The outside of IHA headquarters was packed with media and fans, eager to catch a glimpse of the famous S-rank hunters.
Amber, a reporter for Zolack Live, held her mic steady, her voice professional as she provided live coverage.
"As we can see, crowds have gathered here at the IHA HQ, awaiting the arrival of the leaders from Terra Guild and Arrow Guild. Today marks the dungeon raid meeting between the guilds and IHA, just three days after Mr. Kael, the head of IHA, issued an Omega Threat Level -1 alert for the next S-rank level portal. Hunters have dubbed it the 'Omega Portal.' It's been about ten minutes since the head of Arrow Guild, Eva, entered the HQ."
Suddenly, the sleek black luxury car rolling up to the entrance caught everyone's attention. The crowd hushed, cameras zooming in as Kai Lake, head of Terra Guild, stepped out.
"It appears the head of Terra Guild, Kai Lake, has arrived," Amber continued. "Stay with us for live coverage. This is Amber from Zolack Live."
She weaved through the throng of reporters as they shouted questions at Kai, eager for a comment. Ignoring them, Kai made his way into the building, his striking white hair and sky-blue eyes drawing excited cheers from fans. He entered the meeting room with his vice-captain Lockhart and personal assistant in tow.
Both guild leaders were now present.
Kael began, his voice grave. "Thank you both for coming. This is a critical moment."
Kai's voice cut in, sharp and demanding. "Isn't the Mana King supposed to be here? Where is he?"
"He's been busy this past week," Kael replied.
"Busy with something more important than this?" Kai scoffed. "Well, it doesn't matter."
Kael knew working with Kai wouldn't be easy. The Terra Guild leader was known for his fiery temper, and the rivalry between the guilds always complicated cooperation. "Thank you for accepting our proposal, Kai."
"I didn't accept your request. Even if you hadn't asked, Terra Guild would've joined the raid. What's infuriating is being forced to work with these peasants from Arrow Guild."
"How dare you speak like that in front of Eva-sama!" Spectre growled, his mana flaring uncontrollably.
"Spectre." Eva's sharp command cut through the tension, forcing him to rein in his power.
Spectre bowed, his frustration palpable. "Forgive my ill manners, Eva-sama."
This decision was made because of what happened five years ago, so it doesn't turn out like last time!" Kael's voice rose, the weight of past failures clear in his tone.
Kai's eyes darkened, his voice rising in response. "It won't turn out like last time." His fists clenched briefly before he continued, a hint of bitterness in his words. "If only I had been there, things would have..." He stopped, cutting himself off as he forced composure back into his voice. "Suit yourself. Whether or not you participate in the raid is none of my concern. Just make sure not to get in my way."
Without another word, Kai stood from his seat, his subordinates trailing behind him as he exited the room.
The silence that followed was thick with tension. Spectre, still bristling from Kai's dismissive attitude, ground his teeth.
"I apologize, Ms. Eva. That was extremely rude of him," Kael said, his voice calm once more, though a flicker of frustration could be seen beneath his composed exterior.
"I still can't get over how disrespectful he is toward Eva-sama," Spectre muttered, frustration dripping from every word. "Even though they're both the same rank."
Maria's calm, authoritative voice cut through Spectre's indignation, her words a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.
"Spectre, maintain your composure," she advised, her tone firm but gentle. "I understand your frustration, but emotions cloud judgment. We can't afford impulsiveness, not now."
Spectre inhaled deeply, then exhaled, his temper slowly easing. "I apologize," he said, his tone more measured.
Kael sighed, glancing toward the door Kai had exited. "You know, despite his temper, Kai isn't a bad person. He's just been this way ever since the disaster portal incident. He lost his older sister in that raid, and it changed him."
Spectre's posture softened slightly, the reminder of Kai's tragic past cutting through his frustration.
Kael turned back to Eva, his expression softening. "Speaking of that, I didn't get a chance to formally thank you for your help back then, Ms. Eva."
