KISS OF THE VAMPIRE
(The girl with the Sharp sword)
Mission four: human experiments
After things settle down, Deyviel has a brief briefing about what a vampire is and their types.
And what to look after—what are the pros and cons of how to defeat one and spot on? And what weapon items to use effectively.
The new hunters got separated by teams. Deyviel and Denver are taken by Ethan; of course there's a commotion about this because some of the captains want one or both of them in their squad.
But Ethan disagrees because both of them are his friends, so he'll take them when things are not resolved by talk; they decide to fight it off, but all of a sudden all of the generals interject and make a proposal.
That Deyviel and Denver are allowed to join all of the squads in a specific mission that Ethan allowed because we're in Ethan's care now. And that they all agree. "Man, are you guys a kid? Get a life," Monica irritatedly said. And we proceed with teaming up.
Deyviel and Denver exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling in their eyes. The briefing had been intense, and the weight of their new responsibilities as Hunters was beginning to sink in. They were no longer just kids; they were part of a team tasked with investigating a potential vampire den.
As they made their way to the meeting hall, Deyviel couldn't help but admire their new uniforms. The sleek black fabric hugged their bodies, adorned with silver accents that glimmered under the fluorescent lights. "Man, ours is rocking!" he exclaimed, striking a pose in front of a nearby mirror.
"It depends on who we're going to be with," Deyviel replied, his voice trailing off as they entered the hall.
Inside, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Teams were being formed, and the air buzzed with the chatter of eager Hunters. Deyviel and Denver soon found themselves paired with Alicia, the tall blonde with striking blue eyes, and a scarred young man who seemed to radiate a tough-guy vibe. Deyviel whispered to Denver, "Looks like he’s been in a few scrapes. I wonder if he fights with his mom's cat."
Alicia shot them a curious glance, but Yumi, the quiet Japanese girl with long black hair, smiled warmly at them. "Don't mind him," she said, her Tagalog surprisingly fluent. "He’s just trying to lighten the mood."
As the teams were finalized, the officer in charge laid out the mission details. They were to investigate a pub in Binondo, Manila, where reports of missing persons had surfaced. Deyviel felt a knot tighten in his stomach at the thought of what they might find.
"Remember," the officer cautioned, "your goal is to gather intelligence. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. Even a single Elder can be a formidable opponent."
Deyviel nodded, but a part of him bristled at the idea of running away from a fight. He had trained hard, and he felt ready to prove himself. "Ahm... Can we just engage if there is only one?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
The officer raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Kid, I know you guys are strong; we saw that. But this is a different scenario. You just got lucky because you have a captain with you. Even a captain level will struggle with one Elder. You need to be an A rank or +B rank to face an Elder alone." (A vampire nobles or Elders, an ancient human turn into vampires that live 100 to 200 years, and if they live longer, there are a rare type that can use magic, manipulate fire.)
Deyviel felt a mix of frustration and determination. He wanted to show everyone that they could handle themselves, but he also understood the gravity of the situation. They were stepping into a world filled with danger, and caution was necessary.
As the briefing concluded, the teams were dismissed to prepare for their mission. Deyviel, Denver, Alicia, and Yumi gathered in a corner, discussing their strategy.
Deyviel felt a mix of frustration and determination. He wanted to show everyone that they could handle themselves, but he also understood the gravity of the situation. They were stepping into a world filled with danger, and caution was necessary.
As the briefing concluded, the teams were dismissed to prepare for their mission. Deyviel, Denver, Alicia, and Yumi gathered in a corner, discussing their strategy.
"Alright, we need to stick together," Alicia said, her voice steady. "If we find anything suspicious, we report it immediately. No heroics."
"Agreed," Yumi added, her expression serious. "We need to be smart about this."
Deyviel glanced at Denver, who nodded in agreement. "Let’s just keep our eyes open and stay alert. We can do this."
With their plan set, the team made their way to Binondo, the vibrant streets bustling with life. As they approached the pub, a sense of foreboding settled over them. The neon lights flickered, casting eerie shadows on the pavement.
"Remember, gather intel and stay safe," Denver reminded everyone as they stepped inside. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and Deyviel could feel the weight of their mission pressing down on him.
As they entered the pub, the smell of alcohol and smoke enveloped them. Patrons laughed and chatted, oblivious to the danger lurking in the shadows. Deyviel scanned the room, his instincts on high alert.
As they entered the pub, the smell of alcohol and smoke enveloped them. Patrons laughed and chatted, oblivious to the danger lurking in the shadows. Deyviel scanned the room, his instincts on high alert.
"Let’s split up and see what we can find," Alicia suggested. "Stay in contact, and if anything feels off, regroup immediately."
Deyviel nodded, his heart racing. This was it—the moment they had trained for. They were Hunters now, and they had a job to do. As they dispersed into the crowd, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching them, waiting for the right moment to strike. Deyviel pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand. He made his way to the bar, where a grizzled bartender wiped down the counter with a rag that looked like it had seen better days. "Hey, can I get a drink?" Deyviel asked, trying to blend in.
The bartender glanced up, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What’ll it be?" he grunted.
"Just a soda," Deyviel replied, keeping his tone casual. As the bartender poured the drink, Deyviel scanned the room, looking for anything out of the ordinary. He noticed a group of men in the corner, their hushed voices and furtive glances suggesting they were up to no good.
