The road ahead was quiet, too quiet.
A lone circus tent loomed in the distance, its tattered red and gold fabric swaying slightly in the night breeze. The distant sound of laughter and faint carnival music echoed through the air, giving the entire atmosphere a sense of eerie enchantment.
Walking toward it, Suimin yawned. "This is the last place my friend was seen."
Hikaru frowned, arms crossed. "And just who is this friend of yours, Suimin? And how exactly will they help in our fight against Heaven?"
Suimin stretched, eyes half-lidded. "Back when I was gaming online, there was only one person who could match my skill. We had many legendary battles—sometimes I would win, sometimes he would win. If he's that strong online, then he must be strong in real life too."
Kurai let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing her temples. "You absolute idiot. Just because someone is strong in a game does not mean they're strong in real life!" She groaned. "What's the point of us even being here if this is just another weak monkey?"
"Hey! I'm one of those monkeys!" Mamoru interrupted, frowning.
Hikaru chuckled. "She does have a point, Suimin. If this guy is just some nerd you played games with, we might be wasting our time."
Suimin smirked. "Or maybe… we'll find someone stronger than all of us."
Mamoru sighed in defeat, looking toward the circus entrance. "Well, since we're already here, we might as well check it out."
---
The circus was alive with dazzling performances and vibrant attractions, a world of blazing colors, swirling lights, and illusions that defied logic. The air was thick with the smell of buttered popcorn, roasted peanuts, and something oddly sweet—almost intoxicating.
Suimin, Kurai, Hikaru, and Mamoru stepped into the chaotic wonderland, their eyes scanning the countless attractions.
"Alright, let's see what this overpriced deathtrap has to offer," Mamoru grumbled, clutching what was left of his wallet.
"This better be good, or I'm burning this entire tent down," Kurai scoffed, flicking her hair back.
"Relax." Suimin stretched, yawning. "The real fun doesn't start until the final act."
Hikaru simply observed, a quiet unease settling in his chest. Something felt… off.
But for now, they pushed that thought aside and let themselves be pulled into the surreal spectacle unfolding before them.
---
Their first stop was the fire-breathing performance.
A troupe of masked performers danced across the ring, their every movement synced to the pounding rhythm of tribal drums.
Then—whoosh.
A performer exhaled a jet of fire, the flames twisting into the shape of a serpent before it coiled upward and burst into a shower of golden embers.
The crowd gasped in awe, cheers erupting as the fire-dancers twirled, their elaborate red and black costumes shimmering in the fiery glow.
Suimin, unimpressed, took a bite of his caramel-covered pretzel. "I could probably do that in my sleep."
Kurai raised a brow. "I'd pay to watch you set yourself on fire."
"Oh, really? Maybe next time I'll light your scythe on fire, see how you like it."
"You two, please," Hikaru sighed, rubbing his temples. "Let's just enjoy the performance."
Mamoru, meanwhile, was too busy staring at the flames. Something about them seemed… almost too lifelike, as if they had a mind of their own.
He shook off the thought. It was probably just an illusion.
---
From the fire to the skies, the next act brought them to the trapeze artists.
A single drumbeat echoed through the tent as the lights dimmed.
Then—they appeared.
Five performers in flowing silver robes emerged, stepping onto a tightrope strung high above the audience.
The moment they took their places, the music shifted into something ethereal, a haunting melody played on an instrument Mamoru couldn't quite place.
Then, without warning, they leapt.
"Whoa!" Mamoru gasped as the acrobats soared through the air, defying gravity as they flipped, twisted, and spiraled in perfect synchronization.
Each time one seemed on the brink of falling, another caught them, swinging them effortlessly to safety.
But it wasn't just their movements that were mesmerizing—it was the way they seemed to float, almost too gracefully.
"They're not using normal techniques," Hikaru murmured, eyes narrowing.
"Magic?" Suimin asked, still munching on his food.
"Most likely." Hikaru frowned. "There's something unnatural about the way they move."
Kurai smirked. "If they can float, let's see if they can still fly when I cut their ropes."
"Kurai. No murdering the performers," Hikaru sighed.
"Fine."
Mamoru shuddered. The entire act felt almost… inhuman.
Like the performers weren't entirely… alive.
---
After the main performances, they found themselves at a side attraction—The Hall of Freaks.
A massive sign, painted in garish red, loomed above the entrance:
"BEHOLD THE IMPOSSIBLE! THE MARVELS OF NATURE!"
"Oh great, let's go see some 'abominations' for the sake of entertainment," Mamoru muttered sarcastically.
"Relax, nerd, you're already one of them," Kurai teased.
Inside, the air felt heavy, almost suffocating.
Lining the hall were glass cases, each containing a different "marvel"—or rather, cursed beings forced to be exhibits.
One display contained a woman with four arms, her body adorned with golden jewelry, staring blankly at the crowd.
Another had a man with no skin, his exposed muscles gleaming under the dim light.
Then, there was one that made them stop.
A young man sat in a glass case, his entire body covered in puppet strings.
His face was expressionless, but his eyes—his eyes were pleading.
A shiver ran down Hikaru's spine.
"What the hell is this place?" Mamoru whispered.
A soft chuckle echoed from the darkness.
They turned—but saw nothing.
---
The final act was held in the grandest tent of all.
At the center of the arena stood a towering marionette stage, its curtains deep crimson, its wood painted black with gold engravings.
