The heroes stood in silence under the grey sky. The wind carried dust, blood… and sorrow.
Kaien broke the silence with a heavy voice.
"Well done. You didn't lose control… and you completed the mission."
But the words rang hollow.
Misaki dropped to her knees, eyes wet with disbelief.
"Why… why did Rei die? He didn't even do anything…" she whispered, broken.
Koharu wrapped her arms around her tightly, holding her as she shook.
Ash couldn't even look up.
Lunara's voice echoed from behind.
"Let's go back."
The group slowly turned, walking back through the ruined streets—each footstep heavier than the last.
Just before they reached the base, Misaki turned to Ash. Her eyes were blazing with tears.
"You said you'd protect him. But you didn't, Ash!" she screamed.
"Rei is dead because of you!"
Ash's lips trembled. He lowered his head.
"I'm sorry…" he said, voice barely above a whisper.
Misaki couldn't take it. She turned and ran into her room, slamming the door behind her.
Koharu reached for her, but paused.
Ash stood frozen in the hallway, his heart aching with guilt and regret.
Hero Hunters organisation hideout
"You're welcome," the leader said, his voice deep and composed as the masked newcomer approached.
The man in the black mask placed a heavy suitcase on the table. Its latches clicked as he opened it, revealing documents, photographs, and data chips—evidence.
"This contains proof. All of it. Evidence of what the so-called 'heroes' have done," he said.
"Renji gave me his mask… and this."
The leader's eyes gleamed.
"I know," he said, a dark smile touching his lips. "You've done well. Welcome to the Hero Hunters."
Whispers echoed around the room. One of the other members scoffed.
"Tch. The kid's already become the leader's favorite," he muttered, watching the masked man with narrowed eyes.
But the newcomer said nothing.
He walked to the farthest corner of the dim hideout and sat down alone. Silent. Still.
His fingers touched the edge of his mask, and behind it, his eyes softened—just for a moment.
"Misaki…" he thought.
"I miss you."
Outside, the symbol of the Hero Hunters glowed faintly in the shadows.
FLASHBACK – Inside the Collapsing Cave
The earth trembled.
Rocks fell like rain from above. The cave roared with chaos.
"Run! Ash, save Misaki!" Rei shouted, his voice cutting through the panic.
But Rei stood still, his breath calm, his heart heavy.
"So… this is the end, huh?" he whispered, watching the stone ceiling crack open above him.
The collapse began.
The world turned white—
Then—
Time stopped.
Everything froze mid-fall. Pebbles hung in the air. Dust remained suspended like mist.
Rei's body was crushed under a massive slab—half-buried, bleeding—but conscious.
Suddenly, a portal of black mist opened.
A dark figure emerged. Elegant. Otherworldly. Eyes glowing like twilight.
"Rei Tensai..." the figure said.
"You bastard. Because of you… my plan failed."
"Almirah," Rei murmured. Blood in his throat. He laughed faintly.
"Then let's fail together. I'll see you in hell."
Almirah stepped closer, unshaken.
"No. You won't die. You will become my successor."
Rei's eyes narrowed.
"I'd rather die than be your puppet."
The god's voice darkened.
"If you refuse… your friends will die."
Rei's heart trembled.
"My friends are strong," he growled.
"Strong?" Almirah sneered. "They will face gods. They will face the Hero Hunters. Do you truly think they will survive?"
Rei's lips parted.
"What…?"
"Let me give you power," Almirah offered, holding out his hand. "One chance. Take it—and protect them."
A pause.
Then Rei—bleeding, broken, desperate—reached out and gripped the god's hand.
Power flooded him like fire. His wounds closed. His breath returned. His body lit with dark energy.
Rei rose.
The cave remained frozen in time.
He walked past the suspended debris, past Ash, Koharu, the crying Misaki.
He stopped in front of her.
Her tears shimmered in the frozen air.
Gently, he reached out… placed his hand on her cheek.
"I'm sorry," Rei whispered.
And then—he turned to leave.
