SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 10) Advances.

Within the vast expanse of an empty stadium, you can spot a solitary hunter. His gaze is unwavering as it meets the colossal behemoth looming before him. This hunter, by the name of Kaden, readies himself for the impending clash. With a weathered blade clutched firmly in his grasp, he takes a moment to run his tongue along its chipped edge. With utmost determination, he extends the blade, aligning it directly toward the formidable behemoth, ready to face whatever may come. With a thunderous impact, the devil forcefully slams its massive fists onto the unforgiving ground, a desperate attempt to crush the intrepid hunter beneath its titanic weight. However, as the malevolent creature raises its colossal appendages, it discovers that Kaden, the cunning and agile hunter, has mysteriously vanished from its grasp, leaving nothing but a lingering sense of anticipation in the air.

KDN: Over here!

With remarkable agility, Kaden swiftly materializes behind the towering devil, executing a graceful leap into the air before gracefully alighting upon the creature's immense back. In one seamless motion, he wields his gleaming blade and plunges it deep into the fiend's formidable spine. The devil's harrowing cry of anguish reverberates through the air as it convulses in excruciating torment, making frenzied attempts to dislodge the unyielding hunter from its broad back, which it succeeds as Kaden crashes into the stands. He gets back up and snaps his broken bones back into place. Two other hunters are sat down at the furthest seats, watching the battle unfold before them.

VCT: Does the head really think the academy in Tokyo will be a match for us?
SLV: I don't know why we're not just sending in Kaden and calling it enough.
VCT: So what about it?
SLV: Well it's probably because he wants to give a good impression to Kaito.
VCT: The Kaito?
SLV: Mhm, master said he was going to arrive later here in Osaka and talk with the head.
VCT: That explains a lot.
SLV: Yeah, wonder what makes him so interesting.
VCT: I heard they made him the overseer for the vessel.
SLV: Watching over a kid isn't that hard.
VCT: I guess so, but what if something goes wrong, what happens to Kaitos' reputation?
SLV: It would crumble.
VCT: You think someone's gonna pull a dirty trick like that?
SLV: If they would, the skirmish would be their best bet.
VCT: That spells trouble for us too, y'know.
SLV: I doubt Kaito will take long to intervene anyways.
VCT: You're right, there is nothing to worry about.
SLV: Say Victor, Kaden seems to be rather excited lately right?
VCT: I've noticed that too.
SLV: Just what could he be thinking..?

As they sit there, breaths held in tense anticipation, Kaden springs into action, his resolve unwavering. With astonishing might, he forcefully uproots the very seats of the stadium, each one transformed into a deadly projectile that hurtles through the air toward the menacing devil. These seats become lethal missiles, propelled at breathtaking speeds, aimed squarely at their fearsome adversary. Without a moment's hesitation, Kaden himself becomes a blur, a streak of determination as he darts after his makeshift arsenal, his grip never faltering. The devil, formidable and enraged, reacts swiftly. Its colossal fists slam into the incoming seats, sending them careening in all directions, shattered remnants scattering like explosive shrapnel. Yet, Kaden doesn't relent. With relentless determination, he clings tenaciously to the devil's grotesque form, like a warrior refusing to yield to the forces of darkness. The devil retaliates, its massive claws closing around Kaden's struggling form, an iron grip that seems impossible to escape. Desperation etches itself across Kaden's face as he valiantly fights to break free, but despite his efforts, he is gradually overpowered by the devil's relentless strength, eventually succumbing to its malevolent grasp. Amidst this heart-pounding turmoil, Victor, a steadfast friend, rises to his feet, compelled to assist his comrade. Yet, it is Sylvia, a figure of wisdom and caution, who intervenes. With a knowing look, she restrains Victor, her gaze firmly fixed on the unfolding battle.

SLV: He'll be alright, just watch.

In a shocking turn of events, the devil, driven by its insatiable hunger, seizes Kaden, engulfing him entirely as if he were a morsel on a grand feast. With chilling voracity, the devil swallows its prey whole, a grotesque and unsettling sight, and it's not long before a malevolent satisfaction crosses its monstrous features. Its cavernous maw slurps back any lingering drool, leaving no trace of the unsettling act that just unfolded. Yet, a twist of fate, more unexpected than the devil's insatiable appetite, takes center stage. Deep within the confines of the devil's stomach, an unforeseen transformation brews, a dormant power simmering beneath the surface. Suddenly, the belly of the beast erupts in a cataclysmic release of energy, a volatile explosion of monumental proportions. The very core of the devil convulses, its grotesque form rent asunder by the surging power from within. Amidst the smoldering aftermath, a triumphant figure emerges, emerging from the wreckage of the devil's demise. Kaden, battered but unbowed, stands tall, his resolve unwavering even in the face of such unthinkable odds. Beads of sweat glisten on his brow as he surveys the chaos left in his wake, a testament to his indomitable spirit. Meanwhile, a radiant smile graces Sylvia's face as she descends from the stands. A gesture of boundless relief and joy, she rushes to Kaden's side, embracing him with an affectionate hug. Meanwhile, two hours away from Osaka, Kaito and Rowan are steadily approaching, but Kaito senses something sinister lurking in the shadows.

KTO: Rowan, can you stop the car for a second?
RWN: What is it, Kaito?
KTO: Something is here... no, more like it's after me.

Rowan brings the car to a halt, and Kaito emerges, his eyes fixed on the moonlit landscape. He scans the surroundings, captivated by the gentle glow. As he explores the area with his gaze, something catches his attention, traces of lingering soul residuals.

JKO: You've got quite the sharp eye, Morita.
KTO: A devil that can communicate, how surprising.
JKO: Oh, shut your mouth. Don't act as If I'm the first.
KTO: Heh, you're right.
JKO: But I'll surely be the last.
KTO: Hmm, not quite sure about tha-

A massive ice wall emerges from the ground, encasing the area in a bone-chilling freeze, right where Kaito had been standing. Shivers run down Rowan's spine as he observes the icy barrier.

JKO: Hmph, what nonsense. He couldn't even handle a simple attack.
KTO: Don't get too ahead of yourself, devil.

Juko swiftly turns around and observes as the ice shatters into two, creating a clear path for Kaito to stride through. He casually brushes the ice shards off his shoulder and offers a confident smirk. Juko takes a step back and forms a hand seal.

JKO: Soul Technique, CryoGenesis!

Glistening ice quickly envelops the surroundings, ensnaring his adversaries in intricate icy encasements. However, this icy prison's dominion is short-lived. From behind, a forceful grip seizes hold of Juko's head and propels him hundreds of meters into the nearby forest. His body collides with numerous trees before finally halting. As he lifts his head, he discerns Kaito, carrying Rowan upon his shoulder, making a deliberate approach toward him.

End of Chapter 10
"Advances"

[ Kaito has been attacked by disaster devil, Juko. ]