The summit held by the Imperial Palace of Cherry Blossom. S-Rank Hunters, guilds from all over the world were present. Hunters used their barriers to ensure that the outdoor section would not be bothered by the rain. It was drizzling with gentle rain. A nice cooling breeze as Association Presidents all over the world had conversations about everything. Raven arrived at the latest with the leaders of his group. Ciara and Yennifer by his side, The SSR Allies were present behind him.
Glares over at their sides as Rodin jotted down those with hateful intentions. Fang was clenching his fists, trembling with anger. Ciara and Yennifer glared back at the ones who looked off to Raven.
"So you must be the one they call Rodin. I was wondering if I can recruit you into my guild." Rodin took a moment to glance at the young man, a glance at the business card.
"Shall I write this as a wrong, Aisha?"
"Do you find it offensive people tried to recruit you, Rodin?"
"Very." Rodin's glare at the young man had him taking a step back as another S-Rank Hunter pushed the young man away, then glaring at Rodin.
"You must think you're hot shit. You're just a dog to that damn boy." Raven turned to the S-Rank Hunter who said that, grinning to Raven's eyes meeting with him.
"Rodin. Write that down as a wrong. He looked down on you." Rodin did as he was told, where the Hunter bumped into Raven's shoulder, another wrong that Rodin marked into his book. There was a set of chairs on the stage with Raven's name on it along with his allies. He took his seat, seeing his family who were nervous in the corner.
"Raven Ashenworth. You are a Hunter affiliated with the RF. What guild would you choose when you're done with your draft?" Expectant eyes, reporters taking note of what Raven was going to say.
"Black Wing." The expected answer, groans from the other Hunters and Association Presidents. One raised her hand.
"I am Sartina of the Seven Hells. We would like to make a contract of recruitment with you. We'll start at 20 million for a year." Jersey gave Raven a set of documents where Raven was flipping through it. Then he just scratched his head, a glance at Sartina.
"Your guild has a policy of roughing up any Hunter that disagrees with you or rejects your invitation. So what should I do?"
"If you accept the contract and swear your allegiance. It'll be better. But if not..." Sartina chuckled then smiling at Raven. Clearly a deviant plot was brewing.
"If not what?" A defiant answer as Raven felt a prick on his neck. Pulling out a small needle. He didn't panic, he just put the needle away. Rodin jotting down the wrong committed by the Seven Hells. Aisha was standing by to deliver corrections but Raven just stopped them.
"I refuse the contract and will hold the Seven Hells in contempt for this. Now this is just me personally, I haven't joined the Black Wing yet. Now, let me make it clear with all of you. I'll only join Black Wing but even then, if you want to hire me to help out like what I'm doing right now? All you have to do is pay for my flight and I'll come and help you out. I'll make the rest of my money from the dungeon equipment I gain."
"Sartina of Seven Hells. If I ever see members of the Seven Hells in any dungeons I jump into. I won't help them. No matter how crap the situation is. Seven Hells and the Subsidiaries will be put into the Book of Wrongs for the reason of choosing to openly attack me at a press conference. Rodin, Aisha. Wrongs and the correction for the offence?"
"Volume 13. Wrongs that deserve death. Section 5185 Sub Section 1 paragraph C. Wrongdoer who harms the Enforcer in an open space where the Enforcer is not at liberty to carry out summary judgement. Be it any sort of poison, liquid, or gas or by physical means." Rodin turned to Aisha who brought out a much thinner book in contrast to Rodin's thick Book of Wrongs.
"Volume 13 Correction for wrongs that deserve death. Section 13 Subsection 6 paragraph A. Wrongdoer who has committed a wrong under Volume 13 Book of Wrongs. Wrongdoer shall be subjected to the punishment of death, but only after they have witnessed the deaths of their family members, of their affiliates and the deaths of their lover. Methods are up to the Enforcer while subjected to Book Keeper of Wrongs and Book Keeper of Correction's opinions." Aisha read out in the most monotone voice, followed by a grin to Sartina. An eerie grin that sent shivers down the spines of the Hunters who were still new despite their S-Rank status.
