Chapter: 137 of Volume I
Title:The Gala and the Great
The early morning light seeped through the arched windows of the SUHA command hall, casting long, solemn shadows across the polished floor. Maps, intelligence files, and coded mission briefs littered the conference table. At the head stood Minister Tenzy, arms behind his back, flanked by Minister Makekis, whose golden ceremonial robe glinted under the sunlight.
In front of them, standing at attention, were Madagascar, Tito, Chiro, and Asger—recently returned from Seoul and now standing beneath the weight of their next assignment.
Tenzy's voice was firm but clear. "We're assigning your team to Washington D.C., America. You'll be flying out immediately."
The room fell quiet. The team leaned in slightly, listening.
"Your primary objective is to provide support to the American Hunter Association. Specifically, you're to protect President Cecelia. She's a vital figure in maintaining global balance—and if The Ten strike there, it could unravel alliances and disrupt everything we have been keeping safe, you're among of the best hunters Seoul has so I do trust you."
Makekis stepped forward, arms crossed. "While the Americans have formidable hunters… they're stubborn. Proud. They already didn't ask for help as they believe they're capable on thier own however we've decided here, they'll need it if the enemy targets them directly we cannot afford that damage of it happens"
Tenzy nodded. "There's also an event—The Gala Night. A high profile gathering with politicians, hunters, investors, and global leaders. The venue will be crawling with high-value targets."
He pointed to a digital projection behind them, displaying the event layout.
"You're to secure the perimeter, integrate with local security, and remain hidden unless conflict erupts. Use discretion—but do not hesitate."
His gaze shifted to Asger, eyes cold.
"And you, Asger…"
The room tensed.
"…you've committed countless crimes in your past. This mission is a chance at redemption. Earn your place. Don't mess this up."
Asger, her hair tied back and a new pair of tactical gloves on, simply smirked and nodded. "Yes, Minister."
"Good. Your flight departs in twenty minutes. Make your preparations."
Everyone nodded and turned sharply, boots echoing against the tile as they exited the command room.
High in the Mountains – Greenland Training Site
Snow cascaded in slow spirals as a bitter wind swept across the jagged mountaintops. Sakamoto, now garbed in black battlewear, stood with his arms folded facing Sir Varion, who leaned against a massive, ice-crusted boulder. Solomon, his regent, stood nearby, calmly observing.
"Sakamoto," Varion said, eyes scanning the horizon. "You must learn to know your allies. Even if they're… unevolved monkeys."
He smirked slightly. "They have personalities. Depth. If they are to fight alongside you, you must understand them they're not just tools,this are souls they think and feel so understanding them will be a key point in your future."
Sakamoto scratched his head. "Fair point." He turned to the fierce monkey warrior beside him—the same who had summoned earlier with the shadow manifestation.
"…Do you have a name?"
The creature stood upright, its staff resting against its back. Its eyes narrowed slightly with pride. "We all have names, my lord. But yes—call me Anuman the Great."
Sakamoto raised an eyebrow. "That's a good name. Alright, Anuman. Let's do this."
Anuman grinned wide, revealing sharp teeth. A long wooden stagg on his hand from swirling shadow, wrapping around his hand with a hiss of energy.
Sakamoto's eyes flared with Shen. "Most Dark."
CRACK—!!
Darkness exploded around him. His body surged with new strength, and a heavy black axe formed in his right hand. His aura darkened like a swirling storm cloud.
In a blink, both he and Anuman vanished—reappearing in a blur of movement beside Sir Varion, unleashing a simultaneous attack.
WHOOSH!
Anuman's staff whipped forward like lightning while Sakamoto's axe carved through the air with devastating precision it was a Twin strikes,one vertical from the axe, one sweeping from the staff.
But there was nothing there.
FWUMP—!
Only air.
Sir Varion had vanished.
Anuman landed in a crouch, breathing heavy. "He's fast…"
From atop a frozen tree, Sir Varion's voice echoed across the field.
"Do they share the same mind?" he mused.
Sakamoto looked up and grinned. "Hey Anuman… I think we can outpace him. Come close."
Anuman hopped in front of him, gripping his staff.
"I'll send you to him directly. Hit him before he even sees it."
"Yes, my lord."
Sakamoto placed his hand on Anuman's shoulder.
"Shadow Swap."
BOOM—!
In an instant, Anuman vanished from his position—and reappeared directly behind Sir Varion, mid-swing.
But Sir Varion's fingers twitched.
His eyes narrowed—sensing the disruption in the air.
"…Lining."
A razor-thin silver line shimmered into existence behind him.
CRACK—!!
Before Anuman could strike, a force like a shockwave slammed into him. His body spiraled through the air, crashing into a massive tree trunk. The tree shattered from the impact and collapsed with a deafening roar.
BOOOOM—!!
Sakamoto flinched. "ANUMAN?!"
From the wreckage, Anuman groaned. "What… was that…?"
Moments later, Sir Varion stood calmly in front of Sakamoto, brushing a bit of snow from his shoulder.
"What was that?!" Sakamoto demanded.
Varion laughed. "That? Just me… showcasing my Lining ability. Hahaha!"
Sakamoto's eyes gleamed with respect. "That was… amazing, you didn't have to move."
Aboard the SUHA Jet – En Route to Washington D.C.
The sleek black aircraft sliced through the clouds, its engines humming in soft rhythm. Inside, Madagascar, Tito, Chiro, and Asger sat quietly. The tension was palpable.
Asger cleaned her nails in silence. Tito leaned against the window, staring at the ocean below. Madagascar hummed to himself, fingers tapping on a tablet.
Tenzy's voice came through the call speaker.
"You'll aid them as best you can," he said. "I know they're stubborn in Washington, but if the Ten comes… we cannot afford failure."
A voice on the other end, Cecelia's assistant, snapped back. "Why not deploy the Travelers then?!"
Tenzy's voice dropped a tone. "The Travelers are unavailable. They're already handling situations beyond your clearance. You have what you have—use it well."
The line cut.
Back in the jet, Madagascar muttered under his breath. "America… this better not be another bloodbath."
The camera panned out to the sky—clouds parting for the jet's silhouette as it screamed toward the glittering lights of Washington.