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Hunter's Creed 1: TO CATCH AN ANOMALY
"Could you describe the creature that attacked you?" It was 4.56 PM at a police station in New Hope City. The woman on the other side of the desk lowered her head, thinking. There were small cuts on the arm she cradled, and scratch marks were on her face. "I couldn't see, it was too fast." She said, her voice shaking with recollection. "It's okay, ma'am," said the officer, "Anything you remember could be helpful." She lowered her head again. "Okay, uh...it had...it had red eyes, yeah. And it had a horn, I think." "Alright. That's very helpful, thanks. Now I need you to follow Mr Linn. Your wounds need to be treated." She nodded gratefully as she rose and Linn led her to the sick bay. Another half hour with her wounds untreated would either leave her with a nasty infection that would require amputation or lead to death. The officer released the worried breath he had been holding since the woman brought her report. Hurriedly, he tapped the red button on his desk, sendin
Hunter's Creed 2: THE DIFFERENT HUNTER
A hundred years ago, the Great War broke out between the world powers, spanning across continents and wreaking untold havoc on the Earth. It was during this period that the Rift occurred, a visible tear in the space between the human world and the Veil of supernatural entities. Some say it was caused by the cataclysms and cosmic shootouts from the war. Others speculate that there were those who wanted to go beyond the physical world for help, and some mishap must have happened. And there are still those who believe curiosity and hidden experiments to harness the Veil's power pushed it through to our world. Either way, the Rift and the emergence of a translucent force field brought significant changes to the world. It granted abilities to humans who had been close to the Veil at the time of its appearance, but it also trapped and mutated others into what they called Anomalies. And when the original creatures or spirits of the Veil possessed those Anomalies, they gave rise to wha
Hunter's Creed 3: THE OTHER DIFFERENT HUNTER
Neon tried hard to mask the disbelief and anger on his face as he stood before the Board of Directors and received instructions for his next mission. He could still hear Mikai's words in his head, and now that these people sitting before him gave him his new assignment, he was sure it wasn't just a rumor anymore. His brother was back. When he left the hall, he let out a harsh swear word, surprising a couple of Workers who were passing by. Mikai was already walking up to him. "Lords, would you look at your face? What went on back there?" Neon blew out air through his lips and headed for the water cooler. "Nothing much," he said, filling a plastic cup, "I turned in my report, and then they debriefed me on my next field mission. Normal procedure." "Okay. Doesn't explain the shit look you're wearing now." Neon swallowed the water in one gulp. "Well, they assigned me a partner. They know I work alone, I made it pretty fucking clear since I joined the Order. But no, they wen
Hunter's Creed 4: THE ARKEIAN
5.27 PM, THE DAY BEFORE, IN NODERYN. In a quiet bar, in the farthest, darkest reaches of the city, Akira Storm sat by the counter with a mug of ale. She did not possess the looks of the average lady, at least not with her hood pulled up over her head as it was now. Other than her slender build and long fingers, there wasn't any other indication that she was a lady. Once in a while, she expanded her senses, taking in the environment without turning or looking. There were just two men at the table behind her, and the bartender was sitting on his perch, reading a book. Otherwise, it was quiet. Just as she liked it. "You are very difficult to find." Akira turned slightly. The intruder was a heavyset woman with dark hair and a stony face. She wore a gray jacket and her jeans looked worn. Her scent was a mixture of spirits and sweat and dried figs, as far as Akira could smell. If there was any malicious intent, she couldn't sense it. At least, not yet. "Don't worry, I'm
Hunter's Creed 5: A NIGHT AT NODERYN
10.21 PM, THE PRESENT, NEW HOPE CITY. The twins both sat on the second compartment of a whizzertrain bound for Noderyn. It was a less conspicuous way to travel, and they both blended in with casual cardigans and shades. "How many years has it been? Since we've been there?" Hikaru asked Neon. "I don't know," Neon said. He took off his glasses and eyed his brother sitting opposite him. "You didn't have to wear the same thing as I did." Hikaru stared down at his white cardigan and cream jeans. In opposition, Neon's entire outfit was black. "You have a great fashion sense. I had to indulge you." "You can't see the writing on the wall, can you?" "Oh, I can." Hikaru took off his glasses too. Again, Neon thought he was staring into a mirror, but with longer hair and sharper eyes. "You don't want me anywhere near you, that much is clear." He nodded. "You're not so insensitive after all." "But I am a Hunter, one of the best there is. And I've been tasked with capturing a deathly