Meanwhile, Denver had found a table near the back, where a couple of patrons were engaged in a heated discussion. He leaned in closer, straining to catch snippets of their conversation. Words like "missing" and "dark" floated through the air, sending a chill down his spine.
Alicia and Yumi were at a table closer to the entrance, observing the crowd. Yumi's keen eyes caught sight of a man who seemed to be watching them intently. "Alicia, do you see that guy?" she whispered, pointing discreetly.
Alicia nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, he’s been staring for a while. Let’s keep an eye on him."
As Deyviel took a sip of his soda, he felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere. The laughter and chatter around him faded, replaced by an unsettling silence. He turned to see the group of men in the corner standing up, their demeanor shifting from casual to aggressive.
"Hey, you!" one of them shouted, pointing directly at Deyviel. "What are you doing here?"
Deyviel's heart raced as he exchanged a quick glance with Denver, who was already moving to his side. "We’re just here to have a good time," Deyviel replied, trying to sound confident.
The man sneered, stepping closer. "You don’t belong here. This is our turf."
Before Deyviel could respond, Denver stepped forward, his posture tense. "We’re not looking for trouble. Just leave us alone."
The tension in the air thickened as the other patrons began to notice the confrontation. Deyviel felt a surge of adrenaline, but he remembered the officer's warning. They were here to gather intel, not to fight.
"Let’s just walk away," Deyviel suggested, trying to diffuse the situation. But the men were not backing down.
Suddenly, Alicia and Yumi approached, their presence adding to the growing tension. "What’s going on here?" Alicia asked, her voice steady but firm.
The leader of the group smirked, sizing them up. "Just a little chat with your friends. Why don’t you all leave before things get messy?"
Deyviel felt the urge to stand his ground, but he knew they had to be smart. "We’re not looking for a fight," he said, trying to keep his voice calm. "We just want to enjoy our night."
The man’s expression darkened, and Deyviel could sense the shift in the atmosphere. Just then, Yumi spoke up, her voice surprisingly authoritative. "We’re not afraid of you. We’re here on business, and we don’t want any trouble."
The leader hesitated, taken aback by her confidence. Deyviel seized the moment. "Let’s just walk away, alright? We don’t want to cause any issues."
After a tense moment, the man scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Whatever. Just remember, you’re not welcome here." With that, he turned and walked away, his group following suit.
Deyviel let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. "That was close," he said, glancing at his teammates. "We need to be more careful."
Alicia nodded, her expression serious. "We can’t let our guard down. Let’s regroup and share what we found."
As they gathered at a corner table, Deyviel couldn’t shake the feeling that they had just scratched the surface of something much darker. The pub was a hub of secrets, and they were determined to uncover the truth behind the missing persons. With their mission set, they prepared to dig deeper, knowing that danger lurked just beneath the surface. Deyviel leaned in closer, his voice low as he addressed his teammates. "Alright, what did everyone find out?"
Denver glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. "I overheard those guys at the back talking about some 'dark dealings' and how they were expecting more 'supplies' soon. It sounded suspicious."
Alicia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Supplies? What kind of supplies?"
"Not sure," Denver replied, shaking his head. "But it definitely sounded like they were involved in something illegal."
Yumi, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. "I noticed that man who was watching us earlier. He was with that group, and he kept glancing at a door in the back. It could be a way in or out for them."
Deyviel felt a surge of determination. "We need to check that door. If they’re hiding something, we might find clues about the missing people."
Alicia nodded, her expression resolute. "But we have to be careful. We can’t just barge in there without a plan."
"Agreed," Yumi said. "Let’s create a distraction. If we can draw their attention away, we can slip through."
Deyviel thought for a moment, then suggested, "What if Denver and I create a scene at the bar? We can pretend to argue or something. That should get their focus."
Alicia smiled, impressed. "That could work. Yumi, you can keep an eye on the door and signal us if it’s clear."
"Got it," Yumi replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
As they finalized their plan, Deyviel felt a mix of nerves and adrenaline. This was their chance to prove themselves, but the stakes were high. He and Denver moved to the bar, putting on their best act.
"Hey, you think you can just push me around?" Deyviel shouted, raising his voice to draw attention. "I’m not afraid of you!"
Denver played along, stepping in closer. "Yeah, you think you’re tough? You don’t know who you’re messing with!"
The patrons around them began to take notice, and the group of men from earlier turned their attention to the commotion. Deyviel could see the leader’s eyes narrow as he approached.
"What's going on here?" the man demanded, his tone aggressive.
Deyviel smirked, trying to keep his composure. "Just a little disagreement. You got a problem with that?"
The man stepped closer, his friends flanking him. "You’re making a mistake, kid. You don’t want to mess with us."
Meanwhile, Yumi watched from her position, her heart racing. She could see the door the men had been eyeing, and it was now or never. She signaled to Alicia, who nodded in understanding.
As Deyviel and Denver continued their act, Alicia and Yumi slipped away toward the door. The tension in the air was palpable, and Deyviel could feel the adrenaline coursing through him.
"Let’s take this outside," the leader growled, clearly agitated.
"Fine by me," Deyviel replied, trying to sound tough. "But don’t think I’ll go easy on you."
