AUTHOR’S NOTE: Will be doing this in here because y’all might kill me after reading this chapter lmao

So the original draft for this was actually more than 16K and I literally had to reread and cut some stuff such as Mingi telling a lot of stuff about his Goddess and Jongho with the family thing so it became a 7.1K chapter and I literally vomited my love for Greek Mythology and Demonology here so yeah. Also, 72 demon pillars is related to Solomon and the reason why this chapter was delayed is because I was picking between Marchocias, Dantalion, Sitri, Bael and Belial for almost two days.

Once again, I’m sorry for what you’re about to read. And I oop—

°==============================°

       THEY sat near the bonfire when they finished eating as Mingi lets out a yawn as he pinched himself, trying his best to stay awake. And Yeosang never left Wooyoung’s side, knowing that the black-haired male is uncomfortable with their current situation. Everyone seems to be waiting for a signal and that made Hongjoong impatient with the deafening silence.

“Okay. I believe that we should be talking to each other right now, am I right?” Hongjoong said as he took a coin out, “The ones that can get it right can save themselves on being the first one to talk about themselves and the loser will be the second one to talk about it since I’m going first.”

“Flip a coin seems to be a good idea,” Seonghwa said, agreeing with his bestfriend.

Hongjoong flipped the coin as he took it, covering it with his spare hand “Head or tails?”

“Head.” San, Seonghwa and Yeosang said while Mingi, Yunho and Wooyoung stated the latter.

“It's a head.” Hongjoong casually answers as San, Seonghwa and Yeosang nodded before the redhead flipped the coin once again before covering it, “Head or tails?”

“Tails?” Mingi said, not sure of his own answer.

“Tails.” Wooyoung casually answered.

“Head.” Yunho replies.

“Tails.” Hongjoong stated as he showes it towards them before smiling at Yunho, “Prepare yourself, you’re going next.”

“Fine,” Yunho mumbled.

Hongjoong stood up as everyone looked at him, “All of us except Yeosang, since he seems to have an amnesia or something, know each other for a long time. Ever since we’re in pre-school but after all the revelations, I think that we should introduce ourselves once again so I’m going first. Hello everyone, my name is Hongjoong. And I’m from a clan of valkyries, I’m half-valkyrie and half-human which is really rare for my clan because valkyries are supposed to be woman yet their powers was blessed to me.”

“I’m not that special though I can see and hear better than other people and I can lead them and with a few effort, control them in a way that I want to. Just like when I’ve made Wooyoung blurt out those words a while ago, I can make people say honest statements too. Along with some strength and a possession of my soul weapon, a spear.. if I’m using my valkyrie powers but if I’m a mortal then I’m your weak college student dude that wants to lie down on his couch to watch some netflix series,” Hongjoong added, “Aside from that, would you like to ask something else?”

“Hyung, have you seen other valkyries?” Mingi asks, “Are they really beautiful maidens just like how the myths have been identifying them?”

“Are you dumb or just plain stupid?” Yunho hissed, raising an eyebrow towards Mingi “Of course, he does. He is from a clan of valkyries. Duh.”

“Meanie!” Mingi pouted as he crossed his arms.

Hongjoong chuckled, “Of course, I've seen them. And yes, they’re beautiful but can literally crush your head with one grip.”

“Oh.” Mingi’s face paled.

“Any questions?” Hongjoong asked as he looked around.

“I have a question!” San stated, raising both of his hands and waving them cutely “Valkyries are known for precognition too, right? Then did you had a foresight of what might happen in the future? In our situation?”

“I’m afraid, I haven’t. This is actually weird because I can see a few days in the future of what might happen especially with the risky decisions but this time, I couldn’t do it at all.” Hongjoong gloomily said, “And using that can take up a lot of strength for a half-half like me.”

“How are you?” Yeosang suddenly asked which made Hongjoong flinched, “How are you as a valkyrie?”

“Ah, I’m aware that I’m a rare case so the others are really hateful when it comes to me. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t belong there at all. I've lived on a strict family with a bunch of rules and additional ones for me just because I’m special,” Hongjoong said as he looked down, “Other valkyries want me dead because I’m a nuisance in their eyes, a male valkyrie. They don’t want me at all so I did my best on attaining the normal life, not using my abilities at all. That is why I’m hesitant to use it, it’s not like I hate it but I’m preventing myself to think about their hate towards me.”

