KS: Hello, everyone. Glad you were waiting patiently for a new chapter of this story. I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long. I've hit a bit a slump lately, but I've been working to get out of it. So far, it's going good. Now, brace yourself, as some bombs are going to be dropped. Revelation bombs, to be exact.
Hunter zipped around the battlefield, swiftly striking the unending hordes of Nerscylla that surrounded him. Electricity fueled his attacks as the monstrous spiders hiss at him from being hit by him.
"How is it possible for there to be so many spiders in one spot?" he asked as he kicked one of them away. "Nerscylla usually keep to themselves in dark places, not out in the open in large groups."
Hunter turned around to see another monster rush towards him, but Koneko quickly punched its head off before it could reach him.
"Save the questions for after we've squashed all these bugs," she said bluntly. "We've got a lot of them to clean up."
Hunter chuckled dryly. "Is that a fact now?"
Kiba sliced multiple of the spiders in half, but they simply disolved and regenerated into more copies.
"There has to be way to defeat them," he said through heavy breaths. "Each one we strike down, more arise in its place."
Akeno played the role of air support and tried to keep the horde at bay with her lightning, but she was getting fatigued from expending her magic power.
"I can't… go on…"
Feeling the last of her strength leave her, she slowly decended to the ground, only for Hunter to catch her.
"I got you," he said.
Even though she was tired, Akeno used her remaining strength to form a smile on her face.
"And to think, they say, chivalry is dead."
"Only to some people," Hunter replied.
He brought the thunder wielder over to where Rias is, who was holding her own against the monsters.
"Hunter, we're burning daylight and energy right now," she said, firing a blast of intense magical energy at the Nerscylla. "If you've got a plan, now is the best time to hear it."
Hunter looked towards the horde of monsters, trying to see if anything was out of the ordinary. He furrowed his brow in irritation, not able to tell the beasts apart.
"How the hell are we going to… huh?"
He looked further behind the horde and laid his eyes upon a Nerscylla with a darker color scheme and spikes on its back.
"A Shrouded Nerscylla… that punk must be calling the shots."
Rias turned to him with widened eyes. "Shrouded?"
"I'll explain later," Hunter replied, placing Akeno in her arms. "Right now, I got some fumigating to do."
Hunter ran off towards the horde, leaving Rias befuddled while she held Akeno.
"He certainly is an interesting person," Akeno chuckled tiredly.
Despite her shock, Rias allowed herself to smile.
"I suppose so," she replied.
(Theme: "All My Life" by Daiki Kasho)
(Opening vocals) The sun rises and shines upon Hunter's armor, which glows in the light as he watches a swarm of dragons fly over him.
(Walk for a thousand miles down this road) Cuts to Hachiman walking past the school gate with Sona and Tsubaki rapidly lecturing him, which he pays no mind to.
(I don't know where its taking me) Pans to Rias and the ORC, who are standing a few feet away, watching him with interest.
(I feel I must carry on) Cuts to Hachiman again, being harrassed by Issei, only to knock him into the jaws of the irate kendo club, ready to beat the stuffing out of him.
(So that I can justify my everything) Hachiman walks off while taking out the Monster Amulet of Rathalos out of his pocket, the object glowing bright red.
(Past is what, past is what will be cast) Cuts to a silohette of Hachiman walking forward as Komachi and Nezumi are shown in the background, the former grinning and the latter with a neutral expression.
(You will be alright, be alright, 'cause I'll be me) The background changes to the ORC in their club room.
('Cause I know, 'cause I know that I'll prove myself) The background changes to a group of shadowed people with a logo reading "Elysium Corporation."
(In the end, I will be standing here) Shifts to Hachiman holding Rathalos' amulet and inserting it into the Hunter Driver, causing him to transform into Hunter.
(All my life, I've lived alone) Shifts to Hunter fighting against multiple monsters.
(This is a path I have to take) Shifts to Hunter swinging a great sword, then shooting a bowgun and thrusting with a insect glave.
(Shan't go back to who I was) Cuts to Hunter gathering flames around him with Rathalos behind him before jumping into the air.
