Scene: Abandoned Town Unit A – A Warzone
The air crackled with the intensity of battle, and dust swirled like a storm as Kaede leaned heavily against a crumbling wall, her body exhausted yet electrified. "This much Kaivor output... we're lighting up like a damn beacon," she muttered, breathless.
Haru, his posture steady and resolute, glanced towards the horizon where shadows danced. "Man..., It'll be a pain if hunters show up" he replied, his voice unwavering.
Mika, perched on the edge of anxiety, shot back, "Don't jinx it—"
And then, without warning, the sky shattered. A searing blast ripped through a nearby building, sending debris spiraling. Dust erupted outward as cloaked figures emerged from the haze—Kaiju Hunters, elite predators stalking the battlefield with the silence of death.
The Hunter Captain stepped forward, his gaze sharp as steel. "We've been watching. You think you can tap into Kaivor freely and not get noticed?"
Ren, anger ignited within him, clenched his teeth. "They tracked the surge…"
Steel clashed. Energy erupted into the evening sky, illuminating the town like an apocalyptic spectacle. Haru swiftly deflected a plasma chain aimed squarely at Kaede, while Mika's voice pierced through the chaos, struggling to maintain her Kaiju sync, teetering on the brink of collapse.
"Infernia says it's time to get serious," the voice of her Kaiju resonated in her mind, calm yet insistent.
Drawing on Infernia's power, Mika unleashed a scorching wall of fire, a barrier of heat and ferocity that separated them from the Hunters.
Breathing heavily, she yelled, "We can't train here anymore! Infernia says we need a new location—somewhere off the grid."
The Hunters regrouped, wary but relentless. The team seized the moment, retreating into the cover of smoke and flames.
"Where the hell is off the grid now?" Kaede panted, glancing back as they slipped away.
"Wherever it is… we better find it fast. No more freebies from Kaivor. Not without cover," Ren replied, his voice resolute as they disappeared into the shadows.
Scene: Abandoned Town Unit A – Midday
Amidst the ruins where echoes of conflict lingered, the pulse of Kaivor energy surged through Ren like a second heartbeat. His daggers gleamed ominously, electric currents weaving between his fingertips.
Time seemed to freeze for the briefest moment, and then erupted with chaos.
Three Hunters rushed him at once, a deadly formation locked in silent precision. No warning shots. No grace. Only intent to kill.
Ren didn't stand still. He surged forward, twin daggers raised.
The first Hunter lunged low, a plasma blade aimed threateningly at his ribs. The second Hunter swept high, a shock baton trained on Ren's head. The third remained poised, sniper rifle humming with deadly energy.
In that moment, Ren honed his focus, electricity surging as he made his moves.
First Move: Blitz
He dropped low and spun, dodging the plasma blade by a breath. His dagger sliced across the back of the first Hunter's knee, sending him stumbling.
In fluid motion, he sprang up, colliding with the second Hunter's shock baton, sparks igniting like fireworks. With relentless momentum, Ren delivered a kick to the Hunter's gut, sending him crashing back over shattered pavement.
A beep signaled the sniper's lock-on.
Ren twisted his wrist and hurled a dagger infused with electric energy straight into the sniper's scope.
FWIP—the dagger struck true, and the rifle exploded in the Hunter's hands, sending him tumbling off the rooftop.
Breathless and charged with electricity, Ren stood among the dust, one of his dagger materialising in his hand, the silence a stark backdrop to his chaotic heartbeat.
"Yeah... you picked the wrong guy to jump first," he taunted, but victory was fleeting; more Hunters flooded the field—heavier, faster, fortified in armor.
Energy anchors buzzed as they locked down the area.
Adapt or die.
Ren exhaled slowly, every fiber in his being attuned as the world slowed around him.
Kaivor energy spiraled up his legs, filling his chest, wrapping his arms in a coil of crackling electricity.
New Move: Spiral Volt Strike
Sprinting toward the heavy hitters, he faced the first shield as it slammed down to meet him.
With a graceful vault over it, Ren plunged his dagger into the wrist joint, disabling the gauntlet.
Mid-air, he twisted as the second heavy hitter swung a massive hammer. Ren landed on the swinging weapon, flipping off it to drive a knee charged with lightning into the Hunter's helmet.
Crack. The sound of shattering armor echoed.
The quick types attacked next, their movements swift and precise. One slashed for Ren's neck, but he leaned back just in time, the blade missing by a whisper. The second Hunter lunged low by flashing forward, but Ren responded instantly, slamming both daggers into the ground, releasing a pulse of pure electric energy. The shockwave surged outward, frying their circuits and knocking them flat against the ground.
