Rise of the Rejected Deity from Chaos

As Hayne voiced his request politely, his eyes shifted to the corners, stealing glances at Kaeliyus with a sidelong look.

"Demons?" Seiya echoed, glancing briefly at Kaeliyus before returning his gaze back to Hayne.

Kaeliyus sat in silence, irritated that they kept stealing glances at him just ’cause they were talking about demons like he was the one in question but he couldn’t protest or say anything because his young Lord was involved.

Straightening up from his bowed position, Hayne replied. "Yes," before strolling to sit on the couch opposite Seiya.

He exhaled loudly before continuing. "In the outskirts of the city is a small village overtaken by 16 high ranking demons," Hayne revealed, his tone quiet with sadness.

While Seiya remained blank, he was curious to hear more but Kaeliyus however, had no interest whatsoever, seemingly like he already knew what Hayne was talking about.

"That village has been secluded from the city for a while now," Hayne continued. "It is ruled by 16 upper ranking demons that rival even the power of most high ranking Humanity Saviors we have in our world currently. The people in the village are nothing but nutrient to them."

Raising his brow at the revelation he found absurd, Seiya asked. "Why would humans be nutrients to demons in their own lands?"

Casting his gaze low, a soft melancholic smile played on Hayne’s lips. "Funny, isn’t it? When I first found out, I also thought the same," he said.

"But then again, the nation’s current manpower remains unstable, with countless Awakeners as Rogues out there. The Humanity Saviors not only have to fight demons and monsters but also their own kind, the rogues. It’s fair to say the Heroes system stands at the losing end," Hayne explained.

"In every land, there is a fair share of unfairness within its structure, and this… is one such instance. While some roam freely across the country, cities and open roads, others are held captive, their lives no longer their own—just as ours once were."

Hearing this, Kaeliyus’ brow twitched, recalling all what his young Lord had gone through. He silently cursed Hayne for wording it like that and reminding his Lord about his cruel past but glancing over to Seiya, he was as blank as a sheet of paper—unbothered.

"Months ago, it was said that sixteen demons appeared without warning, unleashing chaos upon the city and claiming countless lives to cement their dominion. This, of course, occurred while most of the top-tier Humanity Saviors were away on missions, leaving only the lower ranks to confront them—none of whom survived."

"This prompted the recall of all high-ranking Humanity Saviors, but by the time they arrived, the demons had already entrenched themselves, seizing control of a village on the outskirts," Hayne explained. "Since then, they have ruled over the villagers, sacrificing many to their own kind. As part of their established rule, a villager is sacrificed to them each month."

Before Hayne could continue, Seiya interjected. "And why, after all this time, have the Humanity Saviors failed to eliminate the demons and free the people? Are they truly that weak?"

"Far from that," Hayne replied. "Let’s take you for example. With your power, if you’re faced with a hundred or more enemies that you have to fight everyday, even you can’t handle it, can you?" Hayne asked but without waiting for an answer, he continued.

"Such is the state of the Humanity Saviors. Though their numbers are vast, those of high ranks remain scarce. That is why they’re actively searching for Awakeners to join the academy through the yearly recruitment examinations," Hayne explained. "The world currently tilts in favor of the Demons and Rogues," he added.

"The main reason they have yet to rescue the villagers from the demons is this—the village is encased within a powerful barrier, one the H.S.A has spent months studying, yet still failed to break," he said.

"Many Humanity Saviors have attempted to dismantle it, including those summoned from neighboring countries, but all efforts have been in vain. Without a way inside, how can they hope to fight, let alone rescue their people?" Hayne sighed.

"Not only that, but the barrier is said to be tied to the life force of every villager. Should it be forcefully broken, we risk killing them all," he revealed.

"Left with no other option, the H.S turned to the Twelve Elders—particularly one among them, a man known to cut through anything. But even they are uncertain whether his blade would spare the villagers’ life force. However, the true reason the rescue remains delayed is that this particular elder is currently absent from Japan. As those of his kind work in the shadows, their whereabouts are seldom known, but the last time he was contacted, he revealed he was elsewhere and would return in a month’s time."

"So even if the Humanity Saviors long to rescue their people, they cannot—at least, not yet. The H.S Association is preparing for war, set to take place before the next sacrifice, exactly one month from now. But even before then, more villagers will undoubtedly perish, and that is what I seek to prevent," Hayne admitted.

"With demons capable of matching even most high-ranking Humanity Saviors in strength, it will be a blood-soaked battle," he added. His voice softened, and with his head slightly bowed, he murmured, "I know those trapped inside are longing for salvation more than anything."

"While I know this is dangerous, seeming like I’m pushing you to your death because I won’t be there to help, I just thought that maybe with your power," he paused, lifting his gaze to meet Seiya’s. "…we could do something to help."

"This would undoubtedly stir yet another uproar in the city if you were to intervene… And though I have preached endlessly about keeping a low profile, I suppose, in the end, lives matter more," Hayne admitted with a soft smile before continuing.

"Our manpower is limited—Nanaki, Kaeliyus, and yourself. As for me, I lack any combat ability and will be leaving soon, so I wonder just how much we can truly do. Ideally, I would have Nanaki depart at the same time as me, but for this final mission… he can stay and lend his aid."

Saying nothing, Seiya rose to his feet, stretching as he felt stiff and bored from all the talk.

"Naki can leave the same day as you," Seiya started, drawing Hayne and Kaeliyus’ gaze. "I think I can manage with just Kael."

First, Kaeliyus’ brows were knitted together in ire when he heard Seiya call his elite that way..but when Seiya also called him not just by his name but also a nickname, his head exploded.

His hands dramatically flew to his mouth in exaggerated surprise, eyes alight with sparks of admiration as he gazed up at Seiya.

"My Lord," he breathed softly, eyes never leaving Seiya.

Meanwhile, on the other side, veins pulsed along Hayne’s forehead, his mind running a quick thorough process of things, trying to remember whether Seiya had ever called him by his name.

But before Hayne could even make an issue out of it, a loud sigh erupted from Kaeliyus which drew their attention.

Only a minute ago was he all excited and all over Seiya but now, he looked quite down as he sighed.

"What is it?" Hayne asked.

He sighed yet again before responding. "I-I don’t think I can offer any help in this mission," he admitted.

With a brow raised, Hayne questioned, "why?"

"Those demons," he began, "are powerful beings from the abyss—just like me. I have remained hidden ever since I left, and if I were to reveal myself now, fighting them alongside my Lord, it would expose my exact whereabouts… and place my Lord in danger."

But rather than clarifying, his words only deepened Hayne’s confusion.

"I don’t quite follow," Hayne said.

"I am not saying I cannot slay my own kind," Kaeliyus clarified. "I am simply saying I cannot risk exposing my Lord’s existence to the demons—who may spread word of him to the abyss, thereby endangering him." Your next read awaits at NovelBin.Côm

Even though Hayne would’ve liked to know more, he hadn’t forgotten what had happened back in the cavern when he had asked who Seiya was. So he knew even if he asked right now, Kaeliyus wouldn’t be able to reveal it.

"And I don’t think my Lord should engage with them either," Kaeliyus added. "For, like me, they may recognize him and send word back home, which would bring nothing but danger upon him."

Kaeliyus could not fight, as it would risk exposing his whereabouts, and he did not want Seiya to fight, as it would lead to his recognition and discovery by others. Hayne found himself trapped in a dilemma.

But before he could mull over the matter further, Seiya’s sharp voice came cutting through the tension harshly.

"What meaningless words are you spouting right now?" Seiya demanded in a cold enraged tone, gaze bearing down oppressive intensity on Kaeliyus.