As Deyviel is speaking on the TV, someone watches it with hatred in his heart. "You damn Deyviel, you're always a hero. Always in the spotlight, but now I'll change it. I'll make you suffer like the last time; I will take everything from you like how I took Elisa from you!" The mysterious man said in the darkroom.

The atmosphere in the headquarters was charged with anticipation as Deyviel and his comrades prepared for the impending confrontation with Lancer. The press conference had ignited a fire within the hearts of the people, and now there are so many people wanting to join their cause that the hunters were determined to harness that momentum. Deyviel stood at the center of the training ground, surrounded by his friends, each one focused on their own preparations.

"Alright, everyone! We need to make the most of the time we have left," General McDougal called out, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We have one month until the red moon, and we need to be ready for anything Lancer throws at us."

Deyviel and Denver nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on their shoulders. As Deyviel had spoken to the public, but now it was time to back up his words with action. "We need to train harder than ever," he said, his voice steady. "Lancer won't hold back, and neither can we.

As the group dispersed to their respective training areas, Deyviel found himself alongside Denver, Alicia, and Yumi. They had formed a tight-knit team, each member bringing their unique skills to the table.

"Are you ready for this, Deyviel?" Denver asked, his expression serious. "We need to make sure we’re all on the same page."

Deyviel took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I am. We’ve trained together for a long time, and I trust each of you. We can do this."

Alicia stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination. "We need to focus on our strengths and work on our weaknesses. If we can anticipate Lancer's moves, we might stand a chance."

Yumi nodded in agreement. "And we should also practice our teamwork. We need to be able to rely on each other in the heat of battle."

As they began their training, the sound of clashing weapons and the shouts of their comrades filled the air. Deyviel felt the adrenaline coursing through him, pushing him to give his all. He focused on honing his skills, channeling his ki into each strike, determined to become stronger.

Meanwhile, General McDougal observed from a distance, his expression thoughtful. He knew the stakes were high, and the upcoming battle would test the limits of each hunter. "They have potential," he murmured to himself, "but they need to be pushed further."

As the days passed, the training intensified. Deyviel and his team faced grueling challenges, pushing their bodies and minds to the brink. They practiced combat scenarios, strategized their approach to Lancer, and worked on their individual abilities. Each day brought new lessons, and with each lesson, Deyviel felt himself growing stronger.

The relentless training sessions began to forge a bond between Deyviel and his comrades that transcended mere friendship; they were becoming a family united by a common purpose. Each member of the team brought their own strengths to the table, and as they trained, they learned to anticipate each other's moves, creating a seamless synergy that would be crucial in the battles to come.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the training grounds, Deyviel gathered his team for a strategy session. They sat in a circle, the air thick with the scent of sweat and determination.

"Alright, everyone," Deyviel began, his voice steady. "We need to discuss our plan for the upcoming confrontation with Lancer. We know he’s cunning and ruthless, and we can’t afford to underestimate him."

Alicia leaned forward, her brow furrowed in concentration. "We should consider his past tactics. Lancer has a tendency to exploit weaknesses in his opponents. If we can identify our vulnerabilities, we can work to strengthen them before the fight."

Denver nodded, adding, "And we need to be prepared for his minions. Lancer won’t come at us alone. He’ll have his followers, and we need to be ready to deal with them while also keeping our focus on him."

Yumi, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "What if we set up a diversion? If we can draw some of his minions away, it might give us the opportunity to confront Lancer directly without being overwhelmed."

Deyviel smiled, impressed by the ideas flowing around the circle. "That’s a great point, Yumi. A diversion could buy us precious time. We can split into two groups—one to create the distraction and the other to engage Lancer. But we need to ensure that both groups can communicate effectively."

As they continued to brainstorm, the camaraderie in the room grew stronger. They shared stories of past battles, their fears, and their hopes for the future. Each member of the team opened up, revealing their motivations for fighting against Lancer and the darkness he represented.

The next few weeks flew by in a blur of training, strategizing, and bonding. Deyviel felt a sense of purpose that he had never experienced before. He was no longer just fighting for himself; he was fighting for his friends, for the people who believed in them, and for the chance to create a better world.