Eva gave a slight nod, her composure never wavering. "It's not a problem, Mr. Kael. I'm just glad I could be of help."
*****
Zarek unleashed a frenzied kick, his foot a blur as it hurtled toward Cain's chest. Cain raised a hand, his eyes never leaving Zarek's, and absorbed the impact with ease. The force rippled through his sleeve, a subtle testament to Zarek's strength.
Undeterred, Zarek fluidly transitioned into a backflip, landing poised and ready. His chest heaved with exertion, sweat glistening on his brow.
"Again," Cain invited, his tone calm, arms relaxed. A hint of a smile played on his lips.
Zarek charged, unleashing a whirlwind of punches. Left, right, left – each blow faster, more precise. Cain sidestepped with serene ease, his eyes locked onto Zarek's every move. The air seemed to shimmer around him, a testament to his mastery.
Zarek's face twisted in determination as he adapted, executing a slide tackle. Cain's gaze flickered, caught off-guard. For an instant, his eyes widened.
Seizing the opening, Zarek rebounded swiftly, launching another attack. But Cain vanished, reappearing behind him with an air of silent menace.
"Not bad, kid," Cain said, voice low and smooth, dripping with approval.
As Zarek spun around, Cain struck, his chop sending Zarek crashing down. The sound of the impact echoed through the air. Zarek struggled to regain footing, barely rising. His eyes blazed with determination.
"You've done impressively, kid," Cain said, eyes gleaming with approval. "In just a week, you've learned to harness the ambient mana, enhancing your strength and agility. Your progress is remarkable."
Zarek beamed with pride. "Thank you, Captain. Your guidance has been invaluable."
Cain's expression turned serious. "However, there's a limit to your growth through this method. Judging by your skills, you've reached C-Rank, two-star. Our goal was B-Rank, but it seems this is your ceiling."
Before Zarek could respond, Cain approached him with an unexpected grin. "Captain, what—"
Zarek's words turned to screams as Cain lifted and tossed him like a projectile. The heavy wind buffeted his face as he soared through the air.
Time seemed to slow until Zarek splashed into a steaming hot spring, water enveloping him like a warm hug.
Gaining control, Zarek surveyed his surroundings, awestruck. "A hot spring? Wow, this feels incredible!"
"Ahh!" Zarek screamed, scrambling out of the way as Cain landed in the hot spring with a massive splash.
"Captain, don't throw me around like that!" Zarek exclaimed, his face flushed with shock.
Cain chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Ha !Doesn't it feel amazing, Zarek?"
Zarek's devastated expression slowly gave way to surprise as he realized the water's effects. "This hot spring... it has healing properties, doesn't it?"
Cain's voice turned calm. "The water is imbued with mana. It'll heal all your injuries from the past week training."
As Cain spoke, Zarek felt the warmth seep into his muscles, mending the bruises and strains. He let out a sigh of relief.
The two shed their dirtied attire and settled into the hot spring, basking in its rejuvenating waters. Zarek's eyelids grew heavy, his breathing slowing as relaxation washed over him.
***
"Hey, kids, stop fighting!" the harried housewife called out from the driver's seat, her eyes darting between the rearview mirror and the road ahead as she navigated the Limelight Bridge.
Suddenly, the serene sky transformed into a menacing canvas. Dark clouds gathered, and a blinding lightning bolt struck the asphalt mere feet ahead, illuminating the surroundings in an eerie blue glow.
The air seemed to rip apart, revealing a swirling vortex. The Omega Portal, legendary gateway to untold dangers and mysteries, materialized before her stunned eyes.
The housewife's reflexes kicked in; she slammed on the brakes, tires screeching in protest. The car skidded to a halt mere inches from the shimmering portal's edge.
"What in the world...?" she trailed off, awestruck.
The kids, now silent, gazed wide-eyed at the spectacle unfolding outside.