3.1. New Ability: Skill Copy and First Use
Returning victorious from the Destroyer's Vault, Enzo was no longer just an S-rank hunter—he was now "The One Who Defeated the Destroyer." His name spread across Tokyo, from whispers to roaring chants. But in Enzo's mind, the only thing echoing was the pure destructive energy he had absorbed from the Destroyer, and the potential it had unlocked—energy manipulation. It was a sign that his power had evolved not just in quantity, but in quality.
Back at the temple, Hiroshi awaited his return. The old Sensei immediately noticed the depth in Enzo's eyes and the shift in his aura."So, you did it, young Enzo," he said with a faint smile. "Defeating the Destroyer is not just a physical triumph but a spiritual maturation. And I see that Infinite Drive has granted you a new gift."
Enzo nodded. "Sensei, when I absorbed the Destroyer's energy, I felt something change within me. I can now shape it, bend it, direct it however I want."
Hiroshi's eyes lit up. "This is what I expected. The true potential of Infinite Drive is not just raw power, but the ability to copy the skills behind that power. Just as I once did… This is what sets you apart from every other hunter. Every being you absorb, every wielder of power, can grant you new abilities. But remember—each skill brings with it its own challenges and responsibilities."
This discovery pushed Enzo's training into an entirely new dimension. Hiroshi began teaching him how to master energy manipulation. Now, Enzo could use the absorbed energy not only to attack, but to create shields, enhance his speed, or even move small objects. His fighting style transformed; no longer just brute force, he was now a strategic energy wielder.
The first true test of this new ability came in a newly discovered A-rank vault known as "The Whispering Silence." As the name suggested, the vault was filled with constant whispers and illusions that blurred reality—dark, eerie, and mentally taxing. Its creatures, known as "Shadow Thieves," could become invisible, move swiftly through shadows, and create mental illusions.
Kaito's team encountered another hunter squad deep within the vault—ambushed and nearly defeated by the Shadow Thieves. That team was led by Shinji, an experienced A-rank hunter with the ability "Shadow Step," which allowed rapid movement through darkness. He had lost control of the situation amidst the illusions.
Seeing Shinji's desperation and the Thieves' erratic movements, Enzo's Infinite Drive activated again. As one of the Shadow Thieves lunged to strike Shinji, Enzo leapt in between and touched its shadowy body. A surge of unfamiliar energy flowed into him—this was the essence of "Shadow Step."
Enzo's body trembled, his eyes glowing with intense blue light. For a moment, he felt as though he was the shadows. Then, in an instant, he vanished—reappearing behind the Thief. It was the copied ability: Shadow Step. And Enzo's version was even faster than Shinji's, as he had absorbed the skill in its raw, purest form and enhanced it with Infinite Drive.
The Shadow Thieves, caught off guard, began retreating. Enzo darted through the shadows, taking them out one by one, absorbing their energy. The battle ended swiftly. When he defeated their leader, the illusions vanished, and the whispers fell silent.
Shinji stared at him in disbelief. "How… how did you do that? Even I'm not that fast."
Breathing heavily, Enzo smiled. "I think… I copied their ability."
This encounter proved Enzo's true power—he was not just absorbing raw strength, but also harvesting the most unique abilities of his enemies. And the whispers about him grew louder than ever.
3.2. Rising Tensions: Hunter Guilds and Political Struggles
Enzo's ascent to S-rank and his ability to copy powers like Shadow Step had drawn the attention of Tokyo's major hunter guilds and the government. He was no longer just a hunter—he was now a strategic asset.
Kenji, leader of the "Iron Claw" guild, completely changed his stance. The former rival now showed respect, even offering to collaborate on missions. Kenji saw that Enzo possessed not just strength, but the potential for leadership.
But not all guilds felt the same. "Crimson Dawn" was led by Kageyama, a traditionalist and conservative S-rank hunter. He believed power should be innate, not acquired. To him, Enzo's strength was "abnormal" and dangerous. Kageyama tried to bring Enzo into his ranks—or at the very least, put him under surveillance. But Enzo stayed loyal to Hiroshi's teachings and remained independent.
The government took interest too. Mr. Tanaka, a senior official at the Ministry of Vault Affairs, requested a private meeting. He urged Enzo to work for humanity—under governmental "guidance." But Enzo sensed insincerity. He declined the offer, triggering a tense relationship with the state.
The power imbalance in society also became more obvious. While S and SS-rank hunters lived luxuriously, E and D-rank porters and supporters struggled in harsh conditions. Enzo witnessed this inequality firsthand. One day, he saw a low-rank porter being assaulted by a C-rank hunter. Enzo stepped in without hesitation. The attacker backed off immediately upon sensing Enzo's S-rank aura. Enzo helped the porter and gave the hunter a harsh lesson. From that day on, Enzo wasn't just a hunter—he became known as a protector of the weak.
