As Kensu struggled to regain his consciousness, he caught the masked man's gaze. Their eyes locked, and Kensu felt an unsettling sense of vulnerability. It was as if the masked man knew him, knew his deepest secrets and fears
The air in the room seemed to thicken, heavy with tension. Joseph Alphonse's face turned a deeper shade of red, his anger and frustration palpable. as he did not know to be happy or upset if it was any other client he would have had a smile as this was an opportunity to get rid of the only mortal hunter in his branch but this guest was sent by the board and this will paint him in a bad light. Navaida, on the other hand, seemed to have regained his neutral stance but, a dash of sadness could be felt, as now the boy he yearned to nature was in such a precarious position
Kensu, still reeling from the effects of the scroll, stumbled backward, desperate to escape the masked man's piercing gaze. But it was too late. The masked man had already seen something in Kensu, something that sparked his interest.
The two men stood as spectators to see, how the two interaction shall fold out, wanting to glimpse "Noir's" nature, Navaida was on standby going to rush in if the boy's life was threatened, while Joseph didn't care, he even hoped Noir would attack Kensu
With a sudden burst of speed, the masked man closed the distance between them. Kensu raised his hands, bracing himself for impact, but the masked man merely reached out and grasped his wrist.
"You," the masked man whispered, his voice low and menacing. "Even though your spiritual presence is so pitiful your spiritual physique allowed you to comprehend a fragment of the scrolls content that's quite impressive can you give light to me on its capabilities."
His hairs stood on end as now this monster was giving him its attention as if he was an exhibit at a zoo cause of his comprehensive skills mistaking him of possessing a physique even though he has gone through this process hundred of times already it still hurts when he tells someone for some reason.
"I don't have one and if it is not much too ask of you senior but can you please let go of my wrist," "That's Impossible a mere mortal could comprehend a fragment of my master's legacy!" he said with a voice filled with indignation using his other hand he grabbed his face and Kensu was no face to face with those lightless holes that light failed to penetrate even though he wanted to look away an eerie force prevented him from even closing his eyes
Even though he could not see them he felt exposed under his gaze as if nothing could be hidden from them even if it was hidden at the depths of his being
Kensu's mind reeled as the masked man's grip tightened. He tried to struggle, but it was no use. The masked man's strength was too oppressive, and Kensu was trapped in his grip. "
As the room around him began to darken for him, Kensu was released from the client's hold cause Navaida.
"I'm quite sorry for this development, and will compensate you for this debacle, but if you'll be so kind can you please stop trying to scare my junior and let him go." It was asked as request but the way he said those words made it sound as if he said a command
Even though his face could not be seen his body language showed he was reluctant but after gazing at Kensu for a few more moments he threw Kensu at Navaida, "AHHHHH!!!!" Kensu screamed as he was thrown like a rag doll towards Navaida landing a few inches before him on the table, writhing in agony he groaned, "You bast..." but before he could complete his sentence Navaida slumped him on his shoulder like a bag of rice, and said "I think I have to take this boy to the infirmary if it won't be too much, I believe I'll take my leave." just as he was about to leave he heard a shout from Joseph who previously was on the sidelines quietly observing.
"Percival, you can not leave as their is still time left for the meeting," honestly he just did not want to be left with "Noir" alone and this was an excuse to keep Navaida in the room but after a few moments he directed his attention to the person slumped on Navaida's shoulder, his expression hardened from anger but he kept his cool as he talked
"Meet me in my office after this, not even he can save you this time."
And in that moment, Kensu realized the gravity of the situation until right now as he was not working at optimal condition as his mind of recovering from the backlash of comprehending a fragment of the scroll he gnashes his teeth at his reckless.
But then Nor said "Let them go, I have important matters I want to discuss with you - alone."
Joseph face paled a bit after hearing this, but he was helpless in the matter, Navaida smiled as he told Noir, "Thanks a million." and he opened the large wooden doors and strolled out.
As they came out they met a familiar face that made Kensu's face turn ghostly as if he saw a demon it was a woman with black hair tied in a bun with glasses covering her orange eyes holding a clipboard towards her generous chest she was the head supervising hunter who kept track of the hunters in Orion Corporation: Catherine
And oh boy did she look angry, " Pretend I'm a beast's corpse sir or she'll literally make me into one he I'm begging you." He whispered into Mr.Navaida's ear
Understanding the situation, he tried acting natural but was totally failing as he tried walking by Catherine
She frowned as she saw the 6'3" tall elderly man trying to act inconspicuous and purposely avoiding eye contact with her, she couldn't help but wonder if he knew where the person she was looking for was as they both were on friendly terms but coincidentally she was also looking for him, so she was killing two birds with one stone
She started walking in their direction and Kensu could not help but silently curse the old man's poor acting skills, with no other options he tried to look more lifeless as she came to talk to Mr.Navaida
As Catherine approached, her eyes narrowed behind her glasses, her gaze fixed intently on Navaida. "Percival, I've been looking all over for you and Hashimaru," she said, her voice firm but controlled.
