Chapter 68– The Gathering Storm
The air inside the dimly lit hall was thick with an eerie silence. The faint flickering of torches along the stone walls barely illuminated the long corridor leading to the throne at the far end. A tall, dark figure entered through the towering doors, his black coat billowing behind him. His left arm, unnaturally white, stood out in stark contrast against his otherwise shadowed form. His eyes glowed faintly under the dim light, filled with nothing but determination.
Draven's boots echoed against the stone floor as he strode forward, his gaze locked onto Huey, who stood just behind the throne. The air between them crackled with tension.
Huey's fingers rested lightly on the coffin that housed Shukaku, the devourer of Shen, its intricate seals pulsating with an ominous glow. But the coffin was still incomplete—the last missing piece had yet to be obtained.
Draven didn't waste time on pleasantries. "Where is Shiki?" His voice was cold, devoid of hesitation.
A smirk curled at the edge of Huey's lips. "Ahh, right on time, golden boy." His voice was as smooth as silk, laced with amusement. He turned away from the coffin and leaned against the throne casually.
Draven remained still, waiting for an answer.
Huey chuckled, then spoke again, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "The world's biggest hunter meeting is happening as we speak. Every major faction, every powerhouse—Seoul, America, Russia, China, Egypt—they're all heading to one place… Antarctica."
Draven's gaze narrowed. "So he'll be there?"
Huey nodded, his amusement never fading. "Yes. And so will you."
Draven absorbed the information for a brief moment before turning on his heels, already making his way to the exit. "I'm taking Kenzy and Gansu with me," he stated without room for debate.
Huey exhaled in amusement, waving a dismissive hand. "Go ahead. I have no problem with that. After all…" He tilted his head, watching Draven's retreating figure. "I'll be there too. I wouldn't miss this for the world."
As the door slammed shut, silence filled the throne room once more. From the shadows, an old, menacing presence stepped forward—Papa Tunde. His aged, yet unnervingly sharp eyes bore into Huey.
"If Draven fails, everything Lord Arcade planned will crumble. The Ten's efforts will be for nothing." His voice carried an ominous weight, the kind that only came from someone who had seen the rise and fall of empires.
Huey, still leaning against the throne, let out a small laugh. "Papa Tunde, you worry too much." He tapped the armrest of the throne thoughtfully. "Draven's humanity is long gone. Whether he wins or loses… he'll still win."
A wicked gleam flickered in Huey's eyes, the weight of his words settling into the cold walls of the chamber.
Meanwhile, in Seoul …
Sakamoto sat at a small street-side pork shop, leaning against the wooden counter with a warm cup of tea in his hands. The steam rose in delicate swirls, but he barely noticed it. His gaze was distant, lost in the memories that had resurfaced after Mujin's words.
A single tear slipped down his cheek, landing with a soft drip onto the wooden counter. The cup in his hand tilted, spilling some of the tea onto his fingers. He barely felt the warmth.
He wanted answers.
But Bartoni was dead.
And all that was left was the emptiness inside him once again
Just then, a loud voice snapped him out of his trance.
"Oi! Sakamoto, hurry up! The meat's gonna get cold!"
He turned to see Madagascar and Tito waving at him, plates stacked with grilled pork. Just behind them, Vincent, Chiro, and Tito had also joined, each of them grabbing a seat around the outdoor food stall, laughing and joking among themselves.
Sakamoto watched them for a moment, taking in the scene. Despite everything that had happened, they were happy.
And for the first time in a long while…
He smiled.
Because even with everything he had lost, even with all the unanswered questions… he still had this.
Friends. Camaraderie. A reason to keep moving forward.
And for now, that was enough.
Across the Globe: The Journey to Antarctica Begins.
In America, Cecelia stood at her desk, the official invitation letter resting on the polished surface. The elders of the United States had made every necessary arrangement for her safe passage, ensuring that Marcus would accompany her. She looked out the tall windows of the Hunter Association headquarters, her mind already set.
"We leave at dawn."
Marcus nodded in acknowledgment.
In Russia, Andrei Korsakov stood at the helm of his private jet, Boris seated beside him. The two men exchanged silent glances, both aware that their meeting in Antarctica would determine the future of the hunter world. In China, a massive white dragon soared across the skies, carrying the Chinese President Zichen and his trusted subordinate Wei toward the icy lands of Antarctica. The dragon's scales shimmered under the morning sun, its powerful wings cutting through the cold air. In Egypt, the African Hunter President, Anzeyt, and his right-hand warrior, Osiris, boarded a high-tech smart plane, its sleek design built for stealth and speed.In Seoul, Mujin adjusted his coat as he and Akebi boarded their flight.
Akebi glanced at him, sensing the weight on his mind. "Do you think Sakamoto will be any different?"
Mujin exhaled, closing his eyes for a moment. "I don't know.… he'll have to decide for himself where he stands."
The engines roared to life, and the plane lifted off into the skies, joining the others in their journey to the greatest hunter gathering in history.
As the world leaders flew toward Antarctica…
Another storm was already brewing.
End Chapter