Chapter Text
On Demons, Their Origins, and Why You Shouldn’t Invite Them In
Demons, broadly defined, are non-human entities that originate from realms outside the physical plane. Demons are parasitic, often predatory, entities hailing from dimensional planes adjacent to, but not aligned with, our reality. Their exact origin is unclear—though many scholars agree they predate structured human language.
Translation: They’re old. Like “rot smells like home” old. Ew. — N.
While not all are malicious, most are opportunistic, drawn to emotion, trauma, or neglect.
Technically true. But you can’t exactly befriend a Wallcrawler. Trust me. I tried. — N.V
It is believed that demons seep into our world through emotional fractures — grief, rage, despair — or through dimensional rifts caused by misuse of magical relics or unstable rituals.
Or when someone tries a “summon your soulmate” spell on TikTok.
Yes. That happened. — N.V
Once present, demons adapt rapidly to their surroundings, forming appearances and behaviors tailored to their chosen “nest.”
These beings can be categorized by their behavior, feeding patterns, and method of manifestation. High-level entities, often known as Bleedborn or Nightspawn , have sentience and agency.
Sentience = meaner. Agency = punchier. Bleedborns are the WORST. — N.V
Demons are not visible—or perceivable—to everyone. Most people walk past them daily without ever noticing. Their forms are cloaked not just to the eye, but to most human senses, like sound and even smell. Only certain individuals, usually those who’ve survived direct contact, used mystical arts, or have latent perceptive abilities, can detect them.
“Latent perceptive abilities” = congratulations, you have the worst superpower. Enjoy smelling sulfur and cold every time you walk past a school hallway demon. — N.V
Classification System (Simplified)
Due to the vast range of demonic forms, the Urban Edition utilizes a simplified ranking system:
- Tier 1 – Echoes
Minor, often non-sentient. Cause mood shifts, bad dreams, and the occasional poltergeist tantrum.
Pfft. Baby demons. Good starter fights. — N.V - Tier 2 – Clingers
Emotion-feeders that attach to people, places, or objects. Dangerous in numbers.
See: haunted ukuleles, breakup boxes, goth exes. — N.V - Tier 3 – Wraiths & Binders
Intelligent and manipulative. Target hospitals, graveyards, and old train stations.
Also jazz clubs. Don’t ask. — N.V - Tier 4 – Named Entities / Bloodbound / Bleedborn
Rare, unstable, extremely powerful. Can alter reality in localized areas.
Big Bad Vibes. Punch first. Apologize to space-time later. — N.V
Lower-level entities often act as infestations: clinging to buildings, items, or emotions like mold. Some known types include:
- Wallcrawlers – Spider-like, thin-limbed demons that spread fear and cause hallucinations in enclosed spaces.
Found one in a kindergarten. They really do crawl on walls. Freakin’ hate them. — N.V
- Guttergloomers – Sewer-dwelling shadow beasts that thrive on isolation and forgotten places.
Wear waterproof boots. Seriously. I lost my favorite pair last month. — N.V
- Phantom Binders – Latch onto grief in hospitals, creating looping spiritual paralysis.
One started singing ABBA at me. I did NOT vibe. — N.V
Known Types Encountered in Gotham (so far)
- Wallcrawlers
Arachnid-type demons that stalk vertical surfaces. Spider-like, thin-limbed demons that spread fear and cause hallucinations in enclosed spaces. Often invisible unless viewed through reflective surfaces.
I once trapped one in a bathroom mirror. It mimicked me for five hours. Kinda iconic, honestly. — N.V
Found one in a kindergarten. They really do crawl on walls. Freakin’ hate them. — N.V
- Guttergloomers
Sewer-dwelling shadow beasts that thrive on isolation and forgotten places.
Found near runoff tunnels and storm drains. Leave behind slime that corrodes memory.
Explains why I forgot my own lyrics on Tuesday. — N.V
Wear waterproof boots. Seriously. I lost my favorite pair last month. — N.V
- Phantom Binders
Target intense emotion. Latch onto grief in hospitals, creating looping spiritual paralysis.
One started singing ABBA at me. I did NOT vibe. — N.V
Had to fight one while stuck in my own middle school dance memory. Pure hell. — N.V
- Lurkers
Mask as shadows. Feed on fear of being watched.
Fun fact: They HATE ring lights. — N.V
- Bleedborn
Rarest tier. Possibly remnants of ancient failed gods. They don’t just haunt — they hunger.
