Part A: The Assessment Result
Ryuji sat behind his desk, a small card held between his fingers. Zero sat across from him, waiting expectantly in the heavy silence.
Ryuji extended his hand, sliding the Hunter assessment card across the desk toward Zero with a soft scraping sound. "Here. Your official Hunter license."
Zero reached out and took the card, lifting it to examine. The card displayed his information clearly:
NAME: ZERO
RANK: E
STATUS: ACTIVE HUNTER
Zero's eyes widened in disbelief, his hand trembling slightly. "What...?"
He shot to his feet, card gripped tightly. "E-Rank?! How is that possible?!" He held the card up, gesturing at it with disbelief. "I fought and won against that massive monster! How can I be E-Rank?!"
Ryuji leaned back in his chair, running his hand through his hair with a tired sigh. His expression was understanding but firm. "Normally, defeating a D-Rank labyrinth boss would earn you at least C-Rank." He leaned forward, elbows on desk. "But the assessment measures your power output, not your beast's."
His tone became more pointed as he raised one finger, emphasizing the rule. "That beast—Kaiden's former beast—was the one who killed the monster. Beast pets are banned during assessments for exactly this reason."
Zero slowly sat back down, the wind taken out of his sails.
Ryuji's tone shifted from official to genuinely curious. "But I do have questions." His eyes showed intense interest as he leaned forward. "How did you change the bull's appearance?" He gestured as he spoke, counting off the mysteries. "And it gained healing abilities it never had before." His expression became even more serious. "But the biggest question: How did you tame an S-Rank beast?"
Part B: Zero's Explanation
Zero looked down at his hands, trying to find the words. "I... I'm not entirely sure myself." His expression became contemplative. "During the fight, I felt power flowing through my body." He made a motion with his hands, trying to describe something abstract. "Those cosmic particles... that space-like energy... I don't know how I used it."
His face showed confusion mixed with wonder. "But after that, when I summoned the bull again, its appearance had completely changed." He looked up at Ryuji earnestly. "And it became... loyal. Like it had been serving me for thousands of years. Maybe millions." His expression became more specific. "It asked me for a name. And requested a false form to avoid attention."
Ryuji's eyes widened significantly. "Wait—it asked? It spoke to you?" He rose from his chair, leaning on his desk with urgency. "Beasts and monsters don't communicate! They can't speak human language!"
Zero looked confused by Ryuji's reaction. "But... he does talk. Through telepathy." He tapped his temple. "We can communicate mentally whenever I want."
His expression became curious. "But how do you know what it looked like before? You weren't there when Kaiden attacked me."
Ryuji returned to his seat, a bitter smile on his face. "Kaiden called all the family members together to show off his new beast." A brief memory flashed through his mind—Kaiden proudly presenting the white Cretan Bull to family members. "He even staged a friendly fight just to demonstrate its power."
He looked at Zero with a mixture of emotions. "I'm genuinely impressed by your abilities, Zero." His expression became more serious. "But if you have such power... why didn't you use it against the D-Rank boss?"
Zero clenched his fists on his knees. "I don't know." His voice carried frustration and helplessness. "It's not in my control. I can't summon that power at will."
Both sat in contemplative silence for a moment.
Part C: Zero's Request
Zero looked up, his expression becoming determined. "I have a request."
Ryuji raised an eyebrow, gesturing for Zero to continue. "Go on."
Zero leaned forward in his seat. "Even though I'm E-Rank, can you assign me to a team for labyrinth raids?" His expression showed genuine desire to learn. "I want to understand these labyrinths better. The monsters, the dungeons, how everything works." He clenched his fist with determination. "I can't truly understand them until I experience them firsthand. Until I feel it."
Ryuji stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm..." He nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll speak with a team that specializes in E-Rank labyrinth raids."
Zero stood and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Ryuji-san. I really appreciate it." He turned toward the door. "Then, if you'll excuse me..." He opened the office door, then looked back over his shoulder. "I'll be waiting for your message."
