Part A: Director's Office
A pristine hallway in the administrative building stretched before him, polished floors reflecting fluorescent lights with mirror-like clarity. A door bore a nameplate reading "DIRECTOR'S OFFICE" in professional lettering.
Kaiden sat on a bench outside that office, arms crossed, leg bouncing with nervous energy. His expression mixed anger with anxiety in equal measure, each emotion warring for dominance on his face. The tap-tap-tap of his foot against the floor created a steady, anxious rhythm.
The office door swung open, and a professional-looking assistant stepped out, clipboard in hand, her expression carefully neutral. "Kaiden. The Director will see you now."
He rose to his feet, trying to compose himself despite his visible agitation, and walked through the doorway. The assistant held the door as he entered a spacious, well-appointed office—large desk, bookshelves lining the walls, windows overlooking the campus. Behind the desk sat the Director, middle-aged with a stern expression that radiated authoritative presence.
The Director motioned to the chair across from his desk without warmth. "Sit."
Kaiden lowered himself into the chair, back rigid, hands gripping his knees as tension radiated through his body.
The Director looked past Kaiden to his assistant, who stood near the door. "Go find the other student involved. The boy named... Zero."
The assistant bowed slightly and turned to leave. "Yes, sir. Right away."
The office door closed with a definitive click, leaving Kaiden alone with the Director, who fixed him with a penetrating stare in the heavy silence that followed.
Part B: The Confrontation
The Director's voice was level but carried unmistakable fury beneath its controlled surface. "Are you out of your mind, Kaiden?"
He placed both hands on his desk, leaning toward Kaiden intimidatingly. "You know that magic beasts are strictly prohibited on academy grounds." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "It's incredibly difficult to even find an S-Rank beast, let alone tame one." His voice rose slightly, restrained anger breaking through. "And you used it to attack a fellow student?! Caused chaos on school property?!"
Kaiden's face showed desperation as he tried to explain. "I'm sorry, sir! I was just trying to scare him!" His words came out rushed, defensive. "I planned to have Cretan transform into water the moment it got close to him. It was supposed to be harmless!"
His expression shifted from apologetic to furious. "But that son of a—" He made a sharp upward gesture with his hand. "He summoned some kind of abnormal rock from the ground! Pierced straight through Cretan's chest!" His fists clenched on his knees. "My father just captured that beast two days ago. It wasn't even fully under control yet!"
His expression became dark, bitter. "And then... it just... disappeared."
He leaned forward slightly, voice dropping to a whisper, eyes shadowed. "I'm not going to let him live..."
The Director's eyes widened—he'd heard the whisper. "What?!" He rose from his chair, slamming his hands on the desk with explosive force. "It disappeared?! What do you mean, disappeared?!"
Kaiden looked up, meeting the Director's eyes, his own expression troubled. "Yes, sir. Disappeared." His hands gestured as he described what happened. "Cretan formed a water tornado around him, completely covering him..." His expression showed confusion and fear as he recalled the event. "Then suddenly, these... space-like particles appeared." He shook his head, struggling to explain something he didn't understand. "They covered the entire water tornado. And then... everything just vanished. The water. Cretan. All of it."
The Director sat back down slowly, his expression grave as he processed this information. He straightened papers on his desk, tone becoming official. "You're suspended. One month."
Kaiden jumped to his feet, chair scraping backward. "What?! Why suspend me?!" He gestured wildly toward the door. "Suspend that bastard! He's the one who destroyed my beast!"
The Director didn't even look up, continuing to organize papers. "I can't." He finally looked at Kaiden with a level, uncompromising gaze. "He acted in self-defense. You brought an S-Rank beast to attack him." His expression became severe. "If your father's company wasn't one of our major funders, you'd be expelled right now, not just suspended."
He made a dismissive gesture toward the door. "Now leave my office."
Kaiden's face contorted with rage and humiliation, but he couldn't argue further. The silence stretched between them before Kaiden turned and walked toward the door, each step heavy with anger. The door slammed shut behind him with force.
Alone in his office, the Director rubbed his temples, the weight of this situation evident on his face as he released a long, exhausted sigh.
Part C: Zero Summoned
A clock on the wall marked the passage of time with steady ticks. The office door opened again, and the assistant stepped inside, standing at attention. "Sir, the student Zero has been found. He's awake and recovered."