(This is my time to break away) Hunter performs a diving kick as he decends with flames following him.
(Just break away) Cuts to Hunter using a multitude of weapons, along with performing melee attacks.
(From who I was) The screen glitches to reveal a girl concealed by shadows, with only her frown visible.
(Just break away) Cuts to Hunter driving down the road on his Dragon Shifter.
(From who I was) Hunter brakes and performs a skid before stopping and looking at the camera.
Chapter 4: No Stone Unturned
Kiba and Koneko were near their limits. The horde of multiplying Nerscylla were proving to be more than a match for the two of them, despite their prowess in combat.
"I honestly never thought this was how I would meet my end," Kiba lamented as he cut down a monster, only to have it regenerate and multiply. "Brought low by a horde of monstrous spiders."
"Pretty sure there are worse ways to go," Koneko cut in as she kicked away one of the monsters. "This has to be at the bottom of the list."
"Hey now, no sense speaking like you're about to die or whatever."
Both of them, along with the horde turned towards Hunter, who was casually walking towards them.
"Hunter," Kiba breathed out.
The rider walked up to Kiba and Koneko, staring right at the horde.
"Listen up, you two. I found out who's running this horror show and have come up with a plan of how we're going to defeat it."
Koneko let out a sigh. "If you've got any ideas, I'm all ears."
"As am I," Kiba added, raising his sword. "Tell us what to do and we'll follow it to the letter."
Hunter nodded. "Alright, then. While I got Akeno out of the hot zone, I noticed one of the Nerscylla was different from the rest of the pack. I figure we beat that one and the rest will disperse. I'm sure I'm asking a lot seeing how you two are running on fumes, but-"
"You needn't say any more, Hunter," Kiba interrupted.
Hunter turned towards the swordsman in surprise. "What?"
"We plan on giving you that opening, even if it kills us," Koneko added, allowing a rare smirk to form. "Of course, it will take a lot more than a few mutant spiders to do us in."
Hunter turned to Koneko, then Kiba, then turned towards the horde of Nerscylla.
"I guess that settles it then," he said. "You two know what to do."
"Right!" they reply in unison.
Mustering what little strength they had left, Kiba and Koneko proceeded to fight off the multitude of clones in front of them. Slashes and strikes were aimed at the monsters, but as expected, they multiplied from being destroyed. Nevertheless, they continued on, clearing a path for Hunter as he rushed past the horde, focusing on his sole target.
"I see you, you ugly son of a gun," he said.
The Shrouded Nerscylla hissed at Hunter and charged towards him. Immediately, the two exchanged numerous blows, each one more devestating than the last. Hunter punched the monster's torso, causing it to stumble backwards. It hissed once more and struck him on the side of his head, leaving him dazed and giving it the opportunity to bind him with a well shot web around his arms.
"Oh, come on," Hunter groaned in frustration. "What are the odds I get stuck twice in one day?"
The Shrouded Nerscylla took advantage and kicked Hunter in his chest, sending him back into the crowd of monsters, who immediately pushed him back towards their leader, where he kicked him again. Rinse and repeat.
"This has got to be the worst form of bullying I've ever been through," Hunter groaned as he was kicked and pushed.
Luckily, it didn't last long as Kiba intervened by slicing through his bindings and Koneko beating up the monsters that were pushing him.
"Put an end to this, Hunter," Kiba said.
"Yeah, we're on our last legs here," Koneko added.
Hunter nodded. "With pleasure."
With renewed vigor, Hunter attacked the Shrouded Nerscylla, repeatedly punching and kicking the monster. It swung at him again, but this time, he dodged it and knocked him down with a kick to its shin.
"A hunter always catches his prey."
He pressed the claws on his driver, and it began to glow white. His suit gathered electricity, which soon formed the Tobi-Kadachi.
"Spirit Burst: Tobi-Kadachi!"