Note to self: Do NOT take on one of these solo again.
Second note: Pack more stickers. — N.V
Signs of Demonic Activity (Checklist)
- Flickering lights with no electrical faults
- Unexplained dread or mood swings
- Voices with no source
- Cold spots
- Glitter that wasn't yours
That last one might be me. Oops. — N.V
Demons cannot be killed in the traditional sense. They must be dispelled , bound , or banished using rituals, objects imbued with intent, or—rarely—song.
Ahem.
“I banish thee with rhythm and wrath,
In lyrics sharp, you feel my path…”
…Okay, you get it. Works better live. — N.V
Warning: Demons often remain invisible to the average human eye. Only trained hunters, those touched by magic, or unlucky Gothamites with latent sensitivity may perceive them.
Hi. I’m all three. Also: I glow. You’ll see. — N.V
In the event of possession, infestation, or a rogue Bleedborn sighting, contact your nearest registered hunter, exorcist, or freelance operative immediately.
Unless it’s me. I’m booked for a gig at midnight. Leave a message. — N.V
On Banishment, Binding, and Bubble Tea
The most effective tools for dealing with demonic entities include:
- Runic charms
- Intent-infused objects
- Silver ink inscriptions
- Sound-based purification (see: sonic spellcasting)
Yes. That means music. Yes, that means me. — N.V
Don’t look so surprised. Beats slap demons harder than most exorcists. — N.V
Advanced hunters often create hybrid charms — mixing ancestral texts, modern glyphs, and chaos magic.
Which is why my glaive is covered in glitter, duct tape, and spite. — N.
Recovery from demonic exposure often includes memory fog, fatigue, or minor possession side effects. In rare cases, victims become “sight-touched,” meaning they retain awareness of the demonic world.
It’s like getting free Wi-Fi but only for horror. — N.V
Final Note to New Hunters
Demons are not metaphors. They are not misunderstood.
They do not want your love, your soul, or your poetry.
Although one DID flirt with me. Politely declined. — N.V
They want your silence , your helplessness, your terror.
The best response?
Fight back. Loudly. Flashily. Spectacularly.
Add glitter.
Add a beat drop.
Add you. — N.V
Because if the underworld wants a war,
you give them a show.
Demon Hunter Ranking System
The global demon hunting network (known as Aegis Order in some circles, Sanctum Line in others — names vary by region, but they all report to the same enigmatic source) uses a tiered system to classify operatives. These levels aren’t just rank—they define access, responsibilities, the type of demons allowed to be hunted, and often come with personal and political consequences.
Entry-Level Ranks
Level 1: Initiate
- Status: Trainee. Typically under 16.
- Access: Forbidden from solo hunts.
- Demon Clearance: Class 0–1 (Flickers, Parasites).
- Notes: Required to undergo charm etching, demon language exposure, and basic resistance training.
- Common Failure Point: 60% dropout during the "Maw Trial" — first possession simulation.
Level 2: Operative
- Status: Licensed field hunter, usually paired with a mentor.
- Access: Lower-rank relics and exorcism rites.
- Demon Clearance: Class 1–2.
- Notes: Expected to master at least 2 charm languages and construct temporary sanctified zones.
Mid-Level Ranks
Level 3: Hunter
- Status: Trusted solo field agent.
- Access: Limited magical relics and medium-clearance scrolls.
- Demon Clearance: Class 2–3 (Wraiths, Binders, Echo-Borns).
- Notes: May be assigned to critical urban zones like Gotham or Seoul. Occasionally sent on scouting missions into "Bleed Zones."
Level 4: Apex Tracker
- Status: Skilled veteran. Usually regionally assigned.
- Access: Moderate blacksite clearance, allowed to lead small squads.
- Demon Clearance: Class 3–4 (Bleed Afflicted, Shell-Takers, Veil-Breachers).
- Notes: Apex Trackers are given leeway to bend charm laws in-field.
Level 5: Apex Operative
- Status: Elite frontline. Operates internationally.
- Access: High-tier relics, dimensional keys, limited sanctioning power.
- Demon Clearance: Class 4–5 (Bleed-Borne, Unmoored, Rift-Bent).
- Notes: Apex Operatives are rare (less than 30 worldwide). Known for eccentric, unorthodox methods — the more chaotic, the more powerful the enemy they're assigned.