The Director straightened up, resuming his professional demeanor. "Send him in."
Zero walked into the office, looking uncertain and slightly nervous. He stopped in front of the Director's desk, waiting. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
The Director motioned to the seat. "Sit. We need to discuss what happened."
Zero lowered himself into the chair, hands in his lap, as the Director leaned back in his chair, observing Zero carefully. "I've reviewed the incident. Multiple witnesses confirmed that Kaiden initiated the confrontation." His tone became more measured. "His use of an S-Rank beast against a fellow student is a severe violation of academy policy."
Zero's shoulders relaxed slightly at these words.
The Director folded his hands on the desk. "Kaiden has been suspended for one month. You acted in self-defense, so no disciplinary action will be taken against you."
Zero's eyes widened slightly. "I... thank you, sir."
"However..." The Director's expression became more serious. He leaned forward slightly. "What you displayed out there—that power—it's far beyond anything we've seen from a student before."
Zero remained silent, looking down at his hands.
The Director's tone softened slightly, showing concern rather than accusation. "I suggest you register with the Hunter Bureau officially. Get proper training and assessment."
Zero met the Director's eyes and nodded. "I understand, sir. I'm already planning to."
The Director waved toward the door. "That's all. You're dismissed."
Zero rose and gave a respectful bow. "Thank you, sir." He turned and walked toward the door, which closed behind him with a soft click.
Chapter 6, Scene 2: Ryo's Home
Part A: Evening at Ryo's House
A modest two-story house sat in a residential neighborhood, warm light glowing from its windows as the sun set, casting orange light across the sky. Inside the comfortable living room, Ryo, Zero, and Zoe sat together, the atmosphere relaxed but carrying underlying tension.
Ryo leaned forward, looking at Zero with intense curiosity. "Hey, Zero... I've been wanting to ask you something."
Zero glanced up from where he sat. "What is it?"
Ryo's expression became thoughtful, recalling what he'd witnessed. "During the fight with Kaiden's beast..." He looked directly at Zero. "You said, 'You dared to attack me. Now see me.' And other things like that." His eyes searched Zero's face for answers. "That... that was actually you, wasn't it? You were conscious?"
Zero didn't answer immediately, looking down at his hands in the heavy silence. Finally, he met Ryo's eyes and nodded slowly. "Yeah. It was me."
His expression became serious, contemplative. "It was different from before. During the classroom fight with Yami, I was completely unconscious." He clenched his hand into a fist, looking at it. "But this time... I could feel it. I was aware." A hint of satisfaction crossed his face. "I had power. And I wanted to crush his pride, so... I said those things."
Zoe suddenly spoke up, her voice sharp with frustration. "Do you guys ever think about anything except fighting?!" She rose to her feet, pointing at Zero accusingly. "What if you get seriously injured?! What if something worse happens?!" Her expression showed genuine fear beneath her anger. "I already lost Mom and Dad... I can't lose you too!"
Zero's confident demeanor cracked slightly, showing remorse. "Zoe..."
Ryo stood and placed a hand on Zoe's shoulder gently, giving her a warm, reassuring smile. "Hey, don't worry so much. Your brother is strong now. He can protect himself—and you too."
Zero's eyes widened as something occurred to him. "Oh! I almost forgot!" He jumped to his feet. "I have to practice. My reassessment is tomorrow."
Zoe glanced at a clock on the wall. "It's already seven o'clock—"
"I'll be back in two hours! Promise!" Zero was already moving toward the door, cutting her off mid-sentence, and he was out before either could protest.
Zoe and Ryo stood in the living room, looking at each other helplessly. "Sigh... He never listens..."
Part B: The Abandoned Riverside
An overgrown area beside a river spread out before him—surprisingly well-maintained despite being abandoned, with grass trimmed and paths clear. The evening light cast long shadows across the clearing.
Zero jogged into the clearing, breathing slightly heavily from the run. He looked around at the space with familiarity and satisfaction. Good. Just like I left it. A brief memory flashed through his mind—mowing grass, clearing debris, treating this abandoned place like his personal training ground.
He did a complete 360-degree turn, carefully scanning the entire area as wind rustled through the grass. Satisfied that no one was around, he nodded to himself. Perfect. No one here.
