•FLASHBACK,
- "Wait !! Let me explain everything, it's not what it seems.... "
- "LIAR !! (with a loud voice) "
As dawn broke over Eldoria, a pale light filtered through the thin curtains of a small, cluttered room. Noah sat up on his worn-out bed, the quiet hum of the city faint in the distance.
His eyes fell on a single photograph resting on the bedside table. Two faces stared back at him, their smiles frozen in time, untouched by the years that had passed. He picked it up, holding it carefully, his fingers brushing over the faded edges.
For a moment, he sat still, studying the image as if searching for something. Then, with a quiet resolve, he pulled the photo from its frame.
The picture tore easily in his hands, the sound sharp in the silence of the room. He let the pieces fall to the floor, his face unreadable.
Rising from the bed, he stepped over the torn fragments without a second glance, leaving them behind as he walked out of the room.
After freshening up and a simple breakfast, Noah braced himself for his inaugural day at SHO. Stepping into the bustling streets of Eldoria, he navigated his way through the maze of alleys and towering buildings towards the Training Ground of SHO, located in the Levitation Sector.
The neon lights of Sector 11 cast an ethereal glow upon the SHO Training Ground's main entrance. Approaching the gate, Noah was stopped a vigilant robot.
"Robot: Sir, may I see your ID proof?"
"Noah: (Hands over his ID)"
"Robot: (Scans the ID) Ah, you're Noah, a 21-year-old newbie. Today marks your first day at SHO, right?"
"Noah: Yeah."
"Robot: Sir, you may proceed. (Opens the gate)"
"Noah: (Steps through the gate)…"
"Robot: WELCOME TO SHO!"
Noah was met by the stern gaze of General Mariana, a seasoned Elite Hunter assigned as a trainer in Wad-2 to mentor new recruits.
"General Mariana : Hey, you, stop right there."
"Noah : Huh…me?"
"General Mariana : Show me your ID proof."
"Noah : Fine, take it."
"General Mariana : (Checks the ID) You are Noah, hmm....."
"Noah : Yeah. (also shows the recruitment card)"
"GENERAL MARIANA : (Raises her eyebrows) A recruitment card, interesting....this means you are already very much powerful and talented. Anyways, you should head to Block-B."
Noah walked into Block-B as the hall buzzed with noise. The moment he stepped in, the room fell silent, as if everyone felt something special about him. Suddenly, a scared boy ran in, shouting, "RUN! RUN! Epic Grade Spirits have entered the Levitation Sector!" The panic spread quickly.
General Mariana, one of the best fighters after the Special Grades, immediately took charge. "Everyone, run to Block-A—quick!" she yelled. As the crowd hurried away, a huge Epic Grade Spirit smashed through the gate, blocking their escape.
"General Mariana : (Contacts SHO HQ) WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! I repeat we are..un..under attack ! Spirits of Epic grade have managed to enter Levitation Sector, SEND ELITE HUNTERS NOW!"
Emergency alarms blared across Eldoria as hunters geared up for battle. Government of ELDORIA declared an emergency shutdown in mainland and tightened the security. Everyone started hiding in their houses.
Mariana jumped into action. She fought hard against the giant spirit, blocking its heavy blows and shouting for people to get to safety. But then, three more Epic Grade Spirits appeared from a side corridor. Mariana fought them too, swinging her weapon and dodging their attacks. She managed to fend them off, but soon, two more spirits joined the fight.
Before she knew it, Mariana was surrounded by six Epic Grade Spirits. She fought bravely, but one of them grabbed her and pinned her against a broken wall. She struggled hard, but it was clear she was trapped.
At that moment, Noah felt his hidden power rise up. He stepped forward, his eyes lighting up with a bright blue glow. "LUNAR ECLIPSE FORM-1! Eternal Shield!" he shouted. A blue shield of energy appeared around him as he moved into battle.
Noah attacked the spirits with speed and strength. One by one, he fought them off. In a final burst of energy, he roared, "PHOENIX STRIKE!" and destroyed all six Epic Grade Spirits in one mighty move.
In the aftermath of Noah's miraculous intervention, the training ground lay in ruins, but the threat had been neutralized. At that time Elite hunters also arrived there who evacuated everyone, General Mariana was also gravely injured, so she was taken to the hospital, while Noah was escorted to SHO HQ.
