Hardcore Exorcist: Reborn to Grind

A vast cavern stretched out, its floor a single, uniform surface as glossy as a mirror. It was a secret underground grotto, fed by a stream of clear, pure water.

Near the cavern’s center was an island of earth, wrapped in flames that had burned continuously for two decades. The land was enclosed on all four sides by torii gates, marking it as a sanctuary in a way even a fool could understand.

Enclosed by torii gates and wreathed in fire—in the center of this sanctuary lay a pool of blood and a naked man.

His head had been shorn, his abdomen slit open. His handsome features were twisted in terror and exhaustion, the tracks of tears deeply etched beneath his eyes. 

His body was emaciated, pushed far beyond its limits. At his wrists, ankles, and neck, the skin had been torn open by heavy shackles, leaving the flesh raw and seeping blood where he was securely bound.

A knowing observer would recognize him as Issei Akai, second son of the six Akai siblings.

Despite his gruesome transformation, he was still breathing.

“Ah… ahh… ah…”

Along the outer perimeter of a vast magical circle drawn across the sanctuary lay the corpses of twelve worshipers, offered up as sacrifices. A ritual too terrible to name was undoubtedly underway.

From a dry path leading from the cavern’s edge to the sanctuary, a group of people watched. An old woman at their center, clad in the robes of a priestess, turned with a flourish.

She chimed a set of ritual bells and began an incantation, the group repeating her words in chorus.

“‘By the grand rite of celestial prayer, O hidden Demon Homura! Gather the corruption of the forbidden fire into these bells. By soul sanctified and soul corrupted, the roar of Homura shall burn this world to cinders! With the sound of these bells, we welcome the sins of heaven and the sins of earth—we receive all as sacred defilement—’”

As the voices of the old woman and her acolytes rose in pitch, the sacrifice trapped within the sanctuary began to cry out, his screams hollow and empty.

“Ugh, ahhh… ah… ah, ah…”

Issei Akai stared into the void, his eyes trembling. He repeated a string of incoherent mutters.

And then—he fell silent.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing here? Can’t you see a ritual is in progress?!”

From the edge of the cavern, far behind the congregation, the sound of an argument broke out.

“Enough. It matters not. Let him through.”

The old woman halted the ritual. Tearing her gaze from the sanctuary, she turned to face the newcomer.

The man carried a rifle and wore a radio and a bulletproof vest. It was clear to everyone that he was one of Retsu Shido’s mercenaries.

“Forgive my intrusion during the rite. I have an urgent report for you, Lady Sakaki.”

“Speak. Here and now,” the old woman—Teruno Sakaki—ordered.

At her voice, which dripped with authority, Shido’s subordinate straightened up and proceeded.

“A report just came in from the part of Beta Squad we sent back to Captain Shido’s position. They found twenty-two bodies at the shooting range. The Captain’s body was among them. We’ve also lost contact with all other mercenary teams. Based on the situation… we believe they’ve been annihilated.”

The Beta Squad captain delivered his report, his tone grave.

Teruno Sakaki hurled the ritual bells she was clutching to her chest at him. “What in the world were you all doing?!”

“Ngh! I… I am deeply sorry…!”

The captain dropped to the ground, prostrating himself in apology.

Sakaki bit her lip and groaned in frustration. The surrounding acolytes trembled before their priestess’s seething rage, holding their breath, not daring to move a muscle, praying the old woman’s fury wouldn’t turn on them.

“A pack of useless fools, every last one of you! Completely worthless! And after I gave you the power of Homura! After I gave you the chance to serve the will of Homura! To be routed by a single Exorcist. Shame on you all!”

The old woman’s furious shout echoed through the cavern. Cowed by her terrifying presence, no one dared to speak.

“Annihilated? You have the gall to bring me such a report. Kurenagi, Tomoshigawa, Kemurishima… and now even Retsu. I was told the rats the Church sent were dead. That our only failure was the loose end from that night. I’ve heard the stories. He’s just some commoner with no mana, isn’t that right? Well, Hakuya? My dear grandson.”

The one she addressed was one of the acolytes.

A man in a deep hood gave a shudder and pulled it back, revealing a young man with white hair. He gave off a dull, lifeless vibe.

Cold sweat trickled down Hakuya Dōdō’s temples as he faced Sakaki.