Feeling electricity gather in his hands, Hunter clenched his fists and began punching the Shrouded Nerscylla rapidly, sending pulses of electricity throughout its body, paralysing it. He drew his fist back, gathering all the electricity he could muster, and delivered one final blow aimed at the monster's head. Once it made contact, the monster was sent flying past the horde, and eventually exploded. At the same time, all of the Nerscylla clones hissed in agony and began to dissolve, one by one.
"Okay," Hunter panted, feeling slightly out of breath. "I didn't expect that to happen."
Kiba chuckled dryly as he walked up to Hunter, using his sword to hold himself up. "That makes two of us."
"Make it three," Koneko sighed as she leaned against Hunter, sweat dripping down her body.
Rias and Akeno joined the group, with the ebony-haired beauty being supported by the redhead.
"Well Hunter, it looks like you saved us once more," Rias said.
Hunter waved the compliment off. "Think nothing of it. Had it not been for the knight and the shortstack here, I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity."
"Shortstack?" Koneko repeated with an offended tone and look.
Hunter patted her head. "It's a complement."
The girl rolled her eyes in annoyance as she got off of Hunter. "Can we head back now? I'm really tired from beating up those bugs."
"Indeed," Kiba agreed. "I think we all deserve a very extensive rest after that battle."
"I second that motion," Akeno said.
Hunter nodded, then noticed a slip of paper sitting on the sludge. He picked it up and undid his transformation. Rias noticed and walked up to him.
"Another paper with numbers," she said.
"Yeah," Hachiman replied with narrowed eyes. "Something is going on here. And I'm going to get to the bottom of it."
The next day arrived fairly quickly, and all the students headed to school to begin their daily routine.
Only this time, something has changed.
"What fresh hell is this?"
These words were shouted by Hachiman, as he stood in front of his shoe locker with a look rife with anger and confusion.
The door to his locker was ripped off, and his school shoes had holes and burn marks on them.
"Looks like you managed to piss someone off," Nezumi commented.
"Shut up," Hachiman replied bitterly as he put on his vandalized shoes. "This is nothing more than someone's idea of prank."
Nezumi snorted derisively. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."
Hachiman cast an annoyed glance at him. "I'm serious. This is just a one-time thing."
Unfortunately for Hachiman, the shoes were just the beginning.
Upon reaching his classroom, he saw a small group of students gathered around his desk. He pushed past them and widened his eyes at the sight of his desk vandalized as well, covered with insults and obscene phrases.
"What's going on here?" he asked himself.
Nezumi walked up beside him and noticed the defaced desk. "Wow. First your shoes, now your desk. Someone is out for your blood."
"Quit being so dramatic," Hachiman said in annoyance. "The shoes and my desk are nothing more than juvenile ploys to get me riled up. And so far, the one responsible is doing a rather poor job."
Nezumi shrugged. "Whatever you say, bud. Anyway, let's get this cleaned up before our teacher arrives."
Hachiman sighs. "Yeah, let's do that."
Lunch period was in full effect, but the mood was anything but cheerful. This was due to a rather disturbing sight on the courtyard. Namely, a lifesized straw doll resembling Hachiman presented in full view with daggers in visible places along with a sign that said "dead man" written in red paint. Among the scared crowd, Hachiman viewed the doll with a twitching eyebrow.
"It's official," he grumbled. "Someone is out for my blood."
Nezumi looked at the doll with a raised brow. "They really went above and beyond to show how much they hate you."
"Yeah, but the question is what exactly I did to incur such actions," Hachiman replied.
The crowd spectated for a few more minutes until some teachers showed up and guided them away. Hachiman and Nezumi remained at the sight, noticing Rias and Akeno walk up to them. Upon seeing the doll, the redhead sighed.
"There are some things that should never have to be done," she said. "This has to be within the top ten."
Nezumi scoffed. "Top ten? I'd say this in the top three."
Akeno tittered. "Goodness, I wonder who you frustrated to receive such a threat, Hachiman."
"I've been wondering about that myself," he muttered.
Nezumi walked up to the doll and immediately noticed a vintage cell phone near it. He picked it up and went back to the group.
"This was found near the doll," he said as he presented the phone.
