Chapter 3

Mission complete. On the way back to HQ, I passed by Destiny Café on the corner of the street.

It's said that one may have special encounters here...

〔You've received a new message.〕

Unknown Just Now

\[Audio\]

Unknown

The cosmos disappears while u sleep.

Unknown – Audio: Don't go anywhere near that base. It's dangerous, and I'm not talking about the explosions or Wanderers.

ququ: You're... Xavier? *Read*

Xavier: Yeah

ququ: How did you get my phone number? *Read*

Xavier: I can delete it if U want

Xavier: But I already memorized it... Itll take me a while to forget

ququ: You're always so mysterious. You know more than you let on I wanna say... *Read*

Xavier: When you truly want to know something

Xavier: Theres always a way to find out

Xavier: I have to run some errands. Talk to you later.

Unicorns Bulid

The cleanup at the abandoned research base wrapped up nicely. The other hunters, Tara, and I returned to UNICORNS.

As expected, no threat levels higher than A rank were detected in the area affected by the Metaflux explosion.

When we cleared out the remaining Wanderers, we didn't encounter any more danger.

Tara: By the way, did we get anything from the data we sent back to HQ?

ququ: They said Data Analysis would conduct another investigation. We have to wait for the results before assuming anything.

Tara: It was kinda scary now that I'm thinking about it. I'm glad you're okay.

ququ: You should do a reading for me. Maybe my luck's also pretty good today!

Tara: You're still in the mood to crack jokes?

Tara: I have been trying to contact you for a while, and I was just about to try every method possible. Both scientific and mystical!

The bright screen on the wall suddenly dims. Captain Jenna emerges from a hidden door.

Jenna: Finally, we meet face-to-face, UNICORNS recruits.

Everyone falls silent under her commanding gaze.

Jenna: I am relieved to see that everyone has returned in one piece. Your performance was recorded and uploaded to our database by the Hunter's Watch each one of you is wearing.

Jenna: UNICORNS only chooses the best of the best. The squad will take that into consideration and assign you to the appropriate sector.

Jenna: In the foreseeable future, the difficulty of your assignments, nature of your work, and scope of your missions will correspond to your sector's role and responsibilities.

Jenna: The uncertainty and fear we need to be prepared to face is far greater than what we've seen today. This means we will need to have an open mind, remain flexible, and have trustworthy allies.

Jenna: As for today's mission... I have to say that it was executed very well.

Jenna: Thank you.

With those words, Jenna smiles briefly, looks around, and then slips behind the hidden door.

The room's lights turn on and are followed by beeps from the Hunter's Watches. One after another, everyone erupts into a frenzy.

Base Announcer: Mission data analyzed. Please report to your respective sector at 8:00 Α.Μ. tomorrow.

Tara: "Sector: Data Analysis. Captain: Andrew."

Tara: Wow, Data Analysis! Yesterday's fortune was right!

Tara: Well? What does yours say?

I look at my own watch. Under the UNICORNS section, it says—

ququ: "Sector: Alpha Team. Captain: Jenna."

Tara: You're working directly under Jenna?

Wow... Can I visit you in the future whenever I want?

ququ: Are you sure you're not using that as an excuse to gawk at Captain Jenna?

Tara: I have two eyes. I can look at you and her at the same time, right?

ququ: ...Oh, you.

Tara: Well, that's it for today. Wanna grab a bite to eat?

We walk out of the Hunters Association. Not too far away, in the heart of Linkon, is Azure Square.

Mini drones equipped with 360-degree eyes-infrared sensors designed to monitor Wanderer activity-patrol the sky.

Today's Linkon is nothing like the one that was attacked fourteen years ago.

After Tara and I grab a quick snack, we decide to walk around the square, relaxing our minds after a busy day.

ququ: So you admire Captain Jenna because she saved you? Is that right?

We stroll past the trees lining the path before sitting down on a bench near the square's monument. Her eyes light up as she excitedly shares her past from over a decade ago.

Tara: ...And just like that, the Wanderer was gone! Poof! Disappeared into thin air!

Tara: After escorting me to a safe place by the road, she said, "You're safe now. Go home." Aaaah! That's what we call max level of security!

