"Intruder!" Several guards pointed their blades at Tyson, who dropped from the ceiling. "Halt!" One of them yelled as they charged at the ex-hunter."I'm sorry," Tyson dashed forward. "I'm in a hurry at the moment."A purplish aura engulfs him as he blitzes past them, knocking them out in the process. "Ebon Rush!" he said softly."Halt!" More guards stood in his way as he made quick work of them like the previous set. "I am used to my powers now." Tyson looked at his palms. "Unlike before, I can keep my astral akin active for as long as I want. Hehe, there's no better way to gain experience than with physical encounters." He forced his fist forward, sending out a blast of his astral energy at the guards sprinting towards him. "Ebon Burst!""The more I fight, the more I get closer to thumping the higher ops." It didn't take long for Tyson to make it to the command room. "Now to figure out how to disable the cannons." He peered over at a screen that depicted the time left before al
"Tck," Tyson clicked his teeth. He was latched onto an asteroid with Peck beside him. "This sniper is starting to get on my nerves."They were at the mercy of the continuous firing from the unknown sniper. "Alright! Lesson time!" Peck grabbed Tyson's collar, much to the latter's dismay. "Hey, let me go!" Tyson snapped. "What is the one thing a sniper hates the most, and what is the major weakness to a sniper?" Peck asked as he slapped a shot that was aimed at them. "Eh?" Tyson bares his teeth at the large man. "Are you seriously having a quiz session, now of all time!?""Oh, me, pick me!" Kinkaid raises his hand from an asteroid behind them. "Purple one!" Peck pointed at Kinkaid.Tyson facepalmed. 'We're sitting ducks in space under the mercy of a dangerous sniper and these idiots are making light of the matter.'"A sniper's biggest weakness is close-ranged encounter!" Kinkaid answered. "Correct purple one!" Peck gave Kinkaid a thumbs up. He then turns to Tyson. "You should be m
The Ebon Phantom landed in front of the fortress. The first to come out was Xing, who rushed to Victor's arms. "Captain! You did it!" "Haha, we did it!" The others followed suit with Tyson walking toward Victor. "You single-handedly stopped a planet wrecking blast, you're a monster alright." Victor rubbed his nose. "I wouldn't have done it without these guys, they learned their astral energies." He pointed back at the guards and prisoners. They bowed to the Black Stallions. "We believe Captain Victor is just being modest. Our combined astral energies did little to no help in stopping the astral cannon.""So that's that, eh." 'If it weren't for that thing, the captain would have stopped all the cannons on his own.' Xing thought to herself. Victor looked behind the crew. "Where's Peck?""Oh, he's fighting a sniper in space." "Okay." His carefree reply showed his faith in his companion."More importantly," Tristan spoke up. "You freed the prisoners?" "I figured they should kno
LOCATION : BOUNTY HUNTERS ASSOCIATION HQ, PLANET SKRULL. Leonidas and Harold were seated in the latter's office as the former's phone rang. Leonidas answered the transmission. "Yes," he said in a cold tone. His current vexed state was as a result of a transmission prior to this one. He had learned that his plans to destroy Buukatraz and with it, the Ebon Phantom crew, was foiled. "Leo." It was the voice of a woman. "Zara, I heard you also failed to take out our enemies." "Minor setbacks, I won't stop until I bring the Ebon Phantom crew to their knees and crush my sister's hopes!" Leonidas smiled maliciously. "Good, and to help you on your crusade, I'll be sending someone even Victor Knight won't expect to see." "Thank you." With that, the transmission ended. Harold chucked afterward. "What's so funny?" Leonidas darts him a killer look. "Oh nothing," he said, trying to control his laughter. "It's just great to see someone else fail in capturing Victor Knight for a change."