Just as the men began to move toward the exit, Yumi and Alicia reached the door. It creaked open, revealing a dimly lit hallway that led deeper into the pub. They exchanged a quick glance, knowing they had to act fast.
"Now!" Yumi whispered, and they slipped through the door, closing it quietly behind them.
Inside the hallway, the air was thick with tension. They could hear muffled voices coming from a room at the end. "This must be where they’re hiding something," Alicia said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Yumi nodded, her heart pounding. "We need to listen in."
They crept closer, pressing their ears against the door. The voices grew clearer, and they could make out snippets of conversation about "the next shipment" and "more bodies to deal with."
Deyviel and Denver, still outside, were keeping the men occupied. "You think you can scare us?" Deyviel taunted, trying to buy time. "We’ve faced worse than you."
The leader sneered, clearly irritated. "You have no idea what you’re getting into."
Just then, Yumi and Alicia exchanged a look, realizing they had enough information. They needed to regroup with Deyviel and Denver and report back to the officers.
"Let’s go," Alicia whispered, and they quietly made their way back to the door, ready to signal their teammates.
As they stepped back into the main area of the pub, Deyviel and Denver were still holding their ground, but the tension was escalating. The leader was getting angrier, and the other men were closing in.
"Hey, we’re not done here!" one of the men shouted, stepping forward with a threatening posture.
Deyviel felt a surge of adrenaline, but he knew they had to stick to the plan. "We don’t want any trouble," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Just let us go."
At that moment, Alicia and Yumi rejoined them, and Deyviel could see the urgency in their eyes. "We need to leave now," Yumi said, her voice low but firm.
Denver nodded, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "Yeah, let’s not push our luck."
The leader of the group smirked, clearly enjoying the confrontation. "You think you can just walk away? Not a chance."
Deyviel exchanged a quick glance with Denver, and they both knew it was time to make a move. "Alright, if you want a fight, then let’s do this," Deyviel said, stepping forward defiantly.
But before anything could escalate, Alicia stepped in front of him, her voice commanding. "We’re not here to fight. We have information that you might want to hear."
The men paused, their expressions shifting from aggression to curiosity. "What are you talking about?" the leader asked, crossing his arms.
Alicia took a deep breath, seizing the opportunity. "We know about the missing people. We overheard your conversation about shipments. If you want to keep this quiet, you might want to cooperate with us."
Deyviel held his breath, hoping this would work. The leader’s expression hardened, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "And why would we trust you?"
Because if you don’t, we’ll report everything to the Hunters," Yumi interjected, her voice steady. "You know what they’ll do if they find out."
The tension in the air was thick as the men exchanged glances, weighing their options. Finally, the leader sighed, his bravado faltering. "Fine. What do you want?"
Deyviel felt a rush of relief but knew they had to tread carefully. "We want to know what’s really going on here. Who are you working for? And what are you doing with the missing people?"
The leader hesitated, clearly torn. "You don’t want to get involved in this. It’s bigger than you think."
"Try us," Denver said, his voice firm. "We’re Hunters now. We can handle it."
After a moment of silence, the leader finally relented. "Alright, but you didn’t hear this from me. We’re working for a group that’s been collecting people for… experiments. They want to create a new breed of vampires, stronger and more powerful."
Deyviel felt a chill run down his spine. "Experiments? What do you mean?"
The leader glanced around, ensuring no one was listening. "They’re using the missing people as test subjects. It’s all happening in a warehouse outside the city. If you want to find out more, that’s where you need to go."
Alicia nodded, her expression serious. "We appreciate the information. But if we find out you’re lying, we won’t hesitate to report you."
The leader smirked, a hint of defiance still in his eyes. "Good luck with that. Just remember, you’re in over your heads."
With that, the group of men turned and walked away, leaving Deyviel and his teammates in stunned silence.
"Did we just get a lead?" Denver asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Looks like it," Deyviel replied, still processing the information. "We need to report this back to the officers immediately."
As they made their way out of the pub, the weight of their discovery settled heavily on their shoulders. They had stumbled upon something far more dangerous than they had anticipated, and now they had to act quickly to prevent further harm.
Once outside, they regrouped and quickly made their way to the nearest Hunters' base. The streets of Binondo were alive with activity, but Deyviel felt a sense of urgency propelling them forward.
When they arrived at the base, they were met with a flurry of activity. Officers were discussing various missions, and the atmosphere was charged with tension. Deyviel approached one of the higher-ranking officers, his heart racing.
"We have information about the missing people," he said, urgency lacing his voice. "We need to talk."
The officer raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you have?"
Deyviel and Denver exchanged excited glances, adrenaline still coursing through their veins from the encounter at the pub. The gravity of their new mission settled in, and they quickly gathered their teammates, Alicia and Yumi, to relay the officer's orders.
"Looks like we’re heading to Mindanao," Deyviel said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "We need to pack our things and get ready to meet the Void squad."
Alicia nodded, her expression serious. "We need to be prepared for anything. If we’re going in as missionaries, we have to look the part."
Yumi smiled, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I can help with that. I have some clothes that might work for the disguise."
As they made their way to their quarters, Deyviel felt a sense of camaraderie building among the group. They were no longer just a collection of individuals; they were a team, united by a common goal. He quickly packed his gear, ensuring he had all the essentials: weapons, supplies, and a few personal items for comfort.
