Terror Infinity Side B

Chapter 24, HxH Greed Island

As Team Japan's Connor lead Adam away deeper into the heart of Masadora, the three members of Team Germany left behind; Webber, Kurt, and Lutz, watched as their field commander left and were now faced with a new danger. Standing before them now was a man in a dark coat with white hair. In one hand was a magic sword, a katana dyed in the color of darkness and the other was a Beretta Auto 9 resembling the main weapon of a certain RoboCop. This man, Shin, matched Team Germany's description of the priority target of Team Japan. The Player who belonged to no organization and has shown a dangerous level of potential that must be stepped on at all costs even if it meant the lives of an entire team of God's Dimension.

Shin: "..."

Lutz: "He’s definitely from Team Japan. Very strong sensation of wanting to kill us. He also matches the description of the priority target assigned to us by the higher ups.... hey, it's dangerous to stay out in the open without Adam's defenses. We may get sniped standing here. Not sure if there are anyone else from their team around us as well. We should-"

Webber: "Hahaha!"

The muscular man laughed out loud at the healer's words. Webber had great confidence in his strength and thought very little of the small Japanese youth before him. So much so that he couldn’t understand why the upper management of Mass Enlightenment and the other organizations of the Four Pillars placed so much interest on Shin. To people like Webber, power determined everything. The title “enemy” is also decided by power, particularly when this enemy is powerful enough to gain respect and fear. That's how Webber saw things, so he couldn't understand how a small kid like Shin, who doesn't even have a distinguished background like his leader Abigail, could ever hope to be such a threat to a large and powerful organization like Mass Enlightenment.

Webber: "You worry too much Lutz. He isn't weak, but I don't feel that he's that strong either. Kurt and I are good enough to handle the Jap. Just staying in the back and ready your spells to heal the small cuts we get from crushing his skull!"

Kurt: "I prefer that we melt him. Just the smell of flesh burned by fire... is intoxicating!"

Lutz: "Tch, you two freaks. Don't get carried a-... wait a minute you two. Leader has something to say to that guy, so don't start fighting yet."

Shin who was watching the enemy had no idea what was going on, but then saw Webber and Kurt of Team Germany shut up at that instant. Lutz stepped forward and looked Shin directly in the eye. Shin assumed that the battle was about to start, but to his surprise Lutz who was just on guard for any sudden attacks completely let down his guard. His expression changed as well and had a faint smile across his face. Shin didn't know the man Lutz at all, but even he could tell that something was off... especially after the man in front of him suddenly began speaking with the voice of a teenage girl.

Lutz/Abigail: "Testing, testing... good. I'm getting through. Now, Team Japan's infamous Player Shin... you are Shin correct?"

Shin: "..."

Lutz/Abigail: "Prick! Whatever, I'll take your silence as a yes. Let me introduce myself. My name is Abigail. Leader of Team Germany and a rising star of Mass Enlightenment."

Shin: "...Mass Enlightenment. That's-"

Lutz/Abigail: "I've heard that you had a run in with them in the real world. Well, it's the very same Mass Enlightenment that you know of and my Team Germany is backed up by them. I myself am descended from one the founders of Mass Enlightenment who served our great leader still alive to this day, Deep Zero."

Shin: "Enough pleasantries. If you're of Mass Enlightenment then it's obvious that we can't reach a peaceful agreement in this mission. Also, my team is not in a position for peace talks."

Lutz/Abigail: "Oww, did someone die on your side? I believe this is your first Team Battle as well. You need to kill a few of us due to some mistake on your part, right? Then I guess peace really was never on the table then. How unfortunate."

Shin couldn't help but frown hearing Abigail say that. From the moment Shin heard her voice he knew that Abigail had nothing but contempt for him and wanted nothing more than his death. Even if Abigail dared to talk about peace and cooperation Shin would never believe a word that comes out of her mouth.

Shin: "Why are you bothering to talk to me then? You’re also not interested in peace talks."

Lutz/Abigail: "I just wanted to make that fact clear. I want to enjoy hunting you down so that I'll have a good story to tell my bosses later. It'll be anticlimactic if after wiping out your Team Japan and seeing you grovel for forgiveness at my feet. That's interesting... but not good enough. I want to hunt you down, corner you, and enjoy it as I rip you apart while you still have a defiant look in your eyes!"

Shin: "...That so?"

Lutz/Abigail: "Absolutely! You may be unaware of this, but you’re the number one priority target of Mass Enlightenment. Even out of all the Four Pillars to take out within God's Dimension. To have reached the Second Stage after only two missions and without the assistance of drugs goes to show your future potential... and we of Mass Enlightenment especially can't allow such a threat to us go. We have a policy of pulling out the weeds early on before those weeds grow into an expansive jungle. That's why you are my ticket to the top! Killing you will raise my status within Mass Enlightenment. Some tell me that I'm a greedy whore who would do anything to reach the top... but I'm okay with that. Those without power and recognition in my world get stepped on by the strong. They have no choices. Even men and women who are descendants of former Players without power and backing aren't even allowed to choose their life style, who to marry, and how to die. You’re the key to my future Team Japan leader and even if I have to throw away my entire team to do so... I'll kill you and take your head back as a prize!"

Shin: "...Thank goodness. I feel better."

Abigail: "Huh?"

Shin said so without a hint of deception or conceit. No matter what Team Germany was like, whether they were saints or demons, Team Japan had, needed to wipe out that team. Team Japan was currently at Negative 5 Team Points. If nothing was done then when the mission ends every member of Team Japan would be penalized -10,000 and will be erased. No one on the team would survive. Not even Kisara who stumbled upon a 5000 point and B rank reward Hidden Side Quest.

