As Haines desperately fled from Jaede and Klem, his panic-driven sprint took him straight into the electric heartbeat of Neon Heights. Tall, sleek skyscrapers pierced the perpetually grey sky, their glass surfaces shimmering with vibrant neon reflections that danced across the cityscape. Neon Heights, known as the financial nucleus of the metropolis, was buzzing with activity; drones whirred overhead, and the sidewalks streamed with people, both augmented and non-augmented, each absorbed in their own high-speed lives.
The commercial giants and futuristic commercial billboards and advanced cybernetic institutes that dominated the skyline were not just showcases of technological advancement but also bastions of the powerful White Tree influence. Here, amongst the elite and the affluent, secretive cults of Radiant Beings maneuvered in the shadows, their obsession with purity and control shaping the policies and directions of their corporations.
As Haines charged through bustling crowds, his wild, fearful glances and swift, heavy footfalls caused a stir. People jumped aside, some muttering curses, others pausing to stare after the frenzied figure disrupting their orderly flow with his rogue presence.
Suddenly, a formation blocked Haines' path—a squadron of rogue CyberHunter knights. These AI-augmented knights, clad in a mix of archaic plate armor and futuristic weaponry, were a menacing sight. Each knight was armed with neon-scarred swords and high-tech firearms, their visors glowing ominously.
"Oh man! Oh no! The CyberHunter's most annoying AI foot soldiers. Acting as policemen. What am I gonna do?"
'Think! Haines!'
Without a second's hesitation, as the knights raised their weapons, Haines revealed his own augmented capabilities. His left hand shifted, morphing into a gun with seamless mechanical precision while his right hand transformed into a sharp, gleaming metal blade. His body moved with a ninja-like agility, a deadly dance of both art and war.
Haines ducked a swing from the first knight's sword, spinning low and driving his gun up in a sharp arc to fire a burst right into the knight's armor seams, causing sparks and shrapnel to fly. Rising fluidly from his roll, Haines parried a gunshot with his metallic blade arm, the clang of metal on metal ringing through the air. He followed with a swift kick to the knight's knee joint, crippling the structure before slashing across its torso, effectively disassembling the artificial adversary.
Another knight charged, wielding a glowing sword. Haines sidestepped, using the knight's momentum against it. Grabbing the knight's arm, he twisted and turned, throwing the knight into its oncoming companion. Both collided with a crash of metal and a flicker of malfunctioning circuits.
As he fought, Haines utilized every part of his body: his knees, elbows, and even his head served as weapons, each move executed with deadly precision and effectiveness. His fluid motions and quick strikes showed a mastery over his own augmentations, turning his every limb into instruments of destruction.
The scene culminated when, having dispatched the last of the rogue knights with a swift decapitating slice from his blade arm, Haines looked up—only to find Kelm poised gracefully above him, observing the spectacle with a mixture of surprise and strategic calculation. Her presence, dominating yet calm, marked the dramatic close to Haines' frantic battle through Neon Heights.
KATHOOM!
Klem had her spiked chains wrapped around Haine's neck, and she twisted it, killing him instantly, not showing any emotion after.
Nearby onlookers said:
"She killed him!"
"Wait, that's a CyberHunter."
"I've never seen her before, is she new?"
"Yeah she is, check their website of new recruits."
Klem thought, 'The CyberHunters can kill and no one will be too bothered by it. Why? They depend on us. Those who can manipulate their enhancements more with power and defend them from those who are forcefully or voluntarily merging with the three colored cores from the trees. The public thinks all CyberHunter kills are justified, they won't dare defy us, unless they're like Haines. He was on the CyberHunter radar as he was selling these cores. And how did Jaede find out about this mission? Don't even know. Where did he even go? It's not like I care or anything. Just curious, right? Yeah that's right. He's gross.'
The dimly lit studio of "Dark Light" buzzed with the low hum of antiquated machines and soft oldies music that filled the air with a nostalgic tune. The camera panned across the vintage equipment, flickering monitors displaying static-filled images of shadowy figures and glowing cores, before settling on the anchor, a seasoned journalist with sharp features and an authoritative voice.
"Welcome to Dark Light! We hope you enjoy your stay!" he announced, his voice cutting crisply through the melodic background noise. "Tonight, we delve into the heart of darkness and light that beats within our metropolis, unfolding the layers of an organization as clandestine as it is crucial—the CyberHunter association!"
