Inside the virtual space of the Sol system, hunters from both Earth and Mars gathered in a large conference hall where they waited for Lord Zol to brief them on the plans ahead.
Everyone present knew the reason for gathering today was because of the increase in chaotic activities in the universe.
Those who had deeper connections with high-level hunters were aware of what the meeting was going to be about. The only thing they weren't privy to was the content and other matters to be included.
Ross, Julia and Henry managed to find a space in front where they sat together with James. They were kids and were among the lowest level of hunters licensed to hunt. Yet, none of the people around them batted an eye as they knew who the kids were.
Sometime later when everyone who was invited was present, Zol made his appearance as his avatar materialized before the crowd and everyone quickly got to their feet to welcome him.
After the exchange of pleasantries, Zol's expression turned serious, his voice steady yet charged with urgency as he addressed the assembly.
"Everyone here today is well aware of the chaos unfolding beyond our walls. As hunters, it is not just our occupation but our duty to stand as the shield protecting the masses from this unrelenting tide of destruction.
"For weeks now, the situation has worsened. The number of void creatures emerging from the veil tears has surged beyond what we've ever encountered since the universal calamity.
"Their presence is no longer irregular; it's an onslaught. This crisis has left our leaders with no choice but to impose a temporary suspension on all exploration missions until the chaos subsides.
"Effective immediately, we are to organize into teams, each led by a Class A hunter. Our directive is clear—fortify the borders of our star system and ensure no void creature breaches our lines.
"Of course, we understand this is merely a stopgap solution for the void creatures. However, measures have been devised to address the disruptions caused by the cosmic mana waves. They are not perfect, but they will give us the edge we need to hold our ground."
Zol's gaze swept across the room, lingering on the faces of his fellow hunters. Then he made a gesture and a small palm-size bracelet materialized into his hands.
The bracelet was crafted with practicality in mind, its design stark and practical. Its all-black surface was interrupted only by glowing blue circuitry, pulsating faintly like veins carrying energy.
"This," Zol began, holding up the device for all to see, "is a spatial bracelet. It has been in development for quite some time. And as fortune—or perhaps fate—would have it, the project reached completion precisely when we needed it the most."
With a wave of his hand, a replica of the bracelet materialized in everyone's grasp. The hunters examined the devices closely, their gazes filled with curiosity and intrigue.
"These bracelets are a single-use tool designed to give hunters the ability to teleport directly to their mothership—provided they are within a range of 105 million kilometres."
The room fell into stunned silence, broken only by a few audible gasps. The sheer magnitude of the distance left many wide-eyed. Such a device was undoubtedly a trump card for escape.
But…
"As some of you have already guessed," Zol continued, his tone growing firmer, "there is a cost. The bracelet requires a void core to function, ideally one extracted from a Class D creature or higher."
The revelation hung heavy in the air, the hunters exchanging uneasy glances. Zol pressed on, demonstrating how the bracelets could be linked to a void core, which would be stored within their suits as it required a dedicated power source.
"And as I mentioned earlier," he added, his voice steady, "these are single-use items. Once activated, the spatial matrix degrades entirely, unlike the reusable teleportation hubs. The concepts of spatial magic are intricate, as many of you already understand."
Zol's gaze swept over the room, gauging their reactions. "This tool is not without limitations, but it may very well be the difference between survival and annihilation in the heat of battle. Use it wisely."
Putting the bracelet away, Zol moved on to give the details of how the teams were to be put together.
"From here, each Class A hunter is given the responsibility of recruiting members of their team—no one is to be left out. This should be done within the week's end." Zol's tone left no room for arguments.
Hunters were given the freedom to join whomever they saw fit to lead them, but that did not mean they could drag on the process.
While they cannot be forced to join a team, a team will be given to them if they fail to join one.
"Of course, there is a limit to how many members a team can have," Zol added after giving the hunters time to digest his words. "With that said, the ratio of hunters of each class must be balanced."
Zol described as he went into the finer details of how the teams were to be put together. He also added a few miscellaneous information before bringing the meeting to an end.
"Our strength and unity will be tested in ways we've never imagined. But I trust in each of you to rise to this challenge. Together, we will prevail."
Zol's avatar dissolved once he concluded, leaving the hunters behind as they began to chat amongst themselves.
"Our path should be clear, right?" Ross said, looking at James with a knowing look. His actions prompted Julia and Henry to also turn to James, their eyes conveying their thoughts.
There was no way they would be joining any other team besides the one James would be putting together. This was also made easier by the fact that he was their guardian.
"Haha… I guess you guys will be the very first members." James smiled as he got to his feet. "You are free to do as you please till I put our team together."
"Can we also give you some recommendations?" Ross added, already having some people in mind.
"Of course, as long as they are available, I'll take them." James shrugged as his avatar dissolved into light particles and disappeared.
Then, Julia turned to Ross and gave him a hug. "I'll see you when we meet again, Ross." She bid farewell and left.
"Later," The two boys nodded at each other as they also disappeared from the virtual space.
Times were changing and the kids were finally ready to join the fight against a common enemy—their own universe.