The group of hunters huddled beneath the protective shelter of a small earth dome. The sound of rocks colliding and grinding against one another tested the strength of Helen's handiwork. Silence reigned under the dome, and Helen knew she couldn't afford to lose focus. Occasionally, the painful and desperate howls of the Bloodhound penetrated their refuge, only to halt abruptly.
"...Are we in the clear?" asked Nick.
"Huff...huff..."
Helen, breathless, answered with a weak wave of her hand, creating an opening for the group to emerge. Exhausted, she collapsed, and Gerald rushed to support her.
Jerome stepped forward, volunteering to go first.
"I'll go take a look."
He exited the dome and began clearing the surrounding debris. His expression tightened the moment he had a full view of the entire situation.
With the facility now completely collapsed, Jerome could see the sky above, despite being at a lower elevation. Rubble and damaged equipment were scattered everywhere. Nearby, there were hunters standing by on the perimeter, ready to assist.
It was clear more hunters had arrived to clear the area and provide support. However, with most of them being B-Rank or lower, Jerome knew that the situation was currently far from ideal.
Because the primary threat still loomed at the center of the chaos.
A majestic black monster stood atop the lifeless Bloodhound Anubis. Silently, it eyed its fallen opponent, seemingly satisfied and savoring its victory.
Its gaze shifted to the chest of the Anubis, and then it knelt. Before Jerome could react, the draconic beast plunged its powerful claws into the dead hound's chest.
With a forceful pull, it withdrew its hand, revealing a familiar gem-like rock between its bloodied fingers.
'The Bloodhound's Enigma Core!'
The black monster marveled at the core's shine, let out a hungry purr, and devoured it in one gulp.
Jerome's eyes widened in shock.
"What just happened?"
"...Did you not see what just happened?"
"See what?"
Nick joined Jerome but missed the sight of the draconic being consuming the A-Class Enigma Core. Jerome could only click his tongue in frustration.
"This is our chance; the lizard just ate the Bloodhound's Core carelessly. Nick, tell the hunters above to evacuate immediately. We might be dealing with a threat beyond the double S."
"A what!? Sir, are you craz―"
Jerome didn't wait to hear Nick's response and leaped boldly toward the black abomination.
The more he thought about it, the more confident Jerome became in his wild conjecture. This beast couldn't be an S-Class. Its power far surpassed any S-Class monster he had ever encountered.
Jerome also recalled his encounter with an SS-Class monster a decade ago. It was the only SS-Class he faced in his entire lifetime until now. But even that powerful force of nature possessed an Enigma Core! He sensed it himself.
The only logical conclusion was that this monster had strength beyond SS-Class. It was a plausible explanation, even if unprecedented. As a matter of fact, many analysts, researchers and experienced hunters from S-Rank above have speculated on a realm beyond the SS-Rank and SS-Class. Amongst the various points being argued, the matter of the Enigma Core's role in the context of a being surpassing the SS category came to pass.
Though Jerome was not overly familiar with the subject, he did hear of certain researchers and hunters proposing the future ladder of gaining strength might lead to the abandonment of the Enigma Core. However, even they couldn't pinpoint how one can just forsake the Enigma Core without presenting a different alternative.
Whatever the case it might be, on thing was for certain. This thing needs to be stopped right now. And with the black monster consuming an Enigma Core right in front of him couldn't be the most opportune moment for Jerome.
Though it was applied differently for monsters compared to humans, monsters could also increase their power levels by consuming numerous things. One of them being another monster's Enigma Core. The point that must be highlighted however, was that monsters should not consume these things carelessly.
As once stated, the laws of nature do not allow a being to experience a sudden jump in Enigma power levels without facing some repercussions. In the case for monsters, they would usually be vulnerable for quite some time and hence require a safe space to consume their prey's Enigma Core.
In this moment of vulnerability, the monster could at times go into a period of sudden hibernation or at the very least be in a state where combat would not be an option for them.
That was the norm
'And that moment is now.'
Jerome gripped his blade tightly, its radiant hum giving him a fleeting sense of reassurance. He knew he had to seize this moment of vulnerability. With a fierce battle cry, he lunged at the black monster, aiming to deliver a decisive blow.
The first strike landed on the monster's hard skin, but instead of cutting through, it glanced off with a shower of sparks. Jerome's eyes widened in disbelief. He swung again, and again, each strike growing more desperate. The blade, which had felled countless enemies, seemed almost useless against this formidable beast.
Jerome's shock turned to grim determination as he launched a flurry of attacks. The black monster barely flinched, its eyes glowing with a predatory gleam. Blatant mockery was mixed within those eye slits. It moved with a speed and grace that belied its massive form, dodging and deflecting Jerome's blows with ease.
Out of nowhere, the monster lunged, and Jerome found himself face to face with it. Before he could react, the beast's claws wrapped around his throat, lifting him off the ground. Jerome struggled, his hands clawing at the iron grip that was crushing his windpipe. Panic set in as he realized just how outmatched he was.
With a powerful swing, the monster hurled Jerome through the air. He crashed into Nick, who was running towards the other hunters to relay Jerome's orders. The two men collided with bone-jarring force, hitting the ground hard. Pain radiated through Jerome's body, and he struggled to rise, his vision blurred and ears ringing.
Nick groaned beside him, equally dazed from the impact.
"Sir... what...?" was all he managed to gasp out.
Before Jerome could respond, the ground shook as the monster raised its massive arms and struck the earth with all its might. A deafening roar filled the air, followed by a blinding smokescreen that enveloped the area. Jerome could barely see his hand in front of his face as dust and debris filled the air.
Coughing, he squinted through the haze, trying to catch a glimpse of the monster. But it was gone. The creature had vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
Jerome struggled to his feet, helping Nick up as well.
"We... we have to get everyone out of here," he croaked, still trying to catch his breath.
Nick nodded, still reeling from the impact. "What... what was that thing?"
"I don't know," Jerome replied, his mind racing. "But it's beyond anything we've ever faced. We need to regroup and figure out our next move."
As the dust began to settle, the hunters gathered, their faces a mix of fear and determination. Jerome knew they were all thinking the same thing: the fight against monsters was far from over.