Noah's valor during the assault catapulted him to fame in Eldoria, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration. As whispers of his extraordinary abilities started spreading like wildfire.
SHO HQ,
[Scene: A dimly lit room, sparsely furnished, with a single desk and two chairs. Commander Garick sits behind the desk, his face partially shadowed. Noah enters and takes a seat across from him, his expression calm but unreadable.]
"Commander Garick :- (leaning back in his chair, studying Noah intently) Noah. It's good to finally meet you. I'm Commander Garick."
"Noah :- (sits down without a word, his expression neutral, eyes locked on Garick)"
"Commander GARICK :- (leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk) You've made quite the impression, you know. People are talking. They think you might be... different."
"Noah :- Come straight to the point ! What do you want?"
"Commander GARICK :- (smirks faintly, his tone sharpening) Straight to the point. I like that. We want you in the Special Grade division. Your abilities are beyond exceptional, and SHO needs people like you."
"Noah :- Special grade ?? "
"Commander GARICK :- You know, I'm getting a different kind of vibe from you, there's something special about you....something really special.You seems smart enough and I think you already know about SPECIAL GRADES...isn't it ?"
"Noah :- YES, I know about SPECIAL GRADES."
"Commander GARICK :- I've heard about you… Noah, isn't it? If I'm not wrong, you're the son of Dr. Williams, right?"
"Noah :- Leave him out of this. I know you want my signature. Fine, take it."
"Commander GARICK :- These are the papers, take it and sign it. "
"Noah :- (Signing the paper)
"Commander GARICK :- WELCOME TO SHO, now you are a SPECIAL GRADE hunter. By tomorrow you will be selected in a unit.
*NOAH SMILES STRANGERLY.
* SPECIAL GRADE :- Special Grade is a designation given to hunters in the Spirit Hunters Organization (SHO) who possess exceptional skills and abilities. Special grade hunters are the most skilled and powerful hunters in the organization, capable of handling the most challenging missions and dealing with the most powerful spirits. They are considered the elite of the elite when it comes to hunting capabilities.
*SPECIAL GRADES are also part of WAD-1.
* E-Unit :- An E-Unit (Elite Unit) in SHO is a standard unit composed of three elite hunters and one medic. These units are deployed for missions involving strong spirits or crucial missions. Each member of the E-Unit plays a specific role, with the three elite hunters assuming combat roles while the medic provides essential medical support and assistance.
*SG-Unit :- The SG-Unit (Special Grade Unit) is an elite team within the SHO, composed of four Special Grade hunters. These hunters possess exceptional abilities and powers that set them apart from regular hunters. They are tasked with handling high-level spirit missions that require a unique set of skills and expertise.
*Next Day,
Noah woke up from his makeshift bed and noticed a letter behind him, it was from SHO HQ. He opened it and read that he had been assigned to unit SG-04.
After freshening up and having a simple breakfast, Noah put on his Special Grade uniform and made his way to HQ.
Navigating his way through the maze of alleys and towering buildings, he reached the main gate of the HQ and was stopped there by an elite hunter.
"HUNTER :- Hey, Stop right there !! "
"NOAH :- Huh...why ?? "
"HUNTER :- Don't you know the protocols."
"NOAH :- I know the protocols....do you know who I am ?? "
"HUNTER :- Watch your tone, rookie ! "
"NOAH :- I AM NOAH, A Special grade.....now let me in. (In a serious voice)"
"HUNTER :- Noah ?? You are the one who saved Mariana, right ?? "
"Noah :- (smirking) Yeah, that's me."
"HUNTER :- Oo, Apologies....I'm Ryder, Nice to meet you. Welcome to SHO HQ, Noah. We've been expecting you."
"Noah :- (nods) Thanks. I'm looking forward to get started."
"RYDER :- You're part of unit SG-04, right ? You'll be meeting your teammates soon."
"Noah :- Hmm...sounds good."
"RYDER :- Briefing's about to start. You'll learn more then."
Noah nods, and Ryder leads him to the briefing room.