The door closed behind him with a soft click.
Ryuji sat at his desk, staring at where Zero had been sitting. That boy... what exactly is he?
Chapter 8, Scene 2: Ryo's Disappearance
Part A: Arriving at Ryo's House
The sun was setting as Zero approached Ryo's house, casting long shadows across the street. As he walked toward the front door, expecting a normal evening, he noticed Zoe standing at the front door with her arms crossed, staring down the street with a worried expression.
Zero's steps slowed as he saw her unusual behavior. Zoe? What's she doing out here?
He walked up beside her. "Zoe? Who are you looking for?"
Zoe turned, her expression showing clear concern. "Ryo."
Zero tilted his head in confusion. "Ryo? What do you mean? Isn't he inside?"
She shook her head, looking back toward the street. "No. He hasn't come home." Her voice carried worry and frustration. "We planned to meet at the university gate after school and come home together." She looked at her phone, checking the time. "But it's already three hours past when we were supposed to meet."
Zero's expression shifted from confused to worried. "Three hours? That's not like him..."
Zoe fidgeted with her phone anxiously. "At first, I thought maybe he had some work to do. But he's not answering his phone."
Zero spoke quickly, urgently. "Did you ask his parents? Maybe they know where he went?"
Zoe looked down guiltily. "No... I didn't want to worry them if it was nothing..."
Zero immediately headed inside. "Come on. We need to tell them now."
Part B: The Search Begins
Inside the living room, Zero and Zoe stood before Ryo's parents, explaining the situation. Ryo's mother's hand went to her mouth in concern. "What? He hasn't come home?"
Ryo's father immediately rose from his seat. "This isn't like him. He always calls if he's going to be late."
He pulled out his phone and dialed his son's number. The phone rang and rang, then went to voicemail. "Please leave a message after the tone..."
He lowered the phone, his face showing alarm. "He's not answering."
Ryo's mother grabbed her coat urgently. "We need to go look for him. Now."
The four of them rushed toward the door together. Outside, they stood on the street discussing their plan. "We'll split up. Cover more ground," Ryo's father said.
Zero stepped forward. "Zoe and I will check the university and surrounding areas."
Ryo's father nodded, already moving toward his car. "Good. We'll check his usual hangouts. Call if you find anything." He had his phone to his ear as he got in the car. "I'm also calling the police. Just in case."
Part C: The Fruitless Search
Zero and Zoe searched the empty university grounds, calling Ryo's name into the darkness. They walked through various streets and alleys, looking everywhere. Zero showed Ryo's photo to passersby. "Have you seen this person?"
Various people shook their heads—no one had seen Ryo. "Sorry, no." "Haven't seen him."
The sky grew darker as streetlights began turning on with soft clicks. Late into the night, Zero and Zoe stood under a streetlight, both looking exhausted and worried.
Zero's phone rang. He answered immediately. "Hello?!"
Ryo's father's voice came through, defeated. "Zero... we haven't found anything either."
Zero's shoulders slumped. "Neither have we..."
Ryo's father's voice was strained but firm. "It's too late to keep searching safely. We should regroup." Concern for the others entered his voice. "You two should go home and get some rest. We'll continue searching first thing tomorrow."
Zero opened his mouth to argue. "But—"
"Please, Zero. Zoe needs rest. And so do you."
Zero glanced at Zoe—she was clearly exhausted, swaying slightly on her feet. He sighed. "...Alright. We'll head back."
Part D: Sleepless Night
Back at Ryo's house, Zoe had already fallen asleep in her room. Zero lay in the bed he shared with Ryo, staring at the ceiling. Ryo's bed beside him was empty, the covers undisturbed.
Where could he have gone? His expression darkened. Was he kidnapped? Did something happen to him?
He pushed himself into a sitting position, running his hands through his hair in frustration. Think! Where haven't I looked yet? Where should I search?
