The sun hung high in the sky, its bright white light spilling over the buildings and streets, casting short, sharp shadows on the ground.
The air was warm, carrying the faint scent of dust and smoke rising from earlier clashes in the districts, while the sounds of the busy streets people, passersby, and the occasional car mixed with the whistle of wind sneaking through narrow alleys.
The city pulsed with activity, yet it was heavy with tension; every step felt calculated, every movement noticed. The brief lulls between the noises gave the strange impression that the city itself was holding its breath, waiting for the chaos to erupt.
Kryne stood on the rooftop, his cap pulled low over his eyes as he observed the chaos below.
The police clashed fiercely with the Troublemakers in the middle-class district. Shouts and the clang of metal filled the streets, but despite the attackers' aggression, the officers maintained the upper hand. A few of them had already been injured, yet their formation held firm.
The Troublemakers tried desperately to destroy the buildings around them, but Novara's energy shields enveloping the structures rendered their attacks futile. Sparks flew off walls, debris bounced harmlessly off reinforced facades, and the criminals' frustration grew with every failed strike.
From his vantage point, Kryne's eyes narrowed. He analyzed the battlefield carefully, noting the positions of both the police and the attackers, every movement cataloged in his mind. The situation was tense, but the city's protective barrier ensured that the damage remained contained for now.
Kryne spoke softly to himself, his voice barely audible over the chaos below.
"Seems I don't need to intervene… The Troublemakers are far weaker than I expected… But…"
His eyes shifted toward Julian, standing calmly atop a rooftop, watching the scene unfold without taking any action.
Kryne continued quietly, a hint of curiosity in his tone:
"What is that person doing? He doesn't seem nervous… nor worried at all."
Kryne raised his phone and dialed Celestine's number.
The scene shifted to Celestine, running swiftly through the crowded alleys with Milo by her side. She answered immediately.
"Celestine?" Kryne's calm voice came through.
"Kryne?" she replied, slightly out of breath.
"Where have you reached?" he asked, his eyes scanning the chaos below.
"We're almost there," Celestine said, determination in her voice. "We're approaching the abandoned district."
Kryne replied calmly, his tone measured:
"If you manage to capture the Numbers, we will have already defeated them.
Their followers are far too weak…"
Celestine replied confidently, slightly smirking:
"Alright. They're just a bunch of young troublemakers anyway. I don't expect any serious strength from them."
Celestine continued, her tone firm:
"I'll call you later, Kryne. Goodbye for now."
Kryne replied calmly:
"Goodbye."
He let out a soft sigh, then picked up his cap and placed it firmly on his head, adjusting it as he prepared to move.
Kryne leapt from the rooftop he was standing on, launching himself toward the building where Julian stood.
After about two minutes of swift movement across rooftops, he landed gracefully on the target roof. He stood there calmly, surveying the scene.
He took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips, then reached for a lighter and flicked it, igniting the tip with a soft glow.
Julian looked up at him, standing tall and composed on the rooftop. His short purple hair fell partially over one side of his face, giving him a mysterious, unreadable expression. The scarf around his neck fluttered lightly in the wind, and his sharp eyes scanned Kryne with a calm intensity, betraying no hint of worry or fear.
Kryne lowered the cigarette from his lips, exhaling a thin stream of smoke, his voice calm and steady:
"Hello, troublemaker."
Julian raised his hand slightly and pointed a finger at him, his expression unreadable.
"You work for the Guild Agency, don't you?"
Kryne adjusted his cap firmly, the strands of his brown hair slipping out from beneath it, falling loosely over his forehead.
"Yes…"
He placed the cigarette back between his lips, then removed it again, exhaling a heavier cloud of smoke that drifted into the cold air.
"And I'm here to put an end to all this chaos you're causing."
Julian didn't respond.
He simply shifted his stance, his eyes sharpening as a violet aura began to rise from his body quiet, focused, and ominously calm as he prepared for the fight.
Kryne's eyes studied the violet aura surrounding Julian.
"Not bad… Compared to those down below, you're very good. But… I don't think you're one of the Numbers."
He exhaled another puff of smoke, calm and assessing, his gaze unwavering as he analyzed his opponent.
Julian spoke softly, his tone laced with a mix of hatred and challenge:
"Aren't you going to unleash your energy?!"
Kryne exhaled his last puff of smoke before tossing the cigarette aside.
"Alright… then force me."
The scene with Kryne and Julian ended there, tension hanging thick in the air.
The focus shifted back to Milo and Celestine, running swiftly through the alleys, their eyes fixed on the abandoned district ahead.
Milo and Celestine moved cautiously through the alleys of the poor district, their steps silent on the worn cobblestones. The area was eerily familiar to Milo—broken stones, weathered walls, and stray cats darting between the shadows.