Hunter's Creed 6: PURSUIT
She turned slightly, revealing a lock of silver hair. "This doesn't concern you. Please, leave." "You're killing her," Neon pointed out, "And if you want information, you can't get it from a dead person." "Right, well maybe I don't want information anymore and maybe I want her dead." He clicked his tongue. Trouble was something he actively avoided, but right now, he wasn't so sure it wanted to avoid him. "Let her down, and tell me about the Entity you fought," he said. She turned again, and with his heightened senses he could see the sharp outline of her cheekbones, her nose, her dark green eyes. He could also smell her rage, slow and controlled. "You're with the Maegen, aren't you? A Warden." She said softly. Above her, the woman's eyes were shutting close, as her breaths started slowing down. Neon held out his index finger, aimed up at her hand and fired. A thin blue bolt shot out, hitting her on the wrist. She released the woman with a slight hiss, dropping her t
Hunter's Creed 7: AN INTERROGATION
She scoffed and raised her head. "Let me guess, you were sent after the Entity?" "Answer the question." "Or what?" Neon sighed, rubbing his nose between his thumb and index. "I can force the information out of you. It's quite nasty, but not impossible." "Go ahead," she said, "Break your rules. It won't be the first time you Hunters have gone unorthodox." He stared at her for a few seconds, and she thought he was the coldest person she had stared at, blank faced and unpredictable. He wouldn't torture her, no but she had a feeling he could do something worse and was contemplating it. She did not want to know what it was. "Oh for Lords' sake." The golden haired one stepped forward, tipping the glass of water toward her lips. "Here, have a sip. You must be thirsty." She hesitated, but couldn't completely ignore the coolness coming off the liquid. She lowered her head and drank steadily until the cup was empty. "There." He twirled the chair properly and sat in fron
Hunter's Creed 8: INTRUDERS
Hikaru walked up coffee table and placed his palm on the edge. The glass glowed blue in response, casting a visual image of the area around the house. He watched for a while with a beer in one hand, as Neon checked his bearings outside. Then he got on one of the mobikes and took off, out of sight of the cameras. "You are one hell of a brother," Hikaru muttered and took a swig of his beer. "Hey, douchebags! You've got a lady in here, remember?! And I've got to use the fucking toilet!" His brows shot up in his head as though he only just remembered his captive. He took out another bottle in addition to the one he held and headed into the adjoining room. Her expression hardened as soon as he walked in. ‘She didn't expect to see me,' he thought. He couldn't sense any emotion coming off her, as opposed to the fear that had leaked off her earlier. "I'm impressed," he said, "Youmask your feelings properly." He set the bottles on the bed and took a knife out of his ba
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- Hunter's Creed
15. ONSLAUGHT
“Chapter Three: Radalthra: A Record Of Resilience.…..During the Great War, the landmass now known as Radalthra served as a major front for the Aethorian armies, owing to its unique geography and vantage point.….After the War and the Unraveling, the city’s founders, wise to the dangers of Anomaly invasion, divided Radalthra into North, South, East and West blocks to facilitate swift response and decisive defense. The North Block, with its proximity to the Veil, served as the primary hub for Hunter activities…The South Block was dedicated to research and development…the East Block, with its reinforced defenses, serves as a secure residential area for citizens and a retreat area in times of crisis….the West Block is the commercial heart of the city. This, of course, was (and parts of it remain so) the order of things before the sudden ‘colonization’ of Radalthra by the Rogue Hunters.”{THE ATLAS OF AETHORIA: A GEOGRAPHIC COMPENDIUM BY ELLIAN MARKUS}8.06 AM, ROJU ALLEY, WEST BLOCK, RADA
- Hunter's Creed
14: REVEAL
“...there can be found among their number, upgrades to their equipment. One such example are suits modeled after exoskeletons, worn by a select few...It represents the pinnacle of clandestine innovation. These remarkable attires could boast, to name the least, adaptive camouflage capabilities, enhanced strength and agility augmentation, integrated life support and medical systems, advanced sensors and threat detection.” {I.H EBUKA, THE WARDEN'S COMPENDIUM} 7.42 AM, ROUTE 9, LEADING OUT OF NODERYN. RADALTHRA IS DUE NORTH. The sun was just beginning to rise in the horizon when the screen on Neon's mobike flashed green. The caller ID read 'Norrie.' "Well you look like shit," she said when he connected the call. She was already in her blue coat and her hair, tied back in a prim ponytail, was being whipped about by the wind. "Where are you?" He asked. "Rooftop. It's a bit noisy down there in the office. What you got?" "You were right," he said, "There wasn't an Arkeian."