He stood in the center of the clearing, thinking. Okay... so what exactly can I do now? His expression became curious, experimental. Can I transform into the bull? Or summon it like other beast owners? Or maybe I absorbed its power permanently?
Part C: Testing Abilities
Zero walked toward a large tree at the edge of the clearing. He drew his fist back, aiming at the tree trunk. "Let's test this..."
His fist connected with the bark with a solid thwack. The tree barely shook. Zero's knuckles stung. No special power manifested.
He pulled his hand back, shaking it out. "Ow... Okay, so I didn't absorb its strength." He stepped back, holding his hand out dramatically. "Then... maybe I can summon it?"
He spoke with determination, trying different approaches. "Come forth! Cretan!"
Silence. The wind rustled the grass. Nothing appeared.
He cleared his throat and tried different wording. "Uh... Cretan Bull! I summon you!"
More silence. Zero started to feel foolish.
He ran his hand through his hair, embarrassed. "Maybe... just 'Cretan'?"
Without warning, the air beside Zero distorted and rippled with a resonating sound. The Cretan Bull materialized—but it was completely transformed from before. Its body was now composed of swirling cosmic energy—deep black with countless points of light like stars. It was the same massive size but looked like a living constellation. A single line of white fur ran from its head down to its tail like a horse's mane.
Zero stumbled backward in surprise, then his face lit up with excitement. "It worked! You... you're here!"
He walked around the magnificent creature, taking in every detail with wonder. "This is incredible..."
He pointed at the ground, testing. "Cretan, sit!"
The massive cosmic bull lowered itself onto its haunches obediently, just like a trained dog.
"Stand up!"
The Cretan Bull rose smoothly to its feet.
Then a deep, resonant voice echoed directly in Zero's mind—ancient and loyal. "Master, I am loyal to you until death. You don't need to test me."
Zero's eyes widened. "You can... talk?!" He looked at the bull with new curiosity. "Can you read my mind?"
The bull's voice echoed telepathically again. "No, Master. You and your soldiers can communicate through telepathy when you wish, but I cannot read your thoughts uninvited."
Zero tilted his head in confusion. "'Soldiers'? What do you mean?" He waved off the question for now. "Never mind that. Why did your appearance change?" He pointed at the cosmic form. "You were white before, like water reflecting light. But now you look like... like you're made of space itself." Despite his confusion, he admitted his approval. "You look amazing, though."
The bull's telepathic voice carried a tone of reverence. "It is your power, Master. When you absorbed me, your essence transformed mine." The starlit form seemed to pulse gently. "I feel far more powerful than before. Your energy has elevated me beyond my previous limits."
The bull's voice became more formal. "Master, you may grant me a designated name and a transformed shape."
Zero blinked in surprise. "What? I can do that?"
The bull nodded its massive head. "Yes. Only S-Rank beasts and higher possess this ability. You can assign me a form to avoid drawing unwanted attention." The telepathic voice became educational. "Other beasts remain within their master's body and return to the Beast Realm upon their master's death. But we S-Rank beasts can take alternate forms."
Zero placed his hand on his chin, contemplating. "A different form... and a name..." His face lit up with decision. "Your name will be... Crec!" He gestured with his hands, describing the shape. "And your alternate form will be a dog. Black and white fur."
The massive cosmic bull began to shrink and shift, its form becoming indistinct with a shimmering sound. Where the enormous bull had stood, there was now a medium-sized dog with striking black and white fur. It maintained the cosmic quality—its black fur seemed to hold depths of space, while its white fur gleamed with starlight.
The dog sat, looking up at Zero with intelligent eyes. "Master, why have you summoned me?"
Zero's face became serious, focused. "I want to train. I need to become stronger physically." He clenched his fists. "I want to learn hand-to-hand combat. Build my body. Get stronger without relying only on... whatever that power is." He looked at Crec with determination. "Act as my opponent. Fight me, but don't use any special skills. Just physical combat."
The dog rose to its feet, its form becoming more alert. "As you command, Master."
Part D: Training Montage
Zero assumed a fighting stance. Crec's dog form mirrored him, ready to engage, and they faced off in the growing darkness.
Zero threw a punch. Crec dodged effortlessly. The dog countered, striking Zero's midsection with a paw. "Oof!"
