HUNTER AND HIS PREY

Yohelkiel walked calmly through the dark corridor toward Alamen's private meeting room. His soft footsteps were nearly silent, like a shadow moving in the night. His pale face and glowing red eyes added to the eerie aura he always carried. He knew the information he brought would change the power dynamics in Suitsen—at least for tonight.

As Yohelkiel entered the room, the tension became palpable. The grand room was adorned with dark paintings and a chandelier that cast a dim glow. At the center, a long black wooden table was surrounded by the four most feared figures in Suitsen: Byorne, Sifonetz, Varess, and Selene. They were discussing the upcoming noble banquet, a crucial moment for Alamen.

Byorne, a demon master of dark magic, lounged in his chair. His tall, skeletal figure was draped in a black robe, and his long, bony fingers gripped a staff engraved with ancient symbols. His deep purple eyes scrutinized Yohelkiel with suspicion.

Sifonetz, a half-elf, half-demon assassin skilled with daggers and swords, sat beside Byorne. His slender frame and long silver hair flowed down his back. His green eyes, sharp as blades, stared at Yohelkiel coldly. He was known as an assassin who never failed, and his swift movements made him almost invisible on the battlefield.

Varess, the mayor of Suitsen and little more than Alamen's puppet, sat at the end of the table. His large, muscular frame exuded authority, with a stern face and glowing red eyes. Though a demon, his real strength lay in political cunning. He ensured Alamen's operations remained undisturbed by the authorities.

And lastly, Selene. The half-demon, half-elf woman sat calmly beside Alamen. Her jet-black hair, icy blue eyes, and lean yet battle-hardened body made her both striking and deadly. A long sword rested on her lap, always ready for action. She was Alamen's most trusted confidante, feared across Suitsen for her combat prowess.

Alamen sat at the opposite end of the table, his face shrouded in darkness. Only his glowing red eyes were visible, radiating power and menace. He was the mastermind behind all the dark dealings in Suitsen, and his presence alone was enough to unsettle everyone in the room.

Yohelkiel stepped forward and bowed slightly in respect. "Apologies for the interruption, Lord Alamen. But I have urgent information you need to hear."

Alamen raised his hand, signaling Yohelkiel to continue. His voice was slow and ominous, like an echo from the abyss. "What is it, Yohelkiel?"

Yohelkiel glanced at Selene before speaking. "A hunter has entered Suitsen. He killed some of our men in the southern district and interrogated Jarek before I eliminated him."

Selene straightened, her icy blue eyes locking onto Yohelkiel. "A hunter? Is he alone?"

Yohelkiel nodded. "As far as I know, yes. But he's not an ordinary hunter. His eyes… they're like a vampire's."

Byorne chuckled, his voice like dry leaves rustling. "A half-vampire hunter? That's new. Perhaps he thinks he can infiltrate without being noticed."

Sifonetz's hand moved toward the daggers strapped to his belt. "Should we hunt him now? Or let him come to us and kill him in front of the nobles?"

Varess shook his head, his deep voice filled with authority. "No. The banquet is too important to be disrupted by a mere hunter. We must ensure the event goes smoothly. Alamen's noble title will be announced, solidifying our grip on Suitsen."

Alamen nodded slowly, his glowing red eyes fixed on Yohelkiel. "You said you killed Jarek. Did he reveal anything about us?"

Yohelkiel shook his head. "No, my lord. I killed him before he could say much. But the hunter already knows about Selene… and her weakness."

Selene clenched her fists, her expression darkening. "My weakness? What do you mean?"

Yohelkiel looked at her seriously. "He knows about your vulnerability to fire magic."

Selene was silent for a moment, then smirked. "That won't help him. I've long since learned to counter fire magic. But still, we can't underestimate him."

Alamen raised his hand again, silencing the discussion. "Enough. Yohelkiel, you and Sifonetz will track down this hunter. Bring me his head before the banquet begins. Byorne, strengthen our defenses around the manor. Selene, you will stay by my side. We cannot take any risks."

