X The Hunter – Episode 2: "Hunter vs. Hunter"
Cold Open — Dragon's Shadow
Last time on X The Hunter…
The faint sound of a guild broadcast echoed over a rapid-fire montage:
Xavier's first battle in the subway.
The shattering of the Mana-Leech Beast into black shards.
The HUD flashing — Level Up: 1 → 2.
And then… the silent watcher — a cloaked figure with glowing red eyes.
The screen faded into the city skyline at dusk. The sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the streets. A massive dragon's silhouette drifted across the glass towers, the beat of its wings rattling windows like fragile chimes.
The peace shattered in an instant.
Guild alarms blared across the city — sirens and urgent voices cutting through the hum of traffic:
"Warning! Mana surge detected — all active Hunters to field positions immediately!"
Act 1 — The Rival Appears
Xavier darted through the crowded streets, his boots splashing through shallow puddles left by the evening rain. The heads-up display in his visor marked the danger zone just ahead — a glowing red pulse in the heart of the business district.
As he turned a corner, another figure dropped from a nearby rooftop in a perfect three-point landing. He was taller, with messy black hair and two gleaming short blades strapped across his back. His level marker flashed briefly: Level 4.
The newcomer's smirk was instant.
"Rookie? Don't get in my way."
Xavier didn't break stride.
"I'm not here to lose."
The guild comms crackled in their ears:
"Target confirmed: Ironhide Ogre. Thick armor plating. Classified brute. Proceed with extreme caution."
Both sets of eyes lit with competitive fire. Same mission. Same prize.
Act 2 — Two vs. One
The Ironhide Ogre announced its arrival with chaos. A thunderous crash echoed through the district as it burst straight through the side of a parking garage, concrete chunks raining down around it. Its skin was like a patchwork of metal plates, each shimmering faintly with mana reinforcement. In its hands — a bent streetlamp, swung like a club.
Kai, the dual-blade Hunter, didn't wait. "Mine!" he shouted, charging in with a flurry of slashes. Sparks flew as his blades scraped harmlessly across the ogre's armored chest.
Xavier hung back, eyes narrowing. His Beast Sense pulsed faintly, scanning. Armor's solid… but maybe it's not perfect.
The ogre roared, slamming the streetlamp into the pavement. The shockwave rippled outward, tossing both Hunters back several meters. Xavier hit the ground hard, HUD flickering.
Target Level: 6 Threat
Kai spat blood, grinning through it.
"Fine — whoever lands the kill wins."
Act 3 — Shōnen Combo Attack
Kai went in again, but each strike bounced off. Xavier's gaze tracked the creature's movements — and then he saw it.
When the ogre swung its club, its shoulder armor shifted, leaving a brief gap at the joint. That was the opening.
Xavier called out, "Wait for my signal!"
Kai growled, "Tch… fine. Don't screw this up."
The ogre raised its weapon high, preparing a devastating overhead smash. Xavier's Beast Sense sharpened, his mind mapping the attack before it even began. At the perfect moment, he darted to the side.
"Now!"
Kai moved like lightning, his dual blades slicing deep into the exposed joint. The ogre bellowed in pain, stumbling forward. Xavier was already in motion — leaping onto its broad chest, driving his blade straight into its heart.
Mana erupted in a burst of blinding light.
The Ironhide Ogre staggered, let out one final roar, and collapsed with a thunderous crash that shook the pavement.
Act 4 — Double Level Up
The HUD blared in synchronized tones:
Xavier: LEVEL UP! 2 → 3
Kai: LEVEL UP! 4 → 5
Kai smirked, spinning one blade before sheathing it.
"Guess you're not completely useless."
Xavier brushed dust from his jacket.
"Guess I'll catch up sooner than you think."
Ending Cliffhanger
The guild comms cut in sharply, static hissing between the words:
"Emergency! Class-A beast sighted — all Hunters, retreat immediately!"
Above them, a shadow fell across the street. The cloaked Hunter from before stepped into the open, his glowing red eyes locking onto Xavier. His voice was cold, deliberate.
"Retreat? Not tonight."
From behind him, glass shattered as a skyscraper groaned under tremendous weight. A massive claw — scaled, black, and hooked like a scythe — dug into the steel frame.
The dragon roared. The night shook.