The people in the eatery were left speechless by the horrifying events involving the bandits, leaving them fearful.
"W-what? Is he... death?" A frightened man dining in the eatery stuttered, "I thought that was just an old tale."
The GRIM REAPER approached the individuals in the eatery, closing in on a woman selling her body.
"W-what do you want?" The woman recoiled until she reached the wall, with nowhere else to go. "I-I wasn't with those bandits, please have mercy."
The Grim Reaper swung his hand at the woman's neck, severing her head from her body.
Screams echoed as everyone present fled from the Grim Reaper, but all who attempted to escape met their demise.
Only the woman at the cashier and the muscular men remained.
"H-hold on, we weren't doing anything..." the muscular man tried to speak before his body was split in two.
Even the others in the eatery met the same fate, leaving only the woman at the cashier.
"You probably know your fate... don't you?" The Grim Reaper asked as he approached the woman.
"Yes, take my life," the woman smiled through tears. "I just wanted to feed my sister three times a day, but I think I'll be reunited with her now. I've been waiting for you for so long, go ahead and end me."
The Grim Reaper pierced his hand into the woman's abdomen, ending her life.
"May you and your sister find happiness, give her my regards," the Grim Reaper said coldly.
Afterward, the Grim Reaper left the village.
The Lunar Ward immediately responded. The Lunar Ward consisted of police officers and protectors of the entire region.
The Lunar Ward is also referred to as those under the 12 Zodiacs. They can also be called soldiers. Examples of Lunar Ward include Kelly, Leonardo Moretti, and Koenji.
They are under the jurisdiction of the Zodiacs. The Lunar Ward quickly headed to the scene of the crime and were astonished by what had happened to the innocent people.
They quickly called for a meeting with the Luminous Apex Foundation led by Chairman Orion and the Zodiac Council, also known as TLAFLBCOZC.
Moments later, Chairman Orion called for a meeting.
"Why have you called for a meeting, Chairman?" Naomi asked.
"It's an important meeting," the Chairman responded as he took his seat. "Perhaps you've heard about what happened in the village of Rimwood."
"Is that the one where innocent people were killed?" Oliver asked.
"Yes, you're correct," the Chairman's face turned serious as he placed his hand on the table. "According to witnesses, the perpetrator was wearing a black hooded cloak and a skull mask, calling himself the Grim Reaper."
"Isn't that just an old folks' tale?" Sam rubbed his hand over his face. "So, he's just someone who wants to kill people."
"Yes, that's the simple explanation," the chairman stood up. "We need to quickly find out who this Grim Reaper is and what his motive is for killing people. Report to me if you see anyone suspicious wearing a skull mask, and inform the Lunar Ward as well."
"Understood, Chairman," the 12 Zodiacs replied before leaving.
Meanwhile, in the Village of Mago where the Ravenshroud family resides, Kill's grandfather, Eldritch Ravenshroud, suddenly appeared.
"How are his training sessions, Grandfather?" Ren asked in a cold tone.
"Everything has been going smoothly; within two years, he has become much stronger compared to his childhood," Eldritch replied.
"In that case, he has become a full-fledged Assassin, am I right, Father?" Tatsuya interjected.
"Yes, it seems so," Eldritch scratched his head and sat on the sofa. "By the way, I removed the essence Eye attached to him, the one Vivienne installed."
The "Essence Eye" could refer to a device that allows users to see the essence or aura of individuals, enabling them to observe their actions or state. The word "essence" refers to the core or fundamental nature of a person, while "eye" indicates vision or awareness. Therefore, the "Essence Eye" device metaphorically provides a window into the essence or aura of individuals, giving the user the ability to observe them from a distance.
"By the way, how is Sister Vivienne doing?" Ren stood beside Eldritch. "I heard she completed her mission?"
"Don't worry about your sister anymore, she can take care of herself," Seraphina sat on the sofa facing him. "That's probably why we haven't heard anything about what's happening with Kill."
Meanwhile, the Grim Reaper continued walking in the Celestria Region, unaffected by the scorching sun and strong winds, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings.
It's as if he doesn't care about those around him.
