Meanwhile, Jason was on his way to meet his students when he received a message: Gabriel wanted to see him. He decided to take a detour and head to the HFA headquarters.
As he approached the entrance, memories flooded back. He recalled the report he made to the HFA board in August and how Joshua had waited for him at the very spot where he now stood.
Jason: (sighs) That feels like forever ago now.
Gabriel, lost in his thoughts, didn't notice Jason's arrival. It took four calls of his name before Gabriel snapped out of his daze and acknowledged Jason.
Gabriel: Oh it's you Jason. I didn't hear you come in.
Jason: You don't look yourself sir. Are you okay?
Gabriel: (rubbing his head) I've just been under a lot of stress. Since last week's events, the academy has been in chaos. Parents are pulling their children out of the academy because one of our students was a member of the Kaimi Daja. We're also short on Hunters to protect the civilians. Everyone's questioning my leadership, and the board is calling for a meeting.
Jason: That sounds like a lot of pressure.
Gabriel: (sighs) It is. How have you been since Joshua's death? I know he was your best friend.
Jason sighed deeply.
Jason: To be honest, sir, I've lost a lot of friends ever since I took this job. I thought I'd get used to it. But seeing Joshua's lifeless body that day... It's been haunting me. I can't seem to shake it. I realized I'll never get used to this feeling.
Gabriel: (to himself) He feels that way too… (to Jason) I'm sorry, Jason.
Jason: Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault that Joshua died.
Gabriel: I feel responsible. I was the one who sent him on that mission. If I had known the Kaimi Daja would attack him...
Jason: Sir, you're not to blame. Don't let the media get to your head. If Joshua had known he was walking into an ambush, he would've still taken the mission. That was the kind of person he was.
Gabriel: You're right. That's the kind of man he was.
There was a moment of silence before Gabriel cleared his throat and spoke again.
Gabriel: Now, to the reason I called you here. Since we're short on Hunters, I'd like to speed up your students' training so they can take on those roles as quickly as possible.
Jason: You want to rush their education?
Gabriel: Not necessarily. We can have them follow you on missions and actively participate in them. I've seen them during the battle exams. They have potential, but your students; Kazemaru, Tendo, and Silva will need to retake the exams. They never had a chance to shine before the attack. I want you to schedule a make-up exam before November ends.
Jason: Understood, sir.
Gabriel: Also….there's one more thing. You'll be getting a new student in your class soon.
Jason raised an eyebrow.
Jason: A new student? Isn't it too late for anyone to join?
Gabriel: It is, but after reviewing his file, I had no choice but to admit him. His family insisted on it, despite the late registration.
Jason: So what's so special about him?
Gabriel opened his drawer and pulled out a brown file.
Gabriel:It's better if you see it for yourself.
Jason glanced at the file, and as he read, the pieces began to fall into place. Slowly, he started to understand exactly what Gabriel had been talking about.
Jason: WHAT THE HELL?
******
Just a few blocks away, a massive shadow monster shaped like a grotesque frog erupted from the city park river, sending panicked citizens fleeing in all directions.
A mother and her young daughter slipped on the wet pavement as they ran. The shadow monster's gaze locked on them, and with terrifying speed, it lunged, jaws wide and ready to devour them. The mother pressed her child close, bracing for the worst.
Then, without warning, a boy appeared, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Joshua Egoshin. He stepped directly between the monster and the fleeing pair, sword in hand, catching everyone by surprise. No one had called the HFA; no one had expected help.
The boy assumed the Waki-gamae stance, his eyes fixed on the creature. Light energy flowed into his sword, crackling visibly along its blade.
???: [WHITE: KENJUTSU SLASH]
In a single fluid motion, he swung. The blade cut through the shadow monster in one clean strike, obliterating it instantly. Silence fell over the street, broken only by the heavy breathing of the survivors.
Turning to the mother and child, the boy spoke, concern etched in his face.
???: Are you both alright? Did either of you get hurt?
Mother: (nodding) We're fine. I… I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't shown up.
???: (smiles) I'm glad you're okay.
The mother's eyes widened.
Mother: Wait… you look just like Joshua Egoshin.
???: (laughs lightly) I do? Well… I get that a lot. He was my big brother, after all.