"It's possible the person responsible for that display left it there," Rias replied. "And if they did, they've basically gave themselves away."
Nezumi closed his eyes in thought. "That would be true… unless it was deliberate."
"What makes you think the phone was left near the doll on purpose?" Akeno asked.
"If my hunch is correct, this is a probably burner phone," Nezumi explained.
"A burner phone?" Rias repeated in a questioning tone.
"It is," Nezumi said. "It's designed to destroy itself once it receives a call."
"Who do you think left it there?" Akeno asked.
"Probably the one who left this damn thing this here," Hachiman said bitterly. "We should just relax while we still have our lunch break."
He walked off with Nezumi following behind him, leaving the two girls alone.
"Do you think Hachiman has any enemies?" Akeno asked.
"I'll admit his attitude leaves much to be desired," Rias said. "But I doubt it's bad to the point where someone is out for his blood."
Akeno closed her eyes in thought. "Then… do you think it has to do with him being a Kamen Rider?"
Rias crossed her arms under her bust. "It's possible, but there's no evidence to support that claim. We'll just have to wait for what happens next."
"I suppose so," Akeno sighed.
The school day came to a close and everyone was headed home. However, Hachiman and Nezumi had a different destination in mind. Namely, the clubhouse of the Occult Research Club.
"I've been meaning to ask," Hachiman said as he and his friend walked through the hall. "Why did you show up with Rias and Akeno when I was fighting that Nerscylla yesterday?"
"It was just a coincidence," Nezumi said. "I saw the alert on my phone and you were nearby, so I rushed over to see what was happening. Then those two noticed I was in a rush and followed after me." He immediately remembered something vital about that day. "Oh yeah, why didn't you tell me you were friends with devils?"
"It never came up," Hachiman admitted. "Though judging by that sentence, I guess you know the truth."
"That's one way of putting it."
They soon reached room and opened the door. As they expected, the club members we all present.
"Good to see you all again," Rias said with a smile directed at Nezumi me. "Especially you, Tsugiyoshi."
"Please, call me Nezumi," the boy replied. "Almost everyone does."
"Oh? It's not just Hachiman who calls you that?" Akeno asked.
"It's a nickname that I got stuck with on account of my hair resembling rat ears," Nezumi answered. "Also, I'm usually seen eating cheese."
He saw Koneko sitting on the couch eating cheesecake. Immediately, he went over and sat down next to her.
"Want some?" she asked without looking at him.
"If you will allow it," he replied.
Koneko shot him a dirty look. "I won't allow it."
Nezumi sighed dejectedly, prompting everyone in the room to laugh.
"You'll have to forgive Koneko," Kiba said. "She's quite defensive when it comes to sweets."
Nezumi sighed. "You don't say…"
After the laughter subsided, everyone got down to business.
"Now, I believe we should be getting to the matter at hand," Rias said. "Nezumi, do you still have the phone?"
"Got it right here," he said, taking the phone out of his pocket. No sooner did he do that, it began to ring, surprising everyone.
"That was quick," Kiba commented.
Nezumi wasted no time in answering. "Hello?"
There was silence on the other line. No response was heard.
"…Hello?"
"Where is Hikigaya?"
Nezumi flinched at the distorted voice, but responded. "Who is this?"
"I'm asking the questions here, you little shit," the voice snarled. "Now where is Hikigaya?"
Nezumi was wary, but complied with the speaker's request and handed the phone over to Hachiman, who took it and spoke.
"This is Hikigaya," he said. "To whom do I have the displeasure of speaking to?"
The speaker chuckled darkly. "You're as disrespectful as my employer said you were."
"This is me on a good day, pal," Hachiman retorted. "Now what do you want?"
"What I want is simple," the voice said. "I want you to get your ass out of Kuoh before the end of the month."
Hachiman narrowed his eyes. "And if I don't?"
"Then I'll give you a reason to."
With that, the call ended, leaving a horrible noise from the phone that made Hachiman yelp in shock and caused him to drop the phone, which then exploded as it hit the ground.