Denver, on the other hand, was rummaging through his belongings, trying to find something that would fit the missionary look. "What do you think? Should I go for the classic white shirt and slacks?" he asked, holding up a wrinkled white shirt.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
"Definitely," Alicia replied, stifling a laugh. "Just don’t forget to wear a tie. We want to look convincing."
Once they were all packed and dressed in their makeshift missionary outfits, they gathered in the common area to discuss their plan. Deyviel felt a surge of excitement as he looked at his teammates. "Alright, here’s the plan. We’ll meet the Void squad captain when we arrive. They’ll fill us in on the details, and then we’ll head to the warehouse to gather intel on Manuel Guillermo and his cult."
"Remember, we’re the bait," Denver reminded them, his expression serious. "We need to draw out the cult members without putting ourselves in too much danger."
Yumi nodded, her demeanor calm and collected. "We’ll stick together and watch each other’s backs. If anything goes wrong, we regroup and get out."
With their plan set, they made their way to the transport area, where a sleek black van awaited them. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they climbed inside, the weight of their mission pressing down on them.
As the van pulled away from the base, Deyviel gazed out the window, watching the cityscape of Manila fade into the distance. The vibrant streets were soon replaced by the lush greenery of the countryside, and he felt a mix of excitement and anxiety about what lay ahead.
Meanwhile, a few hours later at the said warehouse, we can see a mysterious man standing alone, covered in blood. As he walked around the area, he pressed a button under a door, and a hidden underground passage opened, and he descended down the long spiral stairs. As he reached the end of the stairs, he saw a large still door. Just then, he unsheathed his sword with superhuman speed and sliced the thick stealdoor in pieces like it was tofu. "Tsk. Do they think they can stop me with these? They must be joking.
As he continues his walk, he encounters a lot of normal vampires. ."I guess this time they're spot on. Now let's see where they're hiding you," he said as he stared at a glass door.
As usual, he slices the door. And upon entering and turning the lights, his expression chanced into a complete discussion.
"These monsters were creating more of them. Fusing human to vampire to create a hybrid. This is different from the other timeline." As he said that, he noticed another wooden door. I see. I guess I could find more there. "As he was about to enter the door, his phone rang.
"What now? He answered irritat to interrupt your tour, Ben, but why do you leave your whole squad at the malland you say they can go play or shopping? Can you explain that?" He angrily asked. "Ow that. That's correct, and by the way, send your team here. I got something.
I'm following a trail underground but tell them don't follow me. As he said that, he ended the call. Hey! Hello? Ben? Railey? BEN!! URGGGHH!! For fuck sake. He angrily shouted. "Let me guess he ended the call, right? ""Well, yeah, topical of Ben, and you what you want? He said and raised a brow.
"I'm... I just want to check on them," he shyly asks. "Oh, you mean the new Borns, yeah. Their fine. I just sent them to voids company, so don't worry, Allen." Is that so Jee, thanks?" he happily said and left.
As Ben entered the door and went through it. He noticed the absence of light and a long tunnel. "Where it could lead," he said to himself, and when he gets to the end of the tunnel,.
He saw another lab. And more experiment capsules that contain inhuman monsters.
"Wh are these? Half horse, half man. Tsk, these blood suckers are watching too much folklore, heh." He chuckles to himself as he gets out side the lab, where he meets the culprit.
"Well, I'm surprised to see you here, Senator Guivara!" He shouted! The senator just waved his hand, and all of the wendigos attacked him.
And all of a sudden, in one blink, all of them got sliced into pieces. "How?" he shockingly asks. "It's impossible to beat those guys that quick. Their almost immortal! Who are you?! What are you?"? That's not important.
I want answers. If you do sing the right tone, I'll let you live, but if you sing the wrong tone, you'll end up like them. Specially like these," as he said, he parry a large sword, and we saw a giant bat-like creature." Huhahahaha, your good for a human. I'm Bulcan, the guardian of that man, and what's your name? "The monster asks, "Me like I said it's not important, but I'm Ben Railey." He answered with a blank face. And the monster laughs maniacally,
"You are good at jokes. I like that human. Come at me and..." he said, but before he finished his speech, his body got sliced in half. As Ben turned back at the senator, he spoke.
"A I'm saying, "he said, and the senator just grabbed to his feet and begged not to kill him and will talk, and Ben just smiled and said,Good boy."
"As we zoom out, we can see the extent of Ben Railey's attacks. The whole mountain got sliced in half too." Man, how do I explain this to to them? Tsk what ever. Let's go." As we see them walking away, we turn back to the others.
Deyviel's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of how quickly their lives had changed. Just three months ago, they were typical teenagers, navigating school and friendships, unaware of the dark world that lurked just beyond their everyday lives. Now, they were Hunters, thrust into a dangerous game of survival and intrigue.
Denver, who had been staring out the window, turned to Deyviel, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, it’s wild to think about. We’ve gone from worrying about grades to hunting vampires and dealing with cults. It’s like something out of a movie."
Alicia, adjusting her collar, chimed in, "But we’re not just in this for the thrill. We have a responsibility now. Those missing people… they’re counting on us to do something."
Yumi nodded, her gaze steady. "We need to stay focused. The information we gathered is crucial. If there are experiments happening, we have to stop them before more lives are lost."
