Within seconds, a vertical column of light surged upward, brilliant and sharp, as though piercing the heavens.
"Completed, Captain," Yuan announced, stepping back.
The others immediately checked their gear. Specialized boots shimmered faintly at the ankles, their red crystals glowing with each step. Black chestplates bore nine circular nodes in the center—symbolic, yet clearly channels for energy.
Every member wore the same equipment. Identical. Regimented. Not merely a squad, but extensions of a single living organism.
The cloaked captain tucked away his communicator and finally fixed his eyes on the radiant circle before him.
"Prepare yourselves," he said coldly. "We waste no time."
Around them, the flow of pedestrians slowed. Many stopped to watch. Some lifted holographic cameras, recording the rare sight.
"Is that… Swift Fang?" whispered a man in the crowd.
"Yes! A B-rank Hunter squad! They were just promoted!" another replied, eyes glowing with excitement.