As the red moon approached, the atmosphere in the headquarters shifted. The air crackled with tension, and the weight of impending battle loomed over them. General McDougal called for a final meeting, gathering all the hunters to discuss their plan of attack.

"Ehem, General Monica coughed to catch their attention. So we gather you today because we finally found the vampire king's hideout, or his castle. It was confirmed by our strongest hunter, Ben Rayleigh. So be prepared, hunters! Because tomorrow night, under the light of the red moon, we will confront Lancer," he announced, his voice booming through the assembly hall. "This is our chance to put an end to his tyranny once and for all. We will fight with everything we have, and we will not back down.

Deyviel felt a surge of adrenaline at the general's words. He looked around at his comrades, their faces set with determination. They were ready. They had trained hard, forged unbreakable bonds, and now it was time to put their skills to the test.

As the meeting concluded, the hunters dispersed, each one consumed by their thoughts and preparations for the battle ahead. Deyviel lingered for a moment, watching the flickering lights of the headquarters and feeling the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. He knew that tomorrow would change everything.

“Hey, Deyviel,” Denver called out, breaking him from his reverie. “You good?”

Deyviel turned to face his friend, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just thinking about what’s to come. It’s a lot to take in.”

Alicia joined them, her expression serious. “We’ve trained for this. We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve come out stronger. We can do this.”

Yumi approached, her eyes bright with determination. “And we’ll do it together. No matter what happens, we’ve got each other’s backs.”

Deyviel felt a swell of gratitude for his team. “You’re right. We’ve come too far to turn back now. Let’s make sure we’re all ready for tomorrow.”

As they made their way to their quarters, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Each member of the team prepared in their own way—some meditated, others sharpened their weapons, and a few shared quiet conversations, reflecting on their journey.

That night, Deyviel lay in the training room, staring at the ceiling after a few hours of nonstop practicing of his Vampire Buster (that's what they called his right arm and its floating blue translucent spiky arm that mimicked his arm movements). Memories of Elisa flooded his mind, her laughter, her unwavering support. He felt a pang of loss but also a renewed sense of purpose. He would fight not just for himself, but for her memory and for all those who had suffered under Lancer’s reign. Why I'm thinking about her now. Tsk, I guess I still regret losing her. But 3 years ago I was a weak person who could do nothing but beat some thugs. But now it's different; I'll make sure to save Ghelle this time. I won't fail no matter what, even if I have to sacrifice one of my limbs, and that's a promise. He bowed while opening his palm, pointing at the ceiling. "Hey, Deyviel, you should rest; in a few hours we're heading out. We can't have you tiring out in the midst of a fight," Denver said while leaning back at the door.

Deyviel turned his head to see Denver leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a concerned look etched on his face. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, and Deyviel could feel the tension in his friend's posture.

"You're right," Deyviel replied, forcing himself to sit up. "I just... I can't shake the feeling that tomorrow is going to change everything. I need to be ready, and besides, I'm just trying some of my new moves."

Denver raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile breaking through his serious demeanor. "New moves, huh? You mean that flashy arm of yours? You know, you might want to save some of that energy for the actual fight."

Deyviel chuckled softly, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But I can't help it. I feel like I need to push myself, to be better than I was before."

"That's the spirit," Denver said, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. "But remember, it's not just about you. We’re a team. We win together, or we lose together. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders alone."

Deyviel nodded, appreciating the reminder. "I know. I just... I want to make sure I can protect everyone. I don’t want to let anyone down again."

"You won’t," Denver assured him, his voice firm. "We’ve all got each other’s backs. Just trust in your training and in us. We’ve come too far to doubt ourselves now."

The two friends shared a moment of silence, the gravity of their situation settling in once more. Deyviel took a deep breath, feeling the resolve building within him. "Thanks, Denver. I needed that."

"Can I have a moment with your child?" A small man with a long white beard asked that shook the two and jumped like a scared cat because of the sudden appearance of this old man without them noticing it.

