The next day, Grand Hospital
Zora and Trey hurried through the hospital halls, dodging a nurse, an unattended lunch cart, and what Trey swore was a pack of B-type blood.
"Why the hell are we running!?" Trey hissed. "We're in the middle of a hospital, you pea-brain!"
"Today might be the day I achieve my lifelong goal, Trey!" Zora fantasized, a mischievous smirk blooming across his face. "After years of attempting to win Azul's love, this is the best shot I've had in ages!"
The door burst open, slamming against the stopper with a crack that echoed down the hallway. Across the checker-floored room thrived Azul, zoned out in the comfort of her soft, white pillows. The fragrant scent of Zora's bouquet drew her attention towards the door, acknowledging the boys' presence with a welcoming smile. "Oh, hey guys!" Her kindness pulled Zora and Trey into the room, her eyes dilating at the rustling bouquet tucked away in Zora's grasp. "Zora, you know you didn't have to!"
"Well…" he stammered, setting the bouquet down on Azul's bedside table, "there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now. I don't know what you'll say, but no matter what, I'll…" Azul latched onto his arm, bringing him closer with a gentle pull. "You got me flowers," she mumbled, examining the soft, moisturized petals. "Even better, you did it without attracting bees!"
Trey restrained his laugh with a sharp exhale. "Happy to see you're doing well after… everything…"
Azul's welcoming smile shifted into a solemn frown as her head turned to the sunlit window. "Detectives and representatives of the police force came to ask me about Fire Moon's identities… however, it seems that a number of them died from overdosing." Zora replied with a formal mumble, the overflowing smell of kindness entreating his nostrils as he examined Azul's sky-blue pupils. "Pristine firepower is highly dangerous, even for the average human. Overdosing would mean certain death, no matter what…"
"Despite everything that happened," Azul replied, her alluring smile reappearing, "all we can do now is look to the future. This lesson will not only help the Grand Province, but all of Nahata." Her positivity grew idle as her focus shifted within the settling silence. Bringing Zora closer with a more-aggressive pull, she ran her fingers through his smooth, black hair. Their distance grew shorter as she pulled his collar, bringing him in for a kiss within the peaceful silence. Thank you for everything, Zora, it seemed to mutter. No matter the cost, I'll always watch over you. Upon release from Azul's thankful embrace, Zora's face erupted into a bright flush, the memory of Azul's kiss cementing within his mind in a matter of seconds.
"Zora," Trey interrupted, his eyes meeting the sunlit window. "Despite everything that happened, we're still among Nahata's top 10 hunters. You've met your resolve - from this moment on, prioritize responsibility over emotions in terms of your profession."
A playful grin formed across Zora's face. "Gabby once told me something; Learning from your mistakes is key to improving as a person. Like Azul said, I'll use the past as encouragement to keep moving forward."
Upper Uraview, Grand Province
"Welcome back, folks, to Vani's Travelling Reviews! Today, we're deciding to rebrand to Vani's… uh… Cooper, didn't Clyde tell you to change the script last night?" Vani stuffed the sheet of loose-leaf in Cooper's hands with a silent groan. "We're becoming Vani's International Reports, not Vani's Swimsuit Reviews!" Cooper unraveled the crumpled paper with a mischievous snicker. "Last night after your first viral broadcast, you got drunk and suggested it! I didn't know if you were being serious or-"
"Cooper," Clyde interrupted, "we'll talk about this later."
"Anyway," Vani cleared her throat, "the Grand Province prepares as Nahata's #2 hunter, Richard Cralter, returns to the city for the first time in months! He'll be in the Temple of Ancientism, attending a meeting aside figures like Xavier Velasquez from Death Desert, Captain Riley, and #4 hunter Adrian! It has also been stated that during this meeting, Team Pyron's innocence in the Royal Complex Incident will be solidified!'
