KS: Hey, I'm back. Did you miss me? I know I missed you. Got another chapter of Kamen Rider Hunter for you fine folk. I'm certain that it will be to your liking. Fair warning, this is where the canon story of DxD begins and diverges. There will be changes in the near future. That is all. Enjoy.

The mystery Rider leaned against a tree, twirling around Glavenus' Spirit Amulet in his hand.

"I got the amulet," he said. "I'll expect the usual payment."

"Of course," a voice said through his helmet. "Although, you should know that there will be a reduction based on your… mediocre performance."

The Rider stopped twirling the amulet when he heard that. "What do you mean 'mediocre'?"

"It was one thing to be bested by Hunter," the voice said. "But to have the Gremory Peerage make you turn tail like a spineless worm. Do you have no shame?"

"It's a little thing called 'know when to fold'," the Rider replied calmly. "I'm not going to get killed when I'm trying to make a buck."

"By that logic, I suppose you have no knowledge of another thing known as 'no risk, no reward'," the voice sneered back. "I don't give full payment those who act like they were born with now balls."

The Rider scoffed. "Whatever. Just send the funds to my account when you can."

"I will, but keep in mind about the deduction. Fool around the way you did again and it'll be even lower."

The call ended and the Rider kicked away a rock. "How is gauging my opponent's skills considered fooling around? I swear, employers these days are too damn uptight."

A young girl soon stepped from the shadows. She had dark blue hair, tanned skin and yellow eyes with slits. She wore a black cloak that covered her body and was barefoot.

"Shall we go, Master?" she said.

The Rider sighed as he got off the tree he was on. "Might as well."

The two walked off into the forest until they faded from sight.

(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 in his Rathalos form.

(This is a path I have to take) Shifts to Hunter in his Tobi-Kadachi form, attacking with his long sword.

(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 5: Brass Tacks

Hachiman and Nezumi were seated on a couch in the living room with Komachi sitting between them. Kiba sat in a chair to the left of the room, while Akeno and Koneko were seated in another couch across from them.

As for Rias, she was elsewhere.

"Remind me again why you let Rias use our shower," Hachiman asked his sister.

"I'm just being a good friend to Ms. Rias and repaying the kindness she's given me," Komachi said, poking her brother's side. "You ought to try it yourself sometime, brother."

"Hey, I'll have you know that I'm capable of helping others," Hachiman replied in offense.

"Not unless you put your heart into it," Nezumi cut in offhandedly.

Hachiman glared at him. "Shut it, Rat."

Akeno tittered at the duo bickering. "You two must be really close to fight like that."

"They sure are," Komachi chirped happily, bringing the two close together. "They're the bestest friends in the whole world."

"What are you, five?" Nezumi snarked, prompting Hachiman to smack him in the back of his head.

"Quiet, let her be adorable this once."

Nezumi shot him a dirty look, but kept quiet.

Soon enough, Rias walked into the living room, dressed in her uniform with a towel over her shoulder.

"Nice to see you finally join us," Hachiman said dryly.

"I was just taking my sweet time bathing," Rias said, walking over to where Akeno and Koneko were seated and sat down between them. "Thank you for allowing me to use your shower, Komachi."

Komachi grinned widely. "Anytime for you, Ms. Rias."

"Now that we're all gathered here, I suppose it's time we get down to brass tacks," the redhead said in a serious tone. "But first, are you comfortable with your sister being here for this conversation, Hachiman?"

"Hey, if she's old enough to analyze the flaming maw of a trapped Anjanath without being burned, she's more than capable of handling what you have to say," Hachiman replied with a dismissive wave. "Also, I doubt she's willing sit out of this one considering you and your posse exposed yourselves."

"To be fair, I would have stuck around even if you kept your wings hidden," Komachi said. "Which are pretty, in their own spooky way."

"Aw, thank you," Akeno cooed.

Nezumi cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. "If we're done getting sidetracked, can we get back to whatever it is Rias was about to say?"

Everyone turned to Rias, who began to speak.

"As you three now know, we are indeed devils. I am a pureblood devil, while Akeno, Kiba and Koneko are reincarnated devils."

