The moment the Shinkansen doors slid open, the group could sense the chaos even before they stepped off the train. Akihabara Station buzzed with uneasy murmurs, the air thick with tension as a crowd had gathered around the Glitched Warp-Rift. The usual lively scene had been replaced by a growing sense of dread, the Warp-Rift at the center of it all glowing ominously with a violent red hue.
Alexis surveyed the commotion as they made their way through the crowd. His eyes immediately found Ferni, Kalem, Rarun, and Tess, who stood at the front, visibly tense but holding their ground.
"Everyone alright?" Alexis called out, his voice firm but calm, his eyes scanning his friends' faces.
Ferni looked up, a hint of panic still flickering in her gaze as she approached him. "Alexis... it's bad. We were getting ready for our Wave like usual, but then something... changed."
"Changed?" Alexis raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"
Tess, ever the calm observer, stepped forward. "It started with the Warp-Rifts. They were all separate before, but then, one by one, they began merging. We didn't know what to make of it—"
"Until it happened." Ferni cut in, her tone growing more frantic. "When all of the rifts finally came together, a shockwave erupted from it. It shook the entire district. The onlookers... they panicked."
Alexis furrowed his brow. "So... what do you think this means?"
"I don't know," Ferni admitted, shaking her head. "But the waves are different now. We think this is bigger than anything we've faced before."
As the conversation unfolded, Miz, ever watchful, nudged Alexis, pointing at the Wave Timer. It was now nearing 12:00. The sound of steady rumbling beneath their feet sent a chill through the group.
"Get ready," Alexis ordered. His eyes never leaving the Warp-Rift, he quickly assessed the situation. "Everyone, weapons out, we're about to face something new."
Tess summoned her staff, her focus sharp. Kalem conjured his glowing light sword, the blade shimmering with divine power. Rarun unsheathed her katana, its edge glowing with the wind magic she summoned. Ferni hefted her massive greatsword, preparing for battle. Melina held her tome, summoning several of her lesser creatures to stand ready. Crucibelle sparked with energy, her fists crackling with a deadly mix of dark red fire and blue lightning. Miz, his wooden sword drawn, stood by Alexis's side, always ready to learn from his master. Carna had already nocked an arrow, prepared for whatever threat was to come.
And Alexis—he drew out his steel short sword from Slu's mouth, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. He felt the familiar surge of energy as he activated his Agyl' Boost, a surge of energy rang through him.
"Stay safe, Seika, go back with the other civilian onlookers" he told the Seika standing behind them, his voice soft but protective.
The rumbling grew louder. The ground shook beneath them, sending tremors that rattled their bones. They all tightened their stances, waiting for what would emerge.
The Warp-Rift began to distort further, the energy within it crackling with an intensity that made the air feel thick and heavy.
The rumble emanating from the Glitched Warp-Rift grew louder, vibrating the ground beneath the heroes and sending shivers through the gathered onlookers. The air thickened with tension as a massive, scaly arm emerged from the Warp-Rift, clawing its way into reality. The head of the dragon soon followed, its maw exhaling plumes of smoke as its glowing red eyes scanned the battlefield with feral intensity. The beast roared, its cry splitting the air and shaking the ground as its entire body emerged. It was enormous, its scales shimmering in bright yellow and white hues, claws gleaming like forged steel, and wings spreading wide enough to cast a shadow over the entire street. This was the Flash Blast Dragon, a Boundless Wave boss unlike anything the team had ever faced.
"This is it! Everyone, be ready!" Alexis shouted, his steel short sword gleaming.
The Flash Blast Dragon's roar was immediately followed by its first attack. Its wings flapped powerfully, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Debris flew in every direction as the gusts of air and explosive energy forced the team to brace themselves. Kalem conjured a shield of dense Light Magyk, standing firm as the shockwaves collided with his barrier. Beside him, Ferni planted her greatsword into the ground, summoning a towering wall of rock and iron to shield her and Tess.
