Late into the evening, the trio finished their meal, marking the start of their tentative camaraderie. By the time they parted ways, the clock read past 11 PM.
The city buzzed with nightlife, its streets painted in neon glows. But in the quieter outskirts, the moon cast an eerie light over rows of modest buildings. Drake Myers scanned the familiar yet decrepit surroundings. Unlike the towering skyscrapers and stately temples that dotted the bustling regions of Sakura Nation, this area consisted of nondescript two- or three-story buildings housing multiple families.
Though the world mirrored his memories, Drake knew he now resided in a vastly expansive Sakura Universe. He wasn't rushing home, though. His current lodgings, a shabby temporary shelter, held no sentimental value for him. Instead, he leaned against the shadows, his sharp sense of smell picking up several distinct scents.
From dozens of meters away, he detected the faint odor of combat gear—a sure sign of Defense Force operatives stationed nearby. Their specialized uniforms, crafted from monster materials, provided both strength enhancement and rapid recovery. These outfits, Drake mused, bore a remarkable resemblance to certain tropes from other monstrous worlds. The difference? This universe also boasted advanced technology.
"If this world has anything akin to that, it could get pretty interesting," Drake thought, a smirk tugging at his lips.
While Drake stayed put, his sharp senses alerted him to an uninvited guest—Kikoru Shinomiya. The aristocratic genius, unaccustomed to the grime of his neighborhood, had staked out a vantage point inside his home. Resentment burned in her chest, fueled by her defeat earlier that day. To Kikoru, her humiliation demanded swift retribution.
"Just what is this guy's deal?" she grumbled, her golden twin tails quivering as she clenched her fists. A product of privilege, she couldn't fathom the harsh conditions someone like Drake endured.
Nevertheless, she remained resolute. Hidden and crouched in his apartment, Kikoru awaited his return, eager to unleash her fury in a decisive ambush.
But her impatience grew. Outside, Drake lingered deliberately.
"This guy… he's just a mortal, right? So why does he feel so… extraordinary?" Kikoru muttered, frustration lacing her voice.
As she wrestled with these thoughts, a shadow loomed next to her.
"Miss Shinomiya," a calm yet commanding voice interrupted her musings. "To what do I owe the honor of the Shinomiya family's esteemed presence in my humble home?" Drake's eyes gleamed as he towered over her, his tone dripping with mock courtesy.
Startled, Kikoru froze. How had he snuck up on her? Her voice wavered as she stammered, "Y-You… What are you? Human or monster?"
Her defensive instincts kicked in, her body bracing for a fight. But before she could fully process his sudden appearance, Drake spoke again.
"This world is vast, Miss Shinomiya. There's always room for exceptional individuals. But enough small talk—I have a proposition for you," he said, his hand gripping her shoulder firmly. The pressure he exerted left no room for negotiation.
Pain coursed through Kikoru's body as she struggled against his grasp. Determined not to show weakness, she activated her personal battle suit. However, Drake's strength overwhelmed her defenses before they could fully deploy.
"Let's keep this simple," he continued. "You can choose the location. Somewhere isolated. You can fight me there. Or, better yet, surprise me with your pick."
Grimacing, Kikoru bit back the pain and met his gaze with unyielding defiance. "You're ruthless… Fine. Let go of me!"
Drake released her, stepping back to observe the proud warrior. Despite her current disadvantage, she displayed remarkable composure, earning his respect. Kikoru, however, was far from done. Channeling her resolve, she feigned a retreat, only to unleash a sudden attack.
But Drake anticipated her move. When Kikoru lunged with a glowing fist, her strike fell short, a deliberate feint. Instead, she propelled herself backward, crashing through a nearby window and vanishing into the night.
Chuckling at her audacity, Drake muttered, "How convenient. Fate's playing its cards for me."
The Defense Force agents stationed nearby immediately noticed Kikoru's daring exit. Scrambling to track her movements, they reported the unexpected development to Hosokawa Soushirou.
"This is escalating faster than I anticipated," Drake thought, his smirk fading as a sudden tremor shook the building.
A booming voice echoed from the Defense Force's central monitoring system:
"Shockwave detected! Epicenter identified in Eastern District Y. Category: Level 5 monster."
The announcement stirred chaos. Drake, now peering out the shattered window, narrowed his eyes at the colossal beast emerging from the shadows.
The sirens blared:
"Attention residents of District Y! Please evacuate immediately. This is not a drill."
As the streets erupted in panic, Drake clenched his fists, his anticipation growing.
"Let the real show begin."
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