"It'll be corrected at some point but it'll be up to me to decide. The reason why my family and I have been clearing dungeons fast is because we lost our parents to a dungeon break. To be honest, what we'd rather be doing is not Hunting. I'd most likely go off being a chef, Falco would be a journalist, Stervy would be a baker and my eldest brother would just be a lawyer. But after that day, we decided to Hunt. I was the weakest of the group. So you must have questions to my powers."
"Yes, that is a question that needs to be answered! What constellation are you contracted with?!" An executive raised his voice.
"Who are you again?"
"I'm an executive of Euphemian Hunter Association! We demand this question answered!" Raven suddenly noticed a pop up.
So.... Because of your current feats.
You've been given the right to summon 2 SSR or 4 SR allies from the following Banners. You can pick them.
The One Who Rips.
Abyss Gaze.
Crimson Rose Petals
A Most Evil Being
Shadow Lord
Moonlight Solitude.
A door opened behind Raven, shining bright lights with a wheel.
"The One Who Shall Rips, Viktor and Red Specter." Stepping forth were two figures, one with short hair. Bloodied seals on the uniform, with gauntlets that had razor sharp claws, along with short swords strapped to his thigh. A young man whose eyes were driven to madness. Kneeling before Raven. The other was a man wearing a red long coat with the logo of a skull on his back, shouldering a large single shot pistol with a bayonet. In his other hand were a pair of metal shears. A towering figure who wore a skull mask that was fitted to his head.
The One Who Rips SSR ALLY!
Viktor, The One Who Shall Rips!
The future commander of the brigade should the One Who Rips chooses to step down.
The Rampaging Purge Constantly enraged when given the order to purge enemies, increases damage by 25%. The Tainted Ripper Bloodstains on the uniform are a mark of honor, his duty is to be the The One Who Rips. Increased bleed stacks on enemies. The Ripping Ripping an enemy to pieces grants increased defenses. Vile Wretches... Must Be Purged. Mark targets for attack, Viktor will follow the path as ordered. Increased damage to marked targets. Fanatic Cannot be swayed from his target when needed. Until the target falls. Viktor will keep chasing after it.
Abyss Gaze SSR Ally
Red Specter.
A Color.
Uses a special high caliber pistol with a bayonet and a pair of metal shears.
A Color Colors are the title given to the best of the best in the line of work as a mercenary. Increased bonus damage to human enemies and Hunters. Specter specializes going up against enemies that are armored and have strong barriers. Specter Eyes that are like a ghost, Specter handles his enemies with absolute brute force. Gained his color status when he went up against tanks with just a pair of metal shears, brute forcing his way through its armor plating and killed everyone inside with a grenade. Destroying an entire tank battalion alone. Increased damage to enemies with armor. Professional Work is work. When it's done or when he gets the call to pull back. He'll pull back. Even if he doesn't like it. Pain Resistance He can ignore pain. Out of all the Colors, he's got the most scars because he's had his legs pierced by a tank that had spikes in front of it. But he just kept crawling over to kill it. His body has been augmented as a result of the damage he has sustained. The Grudge of a Specter Specter has always been fighting his enemies with a grudge. When an enemy earns his grudge, increased critical hit chance by 50%.
"I greet the One Who Rips."
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"Abyss. It's been a while. So what now? You going on a rampage?"
"On your feet, Viktor. Join Fang's side... I don't know Specter. You expect me to go on a rampage? Can't blame me when my wife was killed by you guys." Specter chuckled as Raven offered a cigar for him, lighting it up for Specter who took a whiff.
"Smooth. It's got a good flavor. Even if it's late I'm s-" Raven raised his hand that stopped Specter's words.
"Don't be, Specter. We're professionals. A job is a job." Specter turned to the Hunters who were present, glancing at Sartina.
"Want me to skewer that one?" His glare reached Sartina who instinctively activated her defensive barrier.
"Leave her be." Specter puffed out the smoke as a Hunter emerged in front of Raven, wielding a knife. Specter kicked the leg, where they see it break upwards. With his one hand grabbing the Hunter by the head and throwing them to the side. Seeing the Hunter's body turn to a bloody mess by the barrier.
