The Special Rank Hunter meeting went on until sunrise. The President along with a few others are getting ready for the press conference. But they had a thorough conversation about information on the Vampire Lords and planning for the war ahead.
"Lad, I do hope what you've told us is true." Donovan approaches Noah.
"Of course. I told no lie."
"The only thing I can't wrap my head around is that you were reincarnated."
"I understand. Even now, I can't believe I've been given a second life."
"The Alter World is vast isn't it?"
"Yes. Even I don't know how far it stretches."
"The universe is even vaster. Unbelievably so. With my age, I shouldn't be getting surprised anymore. Then again, I'm sure you're much older than me."
"Not as much older as you'd think."
"You may not have told a lie, but you didn't tell us everything. How did you die, and why did you decide to help us?"
"I took my own life. I'm sure my reason is the same as Ariel Ryuji's. I was tired of fighting."
"Hmph. Well, I'm glad to have you. Be careful though, some of the others will never trust vampires."
"Thank you."
Donovan walks off. After the meeting ended, everyone left the room except for those two and Shoyo. Donovan nods his head to Shoyo before leaving the room. As he leaves, someone else returns.
"Ina." Shoyo says her name but is ignored.
"Noah, I could use your assistance."
"I know. You'd like my help locating the Hidden District, right?"
"…..Yes."
"Are you aware that there's no physical entrance to it?"
"I am."
"Very well. I'll help."
"How did you know I would ask that?"
"I've been keeping an eye on Odd Jobs, as well as you. I didn't know about the Hidden District until then. You've been spending most of your time searching for the Spider after all."
"I'll be taking him off your hands, Shoyo."
"Sure."
"I can only use 5 ravens right now, and only 2 to help you."
"That's fine."
Noah bows to Shoyo before leaving with Ina, "Until next time."
Shoyo waves them off awkwardly. He sits down and looks at the ceiling for a few minutes before someone else comes back on.
"Another Boreas," Shoyo sighs.
"Is that a problem?"
Now, it is Amelia. One of the Special Rank Hunters who has no intention of trusting the vampires.
"Yo, brat."
"It's been a while, Amelia."
"It's still fun to see my niece who used to be on such good terms with you acting cold-hearted now."
"What do you want?"
"A big war is upon us. I sure hope Ms. Vampire Lord won't betray us."
"She won't." Shoyo sits straight up and says this with absolute certainty in his eyes.
This ticks off Amelia, "Tch. I know. I went to see what she was like myself."
"What? What'd you do to her?"
"Why are you assuming I did something? That's a bit cruel, isn't it?"
Shoyo stands up and grabs her by the shoulder, "Amelia, if you try anything…"
She grits her teeth in a frown and smacks his hand off of her. Regaining her condescending composure, she smiles, "This press conference isn't going to go well for the President. We let students get injured and even die under our watch. There's going to be a change in leadership soon."
"Is that so? And what were you doing when the Academy was being attacked may I ask?"
"I'm truly disappointed in myself that I couldn't make it. Well, see you later."
Waving her hand, Amelia leaves after telling Shoyo what she wanted to say. 'When the public finds out you let vampires on our side, your influence will hit rock bottom. For now, I'll let things play out a little longer.'
Walking out of the room, she finds 4 Special Rank Hunters who were eavesdropping on their conversation. She stops and glares at them before walking away. The Hunters in question then re-enter the room.
"You guys… and Ryan."
"Uh, why did you single me out?"
"Aren't you taking part in the press conference?"
"Yeah. But there's still plenty of time."
"….Remi, I'm sorry about your brother."
"Thank you, Shoyo."
"You must really believe in that Ariel to stand up to her like that against Amelia."
"Hmph. I think you two would get along, Dwight."
"Oh?"
"Shoyo. I've been hoping to meet your disciples soon. Maybe I'll stop by that Odd Jobs before the battle." Leonidas, the biggest Special Rank Hunter standing at 6'7 puts his hand on Remi's head while making his statement.
Remi concurs, "Me as well."
"You guys can stop by anytime."
"Have any of you heard from Hakim?"
"No, I'm worried something happened."
"Knowing him, I'm sure he's fine."
"Right."
With that, the gathering of Special Rank Hunters comes to a close.
***
On a mountain in District 4, the Slayers meet up.
"I'm surprised you got here so fast, Kakuto."
