[ *Time remaining before the opening of the portals: 7/14 D* ]
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The next morning, the sunlight filtered through the kitchen curtains, creating an atmosphere that was both warm and tense. Elysia was already there, sitting at the table, her fingers nervously playing with her toast. She seemed absentminded, lost in her thoughts, the echo of yesterday's conversation still resonating in her mind. Akira entered the kitchen, as usual, with a relaxed attitude that contrasted with Elysia's palpable anxiety. With a movement, he headed towards the refrigerator, paying no attention to the lingering tension.
Yumi, on the other hand, observed the scene discreetly, her steaming cup of tea in her hands. She felt the heaviness of the silence, but preferred to stay in the background, waiting for the dynamic between Akira and Elysia to unravel on its own.
Finally, unable to hold back any longer, Elysia placed her toast with a loud thud on the plate. She turned to Akira, her gaze determined. "Listen, I know you want to go to the Hunter's Association, but at least let me accompany you."
Akira stared at her for a moment, his dark eyes scrutinizing her face. After a moment, he nodded curtly. "Fine... Just make sure you don't slow me down," he said, turning to leave. "Don't get in my way."
Elysia smiled, but her smile was tinged with a slight sadness. "Promise!" she replied.
At that moment, Yumi set her cup down, immediately drawing the attention of the other two. "I'm coming too," she declared firmly.
Akira shrugged indifferently. "As you wish."
Three hours later, they found themselves in Elysia's car, speeding through the bustling streets of the city. Tense silence filled the car, each occupant lost in their own thoughts. Elysia gripped the steering wheel so tightly that her knuckles turned white, wondering what she had gotten herself into. Yumi, sitting in the back, watched the urban landscape pass by. Akira, on the other hand, was lost in his thoughts, his face impassive.
When the imposing building of the Hunter's Association finally appeared on the horizon, Elysia parked in an adjacent alley, cutting the engine with a sharp sound. A knot of anxiety formed in her stomach.
They got out of the vehicle, Akira leaning nonchalantly against the hood. He wore a white shirt under a black hoodie, and dark joggers that emphasized his athletic silhouette. His long locks were gathered in a messy bun. Yumi approached, her confident demeanor accentuated by her brown leather boots and black skinny jeans. Elysia, standing back, wore a simple red t-shirt and dark jeans, her shoes similar to Yumi's. Nervousness was clearly written on her face.
"Well... they don't skimp on resources," commented Akira with an ironic smirk, his eyes fixed on the building.
"U-um, Akira, I understand your desire to go there, but how do you plan to enter?" inquired Elysia, worry creeping into her voice.
"Their barrier seems rather robust," added Yumi with a hint of admiration, examining the imposing structure.
"What if we go there?" suggested Akira, straightening up from the hood and starting to walk towards Elysia.
"Why are you heading in the opposite direction?" she questioned, looking confused.
"Tsss," Akira clicked his tongue, visibly annoyed. "Stop asking questions, you're annoying me."
Reaching Elysia, he suddenly scooped her up in his arms like a princess, making her blush tomato red. She hadn't seen that coming, and the shock of the situation made her forget her anxiety. Akira then took off, followed by Yumi who headed towards the building opposite the Association. They landed smoothly on the roof, and Akira carefully set Elysia down before focusing.
"Tell me, elder," he called out to Yumi, hands still buried in the pockets of his hoodie. "Can I use your dimensional shift?"
"Yes, for what purpose?" replied Yumi nonchalantly, but with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
"I will need your help," explained Akira, his expression serious.
"I see," nodded Yumi, her face softening.
Without wasting time, Akira activated his Byakugan, his eyes glowing. Yumi, intrigued, watched him closely, while Elysia remained silent, absorbing the scene. Akira scanned the building, scrutinizing every corner in search of a solution. Finally, he stopped abruptly at the base of the building, a satisfied smile forming on his face.
"Elder," called out Akira, pointing to the ground. "Can you take us there?"
"I thought I told you to stop with the honorifics," grumbled Yumi, furrowing her brows. "It's starting to get awkward."
Finishing speaking, she turned her head towards the designated spot and, surprised, turned to open a rift in space. They all entered.
A few kilometers above, in a room adorned with dark and imposing decorations, President Smith sat in a chair, eyes closed. Suddenly, he turned his head, frowning.
"You felt it too, didn't you?" Steven asked
a few paces away.
"Hmmm... but it disappeared as quickly as it appeared," Smith replied gravely. "We must stay on our guard.