SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 20) Before The Skirmish.

In a remote and picturesque location nestled within the serene embrace of the Okutama mountain range, to be more precise, approximately half an hour before the clock strikes noon, two influential and formidable agencies operating in the realm of hunters have converged for a significant meeting of minds. Present within the confines of a room are five individuals, all with a vested interest in overseeing the training of students who harness the power of soulcraft for their endeavors.

KTO: Thanks again, Nazaki. This wouldn't be possible without your technique.
NZK: Anytime, sir!
PRC: It's finally time to let the skirmish start!
ORN: I can't wait to see this years' newcomers.
ASR: The juniors have massive potential. We're bound to see some incredible shows of power.
FNA: I wish your student could've also attended, Pierce.
PRC: It's alright. Yuki showed me her potential on the last mission.
ORN: That Kurogane girl is incredible! Expanding a zone with so little experience is a sight to behold! She's definitely something to watch for in the future.
KTO: Well, let's not keep the students waiting any longer.

The ongoing noise emanating from the group of students situated below comes to a sudden halt as the intercom emits a distinct beep, signifying a forthcoming announcement. Astrid, poised at the microphone, takes a moment to inhale deeply, her demeanor exuding a sense of anticipation. With a deliberate and measured grace, she retrieves five sheets of paper, each bearing names inscribed upon its surface, thus setting the stage for what is to follow.

ASR: Welcome, dear students, to this years' hunter skirmish. Hope each of you are ready for this event and I wish you all the best! I'll now start reading the team lists.

Seated comfortably on a sturdy tree trunk, Lucas engages in a state of quiet anticipation, his thumbs idly twiddling in a rhythmic dance that mirrors the ebb and flow of his excitement. In this serene moment, the natural surroundings envelop him, creating an atmosphere tinged with a sense of expectancy as he awaits the unfolding events.

LCS: (This is where it all goes down. One good look at the other students tells me they're strong!)
ASR: The students on Team A are Tokyos' first-year Arthur Shizora!
ART: (First choice isn't too bad.)
ASR: Osakas' second-year Sebastian Maxwell!
SBT: (I'm with that Arthur kid... nice.)
ASR: And Osakas' second-year Dominic Blied!
DMC: (I've got a good squad... but Sebastian is going to be a hassle to deal with.)

Arthur, with a friendly and welcoming demeanor, takes confident strides toward the duo of students hailing from Osaka. As he draws near, he raises his hand in a genial gesture, sending forth a cheerful wave that shows his eagerness to join the conversation.

ART: Let's work together and win this.
SBT: You got it, kid.
DMC: Such a hassle.

Astrid smoothly retrieves the second sheet of paper from her belongings, a task executed with a sense of purpose and precision. With the sheet in hand, she swiftly reclaims the microphone, positioning herself once more to address the assembly, a poised and determined figure ready to continue her engagement with the audience.

ASR: Team B's members are Osakas' second-year Kaden Vron!
KDN: (Finally I'm up!)
ASR: And Tokyos' first-years Ezra Hale and Lucas Beckett!
EZR: (I'm with Osakas' demon and the vessel. This is going to be a nightmare.)
LCS: (Alright! Being in the same team as Ezra is a start. Now I just have to introduce myself to that Kaden guy!)

Just as Lucas pivots around to offer a friendly wave to his fellow squad member, Kaden unexpectedly materializes behind him. With a formidable and somewhat foreboding expression, Kaden gazes down upon Lucas, locking eyes with an intensity that sends an unmistakable shiver coursing down Lucas' spine, leaving him with a palpable sense of unease.

LCS: N-Nice to meet you!
KDN: Vessel, try not to hold me back.
LCS: Understood!
EZR: *sigh* Of course I have two morons on my team.

In a fashion mirroring her previous actions, Astrid discards the recently used sheet of paper. Following this, she proceeds to retrieve the third sheet of paper from her prepared stack, a tangible indicator of her readiness to make the upcoming announcement concerning the third team in line.

ASR: As for Team C's members, they are Osakas' first-year Victor Piters!
VCT: (Please let me have competent teammates.)
ASR: Tokyos' second-year Violet Storme!
VLT: (I wish Yuki was here.)
ASR: And Tokyos' first-year Ethan Parker!

Ethan seizes the opportunity to spring forth from his concealed position, wrapping his arms around his two squad members from behind in a warm and enthusiastic embrace. His countenance is adorned with a broad grin that radiates a sense of determination.

ETH: You two better fight with all your might!
VLT: It wouldn't be a fight if we didn't.
VCT: Hmph! We've got this!

Filled with a palpable sense of suspense and eager anticipation, Astrid deliberately reaches for the final sheet of paper in her possession. In a poised manner, she begins to peruse the contents of the list, her voice ready to vocalize the names it holds, a moment charged with significance as she prepares to announce the final roster.

ASR: And to conclude the last team of the roster, Team D's members are Osakas' second-year Sylvia Kalm, Tokyos' second and first-year Mori Kenzo and Selene Embers!
SLV: (Yes! I'm on the same team as Mori!)

Sebastian, in a subtle yet deliberate manner, gently nudges Dominic's shoulder, drawing his attention. With an affirmative nod of his head, he directs his gaze towards their friend.

SBT: Someone's happy to be on that team!
DMC: Heh, it sure is refreshing to see her expression so positive.

Emerging quietly from the rear, Mori approaches Sylvia with a sense of warmth and camaraderie, his hand extending to deliver a reassuring pat on her back. His face lights up with a broad and inviting smile, radiating a genuine friendliness. Meanwhile, standing just behind Mori is Selene, her presence characterized by an air of anticipation and eagerness to extend a warm welcome to Sylvia, the newest member of their group.

MOR: Let's do our best!
SLN: Mhm! We're going to win this!
SLV: (Mori just talked to me! I think I'm gonna faint!)

With a deliberate motion, Astrid brings the microphone up to her lips, her intention clear and resolute. Simultaneously, she gestures towards Rowan, prompting him to set his technique into motion, setting the stage for what's to come.

ASR: And now let the hunter skirmish begin!
RWN: Soul Technique, Paradox Domain.

Configuring the conditions of the barriers to initiate an unpredictable teleportation sequence upon activation, the teams collectively prepare themselves for an adventure into the unknown reaches of the forest. In a friendly gesture of encouragement, Kaito extends his hand to deliver a reassuring pat on Rowan's back, symbolizing their unity and camaraderie in the face of the upcoming challenge. Additionally, he offers his comrade a revitalizing beverage, a simple yet thoughtful gesture to ensure Rowan's comfort.

End of Chapter 20
"Before The Skirmish"

[ The battle has started. ]