– CHAPTER 2 –
THE NEW GENERAL
> "How can we call those who protect us… trash?"
I belong to the noble family known as Silve. We're known for our white hair—and the fact that we bear the lowest numbers on our wrists.
"Are you ready, princess?"
That's Oswald, from the 'Axes Division'. His rank is 2. The guy next to him? Rank 3. All nobility.
"We can't wait any longer. I still don't understand why you wanted to be part of this in the first place."
"…Because I admire generals. They fight to protect our dome."
Oswald has been kind to me since I was six, but he was always too busy with royal duties to stay by my side.
Sectors 10, 12, 13, and 26 have been the most active in missions since the death of Number 20. Their squads are shaken—but they don't know their nightmares are just beginning.
---
My name is Hayato, I'm 16 years old.
After rising in rank to Number 25, I was appointed captain. Karla's death forced me to get stronger—fast.
A new Number 20 was assigned to our squad: someone named Milícia.
At first, I thought it was a guy… but it was just a trick to hide her identity.
"So, what's my first No'kai hunt?"
"We find them, and destroy them."
…Easier said than done.
I kind of agree with Dan.
"I wonder what the new general is like, after the last one died…"
"Don't remind me," Maria muttered.
Dan and Maria were shaken. But not like me.
Karla was the kindest in our team. She didn't deserve to die that way.
"I know it was terrible, Hayato… but we have to stay strong."
"I know."
A cold wind blew. Silver hair floated in the breeze—
She was the General. Number 1.
It's rare to see a Number 1 serving in the field.
Her voice trembled—strange for someone in her position.
"Um… Squad 26, I'm your new general. I hope we get along well."
I replied over the radio:
"Captain Hayato, reporting from Sector 26. Pleased to meet you."
For some reason, her breathing over the call… it felt too shaky.
Dan grabbed my mic.
"Are you okay, General?"
You could feel her excitement—until she slapped herself.
"Yes… I just paused to think."
Dan turned to me, smirking.
"Guess she has a thing for you, Hayato."
Typical Dan. He can't handle noble weirdos.
Still… Silve family? Could she be one of them?
"Anyway," she said, "there's an active attack in Querex City."
"Yes, General."
"Call me Miyuki."
"Understood, Miyuki."
---
Querex City was already mostly destroyed.
The culprits were Youkais—a twisted subspecies of No'kais.
Dan charged in, but missed.
The creature dodged, laughing like a maniac.
> "Hee-hee... That tickled, pal."
Dan hates losing. Even against death itself.
He rushed in with his twin daggers—Sora.
"YOU BASTARD!"
"Incredible! Dan sliced it clean in half!"
He never liked losing. Ever since we were six, he's been trying to prove he's better than me.
"Hayato, you're cheating again!"
"You just suck at this game."
Maria watched us, amused. She always valued looks above all.
Poor Dan—never got a girl with a bust like hers.
"You okay, Dan?"
"Shut up, Hayato."
---
But then… that figure appeared.
He looked like family—but he wasn't alone.
"Well, well, Squad 26. Did you miss me?"
"Azel?! You know them?"
"Of course I do. I already took something from them...
But maybe that wasn't enough."
He grinned.
"Maybe I should rip off one of their arms next."
Everyone froze.
Dan didn't.
He attacked—but Azel grabbed him by the neck and smashed his head into a car with sickening force.
Dan collapsed. Blood ran from his scalp.
"I'll kill them all later," Azel smirked, disappearing with the cargo.
"You always take the fun," said another voice.
That was Ernesto, a Son'kai.
"Get your foot off Dan's head!" I yelled.
"You've got guts... killing my friends like that."
"…Those Youkais were your friends?"
I didn't have time to argue. I chased Azel. That cargo he stole could be dangerous.
Maria and Milícia stayed back to fight.
I just hope no one dies in this mission...
---
📢 Chapter 3 – "The Black Market Arc" is coming soon!
Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it!