“If a Level 5 is stationed in your city, start evacuating the cats and salt your windows.” — Constantine
Top-Tier Ranks
Level 6: Sanctifiers
- Status: Enforcers of the highest law. Occasionally act as executioners.
- Access: Full archive clearance. Speak dead languages. Can bind demons into existence or memory.
- Demon Clearance: Class 5+ (Unknowns, God-Eaters, Fragmented Lords).
- Notes: Seen as unstable or reverent. Some believe their minds are partially overwritten.
Level 7–9 (Restricted)
- Existence Unconfirmed.
- Some believe they’ve been "deleted" from human records and only exist as whispered warnings.
☠️ Level X: Black-Class
- Status: Mythical. Said to be the final stage before non-human transcendence.
- Access: Beyond mortal archives. Capable of rewriting exorcism law on the fly.
- Demon Clearance: All known and unknown classes, including interdimensional Kings.
- Notes:
- There is no formal promotion. Black-Class is awakened through extreme trauma, death-avoidance, or full synchronization with eldritch relics.
- Very few reach it. Fewer stay human afterward.
“If a Level X knocks on your door… you're either already dead or you're part of the plan.” — Higher Demon, during interrogation
—-
Korean Demon Hunter Ranks (They prefer their own system)
- Level 9 – Recruit
- Trainees under supervision. Learning spiritual awareness, basic charm creation, and demon recognition.
- Known Hunter: No public names; these are usually teenagers in training academies.
- Level 8 – Field Initiate
- Can go on minor solo missions against Tier 1 demons (e.g., whisper fiends, shadowlings).
- Known Hunter: Park Min-jun, youngest initiate to take down a Whisper Fiend alone.
- Level 7 – Operative
- Assigned to regions with high supernatural flux. Teams with other hunters.
- Known Hunter: Seo Ji-won, field operative known for her precision with paper seals.
- Level 6 – Senior Operative
- Capable of leading squads, often deployed to unstable zones.
- Known Hunter: Ryu Dae-hyun, respected for commanding the Yeongdeungpo Spirit Containment Operation.
- Level 5 – Apex Operative
- Rare classification. Trusted to handle Tier 3 demons solo and lead full extermination units.
- Known Hunter: Kim Haneul, famed for surviving a Blood Rift incursion.
- Custom title for Koreans: “Gwi-Ban” (귀반) — "Ghost Returner", meaning one who brings the world back from the brink.
- Level 4 – Threshold Guardian
- Given access to forbidden libraries and ancient magic. Handles dimensional breaches.
- Known Hunter: Han So-yeon, the current record-holder for sealing 3 interdimensional rifts in 24 hours.
- Level 3 – Pale Warden
- Fewer than 20 exist globally. Handles Tier 4–5 bleed-borne cases. Travels across countries.
- Known Hunter: Nyxie – Active under the Korean branch - Gwisal Clan (귀살). Deployed in Gotham following localized bleed fluctuation. Known for high success rate, unpredictable methods, and glyph-based sonic combat.
- Level 2 – Black Class Operative
- Operate beyond normal law. Only called in for apocalypse-class events.
- Korea only has 2 at a time. Identities classified.
- Level X – Void Touched / Designated Anomaly
- Not a rank but a status. Reserved for hunters who have surpassed the system—either through survival, forbidden knowledge, or cosmic favor.
- Expected outcome for Nyxie by the end of your story.
Known Hunter: Jin Daesung , now a myth. Said to have vanished into the Bleed and speaks only through possessed omens.
Subject: RE: Escalated Paranormal Activity – Gotham Sector
To: Demon Hunter Nyxie
From: Commander Sung – Division of Paranormal Containment and Extermination
Classification: Priority Alert – Urban Containment
To: Demon Hunter Nyxie,
We hope this message finds you not currently midair, mid-solo, or mid-swing.with entities visible only to the sixth sense
Let’s move past formalities — we’re facing an urgent situation.
Gotham’s demonic activity has escalated beyond standard anomaly thresholds. Over the last three weeks alone, we’ve logged the following within city limits:
- 17 confirmed Wraith infestations in residential complexes
- 5 Binder-class outbreaks in medical facilities
- 2 unclassified spectral incursions exhibiting Bleedborn-level signatures
- And, notably, one vending machine possession incident (Classified: “Clinger Swarm”). Humorous, but still hazardous.