—
A low mutter rippled through the crowd lining Uraview's bustling streets as a messy, blonde haired man, accompanied by a set of bodyguards laid out in a circular formation, advanced through the streets with formal expressions across their faces. In the formation's center walked Richard, known across the country as a laid-back man among Nahata's Professional Billboards. The second strongest hunter in Nahata, approaching the Temple of Ancientism with a blue-painted gunbai strapped across his back.
"That's him… Nahata's second strongest hunter!" "His name's Richard, one spot under Ellis!" "Ellis has been gone for years, the gap between them can't be that large!"
Xavier and Adrian moved through the Temple of Ancientism's dim-lit walls, their footsteps echoing beneath the towering, dome-shaped ceiling vibrant with a mural of the Realm God. The fragrant smell of flowers mixed with justice, both flooding Xavier's mind with a hesitant yet curious feeling. "I've never seen anything like this before," his voice echoed. The door loomed ahead, framed by colored glass panels shining in the sun's muffled radiance. "The Temple of Ancientism, we dream about it back where I'm from!"
"I felt the same way as a kid," Adrian responded, examining the sunlit carpet as he walked beside Xavier. "The idea of such a historic building just miles away…" The shadows slipped off their faces as their heads rose, squinting at the door's blinding reflection. "This is the meeting place," Adrian muttered, a map of the temple tucked away in his grasp. "Due to the quantity of worshippers outside the restricted area, Riley said he'll open the door instead of us knocking." A few seconds passed, turning into minutes. Then, finally, the glass-patterned door began to move inward, vibrating the floor with a loud creak. The escaping sunlight blinded their eyes for a moment before fading into the warm glow of the chamber beyond.
"Welcome to the meeting," a distant voice echoed. A shining, white cape bearing the NFEHH's emblem billowed behind its owner, its fabric catching the sunlight as Riley stood with his back turned. His golden eyes shifted alongside his body, greeting Xavier and Adrian with a professional smile. "Please, feel free to sit anywhere."
Before they could move a muscle, Richard appeared through the closing door with a nostalgic grin. Meeting Riley's gaze completely unfazed, he advanced across the red carpet. His pace slowed at the sight of Xavier and Adrian, examining them with a curious eye. "This is the partner who helped you, Adrian?"
"Correct," Adrian responded, his response piercing through the room like a thrusting knife. "Xavier, this is Nahata's #2 hunter Richard. Richard, this is Xavier, commonly known as the Protector of the Phantoms."
A strange mix of awe and fear tightened Xavier's chest. "Richard the Speed Demon. It's a pleasure to meet you," he stammered, extending his hand for a welcoming handshake. The sound of footsteps interrupted their greeting as Riley descended the wooden stairs, meeting the group in the room's center. "Save the introductions for later - the reason I called this meeting was not only to hear Team Pyron's journey, but also to hear intel regarding LUO." The moment LUO escaped his mouth, his eyes shifted to Richard. "Moving on, Xavier, tell us what you found alongside Adrian during your investigation."
Xavier's eyes squinted at the shining glass. "We arrived in the Grand Province at about 11:00 AM on April 4th, about 17 hours before the Royal Complex Incident. While travelling the streets, we joined forces with #27 hunter Lila as we voyaged into the world-famous Town Square. There, everything began."
The air seemed to grow heavier as the stakes intensified. "I confronted Chrome, directing everyone else to pursue the cultists through the streets. Just as our battle was reaching its peak…" The crushing force of Riley's attack replayed in Xavier's mind. "Riley rushed into the square, putting an abrupt end to the fight."
"Following those events," Riley picked up, "I gave you a card holding Adrian's address. Alongside him, Vero, and Rufus, you all figured out the mystery of the Royal Complex Incident."
"Correct," Adrian responded proudly. "Tarsa, Songnote, and Reid - the three Fire Moon mages who impersonated Team Pyron to kidnap Princess Azul. Following our discovery, Xavier engaged in a fight with Fire Moon's leader, euthanizing him before he could inflict any more harm on the city."
"Following his death," Xavier added, " my then wanted comrades stormed the Grand Province in an attempt to catch up with Fire Moon."