The three humans tilted their heads in confusion.

"Reincarnated devils?" Komachi repeated in a questioning tone. "What's that?"

"They are people who have become devils through these," Rias answered, taking out a case from the inside of her uniform shirt, undoubtedly from her cleavage.

"Figures she'd use her chest as a drawer," Hachiman muttered.

Rias opened the case, revealing 16 chess pieces, all of them red with gold lining.

"These are called Evil Pieces," Rias explained. "These are what pureblood devils uses to gain new devil servants. These pieces also give powers to those who receive them." She gestured to Kiba. "For example, Kiba is a knight, and he has enhanced speed and mobility. Perfect for utilizing quick attacks."

"I'm certain of that," Hachiman said. "I've seen him hold his own against the horde of Nerscylla with his swordplay and footwork."

"I'm glad you approve," Kiba said with a smile.

Rias gestured to Koneko next. "Koneko is a rook, capable of strong offense and defense. Despite her size, she can strike down opponents who are much larger than her."

"Wow!" Komachi squealed with stars in her eyes. "Cute and powerful! The best combo anyone could ask for!"

Koneko turned away with a blush.

"And Akeno is my queen," Rias concluded, gesturing to the girl in question. "She is my right hand, and a combination of all the other pieces. You've seen her in action before."

"Yeah, nobody can shoot lightning better than her," Hachiman said.

"Oh, you flatterer," Akeno tittered with a flirtatious grin.

Hachiman turned to Rias. "Given the theme you've laid out, I guess that makes you the king, leading your troops into battle."

Rias smiled. "That is it in a nutshell."

"And the ORC is a cover for…" Hachiman blinked, realizing he had no clue what exactly they were doing.

"We hunt down stray devils," Rias said.

"Stray devils?" Nezumi replied. "Like, devils who've gone rogue?"

"Exactly," Kiba said. "They're the lowest of the low and cannot be reasoned with. Extermination is the only option."

Komachi nudged Hachiman. "Almost sounds like what we do, huh, brother?"

"We don't just exterminate monsters," Hachiman said. "We also capture them. Although, I doubt it's the case with stray devils."

"I'm afraid that is true," Rias said. "There is no reason to capture stray devils. Since we're on the subject, there are other races apart from devils."

Nezumi widened his eyes. "No kidding?"

"No kidding," Rias replied. "There are angels, who have been sent by God to eliminate us. Then there are fallen angels, who, as their title implies, have fallen from grace, but are still eager to fulfill His wishes. The three factions have warred with each other in times past."

"But there are still some bits of friction between each other," Hachiman said. "Do I have it figured out?"

"More or less," Rias said.

Hachiman let out a breath. "Gotta say, this is a lot to take in."

Rias gave him a serious look. "Believe me, we haven't gotten to the half of it."

"What, there's more?" Nezumi asked in shock.

"There is," Rias replied. "But we'll get to that another day. Now, how about you tell us about yourselves?"

"Fair enough," Hachiman said, standing up. "I'm from a long line of hunters. Not just any ordinary hunters, mind you. We're monster hunters."

"I take it you hunt those beasts we've encountered before," Kiba said.

"Yeah, but they weren't mutated," Hachiman replied. "They existed in parts of the world that haven't been recorded on any map or atlas. And the Hunter's Guild has made sure of that for centuries."

"This guild sounds very powerful and influential to keep such a monumental secret for so long," Akeno said with interest.

"It's the guild's belief that if any of the monsters were discovered by foreign powers, they may use or even replicate their abilities as weapons of mass destruction, provoking another war," Komachi explained. "They go to great lengths to make sure nobody outside of the guild knows about them."

"Of course, the hunters are there to find these fantastic creatures and hunt them," Hachiman cut in. "We even use their remains as weapons and armor."

"That sounds incredible," Kiba said. "What kind of monsters did you encounter?"

Hachiman looked at Komachi, who nodded. He then turned towards the ORC.

"I'll tell you all about the monsters we've encountered," he started. "But this information will come at a very steep price."

"How steep is it?" Rias asked.

Hachiman chuckled, then gave his a sadistic expression. "I'm going to train you all in monster hunting."

