The training hall of the Hunter Institute hummed with faint energy. George stood tall, shoulders squared, facing Chairman Lawrence and Saya, who both watched him expectantly. The sleek marble floors reflected the faint glint in George's eyes—a mix of pride and anticipation.
"I've got something to show you," he announced, voice steady yet brimming with excitement.
"Alright," Lawrence said with a nod. "Let's see it."
George took a breath, focused his thoughts—and fwom!—his right hand erupted in a blaze of dark blue flames. The fire spiraled upward gently, not wild, but controlled… alive with an unnatural intensity.
Saya stepped forward, eyes wide. "So… you've awakened your affinity," she said, half-impressed, half-surprised.
George gave a modest nod, though he couldn't suppress the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"When did it happen?" she asked. "And how?"
"It was two days ago," George explained, extinguishing the flame with a light flick of his wrist. "A Phantom showed up at the town park. I was with my friends… they fainted when the mist rolled in. I couldn't let anything happen to them. I don't even know how to describe it—but I just… felt it. I wanted to protect them, and then suddenly, I was filled with this rage… and it happened."
He paused, recalling the moment—the pressure in his chest, the fire racing through his veins, the clarity.
"The next day I tested it alone. Just to see if it was real. I focused on that feeling—my will to protect, the flame inside—and it worked. I can activate it at will now."
Chairman Lawrence stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"That's typical of an affinity," he said. "Once it manifests, it becomes an extension of your will. Like breathing, or moving a limb. It's yours now—forever."
Saya smiled but folded her arms.
"Well, I'm glad you handled that Phantom before it hurt anyone. But you should've reported the attack immediately. Waiting a full day is reckless."
George looked down for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. I'll be faster next time."
Before more could be said, the door creaked open.
A tall man entered the room with casual confidence, the room subtly shifting in atmosphere as he stepped in. His presence was undeniable. He stood about 185 cm, with curly raven-black hair and light, almost luminous skin. His eyes—a sharp fusion of blue and green—scanned the room with a calm intelligence. Despite his relaxed expression, he radiated power.
"Hyde," Lawrence said, rising from his chair with a smile. "You're back. I take it the mission went well?"
Hyde extended a hand and shook firmly. "It did. We'll go over the details later—there's something you need to hear."
Saya bowed slightly. "S+ Hunter Hyde Wirtz. Welcome back."
"Ah, Saya." Hyde's lips curled into a smile. "You've grown since I last saw you… and your new hairstyle suits you."
Saya blushed slightly, brushing a hand through her short, layered cut. "Thanks."
"How old are you now?" Hyde asked with a teasing grin.
"Turned 21 last month," she replied, slightly proud.
"Ooh," Hyde said, his nose flaring as if containing a flurry of less-than-innocent thoughts.
Saya's playful smile vanished into a glare. "Hyde. If you're thinking anything weird—"
"I'm not," he said quickly, holding up his hands. "Pure admiration. Nothing more."
Then Hyde's gaze shifted to George, as if only just noticing him. His head tilted.
"Oh? I didn't notice you standing there. Who might you be?"
"I'm George Reese," he replied, stepping forward respectfully. "New recruit. B-Class Hunter. Pleasure to meet you, sir."
Hyde raised a brow. "B-Class? Already?"
He moved closer and inspected George as if appraising a rare weapon. He gently held George's chin, turning his head slightly, looking into his eyes. The moment was brief but intense.
"That's rather impressive," he said finally, patting George's shoulder with a friendly grin. "You've got the eyes of someone who's seen something… and lived."
George chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah. Something like that."
"Alright," Lawrence interjected. "Saya, George—give us the room. I need to speak with Hyde in private."
The two bowed respectfully and left, the heavy doors clicking shut behind them.
Inside, the air grew heavier.
Lawrence leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk.
"You wouldn't be back so early if it wasn't serious," he said quietly. "Tell me… is there news?"
Hyde's face hardened. The warmth from earlier drained, replaced by grim certainty.
"Yes. Our suspicions were correct," he said. "Tyrone… has escaped."
Lawrence's expression tightened.
"The strongest former hunter the world has ever known. A traitor. And now a Phantom himself…"
"Not just him," Hyde added. "Others have broken free from the Underworld too. Dangerous ones. Logan is among them."
Lawrence's brows furrowed. "Logan? The one who tried to resurrect that twisted legacy from centuries ago? Your former best friend?"
Hyde nodded slowly. "He's alive. And I believe they've already formed an alliance."
Silence stretched in the office.
When Hyde spoke again, his voice was quiet.
"This peace won't last. Whatever's coming… it'll be worse than the last war. They've had time to plan. We haven't."
Lawrence leaned back, sighing deeply.
"I know," he said. "We'll need to gather everyone. Activate long-dormant protocols."
"In the meantime," Hyde said, tone softening, "I'll stick around. Cool my head. I doubt they'll make a move just yet—but we should be ready for anything."
He paused, then added with a faint smile, "And that boy, George… he interests me. I want to see how far his potential can go."
To be continued….