"So, based on all our gathered data, it's shown that human entities now make up 200% of the population—due to an influx beyond natural birth rates. Of that, 70% are categorised as corrupted souls, what we refer to as 'entities of doom,'" Reeds began, pointing at a red line on the chart which rose significantly higher than the blue one beside it.
"As a result, we've dispatched several of our Exalteds. However, as you know, we're the only clan responsible for the whole of Britain, and our numbers are simply not enough to contain them. This led us to request support from multiple clans. Yes, you weren't the only ones brought in, but—"
August abruptly cut in, speaking in a cold tone as he stared at the data projected on the board.
"So what difference does our number make in addition to your already limited forces? Even if you invited help from every clan over the world—and many likely refused—it still wouldn't be enough to suppress them if you're playing a numbers game. That is, unless you're counting on sheer strength over quantity."
Young and Carla quietly nodded in agreement while finishing their coffees.
Reeds looked at August briefly, then smiled, clasping his hands behind his back.
"Good thinking. Numbers alone won't win this. That's why we're relying more on strength than quantity. So we—"
He was interrupted again, this time by Carla.
'Are these kids just going to keep interrupting me? Can I even finish a thought?' Reeds thought in frustration as he waited for her to finish chewing.
"...So you're confident that those you've called for help were selected for their strength? Even if most of them have little to no experience fighting corrupted souls? Are you sure this isn't just a death game—buying time while you prepare something else? Like a chess match where the pawns are sacrificed first?"
Young raised an eyebrow at her, silently cursing himself. Her point also applied to them—they were inexperienced, too.
'Damn...'
"No, no, no. That's not it," Reeds replied quickly. "We're genuinely seeking capable assistance. The world values capability—even if, ironically, many mortal companies demand experience before hiring, regardless of how capable someone may be. But for us, strength is what matters. And this mission also comes with substantial benefits..." His voice trembled slightly despite his composed tone.
"Like what, exactly?" Young asked, eyeing the porch man curiously.
"Another good question. First, each successful execution will earn the individual £10,000, depending on the grade of the corrupted soul—the stronger the target, the greater the reward. We'll also cover all your basic needs: food, shelter, equipment. In addition, you'll have complete freedom to move throughout the territory without interference from any authority. And that's just the beginning—there are many more benefits to come."
'Hmm. Sounds good enough for me. I don't know how much ten thousand pounds is, but… money is money,' Young thought to himself.
"Now, if we may continue with the debriefing… As of now, we're unable to accurately determine the ranks of the corrupted souls. Therefore, we've decided to send you all out to specific towns across London. Of course, you might also take the chance to explore while you're there. The three of you are assigned to Camden, Greenwich, and Hounslow."
From another bag, Reeds pulled out three of the latest mobile phones and handed them over. Young and August looked at the devices with slight discomfort—not because they hadn't seen one before, but simply because they weren't particularly familiar with using them. Carla, on the other hand, had more experience, though she'd stopped using hers due to constant network issues.
"All the numbers and important contacts are already saved on the phones," Reeds explained with a grin, scratching the back of his head. "You can use them to stay in touch with us—and each other. Carla's contact is saved under her name, and so are yours."
'So they've already prepared everything? Not bad,' August thought, examining the phone screen as it lit up. He grimaced slightly and placed it beside him on the couch.
"Can we head out to explore the area now?" August asked.
Reeds replied almost immediately, "Yes, yes. You can use the map on your phone if you'd prefer to head out on your own."
"Good. Let's go, then," Carla said, standing up. She grabbed her phone with one hand and clasped the other in front of her.
"But… I'm not finished yet," the porch man muttered, looking slightly puzzled.
The three didn't respond. Carla was already navigating the map, checking the locations of the assigned towns. Moments later, they were on their feet and heading out.
"The towns are a fair distance from here, though—" Reeds called after them, attempting to suggest transport.
"No need. We enjoy a good, long walk," Young said over his shoulder as he jogged to catch up with the other two.
***
The three were currently on their way to Camden, their first destination. As expected, the walk was long—close to thirty minutes in, and they were still en route. It didn't bother them much, though; they were well used to longer treks. Carla led the way, eyes fixed on the map on her phone.
"Just a few more steps and we'll be in the town. It's so hot out here," Carla muttered as she fanned herself with one hand. The summer heat was intense—far beyond what they were accustomed to. The sun hung high, bearing down on them with harsh intensity.
