-Vol 6: Dusk Of An Era-

-Outbreak(8)-

“Oh, god, please let me reach on time.” Kenshin chanted like a mantra as he used a Water Step to leap over a few hundred meters while running towards the general direction of the Mito. A perpetual frown was marrying his face, Yuki was pretty graphic with her description, but he knew better than anyone, having already fought a few of them.

Unless they succeed in killing it, the moment they fight it, it will gradually grow stronger, the more hunters fall at its hands. It as if they also had a system that allowed them to grow stronger by killing hunters and gaining experiences.

“I don’t feel good about this development…”

…

“You sure about this, Chiba?” Joy asked, dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit, with a jacket above it. On the jacket, there was a logo of an upside-down sword with wings on them, the mark of DCB.

Beside him stood Chiba, in the same outfit as him, only a little baggy. She was tugging on a bangle that glistened with a vibrant blue color. This item was something that dropped unexpectedly after they killed a boss of Level 10 dungeon. This item gave her a very rare option of instantly filling all her depleted MP thrice per day. Kenshin had given her bottles, and she still had more than 200 left out of the original 300. Thanks to the bangle, she was able to save on ‘precious’ MP potions… or that’s what she said to herself.

“Yes, Mito, too, is my home now. Besides, all this training will be for naught if I run and hide during the time of emergency.” Chiba looked determined, the confidence she gained from clearing a level 10 dungeon was oozing out of her in droves.

“nice!” Joy showed her a thumbs up. Beside her stood Ena, in the same outfit as others, and holding a huge hammer in her left hands while yawning repeatedly. Seeing this, Joy asked in confusion, “You can’t feel sleepy, can you?”

“No, but I saw on TV that this a type of acting cool. I am just imitating…” the naïve girl gave the most expected naïve answer. Joy could only look at her amusedly, thinking to introduce her to some of those dirty gestures.

Then Joy eyed all the gathered hunters who decided to defend the city, which was only 60% of Mito’s total 597 registered hunters. Of course, that didn’t include those who were below level 10. They were ordered to escort all the civilians from the city to all the safe places and underground channels together with the military.

The one leading them was none other than Mito’s director, Suguro. Although rarely ever he comes to limelight, Suguro too was a hunter, though no one knew about his level. As the director of the area, he was to command the troop against the approaching disaster. Al the political leaders, the Mayor, they all had already been escorted out of the city for long. Even some of the high-level military personnel were escorted out, the only ones remained were these hunters and the few military men.

“Have you escorted your mom and Miss. Yui, with the kids to where I have told you?” Joy asked.

“Yes, I have already, don’t worry.” Chiba nodded, although a hint of worry flashed on her face when her mother was mentioned. Despite knowing how safe that place where she left her was, she still couldn’t help but worry. She was his only family, her mother, after all.

“What about your mother, Joy?” Chiba asked she had never seen Joy’s mom, despite knowing he has one.

“Mm, I have asked someone to escort her to that place as well. By now, she must have started a conversation with your mom and Miss Yui.” Joy smiled as he answered. He and Chiba, they both were standing to a corner, away from others who were facing a makeshift podium built by aligning cars. Suguro was standing on it while giving out speeches.

[Ping! Ping!]

Suddenly Joy’s phone rang. Pulling it out, he was surprised to find it's from Kenshin, so he shouted so that only Chiba could hear it, “Its Kenshin!” after that, he picked up the phone, putting it in the loudspeaker.

“Hello?”

{Joy? What’s the situation?} it’s undoubtedly Kenshin’s voice, both Chiba and Joy rejoiced at it.

“Kenshin! It's nice to finally talk to you… and it's only 27 hours since you left. Things aren’t looking good. The monster somehow joined by another two, making it three. Each of them is as huge as airplanes, according to the satellite image, it was confirmed. Things aren’t looking good… we are standing 10 km away from the city, but still, I am not sure if we can contain the damage from affecting the city.”

{Its alright. Cities can be built, but humans should be alive to do that… anyway, what about Ms. Yui and others? Your and Chiba’s moms?}

“They are transferred to a special place as ordered by Miss Yuki, don’t worry, Kenshin. Come here quick, we have to fight as a team.” This time its Chiba who answered it.

{Chiba! Nice, you guys!! Anyway, I am coming, don’t worry. Joy, give Suguro this info, no matter what, no hunter must die at those creatures’ hands. With every kill, they would grow stronger and stronger. Even if they have to lose all fighting potential, they mustn’t die. And please let him know that under no circumstances, these hunters are to act heroically and do crap like self-sacrifice for friendship… this will only strengthen the opponent.}

“Alright,” Joy nodded, handing the phone to Chiba, he ran towards Suguro who was still busy spouting nonsense.

“Kenshin, when will you be back here?” Chiba asked softly, despite the dire situation.

{Chiba, are you afraid?} Kenshin suddenly understood what the poor girl was feeling and asked like a loving brother to his sister. He certainly had the experience in that regard.

“…yes, a little…” she said in a voice as tiny as a mouse, her insecurities lay bare here.

{please don't be. Nothing will happen to you. Just follow Ena and Joy, and you will be safest. Ena, you can hear me, right? This is your order, guaranty Chiba’s life no matter the cost.}

“Yes, sir!” Ena gave a military salute, of course, Kenshin couldn’t see it. He continued, {don’t let your fear control your judgment. You have trained well with Joy and me, you are ready for anything. Do not be worried about anything, just go wild. I will be there in an hour or so, hang in okay. After the events finish, we will hit that burger shop you love so much. Got it?}

“Alright.” Chiba smiled and nodded.

“master, I want a bucket load of chicken flavored ones.” Ena voiced her preference with saliva licking out of the corner of her mouth.

“Kenshin cut off the call.” Chiba smilingly informed Ena, the later pouted at this.

“Ena! Where did you learn to make a face like that?” Chiba asked with her eyes wide as saucers.

“From TV, duh!”

…

“Eh! Are you sure?” Suguro asked Joy while sweating like a pig.

“Yes, it’s a conformed info.” Joy nodded his head, feeling a sense of amusement creeping upon him.

“Damn!” Suguro cursed, before looking at the masses with a mild blush. Wiping his face with his gloved hands, he took in a deep breath and spoke, “Everyone, please forget what I just said now. No matter what, you guys mustn’t die. All those talks about heroism and dying a patriotic death, please don’t take it to heart.”

“WHAT????”