Silence filled the room for exactly ten seconds, until the ORC finally sounded off.

"Huh?!"

Before anyone of them realized it, the ORC were out in the backyard, sitting at desks with notebooks, textbooks and pencils in front of them, facing a blackboard.

"What's going on?" Rias asked.

"I… I think we're going to learn the basics of monster hunting," Kiba replied in a perplexed tone.

"My goodness," Akeno said with a smile. "This should be quite interesting."

Koneko remained silent, as if she was indifferent to what was happening.

Komachi soon walked up in front of the blackboard, wearing glasses and holding a pointer in her hand.

"Welcome to Monster Hunting 101," she said. "Here, you will learn all there is to know about the complex and difficult profession of the Monster Hunters. To start this off, I will teach you some the different classes of monsters you will encounter."

She picked up a piece of chalk and wrote a picture of a bird-like monster. "This is a known as a Bird Wyvern. As the title implies, it is a wyvern that bears the features of birds, such as beaks and talons. Some of them have wings and some do not. These types of monsters a not a big threat, but underestimating them is ill-advised for any rookie hunter." She drew another picture of a slightly large monster with large wings and a spiked tail. "This is a Fanged Wyvern. This class of monster is treated with fair amounts of caution among beginner and veteran hunters. Known for their mastery of flight, they a menace to be reckoned with and can mean the end of those who are unprepared to deal with it. This type of monster is possibly the most common among others." The next picture she drew was of a much bulkier monster. "Brute Wyverns are are more adapted to land. Believe me when I say that these monsters can take a hit as much as they can give one. Their hind limbs are very strong, allowing them to get to places with no problems." The final picture was a monster with a beast-like appearance. "And this is a Fanged Wyvern. These monsters bear a great resemblance to actual animals, such as wolves or reptiles. They're quite vicious and wouldn't hesitate to rip you into shreds."

After that, Rias raised her hand, getting Komachi's attention.

"Yes, Ms. Gremory?"

Rias was taken aback from how formal Komachi spoke to her, but let it slide for the time being. "I have noticed that you have listed four classes of monsters. I take it that we are to learn about these types, their weaknesses, strengths and so on before moving on to more classes?"

"Exactly," Komachi said. "My brother has granted me the task of teaching you the kinds of monsters and what makes them tick. Once you have gained the appropriate amount knowledge of how to hunt them down. Now, on your desks are textbooks that discuss the different kinds of monsters, their preferred habitats and how to fight them. You'll have two weeks to learn about the four classes of monsters I have mentioned today.

"Does that mean we have to work now?" Koneko asked in a tired tone.

Komachi stared at her for a brief moment, then walked to her desk. Then, she slammed the pointer on the desk, making Koneko jolt at attention.

"Try to pay attention," Komachi said in a serious tone. "This could mean life or death for you."

Koneko shivered from sheer intimidation, while the others stared in shock.

"Who knew Komachi had such a side to her," Rias said in surprise.

"Somehow, she makes Sona on her worst days look tame in comparison," Akeno mused.

"I guess that explains how Hachiman is always so frank with her," Kiba chuckled.

Komachi swiftly turned towards the three, making them jolt as well.

"Open your text books and take notes," she ordered.

They did as they were told. None of them expected a young girl to hold such ferocity.

"Bold move, having the ORC take lessons in monster hunting," Nezumi said as he and Hachiman sat outside in the school courtyard.

"It was more than necessary," Hachiman replied, drinking his canned coffee. "As powerful as they are, it's best they knew what they were dealing with and how to deal with. I can't always be there to bail them out."

"True, true," Nezumi said with a slight nod. "Still, I'm sure you know that this is going to add more work on our desk."

Hachiman sighed. "I'm aware of that. Speaking of, I'm worried about that poacher I fought yesterday."

"Are you talking about the Rider in the Nargacuga armor?" Nezumi asked.

"The very same," Hachiman replied. "I still can't wrap my head around the fact that he managed to take down one of the Fated Four." He sighed and buried his face in his hands. "Anyone who can eliminate a monster like that is someone we can't take lightly."