The ringmaster, dressed in a two-toned harlequin suit, stepped forward, grinning unnervingly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for a spectacle unlike any other!"
The lights dimmed.
Then—the stage moved.
Or rather, the puppets moved on their own.
Strings twisted and pulled as wooden figures danced across the platform, their movements eerily precise, almost too human.
One puppet, shaped like a jester, pirouetted into the air, landing in a graceful bow.
Another, dressed in a blood-red gown, spun around, her head tilting at an unnatural angle.
Then—a final puppet emerged.
This one was different.
It was larger, taller… and its eyes… its eyes were real.
Mamoru's blood ran cold.
"That's not a puppet."
The puppet twitched, its head jerking toward them.
Its mouth didn't move, but they heard a voice.
"Join us."
---
As the final performance ended, the group stepped out into the cool night air.
Suimin shrugged. "Let's just check into a hotel."
"With what money?" Mamoru shot back. "I just spent all of it at this overpriced hellhole!"
Suimin scratched his chin. "Then we could always just camp out behind the circus."
Kurai's face darkened immediately. "You dare ask me to sleep outside in a tent like some kind of dog?! I refuse to tolerate such treatment!"
Mamoru groaned. "Just because I have your brother inside me doesn't mean I have to cave to all your tantrums!"
Kurai's eyes shimmered, her bottom lip trembling as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Oh, for the love of—" Mamoru muttered.
Before he could say another word, Hikaru took over. "There, there, sister. He didn't mean it," he reassured her, patting her head gently.
Suimin, meanwhile, had already collapsed onto the ground and started snoring. "While you guys talk it out, I'm gonna take a nap."
Mamoru pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. "I hate all of you."
---
As the group set up camp, something watched them from the shadows.
A low chuckle echoed through the circus grounds. "More toys for me to play with… How fun."
The temperature dropped.
A dark silhouette lingered just beyond the tent's entrance.
---
Somewhere between half-asleep and mildly freezing, Mamoru shuddered.
"Mamoru, I sense danger. Let me take over." Hikaru's voice echoed in his mind.
Mamoru nodded groggily. In a flash of light, Hikaru awoke in control, his eyes scanning the area.
He reached over and covered Kurai's mouth, whispering, "Be on guard. I feel something watching us."
Kurai nodded, immediately on alert.
They attempted to wake Suimin.
First attempt:
"Suimin, wake up."
No response.
Second attempt:
Suimin grumbled, rolling over. "Five more minutes, Mom…"
Kurai squinted in frustration.
Third attempt:
Kurai kicked Suimin straight in the face.
Suimin slowly rose to his feet, towering over them, his crimson eyes glowing slightly in the darkness.
"You both better have a good reason for waking me up. Do you remember what happened to the last guy who disturbed my sleep?"
Hikaru stepped between them. "Suimin, I sense danger. We must be on guard and locate the source of this bloodlust."
Suimin cracked his knuckles, yawning. "Just point me in their direction. I'll make them pay for disturbing my sleep."
---
The trio scoured the circus grounds, moving cautiously through the darkness.
Kurai huffed in frustration. "This is taking forever. How long is this going to take, big brother?"
Hikaru sighed. "Probably forever if we stick together. We should split up and search for clues."
Mamoru snapped into control, letting out an exasperated sigh as he turned towards Suimin and Kurai. "Are you a bunch of idiots?! This is just like a horror movie! Splitting up is how the killer picks people off one by one!"
"Oh please," Kurai scoffed. "This isn't one of your weak mortal horror films."
And with that—the group split up.
Kurai headed to the House of Mirrors.
Suimin wandered toward the concession stands.
Hikaru entered the animal exhibit.
---
Kurai strolled through the mirrors, scoffing at her reflection.
"Ugh, mortals and their stupid contraptions. Look at this one—it doesn't even look like me."
The reflection smirked.
Kurai froze.
The mirror twisted and warped, a shadowy creature crawling out from its depths.
"What the hell?!"
The puppet lunged.
Kurai dodged easily, cleaving its head off with her scythe.
For a moment, all was silent.
Then—the creature picked up its own severed head and reattached it.
Kurai's eyes widened. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me."
More puppets emerged from the mirrors.
---
Hikaru walked cautiously through the animal exhibit.
Then—a man stumbled toward him.
"Sir, are you alright?"
The man looked up, revealing bleeding eyes and a sewn-shut mouth.
Hikaru stumbled backward.
The puppet snapped a whip, and suddenly—lions appeared.
Hikaru swallowed hard. "Oh, shit…"
---
Suimin rummaged through food, stuffing his face with a sandwich.
A familiar figure approached.
Suimin squinted. "NoobMaster69…?"
The figure lurched forward, eyes blacked out, mouth sewn shut.
"Yo, what the hell happened to you?!"
The puppet charged.
Suimin smirked. "Finally, our first real-life battle; our battle will be legendary!"
He threw a punch—right through the figure's stomach.
The hole closed instantly.
Suimin stared.
"Instant regen? Nah, I'm too tired for this shit."
He ran away—but then stopped and rushed back to grab his sandwich. He then dashed away, running so fast he left a smoke trail.
---
The trio fled, all stumbling into the center tent at the same time.
"Are you guys having trouble killing your opponents too?!"
A sinister laugh echoed from above.
The trio looked up.
A puppet balanced on a tightrope, grinning.
"Ah, I see you've been enjoying my toys." Their eyes gleamed.
"My name is Joker. Would you like to join my circus?"
The puppet's smile then widened.