LOCATION :BOUNTY HUNTERS ASSOCIATION HQ, PLANET SKRULL."I'll be on my way then." Harold was escorting Leonidas to his cruiser. It was a silver colored cruiser with the head of a lion on its front and the logo of the BSA on both sides. "So, this is the Silver Mane," Harold said to himself. "Have you heard of the Flag Masters summit being held in two weeks?" Asked Leonidas as they paused in front of the cruiser."Unfortunately," Said Harold, sounding annoyed. "All the Flag Masters have to be presented, including the Grand Flag Master. That old coot barely shows his face." "So I've heard. I've never met him in person haha, I'll be looking forward to seeing the Blind Death. I'm not too excited about the other Flag Masters. Most of them still haven't accepted me as one of their own." "I wonder why's that." "That sarcastic attitude of yours won't land you a woman." "I had a woman! Or at least, I had someone I wanted to be my woman. Until your captain took her away from me weeks ago.
Tyson, Peck and Victor were seen walking through the busy streets of a city. They wore cloaks to conceal their identities. "This place is..." Tyson dropped his jaw as he was left dumbfounded by the scenery in front of him. The city was in every way a futuristic city with multiple advanced technologies. One of which was the hovering vehicles. "It's beautiful!" Tyson exclaimed. "Welcome to earth, snow-white. The first planet to invent space travel millenniums ago." "This is where Sal grew up," Peck added. "I've got to admit, this is better than waiting in the cruiser." The Ebon Phantom crew's original plan was to wait in the cruiser until Salazar locks on to their signal.That was until Xing pointed out that the psychic might not be interested in meeting them at all. The crew end up deciding to check out his home planet and visit the village he was born in. "Here we are." They paused in front of a train."This train will take us to Sal's village."The train, like a car, was hov
"So, Sal is with the Oracle Crew." Tyson, Victor and Peck had returned to the Ebon Phantom to convey their findings to the others. "That's right, we're a step closer to finding him," Victor stated. "Something feels off here," Said Xing. Heads turned to her. "Sal's psychic powers allow him to feel our presence as long as we're in the same galaxy. Why hasn't he reached out to us." "Probably has something to do with the Oracle crew." The one who spoke was Kinkaid. "The Oracle crew were dubbed as the Five Vices. Five space pirate crew that rocketed to the top of the criminal empire in the span of 5 years." He smacked his lips. "I'd like to face them." "Five Vices?" Victor, Tyson and Peck tilted their heads. "Never heard of them." They said in unison. "Peck I understand. Victor too, since we have been away, but how is it possible for a hunter to not know about the Five Vices?" Xing darts Tyson a disgusted look. He scratches his head laughing sheepishly. "I didn't pay attention dur
LOCATION :BOUNTY HUNTERS ASSOCIATION HQ, PLANET SKRULL."I'll be on my way then." Harold was escorting Leonidas to his cruiser. It was a silver colored cruiser with the head of a lion on its front and the logo of the BSA on both sides. "So, this is the Silver Mane," Harold said to himself. "Have you heard of the Flag Masters Y being held in two weeks?" Asked Leonidas as they paused in front of the cruiser."Unfortunately," Said Harold, sounding annoyed. "All the Flag Masters have to present including the Grand Flag Master. That old coot barely shows his face." "So I've heard. I've never met him in person haha, I'll be looking forward to seeing the Blind Death. I'm not too excited about the other Flag Masters. Most of them still haven't accepted me as one of their own." "I wonder why's that." "That sarcastic attitude of yours won't land you a woman." "I had a woman! Or at least, I had someone I wanted to be my woman. Until your captain took her away from me weeks ago." "Is that
