Inside the HQ
A group of people stood in formation, their expressions ranging from excitement to anxiety. They had just been selected as Toximancers and were preparing for their first mission.
One of them: "This is going to be fun!"
Tachibana (calmly): "It might be, but it's risky too. Don't let your guard down."
Among the group stood the boy with cyan-colored hair and eyes that shimmered—a blend of brown and gold. He glanced around quietly.
The boy (thoughts): Can I be selected...? I awakened a few days ago. Let's see what happens.
Suddenly, the heavy entrance doors opened. Ken walked in alongside Kanji Mitsuragi and a squad of experienced Toximancers. Ken looked around the HQ, taking in the other trainees—and then he noticed the cyan-haired boy.
The boy wore a plain blue T-shirt and navy-blue pants. Something about him felt familiar.
Ken (thoughts): That guy… he looks familiar.
Tachibana: "You all came? Good. Give me the report. Also—who's that boy?"
Ken turned his attention to a man standing nearby—wearing a black coat, white shirt, and dark sunglasses. He didn't look like a Toximancer.
Ken (thoughts): Who is this guy...? He's not a Toximancer. There's something different about him.
Kanji: "Tachibana, about the mission—those goblins weren't taken down by us. This boy did it."
Kanji pointed at Ken.
Kanji: "He awakened recently… I believe he has potential to become a Toximancer."
Tachibana (nodding): "Alright. Just need him to fill out this form."
Tachibana pulled out a document from his coat pocket and handed it, along with a pen, to Ken. A moment later, he handed another form to the cyan-haired boy as well.
Ken sat down on a bench by the window, watching birds fly across the sky. Just then, the boy approached him with a cheerful smile.
Boy: "Hey, how are you, buddy?"
Ken's eyes widened.
Ken: "Horikoshi...? Is that you?!"
Horikoshi (grinning): "Yup! Jiro Horikoshi, bro. You awakened too?"
Ken (smiling): "Yeah... I did. But why'd you decide to become a Toximancer?"
Horikoshi (casually): "My parents are always working. I figured this was a way to secretly earn and make them proud. Plus, I'd be helping protect people."
Scene Shift – Surveillance Room
The man seated at the desk, monitoring monster activity, stood up. Without a word, he left the room and descended to the lower floor.
Back at the registration area, Tachibana collected the completed forms from Ken and Horikoshi—just as the man approached.
Tachibana: "Sir?"
The Man: "So, you two are the new recruits?"
He took the forms from Tachibana's hands and glanced at them briefly.
The Man: "It'll take about an hour to process your Toximancer cards."
Just then, Tachibana's phone rang.
He picked up, listened for a moment—then his eyes widened. He ended the call abruptly.
Tachibana: "Sir, we've got a problem. Another crack just opened... and the other Toximancers are all tied up with their missions."
The man turned slowly, looking at Ken and Horikoshi.
The Man: "Then send them. They're new, I know. But when the others finish their tasks, send them as backup."
Scene Shift – On the Road
Ken and Horikoshi walked silently down the street, heading toward the location of the new crack.
Horikoshi (excited): "I still can't believe you took down those goblins on your own, bro. That's insane!"
Ken smirked, but his steps were cautious.
They soon reached the area—a massive green-glowing crack hovering above the ground. The energy radiating from it made their skin crawl.
Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed from within.
A gigantic black serpent emerged—its scales glinting like obsidian, its size towering over buildings. It was nearly 50 feet long.
Both boys froze. Fear gripped their hearts. The ground trembled beneath them.
Ken (trembling): "W-What should we do now...?"
Horikoshi (voice shaking): "Are we... going to be food?"
Narrator : they can survive or they will become food. Let's see where fate will take them