At 10:30 on a Thursday morning, Kai Ethan and Haydon sat in their usual class, each lost in their thoughts until Kai broke the silence. He'd been mulling over something big for days.
"I want to join," Kai said firmly, looking at Ethan.
Ethan replied, "Oh yeah, you could join our gaming sesh this weekend."
"No, The Agency, you dumbass," Kai said, smacking Ethan lightly on the shoulder.
"Ohhh," Ethan's eyes widened. "Well, if you're serious, let's do it the proper way."
Later, Outside an office building on the outskirts of the city, a sleek, black limousine pulled up. It looked wildly out of place against the drab backdrop, turning heads of passersby who couldn't help but wonder who was inside. As the door swung open, three men in sharp suits stepped out: Kai, Haydon, and Ethan, each looking spiffing as if they'd been plucked from a secret service squad.
Ethan took the lead, turning to face Kai with a grin that held a mix of pride and excitement.
"Welcome to the real world," he announced, eyes gleaming as if they were about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime mission.
As they made their way to the building, a secretary 'Klein'
A man with curly hair similar to red wine and eyes both half and half with green and blue split down the middle.
He wore suspenders with a black and white suit without the jacket and stepped forward to greet them. He gestured for them to follow him into the headquarters of the Hunter's Haven Agency. They walked through a series of sleek, modern hallways before arriving at a large, elegantly decorated office. He opened the door, ushered them inside and stepped out, closing it behind him.
Sitting across the room was Tatsuo, the head of the Agency, who looked up as Kai entered. With a calm yet intense gaze, he nodded, gesturing for Kai to take a seat.
"So, Kai," Tatsuo said, his tone serious. "Have you reconsidered your decision to join us?"
"I have," Kai said shortly
At that moment, a familiar voice piped up in his mind, dripping with its usual sarcasm.
"Aw nah, mate, your replies are wet styll."
Kai mentally shoved the voice of the demon, Alexander, to the back of his mind, trying to keep focus.
"Good." Tatsuo's eyes flickered with approval.
"Ethan, Haydon, please wait outside the room."
Once they left, Tatsuo turned back to Kai. "Let's begin with the basics."
Over the next few weeks, Kai trained intensively under Tatsuo's guidance, learning to harness his natural skills.
He showed a knack for hand-to-hand combat, though it was far from mastery. Tatsuo noted his progress but remained vigilant, always watching for signs of Kai's latent potential.
One day, Tatsuo called Kai into his office again. "We've finally managed to analyze your ability," Tatsuo said
"How'd you analyse my ability" asked Kai
"Oh no not my ability but my secretary, Klein"
"Anyway, you can extract souls from the bodies of demons. Each extraction seems to strengthen both your physical and magical abilities. However"
he paused.
"We're still uncertain about the possible side effects of your power."
"Extract souls?" Kai's voice was slightly worried.
Kai's mind reeled. "Well, that does explain the voices…"
Tatsuo's eyes widened briefly.
"Voices?" he asked, clearly concerned but trying to remain calm.
Kai hesitated, feeling a flicker of doubt. "Nothing serious… just y'know, an occasional… presence."
Tatsuo stared at Kai blankly
Kai started to worry
"I PROMISE I DON'T HAVE SCHIZOPHRENIA" He blurts out realising he probably said too much
Tatsuo nodded, though his expression remained serious. "You've learned the basics, but you're not ready for a mission just yet. You still need to master hand-to-hand combat, and we're still unsure of the risks with your abilities. But," he said, raising a hand, "I have something to help you defend yourself."
As Tatsuo lifted his hand, a blue light filled the room, radiant and powerful. Kai squinted, instinctively shielding his eyes. When he opened them, a weapon lay before him: a black katana with a blue ribbon wrapped around the sheath and handle, radiating an aura of strength.
"Consider this a gift and a safeguard," Tatsuo said, nodding toward the katana.
Kai stared, mesmerized. He picked up the katana, feeling its weight, noting how naturally it fits into his grip. The blade seemed to pulse with energy.
Tatsuo then motioned toward a door that hadn't been there a moment ago, shimmering into existence as he raised his hand "Your first test is ready. Step through this door when you're prepared," he said, a slight smile on his lips.
Kai took a deep breath. He adjusted his grip on the katana and stepped forward, crossing through the threshold.
He found himself standing in a strange, eerily familiar city, the same city he'd walked through countless times, but this version lay in ruins. Crumbling buildings lined the streets, windows shattered, and the sky overhead was choked with dark clouds.
In the center of the street, a lone figure stood, shrouded in shadows at first glance. The figure appeared human, but Kai's instincts screamed otherwise. Something about its movements, its stance, seemed… wrong.
He felt as if his senses were being fooled, tricked into seeing an ordinary man, but he knew better.
The demon turned slowly, its gaze locking onto Kai. A twisted smile spread across its face, it lifted a sword, which glinted menacingly in the dim light. Kai hadn't even noticed the weapon before, but now, seeing its intention to strike, his pulse quickened.