"What brings you here, Grim!?" Tyson's voice rang out, filled with surprise and disbelief."My, is that any way to address your beloved teacher?" Grim responded with a smirk, drawing everyone's attention towards Tyson."He's the most psychotic person in the House of Bronze. My father might lead, but Grim, he's pure evil," Tyson explained, his tone serious."Stop it!" Grim chuckled, gently touching his cheek. "You're making me blush.""Tck, Kaz!" Tyson turned to his vice captain.Kaz met Tyson's gaze and nodded. "Got it," he said, placing his hand on Tyson's, transferring some of his own energy."Thanks," Tyson said gratefully as he felt his powers replenish. It wasn't full strength, but it would do for what lay ahead."Three Dons, the strongest assassins of the house, using shadow or dark elements, and Grim, on par with them," Tyson summarised."Everyone," Tyson addressed his friends. "I can't guarantee our safety. If you want to leave, I'll understand.""No way am I missing this! I w
The tournament kept progressing;; Tyson advanced after a brutal battle with his brother and mademade it to the final to face Zod.The bustling cheers of the crowd echoed more vibrantlyvibrantly than ever,ever, for today, the vagrant games shall end.The seats were filled. The streets of the city were nearly emptyempty as everyone was in the colloseum. Even previous participants wanted to see who would win the tournament. "Ladies and gentlemen, We have our two finalists ready!" Tyson and Zod were facing each other in the arena. They both hadhad wide smiles on their faces. "So, it's happening,happening, AstralEnergy, isn't Energy, isn't it?" "That it is, Tyson Bronze. I look forward to a memorable battle with you." Zod stretchesstretches his arm for the ex-assassinassassin. Much to the crowd's amazement, the two of them share a handshake. "I'm going to win,win, but, yeah, good luck, Zod." "Go Zoddy!" Kira cheered from the crowd. She was seated with the Nightshades and Enders. B
"Hahaha!" Vladimir bursts into laughter, impressed. "Amazing! You developed the mantra ability.""I've levelled up too, Sir Vladimir," Farrow responds confidently."Nevertheless, this match is mine for the taking... Blue Boomerang," Vladimir declares as he hurls his hammer at the archer.Farrow stands unfazed, stretching his hand forward."Impossible!" Vladimir grapples with the unexpected turn of events, while murmurs ripple through the colosseum.Farrow effortlessly halts the hammer with one hand, stunning everyone."How?" Vladimir asks, bewildered."This is the power of the mantra!" Farrow explains as strange markings emerge on his body.The mantra technique involves chanting phrases, granting the user the ability to drain the astral energy of non-living components, weakening them momentarily."With the mantra, every attack from a magic item or coated by animation is rendered nearly useless," Farrow elucidates.Vladimir realises that Farrow's mantra can drain the astral energy of m
"So, that's it."The Nightshade clan was on the deck of the Mini-Cruiser, enjoying the food Tyson had brought from the Eastern continent.Vladimir had a mountain of food in front of him, diving in eagerly."Can't you eat slowly, big guy?" Ernie joked."A man has to eat fast if he wants to grow fast.""Preach on, brother!" The guitarist nodded in agreement, taking a puff from his blunt. "Also, congrats to all of you for making it to the second round." He gave them a thumbs-up."You all did well," Kaz commented."But it only gets harder from here," Lilith added.The Nightshade clan faced tough competition, and even though they were the only clan to have all members qualify for the second round, they might end up facing each other."Yeah, there are a tonne of commendable fighters who made it through the first round," Farrow added."There's the Enders, Red Souls, and Valhalla clans.""Rhea and Crimson, I hope I fight one of them soon!""You hope to fight everyone soon!" Kaz scolded."Leav
"You're a lone brave, right? Say, Would you like to join my clan?""Ehhh!?" Tyson's unexpected offer surprised everyone."Hehe, it's typical for Tyson to do something unexpected," Ernie commented.Even the Dragon Constellar was taken aback by the ex-assassin's actions.She glanced at Maggie. "Is he always like that?""You have no idea, sister."Tyson confronted the Ice Mage. "So... what's your decision?"Jakeem burst into laughter. "You're quite the wild one, aren't you?"He jumped back, creating an ice wall. "I like your bluntness, but I must decline your offer.""Ehhh!" The crowd reacted in shock."He declined...""A chance to join the Nightshade clan!?"Jakeem conjured an icicle blast, causing the ice wall to rumble."Trouble," Tyson's senses warned as he activated his glider mode."Point One: Glider!" His dark Anima wings emerged.Farrow's eyes lit up at the sight of Tyson's new form. "Sir Tyson has improved without his shadow magic item.""That's expected of our captain," Vladimi