Deyviel and Denver exchanged startled glances, their hearts racing from the unexpected intrusion. The old man stood in the doorway, his long white beard flowing like a river of snow, and his eyes twinkled with a mix of wisdom and mischief. He wore a tattered cloak that seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the training room.

"Who are you?" Deyviel asked, his voice steadying as he regained his composure. "And what do you need from me, old man'?"

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The old man chuckled softly, his laughter echoing in the quiet room. "Ah, young Deyviel, no need for such formality. I am nobody; I was just intrigued by your aura. It seems unpolished, and by the way, you may call me Eldrin."

Denver stepped forward, still wary. "What do you want with Deyviel? We don’t have time for games, especially not tonight."

Eldrin raised his hands in a placating gesture, his eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and sincerity. "I assure you, young man, I come in peace. I have no intention of wasting your time. I simply wish to offer Deyviel a piece of advice—something that may aid him in the battle to come."

Deyviel exchanged another glance with Denver, who still looked skeptical but seemed to relax slightly. "Alright, Eldrin. What kind of advice do you have?" Deyviel asked, curiosity piqued despite the lingering tension.

The old man stepped closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You possess great power, Deyviel, but power alone is not enough. You must learn to harness it, to channel it with purpose. The Vampire Buster you wield is formidable, but it is only as strong as the heart that guides it."

Deyviel frowned, contemplating Eldrin's words. "What do you mean? I’ve trained hard, and I know how to use it."

Eldrin nodded, his expression serious. "But using it like that won't be enough. I can see that you're confident because you almost beat Lancer using that, but we both know it wasn't really you who beat him, and besides that, the vampire just got caught off guard and did not have a chance to use the full extent of his powers because he underestimated all of you, but I'll make sure that the next time you see him, he'll go all out, so before that happens, I have something to show you or teach," he said and walked further inside the room. "Come, don't be shy, lad. I'll get it for free." The old man gestured for us to follow him inside. So we exchange glances and follow him. And he strikes a pose, one arm folded under his side, the left one in front of him, palm open. Feet spread. He stayed in that position for like a minute or two, and then in a blink of an eye, he snapped his fist forward, and as we blinked, the entire wall was gone, alongside a small mountain behind it. Our eyes widen because of that punch.

Deyviel and Denver stood in stunned silence, their mouths agape as they processed the sheer power of Eldrin's punch. The wall that had once separated them from the outside world was now nothing but rubble, and the small mountain that had stood behind it was reduced to a pile of dust and debris. The air was thick with the scent of earth and stone, and the sound of crumbling rock echoed in the training room.

"Whoa," Denver finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "What just happened?"

Eldrin turned to them, a satisfied grin on his face. "That, my young friends, is the power of focused intent. You see, strength is not merely about brute force; it’s about channeling your energy with precision and purpose. If you wish to stand a chance against Lancer, you must learn to harness your abilities in a way that transcends mere physicality. And I can; it is dragon's breath."

Deyviel shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around what he had just witnessed. "But how? How do we learn to do that?"

Eldrin's eyes sparkled with a mix of wisdom and mischief as he surveyed the two young hunters. "Ah, that is the question, isn't it? The path to mastering your abilities requires not just strength but also understanding and discipline. You must learn to connect with your inner self, to find the source of your power and channel it effectively."

Denver crossed his arms, still skeptical but intrigued. "And how do we do that? Just punching walls until they disappear?"

Eldrin chuckled, shaking his head. "No, no, my young friend. It’s not about destruction; it’s about creation. You must first learn to calm your mind and focus your energy. Only then can you begin to manipulate it. I can guide you through the process, but you must be willing to put in the effort."

Deyviel felt a spark of hope ignite within him. "What do we need to do?"

"But Deyviel, in two hours we're heading out. We don't have much time here," Denver whispered to Deyviel.

Deyviel glanced at Denver, the urgency of their situation weighing heavily on his mind. "I know, but this could be our chance to gain an edge against Lancer. We can't afford to overlook any opportunity," he replied, determination shining in his eyes.