For the sake of Team Japan's continuing survival within God's Dimension they needed to kill five members of the enemy Team Germany no matter the cost. That's why even if Shin discovered that Team Germany was a team of saints rather than demon... no, even if Team Germany was a team just like Team Japan filled with decent people who just wanted to survive the hell called God's Dimension... he would still give the order to wipe them out.

Still, even knowing that it would leave a bad aftertaste to Shin. Shin believed he was a somewhat good guy with only slightly warped morals. He does kill, but only to survive or help his comrades. The most radical incident in Shin's life was the time he offered to help Hikari get rid of the criminals bothering her family in the real world. They were an evil group of people by any standards. Shin was no hero of justice who thought he was making the world a better place, but if the people who were after Hikari for her past crimes were generally good people... he didn't believe he could have gone through with it, or at least used a different method to settle things. In fact, the police were after Hikari as well, but Shin choose not to confront them.

What does all of this tell Shin? It told him that he was not a good person and would commit evil for the sake of survival, yet he would hate himself and look for an opportunity to find another solution... and that was what he was most worried about. If a method to survive the -10,000 existed, but it meant an even greater danger to his team then he could possibly take it. If Team Germany were people who lacked malicious intent and they suggested another means of fixing Team Japan's problem... even if it was a potential lie to save their own lives, Shin didn't know what he would have done at that time if Team Germany showed their sincerity to live or survive... so that was why Shin was thankful.

With Abigail's words just now he learned Team Germany's true colors. They were linked to the organization Shin hated the most out of the Four Pillars for their crimes against Saki, Mass Enlightenment. Additionally, Team Germany weren't looking to just survive or retaliate for the first bullet shot by their enemy team, but truly wanted to kill off Team Japan. Lastly, Shin could tell that Abigail desired nothing more than to see himself die at her hands. Even without the Team Japan's penalty or the paranoia of if or when will another team attack you one the mission, Abigail made it clear that she would sacrifice her team to see Shin and his team die horrible deaths. And her reason for doing so... was something equivalent to a promotion at a large company.

Shin: "Yep. I definitely won't feel bad after killing you all off and on the off chance that I do... I'm sure a night with my cute glasses girl hacker wife, or my mature 34D war goddess wife would make me forget trash like you."

Abigail: "What the hell are you on about?"

Shin: "Nothing that concerns you Team Germany bitch! If you want my head then you're going to have to work for it, but be warned. I'm a highly desirable man. Only the finest of women are allowed to get close to me. Even if you want my head I doubt that you have the qualifications to get within five feet of me."

Abigail: "...Hahaha... how confident you are for a lowly man like yourself. One man against a behemoth like Mass Enlightenment isn't commendable, but is of the upmost foolishness. I admit I'm not at the top of the hierarchy of Mass Enlightenment, but it isn't wrong to call me a noble lady. My status and power even as an individual dwarfs your own, Japanese trash! You may be a priority target, but I'm starting to think that you're not worthy of my time after speaking to you. What a disappointment. I'll let my underlings deal with you. Only if you survive and fare well against them will I consider gracing you with my presence."

Shin: "...Can't we just get on with this? You can call yourself a noble lady and you sound young by your voice, but you're obviously just another bitch. I don't demand my women to be pure, but you know... you just seem... right? You get why I don't want to deal with you more than I have to... ugly bitch!"

Abigail: "!!!"

Abigail was silent for a moment, but Shin, and especially the members of Team Germany on both sides of this conversation could feel Abigail's anger. Her bloodlust was so great that she wanted nothing more than to skin him alive. If not for Klaus keeping her somewhat calm of the other end if the Psyche Force link then she would have used a Spell Card to immediately rush over to Masadora.

Abigail: "...Webber, Kurt, and Lutz. Kill him! We're not good at showing mercy and we have no need to. Bring me his head! The one who kills this guy will not only keep the full 7000 points and B rank reward for doing so, but I'll throw in an additional 5000 points and B rank reward to his killer and 2000 and C rank reward for everyone else once we get back to the Terminal Lobby. This is your chance to rise up in the ranks alongside me, but remember this... don't fuck up!"

Abigail without waiting for a response ended the Psyche Force link and released control back to Lutz. Lutz looked groggy, but he soon recovered.

Lutz: "Ah... that brainwashing stuff always gives me a headache. Anyway, leader is serious about offing this guy to offer such high rewards?"

Kurt: "Hahaha! Leader is the best and I'll be the one to reap the most of her generosity! With those points I'll become one of the elite members of Team Germany like Adam and Klaus. Sorry Webber. I know you have a hard on for killing foreigners, but he is mine! Just be satisfied for supporting me!"

Webber: "Oh really? Alright Kurt it's the usual rules then. Whoever kills their target first wins Loser exchanges 1000 points worth of stuff for the other and since he's the infamous priority target let's make it 5000 and C rank reward! How about it do you still feel so confident?"

Kurt: "Sure. Haha, you'll probably have to ask from a loan from the others. Also, try not to get castrated. There's nothing more pitiful than giant man like you losing his proof of manhood!"

Webber: "Aren't you talking about yourself? Seems like I have the advantage. Haaaa!”

The giant of Team Germany, Webber laughed out loudly as he gazed upon his prey. The strange plastic tubes embedded across his body began to funnel a strange mixture through the tubes. Shin was reminded of a certain villain from Batman, but it was only after Webber's already large body started to expanded and grow was he certain of the connection. The mutated muscles looked similar to the Second Stage of the Genetic Constraint, yet Shin saw it was far more unnatural and deformed than the Second Stage. Webber who was now fifteen feet tall and had layer upon layers of muscles and now no longer looked human aside from his face covered in visible red veins and bloodshot eyes to match.

