Ghost Mask - Awakening

Once Vega made up his mind, he immediately began channeling the Nen within his body, focusing his life energy until a single intent remained: to manifest the ability he'd envisioned—Ghost Mask.

As his aura steadily drained, Vega raised his hand. A pale, black, spectral mask began to form in his palm, flickering with ethereal energy.

A smile tugged at his lips as the mask fully materialized. Excitement danced in his eyes.

"So my vision worked…"

He quickly reined in his emotions.

"No—don't get ahead of yourself. Manifesting the mask is just the first step. I still need to test its ability... and evolve it."

He carefully placed the mask over his face. It fit perfectly—surprisingly comfortable, almost like it was made for him.

"Now... let's see what this can do."

Focusing his thoughts into the mask, he activated the ability. A flash of black flickered before his eyes, followed by a sharp drain on his Nen.

"Did I summon a Ghost Warrior?"

He scanned the area but saw nothing—until his gaze dropped.

At his feet stood a tiny, three-inch tall shadowy figure, humanoid in shape and eerily still.

Vega bent down and picked it up.

The miniature ghost warrior lacked power—barely stronger than an insect. Vega frowned, disappointed, and removed the mask.

"No good. This thing's too weak. Time to level it up."

Holding the Ghost Mask in his hands, he accessed the information etched into its aura:

[Ability: Ghost Mask] – Type: Conjuration / Manipulation – Effect: Summons spectral warriors from condensed Nen.Current Grade: E

Without hesitation, he poured all his stored experience into it.

Ding! Enhancement +1Ding! Enhancement +2Ding! Enhancement +3

Over thirty points of effort vanished in seconds, but the payoff was immediate.

The mask's surface shimmered. Once crude and dull, it now gleamed like polished obsidian, swirling with an ominous aura. Its power had multiplied several times over—far surpassing the effect he saw when enhancing something like a grenade.

Vega grinned and slipped the mask back on.

A chill ran down his spine as information rushed into his mind—passive sensory data flooding in. He could sense auras nearby... and then, from the shadows, they emerged.

Three... no, four tall, cloaked figures materialized around him.

Their features were hidden in darkness, but the raw strength in their posture and movements was clear. They stood silently, awaiting orders.

"So this is the true power of the Ghost Mask…" he murmured. "And there are more of them inside… but my aura isn't strong enough yet."

"Four will do."

Just then, the bar's front doors slammed open.

Over a dozen armed men stormed in—suited, grim-faced, and packing serious firepower. Vega spotted the crest on their shoulders immediately.

"Shelby family dogs…" he sneered. "Perfect."

A twisted grin formed on his lips.

"Let them witness the Ghost Mask's debut."

"Go. Kill every last one of them."

He tossed a handful of firearms and grenades to the ghost warriors.

The shadows caught them with fluid precision and charged toward the intruders without hesitation.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Gunfire echoed through the bar. Bullets tore through the Shelby enforcers as chaos erupted.

One of the ghost warriors grabbed two grenades and darted across the room, leaping between overturned tables. Just meters from the enemy, he pulled the pins.

"NO! GET OUT—!"

BOOM!

The explosion rocked the building. The shockwave obliterated most of the gang.

Before the smoke cleared, the remaining ghost warriors advanced, weapons blazing, finishing off the survivors with ruthless efficiency.