Next Chapter — "The Origin of the Condemned"
Theme:SoundScape to ardor Part II
The vaulted chamber of SUHA's Grand Assembly Hall fell under a ghostly silence.
All three Knights of SUHA—Sir Varion, Dronachaiya, and Caelum Veyne—stood at full attention, their presence radiating ominous calm, while the ministers of the Sovereign Union lined the tiered council seats surrounding them.
Sovereign Minister Ivar, flanked by two black banners, stepped forward, his voice echoing with grim finality.
"Fendro is dead."
A ripple of unease surged across the hall.
"This means," Ivar continued, his hand slamming the polished podium, "The Ten have officially declared war upon the Hunter Association… and by extension, on the world."
As murmurs began to stir, Minister Alfred, a lean, grey-bearded figure in ceremonial black, rose sharply from his seat.
"For too long, SUHA has stood idle, protecting the Knights from direct involvement. We allowed the national hunter factions to engage The Ten—especially Seoul…Because we never thought they had such reserved personalities" he turned his head toward the Knights below, "…but that ends now. The world is burning. And SUHA will answer the call."
Just as the room began to settle, a loud beep-beep-beep echoed from the central table.
A signal.
Minister Makekis leaned over and tapped the crystal-etched comms unit.
"It's from Seoul," he announced. "Urgent priority."
He accepted the call.
A grainy hologram flared to life.
Mujin's stern face emerged, scarred and weary, standing in front of a map wall with red lines drawn across global coordinates.
He wasted no time.
"Lord Arcade has awakened."
Gasps rang out.
The name alone froze the room like winter's breath. Even the seasoned Knights reacted.
Sir Varion's golden claw clenched.
Sir Dronachaiya closed his bark-like eyes.
Sir Caelum stopped twirling his animated chain, letting it slither silently around his legs.
Ivar's face dropped. "What did you just say?"
Mujin didn't flinch. "Arcade lives. The boy you condemned to Alcatraz sensed it—he carries within him the last hybrid. His name is Jushin. He knew the moment Arcade returned."
The ministers erupted in overlapping cries:
"How is that possible?!"
"Why now?!"
"Impossible…!"
Only one minister, Tenzy, remained still. A fox-like grin cracked his weathered face. "The Hybrid Boy…" he mused aloud.
He turned to Ivar. "Let me speak."
Mujin gave a curt nod.
Tenzy leaned forward toward the camera, his voice both sharp and theatrical. "Mujin… if Arcade is truly back, there's only one thing he will seek."
His eyes narrowed.
"Yggdrasil . The God Tree Piece."
The room went dead silent.
Tenzy continued. "Before his first death, Arcade waged a covert war to retrieve Yggdrasil … and failed. The tree is ancient. Planted by the unknown according to history it fell from the heavens. It is the wellspring of all Shen energy on Earth. Every nation now holds a core piece—fragments embedded deep in vaults, temples, and ancestral sites."
He pointed at the screen.
"And Seoul's hybrid? The one The Ten failed to obtain? He was their original vessel. But now that he is beyond their reach due to the bond formed between the hybrid and the kid … they will come for Yggdrasil instead and at all cost because They will have no other choice."
Mujin nodded solemnly.
Tenzy's voice softened. "You must protect your piece, Mujin. Even if it means the fall of your entire association."
Then he added gravely, "And… it is time the boy learns his origin."
The room stiffened again, Sir Varion eyes narrowed.
Mujin's brow furrowed. "You mean Sakamoto?"
"Yes," Tenzy replied. "He must come to Greenland. It's the only place where the full truth can be revealed. We will guide him into the knowledge that defines who—and what—he truly is."
But Sakamoto, standing beside Mujin off-screen, raised his voice.
"No."
The camera shifted as he stepped forward.
"I don't trust any of you."
Tenzy smirked. "We know. We sent you to Alcatraz because we feared what you might become we thought you would go astray like all others with great power. But your origin… is more important than any fear. Even ours."
Behind Mujin, the gathered leaders—Rajesh, Jayesh, Daisuke, and Madagascar all gave a solemn nod.
Mujin exhaled. "He'll come. But under one condition."
Tenzy tilted his head. "What condition?"
"I assign a team to accompany him."
Tenzy scoffed but shrugged. "Fine."
But Sakamoto interjected again. "I'll only come if you guarantee no harm to my friend."
Tenzy blinked. "Who and what friend ?"
Sakamoto's tone was ice.
"Asger."
In the SUHA chamber, Sir Varion slowly opened his golden eyes. "Asger that moraku demon…?"
Tenzy waved it off. "As long as she doesn't threaten the operation—she is safe. We need all hands now."
Mujin looked to Sakamoto.
Sakamoto nodded once.
Tenzy said coldly, "We'll expect his flight by morning."
Elsewhere… Undisclosed Location – The Ten's Hidden Base
The underground cathedral echoed with whispers and molten torchlight. Pillars of bone and carved obsidian loomed over the kneeling silhouettes of Napoleon Bonaparte and Julius Caesar.
Above them, draped in divine black silk, stood Lord Arcade—his form still wrapped in the physique of Draven, eyes gleaming with a cold, cosmic fire.
"My Lord," Napoleon said, "you called?"
Arcade stared down at them with disdain.
"You are incomplete," he said. "Where is Alexander the Great?"
Julius lowered his gaze.
Napoleon replied, "He betrayed the Oath. He resides on the Moon now according to the information I last got before getting locked up… guarding one of the Yggdrasil fragments. He works with the Hunters."
Arcade hissed.
"I always knew that worm would disappoint me. Let him rot in his lunar temple."
He turned away.
"I need you two for something greater. Rest now. Alexander's day will come."
The torches dimmed as the two Alphas bowed.
Nightfall – Greenland
Minister Ivar's Residence
A peaceful mansion on the tundra's edge. Frost traced the windows. Snow kissed the outer railings.
Inside, Minister Ivar, his wife, and their five-year-old son Daniel lay in their silk-covered bed. The hearth crackled faintly.
But atop the roof—death had come.
Huey the Second, seated cross-legged on the windowsill, watched the family sleep. A gentle wind caressed his pale face, his eyes alight with cruelty. A smile never left his lips.
Beside him, cloaked in shadows, stood Silas Moraku, his cleaver slung across his back.
But this house wasn't in reality anymore.
Jabo on top the roof of the building had activated his secret technique—
Void Creation: Cemetery Technique.
An invisible dome now enveloped the estate. Reality warped. Time slowed. Communication ceased.
Nothing could enter. Nothing could leave without Jabo permission .
Huey whispered to the moonlit glass, "Let's take our time tonight…"
The silence answered back