Eldrin nodded, sensing their resolve. "Very well. I can teach you the basics of channeling your energy in a short time. But you must focus and be willing to embrace the process. And based on how fast you learn things, I think you'll just take 3 hours."

Deyviel and Denver exchanged glances, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. The urgency of their mission loomed large, but the prospect of gaining a new skill that could turn the tide in their favor was too enticing to ignore.

"Alright, Eldrin," Deyviel said, his voice steady. "We’re in. Teach us what you can."

Eldrin's eyes sparkled with approval. "Excellent! Now, let’s begin with the fundamentals. First, you must learn to center yourselves. Find a comfortable stance, and close your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold it for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth."

Deyviel and Denver followed Eldrin's instructions, closing their eyes and taking deep breaths. The world around them faded as they concentrated on their breathing, feeling the rhythm of their hearts slow and their minds clear.

"Good," Eldrin said, his voice calm and soothing. "Now, visualize your energy. Imagine it as a warm light within you, glowing brighter with each breath. This light is your power, your essence. Feel it pulsing in time with your heartbeat."

Deyviel focused intently, picturing a warm, golden light radiating from his core. He could feel the energy swirling within him, a gentle warmth that spread through his limbs. He opened his eyes, glancing at Denver, who seemed to be in a similar state of concentration.

"Now, let’s move on to channeling that energy," Eldrin continued. "Extend your arms in front of you, palms facing outward. Imagine the energy flowing from your core, through your arms, and into your hands. Feel it building, gathering strength."

Deyviel followed Eldrin's guidance, feeling the energy coalesce in his palms. He could sense the power surging, a tingling sensation that made his fingers tingle with anticipation. He glanced at Denver, who was also focused, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Now, I want you to release that energy," Eldrin instructed. "But instead of just letting it go, direct it with intention. Picture it as a beam of light, a force that can push back against anything in its path."

Meanwhile, Ethan and the others are readying themselves for the mission.

"Hey Kliev, where are the two idiots? It's almost time; we're heading out in 5 minutes. Go grab those two, "Ethan asked Kliev. Just frowning and searching for the two.

Kliev nodded, his expression serious as he set off to find Deyviel and Denver. He navigated through the bustling headquarters, the air thick with anticipation and the scent of sweat and determination. As he approached the training room, he could hear Eldrin's voice echoing through the walls, a mix of calm and urgency.

Kliev pushed the door open, and his eyes widened at the sight before him. The wall was gone, replaced by a gaping hole that led to the outside world, and Deyviel and Denver stood with their arms extended, palms facing outward, as if channeling some unseen force. Eldrin stood nearby, his expression one of focused concentration.

"What the hell happened here?" Kliev exclaimed, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "You two are supposed to be getting ready for the mission, not... whatever this is!"

Deyviel opened his eyes, a look of determination etched on his face. "Kliev! We’re learning something important. Eldrin is teaching us how to channel our energy. It could give us an edge against Lancer."

Kliev raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his tone. "You think you have time for this? We’re heading out in five minutes! You can’t just—"

Don't worry, child; these two will follow you there. They needed to finish the training before going there. When the time comes, I'll send them myself," Master Eldrin said, putting a hand on Kliev's shoulder.

Kliev blinked, taken aback by Eldrin's sudden presence and authority. "But—"

Eldrin raised a hand, silencing Kliev with a calm yet firm gesture. "Trust me, young warrior. The knowledge they gain here will be invaluable in the battle to come. Sometimes, the most crucial preparation is not just physical but also mental and spiritual."

Kliev hesitated, glancing between Eldrin and his friends. He could see the determination in Deyviel's eyes, the way Denver was focused and ready to absorb every word. "Fine," he relented, crossing his arms. "But you better make it quick. We need every second we can get."

"Leave them be. We need him in to become stronger, so he needs that; besides, he's only late by an hour, so it's not a big deal," Ben Rayleigh chimed in. But Kliev snap.