Nezumi let out a sigh of his own as he leaned back. "Sounds like somebody you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alleyway."

Both of them sat in silence, musing over the past event.

"Wow, what's got you two down?"

The two looked up to see Issei, grinning widely with his teeth shown.

"…Hachiman," Nezumi said.

"I know," he replied. "This is not good."

Issei traded his grin for a confused look. "What?"

"What's the smile for, Hyodo?" Hachiman asked. "Did you commit a crime against humanity and not realize it?"

Issei was confused before, but now he was annoyed. "Come on! What the hell to you guys take me for?!"

"Are you really asking us that?" Nezumi asked in a dry tone.

Issei's eyebrow twitched momentarily, then he let out a sigh, and finally allowed the grin to return to his face. "I'll let it slide since I'm in a good mood today."

Hachiman stood up along with Nezumi. "And what, pray tell, is the cause of your good mood?"

Issei chuckled, the pumped his fist in the air. "I got a date!"

"Bullshit," the boys replied in unison with blank tones and expressions.

"Nope, absolutely none here, fellas," Issei said, taking out his phone presenting it to them. "Check it out."

They looked at the screen and saw a picture of a girl with long black hair, violet eyes and a large bust. She wore a school uniform that consisted of a dark red jacket with the letter "P" embroidered in gold, a white undershirt, a red bow, and a green skirt with a thin white strip around the lower end of it.

"Her name is Yuma Amano," Issei said. "And she is a total babe."

"What's the verdict, Nez?" Hachiman asked while staring at the picture.

"To early to tell," Nezumi replied while stroking his chin. "He could've gotten that off the net for all we know."

"I'm afraid that Issei speaks the truth."

"Yeah, I saw that girl fo' real, dawg."

They looked behind Issei and saw his friends, Matsuda and Motohama, who looked to be completely shocked.

"Can you confirm that the girl is indeed real?" Nezumi asked the two.

"As real as the ground we walk on," Motohama replied. Matsuda just nodded.

Hachiman and Nezumi look at each other in shock.

"Do you think Hell has frozen over?"

"Most likely."

Issei simply laughed. "Well, you two doubt me all you want. I'm on cloud nine today, baby!" He prepared to walk off, only for Hachiman to grab his shoulder.

"Hold on, Hyodo," he said.

Issei let out an annoyed sigh. "Look man, will you get off my jock about it? I just said that-"

"Make sure you treat her right, you hear?"

Issei widened his eyes, then turned around to meet Hachiman's expression. It looked indifferent as usual, but there was a hint of seriousness to it.

"A girl has more to her than a set of knockers. They live and breathe just like us men. They should treated like they were more important than life itself. Showing that kind of respect and admiration to a girl is one of the greatest feats a man can do." He let go of his shoulder and walked off. "Try not to undress her with your eyes."

Issei just stared at him as he walked off. Nezumi quickly followed him.

"Wow," Matsuda said. "Who knew Fish Boy could drop some knowledge like that?"

"And here I thought he was simply content with defying Ms. Shitori's authority," Motohama mused.

Issei continued to stand in silence.

The school day came to a close and most of the students were headed home, while others stuck around for club activities. Hachiman and Nezumi sat in the classroom to discuss things.

"Did you get a look at the club's homework?" Nezumi asked.

"Honestly, the results are varied," Hachiman replied. "Rias is focused and gets the point with no issue, as one would expect from a student of her caliber. Akeno cares more for the exotic parts and ignores most of the basics, but otherwise has a good understanding of the material. Kiba is straightforward, keeping his attention on the physical vulnerabilities of monsters but pays little attention to some of their elemental weaknesses. And Koneko just talks about beating the monster until it falls."

Nezumi chuckled. "Yeah, sounds like something she would say."

"I don't expect them to pick it up overnight, but I hope that they can learn something so that they are able to handle themselves in the future," Hachiman said with a sigh.

"I'm sure they'll handle it fine," Nezumi replied. "They seem very capable."

Soon enough, Ms. Yuki walked up to the two of them.

"Nezumi, could you help me some equipment for the AV club?" she said.

"What?" he said in bewilderment. "Why are you asking me for help? Can't you get Hachiman to do it?"

