The darkness of the Shadow World stretched endlessly over the ruined cityscape, its jagged buildings protruding like broken teeth from the blackened ground. The fog clung to the crumbling streets, curling around skeletal remnants of structures, and the faint echo of distant, inhuman growls sent shivers down Mori's spine. He adjusted the strap of his worn backpack and tightened his grip on his sword, feeling the familiar tension in his chest.
A sudden "pop-up notification" appeared in the air before him, glowing faintly with an eerie, greenish light:
""Rank-Up Mission Assigned: Target – 3 S-Rank Shadow Beasts. Location – Abyssal Ruins, Northern District.""
Mori blinked at the floating text, his voice trembling slightly.
"Three… S-Rank?!" he whispered, his eyes scanning the ominous skyline.
Kaida Ren, standing beside him, crossed his arms, his calm gaze focused on the notification. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us. This isn't a drill, Mori. S-Rank beasts aren't something you just charge in to fight."
Mori swallowed. "I know… but I—what if I'm not strong enough?"
"You're E-Rank now," Saki Fujimoto said quietly, her eyes scanning the mission text. She stepped forward, her S-Rank aura subtly pulsing as she analyzed the pop-up. "E-Rank… that's the lowest on the scale, yes. But we've survived worse, haven't we? Teamwork will be your strength here, Mori."
Mori looked at her, catching the faint curve of a smile on her lips. It was reassuring, but the truth was undeniable: "he was still the weakest in the group."
Takuro Hoshigami leaned against a collapsed wall nearby, his dark wrist chain catching the dim light. His expression was unreadable, eyes half-lidded, almost bored. "E-Rank or not, you'll have to move fast. The Northern District isn't forgiving, and these beasts aren't patient."
"You sound awfully calm about three S-Rank beasts appearing," Mori muttered, suspicion pricking at his mind.
Takuro smirked faintly. "Calm comes with experience. You'll learn someday."
Saki turned toward the group. "Listen carefully. We don't know everything about these beasts, but based on prior reports and the limited sightings, we can estimate their abilities. This is crucial for planning."
She raised her hand, and an "illusory map of the Northern District" materialized in front of them, hovering above the cracked asphalt. Glowing red icons marked the locations of the three S-Rank beasts.
"This," Saki said, pointing to the largest red icon, "is the Abyssal Colossus. Massive, high endurance, earth-manipulating attacks. You'll need to be careful around its crushing blows and the rubble it can throw."
Kaida Ren nodded. "I'll focus on shielding the team and disrupting its movements."
"Then we'll flank it from the east," Renji Hayashi added, his grin matching his confident A-Rank aura. "Wind strikes, quick maneuvers. I can draw its attention and create openings."
"Haruka, Kenta, you'll handle the other two beasts?" Mori asked, his voice uncertain.
Haruka Minami, gentle and composed, nodded. "I'll provide light barriers and minor healing as needed. Support is key, Mori. Don't overextend yourself."
Kenta Sato cracked his knuckles with a grin. "I'll bring the fire. Burn everything that moves!"
Saki held up a hand. "Not everything. Strategy, Kenta. Reckless attacks will get us all killed."
Mori's gaze moved from Saki to Takuro, then back to the map. The "weight of the mission pressed on him". "And… me?" he asked quietly.
Saki's eyes softened slightly. "You'll do what you can, Mori. Focus on survival, and observe. Learn. This is your chance to grow."
Takuro's smirk widened faintly. "Just try not to die, Mori. That would be embarrassing."
Mori clenched his fists, feeling the familiar sting of frustration. "I won't. I'll prove I can handle this."
The team began moving, descending into the ruined streets of the Northern District. Each step was cautious; shadows clung to the corners of shattered buildings, and faint noises echoed through the fog. The pop-up icons hovered above their heads, constantly updating positions.
Saki led the group, her S-Rank aura subtly scanning the environment. "Keep your distance from unknown shadow creatures," she warned. "There will be smaller threats on the way. Observe the patterns before engaging."
Renji laughed lightly. "Patterns, huh? Guess I'll have to impress Saki with my speed."
Haruka rolled her eyes. "Focus on survival, not showmanship."