"What are you doing!?" a voice echoed.
Naoto Yatsuki stood at the edge of the frozen world, eyes wide in disbelief.
But Rei didn't answer.
He walked into the void. Alone. Silent.
Present day
The moon hung cold and bright over the abandoned district. Shadows twisted around shattered buildings as the Hero Hunters gathered in silence.
Rei stood slightly apart from the group, his black mask covering half his face. A long coat flowed around his ankles, his presence quiet—but intense.
The leader gave the order.
"Tonight, you eliminate Kaien's squad. No mercy. No mistakes."
Rei nodded once.
As they moved out, one of the older hunters sneered and walked beside him.
"Hey, kid," he muttered, glancing at Rei's covered face. "Why the mask? You scared we'll see your baby face?"
Rei didn't respond.
Another hunter chuckled.
"Tch, he's got too much attitude for a rookie. Thinks he's special or something."
Rei's voice was low, almost a whisper.
"I cover my face because what's underneath… is a reminder of everything I lost."
The first hunter rolled his eyes.
"What, we're in a drama now? Get over it."
He reached out, grabbing Rei's shoulder.
In a flash—Rei grabbed his wrist and twisted it, slamming him to the ground with a brutal crack.
"Know your limits," Rei said coldly.
"We're here to kill, not play."
The other members went quiet. Even the cocky ones took a step back.
The Leader smirked in the distance, watching.
"Let's see what you do, Crownless Prince," he muttered.
Night wrapped the Hero Guild in an eerie silence. The streetlamps flickered as a storm gathered above—the air felt heavier, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
Footsteps echoed.
Cloaked in shadow, Rei and the Hero Hunter unit advanced toward the Guild entrance. Every one of them wore a mask—each uniquely designed, yet all hiding the truth beneath.
Some had grotesque grins.
Some had blank, soulless expressions.
But Rei's was simple: matte black, emotionless—like death itself.
A hunter whispered, "I can't believe we're hitting a guild… isn't this suicide?"
"They're not expecting us," another replied. "That's what makes it perfect."
"Our goal is fear. Leave one alive. Let them spread the word," their leader ordered.
Rei remained silent, his eyes scanning the glowing windows of the Guild.
Inside, Kaien's team laughed, unaware.
Misaki sat beside Ash, reviewing reports.
Koharu leaned back, half asleep.
Even Luna seemed relaxed, sipping tea.
The peace would not last.
Suddenly—
BOOM!
The front wall exploded inward.
Smoke, fire, debris.
Screams.
Rei walked through the smoke first—mask emotionless, eyes cold.
Misaki's eyes widened.
"No… it can't be."
"Everyone on alert!" Kaien shouted. "We're under attack!"
But they had no idea...
This wasn't just an attack.
This was the beginning of a war.
Amidst the smoke and flashing warning lights, the masked intruders surrounded the shocked heroes.
Then, one man stepped forward.
His presence was overwhelming—tall, composed, and radiating authority.
He removed his mask.
Silver hair. A sharp, scarred face. Eyes that had once inspired thousands.
Takuma Kairo.
Kaien's expression froze.
Misaki gasped.
Ash clenched his fists.
Luna whispered, "Impossible…"
"You're supposed to be dead," Kaien said.
Takuma gave a thin smile. "To this world… maybe. But I've only been watching. Waiting."
His voice rose, echoing through the broken halls of the guild.
"Hello, heroes. I am Takuma Kairo… your former Hero Guild Leader."
Silence fell like a blade.
"You want to know why I'm here?" he asked. "Because I've seen what you truly are. I built this system… and then watched it rot. Heroes who chase fame. Who kill innocents and call it collateral. Who abandon justice when it's inconvenient."
"I once believed in you," he said, voice sharp. "But now I fight against you."
Kaien shouted, "You betrayed everything!"
Takuma's eyes narrowed. "No. You betrayed me."
Behind him, Rei and the other Hunters stood still, waiting for the signal.
Then, Takuma raised his hand.
"Let justice begin."