"Hey, I fulfilled my good deed quota for the day," Hachiman replied. "It's time you did the same with yours."

Nezumi shot him a dirty look. "You're a real dick sometimes, man."

"Now, now, no fighting, you two," Ms. Yuki chided lightly. "Nezumi, let Hachiman go for the day. I'm sure he has some things he needs to take care of."

"Actually, since you brought it up, I have to buy groceries," Hachiman replied, getting up from his desk and walking out of the room. "See you later."

Nezumi sighed. "Why I put up with him, I have no idea."

Ms. Yuki simply patted his back. "I know you two care for each other, despite your usual back and forths."

Despite himself, Nezumi allowed himself to smile. "I guess so."

Hachiman was at the local market, gathering groceries for him and his sister. Even though he had the face of a thug, the shopkeepers greeted him warmly, as he was a regular. He often got a discount because he treated them so kindly. After a few hours, he drove down the street on his motorcycle, carrying bags of various foods. He saw a red light up ahead and slowed down to a complete stop.

"I might not have the culinary mastery of some of the Feylines, but I can make something Komachi and I can sustain ourselves off of," he said.

He prepared to drive off when the light turned green, but he immediately saw a girl crossing the road. She looked just like the one in the picture Issei showed him.

"Hmm. I guess that girl was real after all," he mused. "I'm not sure what exactly she sees in Issei, but I won't knock it. I guess there are such things as miracles."

He said that, but he had a intense feeling of unease wash over him.

"Huh. Wonder what that's about? Oh well."

He drove down the road and back to his home to prepare his meal.

Komachi licked her lips as the sight of the meal laid out in front of her. A medium rare steak topped with herbs and mushrooms with a side of sweet potato fries and a glass of peach juice.

"Thank you for the food," she said happily as she ate her meal. Hachiman thought it was cute, seeing his little sister stuff her mouth with what he provided for her.

"How is it?" he asked.

Komachi swallowed and grinned widely. "It's great!" She ate some more. Hachiman did the same with his meal, which was the same as his sister's. After a while, they finished eating.

"How goes the class?" Hachiman asked.

"It's going alright," Komachi answered. "The ORC are picking up the basics, although there have been some rough patches."

Hachiman looked at her knowingly. "It's Koneko, isn't it?"

Komachi sighed. "I swear, there's no reasoning with her. Every paper she's given me, it's just about attacking the monster. At least with the others, they know how to deal with the different kinds of monsters."

"Give her a chance," Hachiman said. "It's only been one day. Crawl before walk and all that jazz."

"Fine," Komachi replied with a huff. "But she better improve or I'm pulling out the big guns."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Hachiman chuckled.

Sunday has arrived, meaning students can finally take a good break after a week of education. Some spent it hanging out at each others' homes, or hung out at the shopping center. But for two individuals, who were sitting on a bench, they had a very specific purpose in mind.

"Are we really doing this?" Nezumi asked, dressed in a green shirt, brown shorts and blue sneakers. "Do we really have to spy on Issei and his date?"

"I just want to see how things play out," Hachiman said, who wore a black hoodie, blue jeans and red sneakers. "For all we know, she's leading him on."

"I can understand that, but I feel like this is excessive," Nezumi sighed, eating a cheese puff. "If Issei is being led on, what's the point in us tailing them."

Hachiman sighed. "Look, as much as I dislike Issei and his… interests, I don't think he deserves to be punked in such a manner. It's the one thing I would not wish on my worst nemesis."

Nezumi gave him a pointed look. "Not even Sona?"

"She's an exception," Hachiman replied quickly.

Nezumi sighed, then noticed Issei and Yuma walking down the street.

"Targets sighted, nine o'clock."

Hachiman looked to the left to see the two walking together.

"Let's roll."

They followed the happy couple everywhere they went. They observed them going into a clothing store, where Yuma at Issei try out some clothes. She got herself a pink, frilly wristband which Issei liked.

"Seems normal so far," Nezumi said, casually looking through the window.

"The day is young, Rat, and so are we," Hachiman replied. "Let's keep it up."

