At 8 AM, Yaxoc shuffled into the kitchen, his hair a mess from sleep. Grabbing a bowl of cereal, he slumped into a chair and began eating, muttering to himself.
"Agh, I just hope today doesn't turn into an even bigger mess than yesterday," he grumbled between bites.
Moments later, Marcus and Moonlight entered the kitchen, both looking surprised to see him.
"Well, this is a rare sight," Marcus remarked with a smirk. "You're actually up before us? Must be something serious." He poured himself a cup of coffee before turning back to Yaxoc. "So, what's this thing you wanted to tell me?"
Yaxoc set his spoon down, his expression shifting to something more serious. "There's a hunter coming after you."
Marcus blinked, his brow furrowing. "A hunter? After me?"
"Yeah," Yaxoc replied. "And not just any hunter. This one's powerful. Moonlight knows more about him."
Moonlight stepped forward, her voice steady but tense. "He's not just powerful—he's leagues above us. His essence is called Restricted Chromatic Presence, an ancient energy derived from negative chromatic forces. It's... nothing short of catastrophic."
Marcus's grip tightened around his mug, his eyes wide. "That sounds... horrifying. Why's he coming after me?"
"That's the million-dollar question," Yaxoc muttered. "But we don't have time to figure it out. All we know is he's gunning for you, and we need to prepare for the worst."
Moonlight placed a reassuring hand on Marcus's shoulder. "We'll join forces with the other saviors. Virelle's supposed to send us a message soon to coordinate."
Yaxoc leaned back in his chair, letting out a deep sigh. "Here's hoping those Z+ saviors actually live up to their name. Otherwise..." He trailed off, shaking his head.
Marcus swallowed hard, nodding. "Alright. Whatever happens, we face it together."
Moonlight gave him a firm nod. "Exactly. We're not letting you face this alone."
The peaceful morning was shattered by the blaring wail of an alarm, urging civilians to seek shelter immediately. Yaxoc froze, mid-spoonful of cereal, as Marcus and Moonlight bolted into the kitchen.
"What's going on—" Yaxoc started, but his words were cut short as the front door burst open. Two hunters stepped into the house, their presence suffocating the air with menace.
"HUNTERS!" Moonlight shouted, immediately shifting into a fighting stance.
"The raid has started!" Yaxoc yelled. "Marcus, get out of here! Now!"
Marcus nodded, his face pale, and bolted out the back door. Yaxoc and Moonlight charged at the hunters, determination blazing in their eyes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside, chaos unfolded as Marcus sprinted through the streets. Hunters clashed with the Z+ Saviors in a storm of magic and steel. The air was thick with dust and the deafening sounds of battle.
Marcus skidded to a halt as a hunter lunged toward him, blade gleaming, but before the strike could land, a barrier of energy intercepted it.
"Hey! Stop running away and stick with me!" shouted Virelle, stepping between Marcus and the hunter.
"Right!" Marcus stammered, regaining his composure.
Together, they turned their attention to the hunter. Marcus landed a devastating punch that sent the foe crumpling to the ground.
"Nice hit," Virelle said with a grin, before glancing at the battlefield ahead. "But we've got a bigger problem—there's at least thirty more heading straight for us. Got any bright ideas?"
Marcus smirked, raising his hands. "Just one. Fire Magic: Fire Circles!"
Flames erupted around the hunters, forming a blazing ring that tightened with every second. As the circle closed, anguished screams echoed through the air before the fire consumed them.
"Your turn, Virelle!" Marcus shouted.
With a nod, Virelle chanted, "Hurricane Magic: Category 4 Push!"
A ferocious gust of wind roared to life, scattering the surviving hunters like leaves in a storm.
"Close call," Marcus muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "Let's go help the others."
Elsewhere, a group of hunters barreled forward, intent on pursuing Marcus and Virelle. But their charge came to an abrupt halt as Sukorian stepped into their path, his eyes sharp and voice laced with menace.
"One more step," he growled, unsheathing his blade, "and I'll turn you all into minced meat."
The hunters hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes, before turning to flee. Sukorian shook his head. "Too late."
He raised his sword and chanted, "Cut Technique: Million Slashes!"
The fleeing hunters didn't make it far. In an instant, they were engulfed by a flurry of deadly slashes, their forms obliterated. Sukorian sheathed his blade with a sigh and disappeared into the chaos.
Back at the house, Yaxoc and Moonlight dispatched the hunters with swift precision. As the dust settled, a new figure appeared, watching them with piercing eyes.
