Episode 11

Chapter 11: The Mission Begins

The press conference was buzzing with noise as dozens of reporters crowded the interview area, cameras flashing and microphones held high. The air was filled with hurried conversations and murmurs as they waited for the Hunter Association president to speak.

"This is huge. First The Ten resurface, now a missing boy?" one reporter muttered.

"Do you think they'll shut the tournament down?" another asked, jotting notes into a small pad.

Suddenly, the noise fell to a hush as Bartoni, the President of the Hunter Association, stepped forward. He was accompanied by his vice, Neo, and the chief of police. Bartoni's tall frame exuded confidence, his sharp suit and piercing gaze commanding the crowd's attention as he approached the microphone.

He grabbed the mic, cleared his throat, and began, his voice calm but firm.

"Good morning . First, I want to extend my deepest apologies to the citizens who witnessed the unfortunate events at the stadium yesterday. Please know that the Hunter Association is bound by its mission to protect everyone, especially those who cannot wield Shen—the ordinary citizens who rely on us."

He paused, letting his words sink in. The crowd was silent, hanging on his every word.

"I want to assure everyone that the tournament will continue as planned. The Hunter Houses will be present, ready to recruit worthy fighters to join their ranks. I encourage all those with the will and talent to come forward and participate. We will guarantee your safety."

A hand shot up in the crowd. Bartoni nodded at the reporter, allowing her to speak.

"What about the missing boy, Draven?" she asked, her voice sharp and clear.

Bartoni's expression tightened, but he answered carefully. "While this is a matter we intended to keep private, I can confirm that we are investigating the situation thoroughly. The safety and security of everyone involved in the tournament remain our highest priority."

Before more questions could be asked, Bartoni raised a hand to signal the end of the interview. He stepped off the stage, followed by Neo and the chief of police, leaving the reporters shouting unanswered questions.

Inside Bartoni's Office

Back in his office, Bartoni slumped into his chair, the weight of his responsibilities evident on his face. The room was quiet and modest, with shelves lined with books and reports. A woman in her late twenties entered, carrying a tray of tea. Her name was Akebi, one of Bartoni's trusted assistants.

"How are you holding up, President?" Akebi asked gently as she set the tray on his desk.

Bartoni sighed, rubbing his temples. "This job isn't easy, Akebi. You'd think with all the power and authority, I'd have more control. But this…" He gestured toward the files on his desk. "This is chaos."

Akebi gave a small smile and began preparing his tea, carefully mixing the ginger sachet into steaming water. She handed it to him, and he took a sip, savoring the warmth.

Before he could relax, there was a knock at the door. Bartoni frowned, setting down his cup. "Come in."

The door opened, revealing Feng, one of the -ranked hunters. He stepped in, bowing slightly before speaking.

"President Bartoni, Neo asked me to report directly to you," Feng said.

"Go ahead," Bartoni replied, motioning for him to continue.

Feng stood straight, his tone serious. "I've conducted some research in the downtown part of the city. It turns out Draven's family was massacred by his elder brother, though the reasons remain unknown. Since then, Draven has lived alone, surviving on his own for years."

Bartoni's expression darkened as he listened. "And?"

Feng hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Draven comes from climate and also possesses the All Creation Eyes. It's one of the rarest vision powers, granting him control over… the underworld so rumors has it"

Bartoni leaned back in his chair, exhaling sharply. "The underworld, huh?" His gaze turned distant as he considered the implications. "That explains why The Ten are interested in him. This isn't just about revenge… they're after something bigger."

He straightened, his tone resolute. "We can't let The Ten get away with this. I'm assigning a retrieval mission for Draven immediately."

Feng nodded. "Who will be on the team?"

Bartoni leaned forward, listing the members. "Two S-ranked hunters, one S-ranked sensory hunter, and one A-ranked medic hunter. I want you and Gong on this mission. I'll also assign Cregan, an A-rank medic hunter, and a sensory hunter to track Draven's Shen signature."

"Understood," Feng replied, turning to leave.

At his house, Sakamoto sat on the floor, staring at the television. Bartoni's speech was playing on the screen, but he wasn't paying much attention. His face was expressionless, his mind replaying the events of the past day.

He looked around the room, now emptier without his grandmother's presence. His stomach growled, interrupting his thoughts. With a sigh, he stood up, grabbing a fried fish from the table.

As he bit into it, he muttered, "If I'm going to kill someone, it shouldn't be on an empty stomach." He finished the fish in a few bites, wiping his hands on his pants before heading for the door.

Outside, the day was quiet. Sakamoto stepped into the street, his hands in his pockets as he walked toward an uncertain future.

The Stadium Prepares for a New Beginning

Meanwhile, at the stadium, the chaos of the previous day had already begun to fade. Vendors were setting up stalls, and citizens gathered to buy tickets for the next round of the tournament. The air buzzed with excitement as whispers of The Ten's appearance spread through the crowd.

In the registration area, fighters lined up, their Shen energies radiating faintly as they prepared to prove themselves. Everyone wanted to be noticed by one of the four Hunter Houses, hoping for the chance to be recruited into a powerful faction.

For them, this wasn't just a tournament. It was an opportunity to rise above, to gain recognition, and to claim a place in a world of power.

But beneath the surface, the tension lingered. The shadow of The Ten's reappearance loomed over the event, and whispers of Draven's missing only added to the unease.