The first light of dawn was a pale ghost fading behind the dense city skyline, but the shadows in the alley still clung fiercely to the corners. Kaito stood motionless, the weight of the newly forged Spectral Edge heavy yet familiar in his hand. It hummed softly, a living extension of the system that now pulsed in his veins—a fragile bridge between the mortal world and something far darker.
Rina watched him closely, her sharp eyes searching for any sign of weakness. "You did well," she said quietly, though her voice carried the unyielding edge of a seasoned fighter. "Most would've broken under that pressure."
Kaito swallowed hard, the adrenaline still coursing through him. "It's just the beginning, isn't it?"
Rina nodded, her gaze drifting toward the labyrinthine streets. "The system never stops watching. And neither do the others."
Before Kaito could ask, a sudden vibration buzzed at his wrist—another system notification. He glanced down to see a new message flashing across the digital interface:
"Warning: High-level Hunter Detected Nearby. Proceed with Caution."
The words chilled him. High-level hunters were a terrifying breed—individuals who had mastered the system's brutal challenges and now roamed the city as merciless enforcers or ruthless bounty hunters, eliminating anyone who threatened their dominion.
"Jin isn't the only one after you," Rina said grimly. "This city's full of predators. And you're the newest prey."
The distant roar of an engine shattered the morning's fragile calm. A sleek black motorcycle tore through the empty street, its rider cloaked in shadows and speed. Kaito's heart pounded as the figure slowed, revealing a woman with piercing green eyes and silver hair that shimmered even in the dim light.
She dismounted with fluid grace, a small smirk playing on her lips. "So you're the newbie causing all the noise," she said, voice dripping with amused menace. "Name's Mara. And you've got everyone's attention now."
Kaito's grip tightened on the Spectral Edge. "What do you want?"
Mara's smirk deepened. "To see if you're worth the trouble. Let's just say... the system's more dangerous than you think. And surviving it takes more than raw power."
Rina stepped forward, blades ready. "We won't let you test him."
Mara laughed softly, the sound like glass breaking. "Oh, I'm not the enemy—yet. But the hunters don't wait forever. You'd better prepare, Kaito. The game is only getting darker."
As Mara vanished back into the twisting alleys, Kaito felt the full weight of the system's gaze—cold, calculating, relentless.
The city was alive, and its heart beat with deadly secrets.