His eyes were heavy. The day's fight and search had taken their toll. Despite his worry, exhaustion won. His eyes closed and he slumped back onto the bed, his head hitting the pillow with a soft thud.
Chapter 8, Scene 3: Three Days of Searching
Part A: The Raids
The next morning, Zero stood in the Hunter Bureau lobby, checking his assignment board. He entered an E-Rank labyrinth gate, weapon drawn, and battled goblins, his movements efficient but mechanical.
After the raid, he received payment and magic crystals. "Good work. Here's your share," the clerk said.
Zero immediately took another assignment and entered a different labyrinth, fighting wild hogs, dodging and striking. That evening, he walked through city streets, showing Ryo's photo to people. "Have you seen him? Please, anything helps."
People shook their heads, sympathetic but unable to help.
The next day, Zero did more labyrinth raids—lizardmen this time. Again, he spent the evening searching different parts of the city.
The pattern continued: raids during the day, searching in the evening. By the third day, Zero looked worn down—dark circles under his eyes, moving on autopilot.
Part B: The Email to Ryuji
Late at night, Zero sat at a computer, typing an email, the tapping of keys filling the quiet room.
The email read:
"Ryuji-san, I need a favor. Please assign me to a D-Rank labyrinth raid with an experienced team. I'm ready for the challenge. —Zero"
His expression showed resolve beneath the exhaustion. I'm not growing fast enough. I need stronger opponents.
His cursor hovered over the "SEND" button, then clicked. He leaned back, staring at the screen. I can handle lizardmen, goblins, and wild hogs easily now...
His fist clenched on the desk. But at this rate, I'm not learning anything new. I need to expand my skills, my combat techniques. His expression became more desperate. If I stay at this level, I'll never be strong enough to find Mom and Dad...
Chapter 8, Scene 4: University Return
Part A: Going to Class
The next morning, Zero and Zoe walked to the university together, both looking tired and downcast. Zoe glanced at Zero, concerned about his exhaustion, while Zero stared ahead, his mind clearly elsewhere. Ryo... where are you?
They passed through the university entrance, surrounded by other students chatting and laughing normally, unaware of their distress.
Zero sat at his desk in class, but his eyes were unfocused. The teacher wrote on the board and spoke, but Zero didn't hear a word. His internal monologue drowned out everything. Where could he be? Did someone take him? Is he hurt? Is he...?
The lunch bell rang, startling Zero from his thoughts. He mechanically stood and headed toward the cafeteria with other students.
Part B: The Cafeteria
The university cafeteria was crowded and noisy with students as Zero sat at an empty table, placing his bag down. He sat alone, waiting for Zoe to arrive.
To pass the time, Zero spoke telepathically with Crec. "Crec, have you sensed anything unusual around the city?"
Crec's voice resonated in his mind. "No, Master. I've felt no disturbances or threats near you or your sister."
Zero's hope deflated slightly. "I see... Thank you anyway."
Zoe walked through the cafeteria, scanning for Zero. Her eyes found him, and she headed toward his table. "Hey."
He gave her a tired smile. "Hey. What do you want to eat?"
She extended her hand. "Give me some money. I'll get food for both of us."
He pulled out his wallet and gave her cash. She looked at him with soft concern. "Just wait here. I'll be quick."
She walked toward the food counter, joining the line, while Zero sat at the table, staring at nothing. He continued his conversation with Crec to distract himself. "How are your abilities developing?"
"My strength grows alongside yours, Master. When your power awakens fully, so too will mine."
Part C: The Disturbance
A commotion erupted from the food counter area with a loud crash. Zero's head snapped up, his attention immediately focusing on the sound. What was that?
Students began crowding toward the source of the noise, murmuring. "What happened?" "Is someone fighting?"
Zero rose from his seat, concern flooding his features. Through the crowd, he spotted a large, imposing figure—too large to miss.
Zero's eyes widened in recognition and disbelief. That's... Kaiden?! His expression shifted to confusion. How is he here? He was suspended!