As Hongjoong sat down, Seonghwa immediately hugged his bestfriend for comfort and it’s Yunho’s turn to stand up and looked at them “So it’s my turn already. Hello, I’m Jeong Yunho. And just like what I’ve told you, I’m a guardian of the goddess, Artemis. I’m a half-human since my father is fully mortal yet my mom was one of the goddess’ faerie. Regarding my abilities, I’m one of the blessed one by the beloved Goddess. Strength? I’ve got it. Intellect? I’ve already earned it with my hardwork on schoolworks and lessons. Weapon training? Got it. Magical powers? Got it also. Summoning mythical creatures? It can tire me out but I can summon mythical creatures too, dragons can usually make me tired just by summoning them but I can do that.”

“Our gifted baby!” Seonghwa said as he grinned.

“Aside from that, my main ability is actually using the power of nature. I can revive plants and animals in my own accord, let the plants grow or heal anything that is related to nature. But using too much powers can shorten my mortal life and if I want to live young forever then I have to give it up and become a full-time guardian,” Yunho added, “But that means that no romance and intimate relationship with anyone or else, Artemis might curse my whole existence. Not that she will do that though, she loves me as if I’m her own child.”

“I have a question.” Wooyoung raised his hand and the tallest male nodded in acknowledgement, “I've heard that Artemis is a brutal woman then she must’ve heard about your father? Why isn’t he suffering from a curse or something?”

Yunho flinched at the sudden question, “Mom loves my Dad despite his questionable acts, she loves him dearly and the beloved Goddess is aware of that. As much as she wanted to curse him after all that he did to Mom and me, she knows that it’ll hurt my Mom’s emotions so she didn’t. She might be ruthless but she knows what love and dedication means, Wooyoung.”

“Your dad is an asshole,” Wooyoung grunted, “Just because he is a head chief of the town’s police doesn’t mean that he should use violence to both of you.”

“Well, he’s good as dead now.” Yunho deadpanned, “I just wished that I could’ve been the one that killed him, not a blackened one.”

“Isn’t that going to make your Goddess mad at you?” Hongjoong asked.

“Oh no, Hongjoong-hyung. If it wasn’t for my Mom, Artemis could’ve made my dad suffer until his last breath so she would be proud of me for doing it in her sake,” Yunho said as he smirked.

“You’re scary,” Mingi whimpers, looking away at Yunho “D-Do you hate your father that much?”

“What?” Yunho asks.

“I-I mean, families aren't supposed to be like that. Right?” Mingi replies, looking away from the older male “Hating each other, inflicting violence and wishing that they’re dead. T-There must’ve been a reason why your Dad became like that, right?”

“What do you even know? You’ve been born into a loving family that dotes on you every single time, Mingi. You don’t know anything at all,” Yunho spat.

“Then let me know!” Mingi exclaimed, shocking everyone, “Let me know so you can share the pain with me! Enlighten me so I can help you through tough times! We’re friends yet you kept on hiding stuff from me.”

“You don’t need to,” Yunho mutters, “I don’t want to ruin your paradise-like world.”

“My life isn’t that good as you thought it would be!” Mingi replies, “Every single one of us had it rough.”

“Hey there, calm down.” Hongjoong tried to calm everyone as he looked at Yunho, “Yunho, take it easy.”

“Hey! Hey! Stop the drama and answer this question,” Jongho suddenly butted in as he raised his hand, “You're the one responsible for blocking our sensor on magic, right? And also for the generator’s energy?”

“Y-Yes.” Yunho replied, nodding at the youngest “I am the one responsible for that. The moment I knew that I’m going to use my powers, I immediately activated the blocker so no one can identify me. As much as I look innocent, I’m aware that I’m not the only one that isn’t fully mortal in this town. And I’m right about it!”

“Yunho, I have a question.” Yeosang said as he raised his hand, “The first time that I’ve seen you was when you tried to hide me from a blackened one which was your father and you looked scared. C-Can I ask why?”

“You see, Dad is not your typical father. He used to be nice but he started inflicting violence when Mom disappears on some nights and went home before the sun rises and Dad thought that she’s having an affair,” Yunho said, scratching his cheek “Mom never wanted to tell him the truth, that Mom was summoned in the Goddess’ paradise and that made Dad violent. At first, he would just say mean stuff about Mom but it worsen especially during the time that the Goddess is in need of guardians and Mom is the most trustworthy one. Slaps turning into punches and before I even get to know about it, I got involved.”