"This is the place…" Milo whispered, glancing around, recognition flickering in his eyes. "The same area Toxifar showed me earlier. Hardly anyone comes here… the worst part of the poor district."
Celestine nodded, her long dark hair flowing behind her as she ran. Her sharp eyes scanned every corner, noting the shadows stretching across the cracked walls and the abandoned buildings that loomed silently.
The two moved in careful synchronization, each step measured, aware that danger could be lurking behind any doorway or empty window. The faint sunlight barely penetrated the narrow alleys, giving the scene a dim, muted glow that heightened the tension.
"This way," Milo whispered, leading Celestine toward the abandoned house, the very one Toxifar had entered before. Its door hung slightly open, inviting yet ominous.
Just before entering the abandoned house, a voice called out.
"Celestine, wait!" Selvara's calm tone reached her.
Brane stood beside her, his massive frame towering slightly, and asked,
"Is this the place?"
Celestine glanced around carefully. Then, a little ways behind her, she spotted the Fenrir Twins standing silently, their imposing presence unmistakable.
A soft smile appeared on Celestine's lips.
"Everyone has arrived, then."
Celestine glanced at Milo, her eyes sharp and questioning.
"Are the Numbers in this house?"
Milo nodded slightly, his voice calm but serious.
"There's a secret floor below… that's where they hide."
Selvara's eyes narrowed sharply at Milo.
"If you're lying to us, I'll kill you here and now!"
Celestine shot her a firm look.
"Calm down. Milo wouldn't deceive us."
Milo said nothing.
Without a word, he stepped into the house, his expression steady. Celestine followed right behind him, her steps confident and controlled.
Milo approached the slightly worn floorboards in the center of the abandoned house. His hand rested on the edge, pressing carefully as he inspected the seams.
He exhaled slowly, steadying himself, then pressed firmly. A faint click echoed in the dim room. The hidden door slowly creaked open, revealing a staircase leading downward into darkness.
Milo glanced back at Celestine, who watched silently, her expression alert.
"This is it… the secret floor," he whispered, stepping toward the staircase first, ready to descend.
Outside, the four waited impatiently for any sign.
Milo and Celestine descended the staircase carefully, their footsteps quiet on the worn wood.
As Milo reached the bottom, he froze in surprise.
Standing against the wall was Toxifar. His long green hair fell over his shoulders, two strands framing his face, and that peculiar, sly smile curved his lips.
"You've finally arrived… Milo!" Toxifar said, his voice calm yet carrying a hint of amusement.
Milo stared, not expecting to find him so easily.
"Toxifar!" he exclaimed.
Toxifar turned his gaze toward Celestine and frowned slightly.
"Oh… it seems you didn't come alone."
Milo shouted, his voice filled with anger:
"You fool! Why are you killing innocent people?!"
Celestine moved swiftly behind him, determination blazing in her eyes.
"I don't have time… I need to capture him fast!"
She unleashed her Tier 1 Technique: Nerve Break, her hand igniting with electric-blue energy aimed directly at Toxifar.
But before it could reach him, a massive figure emerged from the shadows. In one swift motion, he struck Celestine's arm, producing a small explosion on impact.
Celestine slammed against the wall and fell to the ground.
Milo's eyes widened as he rushed toward her.
"Celestine!"
But before he could reach her, he sensed something unusual behind him.
A massive figure stood there, completely hidden beneath a long black cloak that concealed his entire body, his presence radiating an overwhelming threat.
Milo stared at the cloaked figure.
The figure slowly lifted his head… and a horrific smile stretched across his face, wide enough to show every single tooth.
"It seems today… will be full of excitement," he said, voice trembling with madness.
He lowered himself toward the ground as if preparing to sit, but instead
a surge of energy began gathering in his abdomen.
The air vibrated.
He inhaled deeply, then
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"
A thunderous roar shook the entire underground hall.
Toxifar's eyes widened in terror.
"Damn it he'll kill us ALL with that attack!"
Without hesitation, Toxifar turned and sprinted down a long corridor, panicked and stumbling as he fled.
Milo tried to run after him
but before he took two steps, a hand grabbed the back of his clothes.
Celestine.
She had forced herself back to her feet, eyes sharp despite the pain.
Without a word, she yanked Milo backwards and leapt up the stairs, dragging him with her as she escaped.
Selvara, Brane, and the Fenrir Twins peered cautiously behind the door, their eyes scanning the dark interior.
Suddenly, Celestine appeared, dragging Milo with her. She looked slightly exhausted but determined.
"Watch out!" she shouted.
BOOM!