Zero recovered, attempting a sweep kick, but Crec leaped over it. They exchanged rapid blows, neither gaining the upper hand, the sounds of their combat filling the riverside clearing.
The moon rose higher in the sky as stars became more prominent. Zero was sweating heavily, breathing hard, but his eyes still burned with determination.
Crec barely seemed winded, watching Zero with patient eyes. "Master, your stamina has improved."
Zero wiped his forehead with his arm, grinning despite exhaustion. "Again!"
They clashed once more, Zero's movements noticeably sharper than at the start.
When Zero checked his phone, his eyes widened in panic—it was ten o'clock at night, two hours past when he'd said he'd return. "Oh no! It's already ten!"
He quickly addressed Crec. "That's enough for tonight! Return!"
The cosmic dog dissolved into particles of light, disappearing into nothing.
Part E: Sneaking Home
Zero sprinted through darkened streets, heading back to Ryo's house. When he approached, he noted that most lights were off and retrieved a key from his pocket—Ryo had given him a spare. Thank goodness Ryo gave me this...
He carefully unlocked the door, trying to make no sound, then slipped through, moving with exaggerated stealth. He tiptoed through the darkened hallway, wincing at every tiny creak of the floorboards.
When he reached the door to the room he shared with Ryo and carefully opened it, he saw Ryo already in his bed, sleeping soundly with soft snoring sounds.
Zero slipped inside and quietly closed the door behind him. Exhausted, he didn't even change clothes—he simply fell onto his bed face-first and within seconds was unconscious, completely worn out from training.
Chapter 6, Scene 3: Morning Conflict
Part A: Zoe's Anger
Bright morning sunlight streamed through the bedroom window as birds chirped outside. The bedroom door slammed open violently.
Zoe stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, face red with anger. "ZERO!"
Zero shot upright in bed, startled and disoriented. "Wha—?!"
Zoe marched toward Zero's bed, each step deliberate and heavy. She pointed at him accusingly. "You said two hours! TWO HOURS!" Her voice rose with frustration. "It was past ten when you came back! I was worried sick!"
Zero held up his hands placatingly. "I'm sorry! Training just... took longer than I thought—"
"You're ALWAYS doing this! You never think about how others feel!"
Zero got out of bed, his own frustration rising. "I'm doing this for us! To get stronger so I can—"
Tears began forming in Zoe's eyes, but her voice remained angry. "To find Mom and Dad? You think I don't know that?!" Her expression shifted from anger to vulnerability. "But what if I lose you too while you're trying to find them?!"
Both stood facing each other, the air heavy with emotion and tense silence.
Ryo, who'd been awake this whole time, sat up in his bed. "Okay, okay! Both of you, calm down!" He got out of bed and physically positioned himself between the siblings. "Zoe, he's trying his best. Zero, you should've let us know you'd be late." He looked between them with a gentle but firm expression. "Can we please not start the day with fighting? We're all family here."
Zoe turned away, still upset but backing down. "Hmph!"
Zero's expression softened with genuine regret. "...I really am sorry, Zoe."
The three stood in uncomfortable silence before Ryo clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Alright! Let's get ready for school. Zoe, didn't you say you had that project due today?"
Zoe's eyes widened as she remembered. "Oh! You're right!" She hurried out of the room, her anger momentarily forgotten.
Zero and Ryo looked at each other, both exhaling in relief. "She'll be okay. Just... maybe text next time?"
Zero ran his hand through his messy hair. "Yeah... I will."
Part B: Parting Ways
Outside Ryo's house, the three stood ready to head their separate ways. Zoe and Ryo started walking in one direction. "Come on, Zoe. We'll be late."
Zero turned to go the other way. "I'm going to the Hunter Bureau. Good luck with your project, Zoe!"
Zoe kept walking without looking back, still somewhat upset.
Ryo turned and waved to Zero. "Good luck with your assessment!"
Zero returned the wave with a small smile. "Thanks!"
He walked down the street alone, heading toward the Hunter Bureau, his footsteps steady and determined.
Chapter 6, Scene 4: Hunter Bureau
Part A: Arrival and Appointment
The imposing Hunter Bureau headquarters rose before him, people in various Hunter gear coming and going from the entrance in a steady stream. Zero walked through the front entrance as automatic doors slid open.