“He would accuse me of being other men’s son and hurt me also. Mom would shield it but whenever Mom is gone, Dad kept on hitting me despite my cries and pleas. A few years later, Mom decided to take me to the Goddess’ paradise and introduced me to her. She was stunning and definitely the most beautiful woman that I’ve ever seen next to Mom,” Yunho smiled sadly as he continued, “She immediately blessed me and awakened my faerie self, taught me the basics and showed me some of the wonders. It was a fun time but the moment that we came home, Dad was drunk and furious that the moment we stepped in the house, Dad immediately kicked my Mom. He kept on hitting her and I was itching to use my powers against him but the look that Mom gave me was horrible. She kept on enduring everything and when she was just limp on the floor while crying, it was my turn for the pain. I endured it, I gritted my teeth and kept my mouth shut. I did it for Mom and if it wasn’t for her then I would’ve hurt that bastard back.”

“You should've asked for help,” Mingi said as he looked at Yunho, feeling bad on the older male’s past.

“My Dad’s the head chief of the town’s police for more than a decade, no one would believe us and we did that but the others just said that it’s a normal argument of a family. I can’t believe what they’ve said, such a bunch of insensitive shits!” Yunho hissed, clenching his fists in annoyance “And just like that, I was trained by my Mother and the Goddess herself which is such a rare opportunity. I learned a lot of spells and received lots and lots of blessings from the Goddess, I even had the urge to stay in that place forever but Mom wouldn’t like that. As much as she gets hurt on Dad, she just loves him so much.”

“Yunho..” Mingi can't help but feel bad towards his friend.

“And the dreadful day of my life has come, the Goddess’ paradise was attacked that time and Mom was one of the front-line warriors and she was so injured that time. But when she came back, Dad was so mad and they’ve argued and she pushed Mom in the stairs. I immediately ran out of the closet that I’m hiding that time to approach my Mom but she wasn’t moving at all, I panicked when I can’t feel her life force anymore and cried. I tried using my powers on her but it wasn’t working at all, we couldn’t revive a dead faerie that Death already has its grip on it. Dad was the one responsible for her death yet you know what he said, he said that if I tell a single soul on what happened, he won’t hesitate to kill me or my grandparents on the other side of the town.” Yunho’s hands are shaking in fear and anger, “In fear that my grandparents would get involve, I kept my mouth shut. The only one that I can talk to it about was the Goddess herself and despite my grandparents being faeries as well, they’ve given their powers up for the mortal life and is already grieving for my Mom. I don’t want them to get involved with that rotten bastard so after the funeral, I moved out and lived with my grandparents, severing our ties as father and son. I did my best to avoid and ignore his existence and our last meeting was before this incident.”

“It was the time that I’ve met Seonghwa-hyung and we infiltrated the police station for weapons along with Wooyoung and Hongjoong-hyung. While the other police are fighting against the blackened ones, he was on his way towards the helicopter on the rooftop as he escape on his own but I’ve caught him and he was mocking me that he will leave me and even threatened to kill me with his gun and I’ve had enough,” Yunho added as he grinned in such a devilish way, “With a right spell, the helicopter exploded in front of him. Seeing him in despair is such a sight, with his only chance of escaping gone in a blink of an eye made him like that. At that moment, every single living police was probably dead and turned into a blackened one which was on the way to the rooftop and that’s the chance for me to activate the blocker and made myself invisible for the blackened ones’ eyesight except from him.”

“And I’ve watched as the blackened ones arrived and he kept on firing towards them until he ran out of bullets and that’s the time for the blackened ones to pounce at him and bit him, scratch him, hit him with the weapon in their hands as he cry in pain and looked towards my direction, crying my name as he plead for help.” Yunho lets out a chuckle as he continued his story, “I watched him crawling towards my direction and in front of me to hold my feet but to his dismay, he couldn’t touch me at all because of my ability. He tried to grab my feet as he cried my name again and again for help and I just watched him as life was draining outta him and before he lets out his last breath, I kneeled towards him and raised my middle finger as I tell him ‘How does it feel to be the one that’s beaten up, huh? Karma bit you sooner than I thought' and spat at his face before jumping out of the building to meet-up with the hyungs.”

“Yunho..” Mingi grabbed Yunho’s hand.

“I'm the worst, right? But he deserves that,” Yunho said as his whole body was shaking, “I did nothing wrong.”

“Yunho..” Mingi immediately pulled Yunho so he can sit beside him, “You did nothing wrong.”

“Doing nothing is the worst mistake that I’ve done because despite everything, he’s still my Father.” Yunho said as he leaned on Mingi’s embrace when the tall male wrapped his hands around him.