"I thought you said it was a burner phone," Akeno said to Nezumi. "That looked more like a blast phone."
"It doesn't literally have to burn," Nezumi replied. "It's just a phrase used to describe a disposable phone."
Rias stared at the burning remains of the phone, then looked at Hachiman.
"Whoever this person is, they really hate you."
Hachiman sighed. "Is that a fact now?"
He soon heard his phone buzz and took it out, growing a wide grin as he looked at the message on the screen.
"What's that look for?" Koneko asked with a narrowed gaze. "It's creepy."
"I just got some good news, is all," Hachiman said. "With that in mind, let's go to my house. I've got something to show you."
Rias and her group were surprised to see that Hachiman's house was relatively big. Not to mention that it was on the highest point in the whole town.
"His parents must be well off to afford a place like this," Kiba commented.
"I can only imagine," Akeno said.
Hachiman unlocked the door and opened it, walking in with Nezumi following suit.
"You can come in," he said. "Leave your shoes at the door and reattach your lower jaws as you do."
Koneko narrowed her eyes at the remark. "I ought to reattach your lower jaw to your butt after I rip it off."
"Now, now, Koneko," Rias chided lightly while patting the girl's head. "We are guests here. We should make an effort to be more polite."
"Tell that to tall, dark and snarky over there," Koneko replied as they walked in.
The living room was large with a few couches and chairs, and was connected to the dining room and kitchen.
"I take it your parents are overseas?" Kiba asked.
"Pretty much," Hachiman said, taking out a can of coffee from the fridge. "Does anyone want anything?"
"Thank you offering, but I am fine," Rias replied.
"As am I," Akeno added.
"I think I can manage," Kiba cut in.
Koneko let out a dismissive grunt.
"Your loss," Nezumi said, taking out a slice of cheesecake.
They walked into the living room and immediately heard a flurry of light footsteps.
"Ah, there she is," Hachiman said wistfully.
Komachi immediately came into view and leaped up into the air… right into Rias' arms.
"Miss Rias!" she cheered. "I knew I heard you!"
Rias chuckled as she patted the girl's head. "It's nice to see you again, Komachi."
Hachiman was surprised. "Again? You two know each other?"
Komachi nodded enthusiastically. "Miss Rias helps me out with my homework when I ask her. She's really smart and beautiful."
Rias blushed lightly. "Oh, Komachi, you're too kind."
Koneko walked to her. "You're Hachiman's sister?"
"Yep-yep!" Komachi replied. "And you must be Koneko."
Koneko nodded, and got a hug for her troubles.
"You look so adorable!" Komachi cooed. "You're like a little cat."
Koneko immediately blushed at the compliment and the hug.
"Well, you're certainly adorable yourself, Komachi," Akeno said.
Komachi broke off the hug and went over to the dark-haired beauty to hug her.
"Miss Akeno! You're as lovely as Miss Rias said you were!"
Akeno's giggled softly at the compliment. "How sweet of you to say that."
The next one on the girl's hugging list was Kiba.
"And you, Mr. Kiba! You're more handsome than I imagined."
Kiba chuckled. "Is that so?"
Hachiman narrowed his eyes, feeling a little envious. "How come you never show me that level of affection? I'm your brother, for God's sake."
"I can show as much affection as I want," Komachi replied. "You just haven't earned enough of it."
Hachiman blinked. "…What?"
"Okay, okay, we should probably get down to business," Rias said. "Komachi, why don't you take us to where you and your brother do your work."
"Can do!" Komachi cheered, walking down the hall with the others following her. They were lead to a door and Komachi opened it, turning on the lights as she went down the stairs.
"Try to keep your lower jaws attached this time," Nezumi joked as he decended the stairs.
"Worry about your own lower jaw when I eventually pull it off," Koneko warned.
Everyone went down the stairs. When they finally made it to the bottom, Rias' group widened their eyes in amazement.
What they assumed to be a basement was actually a relatively large hideout, complete with a holographic map of Kuoh, a skeleton of large dragon, mannequins wearing various armors, displays of various weapons on the walls, a training ring and a small garage that a white and blue motorcycle.
