Chapter 26: Enter the Demon Castle
I looked around at the large meeting room inside the Hunters Association branch building in Tokyo. The table in front of me was long and made of all-natural oak wood. The rest of the room's occupants sat on fairly expansive leather chairs, which, to me, were very comfortable. The far right wall was made of glass, allowing plenty of natural light into the room.
On my left and right were Shiho and Ann. They looked uncomfortable and mainly remained silent on our way here. Beside each of them sat Haruno and Shizuka; they had relaxed, composed expressions as they looked forward to the rest of the room's occupants.
On the other side of the table was Satoshi Kamoshida. The older brother of Suguru Kamoshida, the man I almost killed in a fit of rage. Behind him were three men in black and white suits with sunglasses over their eyes. They were holding on to large silver suitcases as they stood at attention.
I had run through several scenarios of my eventual meeting with the man before me. Many of them ended in us fighting a gruesome death match for what I had done to Suguru, especially after reading up on everything available about the man.
Satoshi was a well-known and disliked man in Japan for abandoning the country in its time of need. During the growing Gate phenomenon, Japan had the fewest growing awakened humans compared to the rest of the world. With this came great difficulties in defeating and closing the Gates before a break could occur. But with so few of us to go around, dungeon breaks were more common.
This brought me back to the break in Kyoto a while back. That resulted in Kyoto being under siege for a long time; hundreds died, and the amount of damage done to the city was tragic. If only Satoshi had remained in the country, Japan would have had another powerful hunter to prevent the disaster. This caused the country to dislike the man, bordering on hate strongly. The prime minister even revoked his citizenship due to the betrayal.
Going further back than that, I found out that Satoshi used to be a violent young man. He'd go out of his way to start fights for any reason. Which resulted in him being kicked out of every orphanage he was moved into. It was quite the contrast to his arguably successful younger brother, Suguru. I had set my expectations of the man then and there. So you can imagine my shock when, instead of a violent man who wanted to squash me for what I did, I found a well-mannered and respectable man.
"I deeply apologize for my brother's horrible actions towards you."
After Satoshi introduced himself to us in front of the school, he immediately apologized to Shiho, Ann, and myself with a bow. I was utterly stupefied by his apology and stood in stunned silence. I looked over to Shiho and Ann. They were also confused by the turn of events. From there, Satoshi asked us if we could join him for a brief meeting so he could have a chance to speak to us. I was initially apprehensive, but Haruno and Shizuka offered to join us at the meeting. Komachi was currently waiting in a nearby waiting room for me to finish.
"Thank you all for agreeing to this meeting." Satoshi said humbly. "I will keep this brief. I'm certain you all are tired from your trip."
I looked over to Haruno and saw her shrug. I sighed and concluded that being an S-Rank while being part of one of the strongest Guilds in the world came with perks and privileges to specific information.
"I know that nothing I can say will ever make what my brother did to you any better. I know that asking you three for forgiveness is a fool's goal, considering his actions and crimes towards you. So I hope you will accept these as a sign of my sincere desire to make things right." Satoshi said and motioned towards the three men behind them. They nodded and set down the briefcases in front of Shiho, Ann, and me. They clicked them open, and stacks upon stacks of money were presented to us. Wow.
"In each case is one hundred and fifty million yen. If you desire more, ask, and I will do so. Please accept this as my way of showing how deeply sorry I am." Satoshi bowed his head slightly.
I looked over at Ann and Shiho. They had unsure looks on their faces. Finally, Shiho laid a hand on her case and closed it gently. She then slid it over to Satoshi with a small smile.
"I accept your apology, Mr. Kamo… Mr. Satoshi." Shiho said, struggling to say Satoshi's last name. He didn't take offense to it and nodded. "But I can't accept this money. If I do, it'll be like saying what happened to me can be washed away. At least, that's what I feel."
Ann nodded and slid her own briefcase to Satoshi. "Shiho's right. I also accept your apology, but I'll never forgive that man for what he did. So I can't accept this either."
I smiled at them and slid my case back as well. "We appreciate your sincere effort to apologize for your brother. But it wouldn't sit right with me to take this. I hope this doesn't offend you."
Satoshi looked at the three closed briefcases in stunned silence. It didn't last long as a small smile grew on his face. "I see, very well then. However, should the three of you ever require anything? Don't be afraid to reach out to me. I still feel like I owe you all a debt."
We nodded and began to leave. But before I could fully stand, Satoshi asked if he could speak to me further. I nodded and said my goodbyes to Shiho and Ann. Two Surveillance team members agreed to give them a ride home at Haruno's request.
"It's hard to believe you've changed so much, Kamoshida." Haruno said as she crossed her arms. "It's as if I'm talking to a new person. It's a little hard to believe."
"Yes, I can imagine. I've worked hard to improve and change myself." Satoshi said with a proud smile. "I've also had a great Mentor."
Satoshi turned to me and smiled. "Now, as to what I wanted to speak to you about. I saw the news about the Red Gate Incident a few weeks ago. I've had my suspicions about your true strength for a while now, Hikigaya. And seeing your name on the list of survivors had only confirmed them. You have had a double awakening, haven't you?"
I saw both Haruno and Shizuka stiffen in their chairs. Their eyes narrowed slightly as they leaned forward.
"That's quite the assumption." Shizuka said as she peered at Satoshi. Haruno frowned and leaned on the table.
"Perhaps it is, but I believe I am correct." Satoshi said as he leaned back on his chair. "Your name has been attached to several cases where your involvement would bring only questions. I'm certain I'm not the only one who's begun to put the pieces together that you're no longer an E-Rank awakened human. No, you're much stronger than you let on."