Next, they followed the two into a café. While ordering root beer floats for themselves, they watched as Issei looked at Yuma cutely eating a parfait, while slightly looking at her cleavage, causing him to grow a perverted look.

"Typical," Hachiman said while shaking his head. "Can't go five minutes without being a pervert."

"Still, it's an achievement of sorts," Nezumi replied while sipping his float. "He survived a full minute."

The day soon came to a close and the sun began to set. Hachiman and Nezumi walked down the street, looking tired.

"Man, all that spying and nothing came out of it," Hachiman sighed.

"Looks like Yuma wasn't playing him," Nezumi mused.

Hachiman stretched and let out a yawn. "Well, I may not look it, but I'm happy for Issei. This is a turning point in his life."

Nezumi snorted. "If you say so." He looked to the right and saw Issei and Yuma near a fountain, where the latter stood a few feet away from him. "Speak of the devil."

Hachiman witnessed Yuma… and the unease grew stronger."

"Ugh…" He grabbed his chest.

"What?" Nezumi said in concern.

"I got a bad feeling for some reason," Hachiman said. "It happened yesterday when I saw her. I don't know why."

"Maybe there's a monster nearby," Nezumi replied.

Hachiman shook his head. "Not possible. Komachi said there were no sightings."

They continued to watch Yuma slowly make her way towards Issei.

"In honor of our first date, there's something I'd like you to do," she said as she got closer. "To commemorate this special moment."

Issei was over the moon when he heard her say that. "I'm gonna get to kiss her. I'm totally gonna get to kiss her! This rocks!"

While Issei's heart throbbed with anticipation, Hachiman's heart throbbed with trepidation.

"There's no monsters sighted around here… but I got the feeling when I saw that girl… can it be…?"

"Sure," Issei said. "You can ask me for anything at all."

Yuma had her eyes closed and her head bowed. Then, she opened them and with a sinister smile she asked: "Would you… die for me?"

Issei looked confused, as did Nezumi. Hachiman continued to watch as his heart beat faster.

"What'd you say?" he asked while digging into his ear. "Sorry, something must be wrong with my ears or something. Could you maybe say that one more time, please?"

Issei chuckled awkwardly, but Yuma got closer to him and leaned forward.

"I want you to die for me," she said in a sultry tone, followed by a sinister laugh.

The three boys' eyes widen in shock as Yuma suddenly sheds all of her clothing, her nude body become more voluptuous with developed curves and an enlarged bust. Her Black, strap-like objects formed around and under her breasts, a thong-like piece held around her hips by three thin straps, along with gloves that ran right up her arms with small lengths of chains hanging from them, shoulder guard-like objects on her shoulders with three large spikes sprouting from her right shoulder, and black thigh-high heel boots. But what was most surprising were the black wings she grew on her back.

Issei was beyond surprised as he fell down, unable to make out any words.

"Nez," Hachiman breathed out as he took out the Hunter Driver and put it on his waist. "Cover me."

Nezumi swallowed a nervous lump in his throat. "Gotcha."

Yuma smiled at the shocked Issei. "Well, I have to admit… I did have some fun today. Considering how naïve and childish you are, things could've been much, much worse." She looked at the bracelet on her arm, apparently unchanged during her transformation. "Thanks a lot for the gift, too. Very sweet, but even so…"

She extended her arm with her hand opened, a red light appearing. Hachiman immediately rushed into action, putting Rathalos' amulet into the driver.

"Spirit Locked!"

"Henshin!" he shouted, slamming the claws and feeling the monster's spirit envelop him.

Yuma formed a spear in her hand, preparing to strike Issei with it.

"Yuma, wait," Issei shuddered. "Please-"

"It's time to die!" Yuma said, thrusting the spear towards her target. Except…

"NO!"

Issei was suddenly tackled out of the attack range in a near second. Yuma's spear hit the ground, much to her frustration.

"What?!"

She looked towards the interloper, who had Issei in a protective embrace.

"Ugh… wha…?"

He slowly opened his eyes to see Hunter looking at him.

"H-Hunter?"

Hunter got up and turned to Yuma, staring her in the eyes. "You."