An explosion erupted behind Celestine, blasting the abandoned house apart. Debris and shattered wood flew in every direction, dust filling the air.
Everyone was stunned by the magnitude of the explosion.
Selvara and Brane quickly stepped forward, concern written on their faces, hurrying toward Celestine and Milo to make sure they were unharmed.
Meanwhile, the Fenrir Twins moved toward the remains of the exploded house. From their vantage point, they looked down at the wreckage below wood splintered, dust rising, and debris scattered across the ground. The destruction was complete, a harsh reminder of the power that had just been unleashed.
Selvara helped Celestine to her feet.
"Are you alright?" she asked, concern in her eyes.
Milo spoke up, his voice slightly trembling with fear.
"Toxifar appeared… and there's another terrifying person with him. I think… he might be one of the Numbers."
Selvara looked at Milo, listening carefully to every word.
Brane, closer to the debris, called out to them.
"Get ready! Someone is very close!"
The Fenrir Twins turned their gaze to the wreckage below. As some debris was moved aside, a massive figure emerged. His muscles were clearly defined beneath his torn cloak, he wore loose pants, and his brown hair was messy with two long strands framing his face.
The figure's eyes locked onto the Fenrir Twins. He took a deep breath… then let out an earth-shattering roar.
The massive figure leapt upward in a single powerful motion and landed directly in front of the Fenrir Twins, the ground cracking slightly beneath his feet.
"I am Deton," he declared, his voice booming with confidence.
"Number 3!"
"I can blow up anything that stands in my way!"
The Fenrir Twins stared at him without a hint of emotion. Their bodies were almost the same size as his, their expressions calm, unreadable completely unaffected by his intimidating presence.
Selvara and Milo stared at him, tense and alert.
Milo spoke in a calm voice, trying to steady himself.
"So… this is the one!"
Celestine stood, wiping her mouth with her hand, ready for whatever would come.
Brane watched closely, muscles tensed, prepared for any sudden move.
Deton moved his massive arms with blinding speed toward the Fenrir Twins' necks, attempting to lift them off the ground.
"You two are boring!" he snarled.
But before he could fully control them, the Fenrir Twins struck back with perfect coordination, landing a double punch that sent Deton crashing back into the pit he had risen from. The impact rattled the walls, dust and debris flying around.
Brane turned to Milo, concern in his voice.
"What about the other Numbers? Is this the only one here?"
Milo replied, still alert.
"We didn't see anyone else… just him and Toxifar."
He paused, eyes narrowing.
"Wait… Toxifar fled down a corridor in their base before the explosion."
Celestine interjected, her tone sharp and focused.
"Maybe the other Numbers escaped from somewhere else. Let's move quickly and leave Number 3 to them."
Selvara, Milo, and Celestine began moving, scanning the area and preparing to search for the remaining Numbers.
Brane and the Fenrir Twins stayed where they were, keeping a vigilant watch over the surroundings.
Meanwhile, some of the Novara police officers acted quickly, warning citizens to stay away from the area.
They set up barriers and cordons throughout the district, blocking streets and alleyways to prevent anyone from wandering into the chaos.
The sound of shouting, distant explosions, and sirens mixed with the tense atmosphere as the police tried to maintain control and protect the civilians from harm.
As Milo, Celestine, and Selvara moved cautiously through a narrow alley, the shadows stretching along the walls, a figure suddenly appeared ahead of them.
It was Toxifar, standing alone, blocking their path. His green hair caught the dim light, and his calm yet piercing eyes fixed on Milo and the others. The alley seemed to shrink around his presence, the tension rising instantly.
Selvara and Celestine charged forward at incredible speed, launching an attack directly toward Toxifar. Milo followed closely behind, keeping his guard up.
Toxifar stood calmly, a faint smile on his lips. He planted his scythe firmly on the ground.
As they reached him, Toxifar swiftly leapt, the scythe avoiding their attack with a graceful arc. In one fluid motion, he lifted the scythe and directed it straight toward Milo, eyes sharp and focused.
Celestine quickly changed direction, moving faster than Selvara, trying to intercept Toxifar. Her concern for Milo was clear in her eyes.
Suddenly, small white spheres fell toward her. Startled, she jumped back, narrowly avoiding them. The spheres hit the ground and began to melt the surface beneath, sizzling and leaving scorched marks.
Celestine looked to her right and saw a mysterious figure standing atop a lamppost. The figure wore a cloak that covered their entire body, even the face. With a sudden leap, the figure landed in front of her. Their build was slim, slightly tall, and their presence radiated an eerie calm.
Toxifar stood before Milo, his scythe suddenly disappearing as if by magic.
"I guess… we'll finally have some time alone," he said, a sly smile on his lips.
