"Things are really getting serious out there," a pedestrian muttered to his friend as they walked down the once-busy streets.
While there could be people going around their businesses, the majority of folks were scared. They could only stay in their homes and hope their hunters do what they did best.
"Can you blame them? The only thing on the news these days is about the emerging veil tars and the increase in the appearance of void creatures."
"Yeah… Kinda feels like what was described in the history logs. At the time, things were crazier as humanity was now getting the hang of mana usage.
"Not to mention the sudden veil tears that appeared and the cosmic mana waves that displaced planets and stars alike."
The man felt a shiver down his spine just saying those words. Hiding in their homes was pointless, but that was the only way most people felt safe.
Of course, this only applied to the normal populace. Hunters Academis were still in session as the instructors doubled their efforts and increased resources for all students so they could grow as quickly as possible.
"Whatever the case, things will be tumultuous for a while. The best we can do is not panic and make the situation worse than it already is…"
.......
Zol and all Class S hunters in charge of a sector received instructions from the leaders about the plan for the future.
They were instructed to set up various teams with Class A hunters at the helm. These teams will be given the mission to safeguard their star systems from the increasing threat of the void creatures.
And while this solution only accounted for the void creatures, it was the best they could do at the moment.
The force fields Orbital Rings generated were supposed to shield planets and stars from the cosmic mana waves and while it worked most of the time, it didn't account for veil tears that may appear.
If such a situation arose, then the planetary population or even the entirety of the populace in that star system had to be moved. But that was also another challenge.
After the meeting with the Class S hunters, Zol was instructed to wait for further directions and this related to the special guest they housed for some time now.
"Zol," Basso began once the others were offline. "Have you come up with any way to break the woman out of her ice prison?"
"I'm afraid not, sir. All the methods we came up with failed to even create a dent in the ice. The ice prison being made out of void energy makes the task impossible."
"Mm, we figured as much," Jaseph chipped in with a pondering look on his face. "This is what we want you to do and also the only thing we can try."
Zol paid attention as he listened to what his superiors wanted him to do. The plan was desperate and dangerous but the more he heard, the more he thought the plan was feasible.
"And don't worry about what might happen should you succeed. It's a chance we're willing to take and I doubt we have anything she would want."
"Yes, sir." Zol bowed politely after receiving his instructions. "Good. Keep us informed." Shortly after, the line went off and Zol raised his head.
Zol could already foresee the problems that could arise from the plans, but what choice did they have?
"Haa… if only we found Alex. Things might have been different." Zol murmured and then left the conference room to call for another meeting.
It was time to put together the teams for watch duty.
......
Ross had been in his home with his brother since his return from their failed mission. And he spent his days either cultivating to increase his strength or training in the virtual room.
His daily routine had his brother and parents worried, but Ross was no longer a kid. He was now an adult and could move out if he so wished.
"You have to speak with your brother, Eein." Ferlok, their father said to Ross's brother as they watched his virtual training session.
Just like his sons, Ferlok had red flaming hair and stood at a similar height to his sons… well slightly taller and was built like a tank.
Most of his days were spent with his team going on exploration missions. So, he barely stayed at home.
But as humans of the one-horned group and warriors at heart, the concept of family always staying together barely applied to them; not that it even mattered.
"And tell him what exactly, Dad? Training is the only way he gets his mind off things. He doesn't have any other friends besides the ones he already has. Also, he is not much of a social person."
Eein explained in frustration. He more than anyone wanted the best for his little brother, but the boy was not interested in much.
At his age, Ross should at least have a girlfriend, but he hadn't batted an eye in any girl's direction since his academy days.
"Haa… so the only thing we can do is let him be." Ferlok signed in resignation. With no solution to Ross's state of being, they could only watch him carry on with his training.
Suddenly, the devices on their wrists vibrated as a message came through. Father and son exchanged glances before opening the message.
"It's from Lord Zol. It's about a meeting involving all hunters in this system." Eein said and turned to look at his father who nodded, implying he had the same message.
"The meeting will be held in the virtual space in about two hours. Inform your brother to prepare. I'll be joining the meeting in my office." Ferlok said and left the training hall.
"Yes, father," Eein replied and then turned to Ross who still swinging his greatsword in a practised dance.
"Ross, there is a message from Lord Zol summoning all hunters for a meeting." Eein prompted the system as it sent his message to his brother in the virtual space.
[Noted]
Ross replied flatly and brought his training session to an end.