Jason cleared his throat before he began to speak..
Jason: From the recent investigation carried out by Sanito and myself, we've discovered that the group known as The Kaimi Daja is a terrorist organization consisting of Shadows, Clarions, and Humans.
There was an uproar in the room as the board members reacted with shock and disbelief, questioning how this could be possible.
"Huh?? How is that possible??!!"
"Are you sure that report is accurate??!!!"
"There's just no way that's possible!!"
"Shadows, Clarions, and Humans cooperating? There's no way!"
"Is that even true??"
These were the questions that the board asked and after looking at the copy they had in front of them, they still couldn't believe it and some of them began to doubt Jason's report.
However, Gabriel stood up to restore order.
Gabriel: Gentlemen, I assure you that the report Jason has brought is accurate and legitimate. Need I remind you that the person who provided this information lost his life in the process? That alone should verify the validity of the information that is being presented to us.
Jason wasn't pleased by the ongoing atmosphere but at the same time, he had expected it as he too was surprised when Sanito gave him the information.
Gabriel: I trust this report because Jason and the late Sanito Dyason have been with us for seven years, and I trust them more than any other hunter I know, second only to Marlo, of course.
The board members calmed down afterwards with some still showing doubt on their faces. Seeing that they had composed themselves, Gabriel turned to Jason.
Gabriel: Please continue.
Jason: Yes, sir! According to our report, the Kaimi Daja was originally a mafia group before it was taken over by the current leader, who expanded it. Some members are criminals in our database, but we've failed to capture them. The Humans in the group help gather funds but don't participate in large-scale activities. Sanito had managed to gather some names of the Kaimi Daja members, including their leader.
The mood in the room improved when this was mentioned and Gabriel smiled.
Gabriel: Proceed...
Jason: The names that we've been able to get are as follows… Desmond Gravy. He's a Clarion we know nothing about but Sanito confirmed he was dangerous.
Korra Hawks. She is a dangerous Shadow as she killed a certain amount of people in a small town but we haven't been able to catch her because she disappeared after she committed the act.
Lokk Ensho. A Clarion we know nothing about yet since he has kept a low profile up until now.
Veto Sanks. A criminal Clarion that we have in our database, who has committed crimes like robbery and murder.
Giles. We don't have any information on this shadow all my with another shadow named Jokita Rohein. And now we get to their leader who calls himself Zero and Sanito couldn't get any new information on him. But what he could tell was that he was different from everyone else.
The board members were confused by this last part..
"What do you mean he's different?"
Jason: He didn't state how in the report sir.
The board members began to whisper amongst themselves and after that they turned to Jason.
Gabriel: (calming the murmurs) Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The Kaimi Daja is concerning, yes—but we must remember that the world has faced threats like this before.
Board Member 1: Are you talking about the shadow calamities?
Gabriel: Precisely.
Every few decades, a Shadow appears with power and intent beyond anything anyone can predict. A force capable of decimating entire towns, sometimes entire regions.
In 1815, the first calamity was caused by a Shadow named Kares also known as The Ashen King. He burned down villages and cities for no reason, even endangering the lives of the shadows that followed him.
In 1895, an entire Clarion state was enslaved by Okubo Reyes, The Black Monarch who used Shadows as his military enforces to enforce his rule and slaughter anyone who defied him.
In 1945, Eldrad Estaroth was hailed by some as a Messiah or a god who would make the world anew but he sacrificed his own people to become stronger. The HFA was established after his death in 1947.
The latest of these Shadow calamities struck in 1999, on Koroma Island. The entire population was transformed into Shadow monsters overnight by a shadow named Billy Marron. The energy density there is now so extreme that even other Shadows cannot survive there.
Board Member 2: That was… one Shadow? Just one individual caused all that destruction?
Jason: That's correct. And historically, we've seen the same phenomenon repeat itself in roughly generational intervals. Shadows of unusual power appear, wreak havoc, and then vanish, never to be seen again.
Board Member 3: Are you suggesting this is… cyclical? That there's a pattern here?
Gabriel: That is exactly what we are suggesting. HFA intelligence has been monitoring these anomalies for decades. There is always a delay between events, but the timing suggests that the world is due for another such calamity.
Board Member 1: Another one? So soon?
Jason: Statistically, yes. Based on the intervals between incidents, it's likely that someone of similar magnitude will appear soon. The HFA needs to be prepared.
Board Member 2: And the Kaimi Daja… could this group be linked to that?
Jason: Yes. Sanito's report suggested that the leader Zero could be the next calamity bringer and the group could act as a catalyst.
Gabriel: (nodding) In short, the next Shadow capable of a large-scale catastrophe is expected to emerge any day now. And with the emergence of the Kaimi Daja group, this can't be a coincidence. The HFA must monitor the Kaimi Daja and be ready for the scenario that "Zero" could be the next calamity.
The meeting ended shortly after that and the board members began to take their leave, Gabriel called Jason back. As soon as the board members left, Gabriel brought out a pack of cigarettes from his pockets and lit a cigarette with his lighter.
Gabriel: Good work on the report. I know the cost for this information wasn't an easy one but I'm glad that you risked your life.
Jason: Thank you sir.
Gabriel breathed out smoke from his lips and continued.
Gabriel: I have another assignment for you, Jason. I want you to join the Hunters who will be teaching the new students at the Academy.
Jason's face fell in shock.
Jason: Huh? Why me, sir?
Gabriel inhaled from his cigarette again.
Gabriel: Because you're one of the strongest Hunters we have, and I believe you should pass on your skills and knowledge to the new recruits. Plus, we're short on staff after the mass shadowfication event killed many of our teachers.
Jason groaned and scratched his head in annoyance before heaving a sigh.
Jason: Right, right. I'll do it.
Gabriel smiled.
Gabriel: Marlo and Egoshin have already agreed to teach, too. Lisa is already a teacher there and she refused to take a break even after what happened to Sanito. I want you to watch her okay?
Jason: Yes sir.
Gabriel then turned and looked at Jason's face and noticed something.
Gabriel: You've got dark circles around your eyes. Aren't you sleeping well?
Jason: Not really. But don't worry about it sir, I'll be fine.
Gabriel: (blowing smoke) I see… Don't push yourself too hard.
Jason: Yes, sir. I'll be going now.
Gabriel nodded his head and Jason turned and began walking towards the exit.
Gabriel: Goodluck Jason.
Jason: (to himself) Good luck, he says. Now I have to "pass on my knowledge and skills" to a bunch of brats. Man, this isn't going to be fun.