Understanding dawned on his face, followed by disgust. He must have bought off the principal... He exhaled in frustration. And now he's probably causing trouble again.
He stood on his toes, trying to see over the crowd. Who's he messing with this time?
Through a gap in the crowd, he saw Zoe. Kaiden was holding her wrist forcefully.
All the exhaustion vanished. Zero's expression became one of primal, protective fury. ZOE!
Part D: The Confrontation
Zero shoved through students, pushing people aside. "Move! Get out of my way!"
As he got nearer, Kaiden's voice became audible. "...may look. I think I need to open it and see—"
Zero broke through the final row of students at a full sprint, launched himself into the air toward Kaiden, his fist drawn back with all his weight and momentum behind it.
"GET AWAY FROM HER!"
His fist slammed into Kaiden's face with devastating force. Blood sprayed from Kaiden's nose as his head snapped to the side, and his grip on Zoe's wrist released as he staggered backward.
He touched his bleeding nose, then his eyes blazed with fury. "YOU BASTARD! AGAIN?!"
In a blur of motion, Kaiden's fist swung toward Zero and slammed into his chest. "Gah!"
Zero was sent flying backward through the air, crashing into a table as food and trays scattered everywhere. Despite the impact, Zero immediately sprang back to his feet.
He wiped blood from his lip and glared at Kaiden. "Did you already forget what happened before?" His voice was low, dangerous. "And now you DARE mess with my sister?!"
Kaiden spat blood to the side. "That was just luck!" He pointed at Zero accusingly. "My bull was weakened from previous fights! You just hit the right nerve by chance!"
Zero's face became emotionless, cold. "Is that what you tell yourself?" His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Now you're going to regret it. Say one more bad thing about her. I dare you."
Part E: Crec's Appearance
Space beside Zero rippled and tore open. The cosmic bull materialized—magnificent, terrifying, otherworldly.
All surrounding students immediately scrambled backward, creating a wide circle. "What is that?!" "A beast?!" "It's massive!"
The bull stood like a statue, body composed of swirling cosmic energy, eyes fixed on Kaiden.
Zero's voice carried absolute authority. "Crec. If he doesn't crawl home on his own..." His expression was merciless. "...break every bone in his body. Heal him. Then break them again."
Kaiden's arrogance vanished, replaced by fear. "You... you're bluffing!" He tried to regain control, pointing at Crec. "Hey! Bull! Come back to your real master!" He tried to sound commanding despite his shaking voice. "I thought you died, but you're here! Return to me!"
Part F: Crec's Rejection
The cosmic bull slowly walked toward Kaiden. For a moment, Kaiden looked hopeful—maybe the bull would obey him. "Yes! That's right! Come here!"
The bull stopped directly in front of him. With one gentle but firm motion of his head, Crec pushed Kaiden backward.
Despite the gentle force, Kaiden lost his balance and fell to the ground. "What—?!"
He stared up at the cosmic bull looming over him, realization dawning. The bull lifted one massive hoof, positioning it over Kaiden's right leg.
Pure terror flooded Kaiden's features. "Wait! Wait, please—!"
The cosmic hoof came down with crushing force. Kaiden's leg was crushed beneath the hoof, bone snapping audibly.
Kaiden's mouth opened in a scream of agony. "AAAAAAHHHHH!"
Surrounding students covered their mouths, turned away, some looking sick. "Oh my god!" "I can't watch!"
His leg was bent at an unnatural angle, clearly broken. Then the cosmic bull's body began emanating that aurora-like healing energy. The radiant energy surrounded Kaiden's broken leg, straightening it, bones knitting back together, pain vanishing.
Kaiden gasped, looking at his now-healed leg in disbelief. "Hah... hah... What...?"
The cosmic bull lifted his hoof once more, preparing to repeat the process.
Kaiden scrambled backward, hands up in surrender. "NO! PLEASE! I'LL CRAWL! I'LL CRAWL!"