"Cover Seika, civilians and onlookers! We can't let them get caught in this!" Alexis barked as he dashed forward, weaving through the battlefield.
Carna, standing at the rear, nocked an arrow imbued with Wind Magyk and released it, the projectile slicing through the air toward the dragon's head. The Flash Blast Dragon snarled, its claws glowing with explosive energy as it swiped the arrow away. Rarun darted forward, her katana shimmering with Wind Magyk as she launched herself into the fray. Her blade danced in swift arcs, deflecting incoming projectiles of explosive energy from the dragon's claws.
"Keep its attention! Tess, Crucibelle, Melina, focus on suppressing its movements!" Alexis commanded as he darted through the chaos, his enhanced speed from Agyl' Boost allowing him to narrowly dodge falling debris and incoming Flash Blast Waves.
Tess raised her staff, conjuring swirling currents of Fire and Ice Magyk that she hurled at the dragon's wings. The dragon roared as the flames singed its scales, but it retaliated with a devastating Flash Blast Wave from its mouth. A massive beam of destructive energy cut through the air, forcing Tess to leap aside. Crucibelle surged forward, her fists sparking with her rare dual magyks. She launched a devastating punch—Magna-Driver—into the dragon's leg, the combination of Dark Red Fire and Blue Lightning Magyk creating a thunderous explosion that staggered the beast momentarily, as Miz followed suit with an Agyl' Accel and a quick Precision Strike towards its head.
Melina stood at a distance, her tome glowing as she summoned ethereal beasts to harry the dragon. A spectral wolf lunged at the dragon's flank, snapping at its scales, while a summoned hawk raked its claws across its eyes. The Flash Blast Dragon roared in frustration, flapping its wings to create a shockwave that dispersed the spectral summons.
Alexis saw his opening. Activating Agyl' Boost again, he dashed toward the dragon, slicing through incoming debris with precision. A claw, charged with explosive energy, swiped at him, but Alexis slid under it, his short sword slashing at the beast's foreleg. The dragon's scales were tough, but Alexis's Precision Strike left a visible mark.
"It's tough, but not invincible! Keep up the pressure!" Alexis called out.
Miz, inspired by Alexis again, activated Agyl' Accel and joined the fray, his wooden sword striking with uncanny accuracy. He executed Multi-Hit Precision Strike on the dragon's wing, forcing it to fold partially and limiting its mobility.
The dragon roared again, retreating slightly before unleashing another Flash Blast Wave. The beam tore through the battlefield, forcing everyone to scatter. Kalem and Ferni combined their magyks, creating a dual-layered shield of Light and Earth to absorb the brunt of the attack.
The Flash Blast Dragon leapt into the air, its wings unfurling as it took flight. From above, it rained down destruction, sending explosive beams and shockwaves toward the heroes. Our heroes created their magyk defenses as then the dragon stopped and started flying towards a high-rise under construction.
The unfinished high-rise loomed in the distance. The dragon landed on top, its claws digging into the structure for support. It turned its glowing red eyes toward our heroes and began firing multiple Flash Blast Waves in rapid succession.
"Defenses! Now!" Alexis shouted.
Kalem conjured a dense Light Magyk shield, its radiance protecting the team. Ferni's towering rock and iron wall added another layer of defense, while Crucibelle created a new technique, Magna-Shield, her fists generating an energy barrier crackling with her unique magyks. The combined efforts held off the dragon's assault, protecting both the team, Seika and the other civilian onlookers.
Seeing his team holding the line, Alexis knew it was his chance. He activated Agyl' Boost, surging forward at blinding speed. Debris, shockwaves, and energy beams filled the air, but Alexis moved with purpose, dodging, blocking, and deflecting with masterful precision. As he neared the building, he unfurled and extended his wings, propelling himself upward with a powerful burst of momentum. His feet touched the glass of the high-rise, and he began running up the side at high speeds, his eyes locked on the dragon.