High above, the drones locked onto their target, plasma shots preparing to rain down.
"Not today."
Ren absorbed the moment, using the fallen Hunter's shield as a springboard he launched himself skyward, spinning like a human thunderbolt.
Spiral Volt Strike: Final Phase
With a flourish, he carved an X through the air with his daggers, torrents of electricity cascading in his wake. The cross-shaped shockwave detonated the drones midair, bursting them like bright fireworks against the bruised sky.
BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!
Ren landed gracefully among the chaos, crouched and poised, surrounded by the debris of fallen Hunters and the smoldering remains of their technology.
Heavy breaths coursed through his lungs, and blood trickled down from a cut over his eye. Sparks still danced chaotically across his skin as he surveyed the aftermath.
"Bring the whole damn army next time. Maybe I'll start sweating," he grinned through grit teeth, pride mixed with adrenaline coursing through him.
PING!
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ]
— Host: Ren Takahashi
— Kaiju Partner: Raijin (Lightning Elemental)
— Sync Level: Intermediatey
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ LEVEL UP! ]
— Previous Level: 17
— New Level: 18
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ BASE STAT INCREASES ]
— Strength: +5
— Agility: +5
— Endurance: +5
— Intelligence: +5
— Elemental Control: +5
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ CURRENT STATS ]
• Strength: 80
• Agility: 97
• Endurance: 73
• Intelligence: 70
• Elemental Control: 85
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ ALLOCATION POINTS GAINED: 10 ]
Distribute freely among the following:
• Strength — [ Increases melee attack power, force ]
• Agility — [ Enhances movement, reflex, combo speed ]
• Endurance — [ Boosts stamina, damage resistance ]
• Intelligence — [ Boosts skill learning, strategy analysis ]
• Elemental Control — [ Amplifies Kaiju energy power & weapon syncing ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ PENDING ACTION: Allocate Points ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
Ren stood in the dust of the ruined street, lightning still sparking faintly around his fingertips.
The [SYSTEM INTERFACE] floated before his eyes — glowing, pulsing, waiting.
> "Tch... alright. Ten points..."
He cracked his neck, thinking. Fast.
> "I'm already fast enough to run circles around these guys... but I'm missing the knockout blows."
His eyes narrowed.
> "Speed's cool and all — but if I can't hit like a truck when it counts, what's the point?"
"And... if Raijin and I are pushing for bigger moves, I need elemental control to keep up too."
Ren smirked, his hand moving instinctively through the UI.
_______________________________________________________________
Chosen Allocation:
> +5 Strength
> +5 Elemental Control
_______________________________________________________________
[SYSTEM CONFIRMATION: Allocation Complete.]
_______________________________________________________________
> "Let's break 'em faster... and hit harder."
Lightning pulsed stronger across his arms, the very air around him buzzing with renewed ferocity.
The street cracked under his foot as he stepped forward.
_______________________________________________________________
RESULTING STATS:
_______________________________________________________________
• Strength: 85
• Agility: 97
• Endurance: 73
• Intelligence: 70
• Elemental Control: 90
_______________________________________________________________
[BONUS UNLOCK]
_______________________________________________________________
Skill Evolution Activated!
> [ Rising Spiral Kick ] → [ Storm Spiral Kick ]
(Kick now releases paralyzing shockwaves on contact.)
_______________________________________________________________
"I haven't even used that skill before" said Ren, face looking flat
---
As the dust began to settle, the cacophony of destruction hung heavy in the air, a grim reminder of the violence that had just unfolded. The collapsed Hunters groaned around Ren, but there was no time to savor victory; danger lingered, ready to strike anew.
Suddenly, more Hunters warped in, their presence a dark omen. Elite-type Hunters clad in jet-black armor emerged, cloaked in silence and purpose. Their equipment was streamlined—no flashy weaponry this time, just short, brutal tools: serrated daggers, shock-wire lassos, and explosive gloves.
Their focus lit upon Kaede.
The Hunter Captain's voice laced through their comms with unwavering authority. "Priority target: the girl. Take her down clean."
Kaede stood resolute, the sparks of conflict igniting something primal within her.
She centered herself, each breath a steady anchor. The world around her dimmed as her instincts sharpened, every sound fading into a dull hum. All that mattered were the movements closing in on her.
Three Hunters approached with deadly precision.
The first Hunter's lasso spun menacingly, aiming for a neck-snare.
With a subtle shift of her foot, Kaede flowed through the first attack; the lasso whiffed past her.
One move down; time to counter.