Deyviel felt a surge of determination. "Right. We need to be smart about this. We can’t let our emotions cloud our judgment. We have to stick to the plan and work together."
As the van continued its journey, the landscape outside shifted from urban sprawl to the lush greenery of Mindanao. The vibrant colors of the countryside were a stark contrast to the dark mission ahead of them. Deyviel felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as they approached their destination.
After a few hours, they arrived at a small church that served as their meeting point with the Void squad. The building was modest, with a simple wooden cross adorning the entrance. Deyviel took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
As they stepped inside, they were greeted by the captain of the Void squad, a tall man with a commanding presence and a no-nonsense attitude. "You guys finally arrive" he said, sizing them up. "I’m Captain Kim(Jake Kim Reyes). We don’t have much time, so let’s get straight to business."
Deyviel and his teammates exchanged glances, sensing the urgency in his tone. "We have intel on a cult operating in the area," Deyviel said, stepping forward. "They’re involved in some dark experiments, and we need to stop them."
Captain Kim nodded, his expression serious. "We’ve been tracking this group for a while. They’re dangerous, and they won’t hesitate to eliminate anyone who gets in their way. Your role as bait is crucial. We need to draw them out and gather more information."
Denver swallowed hard, the weight of their mission settling heavily on his shoulders. "What’s the plan?"
Reyes outlined their strategy, detailing how they would infiltrate the cult’s operations under the guise of missionaries. "You’ll need to act natural. If they suspect anything, it could jeopardize the entire operation. We’ll have backup ready, but you need to be the ones to initiate contact."
Deyviel felt a mix of fear and excitement. This was their chance to make a real difference, but the stakes were higher than ever. "We understand," he said, determination in his voice. "We won’t let you down."
As they prepared to leave, Reyes handed them a few supplies: communication devices, weapons disguised as everyday items, and a map of the area. "Stay sharp, and remember your training. We’ll be monitoring your progress from a distance."
With their mission set, Deyviel and his teammates climbed back into the van, their hearts racing with anticipation. As they drove toward the cult’s suspected location, Deyviel couldn’t shake the feeling that they were stepping into a trap. But they had come too far to turn back now.
With their mission set, Deyviel and his teammates climbed back into the van, their hearts racing with anticipation.
As they drove toward the cult’s suspected location, Deyviel couldn’t shake the feeling that they were stepping into a trap.
But they had come too far to turn back now. As they enter the town where they are going to stay in the meantime.
One agent named Marie guided them. To their rooms. Deyviel is rocking a white polo shirt and black slacks. With a necktie, same with Denver, but with glasses. And the two girls are dressed up like nuns. "Ok. Tomorrow morning we will have a mass at the church, so be prepared. We'll not expect anything bad to happen, but just be prepared for anything." As he said, Denver chimeted, "Do we really need to do that? He asked, "Yeah, what else do we do?
We're missionaries supposed to do that; we don't have much of a choice, dude." Alicia interjects
"Exactly," Yumi added, her voice steady. "We need to blend in and gain their trust. If we want to gather intel, we have to play the part."
Deyviel nodded, feeling the weight of their mission pressing down on him. "Right. We’ll stick to the plan. Just remember to stay alert. We can’t let our guard down, not even for a second."
As they settled into their temporary accommodations, Deyviel took a moment to reflect on how far they had come. The room was simple, with two beds, a small desk, and a window that overlooked the town square. He could hear the distant sounds of laughter and chatter from the locals, a stark contrast to the dark world they were about to dive into.
Denver flopped onto one of the beds, running a hand through his hair. "I can’t believe we’re actually doing this. It feels surreal."
Alicia sat on the edge of her bed, her expression thoughtful. "We’ve trained for this. We’re ready. We just need to stay focused and work together."
Yumi, who had been quietly organizing her gear, looked up. "Let’s make sure we have everything we need for tomorrow. We can’t afford any mistakes."
Deyviel agreed, pulling out his weapons and checking them over. He had a small dagger hidden in his boot, a compact crossbow strapped to his back, and a few vials of holy water tucked away in his bag. "I think we’re good to go," he said, feeling a sense of reassurance as he prepared for the challenges ahead.
As night fell, the group gathered in the common area to discuss their strategy for the next day. The atmosphere was tense, but there was also a sense of camaraderie that had developed among them. They were no longer just individuals; they were a team, united by a common goal.
"Alright, let’s go over the plan one more time," Deyviel said, his voice steady. "We’ll attend the mass in the morning, and while we’re there, we’ll keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. If we see anything unusual, we’ll regroup and decide our next move."
Denver nodded, his expression serious. "And if we get a chance to talk to anyone from the cult, we need to be careful about what we say. We can’t give away that we’re Hunters."
Alicia added, "We should also look for any signs of the missing people. If they’re being held somewhere, we need to find out where."
Yumi smiled, her eyes sparkling with determination. "We’ll do this together. We’ve got each other’s backs, no matter what."
As they finalized their plans, Deyviel felt a surge of confidence. They were ready for whatever lay ahead. With their mission set, they turned in for the night, each of them lost in their thoughts as they prepared for the challenges that awaited them.
The next morning, the sun rose over the town, casting a warm glow on the streets. Deyviel awoke early, the excitement and anxiety of the mission buzzing in his veins. He quickly got dressed in his white polo shirt and black slacks, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror. He looked at himself, trying to shake off the nerves. "You got this," he muttered under his breath.