"Ladies and gentleman," Hachiman said. "I welcome you… to the Hunter's Den."
The quartet walked around the area, amazed at what they witnessed.
"So this is where the Kamen Rider does his work," Kiba said. "It's most impressive."
"I'll say," Akeno said, viewing the armors. "It must've cost a fortune to build a place like this."
Koneko circled around the training ring. "It's not bad."
Rias walked over to the map. "This must be where you get notifactions on where the monsters will attack."
"Yeah, but Komachi does most of the work on that front," Hachiman admitted. "Plus, it's linked to her phone, so in case she's not actually here, she can send me the information and I can get there immediately."
Rias hummed in thought. "That sounds quite convenient. It almost sounds similar to what we do."
"Similar to what you do?" Hachiman asked. "What does that mean?"
Rias smiled. "You'll know in dear time."
Hachiman sighed. "You're a woman of many mysteries, Rias Gremory. I wonder if my heart can take it."
Nezumi cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention.
"I found something that you all should look at."
They gathered around him, seeing a video on the screen. It was black and white and featured a group of people in hazmat suits surrounding a large spider-like monster that was contained in a pod.
"That's… a Nerscylla," Hachiman said with widened eyes.
"Is that what those monsters we fought yesterday resembled?" Rias asked in shock.
"The limbs and coloration appear familiar," Akeno replied in the same tone. "It would be reasonable to say so."
Kiba stared at the video with a dark expression. It was if something about it triggered some bad memories he'd rather forget.
"What are they going to do to that poor Nerscylla?" Komachi asked.
"Something terrible," Hachiman replied.
One of the men walked up to the pod where monster was held.
"Begin the experiment," he ordered.
Two of the men began typing on a large keyboard, causing the machinery to rumble. A large disk was above the creature, then began to gather energy.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Akeno whispered.
"That makes two of us," Koneko replied.
Kiba continued to watch in silent revulsion.
The disk soon fired a beam at the Nerscylla, causing it to howl in pain. What followed was even more horrible. The monster's shape and form began to change drastically: four of its legs retreated into its body, and the remaining legs turned into human arms and legs with toes and fingers, making the monster appear humanoid. When the process was finished, the dome surrounding the monster lifted and the lead scientist approached it.
"Another success," he said, tagging the monster. "We are making great progress."
"Shall we continue at this pace, sir?" another scientist asked. "The Barroth was a rough process, but thanks to that experience, we now know what to do."
"But of course," the leader replied enthusiastically. "All of this is for the greater good. We need to continue and improve our research."
The video soon ended at that point. Everyone who was present had varied reactions, but they all had the same thought.
"This is beyond distrubing," Rias breathed out.
Akeno's expression was a mix of disgust and horror. "This is how the monsters are created?"
"How horrible," Kiba seethed, breaking his silence.
"Gross is what I would call it," Koneko said blankly, though her look didn't match her tone.
Hachiman, however, let out a sigh, then turned to Nezumi. "I take it you found this when you looked into that tag I brought."
"It took a while for me to crack the code, but after an hour, I mangaged to do it," Nezumi said. "Although… I'll admit, this was beyond anything I expected.
"Do you know where the video came from?" Rias asked in a serious tone.
Nezumi shook his head. "I tried that, but couldn't get any further. Whoever made those monsters did well to cover their tracks."
"Then we'll just have to uncover them," Hachiman declared with a clenched fist. "Even if we have to go through every monster they throw at us."
Suddenly, the alarm rang out and a screen appeared over the map, revealing a steel mill.
"Ask and you shall receive," Komachi said. "There's a monster sighed at the steel mill."
Hachiman narrowed his eyes as he put on the Hunter Driver.
"Looks like we'll get some answers soon," he said, putting Rathalos' amulet into the slot.
"Spirit Locked!"
He did the pose as usual, and the red tattoos appeared on his body while his eyes glowed blue.
"Henshin!"
He pressed the buttons on the driver, and was in his base armor.
"Spirit Form: Rathalos!"