She pressed forward, her body slipping inside the Hunter's guard. In a fluid motion, she heel-kicked the side of his knee, distorted it sideways, and as he crumbled, she seized his lasso, dragging it around his neck, executing her move in a single, unyielding snap.
One down.
The second hunter came at her, double serrated daggers flashing in the dim light, feinting high, then low.
Kaede mirrored his rhythm, maintaining perfect distance, sensing the tempo of his movements, and waiting for the right moment. The Hunter, convinced of his mastery, lunged—this was the moment she'd been waiting for.
With a flawless motion, she trapped his wrist, spun into his blind spot, and struck—her elbow connecting with his throat with precision, leaving him gasping and unable to retaliate.
Two down.
The third hunter's explosive gloves fizzled with the sound of charging energy, a primal roar of force coming from him.
Big mistake.
Kaede barely moved, ducking under the wild punch that passed overhead, and with a clean fluidity, she slammed her palm into his solar plexus, her strike pinpoint. Using his own momentum against him, she folded him inside out, striking with unyielding force. Before he could find his bearings, she deftly slid her fingers into the seam of his armor and tore out his core battery.
A brief whine, a spark of energy, and then silence enveloped him as he collapsed, armor lifeless.
Three down.
---
From across the field, Ren observed, a grin painted across his face despite the blood seeping from his injuries. "She's scary when she's serious…" he remarked, admiration and awe flooding through him.
---
But Kaede wasn't finished.
More Hunters swarmed, five of them now, more cautious, their movements synchronized as they formed a tightening circle around her.
With unyielding composure, Kaede maintained her stance, poised and ready. The moment the Hunters made their move, she vanished.
Kaede's Style: Ghostflow Combat
She flowed like water between their attacks, her movements precise and almost ethereal. A high spinning kick sailed past her as she tilted her body just enough to evade. With a flick of her wrist, she redirected a dagger thrust meant for her midsection, each motion intentional, each counter effortless.
She struck—a quick elbow to the temple of one Hunter, the blow so swift it barely registered before he crumpled to the ground.
Four down.
---
The Hunters circled warily, but Kaede danced among them like smoke, her approach deliberate and lethal.
A dagger slashed towards her neck; she barely flinched, twisting aside and delivering a low kick that sent another Hunter tumbling. The air was thick with tension, punctuated by the sharp sounds of combat.
With one final, fluid movement, she took down the last of her opponents, a precise strike that incapacitated him before he could fully grasp the danger he was in.
Five down.
---
Kaede stood alone among the echoes of battle, the dust swirling around her like a shroud—a testament to her skill. She regarded the fallen Hunters with a calmness that belied the chaos of moments before.
"Stay sharp. We're nowhere near done," she said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her eyes, determination etched into her features.
---
End of Kaede's Solo Fight Sequence.
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ]
— Host: Kaede Hoshino
— Kaiju Partner: Zephyr (Wind Monarch)
— Sync Level: Intermediate
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ LEVEL UP! ]
— Previous Level: 16
— New Level: 17
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ BASE STAT INCREASES ]
— Strength: +4
— Agility: +6
— Endurance: +4
— Intelligence: +5
— Elemental Control: +5
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ CURRENT STATS ]
• Strength: 70
• Agility: 92
• Endurance: 68
• Intelligence: 78
• Elemental Control: 75
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ ALLOCATION POINTS GAINED: 10 ]
Distribute freely among the following:
• Strength — [ Increases melee attack power, force ]
• Agility — [ Enhances movement, reflex, combo speed ]
• Endurance — [ Boosts stamina, damage resistance ]
• Intelligence — [ Boosts skill learning, strategy analysis ]
• Elemental Control — [ Amplifies Kaiju energy power & weapon syncing ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ PENDING ACTION: Allocate Points ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
---
Scene (Kaede Hoshino Choosing):
The breeze stirred the ruins around her.
Kaede stood tall, feeling Zephyr's energy threading through her veins like silk.
The [SYSTEM INTERFACE] flickered to life — a panel of options... but to her, it was obvious.
Zephyr's voice echoed in her mind:
> "Flow like the gale. Strike before they can even blink."
Kaede's lips curved into a small, determined smile.
> "Speed... precision... and control."
No hesitation.
Chosen Allocation:
+6 Agility
+4 Elemental Control
[SYSTEM CONFIRMATION: Allocation Complete.]
───
A subtle cyclone of air whipped around her ankles, carrying her hair in wisps as her body adapted.
She didn't just move faster — she moved smarter.
> "Catch me if you can," she whispered to the wind.