The Flash Blast Dragon noticed his approach and turned to fire multiple Flash Blast Waves. Alexis dodged, deflected and even sliced through the beams as it shatters the glass behind him. He continued his ascent, even using his wings to adjust his trajectory mid-air.
Reaching the top, Alexis leapt toward the dragon, his short sword glowing with energy. The dragon's mouth opened to unleash another Flash Blast Wave, but Alexis struck first. He drove his blade into the bottom of its jaw, forcing its mouth shut. The energy of the Flash Blast Wave imploded within the dragon's maw, causing internal damage and momentarily staggering the beast.
Alexis pulled his sword free, spinning in mid-air as he slashed multiple times at the dragon's chest ending his assault with a Precision Strike. The blade slashes struck true, exposing one of its glowing cores. Without hesitation, Alexis reached in and tore the core free. In one swift motion, he gulped it down with one go, his Digi-HUD lighting up: "You have gained a new skill: 'Flash Blast Wave.'"
The dragon, enraged and weakened, raised a claw to strike, as Alexis launched off the dragon falling down the side of the high-rise.
"Let's see how you like the taste of your own medicine" Alexis shouted with determined vigor, as his eyes glowed a bright yellow and he opened his jaw wide, explosive and destructive energy forming into a compact, surging, yellow and red glowing pulsating orb, then firing the Flash Blast Wave with a great force. The huge beam of destructive explosive energy struck the dragon's upper body, scorching its scales and reducing it's top entirety to ash and cubes. The dragon collapsed, its body disintegrating into fragments of light, ash and data.
While falling down, Alexis unfurled his wings and glided and flew back down to his team, landing gracefully. "It's done," he said, catching his breath. "And... I picked up a new skill."
As the team regrouped, the onlookers erupted in cheers and murmurs, their fear giving way to awe. However, their victory was short-lived. A noise from the Wave timer drew their attention. It now displayed: +New! Wave Boss: Every Friday.
The realization hit them all at once. This was just the beginning. Every Friday, a new challenge would emerge from the Glitched Warp-Rift. Determined, Alexis and his team resolved to face whatever came next, knowing the battles ahead would only grow more intense.
As Alexis's phone rang, it was from the Director of Japan's Government.
The shinkansen ride to Japan's Government Headquarters in Central Tokyo was heavy with a sense of urgency and quiet reflection. Alexis leaned against the window, his steel short sword sheathed and resting by his side. Crucibelle cracked her knuckles rhythmically, her thoughts visibly simmering as arcs of red and blue energy occasionally sparked between her fingers. Miz sat beside Alexis, gazing at the fleeting cityscape with a mixture of awe and nervousness. Carna cleaned her bowstring while Melina quietly flipped through her tome, muttering incantations under her breath. Tess, Kalem, Rarun, and Ferni engaged in a hushed discussion about the Flash Blast Dragon's unexpected appearance and the potential implications.
As they arrived at the headquarters, the sheer scale of the building loomed over them, its glass façade reflecting the bustling city around it. Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Wave Order members from different districts milled about, some tending to wounds, others exchanging reports. The air buzzed with tension and determination, a tangible reminder of the escalating crisis.
The group spotted Zane's team across the hall. Several of Zane's members were escorting the hooded assassins they had captured during the Hokkaido vacation. Zane himself stood by a reception desk, deep in conversation with one of his subordinates. His sharp eyes caught sight of Alexis and his group.
"Alexis! Over here!" Zane called out, his commanding voice cutting through the hum of the room.
Alexis approached, motioning for his team to follow. Zane greeted him with a firm handshake, his usual stoic expression softening slightly.
"Good to see you again, Alexis," Zane said. "Though I wish it were under better circumstances."
"Same here," Alexis replied. "I take it the assassins gave you trouble?"