He kept walking, heading deeper into Celestria until he reached the Gate of Zenora Village.
As the Grim Reaper entered Zenora Village, the guards noticed him.
The guards were puzzled by what they saw, but the Grim Reaper continued walking.
"W-wait, isn't he... the one everyone's talking about?" one guard pointed at the Grim Reaper.
"He's the Grim Reaper," the two guards exchanged glances and hurried to the Village Hall where the Village chief, Jyedrode, was.
Inside the Zenora Guild, Albert, Paul, and others laughed happily. Meanwhile, Eira and Astralus sat at another table, alone together.
"It's been two years," Eira smiled. "Maybe Kill has already forgotten his promise to us, to come back here."
"Yes, I'll make those who killed him pay," Astralus clenched his fists on the table. "But I know Kill, he's the one who changed me first, so I'm not losing hope."
"You're right, but do you think?" Eira placed her hand on her face. "Maybe he's already forgotten by his friends at that Academy."
"Yeah, it seems so," Astralus looked serious. "But us, we won't forget him."
Suddenly, the Grim Reaper entered their guild. Everyone in the guild looked at him, and their joy stopped.
Each step of the Grim Reaper was eerily quiet. The people in the guild continued to stare as the Grim Reaper approached Astralus and Eira.
The Grim Reaper stood in front of them, pulled out a chair, and sat at the table with Astralus and Eira.
The two looked at the Grim Reaper, preparing themselves for an attack.
Slowly, the Grim Reaper reached for his mask, removing it. As he did, Astralus and Eira's eyes widened.
As the Grim Reaper's mask came off, the guild members were also shocked to see a man with long black hair that reached his neck. His eyes were a dull shade of blue, devoid of any spark or emotion, as he stared between Eira and Astralus.
"I-impossible?" Paul pointed at the Grim Reaper. "H-how are you still alive?"
"Those eyes..." Albert's heart raced. "Why do your eyes seem lifeless?" he asked the Grim Reaper.
"W-what's really going on?" Florida teared up and pointed at the Grim Reaper.
"I've returned," the Grim Reaper said coldly, looking at Astralus and Eira. "It's time to leave."
"W-what really happened to you? KILL?" Eira asked.
"I'll tell you later," the Grim Reaper stood up. "Let's go, Astralus, Eira."
The two also stood up.
"The Chief and Isabella need to know about this," Albert stood up and hurried towards the guild door.
As he reached the door, his hands and feet suddenly severed in place.
Eyes widened across the guild as healers rushed to reattach Albert's severed limbs.
"Did I say you could leave?" came the cool voice of the Grim Reaper, or Kill Ravenshroud.
The guild members turned their gaze towards him. "Anyone who speaks out about me will die," Kill donned his mask. "So if I were you, I'd choose my words carefully," the Grim Reaper, or Kill, said coldly.
With that, the three of them left through the guild door.
"Chief Jyedrode needs to know about this," Florida stood up and ran.
But Paul stopped her. "Don't do it, Florida. I think he's placed a spell. If anyone speaks about his return, we'll all undoubtedly die. It's not just an order; it's a death sentence."
Shortly after, Chief Jyedrode arrived and inquired about the situation.
"What happened here?" He looked at the injured Albert. "The Grim Reaper came here," someone replied.
"If that's the case, he calls himself the Grim Reaper?" Fear was evident in Paul's eyes. "H-he's no ordinary foe; we stand no chance against him."
"What are you talking about?" Jyedrode approached Paul, gripping his shoulder. "Who is he? Did you see his face? Do you know him?"
"I-I'm sorry, Chief, but we were forbidden to reveal everything we saw, or we'll die," Paul's breath trembled. "He also took Astralus and Eira with him."
"What did you say?" Jyedrode was utterly shocked by what happened in the town under his protection.
"If Kill is the Grim Reaper, he's not the Kill we once knew. He's more heartless now, and clearly stronger. Perhaps he can even rival the 12 Zodiacs... maybe he's even stronger than them. His eyes, they're no longer vibrant and full of life like before; now they're almost lifeless. What really happened to you, Kill?" Paul asked himself, bewildered by the events unfolding.