Chapter 36

The air in the waiting hall was buzzing with thrill and excitement. People flexed their elbows and swung their blades getting ready for tomorrow.

To the far right, a certain group of people sat in silence seemingly uninterested. Their green cloaks whose collars stretched covering most of their faces leaving only their eyes added to their mystic.

Ian's werewolf senses could tell him, they were people to look out for but he wasn't going to worry about that. Contrary to expected, Ian was quite upbeat for this tournament.

Since his training with Roshan, he had been eager to know just how much he had improved. Folding his hand into a fist, one thought filled his mind. He was going to keep getting stronger and stronger until he takes down Pierre.

Two people approached them wearing blue lab coats with the insignia of a bird by the side.

"This way", they said motioning towards an exit.

Following closely behind, they walked in silence through the sterile white hallway that seemed to stretch on forever, lined with doors that led to mysterious rooms. Their escorts stopped in front of a door with a sign that read "Security Checkpoint."

"Please step into the room one after another for registration of weapons and security checks after that follow the stairs to the fighters waitroom for the tournament".

Roshan was the first to step in. Turning back he mouthed the words take care... leaving the rest slightly confused. Zimri followed in next and soon it was Ian's turn.

"Please, step through the scanner," one of the lab-coated individuals instructed, gesturing to a large, cylindrical machine.

Ian hesitated a little. He never liked machines much more gigantic ones. A bright light enveloped him, and a robotic voice announced, "Biometric scan initiated."

The machine beeped and whirred, displaying vital signs and other stuff Ian couldn't make out on a screen. Ian heaved a sigh of relief so far everything has been going normally.

After stepping out of the machine, Ian quickly went to join Nick and the rest glad that everything was finally over.

"Where's Roshan?, Ian asked realising that Roshan and Zimri were no where to be found.

"It feels like they disappeared", Nick said causing Kael to shrug. Ian made a mental note to check for Roshan and Zimri later as he knew they were safe as there was probably no one who could beat them.

"Move along, please," one of them muttered, ushering them toward the stairs.

As they descended into the underground bunker, the air grew thick with tension. The room was filled with people, all chatting and forming groups. Eyes turned in their direction giving them curious glances, but they kept to themselves, observing their surroundings.

A group of three individuals, two men and a face Ian couldn't forget in a hurry approached them. They were accompanied by the leader of the Hunters, Gorme.

"Ah, if it isn't the famous five," the leader said, his voice dripping with malice. "I'd like you to meet your new teammates. This is Xyan and Ryker."

The two individuals nodded, their eyes sizing up Ian and his friends.

"We've chosen Johnn ofcourse together with Ian and Dorrien to fight in this tournament," the leader announced, his gaze lingering on Kael. "You two, however, are too.... You'll be sitting this one out."

Kael's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained silent.

The leader turned to Ian, Dorrien and Johnn. "Your job is to eliminate as many opponents as possible, making it easier for us to emerge victorious."

Ian and Dorrien exchanged a slight glances, while Johnn's face took a sour turn.

"I'll be watching you", Gorme said before turning to leave.

As Gorme left, Xyan and Ryker approached them.

"Hey, don't worry about the Hunters," Xyan said, his voice low. "We've got your backs. We were forced into this too, trying to earn some cash."

Rylee nodded in agreement. "We don't know what the Hunters are planning, but we're not going to let them push us around."

Ian, Dorrien, and Nick exchanged a look.

We might just get along...

"If you need any help, come to us, I and Xyan are plenty strong", Ryker said flexing his muscles.

"Tone it down muscle boy", Xyan said causing laughter from the rest.

Due to the fact that the were in a bunker, it was hard to kno whether it was night or day making Ian a little restless as he wondered how much time had passed.

I wonder if...

A group of three approached them.A burly man with a gigantic axe who seemed to be the leader , a bald man who carried spiked chains and a man with a spiked hair cut .

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" he sneered, his eyes lingering on Nick. "You think you can take on the big boys?"

Ian remained calm, as he felt Xyan and Ryker getting up.

I wonder how they'll do..

Xyan stepped forward, his eyes flashing with warning. "Back off, pal. We're not looking for trouble."

The man snarled swinging his axe. Xyan ducked and cut him in an arm tackle. Ryker got to work sending his fist into the others jaw.

"Aren't we supposed to help", Kael said.

"Never mind, I'll do it", Kael said answering himself slightly annoyed by Gormes comment.

A few minutes later, Xyan and Ryker walked back their faces a little bruised from punches.

"See I told you we are plenty strong ", Ryker said to which Ian smiled.

Meanwhile Roshan and Zimri found themselves Infront of two red doors.

"Shall we begin....