BEEFING ROOM,
"STEPHEN :- You're the third member, right ?? Where's the fourth? Supposed to be four of us ?? "
"LYRA :- NOAH should be on his way."
"STEPHEN :- Noah?? Noah as in the guy who saved MARIANA ? "
"LYRA :- Yup, that NOAH."
"CLARIE :- Guys, I heard that he killed almost 6 epic grades with one bow !"
"LYRA :- Yeah, it's crazy."
"STEPHEN :- (Smirking) Really...?? "
At that moment, the door suddenly slams open, and Noah steps in with a confident stride. He exudes an aura of power and authority, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
"NOAH :- Apologies for the wait."
"INSTRUCTOR:- Everyone please sit down!"
●The instructor cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention back to her.
**INSTRUCTOR**: "Before we move on, it's crucial to understand the risks involved in your upcoming missions. The Spirit threat is real, and facing them can result in severe injury or even death. Every decision you make could have life-or-death consequences, not just for you but for your team."
•She paced the room, her expression serious.
**INSTRUCTOR**: "Now, the most important thing, regarding your assault gear. Assault gear is a is a set of equipments that Spirit hunters use. Each piece is designed specifically to enhance your capabilities in the field and to protect you against Spirit attacks."
•She gestured toward a display of equipment.
**INSTRUCTOR**: "First, the *Jetpack*. It allows for aerial mobility, giving you an advantage in combat and helping you navigate challenging terrain. Mastering its use could mean the difference between life and death."
•The group nodded, absorbing the information.
**INSTRUCTOR**: "Next, the *Slaughterer*. Each of you will have a weapon uniquely attuned to your abilities. This weapon is an extension of your soul. Train with it, learn its strengths and weaknesses—this will be your primary means of defense. Now choose your Slaughterer from that armory box."
•Everyone takes their Slaughterers.
•Noah picked up his Slaughterer, a Sword, feeling its weight. He sensed a connection already forming.
**INSTRUCTOR**: "Then we have the *UVS*, or the Ultraviolet Source. This is a powerful light which is essential for weakening lower-grade Spirits. Use it wisely; you'll need to strategize when and how to deploy it."
•She continued, her tone growing more intense.
**INSTRUCTOR**: "The *SMP Armor* is special armor designed to withstand Spirit attacks. It will absorb some of the energy from attacks, but it's not invincible. Know your limits."
•Finally, she pointed to the *S-Tracker*.
**INSTRUCTOR**: "This device will keep you connected to HQ during missions. If you encounter trouble, use it to call for backup. Don't underestimate its importance; it could save your lives. This deviceis just like a GPS, it will help you to find your way back to Eldoria after a mission."
•Noah and his teammates exchanged glances, the weight of the responsibility settling in.
**INSTRUCTOR**: "Remember, your training isn't just about honing your skills; it's about learning to rely on each other. You will face formidable challenges. Stay alert, work together, and you may come out alive, Is everything clear !!"
EVERYONE :- "YES !!"
Few hours later,
The briefing came to an end. Noah, still processing the day's events, watched as the recruits filed out of the room, their faces a mixture of apprehension and excitement. His mind raced with thoughts of his awakening powers. The energy that had surged through him during the attack still pulsed faintly in his veins.
As he stood to leave, Commander Garick approached him, his expression was unreadable.
Garick: "Noah. I need you to stay sharp. We'll be needing your skills sooner than you think."
Noah nodded, feeling the weight of Garick's words. The Commander's tone wasn't just an order—it was a warning.
Noah (thinking): Something's coming... I can feel it. But what?
As Noah exited the room, the door closed behind him with a solid thud. The hum of the SHO headquarters filled the air, but Noah felt a strange, creeping silence in his thoughts. Something about the current events felt wrong—off, even.
*(Garick's Perspective)*
As Noah walked away, the focus shifted back to Garick, who stood silently in the empty briefing room. He took a deep breath, straightened his jacket, and glanced at the clock on the wall. The debriefing was done, but his work for the day had only just begun.
His eyes narrowed, thoughts moving around the Sector-11 (Training Ground) incident. The Spirits' unexpected breach, Noah's unexplained powers, the internal unrest within the SHO. It was all connected—he just didn't know how. Yet.