Webber: "Come on samurai monkey. Show us your famous karate and swordsmanship!!!"

The muscular man Webber laughed madly then raised his fist and smashed the ground, knocking the stones of the payment of the city away. The flying stone were almost as powerful as bullets, instantly killing a few on looking players and G.I NPCs unable to defend themselves. The rocks also blocked Shin’s vision. Right as he was using the Gravity Blade to block the stones, a large object overhead blocked the sunlight. That muscular giant of a man had jumped into the air and was now holding a boulder several cubic meters big and hurled it towards him at high speed. Shin jumped backward as the boulder crashed down where he once stood and stabbed into the ground with a loud bang. Seeing all of this Shin lost all confidence in his physical strength seeing the boulder a half a meter deep into the earth.

Webber: "Fight like a man!"

Webber roared loudly as he returned to the earth. Then with speed unbecoming of his giant size Webber swiftly closed in on Shin and released a fury of punches. Shin didn't desire to even test the doped up giant in hand-to-hand combat, and so retaliated with his magic sword instead. Gravity Blade and fist clashed. Webber's unparalleled strength should have crushed a man three times Shin's size and strength, yet he stood his ground guarding each attack with the magic sword. The increased weight magic slash of Gravity Blade allowed Shin to repel Webber's heavy fist and retaliate. Webber was absolute in strength, but Shin had the edge in speed, agility, and reaction speed even outside Unlocked Mode. Every time Webber's fist was stopped dead cold by Gravity Blade, Shin swung his sword 5-10 times in retaliation.

Shin: (Hard! Is there really only muscle under his skin?)

Shin struck multiple times with an increased weight Gravity Blade, but he could only cut through skin and was repelled by Webber's muscles tougher than steel. To cut Webber require him going into Unlocked Mode, or sacrificing speed for more weight increased slashes. From that display Shin saw Webber abnormal strength and durability as the biggest threat to a close combat fighter like himself. When Webber showed the slightest opening during this exchange Shin didn't hesitate to hammer in Ki reinforced bullets from the Auto 9 in armor piercing mode. At such close distance, without Instant Movement Shin himself would not be able to dodge but the muscular man stood there and took all the shots with no hesitation. The bullets only barely penetrated his skin before they were caught in between his muscles.

Webber: "Haha! Come again. Come attack me again you skinny monkey!”

The muscles of Webber's body then began to expand until he they reached a new level of thickness. The bullets on his chest were pushed out by his muscle. Shin was taken back once again. If he were to ask Jin then he would agree that Webber was an ideal "Tank" position in a MMORPG. Of course he doesn't have "HP" or used a shield, yet without a doubt normal and low level energy attacks wouldn't work against him.

Shin: "Aren't you taking the term "All Muscle and no Brains" too seriously!?"

Webber: "Don't piss your pants now Japanese monkeys, and come play some more! Too bad you are too skinny, as skinny as a monkey that can't throw a punch!"

Shin instinctively knew Webber was about to attack and expected him to rush forward, but to his shock Webber took a mismatched martial arts stance. Webber yelled like a beast and threw a right hook that only cut air. The air pressure would have harmed Shin if he was closer, but Shin was more than ten meters away and only felt a light gust. It was only as Shin believed that Webber mutated muscles had really devoured his brain... Shin saw an unexpected threat from the side. The large boulder Webber threw earlier was floating above the ground to his side and now came crashing into Shin. Unable to move away in time Shin destroyed the large boulder with a fist coated in Silver Dragon Scales and executed Soul Crushing Strike. He was successful, yet was blown off his feet and rolled along the ground.

Webber: "Hahaha, so you have strength tiny man. Well, I'm not down yet Jap!"

Saying so Webber brought his hands together and slammed the earth. The streets of Masadora shook on impact and the space in front of Webber was occupied by dozens of earth spears stabbing out of the ground. The wave of spear were soon to collide head on with Shin and so he jump into the air with Instant Movement to reach the roof of a nearby store.

Shin: (Similar to Shuai's technique with Gnome, but I can't spot an Earth Elemental... Could is it be Earthbending from Avatar!?)

Shin discovered the nature of Webber second enhancement that was from the same universe as Misaki's Firebending, yet he had no time to figure out a counter measure. Standing off to the side on top of another roof top was Kurt. His right hand was raised high and hovering above was a 10 x 10 foot red fireball radiating a deathly heat. Even from a distance it felt like Shin's skin could melt off at any moment, and then-

Kurt: "Don't forget about me! Grand Fireball!"

- It was thrown. Fueled by bloodlust Kurt hurtled the Grand Fireball towards Shin's rooftop. With Instant Movement Shin jumped to the roof of the nearest building and watched as the fire magic melt off the roof of where he just stood. With one in each hand Kurt crafted two more Grand Fireballs and began to hurl them in succession.

Shin: (Destructive, but slower than Misaki's Firebending!)

Shin confirmed this by moving from one rooftop to the next with ease to avoid Kurt's fire magic. Kurt looked upset as Shin continuously dodged one fireball after the next. Shin seeing this couldn't help but think Kurt was too arrogant.

Shin: (Sure, in pure offensive power this fire magician would be rank second within Team Japan right behind Kampa, yet he was just throwing his magic around blindly and it's too easy to predict the trajectory of his spells. If Kampa has the ability to lead his enemy while staying safe himself, here Kurt is just throwing powerful magic spells left and right and unable to predict where I'll jump next).