The screen behind him flickered to life, showcasing high-definition highlights of CyberHunters in action—figures clad in adaptive armor, moving with lethal precision against beings distorted by the cores.
"Formed in the shadows of our cyberpunk city, the CyberHunter association is a formidable force, dedicated to regulating the chaos wrought by the Black, White, and Red Cores. These cores, each resonating with distinct energies, have the power to transform individuals into beings of pure destruction, radiance, or primal ferocity. It's crazy!"
The journalist paused, allowing the images of spectacular confrontations between the CyberHunters and core-affected beings to sink in. "Founded by the enigmatic Orion Kade after a personal tragedy, the association began as a beacon of revenge and justice—a group united by loss and a deep-seated need to prevent further chaos."
The screen shifted, showing grainy footage of a man who must be Orion, his eyes burning with a mix of pain and determination. "Kade, alongside his Council of Shadows — including combat prodigy Dante Fenrir, cybernetic genius Astra Nyx, ancient lore expert Luna Seraph, and hacking maestro Vega Lux — steers this ship through turbulent waters."
"As we speak," the anchor continued, turning towards a different camera with a solemn look, "the CyberHunters employ a mix of cutting-edge technology and ancient techniques. Neural Inhibitors to disrupt the berserk frenzies of the Black Core's victims. Spectral Armor that not only defends but adapts to both physical and energy-based assaults. And let's not forget Core Detectors that track these volatile energies right to their source!"
He gestured towards another screen displaying diagrams of intricate devices and armored suits. "But technology alone isn't their cornerstone. Oh no, they also revive ancient techniques like Shadow Binding and Light Resonance—derived directly from the teachings attributed to mythical figures like Umbra and Seraphiel."
The music swelled slightly as a new clip showed a CyberHunter using a technique emitting tendrils of darkness to immobilize a rampaging berserker. "Each operative, whether they are a Shadow Stalker, a Radiant Shield, or a Beast Hunter, is trained extensively in these methodologies, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle any threat emerging from the cores."
The anchor's voice softened, turning reflective. "And yet, at the heart of their mission lies the Oath of Balance—an acknowledgment that these cores, as dangerous as they are, form an integral part of our world's fabric. The CyberHunters don't seek eradication but balance, aiming to understand and mitigate, rather than simply destroy! Even though they destroy a lot of things, but anywho!"
As the oldies music dipped into a soft lull, the anchor concluded, "With allies among underground resistance groups and independent researchers, the CyberHunter association faces adversaries from profit-hungry corporations to core-worshipping cults. They stand as guardians, philosophers, and warriors rolled into one, ever-vigilant in their pursuit to protect humanity from the shadows."
The screen dimmed as the anchor nodded solemnly. "That, dear viewers, is the world we live in—a place where the battle between darkness, light, and primal fury rages on, and where the CyberHunters remain our steadfast defenders. Stay tuned for more stories from the edge of tomorrow, right here on Dark Light."
The screen transitions seamlessly as the oldies music swells to a crescendo, and the charismatic anchor shifts his tone to one of intrigue and welcome. "While the shadows play their game and the CyberHunter association stands vigilant, let's illuminate the broader canvas of our metropolis—and the very cradle of commotion and conspiracy. Welcome once again to Dark Light, where tonight, we're vicariously venturing into the enigmatic corridors of our world!"
Behind him, vivid images of sprawling landscapes and cryptic locales begin to glide across the screen, each highlighted with a halo of digital annotations.
"Firstly, let's take a twilight stroll through the sacred grove known as The Triad Nexus," the anchor begins, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "This mystical confluence of ancient power isn't just a relic of bygone eras—it is the heartbeat of our current strife. Here, the trees planted by legendary figures intertwine their roots and tales, weaving the very fabric of destiny for all core-affected beings. But oh no, do not touch them! Well, you can't since they're heavily protected by some weird invisible force field!"
The footage now shows a mist-wrapped forest, with magnificent trees glowing softly under the moonlight, their leaves whispering secrets of the ages.
"Next, the hidden chambers of 'The Archive of Whispered Truths'," the anchor continues, the screen flickering to dark, cavernous libraries filled with scrolls and holograms. "Nestled under the city's pulsing veins, this repository holds not just texts but the very essence of the ancient lore entrusted by civilizations that danced with the shadows. It is here that seekers and scholars decipher the past to secure the future, guarded by knowledge as much as by silence."