Everyone in the room nodded, understanding their roles. Yohelkiel and Sifonetz rose from their seats, ready to hunt Kael. Byorne began weaving protective spells around the estate. Varess ensured that the banquet preparations proceeded flawlessly.

Selene remained seated beside Alamen, her icy blue eyes fixed on the door. "Are you sure this isn't a bigger problem?" she asked in a low voice.

Alamen smirked, his red eyes glowing with confidence. "Nothing can stop us now, Selene. But we must remain vigilant."

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Kael sat in his inn room, staring at the starry night sky above Suitsen. The city was filled with joy on the surface, but beneath it lay a poison that corrupted everything. He knew he was facing a nest of monsters working together to spread their venom. Holding his silver axe, he finished preparing his equipment for tonight's attack.

"This should be enough."

A sudden noise outside his door heightened Kael's senses. Without hesitation, he hurled his axe at the wooden wall with tremendous force.

"Calm yourself, Kael."

A voice emerged from the shadows as Himato appeared, effortlessly pulling the embedded axe from the wall near his face.

"Himato, why are you here?" Kael retrieved his axe from Himato's grasp.

Himato glanced at Kael's packed equipment. "Are you planning to attack Alamen's estate tonight?"

Kael shot Himato a sharp look. "Yes. The sooner I complete my mission, the sooner this city can be at peace."

Himato chuckled mockingly. "I didn't know hunters cared about politics." He then handed an envelope to Kael.

"What's this?" Kael eyed it warily.

"A way out for you," Himato said with a smirk. "If you charge in now, you'll be the one getting destroyed. I have new information—Yohelkiel has already informed Alamen about the details Jarek leaked to you."

Kael's eyes widened. He had thought killing Jarek was the right choice at the time. "Damn it. This just got harder."

"They plan to kill you tonight, which is why I suggest you don't rush in blindly."

Kael folded his arms, deep in thought. "Then what do you suggest?"

"Open the envelope, and I'll explain."

Kael tore it open and was shocked to find a noble invitation with the official seal of Mayor Lord Varess.

TO THE HONORABLE NOBLES OF SUITSEN,

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE NOBLE BANQUET, AN EVENT TO STRENGTHEN THE BONDS AMONG THE CITY'S ELITE. THE BANQUET WILL BE HELD AT THE MAYOR'S ESTATE TWO DAYS FROM THE RECEIPT OF THIS LETTER.

SINCERELY,LORD VARESS VERMILLION

"The banquet is in two days," Himato continued, "and yes, as you guessed, I'm suggesting you infiltrate it."

Kael clenched his fists. He hated deception.

"Don't worry, I'm here to help. I've arranged for you to meet someone—Akaren, a noblewoman. Her fiancé was killed by Alamen's men, and she's the only noble who knows the truth about Alamen's control over Suitsen."

Kael exhaled sharply, feeling like he was being forced into a situation he despised.

"You'll meet her tomorrow at noon at Milky Way, her restaurant near the city park."

With that, Himato disappeared into the shadows, leaving Kael with his doubts.

"Damn you, Himato…!" Kael growled, slamming his fist on the desk in his room, causing cracks to form on its surface.

"I think I need to take a walk to cool my head." He stood up, grabbed his jacket, and decided to roam the city while searching for a fire magic scroll.

As he stepped out of his inn, his broad jacket covered most of his body, concealing the weapons hidden beneath his coat. The night air in Suitsen was cold, but Kael hardly noticed. His mind was still occupied with Himato's plan. Meeting Akaren, a widowed noblewoman, and pretending to be her lover just to get into Alamen's dinner party? That wasn't something Kael was used to. He was more comfortable fighting enemies head-on than playing a role in some deception.

But Kael knew this might be the only way to approach Alamen without having to face Selene, Byorne, Sifonetz, and Yohelkiel all at once. He needed time to plan everything carefully. As he walked through the city streets, he decided to gather more information about fire magic. If Selene truly had a weakness to fire magic, then he had to find a way to exploit it.

