King Vulnar, the ruler of the Atlantian kingdom, sat on his throne, his calm expression a stark contrast to the turmoil that might have brewed beneath. He wore a majestic red royal robe, a symbol of his power. Meanwhile, Jane Henderson stood in his presence, adorned in a regal purple robe complemented by a golden necklace. Her pale skin and long, flowing black hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall framed her somber expression. She was the mother of Bolt Henderson, the young boy whose life was tragically cut short by Lyra's hand.
"Your Majesty," Jane bowed, her voice trembling with emotion. "You promised me justice for my son, but now his murderer has escaped. Why...?" Vulnar raised his hand, silencing her. "My guards are searching for her as we speak. Have faith, your son will receive the justice he deserves." A gentle smile accompanied his reassuring words.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Jane said, bowing again before departing.
As the door closed behind Jane, King Vulnar's expression shifted. He sighed, his gaze drifting upward. "How long has it been since I lost mine?" he murmured, a hint of sorrow underlying his words.
Jane Henderson stepped into her chariot and addressed the masked man. "Find her, and when you do, bring her to me." He nodded, and a dark cloud of smoke enveloped him, obscuring his form before he vanished.
Meanwhile, six months had passed since Lyra's daring escape from the Atlantian kingdom's dungeon. The dungeon had since undergone significant renovations, making it nearly impossible for anyone to breach it again.
At Zeru's Academy, whispers and murmurs circulated among the students. Today was the day the unranked students would embark on their inaugural Yaijuu hunt. This rite of passage aimed to hone their battle skills and fortify their abilities. Pelia and Peter engaged in a heated discussion about the hunt, with Peter sharing strategies that left Pelia perplexed.
"When the Yaijuu comes, you run, and I'll face it," Peter said, his expression serious. Pelia raised an eyebrow. "Have you seen a Yaijuu before?" Peter shook his head. "No?" Pelia's skepticism grew. "Then what makes you think you can face something you've never encountered?"
"I've gotten stronger," Peter replied confidently. Pelia snorted. "Everyone here has improved. We need teamwork, not solo heroics. With your close-range combat skills and my long-range abilities, we make a solid team."
Peter smiled mischievously. "You forget I've developed a new skill." Pelia's curiosity was piqued. "What skill?" Peter's grin grew wider. "You'll see... hehehe.
"Where is Aiden?" Pelia asked.
A thirteen year-old boy, was elsewhere, training intensely. He wore black trousers, showcasing his lean physique as he swung a wooden sword with precision. After three minutes, he rested, wiping sweat from his forehead. Memories flooded his mind – from his arrival at Zeru's Academy to his friendships with Diane and Alex.
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Diane and Alex in months," Aiden said, concern creeping into his voice. Diane and Alex were the ones he first met in Zeru's academy. They were instructed by Arthur Fernir to take care of Aiden. "And I haven't seen that smiley face either," Aiden added, referring to Arthur's signature warmth.
"Oh, Aiden's here? Oh, my apologies, the 'waste' is here," Daniel sneered, entering the training grounds with his entourage.
Aiden, unfazed, put on his shirt and attempted to walk away. Daniel blocked his path, smirking, and his friends snickered.
"It's not meant to be funny, Daniel," Aiden said calmly.
Daniel retorted, "It's not meant to be funny because that's what you are." Aiden chuckled, his eyes glinting. "Says the one who got beaten up by two girls. Remember that?"
Daniel's smirk faltered, and he cleared his throat. "I may have lost that fight, but I'm not a waste like you. I'm on a different level." Aiden quickly snapped his fingers. "Exactly, I'm above you."
As Aiden tried to leave again, Daniel grabbed his shoulders, his grip tight. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Get your hands off me, or I finish what Lyra started," Aiden warned, his eyebrows furrowed. Daniel's smirk faltered as memories flooded his mind – Lyra's brutal beating in the training hall.
Daniel's hands transformed into black metal, his grip tightening. He attempted to crush Aiden's shoulder, but Aiden's stance remained unwavering. Aiden's eyes glowed blue, sending Daniel's friends backward.
"Thought he didn't have an evolved type," one of them whispered. Another added, "Look, Daniel's using all his strength, but I don't hear any bones breaking."
"Hey, Daniel, shouldn't you save your energy for the hunt?" one of his friends suggested. Daniel's grip on Aiden's shoulder relaxed, and Aiden's eyes returned to normal.
"Good choice," Aiden said, tapping Daniel's shoulder before walking past him.
Daniel's anger boiled over, and he launched a kick at Aiden's head. However, Aiden effortlessly dodged it, his hand remaining in his pocket.
"Missed," Aiden said, his voice calm.
Daniel's friends restrained him, whispering, "Let's settle this during the hunt." Daniel nodded, his expression darkening.
*********************
"Where's Aiden?" Pelia asked Peter.
"How should I know?" Peter replied.
Pelia's frustration grew. "You guys share a room, don't you?"
Peter shrugged. "So?"
Pelia threw up his hands. "Never mind, I'll find him myself." She turned to leave, with Peter following.
"Wait," Peter called out.
Meanwhile, Rhea observed the exchange, her gaze drifting to the bracelet on her wrist. "It's been six months since I last spoke to Aiden," she murmured, her thoughts introspective. "Can I control it now?" she wondered.
*******************
"Let's get this hunt started already!" Richard, a boy with black spiked hair, exclaimed.
"Patience is a virtue," Alexa, a girl with pigtails, replied calmly.
Richard raised an eyebrow. "How long are you going to read those books?"
Alexa didn't look up. "As long as I want."
Richard turned to Fredrick. "Hey, Fredrick, why don't you ask your father to start the hunt?"
Fredrick shook his head. "Not to entertain you, no."
Richard scoffed. "Those newbies can't survive the green ones, let alone the blue."
Alexa closed her book. "That's why the council of masters assigned B-ranks to supervise."
Richard yawned. "I'm bored."
"We know," Fredrick and Alexa chimed in unison.