The visuals shift to show shadowy figures browsing through illuminated manuscripts, their faces lit by the soft glow of digital tablets.
"And let us not forget the labyrinthine alleyways of 'Sector Zero'," his voice dipping into tones of mystery. "What happens here stays veiled from the public eye, making it a playground for both rebels and those who seek to alter the course of chaos. It's a melting pot of black market tech, illicit trade, and tantalizing secrets. Walking through Sector Zero is akin to navigating a living puzzle, every piece alive with peril and promise. I'm definitely being a tattletale right now!"
The footage cuts to shadowy bazaars and narrow streets, neon signs flickering overhead, casting light on transactions best left unseen.
Rounding off, the anchor's demeanor adopts a tone of solemnity. "And amidst this sprawling landscape of wonders and dangers, our metropolis thrives—a city of endless narratives, ceaselessly penned by those who dare to dream, challenge, and confront. Here on Dark Light, we don't just tell stories; we immerse you in them, connecting you to the pulse of our shadowed streets through every broadcast. So we welcome you again!"
As the screen fades to a display of the show's logo against the cityscape, the oldies music softens, transitioning into a contemplative tune. "Stay vigilant, stay curious, and remember, in our world of shadows and light, discoveries lurk around every corner. Thank you for joining us on Dark Light, where mysteries unfold and legends come alive. Until next time—goodnight and keep your eyes open—."
Just as the tranquil ballad plays and the camera begins to pan away from the anchor, the broadcast is suddenly hijacked. The feed crackles, and the screen splits to reveal Jaede, his face filling the frame, dirt and grime smudged across his haggard features. The serene studio ambiance is shattered by the sound of clattering and distant shouting.
"Listen, you gotta let me in!" Jaede pleads, almost tripping over his words as his voice pitches. His eyes are wide, and a frenetic energy pulses around him. "I'm telling ya, I just leveled half your enemies out there – bam, pow! Just like that! Ya need someone like me!"
The camera hastily pans back to the visibly flustered news anchor, whose eyebrows are knitted in dismay. "This is highly inappropriate—can we cut off—" he starts, voice rising in alarm and aggravation, but Jaede's pleading cuts him off.
"No, no, no, wait! Look," Jaede continues, gesturing wildly, each movement exaggerated and frantic. Behind him, a chaotic backdrop of smoldering debris and neon flickers—silent testimonies of his recent escapade. "I've got the skills, the guts! Look at this!" In a comedic display of desperation, Jaede spins around, half-tripping over a piece of unseen rubble, to kick at the air, his move impressive, but still comedic.
The studio gasps. The scene is as disruptive as it is absurd. Jaede glances desperately toward the camera, sweat beading on his brow. "Come on! Who else is gonna dive head-first into danger for ya like I just did? Who's got this much passion, huh? Me, dammit! I'm ready for it! You hire some random unknown girl named Klem who calls me gross every five seconds?! That's annoying!"
The anchor, now red-faced and gesticulating to someone off-screen, vainly attempts to regain control. "Security, can we please—"
But Jaede is relentless. He catches his breath, his face close to the camera, his plea bordering on the comedic as his eyes almost comically wide. "Please, oh please, let me join the CyberHunter association! Please! Do you know how hard I worked? I even got the special boots!" Jaede lifts his foot to the camera to show a scorched, yet seemingly high-tech boot, hardly visible through the smoke and poorly aimed camera angle.
Finally, as the broadcast control manages to regain some semblance of order, Jaede's last desperate, drawn-out "pleeeeease!" echoes through the transmission before the screen flickers and abruptly cuts back to the stunned anchor, whose attempt to compose himself provides the perfect capstone to the unexpected interruption.
"Um, ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the interruption," the anchor manages, a forced smile twitching at his lips as he straightens his tie. "Rest assured, 'Dark Light' is committed to bringing you the most relevant and controlled news in the metropolis. Thank all that's digital that wasn't live," he adds under his breath as the camera finally cuts away, leaving viewers with a mix of shock, amusement, and utter confusion about what they've just witnessed.
"But still, welcome to Dark Light! Where all your dreams may never come true!"