These numbers mark a 400% increase in activity compared to the last quarter. This is not a random spike. It's systemic — and unprecedented even in Gotham.
Assignment Reallocation:
Effective immediately, you are reassigned to Gotham Sector under a deep-sweep urban containment directive.
Given your high success rate in dense-population environments (despite ongoing complaints regarding flair), you're the most qualified operative for this task.
Public Cover Protocol:
Your current “Burn the Night” promotional tour has been amended to include an unscheduled Gotham appearance as your final stop. Your management has been briefed. A venue has been secured. Once your tour is finished you will stay in Gotham until further notice.
Public Cover Story:
“Pop idol Nyra is visiting Gotham for personal inspiration and retail chaos.”
Actual Objective:
Investigate the source of the city’s demonic surge, neutralize any high-threat entities, and perform systematic area cleansing as needed. Secondary objective: monitor and contain residuals. Standard pest control protocol applies.
Reminders & Cautions:
- Authorized tools only: This does not include sonic charms,, sigil-synchronized lyrics, and the microphone glaive (glitter may be used in minimal amounts, per cleanup complaints in Seoul, Prague, and Tokyo).
- Do not attempt summoning-class rituals without backup.
- The Seers’ Circle has formally flagged your prior Bleedborn encounter. You were fortunate. Avoid a repeat.
- Your misuse of transportation sigils recently led to avian combustion in Prague. Cease experimenting without clearance.
- Yes, we’re aware Gotham is monitored by local “vigilante” entities. They are not our concern — unless they become one. Keep a low profile. Refrain from blowing up cultural institutions this time.
- Do not livestream mid-possession again.
Communications:
Encrypted field updates will be transmitted via your lyric scrolls . Please read them before folding them into enchanted origami.
This is not a disciplinary reassignment (mostly). You’ve been selected because of your field instinct, adaptability, and resilience. We trust your ability to resolve this — without excessive collateral.
And for once: wear the damn amulet.
In vigilance and caffeine,
Commander Sung
Division Head | Paranormal Containment and Extermination Unit
"Silently Saving Reality Since 1602"
P.S. Bubble tea is permitted on assignment. No, it does not qualify as a potion. Yes, you still need to file receipts.
Scrawled in glitter ink, half in cursive, half in Sharpie-like rune script
To Commander Sung (a.k.a. Glorified Magic Middle Manager),
Wow.
You know, most people just send postcards when they want to say, “Go to Gotham and clean up demon vomit.” But no, you send a multi-page passive-aggressive scroll complete with pigeon slander and glitter guilt-trips.
I’ll have you know:
- The museum survived. Mostly.
- The pigeons exploded on their own. Probably.
- The vending machine demon asked for it. It ate my boba straw, Mae. It had to go.
- The glitter is environmentally friendly and dissolves in a few hours. I hunt demons, I'm not one myself.
Anyway— YES , fine, I’ll go to Gotham. Again.
I already packed my blessed boots and three glitter bombs (don’t worry, they’re environmentally friendly this time. Mostly). If something’s drawing Bleedborns here, I’ll find it, exorcise it, and write a banger about it on the train ride back.
Also, thanks so much for letting me know AFTER you sold out the Gotham concert. I guess I’ll just fight demons, perform like a star, and maybe sleep? Eventually?
(…Ha. Just kidding. I haven't slept since the Bulgaria incident.)
Oh, and the bats?
Yeah. I’ve seen them. Kind of. Rooftop shadows, cape flaps, and very judgy stares from the dark. One of them’s been trailing me — red, tall, full of unspoken trauma energy, and definitely emotionally suppressed.
Are they demons?
…Maybe? I dunno. Their vibes are weird. Not possessed , but definitely “emotionally haunted.”
No one from HQ has confirmed what they are — just that they’re a “local anomaly with combat efficacy and suspicious nocturnal habits.”
So basically, same as me.
If they get too nosy, I’ll slap a ward on one and see if it sticks. Field testing!
To Summarize:
✔️ Demons
✔️ Bubble tea
✔️ Stage lights
✔️ Me, again, saving reality in platforms and eyeliner
Let’s see how Gotham handles glitter-fueled pest control.
Love and stickers,
Nyxie
(Operative of Chaos, Slayer of Microwaves, Goddess of Tour Wardrobe Malfunctions)
Doodle in the corner : A tiny demon being slapped with a charm that says “Nope.”