She wore a dark purple cloak, her long purple hair flowing like a river of ink. Two distinct lines marked her sharp brown eyes, and a deadly scythe rested against her back.
"Well, well," the woman said, landing gracefully on the ground. "Taking out two hunters? I must admit, I'm impressed."
Yaxoc stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. "Who are you, and what's your deal?"
The woman smirked. "Karie. And my 'deal,' as you put it, is simple—kill every savior here. But if you're feeling cooperative, you can start by telling me where the Z+ Saviors are hiding."
"Like hell I will," Yaxoc spat, stepping into a fighting stance.
Moonlight placed a hand on his shoulder. "Yaxoc, handle her. I'll go check on Marcus." Without waiting for a response, she sprinted off.
Karie lunged after her, but Yaxoc intercepted, grabbing her shoulder and hurling her into the wall.
"Ah!" Karie grunted, wincing as she collided with the concrete. She barely ducked in time to avoid Yaxoc's follow-up kick, which demolished the wall behind her.
"Who is this guy?" Karie muttered, retreating with a series of agile backflips. "He's not just strong—his power feels beyond Z+..."
Before she could process further, Yaxoc teleported behind her and delivered a crushing blow to her face, sending her flying. He appeared above her in an instant, slamming her back to the ground.
"Imagination Magic: Imaginative Shurikens!" he chanted, conjuring three glowing projectiles that streaked toward Karie.
Karie raised her scythe to block, but the shurikens detonated on impact, engulfing her in smoke and fire.
Yaxoc landed nearby, catching his breath. "That should do it."
But as the smoke cleared, Karie emerged, her cloak tattered but her resolve unshaken. With a wicked grin, she raised her scythe.
"You thought that was enough?" she taunted. In a blur, she swung her scythe, summoning five magical slashes that hurtled toward Yaxoc.
Dodging with practiced precision, Yaxoc smirked. "Magical slashes, huh? Fine. Two can play at that game."
He drew his sword and chanted, "Artificial Magic: Light Slashes!" His blade emitted six radiant arcs of energy that clashed with Karie's slashes, creating a dazzling explosion.
Using the distraction, Yaxoc closed the distance and swung at Karie, but she anticipated the move, driving a sharp kick into his gut. His sword flew from his grasp, clattering to the ground.
"Pathetic," Karie sneered, snapping his weapon in two. "This 'artificial crap' won't save you."
Yaxoc's eyes widened. "Damn it..."
"And, for the record," Karie added with a cruel smile, "I already killed the smith who made these toys. He was the last one capable of crafting such garbage."
Rage ignited in Yaxoc's eyes. "You... killed him?"
"Oh, are we upset now?" Karie teased. "What are you gonna do, fight me barehanded?"
Yaxoc clenched his fists, an aura of golden light beginning to surround him. "I don't need a weapon. I have this."
The glow intensified as he chanted, "Angelic Essence."
Karie's smirk faltered. "An... Angelic Essence?"
"You're about to regret everything," Yaxoc said coldly, his voice laced with power.
Karie grinned, though unease flickered in her eyes. "Bring it on."
Yaxoc feinted an attack, teleporting behind her as she fell for the ruse.
"Imagination Magic: PURPLE!" he shouted, firing a glowing orb into her back. The resulting explosion sent her crashing into the earth, her scythe flying from her grasp.
As Karie struggled to her feet, Yaxoc approached. "It's over."
"Not so fast," Karie growled, a cruel smile returning to her face. "It's time to show you my true power."
She activated her hidden technique, her form blurring as afterimages darted in every direction.
"Seen this trick before," Yaxoc muttered, enhancing his speed to match hers. Spotting the real Karie, he delivered a bone-crushing punch that sent her reeling.
He teleported above her and finished the battle with a devastating sledgehammer blow.
As Karie lay unconscious, Yaxoc dusted off his hands and walked away. "Guess that's that."
As Luna stepped out of the store with medicine in hand, she spotted a shadowy figure preparing to move. She narrowed her eyes, her instincts sharpening.
"Huh? That looks like a hunter," Luna muttered to herself. "Wait... didn't Yaxoc warn me about them? Damn it..."
The figure dashed toward her, halting just a few feet away with unnerving precision.
The hunter was cloaked in darkness, wearing silver knucklefists that gleamed under the dim light. His emotionless black eyes contrasted against his brown hair, and dark blue wings unfurled behind him, adding an imposing presence.
"I see... you're alone," the hunter said in a cold, monotone voice. "What's your name, cat girl?"