"What?! Are you stupid, huh?! Not a big deal; the hunter's moral is based on him, so without him, other hunters will—" but before he finishes his sentence, Ben cuts him off and speaks

"Man, don't have me? What am I?" Ben Rayleigh said with confidence.

"Yeah right, forgot you were the hunters strongest," Kliev replied before storming out.

As Kliev stormed out, the tension in the room shifted. Deyviel and Denver exchanged glances, both feeling the weight of the moment. Eldrin, sensing the urgency, turned his attention back to the two young hunters.

"Now, let’s focus," Eldrin said, his voice steady and calm. "You must learn to harness your energy quickly. The battle ahead will require every ounce of strength you can muster."

Deyviel nodded, determination flooding his veins. "We’re ready. Just tell us what to do."

"Good. Now, I want you to visualize that energy you’ve gathered. Picture it as a powerful force, ready to be unleashed. When you feel it building, I want you to release it with intention. Focus on a target—imagine it clearly in your mind—and let the energy flow."

Deyviel closed his eyes again, centering himself. He could feel the warmth of the energy within him, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. He extended his arms, palms facing outward, and concentrated on directing that energy.

"Now, release!" Eldrin commanded.

Meanwhile the Black Knights and the remaining squads are gathering, ready to board the helicopter. And Kliev came in and said.

"The fucker will be later; they said they're going to meet us there."

"What?!" They said in unison as they shouted that General McDougal order the pilots to move. As they fly into the sky, the two remain engaged in intense training.

Deyviel and Denver stood in the training room, their arms extended, palms facing outward as they focused on channeling their energy. The air around them crackled with potential, and they could feel the warmth of their power building within. Eldrin watched them closely, his expression a mix of encouragement and intensity.

"Visualize your target," Eldrin instructed. "Picture it clearly in your mind. Feel the energy flowing from your core, through your arms, and into your hands. When you’re ready, release it with purpose."

Deyviel concentrated, envisioning Lancer standing before him, a menacing figure cloaked in darkness. He could almost feel the weight of the vampire king's presence, the threat he posed to everything Deyviel held dear. With each breath, he felt the energy within him swell, a warm light that pulsed in time with his heartbeat.

"Now!" Eldrin urged, his voice rising with excitement. "Release!"

Deyviel opened his eyes, focusing on the imagined target. He thrust his palms forward, and a brilliant beam of energy shot from his hands, illuminating the room with a blinding light. The force of the release sent a shockwave through the air, and Deyviel felt a rush of exhilaration as the energy dissipated into the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, back with the raid teams.

"Ok, hunters! You have your assignments.

Team one (front of the castle)

Black Knights captain: Ethan Allen,

Ability: kinetic absorption and release

Vice captain: Mizuno Martine

Ability: water manipulation

Golden Eagle-Captain: John Cooper,

Enforcement

Vice captain: Eric James Harper

Ability: Portal

Team two (task back of the castle)

Dark Void Captain: Ron Ji Woo (he's a Korean)

Ability: ink (tattoo manifestation)

Vice captain: Marc Specter

Ability: super speed

7 swords, captain: Cloude Redfeild

Ability: Clone

Vice captain: Clareine Redfield

Ability: Healing.

As the teams prepared for their respective missions, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation and determination. Each hunter was acutely aware of the stakes involved in the confrontation with Lancer. The air buzzed with a mix of excitement and anxiety, and the weight of their mission pressed heavily on their shoulders.

"Alright teams, move out!" General McDougal shouted, and all of them silently moved to their assigned roles. As McDougal's teams approach the castle depth in a forest, he raises his hand and observes their surroundings.

The forest was dense, the trees towering above them like ancient sentinels guarding the secrets of the night. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting eerie shadows on the ground as the hunters moved stealthily toward Lancer's castle. General McDougal led the way, his keen eyes scanning for any signs of danger.

"Stay alert," he whispered, his voice low but firm. "Lancer will have his minions patrolling the area. We need to be ready for anything."

Ethan, the captain of the Black Knights, nodded, his expression serious. "We’ll take the front. Mizuno, keep an eye on the water sources. If we need to create a diversion, we can use the environment to our advantage."