- Hunter's Creed
13. WHISPERS IN THE UNDERGROUND
7.54 AM, GIICHI'S STORE, ROJU ALLEY, WEST BLOCK, RADALTHRA. "You are on your own from here on out," Giichi said as the elevator dinged, signaling their arrival. The doors didn't slide open though, and Hikaru raised a brow at his former mentor. "What?" "I just thought it over. I don't want anything to do with your Warden investigation, whether you've got something in it for me or not." "It's brilliant what an elevator ride can do to one's resolve, eh?" Hikaru said dryly. "You got ten minutes before I kick your ass out. Try not to attract attention in there before then. A disguise could work. Honestly, it's a miracle they haven't slapped your face on some Wanted poster." "Right. Thanks anyhow." Hikaru pulled a hood over his face with a sigh. "Ten minutes." In the years when the wars were being fought, there were a web of underground networks that had been built below the districts close to Noderyn. Some say their purpose was to transport supplies for soldiers, others s
- Hunter's Creed
12. AT THE PAWNSHOP
"CHAPTER VII: ROGUE ELEMENTS There exists a subset of Maegen energy users who operate outside the bounds of the Order's jurisdiction. These rogue hunters, driven by self-interest and a disregard for the greater good, seek to exploit Anomalies for personal gain. They capture and trade these beings on the black market….undermining the balance of power in our world. The Wardens of the Order are tasked with bringing these renegades to justice, apprehending them whenever possible and subjecting them to the appropriate tribunals. The punishment for such transgressions is severe, ranging from a minimum of seven years imprisonment to a permanent blockade from the Maegen energy. Their actions are a affront to the principles of the Order….only through the combined efforts of our hunters can we hope to eradicate this scourge and ensure the safety of humanity." {I.H EBUKA, THE WARDEN'S COMPENDIUM} 1.49 AM, THE SAFE HOUSE, OUTSKIRTS OF NODERYN CITY. The tekhans on Neon's wrists glowed a
- Hunter's Creed
11: ANOMALIES, ASSASSINS AND COFFEE
“THE HORNED ARE CONSIDERED THE FASTEST….OF THE ANOMALIES. THESE ENIGMATIC BEINGS ARE DISTINGUISHED BY THEIR GRAY, KERATINIZED SKIN AND IMPOSING HORNS. THEIR MOST STRIKING FEATURE, HOWEVER, IS THEIR UNIQUE ABILITY TO EXTRUDE AND/OR FIRE BONY PROTRUSIONS FROM ANY POINT ON THEIR BODY, WHICH THEY EMPLOY BOTH AS AN DEFENSIVE MECHANISM AND AS A DEADLY OFFENSIVE WEAPON…” {A.H ORWYCK, THE WARDEN'S GUIDE TO HUNTING} The flame bolt from the handblazer tore off the Horned's arm, sending it crashing into the floor next to Sanji. Neon took aim again, but in that split second, it flipped over and aimed at him with the other palm. He ducked just in time as a bone missile whistled past his ear. "How the hell are these things so fast?" The beast had sprung to its feet. Reaching down, it grabbed Sanji and hauled him up into the air. "Hey!" Barked Neon. He pointed the blazer at the Horned. "Hey, let him go!" His finger hovered above the trigger while he gritted his teeth, contemplating
- Hunter's Creed
10: AND THEN THERE WERE TWO