Luna's ears twitched nervously, her sharp eyes fixed on the stranger. She felt uneasy under the gaze of those lifeless eyes but chose to answer, keeping her composure.
"My name is Luna... Luna Nightes."
"Nightes?" the hunter echoed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Do you happen to have a sister with the same last name?"
Luna nodded, her tail flicking cautiously. "Yeah. Why?"
Without warning, the hunter swung his fist at her face. Luna's instincts kicked in, and she ducked just in time, her ears flattening against her head.
"Hey! What's your problem!?" Luna snapped, leaping backward to create space.
But the hunter was gone.
"What the—" Luna's words were cut off as she narrowly avoided a strike from above, her agile body twisting out of harm's way.
"I forgot he can fly!" Luna hissed, glancing up to see the hunter hovering in mid-air, his wings beating steadily.
"I've gotta run!" she shouted, bolting with the speed granted by her cat-like reflexes.
Flyre watched her retreat, a curious glint in his otherwise empty eyes. "Animal Instinct essence... interesting," he mused, a sinister smile forming on his face. "But she won't escape. Not for long."
In a burst of speed, he gave chase.
Luna's heart raced as she glanced over her shoulder, seeing Flyre gaining on her.
"Even my speed isn't enough," she growled, frustrated.
Taking a deep breath, she suddenly vaulted into the air and spun, delivering a sharp kick to Flyre's face. The impact sent him crashing into the ground.
"That'll slow you down," Luna muttered, landing gracefully before sprinting in the opposite direction.
Flyre rose calmly, dusting off his cloak as if nothing had happened. "Smart move," he admitted, his tone devoid of anger. "Nobody's done that before."
He flexed his wings and shot forward again, determination etched into his cold features.
"But no matter how many times you run, I'll always catch you."
Luna didn't even have time to react before Flyre appeared in front of her, delivering a swift kick that sent her hurtling into a narrow alleyway.
"Ugh..." Luna groaned, trying to steady herself. She looked up to see Flyre standing over her, his expression as unreadable as ever.
"Did that hurt?" Flyre asked in a flat tone. "Let that be a lesson: running from me is futile."
Luna glared at him, her claws flexing. "If you're here to kill me, get it over with."
Flyre tilted his head slightly, his lips forming a faint smile. "Kill you? No, I'm not here to harm you."
Luna blinked in confusion, her guard still up. "Then what do you want from me?"
Flyre crossed his arms, his wings folding neatly behind him. "I leave those who interest me alive," he said plainly. "Consider yourself lucky. But be warned—other hunters won't be as forgiving as I am."
Luna's ears perked up at his words. "What do you mean? Who are these other hunters?"
Flyre's gaze turned sharp. "Beware of Urioh and Brock. They're far more dangerous than I am."
Before Luna could press him further, Flyre moved in a blur. She felt a sharp sting in her neck as a fainting injection took hold. Her vision blurred, and she collapsed to the ground.
Flyre pulled out a radio and clicked it on.
"Target subdued. Coordinates marked," he reported.
A voice crackled in response. "Good work, Flyre. Leave the pin and move on to the next targets—Yaxoc and Moonlight. They're protecting Marcus. Be careful; they're not easy prey."
"Understood," Flyre replied, attaching a pin to Luna's shirt. His cold gaze swept over her unconscious form. "Time to hunt the next saviors."
He spread his wings and vanished into the shadows.
As Luna's unconscious body lay motionless in the alley, another figure stepped into the scene—a memory fragment named Lan. He wore a red shirt with a symbolic emblem, black pants, and a black jacket. His short brown hair barely swayed in the wind as his sharp gaze assessed the situation.
Lan's attention was caught by the distant hum of a helicopter growing louder. Quickly, he slipped behind a nearby trash bin, his instincts sharp.
The helicopter landed with a gust of wind, and two figures disembarked: Urioh, a brooding hunter, and Lucius, the confident leader with a commanding presence.
"Ready to capture the cat girl, Urioh?" Lucius asked, his tone smug. "We'll use her as leverage to force Yaxoc to surrender."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Urioh replied nonchalantly, stepping forward to grab Luna.
From his hiding spot, Lan's eyes narrowed. His hand twitched, a subtle surge of energy building. Without warning, the alley exploded in a sudden burst of light and force, throwing both hunters back and halting their advance.
"What the hell!?" Lucius shouted, shielding his face from the debris.
Urioh remained silent, his expression unreadable as the smoke and dust began to settle.