Mizuno, with her long, dark hair tied back, smiled confidently. "Leave it to me. I can manipulate the water in the nearby streams to create a mist or even a flood if necessary."

Meanwhile, at the back of the castle, Ron Ji Woo, the captain of Dark Void, was strategizing with his vice captain, Marc Specter. "We need to be quick and silent," Ron said, his voice barely above a whisper. "If we can get behind the castle without being detected, we can set up a distraction for the front team."

Marc nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I can use my speed to scout ahead. If I see any guards, I’ll be back before they even know I’m gone."

As the teams moved closer to the castle, the tension in the air thickened. The hunters were acutely aware of the danger that lay ahead, but they also felt a sense of camaraderie and purpose. They were united in their mission to confront Lancer and put an end to his tyranny.

"Fuck, we can't enter by normal means, so we're improvising," General McDougal said. "Captains, I need you to form a team that will enter inside and open the gate for us." General McDougal ordered

As they hid themselves into the bushes and formed another plan to sneak in. Ethan. It's suggested that they'll volunteer to sneak inside and locate the holding cells and open the gates. Because Rebecca can sneak them in because she befriends someone like that. Help her out the castle.

"Alright, form your team," he ordered Ethan.

"Ok, Rebecca, are you ready about this?" Ethan asks Mizuno.

"Well, we don't have much of a choice here, cap. So let's roll it," Rebecca replied.

"Ok, team, just follow my lead. And be prepared for anything. But I need you guys to stay focused on your task. After Andrew scans the whole castle and locates the holding cell we're moving in and saving the hostage (Ghelle and her friends), and Rebecca, I need you to guide us inside, Ethan instructed. And Rebecca just nodded. Mizuno, you and Cooper will be in charge of locating Ghelle and her friends, while me, Eric, and the rest of the Golden Eagle will create a distraction. Alicia, Kliev, Yumi, and Emily will be in charge of opening the gate.

"Copy" they all said in unison.

"Alright, spread out!"he ordered.

As the teams dispersed into the shadows of the forest, the air was thick with tension and anticipation. Each hunter moved with purpose, their hearts pounding in sync with the mission that lay ahead. The moon hung high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape, illuminating their path as they approached Lancer's castle. Ethan led his team, which included Mizuno, Rebecca, and Eric, toward the front of the castle. They moved silently, their senses heightened, aware that any misstep could alert Lancer's minions. The castle loomed before them, a dark silhouette against the night sky, its stone walls imposing and foreboding. But they're encountering a vampire in the narrow street. As Ethan and Eric are about to attack the vampire, Rebecca steps in front of both of them.

"Hey guys, wait, he's a friend; I knew him. He's friendly," Rebecca said, spreading her arms so the two wouldn't attack her friend.

"Re-rebecca? Is that you?" The vampire asks.

"Yes, it's me, Clark. I'm sorry, but we need your help, Clark,Rebecca said with pleading eyes.

Clark, the vampire, looked between Rebecca and the two hunters, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "What are you doing back here? We're almost get caught while helping you last time.You shouldn’t be near this place. It’s dangerous!"

Ethan stepped forward, his brow furrowed with suspicion. "We don’t have time for explanations. We’re here to rescue Ghelle and her friends. If you’re truly on our side, we could use your help."

Clark hesitated, glancing back toward the castle, where shadows flitted between the stone walls. "I want to help, but Lancer has eyes everywhere. If he finds out I’m aiding you, it could mean my end—and yours."

Mizuno chimed in, his voice steady. "We understand the risks, but we’re prepared to face whatever comes our way. We need to get inside and find Ghelle. Can you help us?"

Clark sighed, the weight of the decision heavy on his shoulders. "Alright, but you must promise to follow my lead. I know the layout of the castle better than anyone, and I can help you avoid the guards." As he said, they heard footsteps and spoke.

"Hey Clark, do you remember—" as the vampire was about to say something, she saw Ethan and the others and shouted Humans!?

To be continued.......