Young trudged behind the others, shielding his face from the blinding sunlight. He cursed quietly under his breath, visibly bothered by the heat.
August, in contrast, remained characteristically unfazed.
He briefly activated the [Soul Scan] again, checking for any corrupted soul activity in the area. The scan returned nothing. If any threats had been nearby, both Carla and Young would have sensed them as well.
'Seems this place is clear… That's a good sign.'
They continued walking, with Carla regularly checking the map to ensure they stayed on course. This terrain was unfamiliar, and without research or guidance, navigating it could have been far more difficult.
Nearly an hour later—fifty-five minutes in—they finally entered Camden Town.
It was vibrant and busy. The streets were lined with colourful storefronts and murals, a blend of modern culture and classic charm. Market stalls sold everything from handmade crafts to global street food. A constant flow of pedestrians moved along the pavement, many dressed casually in shorts and light clothing—summer was in full swing, and everyone seemed to be making the most of it.
Music played from a nearby record shop, and the smell of grilled meat wafted through the air from a food stand across the road. Cars moved at a slower pace, careful not to interrupt the buzz of foot traffic. Despite the energy, the atmosphere was relatively relaxed.
They checked the map again and confirmed their location. Camden it was.
Young glanced around at the passers-by and traffic, then turned to the others.
"Should we head to an academy first? I really want to see what it looks like—students all learning together. Please," he asked with an unusually eager tone, turning to Carla and August with an expectant expression, hoping they shared his curiosity.
Judging by their expressions, they shared the same curiosity. They had never experienced school life. Their education had come in the form of private lessons, long hours of training, and silent winters—no shared laughter in classrooms, no playgrounds, no friendships beyond survival.
Carla didn't hesitate.
"Sure," she replied, already tapping into the map application again. A school icon appeared nearby, and after zooming out, she found about fifteen more across the area. Still, she suggested they visit the closest one first.
Of course, none of them knew that school would be closed during the summer holidays.
Together, they set off once more—this time, towards the unfamiliar world of a school they never got to live through.
As they arrived at the school, the trio stood quietly in front of the main gates. The building itself was old but well-maintained—red brick walls with wide, slightly arched windows, and a modern glass-panelled entrance that looked recently refurbished. A metal fence enclosed the grounds, and the surrounding pavement was clean, lined with dry summer grass patches and scattered litter.
The area was silent—eerily so. No sounds of laughter, footsteps, or activity came from within. Even the air seemed still. The windows reflected the harsh summer sunlight, revealing nothing of the interior. There was no movement inside. No teachers. No students. Not even the distant buzz of flies.
Young stepped closer to the gate, peering through. The playground and open yard were completely empty.
"Maybe they're on holiday?" Carla muttered with a shrug, glancing around.
"That doesn't mean we can't explore the inside," August finally said, his eyes still scanning the building.
"Ye—" Young started, but stopped abruptly. A sudden chill ran down his spine—sharp and unnatural. Carla and August felt it too, freezing mid-step. Without hesitation, August activated [Soul Scan]. The ability highlighted something—fast-moving, large, and already within the building.
"A corrupted soul," he murmured.
"Let's go in!" Carla ordered. She sprinted to the door, gripped the handle, and tried it—locked. Without pause, she drove her foot into the door with a single, powerful kick. The wood cracked and gave way, swinging open violently. The three rushed inside, heading straight for the stairway.
As they reached the second floor, they caught sight of the corrupted soul.
It stood near the windows, facing outwards. They halted immediately, spreading into battle-ready stances.
The creature was grotesque. Two rotting faces merged into one head—one grinning unnaturally, the other weeping dark, oily tears. Its limbs were numerous, ending in thick, jagged points like sharpened bones. Its purple flesh was decayed and riddled with scars, and its scattered, misaligned eyeballs shimmered slightly in the low light—shaped like jingle bells. It towered over them at nearly nine feet tall, its body wide and heavy like an overweight human, only twisted beyond natural form.
'Ferits rank,' August noted silently. 'A Grasper-class corrupted soul, at that.'
Then, one of its many eyeballs rotated sharply, locking directly onto them. The smiling face stretched wider, while the crying half began to tremble with increased streams of black tears.
"Break out!" Carla shouted.
In an instant, the corrupted soul's limbs extended rapidly, stabbing into walls, ceilings, and floors, forming a web-like trap throughout the structure. Shattering glass and splintering wood erupted all around as the building was locked down in an explosion of force.