The lobby bustled with activity—Hunters, administrative staff, people at various counters—all creating a wall of chatter and movement. Zero approached the main reception desk where a receptionist sat.
He retrieved a special card from his pocket—the one Ryuji had given him. "Excuse me, I'd like to set an appointment with Deputy Chairman Ryuji."
The receptionist took the card, her eyes widening slightly when she saw it. "Oh! One moment, please." She picked up her phone, speaking quickly. "Sir, there's someone here with your priority access card."
She nodded while listening to the muffled response, then hung up and returned the card to Zero with a professional smile. "The Deputy Chairman will see you immediately. Please take the elevator to the fifteenth floor."
Zero took the card back and bowed slightly. "Thank you."
Part B: Ryuji's Office - The Meeting
In the elevator, floor numbers ticked upward with soft dings. When the doors opened on the fifteenth floor, Zero walked down a professional hallway toward a door labeled "DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - KEN RYUJI."
He knocked on the door—three steady raps.
"Come in," Ryuji's voice called from inside.
Zero opened the door and stepped into Ryuji's office. Ryuji sat behind his desk, looking up from paperwork with a welcoming expression. "Zero. Good to see you."
Zero approached the desk. "Thank you for seeing me, Ryuji-san. I'm here for my reassessment."
Ryuji set down his pen and leaned back in his chair, his expression becoming apologetic. "About that... you'll have to wait a bit." He gestured helplessly. "All assessment domes are currently occupied. There's quite a backlog today."
Zero's shoulders slumped slightly. "Oh... I see."
Ryuji rose from his chair. "But let's talk while we wait. Come, have a seat." He motioned to a more comfortable seating area in his office—a couch and chairs around a coffee table.
They both sat across from each other, the atmosphere more casual than the formal desk setup. Zero looked uncertain about what this conversation might be about. What does he want to talk about?
Ryuji looked at Zero with a serious but not unkind expression. "I heard about your fight with my nephew's bull beast."
Zero's eyes widened in alarm. "Your nephew?!" He immediately bowed his head. "I'm so sorry! If I had known he was related to you, I would never have—"
Ryuji held up a hand, stopping Zero's apology. "Stop, stop. You're being too formal." His expression became more relaxed. "I know about Kaiden's anger issues and his pride problem." He leaned forward slightly. "I also received multiple witness reports confirming that he initiated the confrontation." His voice carried no accusation. "You acted in self-defense. There's nothing to apologize for."
Zero's tense posture eased. "Thank you for understanding..."
The office door burst open without warning. A staff member rushed in, breathing heavily, looking distressed. "Sir! I apologize for interrupting—I didn't realize you were in a meeting!"
Ryuji stood quickly, reading the urgency in the staff member's face. "It's fine. What's happened?"
"Are any assessment domes available? We have someone waiting—"
The staff member shook his head. "No, sir. All domes are occupied. There's still a line." His expression brightened with realization. "Wait! I just received word—the new dome on the lower floor was completed and inspected yesterday!"
Ryuji's face lit up. "Excellent timing!" He looked at Zero with renewed energy. "Looks like luck is on your side today, Zero. Let's go." He addressed the staff member as they headed toward the door. "Get the assessment operating team ready and meet us at the new dome."
The staff member nodded and rushed off. "Yes, sir!"
Part C: The New Dome
Ryuji and Zero walked side by side through the Bureau's corridors, their footsteps echoing in the hallway. They descended a staircase leading to the lower levels and reached a large door marked "ASSESSMENT DOME - NEW FACILITY."
Zero looked around with interest. "This is new?"
Ryuji pressed his hand against a security panel that beeped twice. "Just completed. You'll be one of the first to use it."
The massive door slid open with a hydraulic hiss, revealing an interior identical to the previous dome—large, circular, reinforced walls, observation windows above.
Zero walked into the center of the fighting area, his footsteps echoing in the vast space. Behind him, the entrance sealed with mechanical precision, locks engaging with definitive clangs.
Above, in the observation control room, Ryuji and the operating team took their positions. Several operators sat at control panels, monitoring screens and equipment with steady beeping sounds. Ryuji stood at the observation window, looking down at Zero in the arena below.
He pressed a button to activate the communication system. "Zero, can you hear me?"
