CHAPTER 334: CAFÉ BEFORE CARNAGE

Zain and the girls walked side by side down the stone path, the city waking up around them.

Devil City was already busy, even in the early morning.

Shops opened their stalls. Guards walked along the walls.

Flying creatures circled high above, carrying goods from airships to towers.

The faint red mist from the direction of the Devil Nest still lingered, but the city was calm.

"We should eat first," Velra said, fixing her collar as she walked. "I want something sweet."

"You always want sweets," Savra replied, walking behind her. "You’re going to get slow if you keep filling up on sugar."

Zelia said nothing, eyes moving around the street. "That place looks quiet," she said, nodding toward a small open café.

Zain looked where she pointed.

It was a two-floor building with a balcony and large glass windows.

Several tables were outside, and some people were already seated.

"Yeah," Zain nodded. "Let’s go there."

They entered the café and sat at a table near the corner.

As they waited for someone to take their order, Zain’s eyes scanned the area, and something caught his attention.

All around them were people with weapons.

At the table to the left, three men in full armour chatted while sharpening short swords.

They looked like warriors straight from a fantasy story.

At the table across, a group of four wore tight, spandex-like suits with hero badges on their arms.

Each had unique designs and gadgets clipped to their belts, classic Hero Association types.

Near the entrance, two women wore long robes with wide sleeves.

Swords were strapped to their backs, and one of them floated just slightly off the ground.

Their robes flowed gently even without the wind.

Zain’s eyes narrowed.

Their outfits... they looked exactly like the robes from the cultivation world he once ruled.

Big sleeves, waist sashes, layered fabric.

They even had qi-like energy around them.

He could feel it, though it was now called ether in this world.

"Strange..." he muttered.

Velra leaned closer. "What is it?"

Zain didn’t answer right away.

He kept watching the robed figures as they ordered tea.

"Those two," he finally said.

"Their clothes. The way they walk. It’s not from this world. It’s like... cultivation world style."

Savra raised a brow. "You mean like your old world?"

Zain nodded slowly. "Yeah. Same design. Same aura."

"That pressure around them isn’t normal. It’s not Hero Association style, and it’s not Brood either."

Zelia glanced over. "Another faction?"

"Maybe," Zain said. "Looks like there are more forces on this island than we thought."

Velra leaned her chin on her hand. "I kinda like that. The more chaos, the more fun."

Savra sipped the tea that had just arrived. "Or the more chances to burn someone."

Zain looked at the cup placed in front of him. "No wonder this place survives. Everyone is dangerous."

Zelia spoke softly. "Everyone’s preparing for something. Even in peace, this city feels like it’s waiting for war."

Zain smiled. "That’s what makes it useful."

They ate quietly afterwards, but Zain’s thoughts stayed on the robed figures.

Something about them felt familiar, not just in style but in energy.

It wasn’t just that they looked like cultivators.

It felt like they were.

He didn’t know how or why, but on this Supreme Island...

The Heroes and the Brood weren’t the only ones at the top.

---

Zain and the three girls walked toward one of the large gates that led out of Devil City and into the Outer Zone.

The closer they got, the fewer people they saw.

Most citizens stayed far away from the gates that led toward the Devil’s Nest.

Only a few teams passed through each day, some brave, some foolish, and most never returned.

Two city guards stood at the checkpoint in front of the gate.

Both wore full armour and had masks covering their faces.

They looked serious, holding long spears that glowed faintly with ether.

As Zain and his group approached, the guards glanced at their outfits.

Sleek, tight futuristic suits that hugged their bodies.

The taller guard pointed. "You all dressed right. Good."

"Tight suits help. The less open skin, the less the corruption eats at you."

The second guard added, "Still... don’t expect protection from your clothes forever. Once you cross this line..."

He pointed to the metal floor under the gate.

"You’re on your own. No patrols. No rescue. If something grabs you in there, you’re dead."

Velra smirked. "Sounds fun."

Savra tilted her head. "So dramatic."

Zelia said nothing but looked ahead, her hand resting on her blade.

Zain stepped forward. "Just tell us what we need to do."

The first guard pulled out a small tablet. "Sign this waiver. All four of you. It’s standard."

"Says the city isn’t responsible if you die, go crazy, or get turned into a devil."

The tablet floated in front of them, glowing softly.

Zain took it first and pressed his thumb on the screen.

Velra went next. "Here we go," she said, pressing her print.

Savra followed, humming. "Such a warm welcome."

Zelia signed last, without a word.

The tablet beeped and disappeared.

The second guard nodded. "Alright. You’re clear."

He turned to the large gate behind him and tapped a control panel.

With a loud hiss, the heavy metal doors began to slide open.

A rush of dry, corrupted wind blew through the crack.

The red mist outside was much thicker than in the city.

The land beyond looked broken, filled with jagged rocks, dried trees, and blackened ground.

The first guard spoke again. "We pray for your safety. Few return. Stay sharp."

Zain gave a calm smile. "Sure."

He stepped through the gate first.

Velra followed right behind him. "Let’s see what these devils look like."

Savra walked with a stretch. "Hope they burn easily."

Zelia walked last, eyes forward. "We move as a unit. No splitting up."

The gate closed behind them with a loud clang.

Now, they were inside the Outer Zone.

No more rules. No more help.

Only devils and death waited ahead.

And Zain welcomed it.