---
RESULTING STATS:
• Strength: 70
• Agility: 98
• Endurance: 68
• Intelligence: 78
• Elemental Control: 79
---
[BONUS UNLOCK]
Skill Evolution Activated!
> [ Breeze Step ] → [ Tempest Waltz ]
(Kaede can chain multiple teleport-like dashes mid-air or on ground, creating shockwaves with each burst.)
---
Kaede Hoshino's New Playstyle:
Moves so fast it creates sonic booms.
Dodges and counterattacks in a blur.
Can now create mini "wind quakes" around her just by moving aggressively.
---
Kaede wiped the blood off her knuckles, surveying the chaos that lingered in the air. Ren stood nearby, poised and ready, his daggers buzzing with barely contained energy. The two of them knew, all too well, that the Hunters weren't the reckless swarm they once were. They had learned; they had adapted. Now, they sent specialized units directly for Mika—units equipped with anti-flame suits, nanofoam grenades, and magnesium blades specifically designed to neutralize fire users.
They thought they could contain her. They were dead wrong.
Mika cracked her neck, smirking as she felt Infernia's power arching like a live wire at her fingertips. The heat warped the air around her, shimmering like a mirage. "You really think I'm gonna just stand here?" she taunted.
With a sudden burst of motion, a Hunter lunged at her, his magnesium blade glinting ominously in the dim light. Mika ducked low, sliding under his desperate swing and retaliating with an uppercut fueled by roaring flames. The instant her flaming fist connected, a burst of fire erupted against his suit, igniting it in a frantic crawl of searing heat. He screamed, rolling frantically to extinguish the fire, but it was relentless, devouring his suit like a living entity.
Mika reveled in the chaos, but soon it escalated. Ten more Hunters encircled her, forming a precise, menacing kill-box. The air crackled with tension; nanofoam grenades launched into the fray.
"FWWOOOMPH!" The explosions erupted, releasing clouds of fire-retardant mist that roared through the air like angry spirits.
"Nice try," Mika replied with a devilish grin, and slammed her hands together. The signature move of Infernia surged to life: the Nova Pulse. A shockwave of raw fire exploded outward, vaporizing the mist mid-air and clearing a fiery circle around her. The grenades melted to slag before even reaching her.
The Hunters hesitated, but Mika didn't give them a moment to regroup. She charged into the fray, tackling one Hunter into a wall with such force that the brickwork crumbled. Spinning deftly, she caught another Hunter's arm mid-swing, jerking him violently into a shoulder throw that dislocated his elbow with a sickening crunch.
The third Hunter never stood a chance. She flipped over him, a comet trailing flames shaped like angelic wings as she soared above, her movements wild—untamed, feral.
"Burn it all, Mika. No mercy," Infernia's voice thundered within her mind, inciting a dark thrill. Mika's hands ignited fully; crimson fire curled around her fingers like angry claws.
She fell into Inferno Sync Mode, her speed tripling. Her body glowed with intense heat, radiating an aura of incandescent destruction.
Soon, the strongest Hunter emerged — the Captain, encased in a full titanium shield suit, charging at her with a primal roar. Big mistake. Mika dodged low, pivoted in a liquid motion around him, and unleashed a double palm strike into his back.
The impact created a thunderous BOOM! that sent shockwaves rippling outward. The Captain's shield exploded outward like shattered glass, and he was launched twenty meters through the air, crashing into a ruined bus.
Mika lingered, panting lightly, flames curling around her like a war goddess surveying the battlefield. "Hope you brought spares," she quipped, wiping soot from her cheek.
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ]
— Host: Mika Arata
— Kaiju Partner: Infernia (Fire Monarch)
— Sync Level: Intermediate
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ LEVEL UP! ]
— Previous Level: 15
— New Level: 16
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ BASE STAT INCREASES ]
— Strength: +6
— Agility: +4
— Endurance: +5
— Intelligence: +4
— Elemental Control: +6
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ CURRENT STATS ]
• Strength: 85
• Agility: 70
• Endurance: 75
• Intelligence: 68
• Elemental Control: 80
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ ALLOCATION POINTS GAINED: 10 ]
Distribute freely among the following:
• Strength — [ Increases melee attack power, force ]
• Agility — [ Enhances movement, reflex, combo speed ]
• Endurance — [ Boosts stamina, damage resistance ]
• Intelligence — [ Boosts skill learning, strategy analysis ]
• Elemental Control — [ Amplifies Kaiju energy power & weapon syncing ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ PENDING ACTION: Allocate Points ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
---
Scene (Mika Arata Choosing):
Mika knelt down, resting her burning hands against cracked asphalt.