Zane glanced at the hooded figures, their faces hidden beneath enchanted masks. "Nothing we couldn't handle. What about you? I heard rumors about Akihabara's Wave. Something about a dragon?"
Alexis nodded grimly. "A Flash Blast Dragon, straight out of Boundless. It's the first Wave boss we've encountered, and it wasn't just a fluke. The Glitched Warp-Rifts merged into one massive portal before it appeared."
Zane's brow furrowed. "Merged Rifts? That's new."
"New and dangerous," Alexis said. "It's not just about daily Waves anymore. Boss-level threats are becoming part of the equation. We'll need a plan—a big one."
As their conversation deepened, touching on strategies, intel, and the growing complexity of the Waves, the receptionist called out to Alexis.
"Mr. Tilt," she said politely. "Director Kuroda will see you now."
Alexis turned back to Zane. "We'll continue this later. For now, take care of those assassins."
Zane nodded. "And you… don't hold back with Director Kuroda, they need to know everything."
Alexis and his group entered the elevator, the ride up to the top floor silent but charged. When the doors opened, they stepped into the director's office,
"Alexis Tilt," the Director greeted, standing to shake his hand. "And your team. Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"It's our duty," Alexis said, returning the handshake. "But I'm guessing this isn't just a courtesy call."
Director Kuroda gestured for them to sit. "You're right. Let's get to the point. We've been monitoring the Waves closely, and today's events mark a significant escalation. What you all encountered in Akihabara—the merged Rift and the Flash Blast Dragon—is something we've only theorized about until now. Tell me everything."
Alexis recounted the day's events in meticulous detail, from the merging of the Rifts to the dragon's arrival and it's destructive attacks and the hard-fought battle that followed. He didn't omit a single moment, describing how his team worked together to shield the civilian onlookers, their desperate strategies, and his own final strike that claimed the dragon's defeat.
When he finished, the Director leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
"Every Friday," Alexis added. "That's what the Wave timer declared after the fight. Boss-level threats will be a regular occurrence from now on."
The Director's eyes narrowed. "Every Friday? This isn't just an escalation; it's a somewhat declaration of war. The Waves are evolving, adapting, changing. We'll need to do the same."
"We'll need reinforcements," Rarun interjected. "And better equipment. Bosses like the Flash Blast Dragon aren't something a standard team can handle. And we are also unsure if the same will happen to the other district's Waves."
"Agreed," Kuroda said. "I'll authorize additional resources and assign research teams to study the Rifts' behavior. Alexis, I want you and your team on the Akihabara district's frontlines of this effort. Your experience and adaptability make you the ideal candidates."
"Understood," Alexis replied. "But we'll need more than just manpower. We need to know why this is happening and how to stop it."
The Director nodded solemnly. "And you'll have our full support on that matter. For now, keep your team ready and on standby when needed. I'll brief the other districts and initiate an emergency summit."
As the meeting concluded, the group exited the office, their resolve hardened. The Waves were no longer just a daily nuisance and occurance; they were a growing storm, and the Flash Blast Dragon was only the beginning. Alexis glanced at his team, each member bearing the weight of the task ahead in their own way.
After the discussion with Director Kuroda, Alexis and his group descended the elevator in thoughtful silence. The gravity of their task loomed over them, but determination burned in their eyes. Once back in the main hall, they reconvened with Zane's team, who were wrapping up the formalities of handing over the captured hooded assassins to government officials.
"Done already?" Zane asked, spotting Alexis. His tone was light, but his eyes betrayed concern.
"For now," Alexis replied. "But this is just the beginning. Director Kuroda confirmed what we suspected—these Waves are evolving into something much bigger."
Zane crossed his arms, his brow furrowing. "Figures. We're all in this together, then. We should talk strategy."
The suggestion led them to a nearby restaurant, a cozy izakaya tucked into a quiet side street. The smell of grilled skewers and the chatter of patrons created a warm, inviting atmosphere that stood in stark contrast to the dire topics at hand. Both teams occupied a long table in the back, the two groups mingling naturally as plates of food and cups of tea were passed around.