3.3. Dark Whispers: Shadow Antagonists and Secret Organizations
Enzo's rise and his efforts to uncover the secrets behind the vaults attracted more than just guilds and politicians—it caught the eye of something darker.
Whispers in Tokyo's underworld spoke of a secret organization known as "True Reality." This radical group aimed to use the power of the vaults—and perhaps the Gods themselves—for their own ends. They saw Enzo, and his Infinite Drive, as the "chosen one," a vessel they could exploit.
The leader of True Reality was known only as the "Shadow Architect," a figure cloaked in mystery. Rumor had it he knew the true origin of the vaults and the Gods' purpose.
Enzo, Hiroshi, and Kaito's team began hunting clues. One lead surfaced in a B-rank vault called the "Labyrinth of Souls." There, they found a strange symbol surrounded by ancient script. When Enzo touched it, a new vision filled his mind—a glimpse of the Shadow Architect and the revelation that the "Great Awakening" was being artificially accelerated by True Reality.
This shook Enzo. The Awakening wasn't just prophecy—it was being manipulated. True Reality wanted to use the Gods' test for their own ends.
Their members were corrupted hunters and scientists with special powers. During a mission, Enzo's team was ambushed by a True Reality assassination squad. Their leader was the "Mind Bender," a former A-rank hunter with powerful illusions and telekinesis.
The Mind Bender attacked Enzo's psyche, overwhelming him with terrifying visions—his failures, his regrets, the moment he couldn't save Haru. But Enzo remembered Hiroshi's training in mental discipline. He focused, attempting something new—absorbing mental energy. Slowly, he weakened the illusions and began copying the Mind Bender's own power: Mind Bending.
Realizing what was happening, the Mind Bender retreated in shock. Enzo turned the tables, sending an illusion back into the attacker's mind, forcing him to face his own fears. The ambush failed—and Enzo's threat level, in the eyes of True Reality, escalated further.
3.4. The Gods' True Intent and New Prophecies
The conflict with True Reality led Enzo and Hiroshi deeper into the mysteries of the vaults and the Gods. Hiroshi combed through ancient texts while Enzo used his ability to uncover hidden truths within the vaults themselves.
One day, Hiroshi discovered a passage about a vault called the "Cosmic Heart." It was said to be the source of the power the Gods gifted humanity—and the key to the Great Awakening. But its location was unknown and could only be found by the "chosen one."
Meanwhile, Enzo's visions from the Forgotten Temple deepened. In meditation, he saw new images: the Gods weren't humanity's enemies. In fact, they were preparing mankind for a battle against a cosmic entity called the "Void Devourer"—a dimensionless, shapeless force threatening all existence. The vaults were tests, meant to awaken humanity's latent potential.
True Reality, however, wasn't interested in protecting the world. They wanted to harness the Void Devourer's power to create a new world order.
Hiroshi began cross-referencing maps and astronomical data to find the Cosmic Heart. Meanwhile, Enzo continued to cleanse vaults with Kaito's team, absorbing new powers along the way. From a "Shadow Healer," he gained a skill that allowed him to heal not just himself, but his teammates—vastly increasing their survivability.
3.5. Personal Conflicts and the Price of Power
With great power came great personal cost. Each ability Enzo absorbed left behind subtle traces. Shadow Step made him quieter, more observant. Shadow Healing awakened a deeper empathy. These echoes created inner turmoil—Enzo feared losing his identity in the storm of borrowed powers.
Loneliness was perhaps the deepest price. Few hunters could now relate to him. Even his loyal team sometimes grew uneasy around his power. Enzo carried this burden quietly, knowing the fate of humanity might rest on his shoulders.
His greatest support was Hiroshi. The old master understood his inner struggles."Remember, Enzo," he'd say, "these powers are part of you—but you are still you. You control them; they do not control you. Never forget who you are."
But the hardest blow came from within his circle. Mr. Tanaka of the Ministry returned with a sweeter offer—unlimited resources, elite gear, even a private army. All he wanted was for Enzo to work under government control. Enzo saw the hunger in Tanaka's eyes and declined again.
Tanaka didn't give up. Instead, he targeted someone close—Ren. Ren's family had lost everything in a vault outbreak. Tanaka promised to help them—if Ren cooperated.
Ren, torn by the dilemma, approached Enzo. "I don't know what to do… My family needs help. Tanaka says he can save them."
Enzo understood the pain. But he also saw Tanaka's manipulation."Don't trust him, Ren. We'll find another way. Together."
After a long moment, Ren refused the offer. But the lesson stayed with Enzo—his power didn't just attract enemies; it endangered those he loved. It made him more cautious and even more determined.
Now, more than ever, Enzo was focused on finding the Cosmic Heart—and stopping True Reality before it was too late. The story was growing more complex. The secrets of the Gods, the conspiracies of shadowy organizations, and Enzo's inner journey were all converging toward a storm of revelation and war.