Richard's expression shifted. "The same people accused of kidnapping Azul?"
"Correct," Adrian answered. "However, the media was wrong about their ideals - they were fighting to protect, not destroy."
"A series of battles erupted upon their infiltration," Xavier continued. "Kevin vs. Tarsa, Gerald vs. Songnote, Kaelan vs. Reid, and Lila vs. Amir and Julia. The final battle, Kevin vs. Tarsa, left the dimension and rose into the Common Realms' skies, serving as the war's deciding factor."
"A deciding factor, huh?" Riley mumbled. "That lines up with the flares of power I felt with Trey."
"Then, Advanced Senses returned the moment Azul broke out into Uraview," Adrian finished. "Adding all these events up, we concluded that the real culprits responsible for everything are Fire Moon."
Richard leaned back into the pew, his fingers tapping against the dense hardwood. "Fire Moon and Team Pyron, both happening to arrive in the country around the exact same time… does that not seem suspicious?"
"We've been chasing Fire Moon across the country for hundreds of miles," Xavier shot back. "Are you implying we would be affiliated with the very people we're trying to catch?"
A moment of silence settled between the meeting, followed by a low grumble. "No," he replied.
Riley stepped between the two before another word could be exchanged. "Enough. Fire Moon may be gone, but the battle for peace is not - LUO still lurks in the shadows, and we don't have an idea in the slightest of what we're up against."
His eyes shifted towards Richard. "That's where you come in. Richard, tell us what you've learned."
The room grew silent yet again, shattering upon Richard's response. "Not long ago, I had an exchange with an LUO captain named Itsura. In our conversation, he spoke about a group within LUO's ranks named the LUO Void."
"The LUO Void, huh?" Riley replied, his eyes shifting upward. "What else did he say to you?"
"A war against LUO and the entire world is approaching," he recited. "We'll bring the entire world to its knees, forcing them into the shackles of utter despair. Make sure you're on the right side when it begins."
"I see," Adrian chimed in. "Not only are there stronger forces within LUO as we speak, but they're also planning something big. If we don't act accordingly, the results could be catastrophic…"
"Another question," Riley turned to Richard, "do you know how many members are within the Void?" A wave of displeasure washed through the room as Richard's gaze sharpened. "The Void's exact quantity is unknown. However, some of LUO's strongest members operate within those ranks, that's for sure."
"I see," Riley's voice deepened, his calm neutralizing the room like a heavy blanket containing a roaring ember. "Despite our persistent lack of intel, I believe this information will benefit us in a positive manner. When LUO strikes, the NFEHH, alongside the world's other peacekeeping organizations, will strike harder." Riley's declaration detonated a bomb of justice in Xavier's mind; his words were sharp, calm, fearless. His eyes winced, averting to the colored ceiling above as the conversation drew forward.
"697 years ago," Riley continued, "the NFEHH was formed, becoming one of the world's biggest peacekeeping organizations over the centuries. Even if my time is winding down as its captain, I'll continue fighting for justice, even if it costs me my life. From this point on, everything will escalate."
Volume 13, Chapter 81 - The Road to Professional
On a rustling grassfield under the vast, blue skies stood Gerald, his somber expression melting into the Common Realms' distant beauty. "The Songnote fight nearly depleted me completely. I'm scared what'll happen when my flames fade, and how it'll affect our final mission against Pyron…" A scent of positivity lurked within the melancholy, its enticing aroma luring Gerald's eyes down the tall, grassy hill. Up the wet, squashing grass emerged Kevin, a smile across his face as he met Gerald. "Hey, Gerald! What's wrong?"
A moment of silence encased Gerald, crossing the line of secrecy with a large exhale. "Ever since we left Crystal City, my flames have slowly been fading, alongside my power capacity."