Shin didn't feel that Kurt was a threat and moved to take him out. Another Grand Fireball was hurled towards Shin and after dodging once more he jumped from building to building with Instant Movement to close in on Kurt. Kurt jumped off the building he was on and began to run. Kurt then looked back and a look of fear consumed Kurt's face as he saw the white haired youth approaching with the Auto 9 raised and aimed at him.

Kurt: "Fl-Flame Wall!"

- *BANG*!

In defense Kurt summoned a thick wall of burning fire to intercept the incoming bullets. The bullets were charged with Ki, yet before they reached Kurt the bullets were melted. Kurt heaved a sigh of relief, but Shin landing down to the ground and approaching reminded Kurt that he was not safe yet. As Shin neared Kurt readied the low power, but faster Fireball Spell, but his opponent sudden turned tailed and bolted. Kurt was confused, but soon understood hearing the sound of air being sucked in by something.

Shin saw that behind Kurt was the third member Lutz who at some point taken out a large sci-fi looking gun. The gun had a long barrel that sucked in air and shot out a super compressed cannon ball of hardened air. Shin jumped away as the air cannon ball zoomed past, yet was shocked by the aftermath. The air cannon ball obliterated the building it came into contact and the next five large building behind it.

Shin: "What the hell was that?!"

Webber: "Don't get surprised at a mere Sci-fi gun, Jap!"

Webber had final caught up to Shin and began chasing him down. In fear of the Lutz's Sci-fi gun and Kurt's fire Shin was forced to retreat. It was not because of Webber at all, yet the man in question believed otherwise and became excited. The more excited or angry he became the more power and speed he released. Shin was using Instant Movement yet Webber was almost equally as fast. In addition, Earthbending and enhanced strength allowed Webber to create mini earthquakes with each step he took. Webber was becoming faster and faster, but Shin losing stable footing was losing his balance. Kurt and Lutz getting their act together saw this as a chance to finish Shin off and offered support fire as Webber gave chase.

Shin: (If I can't escape then attack!)

Feeling cornered and entering Unlocked Mode, Shin kicked the ground with Instant Movement towards Webber. The First Stage of Unlocked Mode increased Shin's power and speed. The sudden increase of both surprised Webber who could only take a spinning high kick to the face and then used as a platform to be jumped off. Shin's target wasn't Webber, but the midrange fighters Kurt and Lutz. Shin was confident he could do something about Webber while in Unlocked Mode, but the destructive power of the fire magic and Sci-fi weapon were the bigger present threat.

Shin: "Ki Bullet!"

Shin put away both his sword and gun into the Na Ring and brought his hands together. His hands glowed bright green with Ki Energy and then unleash a heavy barrage of emission attacks. The Ki Bullet skill was the least modified and energy consuming emission attack besides Ki Blast, so Ki Bullet could be fired in large waves like a machine gun. Both Kurt and Lutz weren't capable of moving away in time so they could only defend. Kurt brought forth a wall of flames and Lutz charged a magic protective necklace around his neck. Both defenses held out under the barrage of attacks, yet Shin was unconcerned. The previous attacked stopped the two enemy's movements and gave him an opening for a slow, yet very effective emission attack.

Shin: "Far Bullet!"

From Shin's two hands a weightless and transparent bullets of Ki Energy were launched. One Far Bullet cut through the Flame Wall and pushed back Kurt while the other hit Lutz and destroyed his protective necklace. Capitalizing on this opening Shin reverted back to another round of Ki Bullets. Kurt wearing a low grade magic robe over his uniform didn't take critical damage but the same could not be said for Lutz. His Sci-fi gun was destroyed and had bullets cut into his flesh. Lutz was not dead, but Shin couldn't see him returning to battle and would probably bleed out on the ground.

Webber: "Fucking Japanese monkey! Get crushed!"

Webber with impressive speed caught back up to Team Japan's leader. Shin admired the giant muscle brain Webber and his body appeared fine after his full force kick in the First Stage, but that was it.

Shin: (The power was there, but no technique. Earthbending is the greater threat, but with my Ki skills I can-).

It was at that moment Shin noticed the earth shift. The ground under his feet was pulled towards Webber who laughed with joy with his eager fist raised.

Webber: "Fuckers like you always assume that I'm retarded! Die!!!"

Shin: "!!!"

Webber raised his large and thick mutated arm and slammed down his fist blowing Shin away far into the distance. He felt satisfied having finally hit Shin, but noticing a hard yet light feeling on the moment of contact irritated him to no end.

Webber: "That guys lessened the blow as he was hit. I hate to admit it, but the Jap is a good fighter... hey, you two get up already! You two aren't dead!"

Kurt: "Fuck you Webber!"

Lutz: "...I need a few minutes for my self-recovery to finish. Major organs have been damaged and massive loss of blood, I'll heal your wounds later, so finish this up already. Leader is already mad that he's making fools of us and that I lost the Heavy Mass Air Bazooka."

Kurt: "Fine you useless priest. Hey Webber... let's do that! If he isn't dead it'll flush him out!"

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The muscular giant of Team Germany punched Shin away with an enormous force, but he still lived. The punch held monstrous strength, yet he instinctively guarded himself with Silver Dragon Scales and kicked at the man’s abdomen with the full force of Instant Movement. Shin flew away and crashed through a restaurant of Masadora, then the force carried him away almost fifty meters before he stopped.

Shin jumped up as soon as he landed. He felt a sense of pain from the shoulder that was struck. Every movement of his was accompanied by unbearable pain, but he clenched his teeth and ran through another building. There was no crowd of people to hide within, so Shin found a half destroyed home that was clearly abandoned. After he was some distance away from the scene of battle, Shin finally got a chance to check his injury by looking under his coat.