"A lone brave, huh?" Jake remarked.Lone braves were those who tackled the zodiac crypts' trials solo, without affiliating with any clan.The exception was the first zodiac crypt, where a rule mandated teams of four.After that, they faced the trials alone."This won't be an easy battle for Chase," Lexi chimed in."Don't worry, guys," Rhea interjected. "We've all gotten better, right? Lone brave or not, Chase will impress!""The match is starting.""Hey speedster, ready to face the ripster?" Rip teased.Chase tilted his head, then shifted to a serious expression."They say you lone Braves pack a punch." Chase mused as his boots glowed. "Some even call you socially awkward."Tyson eagerly anticipated their clash, recalling their previous fight where Chase's speed had posed a challenge.As Chase and Rip faced off, Tyson reminisced about their encounter."I've been itching for a rematch with Chase at full power," Tyson mused, his smile turning into a frown. "Too bad he's going down.""Wh
"What!" "What do you mean we can't all participate?" The Nightshade clan was currently about to register for the tournament. The woman sitting at the other side of the desk looked at them with an unfazed expression. "I'm sorry, those are the rules. A clan can have at most 5 participants for the tournament." Tyson slammed his hands on the desk. "But..." "There is no, but I'm afraid. Rules are rules. It was set this way to allow Braves that are not affiliated with clans and smaller clans to participate. The requirement is that you flash the hidden markings you get for solving the zodiac crypts.""I see." The ex-assassin finally gave up as he turned to his clanmates. He counted himself, Kaz, Ernie, Farrow, Maggie, Vladimir, and Lilith."Don't sweat it, dudes and dudettes." "Yeah, Sir Ernie said he wouldn't be participating." "Is it because of that thing?" Kaz addressed the guitarist. "Who knows?" Ernie shrugged off the question as he pocketed his hands. "That leaves six of u
"Ladies and gentlemen!" A man's voice echoed through the bustling streets of Lundar. "You have all waited for this day ever since we were chosen to host the 47th annual Vagrant Games here in Lundar!" In the middle of the city was a broad colosseum. There is a big arena in the middle, and several thousand seats are being occupied by the minute. It was truly a sight to behold. A large microphone erected from a pole in the arena carried the voice of the commentator. "In less than a few hours, Braves and Clans from around the continent who have peered through the difficulties and concurred three of the famed zodiac crypts shall battle for the grand prise of 1 million peaks, access codes to vintage websites of the past world, and for the first time in the history of the tournament, we will be issuing a magic item. All these prizes are for the first place alone.""Hurry up, guys!" Tyson cheerfully calls out to Kaz and Lilith, who were dragging heavy loads. "Maybe we won't be so slow i
It has been a day since the raid on the Elder's secret chambers. Elder Baraya had recovered completely thanks to Kisha using a healing pulse on him. Most parts of the chambers were ravaged, and all the ninjas that were still alive were rounded up and locked somewhere. "Let the meeting begin!" Elder Ram declares from the altar as he and Baraya look down on the Constellars, Tyson, and Kaz. "I told Lex to head to Lundar if he escapes." Tyson states. "And I've spoken with the others; I briefed them on everything that has transpired so far; they will be heading to Lundar today, leaving me and Tyson left." At first, the vagrant games were merely a way for the Nightshade clan to test their might against other clans. But as the events unfolded, they found out that one of the clans participating in the tournament was the Valhalla clan. A clan that works directly under Hudson is one of their common enemies with the Constellars. "Adacus..." Elder Ram called for the retired Constellar.