"Thanks, Specter."
"I don't like meddlers, Abyss. Especially when they bother us when we're having a chat." Specter's actions had alerted the other Hunters, everyone who was present felt the tension and realizing that Raven was a lot like a loose cannon. Just the sight of the two new allies made them wonder if it was an endless army that Raven had by his side.
"What... What is the meaning of this!?"
"My system operates differently from yours.You have levels. I don't. My stats are just the base, I have a skill called the Mirror of Possibilities. My skills are locked behind this." Raven's appearance changed to that of Smiling Mime, then changing to Scorpio. Then to Abyss Gaze and finally The One Who Rips.
"I don't have a constellation either. Next question." Shaw raised his hand.
"Commander."
"Many nobles will want to recruit you because of your powers and they may impose sanctions. What will you do if they impose such sanctions?" To which Specter began to laugh, along with Laughing Jester, then Fang and Viktor. The Valors joined in the laughter, then Raven raised his hand to stop them.
"To restrain the One Who Rips. You truly are ignorant..." Viktor spoke up as he glared at Shaw, Raven placed his hand on Viktor's shoulder.
"Viktor. That man is worthy of respect. So calm your gaze."
"Yes, One Who Rips. I apologize."
"Accepted. Nobles of Euphemia requested this question. As you know I'm still a government servant, so I need to ask these things."
"It's fine, Commander Shaw. The reason why they're laughing is.. Mainly because they are from other worlds.. And I did a lot of things in those worlds. For Specter, he killed my wife under the orders of the highest authority. So I just decided to grab my weapons and slaughter the entire city. I hope that answers your question. Next question?"
"The Empress of Euphemia wants to meet you along with her Imperial Knights. They're thinking of recruiting you. Your thoughts?"
"No. Being tied up with nobility restricts me too much. The Ashenworth family are wild birds. We prefer being free than being caged. Unlike other birds that sit obediently, we're the type to claw our way through the cage and fly. But I will meet with the Empress when I'm done with my draft." Shaw gave a nod then President Black raised his hand.
"Yes, President Black?"
"Do you still plan to teach at Euphemia Hunter Academy?"
"Yes. I plan to do that when I come back. I will be attached to as a part time instructor. If not, I can ask my allies to teach. Because my stay isn't exactly permanent. Sometimes I have to get dragged into things I don't want. I have days where you can't reach me, if you need me. You can contact the allies here. Next question." Raven introduced them one by one. Questions were posed, many to his allies.
"So the Valors are sentient machines? Will you give blueprints to manufacture them? We at Arc'Deta would like to purchase it." The man in the suit spoke with arrogance in his tone, believing that money would be enough to convince Raven to say yes.
"Rodin. Put Arc'Deta as a company that we will refuse to abide with." Rodin jotted it down while Jersey was already bringing documents for Raven to read.
"But wait! Arc'Deta can give you additional mach-" A sword landed by the man's leg, seeing Viktor who was glaring at him. All of them were ready, agitated as the summit's topic of Raven were their means trying to get Raven on their side.
"If the One Who Rips has refused. Then you are not worthy of his aide."
"Easy, Viktor. We're not trying to make enemies, at least not yet."
"Yes, One Who Rips." Raven patted Viktor's head.
"I am not a child."
"You still are to me. though technically we're the same age... Any other questions?"
"Can we request aid from your allies? If we pay you for it?"
"As long as Rodin hasn't blacklisted you. The mercy that I can give you all is that Rodin and Aisha doesn't go around slaughtering your families, which is something they normally do to people who mess with me. Part of their habits. I'm not the one you should be paying to, it's them. Specter, you're a mercenary. So you'll have to talk with Lowell on how to make the contracts. And one more thing, they are my allies. So the moment you do anything stupid to them. Then I'll give them the greenlight to do what they want with you. Most likely you'll either die or just be turned into living vegetables. Maybe worse." Raven answered as some people shuddered at the thought.