Shin: "What the hell!? I'm wearing magic armor for crying out loud!"

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There was a visible fist mark on his shoulder, and the joints under the area were dislocated. Fortunately he had fairly high toughness after his enhancements and wearing the Lesser Fenrir Coat, plus he warded off some of the impact when he was hit. Though this also demonstrated the muscular man’s power. As long as he hit anyone, that person would most certainly lose the ability to fight.

Shin: "That guy is also smarter then he look with that last move to draw me in closer, but he still seems to lack control over his power… he didn’t give off a sense of danger, otherwise I would have gone into the Unlocked Mode automatically from the start. Still, only Aqua with her Adamantium skeleton could hope to walk away after hit by Team Germany's giant... Gahhhh!!!"

Shin clenched his teeth then pushed up on his shoulder. In exchange for extreme pain he pushed the dislocated joints back into place. Shin moved his arm around again. Aside from a bit of pain, there was no more issues. The pain was far from pleasant, but it was better than using Ki and stamina to repair his body in his opinion. Possibly the One-eye Ghoul Mutation and its high speed regeneration was Shin's greatest strength as it allowed him to recover from crippling and near fatal injuries, but it came at a steep cost of his stamina. Healing from all wounds could become a cheat level ability if used throughout a battle, but it would mean nothing to be unharmed if he could no longer battle. That was the reason Shin normally refrained from healing even serious wounds in mid-battle, and till his Cell Vitality stat is high enough it will have to remain as a rarely used trump card for emergencies.

Shin: "...Good. I've already healed for the most part anyway. The arm is functional and I can work through the pain in Unlocked Mode. Now the question is... what now? Should I return and try to kill a few of them, or should I hide out and buy time for Jin's secondary attack group to reach the enemy base? Probably the former if I want to drag out a few more members of Team Germany to-"

- *BURNING SOUND*!

Going over his plans Shin was startled by loud crackling sound. The sound was getting louder by the second and was accompanied by a burning smell and the screams of people in the distance. Shin considered the possibility that a large fire had started due to Kurt's rampage of fire magic, yet the smell and sounds were stronger than they should be for just a mere fire. Additionally, Shin felt danger slowly approaching from all around him. Shin finally left his hiding place to look outside and found that a sea had submerged the streets of Magic City Masadora... a sea of flames and molten earth.

Shin: "How is that... did the giant also have Lava Bending?"

Shin was in a daze as he witnessed the path of destruction as magma continuously spurred forward and devoured the streets, building, and people running for their lives, and it was only by his Communicator Phone was he woken up from the surreal sight. It was Hikari on the other end telling him that the area of Masadora that he was in, one fifth of the city was being devoured by a sea of magma and flames that was expanding by the second. Hikari was warning Shin to escape, but he decided against it as he needed to take care of the enemy now before the magma swallowed the city. Shin didn't want to relocate the battle with Team Germany, so it was best to take out the one destroying Masadora.

Resolving himself to the upcoming danger Shin entered into the First Stage. Dashing forward and kicking the earth Shin jumped over the river of magma and onto a building not yet alight by the magma. From building to building with Instant Movement steps to travel through the burning city Shin followed Hikari's Game Map towards the enemy. Some building were intact or not completely burned down, but most were indeed burning to the ground and Shin could not avoid that and also didn't need to. Running through flaming rooftops Shin was under the protection of his magic coat armor and Silver Dragon Scales.

Shin: "There they are!"

Stopping on the rooftop of a building yet to be destroyed by the magma Shin gazed into the distance. Shin spotted the three enemy members of Team Germany in the distance 200 meters away on top of high building. He couldn't tell what they were up to from this distance so he gathered the Ki spread throughout the body and concentrated it on his pupils to enhance his vision. With his new enhanced sight he witnessed Webber and Kurt standing by the edge of the rooftop, and a wounded Lutz sitting on the floor.

Shin: "What are they doing?"

Shin couldn't understand what was going on at first, but thanks to his Ki enhanced eyes no only could his vision clarity and reaction speed be temporarily increased, but the ability to discern energy increased as well. With his eyes Shin saw Kurt leaning his hand on Webber's shoulder and Webber with an outstretched hand. Energy was passing back and forth between them and it was both increasing in strength and very little of it was being wasted. In the direction Webber's hand passed by magma sprang to life and overflowed endless down the streets of Masadora.

Shin: (The doped up giant's Earth Bending plus the skinny robed man fire magic equals a makeshift Lavabending? A combination technique? Doing so increases their individual power and decreased consumption cost? Was there a skill like that in the exchanges or did they come up with it on their own?)

Shin marveled such a fascinating technique that allowed two players he didn't believe to be that strong to potentially burn down an entire city, but not long after he snapped out of it. Shin understanding how the enemy was destroying the city wasn't important. What was important was to stop it and permanently at that. Shin wanted to drag out the battle for the secondary attack group to reach the enemy camp, but Webber and Kurt's combination attack was too dangerous to let pass. Long as the two can flood an area with magma and flames Team Japan will never be safe from Team Germany.

Shin: (One or the other, or both... they have to disappear from this Team Battle!)

Determine to do just that Shin began to swiftly cross the 200 meter distance between them with Instant Movement jumps. The surrounding area around the three Team Germany members was the worse off from the magma attacks. There were very little to no safe footholds for Shin to use, but there were just enough for him to safely reach the enemy... and that's where it hit him.

Shin: (Isn't this too convenient?)