“Yunho, we’re sorry that we couldn’t help you at all.” Hongjoong said as he looked down, “We've seen the bruises and everything when we’re young but you’re still smiling so we shrugged it off.”

“You've already helped me enough, everyone. Especially Yeosang because he treats my injuries when we're alone,” Yunho replies as he looked at the brunette, “Without everyone, I could’ve murdered my father with my own hands because of the lost of control towards my emotions and powers.”

They comforted the tallest male which isn’t crying at all and smiling at their efforts on cheering him up, feeling the warmth sensation on his chest and thanking the Gods for having such wonderful comrades in this miserable life of his. And when they’ve calmed down, Hongjoong immediately flipped the coin to determine who’s going to be next and much to Wooyoung's dismay, it was him next to Jongho, Mingi, Seonghwa, San and last but not the least, Yeosang.

“Okay! It’s my turn!” Wooyoung screams as he forced as wide smile despite feeling down lately, “I’m Wooyoung! And my father is from a clan of necromancer so I got unlucky when all of my parents’ braincells seems to be in vacation and didn't used any kind of protection during a hardcore sex and it resulted as the birth of this drop dead gorgeous dude in front of you right now! Yes! That’s me! The sperm cell that got first into my mom’s egg cell! Yeah boy!”

“Somebody stop me or else, I’ll hurt him badly.” Yunho said as Mingi embraced him tighter.

“Is he okay?” San murmured to Jongho which shrugged.

“I can do what other necromancers can do! Using dark magic! Summoning the undead! And I can see death!” Wooyoung continued.

“Pipe it down, kid. You don’t need to scream! My ears are sensitive! Sensitive!” San screamed back as he covered his fox ears in which Wooyoung grinned apologetically.

“Unfortunately, my parents are murdered when I was still young so it was my grandparents that took care of me! The last time that I’ve seen them was when they went out for something and promised me that they’ll be back but they didn’t. That caused my fear of people abandoning me so I become clingy and loud so they could notice me everytime,” Wooyoung added as he smiled sadly, “My parents were murdered by exorcists during that time because it’s the exorcists’ killing spree during that night and my parents are unfortunate to be a victim of those vicious killers that was playing a game, on which exorcist would kill the most demon during that time so they didn't even hesitated on killing a good creature.”

“That’s why I kept my pride as low as I can so people wouldn’t leave me. I did my best to be smart, to be friendly, to be cheerful and to be someone that people would admire. I was scared of abandonment especially during the time when a certain someone said that he hates me despite all of the façade that I’ve made so he can appreciate and love me then left a few days after without saying goodbye,” Wooyoung added as he looked at Yeosang, “I think that’s all of it, I guess. The only hard thing  along with everyone else.”

“Youngie..” Yeosang can’t help but look at his bestfriend.

“You said that you can see death, right?” Seonghwa asks, “When the incident happened here in this town, have you seen the deaths of the citizens?”

“For a certain reason, I haven't.” Wooyoung replies, “That is why I’m so shocked with all of the things that happened.”

“I see. So you don't have a clue about it too..” San mutters.

“What does death look like?” Jongho asks as he took an apple on his bag and broke it into half using his own hands.

“What does it look like?” Wooyoung murmured before looking at Jongho, “Imagine a person surrounded by black smokes around it and when it’s about to die, the black smoke kept on getting thicker and leaves the body when it consumes the soul.”

“If that’s the case then right now, is there someone that’s in that case?” Jongho asked again as everyone seems to be tensed.

Wooyoung looks around as he smiled sadly, “I’m sorry but I have to keep it to myself.”

“Why?” the youngest asked as he took a bite on the apple.

“Reasons. I hope that you’ll be able to understand my selfishness right now,” Wooyoung replies as he sat, “And that’s it!”

Jongho immediately stood up as he looked at everyone, “So I guess that it’s my turn now. Hello, hyungs. I’m Choi Jongho but aside from your youngest dumbass, I’m actually a member of a clan that uses elemental arts. My family specializes on light magic and I’m one of the best ones out there. For light magic users, we’re inferior towards anything that the light can touch. I can also regenerate and do mind-control stuff.”

“Well, there goes our chad boy.” Hongjoong stated as he chuckled.

“Usually, there are monthly battles and I often win so I felt like it was kind of special. To be strong enough to protect people and that’s how I began to have this hero syndrome,” Jongho added as he sheepishly played with his hands, “Even if it’s not that good, I kept on doing good deeds using my powers in secret. Just like singing most of the time, I actually activate my power to heal and cleanse the distressed souls. I also helped on warding off evil spirits and preventing them on possessing mortals whether they’re good or not.”