As the others began to stir, they gathered for breakfast, a simple meal of bread and fruit. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they discussed their final preparations.
"Remember, we’re missionaries today," Denver said, trying to lighten the mood. "Let’s not scare anyone off with our serious faces."
Alicia chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "Just try not to look too intimidating, okay?"
Yumi smiled, her demeanor calm and collected. "Let’s focus on the task at hand. We need to stay alert and be ready for anything."
With their spirits lifted, they made their way to the church, the sound of church bells ringing in the distance. As they approached the building, Deyviel felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was it—the moment they had been training for.
Inside the church, the atmosphere was serene, with sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. The congregation was small but filled with warmth and community. Deyviel and his teammates took their seats, scanning the room for any signs of the cult members.
As the mass began, Deyviel focused on the priest’s words, but his mind was racing with thoughts of their mission. He couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched, and he glanced around the room, trying to identify any potential threats.
Halfway through the service, Deyviel noticed a group of individuals sitting in the back, their demeanor slightly off. They were dressed in dark clothing, and their eyes seemed to linger on him and his teammates. He exchanged a quick glance with Denver, who nodded, sensing the same unease.
After the mass concluded, the congregation began to mingle, and Deyviel felt the tension in the air shift. The group in the back remained seated, their expressions unreadable. "We should approach them," Deyviel suggested, his heart racing. "They might have information."
Alicia nodded, her expression serious. "But we need to be careful. If they are part of the cult, we can’t let them know who we really are."
As they made their way toward the back of the church, Deyviel felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. The closer they got, the more he could feel the weight of their mission pressing down on him. When they reached the group, Deyviel took a deep breath and smiled, trying to appear friendly.
"Hi there," he said, keeping his tone casual. "We’re new in town and just wanted to introduce ourselves. I’m Deyviel, and these are my friends, Denver, Alicia, and Yumi."
The leader of the group, a tall man with sharp features and piercing eyes, regarded them with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "I’m Marco," he replied, his voice low. "What brings you to our little town?"
" We're here to spread the Gospel of god and help this community to know the word of God." Denver chime in with a grin.
Marco's expression softened slightly, but Deyviel could still sense the underlying tension. "That's noble of you," he said, his tone cautious. "But this town has its share of secrets. Not everyone is as welcoming as they seem."
Deyviel exchanged a glance with his teammates, silently communicating their shared resolve. "We understand that," he replied, keeping his voice steady. "We just want to help in any way we can. We’ve heard there are some… challenges in the area."
Alicia stepped forward, her demeanor friendly yet assertive. "We’re here to support the community. If there’s anything we can do, we’d love to hear about it."
Marco studied them for a moment, his gaze flicking to each of their faces. "Well, there are always those who take advantage of the vulnerable," he said, his voice low. "People go missing, and it’s not just the usual troubles. There are darker forces at play."
Deyviel felt a chill run down his spine. This was the lead they needed. "What do you mean by darker forces?" he pressed, trying to keep his tone casual.
Marco hesitated, glancing at his companions before continuing. "There are rumors of a cult operating in the area. They’ve been known to take people for… experiments. It’s not something we talk about openly, but it’s a concern for many of us."
Yumi, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Do you know where they might be based? Any locations we should be aware of?"
Marco's expression shifted, a flicker of fear crossing his features. "There’s an old warehouse on the outskirts of town. It’s been abandoned for years, but some say it’s been repurposed. I wouldn’t go near it if I were you."
Deyviel felt a surge of adrenaline. This was it—the information they needed. "Thank you for sharing that with us," he said, trying to keep his excitement in check. "We’ll be careful."
As they turned to leave, Marco's voice stopped them. "Just be cautious. If you’re truly here to help, you might want to keep your distance from the cult. They’re not to be trifled with."
Denver nodded, his expression serious. "We appreciate the warning. We’ll be on our guard."
Once they were outside the church, Deyviel turned to his teammates, a mix of excitement and concern in his eyes. "We have a lead. We need to check out that warehouse."
Alicia nodded, her expression resolute. "But we have to be smart about it. We can’t just rush in without a plan."
Yumi agreed, her voice steady. "Let’s gather more intel before we make any moves. We need to know what we’re up against."
As they walked back to their temporary accommodations, Deyviel felt a sense of purpose. They were on the brink of uncovering something significant, and he was determined to see it through.
Later that evening, they gathered in their room to discuss their next steps. Deyviel laid out the map they had received from Captain Kim, tracing a route to the warehouse. "If we approach from the north, we might be able to get a better view of the place without being seen."
Denver leaned over the map, his brow furrowed in concentration. "We should also consider setting up a perimeter. If they’re as dangerous as Marco suggested, we need to be prepared for anything."
Alicia nodded, her expression serious. "We can take shifts watching the area. If we see anything suspicious, we regroup and come up with a plan."
Yumi smiled, her eyes sparkling with determination. "We’ll do this together. We’ve got each other’s backs, no matter what."
As they finalized their plans, Deyviel felt a surge of confidence. They were ready for whatever lay ahead. With their mission set, they turned in for the night, each of them lost in their thoughts as they prepared for the challenges that awaited them.