In the arena, Zero looked toward the observation window. "Yes, I can hear you!"
Ryuji's voice echoed through the dome's speakers. "Same as before. We'll release an E-Rank monster. Defeat it however you can. We'll measure your power output."
Zero assumed a ready stance. "Understood!"
An operator's hand hovered over a control. "Preparing to release E-Rank specimen."
Ryuji nodded. "Proceed."
The operator pressed the button with a soft beep. "Monster release... initiated."
Part D: The Catastrophic Error
On the opposite side of the dome, a large door began to rise with a rumbling sound. Behind the opening door was pure darkness—nothing visible yet in the oppressive silence.
Then massive, thunderous footsteps echoed from the darkness.
Ryuji's confident expression faltered. Something felt wrong. Wait... that sound... His eyes narrowed, body tensing. This aura... it's not E-Rank!
The control room door slammed open violently. A different staff member burst in, gasping for air, face pale with terror. "STOP! Close the monster gate!"
All heads in the control room snapped toward the newcomer.
He stumbled forward, grabbing the nearest console for support. "We... we thought this dome wasn't going to be used yet!" His expression showed absolute panic. "We stored yesterday's D-Rank labyrinth boss here as a temporary holding cell!"
Ryuji's eyes widened in horror. "WHAT?!" He dashed to the console, shoving an operator aside. "Stop the assessment! Open Zero's gate! I'll fight it myself!"
His face showed desperation. He fainted against an E-Rank! He'll be killed instantly against a D-Rank boss!
An operator frantically pressed buttons. "Opening arena gate!"
The screen flashed red with error messages. Multiple screens went black as equipment powered down with a descending whir. All the control panels became dark and unresponsive.
The staff member who'd brought the warning spoke urgently. "The boss has thunder-based abilities! Its aura is interfering with the electrical systems!" He gestured helplessly at the dead equipment. "The domes are only designed to contain E-Rank monsters. Anything higher disrupts the systems!"
Ryuji stared at the observation window, helpless. "No... No!" He moved toward the door leading down to the arena. "I'll break through the locked gate myself!"
Staff Member 2 grabbed Ryuji's arm. "Sir, you can't! Breaking the gate could trigger the building's emergency lockdown system!" His face was grave. "It could seal off this entire level. We'd all be trapped!"
One of the operators, trying to stay calm, spoke. "Sir, please... stay calm for a moment." He looked at Ryuji with sympathy and resignation. "For now... that boy's life is in his own hands."
Ryuji's fists clenched. He was powerless to help. "Damn it...!"
Part E: The Monster Revealed
Back in the arena, Zero stood in the fighting area, unaware of the crisis above, watching the monster gate expectantly. The thunderous footsteps grew louder, closer, shaking the ground beneath his feet.
He assumed his fighting stance, ready. Just another E-Rank. I can do this.
A massive shadow began to emerge from the darkness of the monster gate with a deep rumbling sound. The creature's upper body came into view—a horrifying fusion of shark and humanoid. Muscular, scaled torso. Sharp, cyan-tipped fins running down its back like jagged spines.
Two powerful, humanoid arms gripped twin golden tridents, each weapon crackling with electrical energy. Its lower half was revealed—a massive, coiling blue serpent's tail that writhed and moved independently with a slithering sound.
The creature's face resembled a great white shark—rows of razor-sharp teeth, dead black eyes that suddenly began to glow with menacing red light.
The complete monster stood revealed: a terrifying hybrid with the upper body of a muscle-bound shark-man covered in scales, cyan-tipped fins protruding from its back like deadly spines, powerful humanoid arms wielding twin golden tridents, and a massive blue serpent tail for its lower body. Glowing red eyes burned with predatory fury. It towered over Zero, easily three times his height, and released a deafening roar that shook the very walls of the dome.
Zero stared up at the monstrosity, his confident expression replaced by pure, primal fear. His face went pale, sweat instantly beading on his forehead. "What... what IS that?!"
The size difference was staggering—Zero looked like an ant before a giant. The monster's shadow completely engulfed him.
In the control room, Ryuji and the entire team watched through the window, frozen in helpless terror.
The creature's glowing red eyes locked onto Zero with predatory intent, pulsing with malevolent light as it prepared to strike.