Garick let out a deep breath, his usual calm look fading a bit. He had to stay in control. There was no room for doubt now.
Garick walked briskly through the dimly lit halls toward the inner sanctum of SHO headquarters. The large conference doors loomed ahead of him, guarded by Four elite hunters. With a brief nod, they opened the doors for him.
---
■ The conference room in SHO Headquarters felt heavy with tension. The President sat at the head of the table, surrounded by various ministers, all looking serious. Commander Garick sat across from them, his hands clenched in frustration.
**President:** "We need to talk about what happened at the Training Ground. This attack has made people doubt our security. We can't let this get worse."
**Minister of Defense:** "All of us knows that the Spirits came from the Sector-9 Research Facility. How could they escape? Our security was supposed to keep them locked up!"
•Garick leaned forward, his voice tense.
**Commander Garick:** "We found holes in the ground at the Training Ground that lead straight to our facility. Someone broke through our security. We have to find out who did this."
•The ministers looked at each other, concerned.
**Minister of Internal Security:** "If the public finds out that Spirits got out from our facility, it will cause panic. We need to keep this under wraps."
**President:** "Exactly. We can't let fear spread. We need a plan to show we are in control. I think we have to make a Fake investigation team."
•Garick's frown deepened as he realized where this was heading.
**Commander Garick:** "But making a fake investigation team? That's just hiding the truth! We need to deal with this honestly, or we'll end up in bigger trouble."
**Minister of Science:** "Come on, Garick. We're not trying to hide anything; we're trying to keep people safe. This isn't the time to act like a hero."
**Minister of Technology:** (laughing) "Yeah, Garick, stop pretending you're the only one who can handle this. We can't have you running around like some knight."
•Garick's jaw tightened, but he stood firm.
**Commander Garick:** "This is serious! The safety of Eldoria is at risk. If we don't address this, we're inviting disaster."
**Minister of Defense:** "And what do you want us to do? Admit that we've been keeping Spirits locked up? That would create chaos. We can't afford that."
•The President rubbed his forehead, frustrated.
**President:** "So what's our plan? How do we manage this without revealing our secrets?"
**Minister of Internal Security:** "As you said earlier, we will set up a fake investigation team. They will pretend to investigate and announce that we are improving security. This will keep the public distracted."
**Minister of Science:** (sarcastically) "Don't worry, Garick. We'll make sure they wear their best detective hats."
•A few ministers laughed, but Garick remained serious.
**Commander Garick:** "This isn't a joke! Do you really think making fun of this will keep us safe? This is about real lives!"
•Despite Garick's warnings, the ministers were firm.
**President:** "We'll go ahead with the investigation team. Garick, you will give them just enough information to make it seem real. No details that could point back to the facility."
•Garick stood up, his frustration boiling over.
**Commander Garick:** "I'll do what you ask, but remember: hiding the truth is dangerous. When the public finds out what really happened, it will be a disaster."
•As he walked out of the room, he could hear whispers behind him.
**Minister of Technology:** "What a drama queen. Does he really think he's a hero?"
**Minister of Defense:** "He takes everything too seriously. Someone should tell him this isn't a fantasy."
**Commander Garick:** "YOU ALL ARE JUST COWARDS !! COWARDS !!....Who's just scared of truth."
Garick left the room, feeling the weight of their mockery. He knew they were playing a risky game. The secrets of Sector-9 would eventually come to light, and when they did, everyone would have to face the consequences.
●FLASHBACK
Noah sat alone in his dark room, heart
racing. Outside, kids laughed and
played, but he felt trapped.
Suddenly, the door opened. A big
shadow filled the doorway. Noah's
stomach dropped.
"Where were you?" the voice growled.
Noah looked down, scared.
Without warning, the figure grabbed
him and pulled him close. "You think
you can get away?"
A hand struck his face. Pain shot
through him, and he fell to the ground.
"Why can't you be better..huh?" the voice
yelled. Noah curled up, tears in his
eye.
Each hit felt like it was breaking him,
but deep inside, something strong
began to rise.
When the figure left, slamming the
door behind them, Noah lay there
crying. In that dark moment, he made a
promise: "One day...one day I swear I will kill you."