The next morning, they awoke early, the sun casting a warm glow over the town. Deyviel quickly got dressed, adjusting his tie and checking his gear. He felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as they prepared to head out.
After a quick breakfast, they gathered their supplies and made their way to the warehouse. The streets were quiet, and Deyviel could feel the weight of their mission pressing down on him. As they approached the outskirts of town, the atmosphere shifted, the air thick with tension.
When they reached the warehouse, Deyviel felt a chill run down his spine. The building loomed before them, its windows dark and foreboding. "This is it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We need to be careful."
Alicia nodded, her expression serious. "Let’s stick to the plan. We’ll approach from the north and see what we can find."
As they moved cautiously around the perimeter, Deyviel's heart raced with anticipation. The warehouse was surrounded by overgrown weeds and debris, a clear sign that it had been abandoned for some time. Yet, the eerie silence suggested that something was amiss.
Denver led the way, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. "Keep your eyes peeled," he whispered, his voice tense. "If the cult is operating here, they might have guards or traps set up."
Yumi nodded, her expression focused. "We should look for any entrances or windows that might give us a better view inside."
As they crept closer, Deyviel spotted a small window on the side of the building. "There! We can see if anyone is inside from there," he said, pointing it out to the group.
Alicia moved to the window, carefully peering inside. "It’s dark, but I can make out some shapes. It looks like there are tables and equipment set up. This could be where they’re conducting their experiments."
Deyviel felt a surge of determination. "We need to get a closer look. If we can gather more intel, we can report back to Captain Kim."
They moved around to the front of the warehouse, where a large double door stood slightly ajar. Deyviel exchanged glances with his teammates, silently agreeing to proceed with caution. "Let’s go in," he whispered, pushing the door open just enough for them to slip inside.
The interior was dimly lit, with shadows dancing across the walls. The air was thick with the smell of chemicals and something else—something metallic. Deyviel's stomach churned as he took in the sight before him.
Tables lined the room, cluttered with strange instruments and vials filled with dark liquids. In the corner, he spotted a series of glass containers, each one housing a grotesque creature that looked like a twisted amalgamation of human and animal features.
"What the hell is this?" Denver muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alicia's eyes widened in horror. "This is worse than we thought. They’re actually experimenting on people."
Yumi stepped closer to one of the containers, her expression a mix of curiosity and fear. "We need to document this. If we can get evidence, it will help us take them down."
Deyviel nodded, pulling out his phone to take pictures. "We have to be quick. If they catch us here, we’re done for."
As they moved deeper into the warehouse, they heard voices coming from a nearby room. Deyviel's heart raced as he gestured for everyone to stop. "We need to hide," he whispered urgently.
They quickly ducked behind a stack of crates, holding their breath as the voices grew louder. Two figures entered the room, their faces obscured by shadows. Deyviel strained to hear their conversation.
"Did you hear about the new batch coming in?" one of them said, his tone low and conspiratorial.
"Yeah, they’re supposed to be stronger than the last. We need to make sure everything goes smoothly this time," the other replied.
Deyviel exchanged a worried glance with his teammates. "They’re talking about more experiments," he whispered. "We have to find out where they’re keeping the missing people."
As the two figures moved further into the room, Deyviel took a chance and peeked around the crates. He could see a door at the back, slightly ajar. "That might lead to where they’re holding the captives," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alicia nodded, her expression resolute. "We need to check it out. But we have to be careful."
They waited for the figures to move out of sight before making their way toward the door. Deyviel felt a mix of fear and determination as they approached, knowing that they were on the brink of uncovering something significant.
As they reached the door, Deyviel took a deep breath and pushed it open slowly. The room beyond was dimly lit, and the air was heavy with the scent of dampness and decay. Deyviel's heart raced as he stepped inside, scanning the area for any signs of life.
What he saw made his blood run cold. Rows of cages lined the walls, each one containing a person—some unconscious, others wide-eyed with fear. Deyviel felt a surge of anger and determination. "We have to get them out of here," he said, his voice shaking with emotion.
What he saw made his blood run cold. Rows of cages lined the walls, each one containing a person—some unconscious, others wide-eyed with fear. Deyviel felt a surge of anger and determination. "We have to get them out of here," he said, his voice shaking with emotion.
Denver nodded, his expression grim. "But we need to be careful. If the cult members find us, we won’t stand a chance."
Yumi moved closer to one of the cages, her eyes filled with compassion. "We can’t leave them here. We have to do something."
Alicia stepped forward, her voice steady. "We need to find a way to unlock these cages without drawing attention. If we can free them, we can create a distraction to help us escape."
Deyviel nodded, scanning the room for anything that could help. "There has to be a key or a control panel somewhere. Let’s look around."
As they searched the dimly lit room, Deyviel’s heart raced. He could hear the faint sounds of whimpering and muffled cries from the cages, fueling his determination. He spotted a small desk in the corner, cluttered with papers and a few tools. "Over there!" he whispered, pointing to the desk.
The group moved quickly but quietly, their eyes darting around for any signs of cult members. Deyviel reached the desk first, rifling through the papers. Most were illegible, filled with scientific jargon and diagrams of grotesque creatures. But then he spotted a small keyring hanging from a hook on the side of the desk.
"Got it!" he exclaimed, holding it up triumphantly. "This should unlock the cages."