Tara seems completely engrossed in her tale. Then she turns to look at me, suddenly serious.

Tara: So yes, as you can see, I became a hunter to follow in Captain Jenna's footsteps. I want to be as badass as she is to be her equal and fight alongside her.

ququ: One day, you'll be able to achieve your dream.

Tara: Oh, I've just been rambling on. What about you? Why did you become a hunter?

ququ: Me? Well...

Under the clear sky, Azure Square is lively. I look away, and as far as my eyes can see, the horizon is painted by the gold of the setting sun.

I still remember that from fourteen years ago. It was also a lively evening. The roars of Wanderers, like a flood, drowned out the screams and cries for help.

I sprint through the street covered in rubble, not even knowing what monster is chasing me. Until a sharp pain pierces me and burrows itself into my heart.

A makeshift shelter made of the remains of collapsed buildings is within sight. Trembling, I muster all the strength I have and crawl toward it. Amidst the dirt and gloom, a small seedling breaks through the soil.

If I survive this, I don't want to be anyone's prey. I don't want to only run when there's danger...

Tara: Looks like you're reminiscing about something from a looong time ago.

ququ: That's amazing. You can tell fortunes and read other people's expressions.

Tara: Yeah, I can see you're anxious but also full of anticipation...

Mr. Guidey – ROBOT: ...This is a very important symbol for Linkon City! Mr. Guidey welcomes you to Azure Square!

Mr. Guidey – ROBOT: Here the past and future coexist! The old and new mingle together seamlessly! This is the charm of Linkon, the City of Innovation! Wow!

Tara: Ahhh...It's sooo noisy, like a kid who's constantly shouting.

Mr. Guidey – ROBOT: Everyone, look over there! Tide Street is hosting a marine-themed exhibition! Follow me...

ququ: Let's call it here. We have to get up early for work tomorrow. We should go home and get some rest.

Tara: Right. After all, we've experienced a real battle. Getting a good night's sleep is important. I live pretty far from here, so I should be heading home soon.

ququ: See you tomorrow.

Tara: Hehe, goodbye!

After Tara leaves, I also get up. I'm ready to head home.

Noticing a figure that's been hiding behind the bushes, I can't help but sigh.

ququ: Hey, kid. Can I help you or anything?

ququ: But I'll just get going if you don't need me.

The bushes rustle slightly, then quickly stop moving.

I'm only able to take a few steps before I feel a tug on my coat.

Boy: So Miss, I overheard your conversation... Are you a hunter on a mission?

ququ: I'm a hunter on standby.

Boy: Everyone says hunters are super strong and you can do anything I ask. Right? Riiight?

Brimming with confidence, he pulls out a stack of shiny, gold cards from his pocket.

Boy: Here's what I'll give you as a reward! A full set of Super Hunters AR cards! And it has the limited edition Hunter Lux. Follow me!

ququ: Hold on, at least tell me what you—

Boy: We're almost there. I need you to help me catch that little red fishie!

ququ: Sure thing, but I can't promise I'll succeed. Is that okay with you?

Girl: Lucas! You can't cheat in a contest!

Boy: Oh no, she spotted us! Take this net and don't say anything about me hiring you!

ququ: Sigh... He ran away already...

??: Unfortunate. This species of fish can only survive for a week on land.

ququ: (...A tourist?)

??: The fish is gonna slip away, you know.

??: Ta-da. *take the net* *Catching fish*

??: The owner probably just wanted to throw in some fish to fit the theme.

??: But this one, bright as a flame, is a real Flammula from Lemurian legends.

ququ: Oh.

ququ: Flammula? I'm not very familiar with those myths or folklore...

ququ: Hat Island is closed off because there have been reports of Wanderers. You should stay away from that place for now.

??: That explains why I couldn't get a boat ticket. It's good that you were here to let me know. Otherwise, I really would've wasted my time.

ququ: Wait.

ququ: Here's the fish you caught. I hope it'll survive longer with you.

??: ...

ququ: If you like the sea, you should go to Whitesand Bay. It's the most beautiful beach in all of...

ququ: (But he didn't even let me finish...)

Message from "Roarine Chack?"

ququ: Darn it

To Be Continued...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***