"So... is there really no way to stop them?" Ito asked, his voice uncertain.
"I've been observing them for a while," Naeris replied, her sharp eyes scanning the holographic display. "Those tree-like creatures are just hosts. The real threat is a swarm of underground parasites. They corrupt massive trees into cores, draining all nearby life... and you've seen what happens to humans. But if we eliminate the parasites, we can wipe out every nearby Dark Zone."
"Then we just have to keep killing them, right? But... where are they all coming from?"
"Their origin is still unclear," Naeris said, crossing her arms and leaning against the table. The usual playfulness in her eyes had faded, replaced with a cold, clinical focus. "But for now, they're all emerging from the Kingdom of Flauta. It was completely devoured four years ago."
"So why not destroy them at the source?"
Naeris let out a sharp exhale. "If it were that simple, we would have. A large-scale operation like that is nearly impossible."
She turned toward him, her voice resolute. "That's why we're heading into a Dark Zone for special training—to make you stronger. If we want to change the outcome, we need people like you."
Ito's chest tightened. Her words were both empowering and heavy. He swallowed hard, his voice low. "Can I really help you all?"
Naeris smirked, stepping closer and lightly brushing a finger under his chin. "If you're still unsure... how about I give you a little motivation?"
"Thanks, but, uh... sorry, Captain. I need to head home—Sara's waiting for me. And if I'm late, my 'special reward' will be a lecture."
Zeth chuckled behind him before grabbing Ito by the collar. "No time to waste."
In a blur, they shot into the sky. Within moments, they arrived at the edge of a Dark Zone.
"Alright, we're here. Let's begin," Zeth said calmly.
Ito landed awkwardly, groaning. "Ugh... Captain Zeth, that was way too fast. My brain's still catching up."
Zeth exhaled slowly, a faint shimmer of energy surrounding him. "Focus, Ito. Can you see it now?"
Ito narrowed his eyes. As he focused, he noticed the distortion in the air around Zeth—a powerful aura, rippling like heat waves.
"Yes, Captain! I can see it clearly now. You're controlling it perfectly."
"Good. You've got the basics down. Now, how long can you maintain your aura?"
"At least twenty seconds."
"Keep working. Over time, you'll sharpen your senses and boost your physical strength fivefold. And eventually, you'll craft your own technique."
Ito raised his hand. "Captain, I have a question."
"Go ahead."
"When you said 'Zone,' I noticed a layer above the sky. What was that?"
Zeth smirked. "Good eye. That wasn't the sky. It was the boundary of my Zone—an area created and controlled by my aura. The larger the Zone, the more powerful your technique becomes. But it takes years to master."
He turned toward a twisted tree. "Now, let's get to work."
Whips lashed from the hollow tree, but Zeth moved like a shadow. In one strike, he shattered it. Among the remains, something writhed. Zeth reached in and grabbed it.
"So this is the parasite Naeris mentioned."
"You're not seriously going to... eat it, are you?!" Ito's face twisted in horror.
Zeth's expression was unreadable. "It didn't attack until I approached it alone. I think it has something to do with the black aura you received during the incident. Will you do it?"
Ito stared at the parasite in his hand. After a long pause, he nodded slowly.
"Yes."
He hesitated, then forced the parasite down. His body tensed, his throat convulsing. A shudder ran through him.
"Ito, are you alright?" Zeth asked, watching him closely.
Ito grimaced. "It tastes... really disgusting."
Zeth's eyes narrowed. So I was right. That black aura—it's growing stronger.
"Now, try to harness its power."
Before Ito could respond, a sudden shockwave slammed into the ground nearby. Through the smoke, a massive claymore hurtled toward them—only to be deflected by Zeth's invisible force.
"We've had company from the moment we arrived," Zeth muttered. "So, who are you?"
"Just curious bounty hunters," one of the intruders said, stepping forward. "We wanted to see if the rumors were true—if you're really the strongest Captain among the 25 nations."
The claymore wielder scoffed. "Nectar, stop talking. Let's finish this."
"Yeah, yeah," Nectar replied, waving lazily.
"Captain Zeth, who are these guys?" Ito asked.
Zeth crossed his arms. "Bounty hunters. A group of ten mercenaries. They'll take any job if the price is right—and each one is extremely dangerous."
"Even for you?"
Zeth cracked his knuckles, a grin spreading across his face. "Small fries like these? Not even a warm-up."
"Don't underestimate us!" one of them growled, leaping from above with his claymore raised.
Zeth vanished.
A fist connected with the attacker's face, sending him flying backward. Blood streaked down his cheek from a deep cut.
Nectar calmly folded a slip of paper. In an instant, a colossal dragon emerged from it—his Zone technique. It roared and launched a searing energy blast.
Zeth raised his hand, summoning an invisible barrier. The blast struck with a thunderous crack, but Zeth stood firm, untouched.
Dust settled.
Zeth stepped forward, brushing his sleeve casually.
"Is this all you've got, small fries?"
The battlefield fell still. The air, thick with tension, waited for what came next.