Hunter in the Shadow.

[Warning: You Are Being Watched!]

"It's probably that shadow-like figure again. I can sense his aura somewhere," Vanitas thought, clenching his teeth and tightening his fists. His eyes scanned his surroundings carefully. "Heh, so you want to play some hide and seek, huh? Okay then," he muttered, a smirk forming on his lips.

Without wasting a second, Vanitas moved swiftly to a quieter area. He found himself in the middle of a dimly lit alleyway between towering buildings. The darkness was thick, but he remained unfazed—thanks to his special ability, Shadow Eyes. With his vision enhanced, no one could hide from him in the shadows.

"Come on out," Vanitas called out, his voice cutting through the eerie silence. "I can sense your magical aura... You're a human, aren't you?!" He reached into his inventory and swiftly pulled out his dagger, the blade glinting under the faint light.

A voice echoed from above. "Looks like you've found me."

Vanitas' gaze shot upwards, narrowing at the sight of a shadowy figure perched atop one of the buildings. The man wore a dark coat that draped over his entire body, hiding his features.

Vanitas' expression hardened. "What do you want from me? Why are you stalking me?!" His voice was sharp and filled with suspicion. 'Is he from the Association? I can clearly see the badge thanks to my Shadow Eyes,' he thought, his grip tightening on the dagger.

The mysterious man let out a low chuckle. "That's because I was given a task... But you don't need to know the details. The real question is—what are you hiding?"

Vanitas' eyes narrowed. 'I swear he didn't wield that dagger before... Am I just imagining things?' the mysterious man thought to himself, a grin creeping onto his face.

"Given a task by who?!" Vanitas demanded, raising his dagger and pointing it directly at the man.

"You don't need to kno—"

Before the man could finish his sentence, Vanitas vanished from his spot in an instant.

"Continue," a voice whispered from behind him, sending chills down his spine.

The man spun around in shock, finding Vanitas standing there with his dagger pressed firmly against the back of his head.

"How... How did you... You were just standing over there a second ago!" he stuttered, his confidence wavering.

"Reveal yourself, you ignorant stalker," Vanitas said coldly, his smirk widening. "Or else this dagger will go straight through your throat." He pressed the blade closer, his grip unyielding.

With a sigh, the mysterious man raised his hands in surrender and slowly removed his coat, revealing his true appearance. He had yellow hair, pale white skin, and piercing blue pupils.

"Happy?" the man asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Vanitas didn't lower his weapon. "Now answer me. Who sent you here?"

The man smirked. "But before that... Let me introduce myself first."

"Go on..." Vanitas muttered, his eyes locked onto him.

"My name is Cyrus," the man said, tilting his head slightly. "I'm one of the S-Rank Hunters from Korea, known as one of the strongest close-combat Hunters. And as for why I'm here... Well, let's just say Blaze told me to come. Is that enough information for you?"

Vanitas frowned. 'So that hat-wearing bastard sent him...'

He lowered his dagger slightly but remained on guard. "And why exactly did Blaze send you?"

Cyrus' smirk deepened. "I'm afraid I can't answer that—"

Before he could finish, Vanitas' dagger plunged into Cyrus' stomach without hesitation.

"Ugh... You filthy brat!" Cyrus coughed, his face contorted in pain. "You're just an F-Rank Hunter! You have no chance against me!" Blood dripped from the wound, but within moments, it stopped.

Vanitas' eyes widened slightly. 'He healed himself? His healing ability must be combat-oriented.'

Cyrus gritted his teeth, his aura flaring. "How dare a mere weakling like you stab me!" A tremendous surge of energy exploded from his body, the sheer force cracking the surrounding buildings. A golden aura enveloped him, glowing intensely.

Vanitas smirked. "So this is an S-Rank Hunter's power, huh? Not bad."

Cyrus' eyes gleamed with rage. "You don't know this, but I wield Beast-Type Powers!"

---

In this world, magical abilities were categorized based on roles:

Fighters had abilities such as Beast Transformation, Divine Human forms, and even Dragon Morphs, granting them overwhelming strength and agility.

Mages possessed elemental powers—Shadow Magic, Ice Manipulation, and even Holy-based abilities.

Tanks often received skills inspired by nature's toughest creatures, such as Armadillo and Golem-based defenses, making them nearly indestructible.

Healers could access divine abilities such as "Unli Heal," a rare power that granted unlimited healing potential, but only a few were blessed with it.

---

Cyrus' transformation was grotesque. His skin turned rough and scaly, his eyes shifted to a deep crimson hue resembling a blood moon, and his elongated tongue flicked out, saliva dripping down.

"What will you do now, you weakling?" he sneered, his voice a mixture of reptilian growls and human speech.

In the blink of an eye, Cyrus lunged at Vanitas, his clawed hands slashing with deadly precision.

Vanitas, however, parried effortlessly. "Is that all? You're too slow," he whispered coldly.

Cyrus roared in frustration, his magical energy surging once more. The ground beneath them cracked, and the air grew heavier with his overwhelming presence.

"You sure are strong, Lizard Man," Vanitas muttered, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Cyrus' eyes twitched in anger. "How dare you call me that!"

Fueled by rage, he charged once more, this time aiming a powerful punch directly at Vanitas' chest.

Vanitas parried again but was sent flying backward, crashing into a nearby concrete wall, causing it to crumble around him. He groaned but quickly stood up, dusting himself off. 'If I let this fight drag on, someone will eventually find us. I need to end this now.'

"Not bad," Vanitas admitted, smirking despite the pain. "But I hope you're ready for what's next."

Cyrus leaped high, forming an "X" with his arms, preparing for a devastating attack. But Vanitas was quicker—dodging the impact and appearing beside him in an instant. The resulting force shattered the ground, sending debris flying.

"Still too slow," Vanitas whispered in Cyrus' ear.

Cyrus took a step back, breathing heavily. "You... You're stronger than you seem. But I won't hold back anymore!"

"Pathetic," Vanitas muttered under his breath, his eyes glowing ominously.

Cyrus lunged forward, his speed increasing drastically. "Take this! Glue Tongue!" His saliva-coated tongue shot out like a whip, aiming to bind Vanitas completely.

But before it could reach him, Vanitas' dagger sliced through it effortlessly. Cyrus howled in pain, but his tongue regenerated in an instant.

"Impressive, right?" Cyrus grinned.

"Do you want me to cut it again?" Vanitas said coldly, his hollow aura intensifying. Slowly, he walked toward Cyrus, each step echoing in the ruined alley. "Ready for round two?"

Cyrus' eyes widened in shock. 'How... How did a mere F-Rank Hunter get this strong?'

Vanitas smirked darkly. "Let's end this."

End of Chapter.