Mori trailed slightly behind, feeling both nervous and determined. He glanced at Takuro, who was walking with his usual composed gait, seemingly unfazed. "Why does he seem so calm?" Mori muttered under his breath.
Kaida Ren leaned down slightly, speaking in a low voice. "Experience. Don't read too much into it. Focus on what you can do."
The streets grew darker as they approached the "first beacon" on the pop-up map—the location of the Abyssal Colossus. Rubble crunched under their feet, and the distant sound of shifting stone echoed through the fog. Mori's heart pounded.
Saki raised a hand, stopping the group. "Wait. This area… the energy readings are… unstable. The Colossus is nearby, but so are other minor shadow creatures. We need a scouting plan."
Renji grinned. "I volunteer. Fast and nimble. I'll draw attention first."
Kaida shook his head. "We move as a unit. We cannot split until we know the battlefield."
Saki's eyes met Mori's. "Observe their abilities, Mori. Even small creatures provide lessons."
Mori nodded. "Yes… I'll do my best."
Takuro's eyes flicked toward Mori. "Best, huh? Keep that up, and maybe you'll survive longer than expected."
As they moved forward, Saki briefly explained the "team roles for this mission":
>> "Kaida Ren": Shield and frontline defense.
>> "Renji Hayashi": Flanking and distractions.
>> "Haruka Minami": Barriers, support, healing.
>> "Kenta Sato": Direct offense, explosive attacks.
>> "Miya Hoshino": Lightning speed attacks—assigned to scout smaller threats.
>> "Daichi Tanaka": Heavy-hitter, tanks.
>> "Takumi Ishida": Tactical support, water manipulation for battlefield control.
>> "Mori": Observation, cautious offense, learning from patterns.
>> "Saki Fujimoto": Analyzer, strategy coordinator, Shadow Sense guidance.
The group carefully made their way through the ruins, noting every sound, movement, and shadow that flickered in the corner of their eyes. Mori could feel the oppressive weight of the Shadow World's energy—the way it clung to him, whispering doubts.
"Keep your guard up," Saki said, her tone serious. "These S-Rank beasts aren't like the creatures we've faced before. Their destructive potential is enormous."
Renji smirked. "That's why it's exciting."
Haruka muttered, "Exciting… if we survive."
The faint sound of "rumbling stone" made the entire group tense. The "pop-up indicators flickered", showing the Colossus' slow, heavy movement. Its massive form began emerging from the mist—a towering silhouette against the ruins.
Mori froze. The size alone was intimidating, and the aura of destructive power radiated from the creature like heat.
Kaida stepped forward, voice firm. "This is it. Everyone, positions!"
Takuro's eyes narrowed, his wrist chain glinting. "Stay alert. Any mistake, and it's over."
Saki whispered, almost to herself, "Energy readings… incredible. This is unlike anything I've seen outside the highest-ranked zones."
Mori's stomach churned. "I… I have to survive this. I can't be the weak link…"
Saki placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You won't be alone, Mori. Trust your team. And trust yourself, even if it feels impossible."
The team spread into formation, each member preparing for combat. The fog thickened, muffling distant sounds, and shadows seemed to shift unnaturally. Mori's E-Rank aura felt small and fragile compared to the sheer force emanating from the Colossus, but he clenched his fists and squared his shoulders.
Renji's wind ability swept around the group, clearing debris and preparing tactical openings. Haruka raised a light barrier, shimmering softly in the darkness. Kenta ignited flames along the perimeter.
Mori took a deep breath. "I'll… do my best."
Takuro's smirk remained, unreadable. "Good. You'll need it."
Saki's eyes swept over the team, assessing each member. "Remember, everyone: observe, adapt, survive. This is more than just attacking. Coordination is key. And Mori… keep your focus on learning, not rushing into danger."
Mori nodded, gripping his weapon tighter. The "mission had begun", but the true test of the Shadow World—the S-Rank beasts, their devastating powers, and the dangers that awaited—was about to unfold.
And somewhere, in the deeper shadows of the Northern District, the " Ashen Reaper Mantis", the "Hollow Warg", and the "Duskfang Serpent" stirred, sensing the intrusion of challengers into their domain.
The fog closed in, and Mori took the first step forward, his heart pounding, ready to face a world where death was around every corner and trust was a fragile, fleeting thing.
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