Kael arrived at the marketplace district, where underground traders usually gathered. Despite the late hour, the district was still bustling with activity. Black market merchants were selling illegal goods, ranging from weapons to magical potions. He moved through the narrow alleys, his glowing red eyes scanning every corner with caution.

Eventually, he found an old merchant sitting in a dark corner, surrounded by bottles filled with strange liquids and stacks of ancient scrolls. The merchant wore a tattered black robe, and his wrinkled eyes scrutinized Kael carefully.

"Looking for something, young man?" the merchant asked in a raspy voice.

Kael stepped closer, his voice low. "I need a fire magic scroll. Do you have one?"

The merchant grinned, revealing his decayed teeth. "Fire magic, huh? That's a rare item. But it just so happens I have one. It won't be cheap."

Kael didn't care about the price. He pulled a pouch of gold coins from his belt and tossed it onto the merchant's table. "I don't have time to bargain. Hand it over."

The merchant swiftly collected the coins before rummaging through a wooden box beneath his table. He pulled out an ancient scroll wrapped with a red ribbon. "Here it is. A fire magic scroll. But beware, its power is not to be underestimated. Use it wisely."

Kael took the scroll and examined it for a moment. He could feel the heat radiating from it. This had to be what he needed. "Thanks," he muttered before turning and walking away.

As he moved through the alleyways, he felt a presence trailing him. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was—Yohelkiel and Sifonetz. Those two assassins had surely picked up his trail. Kael quickened his pace, weaving through the narrow streets in an attempt to lose them.

But Yohelkiel and Sifonetz weren't enemies that could be shaken off easily. They appeared in front of Kael, blocking his path. Yohelkiel smirked, his glowing red eyes filled with malice.

"Did you really think you could hide from us, hunter?" Yohelkiel said coldly.

Sifonetz twirled a dagger between his fingers skillfully. "We've been waiting for you. Tonight, you won't escape."

Kael calmly drew his axe, his red eyes glowing with readiness. "I don't intend to run. If you want my head, come and take it."

Yohelkiel's smirk widened, revealing his sharp fangs. "Very well. Let's see how strong you are, hunter."

With a swift motion, Sifonetz lunged at Kael, his dagger gleaming under the moonlight. Kael dodged effortlessly, spinning his axe to counterattack. Sifonetz evaded with ease, his movements like a shadow—fast and elusive.

Yohelkiel wasted no time. He leaped into the air, his claws aiming straight for Kael's throat. Kael twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the attack and kicking Yohelkiel aside. But Yohelkiel landed gracefully, ready to strike again.

A fierce battle erupted. Kael fought against both enemies with extraordinary skill and speed. His axe spun, slicing through the air with deadly force. But Yohelkiel and Sifonetz were formidable opponents, working together flawlessly, attacking Kael from both sides.

Sifonetz attempted to stab Kael from behind, but Kael quickly turned and deflected the attack with his axe. Yohelkiel took the opportunity to strike from the side, his claws nearly slashing Kael's torso. But Kael leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the strike.

"You're stronger than we expected," Yohelkiel remarked coldly. "But that won't be enough."

Kael didn't respond. He knew he couldn't fight them for too long. He had to find a way to defeat them—or escape.

With a swift motion, Kael tossed a smoke bomb onto the ground. Thick smoke instantly engulfed the area, obscuring Yohelkiel and Sifonetz's vision. Kael used the chance to slip away, darting through the narrow alleys of the market district.

Yohelkiel and Sifonetz tried to chase after him, but the dense smoke made them lose track of him. Yohelkiel growled in frustration, his glowing red eyes filled with rage.

"You can't hide forever, hunter!" he shouted into the smoke. "We will find you!"

Meanwhile, Kael had reached a safe spot, hiding behind a pile of crates in a dark alley. He knew this fight was only the beginning. Tonight, he had to prepare himself for tomorrow's meeting with Akaren. The real battle was yet to come.