Hunter got on his bike and started it up. The door in front of his slowly opened.
"I'll meet you all at the mill," he said, driving off.
Rias let out a sigh before turning towards her group.
"We should do the same," she said with authority.
They all nodded, but Komachi looked very confused.
"How are you going to catch up with my brother?" she asked. "I didn't see you come on bikes."
Rias smiled. "No need to worry about that. We won't be needing them."
Before Komachi could question further, Rias and her peers unfolded their wings, then flew away, much to her amazement.
"Wow…"
"Yeah," Nezumi said. "That was my reaction when I saw them."
Hunter didn't bother to slow down on the bike. That monster was going to cause a lot of damage if he didn't get there in time.
"May the Sapphire Star guide me to my destination and aid me in hunting my prey."
With that prayer, he increased the acceleration on his bike and sped down the road. It didn't take long for him to reach the destination, but when he arrived, he saw an unusual sight.
Another person wearing black and red armor stood among the flaming background and held a Monster Amulet in his right hand.
"Hey," Hunter called out. "What do you have there?"
The armored man turned towards him, casually tossing the amulet up and down. "I have a very valuable Monster Amulet. I fought tooth and nail for this bad boy."
"Dare I ask what monster it was?" Hunter asked.
The figured chuckled dryly. "I would tell you, but I doubt you would believe me."
Hunter got up from the bike and walked towards the figure. "Try me."
The figure was silent before giving his response.
"This amulet came from… a Glavenus."
Hunter's eyes widen behind his helmet. "One of the Fated Four? There's no way."
"Oh, there was a way," the figure said. "It was simply a matter of exploiting its weakness."
Hunter stared at the figure in shock. "Clearly, you're a hunter, but I don't recognize your voice. And judging from your armor, you must've slain a Nargacuga a while back."
"Well, well," the figure replied sarcastically. "Someone's been doing their homework."
"It comes with the territory," Hunter replied with a cold tone. "Now answer me this: who the hell are you?"
The figure stared at Hunter for a few seconds, not making any movements. Then, he quickly pocket the amulet.
"Who am I? I'm the man who's going to defeat you."
With that, the figure charged at Hunter delivering quick punches and kicks. Hunter retaliated in return and released a string of strikes of his own. The two appeared to be evenly matched and showed no signs of slowing down.
"You're good," Hunter complimented his adversary. "I'll give you that. But I should let you know…"
He performed a sweep kick, and his opponent jumped, but he anticipated that and performed a straight kick to his chest, sending him stumbling back.
"I don't exactly fight clean."
The figure regained his footing and dusted himself off. "Yeah, I can see that. I'm a dirty fighter myself."
He pressed buttons on his own Driver, which appeared similar to Hunter's and two daggers appeared in his hands. Now armed, he proceeded to attack Hunter and deliver multiple strikes towards him, giving the latter no time to equip himself.
"Man, you're a real prick, not letting me get my weapon," Hunter grunted after getting hit.
"Like I said," the figure replied. "I'm a dirty fighter myself."
Hunter received another slice, directed his head, but luckily, his helmet protected him. The figure prepared to slice him again, but was interrupted by a bolt of lightning.
"What the- I thought the forecast said there would be no chance of lightning today!"
"You know, forecasts are nothing more than predictions," a sultry voice called out. "You can't believe everything you hear on TV."
The figure looked up to see Rias and co. descend from the air, landing next to Hunter.
"Looks like the cavalry is here," Hunter said.
"Where is the monster, Hunter?" Rias asked. "I don't see it anywhere."
Hunter pointed towards the figure. "That joker over there is the reason why it's not anywhere. He beat us to it."
Kiba drew his sword and glared at the figure. "Taking another hunter's prey? How shameless."
The figure scoffed. "Shameless? Haven't you heard the phrase 'first come, first serve'? Don't get mad because you lot were too slow to get here."
Koneko cracked her knuckles. "Hey, Hunter. I know you got here first, put this guy is starting to piss me off. Mind if I have a crack at him?"
