Well, I plan to continue with this story for a while, but things may change. In this chapter, Gene Starwind finally meets the threat. But is this threat really the most dangerous force in play? I hope you enjoy.

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Gene slowly made his way through the tall grass towards the strange man, sweat beading on his face. "How can this be?" He kept thinking as he approached. "It was only a dream. but I thought it seemed real. No, this can't be happening! It's all too weird!"

When Gene was within a few feet of the man, the man glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, not turning around from his position staring out across the fields, away from Gene. Suddenly, the man turned to face Gene, sizing him up with cold eyes. "So you've come," he said in a deep, matter-of-fact voice.

"Who are you?" Gene demanded, slightly nervous. The man made him very nervous. "And why . how. what do you want from me? Why are you messing with my mind?"

The man smiled, his trenchcoat rippling in the wind. "You ask many questions, perhaps too many. I am called Seth Furngollse. As for your other questions, you will find out soon enough."

Gene scowled. "But how-?" He began.

Seth interrupted him. "I know much about you, Gene Starwind. More than you would expect, certainly." Gene let his hand run across the Caster at his side. This man was making him increasingly unsettled.

"I don't understand. why have you come here? What do you want with me?"

"Told you, you will find out soon enough. All in good time."

"You have no right. answer me, damnit!" Gene yelled, his voice echoing eerily around the fields.

The other man's expression did not change. "No need for that," He replied. "You will have all of the answers soon enough."

Gene trembled slightly with rage. This man was really pissing him off. Struggling to control his temper, he asked through gritted teeth, "All right, then. Why did you ask me to come here?"

"The answer is very simple," Seth replied. "I have heard of the way you fight Hazanko and the Anten 7, and I wanted to meet you myself. You seem to be a good challenge, Gene, and I am always up for a challenge."

"So you want to fight me?" Gene asked incredulously.

"Not just you," Seth said, and he jerked his head slightly in the direction of the city. "Your entire crew."

Gene smiled to himself. This man was either an idiot, very brave, or overconfident. "By yourself?" He asked doubtingly.

"Yes. That just makes it all the more fun then, doesn't it?" Seth smiled again, a slightly wicked, slightly adventurous smile.

Gene removed his Caster from his side. Yup, this Seth was an idiot. "Well then, do you want to fight me now, outlaw?" Gene kept his Caster in plain sight.

"Why, no," Seth replied, reaching into his trenchcoat and pulling out a gun to display his weaponry as well. "I want to wait until you and your crew are together."

Gene simply gaped at the man's statement. How could anyone be so crazy? After a moment, though, curiosity replaced his shock, and his eyes strayed to the weapon in Seth's hand. "What kind of gun is that?" He asked.

It looked almost exactly like his Caster, except that it was a blue- green color and slightly longer. It also had some strange, blade-like object protruding forward under the barrel. Seth grinned. "This is called a Zweishalten. It is a more advanced version of your Caster. I suppose no one around here has heard of it, yet."

Gene scowled again. So the man had him outclassed in terms of firepower. He could still take him down. He put the Caster back at his belt. "So, when should I meet you again? You do want to duel." The last part was almost a question.

Seth twirled the Zweishalten casually before shoving it back inside his trenchcoat. "Don't worry, my friend. I shall find you. But for now, good day." With that, he turned around and walked off through the knee-high grass.

Gene shook his head in confusion before turning back to return to the city. This was all too weird.

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Melfina and Suzuka gave a start as the front door opened and Gene entered. Suzuka raised an eyebrow as he sat down at the table where they were drinking green tea.

"Where have you been, may I ask?" She inquired in that smooth tone of hers.

Gene groaned. "Just somewhere attempting to solve a mystery, that's all."

"I see." Suzuka replied.

"I'm going to bed. See ya in the morning," Gene slurred, yawning.

After Gene had shuffled out of the room, Melfina spoke. "Why do you suppose Gene has been sleeping so much lately?"

"Well, it does not seem to unusual for him. I would not worry about it."

"Mmmm." Melfina replied, taking a sip of her tea and staring at the hallway.

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Gene slumped down onto his bed, not bothering to remove his cloak. He had no idea why he kept wanting to go to bed; the dreams would only plague him again. Oh well, he thought. They were only dreams. But they were so vivid and troubling, as if they had actually happened. Despite his fears, Gene did not dwell on the idea for long. Soon he drifted slowly off to sleep.

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I hope everyone still likes this. As long as you like it, I will write more.