"Hanako, you were right. Chisato betrayed us."
"By your mannerisms, I'm assuming she's still alive."
"Oh I'm gonna freakin kill her. Find her for me and I'm tearing her apart."
"I'm glad that you succeeded in your attack, Ame."
"I'm not incompetent like this buffoon."
"I'd watch my mouth if I were you."
"That's enough, no infighting."
"Thank you, Iakovos. We have great news, 3 Vampire Lords will be leading their armies to assist us here in Shioto. They'll be arriving anytime next year, so gather every vampire in District 4. This is where we'll begin our siege."
Hanako reveals a portal artifact, "This will be used to set up a portal here in this very mountain where the reinforcements will come from."
"Ho. Well that is good news."
"Akutenshi! You're finally back to your old self."
"It's about time."
"I sealed my memories out of boredom. Although I do regret it, it was a good way to pass time here on this paltry land."
"I'm surprised though. Shoyo Kusakabe is still alive."
"That man is unlike any other. He's awakened a power not even our foes from the Kingdoms can use."
"Is that so? If you two were to fight again, would you win?"
"We will soon find out."
"Ayume can fight with you."
"No. Our battle will not be stained by a third party. Anyone who interferes will earn a swift death."
"Got it."
"The first thing Ayume will do when she gets here is fight her sister anyway."
"True. We'll bide our time until they get here. In the meantime, I have another plan. That is, if you're fine with it Akutenshi."
"Let's hear it."
"Just how the humans here have gained vampire allies, we too can use human allies. The Hidden District. As you know, they're a criminal organization that will do anything for money. I'll put bounties on the top Hunter's heads."
"So the strongest humans can take themselves out without us having to get our hands dirty."
"Correct. I'll put one on Ariel's head as well. She made a vow that will kill her if she does harm upon any human. It'll be nice to see how she gets herself out of that. Bounties will also be put on Chifuyu the half-vampire and his friends. We have no need for them. What do you think?"
"Hmph. If Shoyo lets humans get the best of him, then that's the end. I doubt that will happen."
"Right, but there's two factors that will throw him off. The first will be the initial attack. He won't expect humans to come after him. The second is that he'll have to protect his precious disciples."
"I see. Then your plan has a slight chance of working. I'll allow it."
"Sounds good."
Hanako has been the one running the Slayers at the forefront. But now that Akutenshi's memories have returned, it goes without saying that Hanako's position has been given to him.
"Bring me the girl that's been calling the shots behind the scene. I want to know who she really is."
"She's going to be quite busy. She has a life as a human that she wants to continue a little longer."
"I suppose I'll wait."
"Thank you. Also, Kakuto. I don't have to find Chisato. I believe she'll meet with Ina Boreas of Odd Jobs soon. Tail her, but she has a watchful eye so don't give yourself up."
"That's all you had to tell me."
Kakuto stomps out with a vendetta.
"There's something else I want to talk about."
"That independent vampire group, right?"
"Yes, Ame. I don't know who they are, but they have a different goal from us."
***
The Hunter Academy is closed for the foreseeable future, and neither Erika nor Dakota are answering Chifuyu's calls. He's been trying to get ahold of Shoyo, but he can't reach him either. The reason he can't reach Shoyo is because his phone broke in his battle against Akutenshi. As for Erika and Dakota, Chifuyu can only hope nothing happened to them in the attack. The press conference passed and the public's disarray has not been quelled. They believe the Hunters have failed them and fear for what's to come.
The day goes by, Odd Jobs waits for Ina to come by and tell them what's next.
"Guys, Ms. Ina called me and said 2 new members will be joining! They'll be here any minute."
"What, really?"
"It's gonna be 11 of us."
"I think that's the most we can have here."
"Chifuyu, they were students at the Hunter Academy. That must mean it's your friends joining!"
"What?"
"That's great news!" Ariel jumps with joy on Chifuyu's shoulders.
"Looks like I finally get to see your friends."
"It's been a while since I saw them, can't say u miss them."
"You're just being bashful, Shinatsu."
"Yeah right."
"I can't wait to meet them."
"One of them's a total slacker, so don't get your hopes up." Chifuyu jokingly disses Dakota.
They all huddle around Chifuyu in gossip. Amidst the sudden unease, they have something to smile about. The door unlocks and they see 2 figures behind Ina.
'Erika. Dakota. It's been a year and a half.'