Zero spoke without a shred of mercy. "Then start crawling. Now."
Part G: The Humiliation
Kaiden, completely humiliated, began crawling on his hands and knees toward the exit. The entire cafeteria watched in stunned silence as the former bully crawled.
Zero, Zoe, and Crec walked slowly behind Kaiden, ensuring he continued—through the cafeteria past staring students, through the university hallways as his shirt tore on the floor, out onto the university grounds still crawling.
His shirt was now shredded from friction against the ground. He was covered in dust, dirt, and mud, completely disheveled.
Finally, they reached the university entrance gates. Zero looked down at the pathetic figure. "Remember this lesson before you mess with anyone again."
He placed his hand on Crec's head. "Thank you, Crec. Return."
The cosmic bull dissolved into starlight and disappeared. The siblings turned and walked back toward the university building.
Kaiden remained on the ground, completely broken in spirit. But within those eyes, a dark flame burned—not fear, but pure, concentrated hatred.
Zero... I will make you pay for this...
Chapter 8, Scene 5: Kaiden's Revenge Plot
Part A: Kaiden's Home
Later that evening, a large, expensive house stood in an upscale neighborhood. Kaiden walked through his front door, still dirty and disheveled, limping down the hallway, his body exhausted but his mind racing.
A phone rang from a nearby room. He stopped, looking toward the source of the sound, then pushed open the door to what appeared to be a home office.
A phone sat on the desk, the caller ID showing: "HUNTER BUREAU - OFFICIAL." From an adjoining bathroom, the sound of a shower running could be heard.
Kaiden's eyes widened slightly. Uncle Ryuji must be in the shower...
He stared at the ringing phone, then toward the bathroom door. A dark smile crossed his face.
He picked up the phone and answered. "Hello?"
An official-sounding voice spoke. "Sir, this is regarding the registration you requested."
Kaiden pressed the phone closer to his ear.
"The entry file for the Hunter named Zero has been completed."
Recognition and interest flashed across Kaiden's face.
"He will be joining Team Ghoul for a D-Rank labyrinth raid. Location: 14th Block, 3rd Street. Team composition: Two C-Rank Hunters, three D-Rank Hunters, and Zero."
A vicious smile spread across Kaiden's face. Perfect...
He hung up without responding.
Part B: Stealing the Access Card
Kaiden quickly moved to Ryuji's desk, opening drawers, his hands rifling through documents and items. He spotted a special access card—Ryuji's official Hunter Bureau credentials—and grabbed it without hesitation.
He glanced toward the bathroom—the shower was still running. He rushed out of the office, card in hand.
Part C: Infiltrating the Bureau
The moon hung high in a dark sky as the Hunter Bureau building stood mostly dark, only security lights on. Kaiden, wearing dark clothes, approached the entrance.
He swiped Ryuji's access card at the security panel. The panel flashed green: "ACCESS GRANTED - DEPUTY CHAIRMAN."
The main entrance unlocked. He slipped inside, moving like a shadow through the empty, dimly lit hallways, carefully avoiding security cameras.
He arrived at a door labeled "HUNTER REGISTRY - AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY" and swiped the card. The door opened into a room filled with filing cabinets and computer terminals.
Kaiden began searching through physical files and digital records, eventually pulling out a folder labeled "ZERO - HUNTER ID: #E-7749."
Inside were Zero's details, assignment information, and team placement documents:
ASSIGNMENT: Team Ghoul
RAID TYPE: D-Rank Labyrinth
LOCATION: 14th Block, 3rd Street
DATE: [Three days from now]
A dark, satisfied smile crossed Kaiden's face. Found it...
His eyes gleamed with malicious intent. Now it's a dead end for your train, Zero...
He closed the folder and tucked it under his arm. Kaiden stood in the darkened file room, Zero's folder in hand, shadowed but for his cruel smile visible in the dim light.
This time... you won't walk away.