Her fists steamed from the last blast she threw.
The [SYSTEM INTERFACE] floated in front of her, pulsing like a heartbeat.
Infernia's voice rumbled inside her chest — proud, loud, daring her:
> "You burn brightest when you stop holding back, Mika."
"Feed the fire. Forge yourself stronger."
Mika exhaled — smoke curling from her lips.
She knew what to do.
_______________________________________________________________
Chosen Allocation:
+6 Strength
+4 Elemental Control
_______________________________________________________________
[SYSTEM CONFIRMATION: Allocation Complete.]
_______________________________________________________________
Heat rippled off her body in shimmering waves as her muscles flexed, adapting.
She could feel it — every punch, every step — like a volcano bottled under her skin.
> "Next time... they won't even get close."
Mika's eyes glowed with pure determination.
_______________________________________________________________
RESULTING STATS:
_______________________________________________________________
• Strength: 91
• Agility: 70
• Endurance: 75
• Intelligence: 68
• Elemental Control: 84
_______________________________________________________________
[BONUS UNLOCK]
_______________________________________________________________
Skill Evolution Activated!
> [ Blazing Strike ] → [ Infernal Crash ]
(Mika channels explosive fire into her body, turning simple strikes into wide-range shockwave attacks. Every hit carries a fire explosion radius.)
_______________________________________________________________
Mika Arata's New Playstyle:
Close-range tank who now punishes anyone even near her.
A single swing = small AOE fire detonations.
Controlled rage: she can go full Berserker Monarch if pressed.
_______________________________________________________________
Afterwards, the dust and smoke hung thick in the air like a blanket over the battlefield, muffling the cries and chaos that had just unfolded. The Hunters lay sprawled in various states of incapacitation — the hard-won prizes of her infernal rage.
Ren wiped the blood from his lip, his daggers still flickering, while Kaede caught her breath, serenity cloaked over her like a protective veil. Mika, flames still swirling in the debris, stood tall—an indomitable force amidst smoldering ruins.
Haru stepped forward, katana unsheathed, the blade catching the dying light as he surveyed the aftermath. One fluid motion led him into the throes of battle.
"Let's keep moving," he said, his voice a calm whisper.
Suddenly, heavy footfalls echoed behind him. The ground trembled as veteran Hunter units entered the fray—behemoths of technology clad in heavy exo-suits, armed with pulse cannons, ready to rain down devastation.
They advanced like a firing squad, and Haru didn't flinch. Pulse cannons fired plasma shots, and he weaved through the chaos, a ghost threading the needle of death. He didn't just dodge; he danced between death, gliding with an elegance that seemed almost choreographed.
The first Hunter lunged from the right, wielding a pulse knife. Without even a glance, Haru parried, his katana slicing through the air with precision. The blade cut into the Hunter's elbow, sending the weapon clattering to the ground while a flash of pain registered on his face.
In a fluid motion, he followed up with a reverse slice, and just as quickly, the Hunter's armor malfunctioned, electricity surging and knocking him out cold.
Two more Hunters attempted to ensnare him with gravity nets, glowing constructs designed to immobilize him like a bug in a trap. But Haru remained unbothered. At the last possible moment, he stepped onto one of the nets mid-launch, using the momentum to springboard into the air like a predator taking flight. Twisting, he aimed his sword downwards and slashed—two clean cuts severing the nets and their projectors in one master stroke. The backlash sent the Hunters below staggering backward, caught in their own snare.
"Don't let him close in—he's slicing through tech like it's paper!" The voice of the Hunter Commander crackled over the comms, filled with frustration and fear.
But it was too late.
"You showed your openings," Haru murmured softly to himself as he initiated his rapid assault. He struck without hesitation—each move deliberate and lethal. The first Hunter met a swift slice across the chest, his reaction a second too slow. The second Hunter received a stab through his side that twisted painfully, while the third fumbled his weapon in a panic—disentangling them one by one with ruthless efficiency.
Each strike was minimal, precise, and utterly inevitable.
Haru's battle reached a climax as the final Hunter pulled a plasma Gatling gun from behind cover. The weapon whirred as it spun up, eager to unleash devastating firepower. However, Haru didn't even blink. He dashed forward with a grace that seemed almost surreal, performing a single upward slash that cleaved the massive weapon in half. The pieces dropped harmlessly, and the Hunter fell back in terror, utterly defeated.
---
Aftermath settled over the battlefield like an ominous silence, broken only by the soft hiss of steam rising from Haru's katana, which he cleaned in a single, effortless motion. He stood among the remnants of the confrontation, surrounded by the sprawling forms of defeated enemies as if he had deliberately choreographed every move.