It was just as Shin thought realized this a trap was sprung right under his feet. As he was jumping from one foot hold to another not even twenty meters away from his target a column of flames sprang up to consume him. Shin withstood the blast of flames with the defense of the Lesser Fenrir Coat and Silver Dragon Scales, but unfortunately his momentum was disturbed and was unable to reach his next foothold. Shin could only curse at his reckless actions as he fell into the sea of magma and flames.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The three members of Team Germany looked down at the sea of magma and flames of their own creation with glee. Their trap had worked perfectly. Team Japan's leader and the priority target of the Four Pillars had fallen helpless into the sea of magma and flames and was burned alive. They were upset that they wouldn't get the sole rewards for killing him, but it was far better to work together to defeat Team Japan's leader than to return to their own leader Abigail to explain how they failed.

Kurt: "I'm glad the enemy didn't figure out my trap in time. Flame Mine spell. It has to be set beforehand, so it would have gone to waste if he discovered it in advance."

Webber: "Hahaha, don't worry about such things! That Jap foolishly ran into the obvious trap himself. The Japanese monkey can only blame himself for burning alive in the pool of magma. Still, I'm exhausted after the combination attack. Hey, Lutz, hurry up and heal us! You can't do anything about the energy, but you can heal the fatigue, right?

The priest/cleric of Team Germany, Lutz, who had hadn't completely recovered from the injuries he received from Shin, stood up with much difficulty. He could heal his own injuries with ease with his spells using Faith Energy, but he could not heal indefinitely. He could fully heal two near fatal injuries, six medium injuries, ten lesser injuries, and recover stamina for twenty people. Lutz had a slow Lesser Self-recovery Spell to heal his own wounds with minimal energy cost, so instead of wasting a spell on himself Lutz chose to save them for an emergency.

Lutz: "Fine. Stamina recovery magic spells don't use too much Faith Energy. Staying Power!"

A yellow light shined from Lutz's out reached hand enveloped both Webber and Kurt. Both men were exasperated after their battle with Shin and the combination technique Relay, but after bathing in that yellow light both felt fully rejuvenated.

Webber: "Hahaha, I always feel reborn from your spells! You’re a small man Lutz, but at times you have your uses now and again."

Lutz: "...Hey, don't you think that something is strange? We haven't gotten any notification about killing him. You can't think because it's a combination technique, or God sees the magma as not our ability we didn't receive the rewards"

Kurt: "Screw that! That is clearly our-"

- *SLASH*!

Right outside the tall building they were standing on. At that moment a red and silver mass of flesh shot out of the sea of Magma and flames with a trail of red fire following behind. The mass of flesh traveled up the side of the building and jumped high into the air as it reached the roof top. Webber, Kurt, and Lutz stared at mass of flesh of a Kagune reinforced by Silver Dragon Scales before them that then began to fall apart to reveal a humanoid monster in the eyes of the enemy.

In the Second Stage of the Genetic Constraint and hovering in the air was humanoid monster with one black eye shining with a red radiance of death, and in his hands was a magic sword reinforced with Ki raised over his head. He was no longer content with drawing out the battle. The humanoid monster, Shin, looked down at the three members of Team Germany and mercilessly swung down his sword.

Shin: "One Sword Style, 36 Pound Cannon!!!"

The magic sword with increased weight magic and reinforced with Ki cut apart the air and released a vacuum blade of wind towards the giant of the enemy team, Webber. Webber was able to react in time to the flying sword slash came crashing towards him. Webber raised his muscular and mutated arm to block the slash, but both his arm and a chunk of his shoulder was cut off by the flying sword slash.

Kurt: "Damn you!"

Kurt saw the giant of his team fall to the floor and lie in a large pool of his own blood. Kurt was about to ready a fire spell to burn Shin alive while he was still in the air, but before he finished chanting his spell four blood red Kagune tentacles erupted from Shin's back and all too quickly stabbed into his chest. His magic robe once more saved his life, but Kurt no longer had the ability to fight. Shin saw that the two main fighters of the enemy team were no longer able to fight and he turned to face the sole survivor of the enemy team Lutz.

Shin: "...Their previous wounds are gone? Are you a healer?"

Lutz: "...Yes."

Lutz was petrified as he stood in Shin's presence and didn't hesitate to tell the truth. Taking a closer look Lutz could see that Shin was badly wounded from his burns, yet his black and red left eye and killing intent made Lutz unable to act. All that he saw was a demon. It was as if he was in the presence of a dangerous monster that would eat him alive if he so much a said anything to displease him.

Shin: "...Heal my wounds and stamina to peak condition. Also my energy. If you do so I'll allow you alone to escape. Your team members die here. If not then I won't hesitate to be rid of Team Germany's troublesome healer here and now, and make Team Germany experience -3 Team Points. So... what will it be? Live to fight another day, or die here and today?"

Lutz: "...I, I can heal your wounds and stamina to peak condition, but I can't restore energies like Ki, Mana, or Blood Energy. That's a A tier-"

Shin: "Just do it then!"

Lutz: "Ye-yes! Large Healing! Staying Power!

Shin was cautious as Lutz extended a hand towards him radiating magic power, but soon dispelled his doubts to his intent. An extremely pleasant sensation spread throughout his body as a yellow and deep green light enveloped and seeped into his body. The whole process didn't last more than ten seconds, yet as all his injures were healed and stamina replenished. Shin felt that he had stayed the weekend at a high end relaxation resort. Even the pain that normally accompanies Unlocked Mode couldn't be felt anymore.

Shin: "Oh my great god of animation... this is just too much! I definitely have to have Hikari or a future Newbie exchange for real healing spells... hey, you, what was the healing spell that you used. Its tier, cost, and general information about helping spells. Do that then you can leave."

