Meanwhile, the entire Hunter Association building shook violently.
Every few seconds, another deafening explosion erupted from somewhere beneath the building, sending visible tremors racing through the walls as dust drifted from every window. The concrete plaza outside vibrated beneath everyone’s feet while countless tiny cracks slowly spread across the pavement.
The Association had already been completely evacuated.
Hunters, employees, receptionists, technicians and civilians all stood hundreds of meters away, forming a massive crowd as they stared at the swaying building with expressions ranging from confusion to outright panic.
"What in the world is happening?"
"I heard the Association was secretly researching monsters underground."
"No way..."
"I’m serious! Someone told me one of the experimental monsters escaped."
Another hunter immediately shook his head.
"You’re an idiot. That doesn’t even make sense."
"Then explain why the building is shaking like this!"
"I think villains attacked the Association."
"What? Here?"
"Why not? Maybe they’re after treasures."
The theories became more outrageous with every passing second.
One rumor quickly became ten.
Ten became twenty.
Before long, nearly everyone in the crowd had their own explanation for the bizarre scene unfolding before them.
Meanwhile, standing near the perimeter with a face as dark as charcoal, Director Ferris Newman could only massage his aching forehead.
A splitting headache was rapidly beginning to form.
This...
This was entirely his fault.
He had only wanted to boast a little.
When he brought Kael and Scarlet Fist underground, he had proudly explained that the combat chamber had been constructed using the strongest impact-absorbing alloy available to the Association. He had spoken confidently, assuring them that even battles between S-Rank Hunters could be safely contained within those walls.
Who would’ve thought...
Those two were complete lunatics.
Every collision from below sent another violent tremor racing through the building.
Every explosion was stronger than the last.
Even now, despite the underground chamber practically falling apart, neither of them showed the slightest intention of stopping. If anything, the intensity of the battle only continued to rise.
Ferris could already picture the repair bill.
No.
Forget the repair bill.
At this rate...
The entire Association building might actually collapse.
He had considered rushing underground more than once.
He wanted to scream at those two.
Wanted to tell them to stop before they demolished his branch.
But he didn’t dare.
First, he simply wasn’t strong enough.
The shockwaves leaking from the underground chamber alone were enough to seriously injure an ordinary A-Rank Hunter. If he got any closer, he doubted he’d even survive long enough to open his mouth.
Second...
He truly didn’t dare interrupt those two monsters.
Who knew what would happen if he suddenly walked into the middle of an S-Rank battle?
One accidental punch.
One stray shockwave.
One careless movement.
That would probably be enough to turn him into a bloody stain on the floor.
So all he could do was pray.
Pray those two regained their senses before the entire building came crashing down.
Just then...
WHOOOOOOOOOM!
A deep mechanical roar echoed across the sky.
The sound instantly drowned out every conversation in the plaza.
Everyone subconsciously looked upward.
Descending through the clouds was a massive jet-black aircraft.
Its sleek metallic frame reflected the afternoon sunlight while countless hidden thrusters emitted soft blue flames beneath its wings. Every angle of its design screamed cutting-edge technology.
The crowd collectively gasped.
"Wait..."
One hunter’s eyes widened.
"Isn’t that the B-32 Shadow?"
The moment those words left his mouth, countless others immediately recognized it as well.
"The B-32 Shadow?"
"No way..."
"It actually exists?"
The murmuring instantly exploded.
The B-32 Shadow.
One of humanity’s most advanced military aircraft.
Built using the pinnacle of modern engineering, it possessed state-of-the-art stealth capabilities capable of rendering it almost invisible to radar systems. It was armed with enough firepower to eliminate even high-ranking aerial monsters while maintaining speeds far beyond ordinary aircraft.
It wasn’t simply expensive.
It was exclusive.
Only a handful had ever been manufactured.
Money alone wasn’t enough to purchase one.
Status.
Influence.
Authority.
Without all three, owning a B-32 Shadow was nothing more than an impossible dream.
"So..."
"Who exactly is inside?"
The question spread through the crowd like wildfire.
Meanwhile, Ferris stared toward the descending aircraft with narrowed eyes.
His eyesight, enhanced through years of leveling, allowed him to notice something everyone else had overlooked.
An insignia.
The emblem engraved beneath the cockpit.
The Hunter Association crest.
His heart skipped a beat.
Someone from headquarters.
And judging from the aircraft they arrived in...
Not just anyone.
A very high-ranking official.
Could they be here because of Kael?
The thought naturally surfaced within his mind.
After all, someone capable of matching a genuine S-Rank Hunter barely a month after awakening was nothing short of absurd. Even headquarters would’ve been alarmed by such talent.
It also explained why Kael had somehow received an S-Rank VIP clearance despite officially still being registered as an F-Rank Hunter.
The aircraft slowly descended before landing smoothly within the plaza.
Its engines gradually powered down.
With a sharp hiss, the cabin door slid open.
A lone figure stepped out.
He was a middle-aged man with a completely bald head polished so perfectly that it almost reflected the sunlight. Dressed in a tailored black suit with the Hunter Association insignia embroidered across his chest, he descended the boarding steps with slow, measured strides.
Every movement radiated authority.
Power.
Pressure.
His mere presence caused the surrounding air to feel noticeably heavier.
The conversations within the crowd died almost instantly.
Everyone instinctively lowered their voices.
Some even unconsciously stepped backward.
Ferris, however...
His eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.
His lips trembled.
Jonas Grieg.
The Vice President of the Hunter Association.
A living legend.
The man widely acknowledged as the strongest individual beneath the Pioneer himself.
Ferris had already prepared himself to meet someone important.
But this...
This was beyond important.
Why would someone of this status personally come to his insignificant branch?
Recovering from his shock, Ferris hurried forward as quickly as he could.
At the same time, Jonas slowly swept his gaze across the surroundings.
His sharp eyes briefly observed the damaged Association building before shifting across the gathered crowd, seemingly searching for someone.
Eventually...
His gaze landed upon the rapidly approaching Ferris.
The instant those eyes focused on him, Ferris felt his entire body stiffen.
An overwhelming pressure descended upon him despite Jonas doing absolutely nothing.
It felt as though a mountain had suddenly been placed upon his shoulders.
Even so, he forced himself to continue walking.
Soon, he arrived before the Vice President.
Before he could even open his mouth...
Jonas spoke first.
"Are you the one in charge here?"
His voice wasn’t loud.
Yet every word carried an unquestionable authority that naturally compelled obedience.
Ferris immediately straightened his posture.
"Y-Yes, sir."
"My name is Ferris Newman."
"I’m the Director of this Association branch."
He hesitated briefly before lowering his head respectfully.
"It is truly an honor to finally stand in your presence, Vice President."
Jonas looked at him expressionlessly.
"Cut the compliments."
His gaze shifted toward the violently shaking Association building behind Ferris.
Another thunderous explosion erupted underground at that exact moment, causing the entire structure to sway once more.
Jonas slowly frowned.
Then he looked back at Ferris.
His voice remained calm.
But somehow...
It felt infinitely more terrifying.
"Now, tell me what in the hell am I currently witnessing?"