“Our baby being the responsible bub that he is,” Seonghwa coo-ed, wanting to stand up and hug the youngest male.

“It was kind of stressful though. It became a habit of mine to help people out that not being able to help made me sleepless and stressed and as much as I wanted to prevent myself on getting worse, I can’t stop myself at all. It’s a bad habit that I should ignore but I couldn’t,” Jongho grunted, “Seeing someone miserable is painful and sometimes, I use my abilities to erase pain. I erase their painful memories but that only causes them to be in a confused state and will be miserable with that mere fact. It’s annoying.”

“But you shouldn’t meddle with their lives, Jongho. Humans are like that, they’ll get through it.” San suddenly said.

“If humans can get through it then why are there people killing themselves?” Jongho suddenly blurted out.

“That’s a different story to tell,” San replies, “Every single human have different stories to tell and it’s their choice to end their lives or nah. In the end of the day, people will get hurt anyway. Pain is always there for humans..”

“That is why I wanted to help them. I wanted to ease their pain,” Jongho sadly said as he looked down.

“You’ve done well, baby.” Seonghwa stood as he hugged the youngest male, “You’ve done enough and we’re proud of you.”

“Jongho, you did well and we’re happy that you’ve been able to tell it to us. Honestly, you’re one of the strongest and reliable person that I’ve ever met.” Yunho said as he stood so he can also hug Jongho.

Everyone seems to get what was happening and stood up to hug Jongho, everyone except Yeosang, that is. He was still confused with everything and still processing the informations that he just heard from them— especially the fact that they aren’t normal people.

But his chest feels warm as he can see them comforting their youngest friend which seems to be teary yet he wiped his tears and assured them that he's strong because of the support that he’s getting and he’s thankful of that. He felt nostalgic in all of the sudden but then again, he couldn’t remember anything at all.

“It's my turn now. I’m Mingi. But there’s an another side of me too, the unrevealed one. I’m actually a son of a witch and a guardian of Persephone,” Mingi said as he scratched his cheek nervously, “I can cast dark magic spells but only the basic ones and my familiar is actually this cutie.”

A black cat with grey eyes appeared in front of them but San immediately barred his fangs and growled at the cat, making it jump in fear as Yeosang tapped the fox spirit “Hey.”

San calmed down, “Sorry. My fox instincts got the best of me.”

“I’m still a mortal because Mom is just great at witchcraft but she’s a nice witch! Father, on the other side, is kind of strict so I often visit the Underworld to attend on my duties.” Mingi said as he took the cat and cradled it in his arm, smiling as the cat purred at him.

“So your excuses on being absent for a week or two sometimes are actually that? Not because of some trips?” Wooyoung asks.

“Yes. I usually take care of the Goddess of the Underworld like assisting her or even complying to such simple duties but fighting? No. It’s not my best stance but my older brother’s, they were quite protective when it comes to me. And that why it looks like I’m pampered by my family but the thing is that I’m actually a rare case since I can tame a Cerberus and make it as one of my familiar,” Mingi said as he grinned, “Cupcakes is cute, right?”

“I don’t know if I should be concerned because Mingi-hyung thought that a Cerberus is cute or because of the fact that he named his Cerberus as ‘Cupcakes’,” Jongho blurted out which made Wooyoung and San laugh.

“Naming a fucking Cerberus as Cupcakes makes me want to break your jaw right now though,” Yunho mumbled as he glared at Mingi, “I swear to God that this is why we kept on pampering you, it’s because of you and your dumb life decisions.”

“Hey now! Cupcakes likes her name! Don't say that it's a bad option!” Mingi retorted, glaring back at his bestfriend, “Since I'm not good at fighting and if I’m one of the chosen guardians to fight against invaders, I’m usually on the back. That is why I’m good at long-range weapons, it’s because I’m nothing but someone that is a last option and is good on helping out the front-line warriors.”

“Well, aside from that cat and uh.. Cupcakes, what are your other familiar?” Seonghwa asks.

“Baguette.” Mingi suddenly says which made everyone confused.

“Sorry but what?” Jongho asked

“Her name’s Baguette,” Mingi says as the cat purred in acknowledgement.

“Sorry but what the fuck?” Yunho couldn’t believe this friend of him with one malfunctioning braincell left in his brain.