PING!
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ]
— Host: Haru Minami
— Kaiju Partner: Aqua (Water Monarch)
— Sync Level: Intermediate
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ LEVEL UP! ]
— Previous Level: 15
— New Level: 16
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ BASE STAT INCREASES ]
— Strength: +4
— Agility: +5
— Endurance: +5
— Intelligence: +6
— Elemental Control: +6
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ CURRENT STATS ]
• Strength: 68
• Agility: 78
• Endurance: 72
• Intelligence: 85
• Elemental Control: 82
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ ALLOCATION POINTS GAINED: 10 ]
Distribute freely among the following:
• Strength — [ Increases melee attack power, force ]
• Agility — [ Enhances movement, reflex, combo speed ]
• Endurance — [ Boosts stamina, damage resistance ]
• Intelligence — [ Boosts skill learning, strategy analysis ]
• Elemental Control — [ Amplifies Kaiju energy power & weapon syncing ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ PENDING ACTION: Allocate Points ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
---
Scene (Haru Minami Choosing):
The air was heavy with the mist of his last attack.
Haru wiped his blade clean in a single, effortless motion — like drawing a brush across water.
The [SYSTEM INTERFACE] shimmered, almost transparent like a ripple.
Aqua's voice flowed through his mind, calm and commanding:
> "You are a river, Haru."
"Flow around them. Carve through them. Erode their strength."
Haru smiled faintly, brushing damp hair from his forehead.
He made his choice — not with rage, not with pride — but with cold, perfect clarity.
_______________________________________________________________
Chosen Allocation:
+5 Agility
+5 Elemental Control
_______________________________________________________________
[SYSTEM CONFIRMATION: Allocation Complete.]
_______________________________________________________________
His body lightened, movements sharpening like an unstoppable current.
He felt it — the absolute control over not just water — but himself.
> "Adapt. Outsmart. Overwhelm."
_______________________________________________________________
RESULTING STATS:
• Strength: 68
• Agility: 83
• Endurance: 72
• Intelligence: 85
• Elemental Control: 87
_______________________________________________________________
[BONUS UNLOCK]
Skill Evolution Activated!
> [ Aqua Slash ] → [ Abyssal Rift ]
(Haru's water blade attacks now leave after-images that deal secondary delayed strikes. Enemies hit once will be hit again even if they dodge.)
_______________________________________________________________
Haru Minami's New Playstyle:
_______________________________________________________________
Precision swordsman with double-hitting ghost slashes.
Absolute battlefield control, repositioning like water weaving around rocks.
Counterattacks are basically inevitable.
_______________________________________________________________
"We need to leave. They'll send stronger waves next," he stated matter-of-factly, turning back toward the others who surveyed the wreckage with a mix of awe and trepidation.
---
Eiji stepped forward from behind a half-collapsed wall, arms crossed, his grin wide despite the spectacle of destruction surrounding them. "Aww, come on! Don't hog all the action! I was just getting warmed up!" He scanned the scene, eyes widening in disbelief at the utter chaos the others had wrought.
His expression shifted humorously; the laughter faded from his lips when he fully grasped the aftermath. "Wait... that's it? Y'all handled it already?!" He blinked, disbelief etching his features repeatedly. "No way—I didn't even get to swing once! Who are you monsters?!"
PING!
"Oh ? What's this, pity?" Eiji complained.
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ]
— Host: Eiji Tanaka
— Kaiju Partner: Titan (Earth Monarch)
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ LEVEL UP! ]
— Previous Level: 14
— New Level: 15
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ BASE STAT INCREASES ]
— Strength: +5
— Agility: +2
— Endurance: +5
— Intelligence: +2
— Elemental Control (Earth): +2
— Luck: +3
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ CURRENT STATS ]
• Strength: 92
• Agility: 52
• Endurance: 66
• Intelligence: 84
• Elemental Control (Earth): 62
• Luck: ???
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ ALLOCATION POINTS GAINED: 5 ]
Distribute freely among the following:
• Strength — [ Boosts pure physical attack power ]
• Agility — [ Enhances movement speed, reflexes ]
• Endurance — [ Boosts durability and stamina ]
• Intelligence — [ Enhances strategy and Kaiju sync rate ]
• Elemental Control — [ Strengthens Earth-based abilities ]
• Luck — [ Random positive boosts ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
[ PENDING ACTION: Allocate Points ]
─────────────────────────────────────────────
Just moments ago, Eiji leaned against a half-collapsed wall, arms crossed, watching the others go demon mode on the Hunters.