A gasp of utter shock escaped Kevin's mouth, his heart skipping in urgency as he examined Gerald's somber expression. "Your flames are fading? Gerald, you know you don't have to push yoursel-"
"I'm doing this for you," Gerald interrupted, raising his finger to Kevin's mouth. "For Samantha. For Vinnie. For Michael. For Alex. For Spooky. Not only will I protect those closest to me, but all of Nahata as a Standard Entity Hunter. Even if this decision lands me on death's door, I won't stop fighting…"
"I'm not going to let you experience your pain alone," Kevin responded, a hopeful smile extinguishing the looming negativity. "You weren't alone when everything on Hamila happened. You aren't alone now, either."
That same heartbeat brought an indescribable feeling of happiness to Gerald's mind. "You're right, Kevin. Even if I do lose my flames, I won't give in to despair. I'll keep trying, even without a single ember flowing within me…"
Kevin's expression softened. "We'll take down Pyron together and protect you, no matter the cost."
—
Meanwhile in Uraview's crowded streets, a separate challenge was unfolding…
"That'll be 100 dollars, please." The cashier extended his hand over the counter, surveying his customers with a watchful eye. "What will you be using, cash or-"
"I'LL BE USING A PERFORMANCE!" Kaelan shouted, his voice carving a hole within the bustling crowd. Beside him stood Lila and Ashira, bright smiles across their faces as they examined Kaelan's movements. "Kaelan, you know he said 100 dollars, right?" LIla followed up with a soft giggle. "If you're going to buy Ashira's paintbrush, you need money, not a stupid performance!"
"HEY," Kaelan snapped back, "WHAT'RE YOU CALLING STUPID?"
Among their bickering stood Ashira, shuffling towards the counter with a hundred-dollar bill. "I'm sorry for them… slight disruption." Her hands shuffled back into her pocket, pulling another twenty dollars from her paint-splattered purse. "Here, take an extra twenty dollars for your troubles…" With not even a smile, the cashier secured Ashira's bills into his fearsome grasp. "Next," his voice called, expelling Ashira from the counter back into the crowded streets. "You guys really have to learn how to behave, ya know!?"
Kaelan let out a deep exhale, lifting his arms over his head with a mischievous smirk. "You have to be more laid back, Ashira! Being all glum and mean will just stress you out and lead you into an early grave!"
"You are a top 10 hunter, as well," Lila added, her voice deepening as Ashira's piercing gaze solidified. "Stressing yourself out will just lead to you dropping out of the top 10, leaving a spot for me!"
Ashira sighed, tucking the new paintbrush beneath her arm. "I'm not going anywhere, Lila. If anyone needs to catch up, it's you!"
"The Grand Province's entity hunters are way stronger than the ones back in Death Desert," Kaelan mumbled. "Nahata's #1 is from Crystal and #8 is from Diamond, what about us?"
Ashira let out a low chuckle, placing her hand on Kaelan's shoulder. "I'm gonna be honest, I was surprised when I heard you weren't a hunter! For a governmental normie, you're really strong and creative…"
Before Kaelan could reply to Ashira's compliment, a familiar shout captured Kaelan's attention. "Kaelan!" Gerald rushed through the crowd, breathing in ragged wheezes. "Kevin… he left the Grand Province!"
Kaelan's eyes bulged at the shocking news. "Why'd he leave so urgently? And, what about the Walls o-"
"Xavier and Riley received a transmission from Flower City not too long ago. Itama, Stephanie and Forrest had a run-in with Pyron during the time we were here."
A few moments ago, Temple of Ancientism
"Xavier… Flower City… Pyron attacked. He's headed towards Rufala as we speak, but Stephanie - she suffered… a fatal wound while defending-"
—
Kaelan's heart skipped. "So you're saying the transmission is cut out!?"
"That's what I was told before he went rushing after Kevin…" Gerald replied, a deep wheeze piercing his heart. Kaelan's playful grin disappeared, fading into a solemn frown as he eyed Ashira and Lila. "We've finally got our eyes on Pyron," he mumbled, clenching his fists. "And this time, he isn't getting away."