“Let's pretend that we haven't heard a thing, guys.” Even Jongho is quite bewildered with Mingi and his choice of names, thinking that whoever will be this dude's child will have to suffer with a name that they'll loathe forever.

“What was that?” Mingi asks before looking at Seonghwa, “Anyway, aside from Cupcakes and Baguette.. I actually have some other familiar! I actually have a Chimera and a Hydra!”

“Wait. What?!” Yunho gasped as he looked at the tall male with disbelief, “Chimeras are hard to tame and a Hydra? That monster is impeccable!”

“Oh! I actually befriended them though, they were actually douchebags but we managed to get along together and realized that they weren’t that bad,” Mingi stated as he laughs in such a cute way that Yunho probably coo-ed in his mind, “But they both said that I’m dumb so they’re sticking on my side until the day that I’ll be wise enough to be on my own.”

“Same.” Yunho muttered.

“Do you realize what they meant though?” Jongho suddenly asks.

Mingi tilted his head in confusion, “I actually don’t get it.”

“To be very honest with you, Mingi-hyung. Your dumbness isn’t curable and will be with you until you die so they’re meant to say that they've probably took a liking to you and got yourself two powerful mythical creatures,” Jongho deadpans, “Ah, I'm jealous. The phoenix is actually hard to get along so I've never had the chance to have my own familiar.”

“Well, maybe the Chimera and Hydra are wise enough not to accept such horrible names.” Yunho said as he shrugged.

“They’re not horrible at all!” Mingi retorted, puffing his cheeks in annoyance “Besides, Muffin and Buttercup actually liked their names. If you can only hear how happy Buttercup when I named her, you'll be jealous of me! Muffin is a tough Chimera but she was actually giddy when I told her that I'll be naming her Muffin.”

“Okay, I'm so done. Let’s not talk about it,” Yunho said, giving up on the fact that Mingi managed to get four familiars and name them with a name that humans won’t even bother to name their pets.

“How can you tame them? Aren’t they stubborn enough?” Jongho asked.

“I actually don't know but my family said that it was a blessing from Demeter, Persephone’s Mom.” Mingi replied.

“You lucky bitch,” Jongho kiddingly said as he laughs, “You're such a gifted dumbass!”

“I wish that I was normal though,” Mingi said as he looked away, “Don't get me wrong, I’m thankful of everything that I have but I want to live a normal life where I wouldn’t be sleeping without thinking about how different I am. I want to be a full-time mortal and be like everyone else.”

“But they're plain and boring,” San said, looking at Mingi “It's alright to be insecure but living as a mortal is nothing but a boring one. Unlike us, they can die with one bad decision.”

“Well, you’re right about that.” Mingi agreed, “I think that’s all that I can say so let’s proceed to Seonghwa-hyung.”

As Mingi sat while he played with his familiar, Seonghwa stood as he curtly bowed in front of them “Hello, everyone. I’m Seonghwa and I’m a sorcerer that specializes in demon slaying. I’m one of the exorcist in this country and not to brag about it but I’m the wizard king’s son.”

“Okay. Everything’s getting weirder as we introduce ourselves,” Jongho said, gasping at the fact.

“I’ve always thought that you look like a prince but dude, you’re an actual prince.” Even his bestfriend, Hongjoong, couldn't believe it.

“So that’s why you looked ethereal.” Yeosang stated as he stared at Seonghwa.

Seonghwa smiles towards the brunette, “Not actually. My status isn’t involved with it, it’s just my looks.”

“And now he’s bragging about his visuals,” Yunho said.

“And you probably know me as the good child but I’m actually a rebellious child that gave my father a headache and probably.. high blood,” Seonghwa said, embarrassed of his hidden self “I was supposed to be a wizard just like my father but I specialized in demon slaying that I’ve refused it and instead of staying in our realm, I’ve decided to act like a normal human and lived here in the mortal realm. There are also times that I’ve made some mistakes and had my father fix it for me.”.

“So, what are you good at? Aside from killing our clan?” San asked, smirking as he tried to annoy the demon slayer in front of him.

“I can use various magic abilities,” Seonghwa stated, “Lots of magic that I’ve learned in our realm.”

“So are you helping people out as a doctor with your abilities?” Jongho asked.

“Me? Helping mortals? Using my magic?” In all of the sudden, everyone was surprised with Seonghwa’s sudden change of mood “Not in a million years.”

“Why?” Jongho asked once again.

“I hate mortals,” Seonghwa stated in such a cold tone despite showing them his sweet smile, “I hate mortals that seeing them suffer and die is such a sight. How I wish that I can end their lives with my own hands.”

