The Yamanote Line train rattled into Shibuya Station.
Haruto Sasaki stepped onto the platform.
Crowds surged around him—schoolgirls in uniforms, salarymen in suits, tourists snapping photos. Neon signs flickered above, even though it was still daylight. The famous Scramble Crossing loomed ahead, a sea of people waiting for the light to change.
He pulled his black scarf a little higher, covering the lower half of his face. Not out of fear. Just habit. In his old world, showing your face too long got you targeted.
He blended in.
Or tried to.
His red eyes drew glances. Some curious. Some wary. A few girls whispered and giggled as he passed. Haruto's memories told him this body was considered "handsome" in a brooding, mysterious way. Whatever.
He reached the scramble.
The light turned green.
Hundreds crossed at once.
Haruto moved with them, hands in pockets, senses sharp.
**[Instant Analyze – Passive Scan.]**
Golden text scrolled in his vision.
**[Population density: 1,200+ within 50m radius.]**
**[Aether concentration: Moderate. Multiple low-rank hunters detected (E to C). No immediate threats.]**
**[Nearby Gate activity: None active. Residual energy from recent clear 3 blocks south.]**
He smirked under the scarf.
"Busy place. Perfect cover."
He crossed to the other side, heading toward Center Gai—the narrow pedestrian street packed with shops, arcades, and food stalls. The smell of takoyaki and ramen hit him hard. His stomach growled.
Haruto hadn't eaten since… well, since dying.
He stopped at a small ramen stand tucked between two clothing stores. An old man behind the counter nodded.
"What'll it be, kid?"
"Shoyu ramen. Extra chashu."
The man grunted and started cooking.
Haruto sat on a stool, back to the wall, eyes scanning the crowd.
That's when he felt it.
A ripple in the air. Subtle. Like someone watching.
He didn't turn.
**[Instant Analyze – Targeted.]**
**[Individual detected: Awakened hunter. Rank: B. Element: Unknown. Distance: 40m. Observing.]**
Yami's red eyes narrowed.
Someone had noticed him.
Not surprising. His aura, even suppressed, leaked just enough to ping higher-rank senses.
He paid for the ramen with the quest reward cash (5000 yen exactly—nice touch, System), took the bowl, and ate standing up. Hot broth. Salty. Good.
As he finished, the ripple got closer.
A voice—female, calm, slightly amused—spoke from behind.
"You're not registered, are you?"
Haruto turned slowly.
A girl stood there. Long silver-white hair tied in a loose ponytail. Blue eyes sharp as blades. Black coat with subtle blue accents. A katana-like sword sheathed at her hip—modern design, but clearly not decorative.
She looked about 17. Same age as this body.
But her presence screamed power.
**[Instant Analyze – Full Profile.]**
**[Name: Miya Okhotsu]**
**[Age: 17]**
**[Rank: B (High)]**
**[Aether Affinity: Lightning]**
**[Notable Skills: Lightning Manipulation, Sword of Thunder, Celestial Judgment… Lightning Palace (Locked/High Potential)]**
**[Threat Level: Moderate. Currently non-hostile.]**
Yami met her gaze without flinching.
"And you are?"
"Miya. Hunter Guild Shibuya Branch. I handle unregistered anomalies."
She tilted her head.
"You cleared an E-gate solo thirty minutes ago. No registration. No party. No trace of Aether signature on the exit point."
She smiled faintly.
"That's… unusual."
Haruto slurped the last noodle, set the bowl down.
"Problem?"
"Not yet." She stepped closer. "But if you're hiding power, people will notice. Especially now."
She glanced at the sky.
"Big Gate rumors are spreading. A-Rank. Maybe higher. Near Hachiko Square tomorrow night."
Yami raised an eyebrow.
"And?"
"And unregistered wildcards get watched. Or recruited. Or eliminated."
She studied him for a long second.
"Your eyes… they're not normal."
Haruto chuckled low.
"Neither are yours."
Miya's smile widened—just a little.
"Touché."
She pulled out a small card and slid it across the counter.
"My contact. If you decide to register… or if you want info on that Gate. Call."
She turned to leave.
One last glance over her shoulder.
"Don't cause trouble, Haruto Sasaki."
She disappeared into the crowd.
Yami stared at the card.
**[New Quest Generated]**
**Quest: The Watcher's Invitation**
**Objective:** Decide whether to contact Miya Okhotsu or remain hidden.
**Reward (Contact):** Access to Hunter Guild database, Potential Alliance, 300 EXP
**Reward (Hidden):** Stealth Bonus, +2 Agility, 200 EXP
**Failure Penalty:** Increased surveillance from Guild.
He pocketed the card.
"Interesting."
Shibuya's lights flared brighter as evening fell.
Neon reflected in his red eyes.
He had been watched.
And he had watched back.
The game was starting.
And he intended to win.