Kael took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Time was running out. But as long as he was still standing, he would keep fighting to bring down Alamen and the darkness that ruled Suitsen.

He unrolled the fire magic scroll he had just obtained. This might be the key to defeating Selene. But he had to be careful. Fire magic wasn't something he could wield lightly.

Deciding to return to his inn, Kael steeled himself for the upcoming encounter with Akaren. He knew that tonight would be a long night, and the decisive battle was drawing near.

As he stepped out of his hiding place, he felt someone watching him from afar. He didn't know who it was, but he could sense a strong aura. Perhaps it was Selene—or even Alamen himself. But Kael didn't have time to dwell on it. He had to focus on his mission.

With steady steps, he made his way back to his inn, ready to face whatever awaited him at Alamen's dinner party.

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In an elegant room inside the Milky Way restaurant, Akaren sat behind her desk. Her jet-black hair was neatly arranged, and her luxurious gown added to the aura of sophistication she always exuded. Her ice-blue eyes stared at the documents before her, but her mind wandered far away. She was still haunted by the memory of her fiancé, who had been murdered by Alamen's men years ago. That vengeance still burned in her heart, even though she knew that as a noble, she had to maintain her composure and could not act recklessly.

Suddenly, a shadow in the corner of the room moved, and Himato emerged calmly. His cold face and sharp eyes startled Akaren for a brief moment, but she quickly hid her surprise.

"Himato," Akaren said in a calm voice. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Himato gave a slight smile and stepped closer. "I came to inform you about tomorrow's plan. You will meet someone very important."

Akaren raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Someone important? Who is it?"

"A hunter," Himato replied. "His name is Kael. He is a half-vampire, and he has the same mission as you: to destroy Alamen."

Akaren was silent for a moment, processing the information. "A half-vampire hunter? Can he be trusted?"

Himato nodded. "He may not be great at communication, but he is a formidable warrior. He has played a significant role in many missions within the Hunter Union, and he has also gathered information about Selene. He knows her weaknesses."

Akaren let out a deep sigh, her gaze shifting toward the window. "So, you want me to bring him to the banquet tomorrow night?"

"Exactly," Himato said. "You will pretend to be his lover for the night. That's the only way he can get in without arousing suspicion."

Akaren stared at Himato seriously. "This is extremely risky, Himato. If Alamen or Selene suspects him, we'll both be dead."

Himato nodded. "I know the risks. But this is our best chance to take down Alamen. And you don't need to worry about Suitsen. Once Alamen falls, you can take control of the city. You are a respected noble, and the people will support you."

Akaren remained silent for a moment, considering Himato's words. She knew this was a golden opportunity to exact her revenge and cleanse Suitsen from Alamen's grip. But she also knew that this would not be an easy task.

"Fine," Akaren finally said. "I will meet Kael tomorrow. But if this ends badly, I will never forgive you, Himato."

Himato gave a small smile. "I understand. But trust me, this is the right move. Kael is the person we need."

After saying that, Himato disappeared into the shadows again, leaving Akaren alone with her turbulent thoughts. She knew that tomorrow would be a decisive day. Meeting Kael could be the beginning of the end for Alamen—or the beginning of a disaster for herself.

Akaren stood and walked toward the window, gazing at the magnificent city of Suitsen below her. She could see the shimmering lights, but she also knew that beneath that grandeur, darkness lurked. She was determined to rid this city of the poison that had tainted it for years.

"Alamen," Akaren whispered in a low voice. "Your time is almost up."

She knew that tomorrow, she would meet Kael, a half-vampire hunter who might be the key to destroying Alamen. And she was ready to face whatever awaited her.

With steady steps, Akaren returned to her desk, preparing herself for the meeting ahead. She knew this was a risky move, but she also knew it was the only way to free Suitsen from Alamen's grasp.

Tonight, Akaren would sleep with a heavy mind. But tomorrow, she would wake up with unwavering determination. The decisive battle was about to begin, and she was ready to face it.