“What's with that thought, Seonghwa-hyung?” Wooyoung asked.

“As you can see, I am also a reincarnation of someone in the past that has been inflicted by a curse.” Seonghwa replied, “That curse made me remember everything about my last selves attempting to save the cursed person but ending up failing miserably because of those filthy humans. Those filthy mortals and their ugly sins.”

“Then why are you acting up like a goody-two shoes when you’re actually worse than a demon?” San asks, “Demons are fond of humans not just because they are easy to trick but they’re a creation of the God which are really quite eccentric.”

“I am acting nice because I live in their realm and I don’t want to waste time on arguing with dumbasses,” Seonghwa replies, “And I've already sensed that all of you aren’t normal at all so I’ve been quite attached to all of you. It’s embarrassing to tell all of this especially when you’ve known me as a sweet person but nothing would change, I love you all just like how I love you before admitting my dirty self.”

“I can’t tell you that it’s alright because your clan killed my parents,” Wooyoung said as he looks away, “But you’re still our Seonghwa-hyung and you haven’t done anything bad so I think that it’s alright.”

“Let me ask you one thing, hyung.” Mingi raised his hand, “Why do you hate demons?”

“Why, indeed?” Seonghwa rested his chin on his left hand before smiling a bit again, “It’s because they’re the reasons why mortals are ugly. They’re the ones making them commit sins and curses. They’re literally making this world filthy with their influence. And the curse that was inflicted to the person that I’m attempting to save is because of a demon so I exterminate every single demon that I see.”

“Should I be scared?” San asks, mocking the older male but was flickered in the forehead by Wooyoung, making him whimper incoherent words.

“Maybe.” Seonghwa shrugged as he looked at Yeosang, “Because I’m desperate to save that person.”

“I see.” Hongjoong said as he gestured Seonghwa to sit and looked at San, “It’s your turn.”

“Of course, it is.” San stood up as he smiles at all of them as if he’s a child waiting for praise before smirking, “I’m San. As you can see, I’m using my fox spirit self right now but the truth is that I’m a demon and also a fox spirit but with a bit of a mortal self because of my Father.”

“Your race is quite weird. You’re a demon and at the same time, you’re also a fox spirit and a mortal?” Hongjoong asked.

“Blame my parents. My mom is from a high-class clan of demons and is currently one of the strongest demon in our clan while my father is a half-human and half-fox but apparently, he gave up his human self after I was born and turned into a fox spirit.” San replies before looking at Seonghwa, “My father died when I was young because of some exorcists playing around, killing yokai just for fun despite them living in peace.”

“Your dad died the same with mine,” Wooyoung said as he looked at San.

“It’s alright. Because mom really had a great time on dealing with those bastards,” San replied with a grin that showed his fangs, “They’re still alive in hell and Mom is having a great time on making them suffer there, not letting them die and continue living in pain.”

“See? That’s how horrible demons are,” Seonghwa spat as he shot a glare towards the blond.

“It’s their fault. My father is guarding the mountain of this cursed town when they suddenly began to kill the animals residing here and attempted to burn the woods until father showed up and they killed him, he was just protecting this forest that his clan has been protecting for centuries.” San replied without any emotion shown on his face, “Humans are the worst. Especially those who have the power to abuse other creatures.”

“San..” Yeosang held on the sleeves of the temple clothes that he’s wearing which made him calm down.

“Thank you, Sangie.” San muttered as he smiled gently at the brunette that nodded.

“So your Mom is a demon from a poweful clan? May I have an idea what clan it is?” Jongho asks.

“Are you familiar with the seventy-two demon pillars?” San asked.

“It’s the demons that Solomon controls, right?” Jongho replies, “I’ve been hearing about it in the church since I’m a part of the choir.”

“Indeed. Our demon clan is from one of the seventy-two pillars,” San replied, “It’s from Sitri.”

“So your mom’s a hoe?” Seonghwa said, smirking as San’s eyes turned into purple and it made Seonghwa's smirk wider because he made the blond demon mad.

“Say one more thing about my mother and I’m ripping you into shreds,” San sweetly stated despite the threat that he said, “As much as we’re from Sitri's demon clan, my mom is as eccentric as me. We’re way out of their league and living in the mortal realm in peace but I must admit, hanging out with some of the demon pillars were actually good. The wisdom that they possess are actually amazing and seeing them fight for a higher throne in Hell is amusing.”

“So.. uh.. hell.” Yunho gulped as he looked at San, “How does it look like?”