Sparks flying, buildings cracking, explosions lighting up the sky.
And he?
He hadn't thrown a single punch.
> "Damn...," he muttered, grinning. "I'm built different."
The [SYSTEM INTERFACE] popped up in front of him with a casual "ding."
A message flashed:
_______________________________________________________________
> "Congratulations! You survived the chaos without doing anything! Level up achieved!"
_______________________________________________________________
Eiji shrugged.
"Skill issue for them, not me," he said, casually tapping the screen.
_______________________________________________________________
Chosen Allocation:
> +2 Agility
> +3 Intelligence
_______________________________________________________________
[SYSTEM CONFIRMATION: Allocation Complete.]
_______________________________________________________________
Suddenly, Eiji felt lighter, sharper — as if just observing made him smarter.
The world slowed down just a little around him — like he could predict the chaos before it even started.
> "Next time... maybe I won't have to move at all."
Eiji smirked.
_______________________________________________________________
RESULTING STATS:
_______________________________________________________________
• Strength: 92
• Agility: 54
• Endurance: 58
• Intelligence: 87
* Elemental control: 62
• Luck: ???
_______________________________________________________________
[SPECIAL NOTE]
_______________________________________________________________
Because of "Luck" rising secretly:
> You now have passive random effects that may drastically alter battles, favoring him.
_______________________________________________________________
[ Hidden Passive Title Earned: "The Unseen Winner" ]
_______________________________________________________________
He threw his arms up, exasperation mingling with admiration.
"Pity, but I'll take it"
---
Suddenly, a notification shot into Mika's mind like a bolt of lightning. Infernia's voice roared, pushing through the remnants of her fiery resolve.
"Mika. Speak for me. Now."
Mika blinked, momentarily bewildered, but Infernia's tone demanded obedience. Gathering her focus, she stepped forward, her demeanor shifting from carefree warrior to serious spokesperson.
"Infernia says we're being reckless," she declared, her voice strong enough that it echoed in the heavy silence. The group fell quiet, attention shifting entirely to her. "The more we summon Kaivor at full power, the easier it gets for the Hunters to track us."
She jabbed a thumb over her shoulder at the charred skyline of the ruined town. "Somewhere less… screaming 'HEY WE'RE RIGHT HERE' every five seconds."
---
Ren finished wiping his dagger clean, nodding solemnly as he stepped beside her. "She's right."
Kaede remained soft-spoken but resolute. "They'll send stronger units next time."
Haru chimed in, his voice steady and unwavering. "Special ops. Possibly Hunter Captains. Maybe even Kaiju Hunters themselves."
Eiji, however, seemed entirely unfazed, grinning once more. "Finally. A real workout."
---
In Mika's mind, Infernia's voice echoed a final time, thick with impatience and the spirit of wildfire. "If you don't want me burning the next town down out of annoyance—MOVE."
With a resigned sigh, Mika nodded. "Yeah, she's getting cranky. Let's bounce."
They gathered what little remained—weapons gleaming under the dim light, glints of the sun-kissed metal reflected in their determined eyes. There were no cheers or high-fives; the air was thick with an unspoken understanding that the battles were only just beginning. Their focus was palpable, each member attuned to the quiet intensity that rippled between them.
Mika glanced back at the smoldering ruins of the town, a bittersweet victory tinged with the recognition of the greater fight that lay ahead. They moved out as shadows stretched long, heading toward an uncertain future, driven by the promise of growth and the burning desire to defy the forces against them.
As they ventured deeper into the unknown, a sense of camaraderie enveloped them—strangers turned allies, warriors united in a shared purpose. Each step they took resonated like the thrum of battle drums, echoing in sync with the fierce resolve igniting within their spirits.
This was just the beginning.
And Raijin finally said to Ren, "I have an idea, but you should remember someone's home waiting for you".
"Right... Rika" Ren said.
"She'll be mad..." Ren added.
"Then cheer her up"
The door creaked open, the sound echoing in the dim light of the living room. Ren stumbled inside, sweat trickling down his forehead, his clothes torn from the intensity of his training. Strapped haphazardly to his back were his daggers, a testament to his dedication and grit. The familiar scent of grilled fish lingered in the air, now cold and neglected.
"Home… finally," he panted, breathless from the strain of his latest training session. "Raijin's training is getting insane."
Silence enveloped him as he looked up. The room was dimly lit, a single desk lamp casting a warm, inviting glow across the living room. But his gaze quickly fell upon Rika, seated cross-legged on the couch, her body tense like a storm cloud poised to unleash its fury. Her arms were folded across her chest, lips pouted, and her eyes shot daggers at him. The television screen behind her was paused on the opening sequence of an anime, a world of color and chaos starkly contrasting the tension in the room.