"I would like to join in as well," Kiba interjected. "There is nothing more unconscionable than eliminating a quarry that was not theirs to eliminate."
"Hey, don't let me stop you," Hunter said with a shrug. "Though we shouldn't underestimate him just because we outnumber him. He's liable to pull some fast ones if we're not careful."
"Is that so," Akeno said with a sadistic grin as lightning gathered in her hands. "Then let's see how he likes these fast ones!"
She shot multiple bolts of lightning at the figure, but he effortlessly dodged them. Kiba took the initiative and swung at him, blades clashing.
"Hmm. Your swordwork is quite remarkable," the figure complimented as he parryed multiple strikes.
"I would appreciate your compliment," Kiba said. "But you've given my companion a bit of trouble recently."
The figure scoffed. "Really, now? In that case, allow me to recompense that transgression after dealing with you."
He locked blades with Kiba once more, only to kick the latter in his shin, causing him to lose balance and fall. He raised his daggers to deliver the final blow, but quickly brought them to his chest to guard against Koneko's punch, which sent him back a few meters upon impact.
"Wow," he said. "You pack quite the punch for a half-pint."
"Just wait 'till I get serious," Koneko deadpanned. "You'll be eating through a straw when I'm done with you."
The figure actually laughed at that. "Man, this kitten's got some claws! I'm going to have fun removing them one by one."
Koneko swung at the figure, but did more dodging, not wanting to get cut by the daggers. He prepared to stab her, but she jumped out of the way.
"What the hell…?"
"Hey! Eyes front, you damn poacher!"
The figure looked forward and was too late to stop Hunter, who struck him hard in the face with his shield, causing him to fall his back.
"Ugh… damn it."
He tried to get up, but was stopped by Kiba pointing a sword at his throat.
"I wouldn't if I were you," he said in a deadly tone.
He was joined by Hunter, Koneko and Akeno, the latter of whom was smiling with deadly intent. Rias soon joined them, glaring at the offender.
"I have some questions for you," she said.
"Lay it on me," the figure said. "I'm not really in any position to refuse."
Rias narrowed her eyes at him. "Who do you work for?"
"A very powerful group," the figure replied. "One who's paying me a lot of cash to eliminate the monsters that pop up in this town."
"And how would you react if your employer was the one responsible for releasing the monsters?" Rias asked. "That make you a cleaner of sorts."
The figure shrugged. "Doesn't matter if I'm their personal janitor. As long as I get paid, I'm good."
Hunter knelt down and glared at the figure. "There are people in danger because of these monsters and all you care about is how many zeroes are on your paycheck? How low can you sink?"
"Oh, I can sink pretty low," the figure said. "Speaking of…"
He got up and performed a whirlwind kick, knocking everyone back.
"I let you hit me there," he said. "I wanted to get taste of what you were made of, especially you, Hunter." He clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction. "Gotta say, I expected more from you and the Gremory Peerage."
Rias and her group were visably shaken from the man's announcement.
"Maybe next time you'll provide a better challenge next time we meet," he said. "You know, if there is a next time."
He gathered shadows around himself, then disappeared. Hunter pressed the buttons on his driver, dissolving his transformation. He was clearly processing the information the figure delivered, especially at the end.
"Hachiman," Rias said.
"Yeah?" he replied.
Rias gave him a serious look. "Do you mind if we talked for a bit?"
Hachiman's expression matched her own. "Sure. I've got time."
KS: Well, Hunter has met a potential enemy who drops a bomb regarding his new allies. How will he react? How will this affect his relationship with them? And who was that mystery Rider with the Nargacuga armor? All will be revealed in time. Now, on with the preview.
Next time on Kamen Rider Hunter...
History Uncovered
Hachiman: This is a lot to take in.
Rias: Believe me, we haven't gotten to the half of it.
Decisions Made
Hachiman: I'm going to train you all in monster hunting.
Gremory Peerage: Huh?!
Guards Dropped
Yuma: Would you... die for me?
Issei: Huh?
Hachiman: NO!
Chapter 5: Brass Tacks