Yuma growled and summoned another spear, aiming it at Hunter. She thrusted the weapon, but he grabbed her wrist and kicked her in the face, knocking her back.

"You're going to pay for what you're about to do," he said in a low tone.

"Shut up," Yuma hissed. "You got in the way. I had it all planned out, and you just barge in and ruin everything."

"Well, it's a good thing I kept close watch," Hunter said, pressing the button on his driver and extending his right arm outward.

"Equip: Lance!"

A light was seen in his hand, transforming into a gray, iron lance. Hunter pointed the weapon at Yuma.

"Now… let's begin the hunt."

Yuma let out a battle cry as her spear clashed with Hunter's lance. The two appeared to be evenly matched with each other.

"What are you?!" Yuma roared as she felt another strike be parried. "You're not ordinary human!"

"That's right," Hunter said, knocking her back. "I'm the one defending this town from monsters like you. I am Kamen Rider Hunter."

Issei stared in absolute shock at the fight in front of him. The girl he went out with was clashing with the armored hero. There were so many emotions going through his mind that he couldn't keep track of them all.

Nezumi immediately, went to his side and picked him up. "Come on, Issei, it's not safe for you!"

"Y-Yuma…" Issei breathed out.

Nezumi sighed, then pinched a nerve on his neck, causing him to fall unconscious.

"One good thing she taught me," he muttered as he picked him up and got out of the battle zone.

"DIE!" Yuma shouted, summoning multiple spears and shooting them at Hunter. Much to her distain, he either dodged or deflected them with his lance.

"You're the one going down tonight," Hunter replied.

Yuma grinned wickedly. "Oh, is that right?"

She extended her wings and flew up into the air out of Hunter's reach.

"I'm flying, you scum!" she sneered. "How do you expect to reach me now?!"

"Simple," Hunter said, taking out Tobi-Kadachi's amulet and inserting it into the slot on the lance. "I don't have to. My weapon, on the other hand…"

"Spirit Enhancement!"

The lance was surrounded by electricity, glowing bright blue.

"You…" Yuma seethed as she dived towards Hunter. "I won't let you!"

Hunter scoffed. "A hunter always catches his prey."

He pressed a trigger on the lance, then aimed it at Yuma before striking her in the chest.

"Voltic Thrust: Tobi-Kadachi!"

The electricity went through Yuma's body, causing her to scream in agony as Hunter thrusted the lance forward, sending the winged assailant far away.

"DAMN YOU, HUNTERRRRRRRRR!" Yuma cursed as her voice became distant.

Hunter dispelled the lance and took out the amulet, losing his armor.

Nezumi walked up to him, carrying the unconscious Issei over his shoulder. "Hachiman… who was that?"

Hachiman looked up at the sky. "I don't know… but I get the feeling we've stepped into something we were never meant to step into."

Back to the dark room, the figure watched the fight through their monitor.

"To think, the fallen angels have made their move so early. Heh… this will surely make things more interesting."

A man wearing a labcoat walked into the room. "Sir, the next experiment was another success."

"Ah, more good news," the figure said in a jovial tone. "This day could not get any better."

"Shall we release it?" the man asked.

"No," the figure replied in a blunt tone. "Have it on standby. I have big plans for it." They leaned towards the monitor. "And we've got big plans for you as well… Hunter."

KS: It appears Hachiman has made yet another potential enemy, while masterminds behind the scenes plot their next move? What dastardly deeds will be put into action? What vicious monsters will emerge from the works. And most of all, when will Issei finally be able to grope some world-class boobs? So many questions, so little time. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter and the preview of the next one. I'll see you when I see you. Peace.

Next time on Kamen Rider Hunter...

Disturbing Information

Hachiman: You know why that fallen angel was targeting Issei?

Rias: You could say that.

Hachiman: Then why didn't you take measures to protect him?!

Additional Complications

Sona: This is the last time I'm putting up with your behavior.

Hachiman: Yeah, what are you gonna do about it?

Sona: How about academic probation?

Hachiman: Huh?

The Return of a Relentless Foe

Mystery Rider: Kept you waiting, huh?

Hunter: Too long, honestly.

Chapter 6: Out of the Frying Pan