Ren froze. His "little sister radar" lit up like a warning beacon. A mental image of Raijin flickered in his mind, an ethereal coach with arms crossed and a disappointed expression.
"You've been dodging family time like it's a boss fight. Cheer her up," Raijin's voice echoed in his head, exasperated yet knowing. "Or she's gonna unleash a level 100 guilt trip."
Ren let out an internal groan. "Man, why do cosmic lightning beasts give emotional advice…?"
He approached Rika cautiously, as if he were navigating a minefield.
"Hey, Rika… sorry I missed dinner again. Training's been—"
"Training. Fighting. Saving the world. Yeah, yeah. Guess your little sister ranks below kaiju beatdowns, huh?" Rika interrupted, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Dramatically, she turned away from him, clutching a plushie of her favorite idol, her back a wall of defiance. Ren winced at her words. Oof. A critical hit aimed straight at his heart.
Kneeling beside her, an air of sheepishness enveloping him, he said, "Okay, okay. I've been a crappy oniichan lately. But I brought something to make up for it."
From his jacket, he pulled out a doodle—clumsy and childlike—of her in chibi form, holding a lightning bolt triumphantly while standing atop a defeated Raijin plush. The sight, horrendously cute despite its poor execution, beckoned a flicker of warmth.
"Custom-made by me. Limited edition. Rika the Kaiju Queen," he announced with a grin.
Rika side-eyed the drawing, her lips twitching as she fought to maintain her scowl.
"It's ugly," she declared flatly, but the glint of amusement in her eyes was unmistakable.
"Yeah, well, my artistic skills haven't leveled up yet," Ren replied, chuckling.
A beat passed, the tension slowly dissipating, until Rika suddenly smacked him lightly with her plushie. Then, to his surprise, she hugged him tightly. Ren blinked, caught off guard.
"I just miss you, stupid," she mumbled into his shoulder, her voice muffled and laced with vulnerability.
Ren smiled softly, wrapping an arm around her. "I know. I miss this too. Let's do something tomorrow—no training. Just you and me."
"Promise?" she pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his for sincerity.
Ren raised his pinky, a symbol of their bond. "Swear on Raijin's ego."
In that moment, thunder rumbled faintly in the distance. Ren broke into a light sweat.
"I heard that," Raijin's voice echoed in his mind, annoyed.
Ren mentally facepalmed. What had he just invited upon himself?
---
The next morning, 5:45 A.M., Takahashi Residence
The house was cloaked in darkness, still and quiet, as Ren tiptoed out of his room like a skilled ninja, dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans with his hair a tousled mess. He moved with deliberate silence, each step calculated—until disaster struck. His knee collided painfully with the sharp corner of the coffee table.
"Ghh—! I hate this house's furniture layout…" he whispered, biting back a string of curses.
Sliding to the shoe rack, he maneuvered his sneakers onto his feet as if each pair was set with a timer, every moment crucial in his escape. His heart raced as he reached for the front door handle, aware of the stakes. This was a mission he could not afford to fail.
"Impressive stealth, for someone with negative grace," Raijin'svoice chimed in his head, filled with amusement.
"Not now, Raijin… if Rika wakes up, I'm dead," Ren shot back mentally, gritting his teeth.
Just as he was about to open the door, a voice from the hallway broke the stillness, flat and immediate: "Too late."
Ren flinched and turned slowly, finding Rika standing in the dim light of the hallway. A blanket was wrapped around her shoulders, her hair disheveled and her expression unreadable.
"You said no training today," she stated, her tone flat and accusatory.
He could feel his heart sink. "Okay, technically I said 'just us tomorrow,' not 'all day tomorrow,' and it's still kinda today's yesterday—time is weird—"
"…You're the worst," Rika interrupted, pivoting on her heel and beginning to walk away, her tone laced with disappointment.
With a sigh, Ren watched her retreating figure, the weight of guilt settling heavily in his chest. The front door creaked open behind him, and Raijin's laughter echoed in his mind, a sound both mocking and somehow comforting.
"You just got hit with Emotional Damage: Sibling Edition," Raijin teased.
Ren groaned, closing the door behind him. "One of these days, I'm benching you, I swear."
Raijin's voice laughed again in his head, "Please. You couldn't bench your own guilt."
As Ren stepped outside into the overcast morning, he felt the chill of the air mix with a sense of urgency. Training awaited him—whether he was ready for it or not.