The Record of Unusual Creatures

The first signs of oddity were noticed by the unusual creatures in the Greek Peninsula. One by one, the unusual creature species realized that the demon hunters, who killed their kind all over the planet, had suddenly gone missing. Later on, spies confirmed that the demon hunters’ strongholds were abandoned. A few days later, similar intel came from Northern Europe and the entire American Continent—the demon hunters were gone.

Europe, Asia, America, the least populated Arctic region, and the Antarctic, where the most secretive hunting activities were conducted—demon hunters in all these areas seemed to have deserted their stations simultaneously as though they had received new orders. Due to limited resources, the unusual creature families could not ascertain where the demon hunters had gone to. By the time they realized what was happening, no demon hunter was left in sight. Nevertheless, they could deduce from what little traces were left behind that the demon hunters had left systematically. A small werewolf family in Southern America was the only one to have reportedly seen a group of demon hunters leaving hastily. The hunters looked like they were in a hurry, and did not engage the werewolves even though they could obviously sense them.

Reports suggesting the reason for the disappearance of the demon hunters were presented to unusual creature families around the planet in the next few days. Reclusive, traditional aristocratic families and all the sanctuaries received this intel. The major families sent their best investigators to verify these reports. Special forces sent to enter demon hunter territory had all returned safely so far, finding only traces of magic and empty spaces once occupied by gear and equipment. Families in touch with each other shared intel, and news continued to spread amongst the sanctuaries. Finally, the entire planet was made aware.

The demon hunters were gone.

When Hessiana made the call to Vivian, those in the Athens Sanctuary had already completed a sweep of the entire Greek Peninsula. It had been thousands of years since these unusual creatures had worked together in such a massive scale—when the demon hunters were still active, they never dared to do move in broad daylight. However, the result of their search was this—the demon hunters were gone. A few different families in the Asian Continent did their own searches, and while their progress was slower than in Europe and America, they had arrived at the same conclusion.

Vivian told Hao Ren of the news she received from Hessiana in a worried voice, “Something’s wrong.”

“It’s not normal, that’s for sure.” Hao Ren flung his chess piece onto the table. “They can’t really leave Earth, right? Besides, you said that a family in North America saw one of the retreating demon hunter troops?”

“Yes. Hessiana said it was a werewolf family that’s related to the Holfinlay Family. That’s why they managed to contact Athens Sanctuary.” Vivian nodded slightly. “They encountered a group of retreating demon hunters.”

“This means that the demon hunters didn’t just vanish into thin air. They simply went somewhere else.” Hao Ren stroked his chin. “Anything else?”

Vivian shook her head. “Nothing. The otherworldlings have been at a disadvantage compared to the demon hunters. Since the demon hunters divided the planet into different regions, the otherworldling families have mostly been isolated from each other. It’s still possible to keep in touch with each other, but impossible to gather intel where the demon hunters are active. They found out about the demon hunters’ disappearance only after they were gone, and probably some time after they actually left. So, Hessiana’s also asking about the local demon hunters.”

Hao Ren considered it for a moment. “Our demon hunters are doing fine. One’s watching TV with his sister, the other’s doing business outside…”

Vivian glared at him. “Not these two! I’m talking about Liu Sheng and Zhao Xi!”

Hao Ren slapped his thigh in sudden realization. “I’ll go find them!”

“Wait, I’m coming with you”—Vivian put her jacket back on—”in case you need back up.”

“It’s just a walk to the city, don’t worry about it.” Hao Ren stopped Vivian and pointed at the hungry, slumping figure in the living room. “You should prep for the next meal. Look at that pitiful thing.”

Vivian turned to the living room and saw Lily lounging on the sofa. She watching television while snacking on a bag of chips. The werehusky noticed Vivian and wagged her tail defiantly. “Get cooking, I’m starving! What are you two talking about non-stop?”

Vivian curled her lips and nodded at Hao Ren. “…Alright, come back soon.”

Hao Ren went over to Lil’ Pea, who was still hugging onto her piece, and patted her. “Good Lil’ Pea, I’m going out for a bit. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

Just as he was about to step outside, Rollie suddenly stomped her way down the stairs and yelled, “Big Boss Cat, where are you goin’? Are you getting me some dried fish strips?”

“All you do is eat.” Hao Ren glowered at the cat girl. “I have work to do.”

“I’m coming with you!” The stupid cat jumped at the chance, looking as stubborn as a cat. “Food, food, food!”

Hao Ren thought that the cat was probably idling around at home, so it would be hard to dissuade her from following. In the end, he just had the cat girl put on a change of clothes, and both of them headed for the city in all their splendor.

If he was not wrong, the local demon hunters, Liu Sheng and Zhao Xi should still be working in the shopping mall he last remembered seeing them. It had been about a month ago.

After Hao Ren left, Lil’ Pea stared at the board for a while with her chess piece still close to her chest. Then, she whipped her tail around. “Daddy sucks at playing! I can’t even go all out!”

On the other hand, Hao Ren was of course, oblivious to what his dear fish daughter was complaining about. He started his ride, the Northstar, and went straight for the city to find Liu Sheng and Zhao Xi, who were both working in the mall in the guise of normal people. He remembered Zhao Xi’s handphone shop, but he did not see the scarred lady there.

“Looking for Zhao Xi?” A staff at the counter noticed Hao Ren and was surprised by his intention. The freckled young woman did a double take on Hao Ren, as she did not expect the solitary and quiet Zhao Xi to have friends. “She hasn’t been around for a while. Took a long leave from the boss.”

“A long leave? What happened?” Hao Ren felt unsettled, having confirmed the unusual activities of the demon hunter community. “Did she say when she’d be coming back? Where has she gone to?”

“It’s been a week since she left. I don’t know where she is now,” the freckled young lady replied and looked Hao Ren from top to bottom suspiciously. “Who are you? Do you have any business with her?”

Hao Ren realized that his abrupt string of questions had alarmed her. He smiled and explained, “She’s a friend of mine. I’ve visited this place a few times before, but I’ve never seen you around— that lady over there looks familiar, though.”

“Oh, I remember you. You’ve been here a few times.” The other staff member recognized Hao Ren. “We really don’t know where Zhao Xi is now. She’s not the talkative type, and she never spoke of her family before.”

“Hmm…” Hao Ren stroked his chin. “Then, do you know the manager of this floor called Liu Sheng?”

“Manager Liu? He hasn’t been around either. I heard he’s on some family business. He’s on long leave as well,” the freckled young lady offered. “I think it’s around the same time Zhao Xi took her leave.”

Hao Ren had reached his own conclusions by then. He nodded and said, “Alright, thanks for everything.”

After he left the mall, Hao Ren slowly exhaled. One thing was sure—the demon hunters in the city had left.

It was not without warning, however.

“They applied for long leave before they took off, so they were not exactly in a hurry. Besides, they planned for their return too. It’s more likely that they received orders from their superiors to move out.” Hao Ren analyzed the situation. “I wonder if it was the same with the other demon hunters.”

Rollie listened to Hao Ren’s analysis and stretched lazily. “So, where’s the food?”

Hao Ren took a moment to realize that the only one listening to him was the cat. He slapped himself in the face. “…Why the f*ck did I bring you here?”

“It’s because I’m cute and adorable, meow! So, where’s the food?”

Hao Ren was speechless.