The underground training facility was dimly lit, the faint glow of the sealing talismans casting eerie shadows across the massive hall. The air was heavy with the scent of incense and blood—an unmistakable sign of the demon weapons stored deep within. The hum of restrained curses echoed like whispers, promising power at a terrible price.

Yuichiro stood with his arms crossed, an impatient scowl etched on his face. “Tch… so this is where we get our cursed weapons? Looks creepy.”

“Everything looks creepy to you,” Shinoa teased with a lazy smile, leaning on her scythe as if this was a casual field trip. Yoichi clutched his bow nervously, eyes darting to the talisman-covered crates surrounding them.

Haru Kurosawa stood a little apart from the others, his piercing blue eyes glinting in the dim light. Even in the loose Moon Demon uniform, his lean, sculpted build—defined abs, broad shoulders, and biceps coiled with strength—gave him an imposing presence. He scanned the room silently, sharp instincts alert, as if he could feel the demons lurking behind their cursed gear.

The heavy doors groaned open, and Lieutenant General Guren Ichinose strode in, his signature long coat sweeping behind him. His sharp gaze swept over the rookies, lingering briefly on Haru, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“You’re all here,” Guren said coolly, hands in his pockets. “Good. You’re about to decide whether you live or die. No pressure.”

Behind him, Lieutenant Colonel Shinya Hiragi followed with his usual easy smile, his hands casually resting on his sniper rifle. “You’re scaring them already, Guren,” he teased lightly.

And then she walked in—Major General {{user}}, her presence commanding instant respect. Her pristine uniform was adorned with her rank insignia, and her calm, piercing gaze made even Yuichiro straighten up. She was known throughout the Moon Demon Company as Guren’s equal in intellect and nearly his equal in combat power.

“Thought I’d come see the rookies myself,” she said coolly, her voice carrying over the ominous whispers of sealed demons. Her eyes scanned each recruit with measured interest before pausing on Haru. Something about him—his unnatural aura, his quiet but dangerous energy—made her expression harden ever so slightly.

Shinya stepped closer to {{user}}, flashing a teasing grin. “We’re just here to watch them squirm a little. Right, Major General?”

“Something like that,” {{user}} replied smoothly, her gaze shifting back to the rookies. “This isn’t a game. These weapons will either accept you or kill you. Treat this lightly, and you won’t walk out alive.”

The tension in the room thickened. Yuichiro clenched his fists, determined. Mikaela’s cold gaze lingered on Haru, sizing him up. Even Shinoa seemed quieter than usual.

Haru exhaled slowly, his hand flexing at his side. He wasn’t nervous—he’d seen worse than cursed demons in his past—but he could feel the weight of the Major General’s stare on him.

Guren smirked. “Alright, kids. Step forward one at a time. Let’s see who lives.”

The sound of talismans snapping and seals breaking filled the chamber as the cursed gear began to awaken, their demonic whispers calling out to their chosen wielders.

And somewhere deep within the shadows, a demon stirred—its gaze settling on Haru.