Lutz: "Th-that's... Leader will-"

Shin: "...Can your leader hear what we are saying now, or can she take you over like before?"

Lutz: "Yes and no. She should be able to see us through our team's Psyche Force User through his ability and we can communicate with one another, but she can't brain control me without my permission. My Mental Capacity is too high as a magic enhancer. Leader can see and hear us now, but she isn't saying anything to me right now"

Shin: "Good. Tell me about healing spells and your own abilities. I won't ask you to tell me about your comrades’ abilities, power levels, or weapons as your team will immediately come over. It's is in both our interest that we take a step back and plan our next attacks."

Honestly, Shin thought about just killing Lutz for the rewards, but he had other plans. What he learned about Team Germany's leader was that she was a haughty girl with a lot of pride.

Shin: (Killing three members of her team would maybe upset her, but killing two and then sending one of their members back alive after healing the enemy leader to near peak condition, effectively making any plan to wear him down ruined and learning about an enemy's abilities... that was far more humiliating and effective for both me and Team Japan.)

Shin didn't just want to defeat a few members of Team Germany. He wanted to completely wipe out Team Germany. Humiliating Team Germany's leader Abigail had a high chance of drawing the main force of the enemy team and leave behind those unable to compete with Shin. Then while Shin revived back at full strength, Hikari, Connor, and the two Newbies Kisara and Renji stall the main force of Team Germany, the secondary attack group lead by Jin would take out those left behind at their base... meaning their Newbies and possibly Lutz after his harsh battle. That was why Shin was willing to let the enemy healer go despite the risk of doing so. Shin was curious if Kurt really wasn't given any instructions, but that wasn't important now. Three of Team Germany's members lives were in his control after all and Hikari will warn everyone if reinforcements arrive.

Shin: "You can leave once you're done, so tell me about your spells. I won't ask about your other team members like I said."

Lutz: "Okay. About, about healing spells..."

Lutz began to explain that he could use five healing spells at his time:

◆ Small Healing - Heals light wounds almost instantly. Requires 4000 Points and C rank reward.

◆ Healing - Heals bad wounds within 2-3 seconds. Requires 6000 Points, C rank reward, and Small Healing.

◆ Large Healing - Heals near fatal wounds within 5-10 seconds. Requires 8000 Points, B rank reward, and Healing.

◆ Level 1 Phoenix Revival - Restore a lost limb to peak condition within 30-60 seconds. Requires 5000 Points and two C rank rewards.

◆ Staying Power - Recover Stamina. Requires 5000 Points and two C rank reward.

◆ Lesser Self-Recovery Spell - Passively recover from injuries. Actively speed up recovery with additional energy. Requires 8000 Points and B rank reward.

Lutz: "Those are my spells. The healing and stamina recovery skills above for higher enhanced are those with highly enhanced individuals as the lesser skills and healing potions start to lose their effects. Also, higher level healing spells are the only way heal injuries inflicted by power magic and spiritual attacks which is vital in the end game. Also, the AA Tier Level 3 Phoenix can even revive the dead for one person once in their life time, but it has to be right after death occurs and can only be used for an individual in one life time."

Shin: "Interesting... you can go now. Just tell your bitch of a leader to come over before I die of old age."

Shin no longer minded Lutz who he had confirmed to be just a healer without a weapon and looked over to both Webber and Kurt lying on the ground in pools of their own blood. Shin had half expected that one of them were faking their injuries, yet there were no signs of movement at all from the two. Their wounds weren't immediately fatal, but too much time has passed. Without treatment they would certainly bleed out... not that Shin was willing to wait that long. Shin took out the Auto 9 intending to end their lives then and there. Lutz looked on in worry and looking around, but made no attempts to save their comrades lives. He knew Shin would break off their deal to let him go if he so much as said a word of protest and so he could only watch as Shin pulled the trigger of his gun pointed at Kurt's head.

- *BANG*!

- *EXPLOSION*!

The bullets aimed to take away Webber and Kurt's lives missed as the roof supporting them all fell apart from an explosion along with every other floor of the building. Shin falling to the first floor was confused, yet he was still calm enough to enter into Unlocked Mode. Shin couldn't immediately find the unconscious Webber and Kurt who fell through the rooftop floor, but spotted Lutz falling alongside with him. Shin pointed the muzzle of the Auto 9 at Lutz and opened fire not caring for their promise. Countless bullets ripped into Lutz's body, but he immediately cast the Active ability of Lesser Self-Recovery to stay alive. Shin soon realized that only a bullet hammered into the head would kill Lutz, but before he could follow through a shadow swiftly grabbed Lutz and pulled him up the building.

Shin: "Fuck!"

Sending out Kagune tentacles to the floor as support Shin landed safely on the first floor of the now unstable building about to collapsed and immediately looked up. Up above on what was left of the rooftop was a man with a crystal katana at his side looking down on him carrying his three comrades. It was the skillful swordsman that had chased after Connor. Currently, the man's clothes were shredded and covered in blood as if he was killed by a firing squad, yet despite those injuries he was alive and carrying his comrades with ease.

Adam: "Our leader Abigail says good job on beating these three and gathering information about our important healer, but you should have just killed them then and there, and not given me enough time to circle back. We'll call this battle a tie. Leader says she'll come over in a bit and to wait for her. If not we'll hunt you and your comrades down 24/7 without rest. BOOK!"

Adam finished speaking took out his Binder with the command word, took out a spell Card and left together with Webber, Kurt, and Lutz back to their base. Shin, exiting Unlocked Mode no longer feeling anymore danger fell to the floor sprawled out and let out a sigh of relief for the first time since their arrival. Shin’s wounds and stamina had been restored to full thanks to Lutz's spells, but it was only now that he felt truly relived.

