{Left Path – Ryusei's Group}
As the group nears the boss chamber, a blood-curdling scream echoes through the tunnels.
Ryusei's eyes narrow.
"That came from the right tunnel…"
"Could it be Taisei?" Eri asks.
"Let's find out."
The trio sprints through the winding paths, reaching a grisly scene: three mangled corpses of the convicted Hunters strewn across the floor, fresh blood dripping from the walls.
"What the hell…" Eri breathes out.
Out of the shadows, Taisei lunges at Eri, a dagger drawn. His form is nearly invisible in the low light.
But before he can land the strike—
CLANG!
His arm is caught in midair by Ryusei, her grip like iron.
"You're not even trying to hide it," she says calmly, blue eyes glowing slightly.
Taisei smirks. "No point. I was going to say they turned on us… I had to kill them. Then maybe one of you attacked me. Just self-defense, right?"
Isamu silently steps forward, picks up a bloodied blade from one of the fallen prisoners, and eyes Taisei with the steel calm of a man who's survived real war.
"Ryusei," he says, voice heavy. "Step back. I've seen his type before."
Taisei doesn't flinch.
"Come on, old man. You're down an arm. Think you can stop me?"
Isamu twirls the blade once and smiles faintly.
"At the end of the day, you're just another brat who thinks murder is talent."
Isamu Mabuchi parried the first strike from Taisei Michikado, his aged but steady hand moving with surprising speed. Sparks flew from the clash, and Taisei landed lightly, impressed.
"Not bad… for a fossil," the assassin muttered with a wolfish grin. "You've still got fight in you."
Isamu narrowed his eyes. "More than enough for you."
But Taisei was fast—too fast. The B-rank assassin danced around Isamu like a wraith, his daggers carving shallow cuts into the older hunter's body. Blood soaked into Isamu's tunic. A jagged slice opened across his ribs.
"Isamu!" Eri cried out, rushing forward. A soft green light enveloped the wound, closing it quickly.
Taisei's eyes lit up. "Oh? A healer? That's a rare class... and an easier target."
He turned his back on Isamu and started toward Eri.
"No!" Isamu shouted, surging forward.
But Taisei was already on her.
Then—CLANG!
He recoiled. Isamu's blade had intercepted his.
More cuts. More blood.
Isamu staggered.
Eri froze, fear rendering her unable to cast.
Taisei raised a dagger over Isamu's heart.
"Time to close the curtain, old man."
WHOOSH!
The tunnel erupted in flame.
Isamu's trap—fire magic, woven into the dirt.
A geyser of fire exploded upward, engulfing Taisei in a roaring inferno.
"Not… bad," Taisei muttered, emerging singed but alive, cloak partially burned. "You're full of surprises, grandpa."
He raised his dagger again.
SHING!
A dagger met his blade. This time, it wasn't Isamu.
It was Ryusei.
Eyes locked. Her arm steady. Kasaka's Venom Fang in her hand.
"You're not touching them."
Taisei stared, impressed. "There's no way you're E-Rank. That reflex… that strength…"
His eyes narrowed.
"Not a false ranker… must be a second awakening."
He clicked his tongue. "Still—experience beats talent. Let's see how long you last."
The system pinged in Ryusei's mind:
———————————————————
[Hidden Quest Activated: Bloodlust Unleashed]
"Defeat the awakened killer before his bloodlust claims more lives."
———————————————————
Taisei vanished.
SHINK!
A shallow cut across Ryusei's ankle.
"Ghh—!"
She staggered. Then activated [Full Recovery].
Taisei stopped. For the first time he hesitated.
"Healing magic…? That's not possible..."
No answer.
Ryusei's aura surged.
[Rage] skill activates.
A pulse of red energy stunned Taisei. Just for a second.
But it was enough for this bastard.
She surged forward, blades flashing, and Kasaka's Venom Fang plunged into Taisei's chest.
Right through the heart.
Blood spilled onto the ground.
"I get stronger," Ryusei said coldly, "with every fight."
Taisei coughed blood, still smiling faintly.
"Be careful... the stronger you get… the darker it gets around you..."
He collapsed. Dead.
The system chimed in her mind.
———————————————————
[Taisei Michikado defeated.]
Quest Complete.
Rewards: Skill Unlocked – [Stealth Lv.1]
Skill Unlocked – [Murderous Intent Lv.1]
———————————————————
{Outside of the Dungeon Gate}
With the final goblin boss vanquished and her system quiet for now, Ryusei met Eri and Isamu near the dungeon gate. Eri supported the older man as they exited together—Isamu looking worse for wear, but alive.
Waiting outside was Akira Inukai, tall and sharp-eyed, wearing the badge of the Hunter's Association. His presence alone exuded power, recognizing him as A-Rank.
"So," Akira said, scanning the faces of the survivors. "Taisei Michikado. Where is he?"
Eri bowed her head. "Dead. He turned on us."
Akira's jaw clenched. "Damn it. I brought that bastard in. I should've seen it." He glanced over the bloodstains and the bodies being pulled out by cleanup crews. "Who stopped him?"
Ryusei's hand tensed. She was about to step forward when—
"I did," Isamu said, standing straighter despite his wounds. "With support from Eri."
Akira eyed him. "You're C-Rank, correct?"
Isamu nodded. "That's right. Lucky I had help."
Ryusei kept still. Watching. Akira's eyes briefly passed over her, studying her for just a second longer than anyone else.
"Hmph. Alright." He turned away. "We'll file it as a sanctioned kill. Michikado's record… makes that easier."
As Akira spoke with cleanup officials, Isamu leaned toward Ryusei with a small grin.
"You've got a good poker face, kid. I owed you one."
Ryusei smirked.
"Thanks, old man. I really appreciate it."
{Later that Morning – Ryusei's House}
The sun had risen higher. Ryusei stepped out of the shower, wiping away the blood, sweat, and dirt of battle. She quickly dressed into her school uniform, buttoning her collar as she stepped into her bedroom.
On her bed sat Charcadet, legs swinging.
"Charcadet! Papa's home." Ryusei ruffled his head. "We're gonna go see Mama Rias."
The little Pokémon's eyes lit up as Ryusei opened her backpack. He waddled quickly over and hopped in, poking his head out from the unzipped flap like a child in a carrier.
"You ready, buddy?"
Charcadet gave an enthusiastic nod.