Milo didn't give him a chance. He threw a punch directly at Toxifar. In a swift motion, Toxifar caught Milo's fist with his hand.
"Oh, oh… I see you're angry," Toxifar remarked, his tone teasing.
Milo's eyes burned with rage.
"We'll talk… after I defeat you!" he shouted.
Toxifar grinned wider, the thrill of the fight evident in his expression.
"Hoho… I accept your challenge!"
Meanwhile, Deton leapt up from the rubble once again, stretching his neck as he looked toward the Fenrir Twins.
"Not bad... " he said, his voice steady despite the chaos.
Brane suddenly heard a strange sound from beneath the ground. The surface trembled slightly before a massive, bizarre insect emerged. It had six legs, long curved horns, and a menacing presence.
Atop the creature sat a man wearing a cloak. He removed the cloak, revealing sharp, dry hair, a hat atop his head, and dark-tinged skin. A tattoo adorned his neck, and his eyes locked onto Brane with a sinister smile.
"Ah, there you are, my prey," he said.
Brane's gaze hardened as he faced the newcomer, muscles tensed, ready for any movement.
The mysterious man scowled violently, his features twisted in anger. He took a step atop the massive insect, his voice harsh and threatening:
"Why are you looking at me like that, you fool? Do you want me to torture you before this creature devours you?"
Brane didn't flinch, his eyes locked on the man with lethal focus.
"And… which Number are you?" he asked calmly.
A brief silence… then the man's expression changed.
A twisted, terrifying smile spread across his face as he moved his hands in strange, unnatural motions—his fingers bending in impossible ways, as if activating some unseen power.
He lifted his head, eyes wild and intense:
"I am Number Four… Zeric."
The insect behind him hissed sharply, its horns trembling, as if ready to strike at his command.
Brane tightened his fists, muscles tensing.
The Fenrir Twins positioned themselves, prepared for any sudden attack.
The air was thick with tension, the surrounding city streets littered with debris from the previous explosions. Every fighter had already found their opponent, ready for the clash.
Kryne stood atop the rooftop, his eyes sharp, facing Julian who watched from the opposite building. Every movement was calculated, and the air around them crackled with lethal energy.
The Fenrir Twins confronted Deton, Number Three, massive and powerful, with the bizarre insect behind him preparing to strike at his command. The twins remained expressionless, their bodies perfectly aligned with the strength of their foe.
Brane advanced steadily toward Zeric, Number Four, standing confidently before him, a hulking figure adding a terrifying presence to the battlefield. The massive insect behind Zeric hissed sharply, ready to pounce at any moment.
Milo faced Toxifar, fists clenched, eyes locked on the green-haired adversary, prepared for any sudden move.
Celestine and Selvara stood side by side before the still-unrevealed Number, their bodies coiled, eyes tracking every motion with cautious focus.
For a brief moment, everything around them seemed still, as if the city itself held its breath, waiting for the imminent explosion of energy and power that was about to unfold.
Finally, the mysterious figure removed his long cloak, revealing himself completely. His hair was pure white and extremely long, cascading over his shoulders, his body tall and slender, and his skin so pale it seemed to glow in the dim light. His ash-gray eyes studied Celestine and Selvara with a cold, piercing calm.
He stood quietly, his voice low and steady:
"Are you the ones sent to stop us?"
Celestine and Selvara exchanged a quick glance, their bodies coiled, every muscle ready to move, eyes carefully following his slightest motion.
The air around them grew heavier, as if the very atmosphere was charged with the mysterious power emanating from him.
Celestine glared at him sharply before asking,
"That thing you threw at me earlier… was it salt?"
The man slowly raised his hand, letting a faint stream of white grains slide from his palm.
"Yes," he said calmly. "I am Number 2. My ability allows me to fight using salt."
A cold, subtle smile touched his lips.
"But… this isn't ordinary salt."
Selvara crossed her arms, her tone sharp and challenging:
"Oh yeah? Then what kind of salt is it?"
His gray eyes shifted to her, still calm, still emotionless.
"This salt… will make you suffer greatly in the coming hours."
Selvara smirked, confidence radiating from her posture:
"Let's see, then… who'll make who suffer first."
The air between them tightened, the tension crackling like a silent spark before the inevitable clash.
All of them were now fully prepared to face their opponents, bodies coiled, breaths steady, eyes fixed on their foes. Every step measured, every move potentially lethal.
Yet, amid all this readiness, one question hung heavier than any threat:
Where is Number 1?
The city around them remained tense, debris scattered, the air charged with deadly energy… but the absence of Number 1 cast a long shadow over the battlefield, a reminder that the greatest threat had yet to reveal itself.