Dust settled across the scarred ground-shattered puppets, burned earth, and broken stone marking the field.
Victory belonged to Nao, Yuta, and Itsuki. Their teamwork, combining raw strength, demonic might, and precise magic, had triumphed over skillful opposition. The final round ended in a deafening silence, leaving the training ground marked by the echoes of their epic battle.
The aftermath of the first round buzzed with energy. Dust still clung to clothes and fur, and the scent of scorched earth lingered in the air. The Great Elder Genzo, leader of the Hunter Association, stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with pride.
"Excellent work," he said, voice echoing across the field. "Nao, Yuta, and Itsuki-you've demonstrated not only skill, but strategy and teamwork. Truly worthy of recognition."
Nao's chest rose and fell rapidly, the adrenaline still coursing through him. "Thank you, Elder Genzo... we just did what we had to," he said, brushing dust from his sleeves.
Yuta, despite his injuries, nodded with a fierce grin, demonic energy slowly fading from his body. "Heh... nothing we couldn't handle," he muttered, wincing as he shifted his weight.
Itsuki closed his ancient tome, brushing off the faint sparks of residual magic, a quiet smile of satisfaction crossing his face. "A precise combination," he said, "and perfectly timed. I couldn't have asked for better partners."
Aoi approached Nao, her usual competitive spark softened by admiration. "You did really well out there," she said, clapping him lightly on the shoulder. "I honestly thought Nekoma would have the upper hand at some point."
Hana followed, her fiery aura subdued but eyes bright. "I didn't think anyone could handle Nekoma like that," she admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Seriously... you three made it look easy."
Nao felt a warmth in his chest-acknowledged management from his peers was a rare and treasured thing. "Thanks, both of you... it means a lot," he said, scratching the back of his head.
Riku, meanwhile, stood slightly apart, arms crossed and jaw tight. He had given his all, but Kaito's precision in the dojo-inspired duel had bested him. The frustration was evident, and though he tried to mask it, the weight of disappointment clung to him.
Kaito, holding Yuta carefully despite his size, murmured a quiet reassurance as they moved back to the dorms. "Don't worry, we'll patch you up. You fought well."
Yuta grunted in acknowledgment, grateful for the support. "Yeah... could've done better, though," he admitted. "But I'll live."
Back at the dormitories, the atmosphere shifted from tension to a tentative sense of camaraderie. The six newly recognized hunters-Nao, Yuta, Itsuki, Aoi, Hana, and Riku-settled into their assigned rooms.
Nao and Riku shared a modest room, the walls lined with training tools and a few shelves of personal items. "Try not to mess up the shelves," Nao joked as he unpacked.
Riku smirked faintly. "I'll only rearrange them if it improves efficiency," he said, placing a training manual carefully on the desk.
Aoi and Hana arranged their room with a playful mix of charm and utility-herb jars, spell components, and a small shrine for Nekoma. "This jar is going to explode if you knock it over," Hana warned as Aoi piled ingredients carelessly.
"Relax," Aoi said with a grin. "I've got this under control... mostly."
Kaito and Yuta's room was sparse but functional, swords and daggers neatly displayed on the walls. "You sure these swords are aligned properly?" Yuta asked, squinting.
Kaito tilted his head, examining them. "Precision matters," he said. "But yes, they're fine. Your eyes just need rest."
Evening descended, and the dorm buzzed with laughter, chatter, and the smells of a simple dinner. Aoi and Yuta had taken up the task of cooking-an unusual pairing, with Aoi's energetic banter and Yuta's gruff grumbling over the heat of the fire.
"Watch it! That pan is hot!" Yuta snapped, swatting at a spill.
"Relax, it's just a little sizzling," Aoi laughed, flipping an omelet expertly. "You'll survive."
Hana teased Nao relentlessly as he helped clean up. "Nao, you're slower than a sloth today," she laughed, nudging him.
"I... I'm careful!" Nao protested, juggling plates.
Riku silently observed, occasionally offering advice on knife placement and training techniques. "Balance matters more than speed," he said quietly. "Remember that."
Later, the six gathered in the common area, sharing stories of their first battle, the adrenaline still tingling in their veins.
"That Cerberus attack..." Nao began, gesturing wildly, "I swear, it leapt ten feet into the air and-"
"And almost crushed me!" Yuta interrupted with a grin. "Would've been hilarious if it weren't me!"
Titan and Beast Dog had been discussed at length, alongside the miraculous teamwork that had earned them the win. Even Riku, initially frustrated, found himself laughing at Nao's exaggerated retelling of the Cerberus's final strike.
"It's true though... we barely made it," Itsuki added, closing his tome with a small chuckle. "But the timing... perfect."
It was a rare moment of peace-a brief interlude before the next round of training and battles. Yet beneath the laughter and chatter, each of them felt it: the weight of responsibility, the looming threats of the dark forces they were destined to face, and the unspoken bond forming between these hunters as they prepared for what was yet to come.