"You double cross me. You die. You double cross the Black Wings. You die. You double cross my allies. You die. You bother my family. You die. Simple right? So I hope from now on we can have a good working relationship with each other." Raven said to them. With that provocative statement, Raven and his allies left with the Ashenworths.
"Sheesh, you really want to rile them up?" Falco asked, despite walking beside Raven, Red Specter was still taller by a head.
"It's a warning. They start something, they better be sure that they can finish it. Because if I finish it, there won't be anything left."
"Geez, edgelord. Calm down with that anger. You're scaring even the insects." Stervy poked Raven's chin while Aquila held Raven by the sides of his head, pointing to the birds and cats along with insects scurrying away from them. That was a reminder for Raven to just ease his bloodlust, letting that storm within his heart fade away. Reaching the hotel as the manager greeted them with extra keycards for Specter and Viktor.
"We'll be heading to Renya's place." Heading over to the izakaya, where it was held to be closed for a private event. Seeing Renya standing before with his parents and sister. Ivona arrived from Granver's cape with a teddy bear in hand. Ivona looked at Specter who was towering before her.
"Wow! You're taller than my uncle, mister!"
"Welcome!" Dolores carried Ivona as they headed inside to the Izakaya, taking their seats as Raven gave his allies brochures about what to order depending on what they liked.
"I'm going to take a seat with Specter, first. Fang bring Viktor up to speed as you enjoy food. Owner, I'll be using the corner for a moment. Two beers." Renya's father gave a nod to Raven as he and Specter took their seats. Renya's sister serving the beers, then glancing at Raven.
"I'm.." She was choking on her words, the first time Raven saw her. She muttered the words Murderer right to his face. He wasn't bothered by it, but of course she would be.
"It's fine. Thank you." She left without a word as Raven and Specter glanced at each other. Silence loomed between them, the memory of Raven's wife in that causality. Lingering in his mind, the death of Corona and his unborn child.
"How many Colors are there?"
"Out of the hundred? 25 were willing to join you this time. The ones who actually respect you. The other Colors are fine with not being called out, they're still thinking if they want to join you. Corona's there too, along with your child." Raven took a sip of his beer, it didn't change the fact that she died.
"How did she raise the child?"
"He's a fine young man and Corona looks the same as she did years ago. The Hundred of us, after you killed the Highest Authority of the City. The world was reset but you're the one who died instead. Corona and your child remembers, so did the hundred. They trained your son to be the second Abyss Gaze. He's got the Crimson King's approval. One of the final trainings to make sure he's at your level. He went up against all hundred Colors. We lost. He came out with a few scratches but he's the first Ranked of the Colors. Given the name Black Watcher." Downing his beer as Raven glanced at Specter's phone. Showing a photo of his Corona and his son, she wore the white uniform with her two sabers by her left hip whereas the black haired young man wore a pair of black gloves.
"What's his name?"
"Corvus. Corona gave him that name because she misses you. Your son being the Black Watcher, he's gotten the others to teach his techniques. Even Violet Wiseman gave his seal of approval. Crimson King's greatsword techniques, Corona's techniques with her variety of weapons. Violet Wiseman taught him how to use his heavy crossbow...Then.." Raven listened to the exploits of his son, Corvus. How he fared against enemies that Raven and Specter struggled, how he became capable as a mercenary. Sipping on drinks and eating some skewered meats. Renya was serving meals for them.
"Thanks Renya." A nod as he walked away, leaving the pair to talk about the possibility that Raven had missed. How Corvus graduated as a valedictorian, how he became a legend at such a young age. A grin crept on his face, yet his eyes were feeling a hint of sadness. He wasn't able to raise any of his children for long. He couldn't see Ciara long enough to grow into a fine woman. Something that was stolen for his first life.
"Thanks, Specter." Rings of light began appearing on Raven's hands.
A Causality is ready for you to access.
You may check it in your room.
You may bring one ally.
This causality will take longer than the ones before.
Maybe a long while.
Time that passes in your world.
In this causality....
1 day in your world.
Is 2 years in the Causality.
The Causality details will be given to you soon.
Raven texted his family, where they understood the details. It's a new Causality and Raven wondered what this one was going to be about.