Denver took the keyring from Deyviel, his expression serious. "Let’s get to work. We don’t have much time."
As they moved to the first cage, Deyviel felt a mix of fear and hope. He inserted the key into the lock, his hands trembling slightly. With a click, the door swung open, revealing a young woman inside, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.
"Please, help me!" she cried, her voice hoarse.
"You're safe now," Yumi said gently, reaching out to her. "We’re here to get you out. Can you walk?"
The woman nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I think so. I’ve been here for days."
As they helped her out of the cage, Deyviel quickly moved to the next one, unlocking it and freeing a middle-aged man who looked equally terrified. "Thank you, thank you!" he gasped, clutching his chest.
"Stay quiet and follow us," Alicia instructed, her voice firm but reassuring. "We’re going to get you out of here."
They continued to unlock cages, freeing several more captives, each one filled with gratitude and fear. Deyviel felt a surge of hope as they gathered the freed individuals together, but he knew they had to act fast.
"Okay, we need to get everyone out of here," Deyviel said, glancing at the door. "But we have to be careful. If anyone sees us, it could jeopardize everything."
Denver nodded, his expression serious. "We should create a distraction. If we can draw the cult members away from this area, we can escape with the captives."
Yumi looked around, her eyes scanning the room for anything they could use. "What about the equipment? We could set something off to create noise."
Deyviel thought for a moment, then pointed to a large container filled with vials and chemicals. "If we can break that open, it might create a loud crash and draw their attention."
Alicia nodded, her eyes brightening with determination. "Let’s do it. We’ll create a diversion and then make our escape."
As they moved to the container, Deyviel felt a rush of adrenaline. They were so close to achieving their goal, but the danger was palpable. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
With a swift motion, Denver kicked the container, sending it crashing to the ground. The sound echoed through the warehouse, and Deyviel could hear shouts from the other room as cult members began to rush toward the noise.
"Now! Let’s go!" Deyviel shouted, leading the group of freed captives toward the exit.
They moved quickly, adrenaline fueling their escape. As they reached the door, Deyviel glanced back to see cult members pouring into the room, their expressions filled with rage and confusion.
"Go, go, go!" he urged, pushing the last of the captives through the door.
Once outside, they sprinted toward the tree line, the sounds of chaos behind them. Deyviel’s heart raced as they ran, the weight of their mission pressing down on him. They had to get to safety.
As they reached the cover of the trees, Deyviel turned to check on the captives. "Is everyone okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern
The young woman nodded, her face pale but determined. "We’re okay. Thank you for saving us."
Alicia took charge, her voice steady. "We need to keep moving. The cult members will be looking for us. We have to get to the nearest town and find help."
Yumi glanced back toward the warehouse, her expression serious. "We can’t let them regroup. We need to report this to Captain Kim and the other Hunters."
Deyviel felt a surge of adrenaline as he formulated a plan. "Alicia, Yumi, you two take the captives and head toward the extraction point. Find a safe place to hide and call for Captain Kim. Denver and I will create a distraction to draw the cult members away from you."
Alicia nodded, her expression resolute. "We’ll be careful. Just make sure you two stay safe."
Yumi added, "We’ll regroup as soon as we can. Just keep your heads down."
With a quick exchange of determined glances, the group split up. Deyviel and Denver moved deeper into the trees, their hearts racing as they prepared to confront the cult members.
let's make this quick," Denver replied, glancing nervously over his shoulder. The tension in the air was palpable, and every rustle of leaves seemed to echo like a warning bell.
Deyviel pulled out a small box filled with fireworks, carefully arranging them in a makeshift pile. He had scavenged these from a previous mission, and now they would serve a far more critical purpose. "We’ll light them up and then set the warehouse ablaze. The cultists won’t know what hit them."
Denver nodded, his hands moving swiftly to help Deyviel. They worked in silence, their minds racing with the possibilities of what could go wrong. "You think the girls will be okay?" Denver asked, his voice barely above a whisper
"They’ll be fine," Deyviel reassured him, though he felt a knot of worry in his stomach. "Alicia and Yumi are tough. They know what to do."
Once they had everything set up, Deyviel pulled out a small timer and set it for fifteen minutes. "Alright, that gives us just enough time to get clear before the fireworks go off," he said, securing the timer to the pile of fireworks.
"Let’s get moving," Denver urged, glancing back toward the direction Alicia and Yumi had gone. They took off, weaving through the trees, their hearts pounding in sync with their hurried footsteps.
As they reached a vantage point overlooking the warehouse, Deyviel took a deep breath. "This is it. We light the fuse, and then we run like hell."
Denver nodded, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of the cult members. "On three," he said, raising his hand. "One… two… three!"
With a swift motion, Deyviel struck a match and lit the fuse. They watched as the flames flickered to life, the fireworks beginning to crackle and pop. The sound echoed through the forest, a cacophony of color and light that illuminated the night sky.
"Let’s go!" Deyviel shouted, turning on his heel and sprinting away from the warehouse. Denver followed closely behind, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they raced toward the extraction point.
Behind them, the warehouse erupted in a brilliant display of fireworks, the flames licking at the wooden structure as it began to burn. The distraction worked perfectly; the cult members were drawn to the chaos, their shouts and confusion ringing out in the night.
To be continued....