> [Hunter Detected.]
A tall man in a bloodstained shirt walked toward the convenience store, a metal pipe resting on his shoulder.
Ryo remained hidden in the shadows, gripping his crowbar.
Haruto stood at the entrance, playing the role of scared Prey.
The man's eyes locked onto him.
A twisted smile spread across his face.
"Prey."
Haruto stiffened.
The Hunter lunged.
---
A Trap Springs Shut
Haruto took a shaky step back, his hands raised.
"W-wait! Please—!"
The Hunter didn't hesitate.
He swung his pipe straight at Haruto's head—
CLANG!
The attack never landed.
Ryo had moved.
Faster than the Hunter could react.
His crowbar intercepted the pipe, stopping the strike inches from Haruto's skull.
The Hunter's expression shifted from amusement to shock.
Ryo smirked.
"Surprise."
---
A True Battle Begins
The Hunter recovered quickly, yanking his pipe back.
He took a step back, finally studying Ryo properly.
"…You're a Hunter too."
Ryo didn't answer.
Instead, he analyzed his opponent.
This guy was experienced. His stance was solid.
Not just a mindless killer—he knew how to fight.
Ryo's Predator's Instinct pulsed.
This wasn't like attacking an unarmed Prey.
This was a battle between predators.
The first real fight.
The Hunter grinned.
"I'll enjoy crushing you."
He moved.
Fast.
His pipe came down in a brutal arc, aiming straight for Ryo's ribs—
Ryo dodged.
Just barely.
The pipe slammed into a nearby shelf, shattering glass bottles.
Ryo retaliated, swinging his crowbar at the Hunter's exposed side—
But the Hunter twisted his body, blocking with his pipe.
CLANG!
Sparks flew as metal clashed against metal.
Ryo narrowed his eyes.
He's strong.
But—
Strength alone wouldn't decide this fight.
---
The Killing Blow
The Hunter pushed forward, forcing Ryo onto the defensive.
His pipe whistled through the air, each swing faster than the last.
Ryo dodged left—ducked right—narrowly avoiding each strike.
But he was being pushed back.
The Hunter smirked.
"You're not bad."
"But you're too careful."
He lunged forward with a sudden burst of speed—
His pipe aimed straight for Ryo's throat.
A killing blow.
Haruto screamed.
"Ryo—!"
But—
Ryo had already moved.
---
A Hunter's Instinct
Instead of dodging—
He stepped forward.
The Hunter's eyes widened.
Too late.
Ryo grabbed the pipe mid-swing, stopping it inches from his neck.
The Hunter's grip faltered—
And in that split-second—
Ryo slammed his crowbar into the man's kneecap.
CRACK!
The Hunter screamed, collapsing onto one knee.
Ryo didn't stop.
He swung again—
And again—
BAM!
BAM!
The Hunter hit the ground, blood dripping from his skull.
His body twitched.
But he was still alive.
Barely.
Ryo loomed over him.
His heartbeat was calm.
Steady.
He raised his crowbar for the final strike.
Then—
> [Hunter's Choice Activated: Spare or Kill?]
Ryo hesitated.
Haruto swallowed hard.
"Ryo…?"
The system was testing him again.
Would he show mercy a second time?
Or would he finish what he started?
Ryo stared at the broken Hunter.
Then—
He swung.
---
To Be Continued…
---