“THE ANOMALIES ARE CLASSIFIED INTO THREE TYPES: HORNED, CLAWED, WINGED….THE BASICS OF WHAT WE HAVE DEDUCED SO FAR ARE THAT ANOMALIES DO NOT GROUP TOGETHER……THAT THEY POSSESS VARYING DEGREES OF INTELLIGENCE….DO NOT REGISTER ANY EMOTION OTHER THAN THE PREDATORY INSTINCT TO SURVIVE.” {A.H ORWYCK, THE WARDEN'S GUIDE TO HUNTING} 9.32 PM, YUGEN CASTLE, THE WASTELANDS. Castle Yugen loomed over the landscape like a dark sentinel, the silent, great testament to a gone age. Its crumbling towers pierced the night sky, twisted plants strangled the ancient stone walls, their gnarled tendrils creeping into the shattered windows. Nothing moved and nothing breathed as far as Neon could tell. He didn't lower his guard even then. He watched and listened and sniffed at the air now and then while he walked up the hillock. He paused at the open gates, activating body shield before he walked in. Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of decay and abandonment. Grand chandeliers hung precario
- Hunter's Creed
9: MURDEROUS INTENTIONS
« ASSESSMENT » ROGUE HUNTERS GAMMA-RANK COMBAT ALERT: LETHAL FORCE IMMINENT He scoffed. "Yeah, no kidding." They attacked simultaneously, with one behind the other. He moved backwards, dodging their strikes with quick, subtle movements. «COUNTER MEASURES» ENTER CLOSE COMBAT ACTIVATE DEFENSE SHIELD DEPLOY LONG-RANGE ATTACKS ACTIVATE SPECIAL ABILITY ALL-OUT OFFENSIVE EMPLOY STEALTH MODE "All-out offensive does sound good. Any other options?" The system showed three words: REASON WITH OPPONENTS He chuckled. "Yeah, Lexa, I don't think that's gonna fly at the moment, but let's give it a try." The second Rogue swiped at his head from the side, then switched almost immediately and brought it down on him as he ducked. He propelled backwards in a breeze, landing in a crouch, placing them both in his line of sight. That was close. He looked up. "I'm running out of patience so I'll ask once: who are you, and what do you want?" They didn't reply. Instead, th
- Hunter's Creed
8: INTRUDERS
Hikaru walked up coffee table and placed his palm on the edge. The glass glowed blue in response, casting a visual image of the area around the house. He watched for a while with a beer in one hand, as Neon checked his bearings outside. Then he got on one of the mobikes and took off, out of sight of the cameras. "You are one hell of a brother," Hikaru muttered and took a swig of his beer. "Hey, douchebags! You've got a lady in here, remember?! And I've got to use the fucking toilet!" His brows shot up in his head as though he only just remembered his captive. He took out another bottle in addition to the one he held and headed into the adjoining room. Her expression hardened as soon as he walked in. ‘She didn't expect to see me,' he thought. He couldn't sense any emotion coming off her, as opposed to the fear that had leaked off her earlier. "I'm impressed," he said, "Youmask your feelings properly." He set the bottles on the bed and took a knife out of his ba
- Hunter's Creed
7: AN INTERROGATION
She scoffed and raised her head. "Let me guess, you were sent after the Entity?" "Answer the question." "Or what?" Neon sighed, rubbing his nose between his thumb and index. "I can force the information out of you. It's quite nasty, but not impossible." "Go ahead," she said, "Break your rules. It won't be the first time you Hunters have gone unorthodox." He stared at her for a few seconds, and she thought he was the coldest person she had stared at, blank faced and unpredictable. He wouldn't torture her, no but she had a feeling he could do something worse and was contemplating it. She did not want to know what it was. "Oh for Lords' sake." The golden haired one stepped forward, tipping the glass of water toward her lips. "Here, have a sip. You must be thirsty." She hesitated, but couldn't completely ignore the coolness coming off the liquid. She lowered her head and drank steadily until the cup was empty. "There." He twirled the chair properly and sat in fron