Shin: "I guess I might have made a mistake by not immediately killing them, but if Team Germany had come after me right after I finished them off... I definitely would have died if reinforcements arrived. Taking the time to have the enemy priest heal me was more important than just three Team Battle Points that could have been easily taken back by wiping me and the others out. Well, at least I've acquired their full attention so Jin and the others can move easier. Their leader is oddly obsessed with me and is not making the best decisions. I also doubt the enemy priest can heal anymore for a while. I've gained more than I loss and that's what counts."

Shin said that, but he was still worried. Team Germany was much stronger than his own Team Japan despite their reckless behavior. Simply put on average they were all more enhanced than Team Japan and had more information about combination of enhancements.

Shin: "That alone was bad enough, but the man who rescued his comrades... was very dangerous. I didn’t sense his existence when he arrived and was right before my eyes. I need to see how Connor fared against him to understand this feeling better. I'll also tell Hikari that I'm okay."

Again taking out the Communicator Phone made contact with Hikari and Connor. He asked Hikari if the enemy is around in Masadora and she said no. Shin chose to call a regroup after hearing this information so that Hikari can reset her buffs the moment that the enemy returns.

Shin: "Alright, time to-"

Shin was contemplating about how to travel through the sea of magma and flames when he saw something shine light on the floor. Shin recognized what it was and was surprised. There was rubble from the collapsed floor of the building all around so he was really surprised to find it. It was the arm of Webber that he had cut off and attached to it... was his Player Watch. Like his own, a Player Watch would display a team's mission assigned to them by God and sometimes important details of a mission, or Mission World.

Shin: "...Now I'm curious. I wonder just what their mission here is besides hunting us down? It could help us down the line as well."

Convincing himself so Shin checked Webber's Player Watch to see Team Germany's Mission from God in the World of Hunter X Hunter - Greed Island.

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GOD'S MISSION

HUNTER X HUNTER - GREED ISLAND, THIRTEEN MAN MISSION.

MODIFIED STORY PLOT.

TEAM BATTLE.

MAIN QUEST: The Mission.

Objective: Once all 100 Designated Pocket Cards are collected by one individual's binder the doors to the capital city of Greed Island, Limeiro will open. Infiltrate the capital city and assassinate List and Dwun and retrieve the game data of Greed Island on their person. If after the Main Quest is complete and Team Germany has collected the 100 Designated Pocket Cards, each surviving Player with a G.I Ring can take one Designated Slot Cards back as a free Item Exchange without having to collect the Cards themselves. TIME LIMIT - 30 DAYS.

Basic Survival Reward: 1000 Points.

Team Battle Reward: 1000 Points. This reward is only given to players that have not ended in a Negative Score.

SIDE QUEST: Bonus Points.

1. Orientation - The first Player to explain to the New Players the inner workings of Missions, Exchanges, and how to return home. 100 Points

2. Card Collection - Collecting a Designated Slot Card. No points will be given for repeats or if another member of the team has already acquired it once. 10 Points.

3. Card 000 - Winning the Designated Card "Ruler’s Blessing" during the endgame quiz. 1500 Points and D rank reward. The side quest #2, Card Collection is not applied to winning "Rulers Blessing".

4. The Bomber - Defeating the Bomber, Genthru. Rewards 4000 Points and two C rank rewards. Rewards every other Player 2000 Points and D rank reward.

5. Enemy Team KILL - Killing a normal member of another team. Awards 2000 Points and C rank reward.

6. GC Enemy KILL - Killing a member of another team who has unlocked the Genetic Constraint. Awards 7000 points and B rank reward.

7. Total KILL - The killing of the entire enemy team, not counting Penalty 'D-Zero'. Every member will be awarded a C rank reward.

PENALTIES: Negative Points/Death.

1. New Players - Negative 1000 for a Player killing a Newbie Player of their own team. A New Player is a New Player till they start their second Mission.

2. Spoiler - Negative 10 points per Sentence.

3. D-ZERO Version 2 - Any player with 0 or negative points at the end of a mission, after all calculations are finished, will be killed, no exception. Those unable to pay a D rank reward for failing the Main Quest will be killed.

4. Death Roulette - When a member of your team with a G.I Ring and card binder is killed, ten random Designated Card Slots from that player’s binder will be awarded to the killer's binder. The rest will be transferred to an ally binder's card slots if vacant. If all three ring/binder holders are killed, the mission will immediately end and all surviving team members will be killed.

5. Point CASUALTIES - Killing a member of the other team will give your team Positive 1 Point. The death of an ally team member will give your team Negative 1 Point. At the end of the mission these points will be multiplied by 2000 and every living team member will be awarded or deducted points equal to the factored score.

ADDITIONAL INFO: Mission Information.

1. Only three members of Team Germany can wear a G.I Ring, allowing the use of binders [Book] and cards [Gain and On]. All three must be chosen at Starting Point with Eeta and once a ring is worn, it can't be taken off, traded or stolen. In the event that the hand/arm is cut off and the wearer is still alive, the G.I Ring will return to the owner as a spellbound item.

2. Killing another party will allow you to gain their Designated Slot Cards and half the cards in their Free Slot Zone.

3. Team Japan will appear before Team Germany. Team Germany will appear once 80 or more of the Designated Slot Card are in the hands of one person, group, or organization on Greed Island. Team Germany will also automatically appear on Day Sixty-One of the mission.

TOTAL SCORE: Pending

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Authors Note:

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Proofread by Hoebagger