Rupture: Rise of the Demon King Read Online Free Page B

done.
    “They weren’t even my real family,” Seeko said. “I was adopted.”
    “Even so, they raised ya. They’re spending every day looking for ya and—”
    “But they’ll never find me! I’ll never see them again, Kazuma!” Seeko kicked at the desk holding his old clothing.
    Kazuma said nothing.
    “Sorry. I’m sorry. I know I’m stuck here now. And … I’m going to be … a hero.” He hoped Kazuma didn’t notice his voice crack when he said that.
    Kazuma smiled. “That’s the spirit!” He handed him the sword.
    “I don’t know how to use a sword.”
    “It’s more for looks. If ya look like one of us, the company will be less likely to be attacked by stray demons. It’s our job to protect you anyway. Ya shouldn’t even have to draw the weapon.”
    “I hope not. I wouldn’t even know which side to grab.”
    Kazuma smiled. “You’re hopeless. I hope we can shape ya into something because if we can’t … Arani protect us.” Kazuma slapped his head to emphasize.
    “You’re sort of a jerk, you know?”
    Laughter was Kazuma’s response.
    / / / / /
    It took Seeko awhile to notice the town drawing nearer to the company. He had already been through so many other towns and had figured this was just another quick stop. Kazuma had a slight smile on his face, letting Seeko know they had finally reached their destination: Asilis.
    The city was built on the side of a hill, allowing Seeko to view the rows of buildings leading up to a large castle enclosed with walls. If Kazuma’s smile hadn’t given it away, that would have. Seeko exhaled in relief as he scraped his boots forward.
    My feet are on fire, Seeko thought. There is nothing left of them but ash and dust. He had never walked so much in his life before.
    “We have reached Asilis, capital of the Irenic Empire,” Kazuma said. It had taken twenty days, but Seeko had made it. He rejoiced, promising to treat his feet the first chance he got.
    Citizens stared at the company as they ascended through the town, passing row upon row of red stone buildings. The road was well paved and led to a gate atop the hill. Seeko looked at the faces following the group. The people were sad and scared, looking at Seeko with hope or despair.
    It wasn’t long before Seeko found himself inside a courtyard. Looming ahead was a huge castle made out of the same crimson stone as the buildings below. The intimidating structure made Seeko nervous, until he compared it to the skyscrapers back home.
    He brought his attention back to ground level and saw the soldiers split to either side, leaving Kazuma and Seeko standing alone on the path. Kazuma got down on one knee, bowing. Seeko quickly brought his attention forward as a man in ridiculous robes walked toward him, flanked by two guards on each side.
    “Uh …” Seeko just stood there, not knowing how to respond to this.
    “Get down!” Kazuma whispered.
    Seeko then noticed the crown on the man’s head and quickly knelt. So … this was Emperor Physis?
    The man raised a hand, speaking in a smooth baritone. “Rise, Captain Kazuma. What news does Grama Company bring on this fine day?”
    Kazuma rose and cleared his throat. “M’lord, Irris remains ours. In addition, we have the prophesied one.” He gestured to Seeko.
    Emperor Physis smiled. “So you do, so you do. This is fine news for the Irenic Empire. We have many things to discuss, and then we need to get Grama Company back to Irris.”
    Kazuma shifted uncomfortably. “M’lord? May I have a word with the boy?”
    “You will have time for that, Captain. For now, you are dismissed. Head to the barracks; I’ll call for you later.”
    Kazuma saluted and whistled to his soldiers, and soon the courtyard was empty save for Physis, Seeko, and his four-man guard.
    “Rise, boy,” Physis said.
    Seeko obeyed, fidgeting as he did so. He avoided the gaze of the emperor, instead watching his feet.
    “Come with me,” the emperor said. “We have things to discuss in