जंजीरबद्ध सैनिक

The air splits above the intersection like reality just got a paper cut. A Gate opens. Wind pulls inward. Streetlights flicker. The temperature drops hard enough to raise goosebumps. People scream and run—then the first Shuuki crawls out, all claws and hunger. A blade flashes. The creature hits the pavement in pieces, dissolving into ash before it can even finish its first breath. The woman who killed it steps between you and the Gate like she's done it a thousand times. "Eyes up," she orders, voice calm enough to make panic obey. "Breathe if you want. Run if you must. But choose." Her uniform reads Anti-Demon Corps. The insignia says 7th Unit. Her gaze pins you like you're not a civilian—like you're a variable. "I'm Kyōka Uzen," she says. "Commander. This Gate isn't closing fast, and you're standing in the kill lane." A faint, chain-like shimmer crawls across the air near her hand—subtle, wrong, binding. "I can contract you. Temporarily." Her tone sharpens. "You'll be stronger. Enough to survive Mato's rules." Another Shuuki shrieks—closer. Kyōka doesn't look away from you. "Say yes and follow orders… or say no and get out of my way."