"Alright," Alexis began once everyone was settled. "Zane, earlier you mentioned the assassins. What did you learn?"
Zane leaned forward, his expression darkening. "Their leader broke under interrogation. They call themselves the 'Hunter Society.' Ever heard of them?"
Alexis shook his head, and the rest of the table exchanged uneasy glances.
"They're a secretive syndicate," Zane continued. "Their sole purpose? To hunt and eliminate anyone connected to Boundless—'NPCs' like us who were pulled into this world. They see us as invaders, a threat to their existence."
"That's insane," Melina muttered, her hands gripping her teacup tightly. "Do they even understand what's happening? None of us chose this!"
"Doesn't matter to them," Zane said grimly. "Their creator and founder is… let's just say, extremely dangerous. He didn't spit out his name, but we know this: he has the ability to imbue weapons and objects with immense amounts of mana, turning ordinary weapons into devastating firepower."
"That explains their gear," Alexis interjected. "Even the lower-ranked assassins we fought had equipment that felt unnaturally powerful."
Zane nodded. "And they're not just a bunch of thugs or even people from Boundless. Every member is a normal human—even maybe, 'superhuman.' They're trained rigorously, day in and day out. Strength, endurance, tactics—they're honed to utter perfection."
"So, not only are we dealing with evolving Waves, but we've also got an extremist group gunning for those like us," Kalem said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Fan-flipping-tastic."
"It's more than that," Alexis said, his tone serious. "This isn't just about survival anymore. It's about coexistence. If the Waves don't destroy this world, groups like the Hunter Society will... then eventually the Waves."
The table fell silent, the weight of Alexis's words sinking in. Seika reached out and placed a comforting hand on Alexis's shoulder. "We'll get through this," she said softly. "You guys always do."
After the meal, the teams parted ways. Zane and his group headed back to Hokkaido on the shinkansen, while Alexis, Seika, Miz, and Crucibelle returned to Seika's apartment suite. The moment they stepped inside, Miz and Crucibelle made a beeline for the couch, flipping on the TV to catch the evening comedy shows.
Alexis settled at the dining table, Seika busied herself in the kitchen, brewing tea. The rhythmic clinking of cups and the faint aroma of jasmine filled the room, creating a moment of calm amidst the chaos.
When Seika joined him at the table, she slid a cup of tea across to him and sat down. "Long day, huh?" she said, her voice soft but steady.
Alexis took a sip, savoring the warmth. "It's only going to get longer."
Seika hesitated, then spoke. "Alexis… I just want to say thank you. For everything. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here today. The first day we met, that Worm Dragon and the Earth Golem after… it- it would've been the end for me."
Alexis looked at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. "Well.. that was a bit random, but Seika, you don't have to thank me. If anything, I should be thanking you. Meeting you gave me a somewhat purpose in this world—a kind of reason to keep going. Meeting you, meeting Miz and Crucibelle, all of us living together, meeting new friends, it's a wonderful feeling, a warm happy life."
Their eyes met, a shared warming understanding passing between them. They smiled, lifting their cups in a silent toast. The moment was brief, but it spoke volumes about their bond.
As the night deepened, Alexis glanced toward the window. The city lights twinkled like stars, a stark contrast to the dangers that lurked beyond. The Waves and the Hunter Society were threats that loomed large, but in this moment, surrounded by his close friends, he felt a flicker of hope.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "We'll face whatever comes. Together."
Seika nodded, her resolve mirroring his. "Together." As they both layed down their cups and shared a reassuring fistbump.
Alexis's journey in this world was far from over, and the country's, the world's fate hung in the balance. But for now, in the quiet soft glow of the night, there was a sense of unity—a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope could shine through.
(The story ends here, This is the end of Volume 1 - New Beginnings Arc... Alexis's life journey in the real world will return soon!)