Navaida, still trying to act nonchalant, smiled weakly. "Ah, Catherine, what a coincidence. I was just, uh, taking Kensu here to the infirmary."
Catherine's gaze flicked to Kensu, who was still slumped over Navaida's shoulder. Her expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained sharp. "What happened to him?"
Navaida hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "He, uh, had a bit of a reaction to... something. I'm not entirely sure what happened."
Catherine's eyes narrowed further, her grip on her clipboard tightening. "I see. Well, in any case, I need to speak with you, Percival. It's about the... incident last night."
Navaida's expression turned guarded, and he glanced around nervously. "Ah, yes. The incident. I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to discuss it, Catherine."
Catherine's face darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Don't play dumb with me, Percival. I know you were involved.
Kensu, still trying to appear lifeless but could not help but wonder what incident she was talking about, held his breath as Catherine's gaze bore into him. He knew he was in trouble, and he could only hope that Navaida would be able to talk his way out of the situation.
G
Knowing the boy of staying out of more trouble if he stayed here while Catherine gradually broke down his defenses, Navaida decided to leave in a hurry but not forgetting to ruffle the hair of Catherine as he usually does when he has the chance, she always complains about this gesture of affection but deep down she likes it
When the coast was clear he put down Kensu as the gained a lot of unnecessary attention from the passerby's attention in the halls
Mr Navaida looked down at him and said, "Now let's talk." Kensu knew this was more than their simple talks as it had an air of seriousness about it
The sat down in the lounge room of the Corporation where employees could relax and layback once the had some free time on their hands as the entered everyone gave Navaida looks of admiration as he was a living legend in Orion Corporation but their looks became ugly as the fell on me, Compared to normal mortal I am an anomaly so my senses are heightened to certain degree, as we walked I heard snippets of gossip, leeching bastard "his only a hunter cause of bootlicking", "he's the reason for the recent failures", "I'm surprised no Beast has eaten him yet". The whispers cut through Kensu like a knife, and he felt his face burn with shame. Navaida, seemingly oblivious to the hostile atmosphere, led Kensu to a quiet corner of the lounge and gestured for him to sit.
As Kensu sat down, Navaida leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. "Kensu, I know you've been through a lot lately. The whispers, the stares... it can't be easy for you."
Kensu looked away, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape. "It's fine, Navaida. I'm used to it."
Navaida's expression turned skeptical. "Used to it? Kensu, you're a hunter. You're supposed to be respected, admired. Not shunned and ridiculed."
Kensu's gaze snapped back to Navaida, his eyes flashing with anger. "You don't understand, Navaida. I'm not like the others. I'm... different."
Navaida's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Kensu's shoulder. "I know, Kensu. And that's what makes you so valuable. You have a gift, a unique perspective that could change the course of our world."
Kensu's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. What did Navaida mean? What gift could he possibly possess? But before he could ask, Navaida's expression turned serious.
"Kensu, I need to tell you something...but just as he was about to continue a big burly man came and said in a deep gruff voice,The Director wants to see you now Kensu Hashimaru.
Kensu's heart sank as he heard the man's words. He knew that this meeting would determine his fate as a hunter. Navaida's expression turned sympathetic, and he placed a hand on Kensu's shoulder.
"Go, Kensu," he said, his voice low and encouraging.
But even he wasn't sure Joseph wouldn't use this chance to get rid of Kensu as he had no prior chance but now was the optimal time for him
Kensu nodded, taking a deep breath as he stood up. He followed the burly man out of the lounge, his heart pounding in his chest. As they walked, Kensu couldn't help but wonder what the Director's decision would be.
The burly man led Kensu to a large, ornate door with a sign that read "Director's Office". Kensu's heart skipped a beat as the man knocked on the door, and a voice from inside called out, "Enter".
The burly man pushed open the door, and Kensu stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room nervously. The Director, a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, sat behind a large desk, his eyes fixed intently on Kensu.
"Ah, Kensu Hashimaru," the Director said, his voice firm but controlled but strangely it wasn't with disdain as it usually was when he talked to Kensu. " Sit down"
Kensu nodded, his heart pounding in his chest, as he sat down in the chair in front of the Director's desk. He knew that his fate as a hunter hung in the balance, and he could only hope that he would emerge from this meeting unscathed.