Chapter 31: Advancing the Plan.
The excitement rippled through every channel, electrifying audiences with the first real action scene of the Summer Hunt. It set the tone, exceeding expectations, and instantly cemented itself as the event of the season. The Summer Hunt hadn't captured this level of widespread attention in years. The monarch family, once seen as relics of a bygone era, suddenly surged back into the spotlight.
The twins, Kol and Sol, became an overnight sensation. Their courage, coupled with their innovative weapons, captivated viewers, offering a refreshing take on what it meant to compete in the hunt. By the end of the first day, clips and montages of their exploits dominated social feeds, trending across every platform. The Devil's Enclave became the focal point of the hunt, its dominance unshaken despite moderate skirmishes in other regions. None of the action elsewhere came close to dethroning the twins' momentous debut.
While Iris and Cryo spent the remainder of the day methodically eliminating stray stone locusts, Kol and Sol diligently collected biocores from the battlefield. The rest of the day was relatively uneventful, marked only by the arrival of three other teams tasked with reinforcing the Devil's Enclave. They efficiently established a defensive base, ensuring the enclave's security.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow across the camp, Nioh sipped tea under a modest tent. Across from him sat Cyanide, a prominent figure from the Order of the Crow.
"To be honest," Cyanide began, his sharp gaze lingering on the steam rising from his cup, "I didn't have much faith in your team. I was going to let you struggle a bit before stepping in to help." He smirked, raising his cup in a mock toast. "But your team is really impressive."
"Well, it's normal for people to doubt the unexpected," Nioh replied evenly, taking another sip, his tone betraying neither pride nor irritation.
"I find myself very interested in your team," Cyanide said, leaning forward, his voice turning inquisitive.
"Really?"
"No." Cyanide smirked. "Let's say I'm very interested in you."
Nioh quirked a brow, his reply deadpan. "Sorry, you're not my type."
Cyanide rolled his eyes. "You're not mine either. Don't flatter yourself." He leaned back, studying Nioh carefully. "I've known your team members for years. Individually, they've always shown promise, but their potential has never shone as brightly as it does now. You're the only common denominator. As the son of the monarch, you must have access to resources others can only dream of. I want to meet the weapon designer."