Shingo’s intuition never failed him. He felt something was off as soon as they arrived at the Inazuma Integrated Terminals, Main Entrance, right above the train tracks that were connected to the Train Station nearby.

Alas, all the roads were blocked with tall and thick barriers, with warning signs of “Danger! Biohazard Warning” posted on the barriers. One could easily assume that JinCorp, the operator of the Inazuma Integrated Terminals could and had done this in such a very short time, just like in Evernaland Theme Park. So, the whole area was deserted, giving space to summoned mutants or sorts.

As a result, Shingo’s team must take a longer alternative route to get to the airport.

Sensing many presences lurking around them, Shingo alerted his team, and they got out of their car. As they stepped out, mutants emerged from their hiding places, surrounding them from all sides.

Among the mutants was a young girl about Shingo’s age. She looked like a nerdy high schooler, wearing a uniform that was different in color, emblem, and all with his former school.

The bespectacled, twin-braided girl walked forward and said, “Hi! Welcome to the homecoming party. I’m Fuujin Yumeri, with the welcoming committee. Master Hannya sent his regards and told us to entertain you. Of course with a hope that you all won’t leave this place, breathing.”

Shingo replied, “Oh, don’t worry about that. Our business is with Hannya, and we just dropped by for dessert.”

Chiyo added, “Sorry to say, but we’re not interested in this kind of party. Our schools can organize more decent ones.”

Mariko then chimed in, “But since your boss was so kind to invite us here, we, the cheerleaders’ squad, will give you a performance to die for.”

“That’s right,” said Hayato. “Except we, the guys are more like rugby players who’ll crash this party.”

Fuujin pouted. “No, no, no! You must taste all the meals at my party, especially the main course, death! Mutant squad, let’s teach those bigheads a deadly lesson! And behold, here’s my esper form, Jatayu the Garuda from Arcapada!”

Saying so, Fuujin transformed into a half-woman, half-eagle esper with widespread wings. It wielded a hammer and a chisel and floated in mid-air, prepared for battle.

“Mutants, attack!”

The battle commenced, with Fuujin in her garuda form leading her squad against Shingo and his team. The air crackled with electricity, and the rumble of thunder reverberated through the area.

Shingo unsheathed his katana. Beside him, Mariko, the priestess, and healer, channeled her light magic, a soft glow emanating from her fingertips. She prepared to support her comrades and mend their wounds in the heat of battle.

Hayato, with his double claws, exuded an air of ferocity, his gaze locked onto their formidable opponent. Chiyo, the painter with lightning magic, her eyes filled with determination, summoned her inner strength to unleash the power of lightning.

Jatayu, the Thunder Garuda unleashed a barrage of sound waves, shaking the very foundations of their resolve. The sheer force of its attacks overwhelmed the heroes, pushing them to their limits. The ground trembled beneath their feet as Jatayu prepared to unleash its ultimate attack, the Garuda Shockwave.

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Shingo gritted his teeth, determination etched onto his face. He knew they had to find a way to turn the tide of battle. With a swift motion, he lunged forward, his katana slicing through the air with precision. However, Jatayu’s agility proved formidable, evading his strikes with swift movements.

Mariko, ever watchful, channeled her light magic, her hands glowing with healing energy. She sent waves of rejuvenating light toward her comrades, replenishing their strength and offering a much-needed respite amid the chaos. Her soothing presence provided a comforting anchor amidst the storm.

Hayato’s double claws danced through the air, striking with precision and speed. Each blow landed with devastating force, a testament to his relentless determination. He fought with the skill of a seasoned warrior, his movements fluid and purposeful.

Chiyo, the wielder of lightning magic, summoned her inner power. She focused her energy and channeled it into a powerful Lightning Blast, a surge of electrical energy that crackled and surged toward Jatayu. The impact was fierce, the lightning piercing through Jatayu’s defenses, causing it to stagger.

As the lightning coursed through Jatayu’s body, its form began to flicker and distort. The Thunder Garuda’s powerful exterior gave way, revealing the true form within. It transformed back into the girl, Fuujin, her body battered and bruised.

Shingo’s team stood their ground, their weapons at the ready, but no team members were killed in this battle. The air was heavy with a mix of tension and relief.

Shingo approached Fuujin cautiously, his voice filled with a blend of concern and determination. “Fuujin, it’s over. Surrender now,” he urged, his words laced with a hint of sympathy.

Fuujin, her voice weak and tired, nodded in acceptance. The battle had taken its toll on her, and she knew she had been defeated. The heroes had proven their strength and resolve, leaving her with no other choice.

As it was no use to keep a prisoner while moving, Hayato decided to let Fuujin go, with a warning that any more attacks from her would yield her a far more severe consequence.

Shingo called out to Fuujin, “You look like an interesting person. In what school are you studying?”

Fuujin replied, “Hakeyama High School, West Daitoshi. How about you?”

Shingo responded, “I and Mariko were in Norifumi High School, and I’m a dropout now.”

Fuujin then revealed that she dropped out of school too. She thanked Shingo for his concern and warned him that he would be facing her boyfriend, Raijin, at the Interchange Point. With a flourish, she disappeared in a gust of wind.

Shingo and his team were left pondering what to do next.

Hayato said, “That was trivial but fruitful.”

Shingo added, “Just say that I always have sympathy for fellow students. Especially when I just knew she was in High School like I was.”

Mariko, ever practical, refocused their attention, “Well, enough about that. Better focus on the things ahead.” She noted that Raijin means the “god of thunder,” so they were going to fight a lightning-thunder user.

Shingo nodded, “You’re right, Mari! Let’s adjust our tactics according to this information.”