walls. Torture devices were visible. A table bore bloodstains and tools—knives and strange instruments lay in a pool. Sniffing, Pipe detected wine from the water.

"Please be seated, my lord. I'll fetch them."

Xiu settled Pipe into a comfortable chair, lit torches, and left. He returned shortly, leading a child by the hand. The child had delicate features, neat short hair, and rosy skin. But their gait was odd. Their eyes seemed fixed, unblinking—as if soulless...

"Behold, my lord. This one is exceptional. We rarely produce three or five such specimens a year... Originally for another bishop, but since you arrived first, it's yours."

"Hmm... Not bad..."

"Observe... The skin is well-maintained. We used new methods... The chest was modified with alchemy and spells—no protrusion. In robes, no one will suspect she's a girl. Heh... Considering lords' preferences, we altered other areas. The rear is less accessible. Slight adjustments there, but the front remains untouched... Absolutely... heh... pristine."

"Hmm... Any others?"

"Not satisfied? Then I'll go fetch—"

"No need. I'll choose myself."

Ignoring Xiu, Pipe activated Life Perception. Distant life signs flickered—pale white flames brimming with vitality. None matched Sally's... But as Pipe neared despair, near the right wall... a feeble life flame flickered, nearly extinguished. That familiar sensation was strikingly similar to Sally's. It was her! Sasha!

Ignoring Xiu, Pipe strode to the wall... He crouched and lifted a frail girl. Skin and bones... Her light chestnut hair was matted with grime. Her body reeked of filth, covered in scarred wounds—abrasions, gashes, bruises, scratches, whip marks everywhere. Her small face was etched with terror. She struggled to escape Pipe's embrace, trying to shrink into the corner.

"Brilliant! My lord has a keen eye! She's nine and a half! Her name is... Sasha... or Sarah... Your unique taste is exceptional! Look... how pitifully adorable. We haven't modified her, only lightly trained her... If you like her, I'll have her prepared overnight..."

"Sasha... Sasha... Look at me... I'm your sister's friend. Do you know your sister? Do you know Sally? Sasha..."

At Sally's name, Sasha still struggled, fearing inhuman treatment.

"Eh... ah..."

"What did you say? Why can't she speak?"

Bai, in the corner, stepped forward. He examined Sasha's throat...

"Poisoned mute by drugs..."

"You... Could it be... you're not priests? You're not priests!"

Hearing Xiu's roar, Pipe's fury threatened to erupt. But he forced it down deep. He feared hurting Sasha. He didn't want to let go—releasing her might make her shrink back, harming or scaring her.

"Bai, please do me a favor... I beg you..."

Bai didn't reply. He drew his slender silver longsword. Light erupted from the blade, engulfing it in flames...

Xiu jolted. He fumbled for a bell, shaking it frantically while running out. He cast defensive spells.

"Spell—Wall of Obstruction!"

"Spell—Barrier!"

"Spell—Petrified Body!"

"Sp... Argh... Aaaaaah!!"

Xiu looked down—the flaming sword pierced his body from back to chest. Flames consumed him, reducing him to ashes. Shadows flickered in the corridor—many rushed down. But Bai shot forward like a shooting star... His sword, blazing with light, thrust and pierced the narrow space. Anyone he struck turned to ashes... Chasing the attackers, Bai descended like an angel judging sins... Purifying this evil place with white flames.

"Once upon a time, an old man and his kind wife lived by the blue sea... In a broken mud hut... For thirty-three years... The old man cast his net for fish... The old woman spun yarn... One day, he cast his net... Pulled up only seaweed... Cast again... Only sea grass... The third time, he caught a fish... Not ordinary—a golden fish."

Recalling the tale, Pipe gently patted Sasha's back. He used his pirate skill, 'Coaxing'... to recite 'The Fisherman and the Golden Fish'... His flat tone was terrible storytelling, devoid of emotion. Yet his voice seemed magical... Its strange power pierced the battered, closed heart of the little girl...

"In the end... he returned to the old woman. Lo... the hut was still the broken shack. His wife sat on the threshold, holding the wooden basin... Everything returned to the beginning..."

The story ended. Sasha had fallen asleep... She slept soundly in his arms... Snoring softly...

"Yes, everything will return to the beginning... It will all go back... It will all go back..."

The distant battle sounds faded... Bai appeared in the corridor, not a speck of blood on him. The killing intent in his icy eyes gradually dissipated...