The Academy gates loomed tall and imposing, carved with symbols of protection that shimmered faintly under the dim afternoon light. Michelle adjusted the strap of her satchel, her fingers brushing the cool surface of her pistols holstered at her sides. They felt foreign but thrilling, a reminder of the path she had chosen. 

Today, she wasn't just Michelle. She was a Hunter-in-training. 

"Lost already?"

Michelle turned to find a tall women with sharp green eyes and a smirk that didn't quite reach them. Twin daggers hung from her hips, and her uniform bore signs of wear, as though she'd seen far more battles than her youthful face suggested. 

"First day?" the woman asked.

"Yeah" Michelle replied. "I'm Michelle."

"Kara," the woman said. "Stick close, rookie. They love throwing fresh meat into the fire."

The first mission begins

The sky above the abandoned air force base hung heavy with clouds, casting the decaying structures below into muted shades of gray.

Michelle followed Kara closely, the two Hunters-in-training moving cautiously through the overgrown remains of a place long forgotten. Jagged remnants of rusted planes jutted from the earth like broken bones, and shattered windows glinted faintly under the dim light. 

"This used to be a military site during the Zone Wars." Kara said, her voice low but clear. "Forty years ago, it was state-of-the-art. Now, it's just a nest for demons."

Michelle scanned the area, her twin pistols holstered but ready. Every shadow felt alive, and the faint hum of her wristband heightened her unease. The sleek device wrapped snugly around her wrist, its digital screen glowing faintly as it scanned for demonic energy. 

The numbers were low for now, the display pulsing green. But something about the place made her skin prickle, like the air itself was holding its breath. 

"Creepy, isn't it?" Kara asked, smirking over her shoulder. 

Michelle nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It feels... off."

Kara chuckled. "Good instincts. But don't get distracted. First mission's always a test. Mess it up, and you're done."

The words stung, but Michelle straightened her shoulders, gripping the smooth handles of her pistols for reassurance. 

They moved deeper into the base, their boots crunching over shards of glass and fragments of metal. Vines snaked around collapsed buildings, and the faint scent of decay lingered in the air. In the distance, a rusted control tower leaned precariously, it's silhoutte sharp against the darkening sky. 

"Stay close," Kara said, her tone suddenly serious. 

Michelle's wristband blinked amber, the color warning of a gradual rise in demonic energy. She tapped the screen, sending a silent ping to the Academy for back-up just in case. But the signal failed, flashing an error message in bold red letters. 

"Signal blocked," Michelle muttered frowning. 

"Figures," Kara replied, glancing at her own wristband. "These zones are notorious for cutting us off. Looks like it's just us."

As they approach a row of crumbling hangars, the air grew heavier, almost oppresive. The wristbands' screens glowed brighter, shifting from amber to orange, indicating a rise in danger levels. 

"Feel that?" Kara asked, her voice tense. 

Michelle nodded. It wasn't just the numbers. There was something tangible in the air, like a slow vibration beneath her skin. 

Suddenly the ground trembled, and a wave of energy surged through the base. It hit like a shockwave, throwing dust and debris into the air. Michelle staggered, covering her face as her pistols slid from their holsters.

"Kara!" she shouted, but when she looked up, her partner was gone. 

"Kara?" Michelle called again, her voice echoing. 

No response. 

Her wristband flashed red, screeching a warning. Demonic energy levels were spiking rapidly. Heart pounding, Michelle gripped her pistols tightly and scanned the area. 

The pulse of energy was stronger now, pulling her toward one of the hangars at the far end of the base. 

Inside the hangar, the air was thick, buzzing with chaotic energy that seemed to vibrate through Michelle's bones. Her wristband was screaming now, flashing urgent red. But her focus shifted when she spotted something-or-someone-admist the chaos. 

A man lay on the hangar floor, completely still, as if asleep.

Michelle froze. "What the fuck...?"

She approached cautiously, her pistols raised. The man looked suprisingly peaceful despite the surging demonic energy. His dark hair was tousled, and his sharp features was oddly serene, like he had no idea of the danger around him.

"Hey!" she called, keeping her pistols steady. "This isn't the place to take a nap!"

He didn't move. 

Michelle lowered one pistol, stepping closer. She noticed a collar around his neck-smooth, metallic, and faintly glowing with the same energy as her wristband. 

"What the..." Michelle whispered, reaching out to shake his shoulder. 

His eyes snapped open, you shouldn't be here," he said, his voice calm and low. 

Michelle blinked, startled. "Excuse me? You're the one sleeping in the middle of a demonic surge!"

The man sat up slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. "It's not safe for you," he said again. 

Michelle scowled. "I'm trying to help you! Now get up!"

Another surge of energy rocked the hangar, sending loose metal clanging to the floor. Michelle stumbled but kept her footing. Her wristband flashes brighter, the numbers climbing dangerously high. 

The man rose to his feet, his movement unhurried. The collar around his neck pulsed faintly with light, reacting to his every word. 

"What's with the collar?" Michelle asked, her voice sharp. 

"It keeps things in check," he replied cryptically, his hand brushing the edge of it. 

Michelle's frustration bubbled over. "Look, I don't have time for riddles. Let's move before this place collapses!"

As she grabbed his arm, she felt an odd warmth radiating from him, like the energy in the air was centered around his very presence. He didn't resist but followed her lead, his calmness unsettling.

"Who are you?" she demanded, glancing over her shoulder as they moved. 

"You'll find out soon enough," he said, his tone maddeningly even. 

Michelle gritted her teeth, her mind racing. Whoever this man was, he didn't belong here-and she had a sinking feeling he was far more dangerous than he seemed.