Predator in the Shadows

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"Captain, the riots in this area are nearly resolved, and the remaining zones are gradually stabilizing."

"Our forces have established a defensive perimeter near the mountain's base, as per your instructions. So far, no suspicious individuals have been spotted."

"Communication systems remain down, but based on the timeline, those trainers should have already reached Deep Gray City if they kept moving."

"Lastly, we sent a team into the cave, though there hasn't been any update yet."

Having just subdued another wave of wild Pokémon, a ranger reported to Kai, whose exhaustion was evident. Despite his fatigue, Kai knew the crisis wasn't fully resolved, casualties needed counting, and the culprits remained at large. Rest would have to wait.

"I see. Take half the team and reinforce the other areas. The rest will follow me to investigate any leads. If you're attacked, launch a flare immediately!"

"Understood!"

With orders issued, Kai and his team moved to action once more.

Meanwhile, Murakami and his two remaining allies approached the base of the mountain, intent on breaching the final ranger defenses.

"Stick to the plan—stay together, focus, and don't give that stalker an opening," Murakami urged, glancing warily at the silent forest behind them. His gut told him the shadow that had been hunting them wasn't gone.

With no time to assess the rangers' weak points, Murakami led a charge, his Pokémon unleashing attacks to clear the way.

"Signal flare!"

The rangers on guard, though outmatched, showed no hesitation. Despite knowing the Murakami trio's Pokémon were far stronger, they held their ground, rallying to contain the assault.

In the chaos, Murakami kept anticipating the unseen attacker's strike. Yet, nothing came. Had the hunter taken his bounty and left? Or was he merely biding his time?

Breaking through the defensive line, Murakami gave a sharp command, "Keep moving!" But as they advanced, Cass suddenly vanished, swapped out by Tyson's Kadabra.

In the blink of an eye, Cass's life ended, and Kadabra teleported back to Tyson's side with another lifeless prize.

The remaining two, Murakami and Will, pressed on, fear shadowing their every step. Murakami's chest burned—not just from exertion, but from the creeping realization that the predator hadn't left.

At the mountain's base, Kai arrived to assess the aftermath.

"Captain, all the Moon Stones have been taken. However, we found the bodies of three wanted individuals: Cass, Torre, and Masuyama. This confirms the operation was led by Murakami and his group."

"But there's more. Someone else was attacking them. Given their camaraderie, it's unlikely there was infighting—especially while they were still in danger."

Kai nodded gravely. "Clean up the mess here. I'll take a team to pursue Murakami. The blood of our comrades demands justice!"

"But stay vigilant," Kai warned, "That unknown attacker may not be an ally. Friend or foe, they remain a wildcard."

With that, Kai and his squad raced into the forest.

Murakami's panic reached its peak. Every shadow felt like a noose tightening around him. His companion Will had just been picked off, leaving him alone.

"That Rattata..." Murakami thought, recalling how a sudden encounter with the wild Pokémon had exposed their position. It felt too coincidental. He was sure it had been orchestrated by the same invisible hand.

His flight through the dense forest was erratic, fear clouding his judgment. The terrain slowed him, and exhaustion crept in, forcing him to pause.

But the pause proved fatal.

A flash of light, then sleepiness washed over him—too quick to resist. Murakami collapsed, barely registering the figure descending from the canopy above.

Tyson didn't hesitate. The dagger plunged deep, silencing Murakami for good.

In his final moments, Murakami's gaze met Tyson's. The realization struck him with cruel clarity: he had been undone by a mere child. Rage and humiliation filled his final thoughts as darkness claimed him.

With Murakami's demise, the system acknowledged Tyson's success. The points from his hunting mission exceeded expectations, easily compensating for earlier losses.

Tyson surveyed his spoils—Moon Stones aplenty and a significant haul of mission points. The operation had been a resounding success.

Satisfied, he vanished into the shadows, leaving the forest quiet once more.

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