Amid the chaos, Lan dashed out of the shadows, scooping Luna up effortlessly. Despite his smaller frame, he carried her with surprising ease and darted away, disappearing into the smoke before either hunter could react.
As the dust cleared, Lucius caught sight of Lan escaping with Luna. His fists clenched in frustration. "UGH! Not that memory fragment! Let's chase that little idiot!"
Urioh raised an eyebrow. "How's a kid like that carrying a teenager like she's nothing? And why do you care so much about him?"
Lucius shot him an exasperated glare. "Didn't you listen two days ago? Memory fragments are troublesome little brats—powerful anomalies! And this one's no exception!"
"Yeah, yeah, I remember you mentioning a few names... Xavy, Fate, Liski," Urioh muttered. "But you're supposed to be the almighty leader with that demonic essence. What's your deal, anyway?"
Lucius groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You know what? Forget it. Handle this on your own."
Before Urioh could retort, Lucius vanished in a swirl of dark energy, teleporting away.
"Hmph. Idiot," Urioh muttered, brushing himself off as he walked away, his irritation barely concealed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, Lan carried Luna to a secluded area, ensuring they were far from danger. He gently laid her down behind a large tree, inspecting the pin on her shirt. With a swift motion, he destroyed the tracking device, rendering it useless.
"She's safe now," Lan said softly, brushing a leaf off her shoulder. His expression, though calm, carried a hint of mischief.
With his task complete, Lan straightened and took a step back. A faint, playful smile crossed his face as his form began to shimmer.
"Time to play," he whispered, his body dissolving into nothingness, leaving no trace behind.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Moonlight sprinted through the streets, her heart raced. She caught sight of Marcus locked in combat with a formidable hunter. The scene was dire—Marcus was faltering, his movements slowing with every blow. Moonlight clenched her fists.
"I have to stop him before it's too late!" she said, rushing forward.
She slid between Marcus and the hunter, her stance firm as she prepared to block the next attack.
The hunter, a cold and imposing figure named Brock, paused to assess her. His tattered brown cloak swayed in the wind, the hilt of a sword visible on his back. His black glasses glinted ominously.
"A cat girl," Brock said, his voice dripping with disinterest. "Nothing worth noting."
Moonlight glared at him, determination blazing in her eyes. "Don't you dare lay another finger on him!"
Brock rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Relax, I'm not here to kill your boyfriend, jeez."
Moonlight blinked in confusion. "And how would you even know that?"
Brock shrugged nonchalantly, gesturing to Marcus's shirt. "His pin matches yours. It's obvious you two are close. Anyway, I'm just here to weaken him—Urioh will handle the rest."
Anger flared in Moonlight as she clenched her fists tighter. "You're not taking us down!"
Before she could make her move, a blur shot through the air. Flyre, another hunter, collided with Brock, knocking them both unconscious in an instant.
Moonlight's eyes widened in shock. "What...?" She turned to see Yaxoc descending from above, the energy of his essence dissipating around him.
"Yaxoc!" Moonlight called, relief washing over her.
Yaxoc landed gracefully, surveying the scene. "I dealt with them. Is Marcus alright?"
Moonlight nodded, though concern lingered in her voice. "He's weak... but alive."
Yaxoc knelt beside Marcus, examining him briefly. "Looks like that hunter was trying to disable him, not kill him. Strange tactics for someone working with Urioh."
Before they could speculate further, an overwhelming presence filled the area. The air seemed to vibrate as a figure emerged from the shadows.
Urioh, the strongest hunter of the association, stepped forward. His calm demeanor only amplified his menacing aura.
"Well," Urioh said, his tone almost mocking. "It seems you've taken down all my subordinates."
Yaxoc turned to face him, his gaze steady. "And who are you supposed to be?"
"I am Urioh," he said with a smirk. "The strongest hunter alive."
Without warning, Urioh tossed a small pill toward Marcus. Instinctively, Marcus caught and swallowed it before anyone could react.
In an instant, Marcus's strength surged back. He stood, his injuries fading as newfound energy coursed through him.
"Huh?" Marcus muttered, glancing at Urioh. "I feel... stronger. Why did you give me this?"
Urioh crossed his arms. "I prefer a fair fight. No tricks, no ambushes. Now, show me what you're capable of."
As he spoke, his mere presence sent a shockwave rippling outward, throwing Yaxoc and Moonlight to the ground. Only Marcus remained standing, shielded by Urioh's restrained but immense power.
Urioh smirked, gesturing with a single hand. "Come. Let's settle this."