“I am from a high class society so I barely even know what it looks like and the only place that I’ve been through were the palaces of the demon pillars and our manor in Hell, nothing more and nothing less.”  San replied.

“So two people gifted by Goddesses, a Wizard or probably a Sorcerer Prince, a male valkyrie, one elemental user, one necromancer and now one high-class demon,” Wooyoung chuckles, “Oh my god. We’re a bunch of weirdos.”

“Prince Sitri is just like what you’ve read on the Goetia, Solomon is good at narrating everything about his demons.” San added, smiling at Wooyoung, “Do you want to ask any questions?”

“Demons can make pacts, right?” Hongjoong asked as the blond nods, “What do they ask for return?”

“I don’t know how the lower-class demons do it but for us, high-ranking ones, most of us do it for fun and just asks for a favor or two on the human. Most of us doesn’t ask for anything in return because we all knew that anything that was given to the mortals from bad deeds will be punished throughly,” San replied, “Amusement, in other words. Seeing them suffer from their dumb life decisions is good enough in exchange of their wish.”

“Then why are other demons asking for a soul?” Hongjoong asked again.

“To consume it. To become more powerful. But to the high-ranking ones, mortal souls are nothing but snacks. They’re already powerful enough and too busy on influencing other demons to raise their ranks.” San replied, shrugging at their leader “Although there are demons influencing mortals to become like them and demons influencing the angels to become a fallen one.”

“Why do they want something in return during pacts?” Hongjoong asked again.

“Even Yunho have the answer to that,” San simply replies, “Just like faeries, demons doesn’t accept ‘thank you’s, you should provide something that the faerie or demon would accept in exchange of their carnal desires.”

“I agree,” Yunho immediately says and nods his head in acknowledgement.

“The demon and faerie should have a  benefit from the pact,” San stated, “And mortals are like that, expecting something in return for a good deed.”

“Alright. Then what about this?” Wooyoung said as he raised his hand, “When it comes to curses, how can people disable it?”

“Curses are a pain in the ass.” San stated, “I’m still researching about that but just like what Mother have said, I shouldn’t interfere on other demon’s curses but I’m stubborn. The only way to end a curse is to get rid of the fucking demon. End of curse.”

“Defeating a demon is difficult!” Wooyoung stated.

“Why? Have you fought with one yet?” San suddenly asked and Wooyoung seems to flinch.

“There are demons that are difficult to get rid of,” Seonghwa stated.

“It depends. Sometimes, demons are strong because you’re in their territory. The place where they can control anything in the way that they want to.” San deadpanned, “Aside from that, it’s either to kill the demon or force him to get rid of the curse himself but that’s impossible. Demons are evil.”

“I’m aware of that,” Seonghwa stated.

“So? Are there any questions about me?” San asked as his fox ears kept on moving, making Mingi squeal.

“Have you cursed someone? Or made a pact with them?” Wooyoung asked once again.

“Cursed someone? Not really, I wasn’t interested on curses and the benefit of it since living like a mortal and school made me busy,” San replied before a smirk was seen on his face again, “The latter though.. yes. I've made a pact with someone.”

“Why?” Wooyoung asked.

“Because that person is about to die and despite all the reasons why I shouldn’t make a pact with that person, I actually care for him. And I was too young to realize that I’ve made such a huge mistake,” San replied as he looked at Yeosang, “I just want to save him.”

“Wait. Why are you looking at Yeosang-hyung?” Jongho asks.

“Nothing,” San chirps, “He’s just too beautiful to look at.”

“Well. You’re right about that,” Jongho agrees, chuckling as he look at Yeosang, “Yeosang-hyung is too beautiful.”

“I’ve been answering too much questions so I'll be ending my introduction now,” San said before sitting down besides Yeosang and cling to him while the brunette just leaned to his embrace, enjoying the warm sensation that he feels whenever he’s beside San.

“Yeosang, it’s your turn.” Hongjoong said which made the brunette jump in shock.

“Oh.” Yeosang mutters as he pulls away from San’s embrace, making the fox spirit pout from the sudden loss of skinship.

Yeosang can feel everyone’s gaze on him and he felt so small, so small around these gifted people. He wasn't that special and he’s aware of it, he even got himself into this mess. But everything happens for a reason, right?

They’ve been honest with their introduction so he should be honest with his own too.

But the thing is.. he couldn’t remember a thing about his past life and he had been confined in one place for years.

“I’m Yeosang and I don’t have much time to live.”

[end of day three]