The Demon Hunter Association. Part 2

The Orange Zone. Time: 19:00. The crimson sun colored the surroundings.

News of the massacre involving an entire military helicopter crew and A-rank Hunters had spread quickly. Around twenty squads were deployed to clear out especially dangerous demons.

All eight S-rank Hunters were present for the mission.

The military forces were shaken by the news that powerful demons could appear not only during the Blood Moon.

Above the area with a high number of civilian casualties, a helicopter was flying with a team consisting of two soldiers, four A-rank hunters, and one S-rank hunter. This S-rank hunter was a young woman, quietly waiting for the order to "move out."

She closed her eyes, hearing the constant hum of the helicopter blades. She was dressed in a white military uniform and a light bulletproof vest.

Soon, a male voice came through the radio: "I see demonic presence at 12 o'clock."

"Fly closer to it," replied the A-rank commander, wearing a large uniform.

"They're quadrupeds, they can climb buildings. They're fast, so I'll get closer."

The helicopter descended to 10 meters above the ground, and the demons scattered. The helicopter's rotor blades seemed to tear up everything in their path, creating clouds of dust and debris that hung in the air.

The entire squad jumped to the ground and took their positions. Only the female S-rank hunter stood at the helicopter door, calmly scanning the surroundings for any demons that may have fled.

"Wolf and Tiger-1, check the alleys. Tiger-2 and I will chase them down!"

As the commander was issuing orders, the young woman noticed a demon climbing onto a building's roof, hiding behind an air conditioner.

"Red Fox, come in. Red Fox? Red Fox! Reina!"

"I see it. A quadruped on the roof at 6 o'clock."

Her decisive voice startled the entire squad, causing the commander to go silent. The Red Fox leapt out of the helicopter and swiftly ran across car rooftops.

She jumped onto the porch of a building and climbed up to the roof through the balconies.

"So this is the Red Fox! Incredible speed."

The commander simply nodded.

"We need to help her. Don't underestimate the quadrupeds! Unleash your Kenketsu!"

"Understood! Kenketsu!"

As the A-rank hunters transformed various close-combat weapons from their arms, Red Fox spread her palms, from which her blood flowed and transformed into two Spanish swords.

"I know you're hiding. Come out."

Her long, straight red hair fluttered in the wind. She was ready to attack the demon, which remained silent until...

Behind the air conditioner, an uncertain laugh echoed. The voice growled and grunted, attempting to make human speech. Soon, a skinless, beast-like creature appeared before her.

"Pre... pare."

The voice alarmed Reina, causing her to take a stance and charge at the monster with a thrusting attack. Her sword pierced the creature's skull, smashing its eye sockets and scattering fragments when Reina pulled her weapon out.

Turning to the side, she spotted a second demon, which, upon realizing the death of its comrade, let out a loud howl that echoed throughout the area.

Soon, more quadruped demons crawled out of vehicles and alleys.

"Damn it!" shouted the commander. "Hold the line and prepare for their attack!"

Reina changed the grip on her swords and waited for the demon's move. But the creature hesitated—circling slowly, never taking its eyes off her.

Then, the sound of metal clanking filled the air as three more demons landed on the roof and charged toward the S-rank hunter simultaneously.

"Not only are you evolving, but now you have intelligence?!" she shouted, swinging her sword vertically, slicing the demon in two.

Without missing a beat, she attacked the second one, severing its limbs in one strike. The third demon jumped from behind, opening its mouth to bite her neck, but Reina swiftly made a wide swing, slicing the demon into pieces.

The last remaining foe fled and scrambled up to a higher roof.

Red Fox, focusing her strength and mind into her swords, stepped forward and made a swift lunge, finishing off the last demon.

Exhaling, she calmly surveyed the street below from the roof. Meanwhile, the A-rank hunters were putting all their effort into finishing off the remaining quadruped creatures. The commander, whose Kenketsu was a giant hammer, could obliterate demons with a single blow.

One demon, intending to attack Tiger-1, was pounced on by the commander, who detonated it with a jump, the demon's guts spilling out.

"Stay focused!" the commander added. "Save your blood for stronger enemies. Our operation is just beginning!"

"Understood!"

Reina, watching the scene, gave a slight smile, pleased with the independence of the others.

After clearing the hostile quadrupeds, they advanced further under the watch of the helicopter. Not long into their journey, they encountered several other squads that had cleared additional streets and avenues.

On the command to "assemble," all the squads gathered in formation according to their ranks. The platoon commander, assigned to the operation, counted everyone present.

"All fifty hunters and all one hundred soldiers. Congratulations, you all survived the first day!"

The whole platoon cheered, eagerly listening to the commander's stern voice.

"We're moving on to the night watch. Due to the increased appearance of powerful demons in the Orange Zone, for the entire week, we will track every movement of these creatures and protect areas with large civilian gatherings. Special attention will be given to the areas around laboratories and shelters for the homeless."

Approaching the formation where the eight S-rank hunters had gathered, the commander cleared his throat.

"The S-rank hunters are released from the operation until tomorrow's night watch! Command of the squads will be taken over by the A-rank hunters."

A surprised murmur ran through the platoon, and some of the S-rank hunters clicked their tongues in distaste.

Soon, they gathered shortly before departure and discussed the commander's decision.

The difference between the S-rank and A-rank hunters was also reflected in their attire—they wore elegant uniforms in shades of gray, white, and black.

Due to their excellent control over blood, they could use thin armor as an advantage, reinforcing their bodies and minimizing damage.

"I understand the celebration for the new strongest hunter, but why freeze our operation because of this? Do we really have to attend the ceremony?"

"Calm down, Chan-wook," the large man smiled at him while slicing an apple with a knife. "The decision of the Association's Head is final. After all, this is the first SSS-rank."

"Don't defend them, Min-ho! I don't agree with halting the operation for some ceremony! Our feet should be here, helping the others."

The ginger Oh Chan-wook was known to people as a hot-headed and aggressive hunter. His only advantage was his will to fight, and his two katanas killed any demon his green eyes looked upon.

"And what about this SSS-rank? This has to be a joke. Maybe the government is just trying to boost stocks with a clown."

"We all don't fully agree with the Association's decision," replied the man with glasses and black hair. "But that's no reason to be rude to our future comrade."

"Eh?" Chan-wook growled irritably. "What nonsense are you talking, Ji-sun? Don't get cocky! You're a commodity for advertising too! You're on TV everywhere!"

"Don't go too far," the dark-haired man replied calmly. "I'm not commanding anyone. Tomorrow we'll have a new comrade, and we should greet him warmly."

"And still," the second female hunter added. "50% demonic blood... How is that even possible?"

Park Ji-sun, noticing her suspicious look, adjusted his dark cloak.

"I have my own doubts about this. Until we get an official response from the Association, it's pointless to speculate."

"He's just a half-blood," Chan-wook added, drawing the others' attention. "Who knows, maybe these demons have learned to mate with humans."

"Chan-wook."

"What? You think that's impossible? Honestly, if he does have 50% demon power, I'll personally apologize for my thoughts."

"A half-blood, huh…"

The hunters looked toward Reina, whose red hair was blowing in the wind. All the hunters were curious about the identity of this mysterious SSS-rank.