"Perhaps I did have a double awakening." I admitted. "Why would that interest you?"
"It interests me and my Guild greatly. I want to extend an invitation to you to join the Scavengers Guild back in America. We're willing to offer you a fairly impressive contract depending on where you fall in power when they re-evaluate you. I believe that you now stand as an A-Rank, but if you're a S-Rank. The contract I have will only grow more substantial." Satoshi said as he slid over two documents to me.
I read them over and saw a salary I'd never thought imaginable in my young life. The first contract was for if I was an A-Rank, so when I saw the contract for if I was evaluated as an S-Rank. I felt my heart stop, and my eyes almost bug out of my eyes. That's a lot of zeros! Haruno stood up and placed a hand over the contracts, blocking my sight of them. She had an annoyed expression as she leaned in closer to me.
"Are you trying to poach one of Japan's upcoming Hunters?" Haruno said slowly with a scary grin. "You don't really think I'll just sit by and not do anything about that, now did you?"
"Of course not, Ms. Yukinoshita." Satoshi said and straightened his tie. He stood up and looked at Haruno with a kind but challenging smile. "I'm sure the Draw Sword Guild has already made an impressive offer to young Hikigaya here."
Haruno stiffed but nodded. "But of course! I have a pre-written contract already ready for Hikigaya once he turns eighteen! It'll make your contract seem like a pathetic piece of scrap paper." You have? Maybe I should check my mail.
"Hold on there!" Shizuka stood up and grabbed my right arm, pulling it into her chest. "Hikigaya is my protege! It's only natural he'll join my Guild!"
What is this? Are they actually fighting over me? Am I finally in my popular phase?! I looked back and forth as the adults in the room began to argue and bicker about who would offer me the best benefits and salary. We were utterly ignorant that someone had stopped by the door and started to listen in. At some point, Haruno grabbed my other arm and squished it between her breasts.
"Well then, I suggest we allow young Hikigaya to make his own decision." Satoshi said and turned to me. I felt the stares from the women beside me as I thought over what to do. But I don't even know if I want to join a guild in the first place! I can't exactly say that in this situation!
"Can I… think this over?" I said slowly, causing Satoshi to nod. Haruno and Shizuka let my arms go after a moment of hesitation. They nodded as well. With our business over, I bid everyone goodbye and received a card from Satoshi. Haruno and Shizuka said they would be sending me official offers and contracts from their respective Guilds.
I headed towards the waiting area and saw Komachi reading a magazine. She looked up at me and smiled. "All done?"
"Komachi. I've entered my popular phase."
"…huh?"
x x x
South Korea
"Damn… being a Guild Master is more trouble than it's worth. I'm exhausted."
S-Rank Hunter Yoonho Baek, Guild Master of one of South Korea's most famous Guilds. The White Tiger Guild said as he leaned back in his leather rolling chair. Yoonho was a muscular man with spiky orange hair, orange eyes, pronounced canine teeth, and neatly trimmed sideburns. He wore a black and white tux and black dress shoes.
Yoonho loosened his tie and closed his eyes. Before he could take a short nap, the phone on his desk began to ring. Yoonho groaned and turned to it. "I'll just let it go to voicemail."
"Sir, Hunter Byunggu Min would like to speak with you. What should I tell him?" Yoonhos receptionist spoke through the phone's intercom. Yoonho perked up and sat up straight.
"Byunggu? Put him through." Yoonho said. Byunggu Min was Yoonhos best friend and fellow former S-Rank Hunter. After the horrible failed raid on Jeju Island, Byunggu retired and pursued other career opportunities.
"Bro, why did you turn off your cell phone?" Byunggu said. His voice was slightly annoyed.
"I'm trying to catch a few Zs before my next meeting. I'm telling you, Byunggu. Being a Guild Master isn't all it's cracked up to be." Yoonho said and leaned back in his chair.
"Yoonho, I have some bad news. The Hunters Association in Japan secretly contacted me a few days ago. Things are becoming more serious than I expected, so I came to inspect things myself. I'm afraid the news will eventually be released and reach Korea." Byunggu said with a severe tone. Yoonho stood up straight and leaned on his table.
"Japan? What for?" Yoonho asked with a heavy sinking feeling.
"They said they needed advice from the Hunters who experienced the Jeju Island raids." Byunggu said slowly. Yoonho felt the hair on his body stand up straight.
"Tell me everything!" Yoonho roared.
"The S-Rank gate that spawned on Jeju Island half a year ago. As you know, our government gave up on the island after our three failed extermination missions failed. It's full of ants now. Both you and I were almost killed because of them…" Byunggu said, his voice became weak towards the end of his explanation.
"That's right. It was a nightmare I never want to experience again." Yoonho said as his hands began to shake. Sweat started to perspire on his brow.
"Yoonho… the ants have begun to mutate exponentially." Byunggu said.
"Mutate? Who cares?! Let those bastards fight each other on the island. It'll be fine if we leave them alone." Yoonho said with gritted teeth.
"The thing is… they can leave Jeju island. They can now fly across the ocean. A week ago, a single ant had reached one of Japan's outer islands and slaughtered dozens of people. It wasn't until several A-Rank Hunters took it down that the carnage finally stopped. At least sixty-seven people had died before that." Byunggu said with a hoarse voice. "Bro… these things are evolving!"
x x x
"Big bro? Are you leaving now?" Komachi said from her position on her bed. She was lying on her back with her head hanging off the end. She flipped over and looked at me with a frown.
"Yeah. I won't be home for a while, but Ryuji, Shouko, Ann, and Shiho have all agreed to visit you daily while I'm gone." I said as I swung a large backpack over my shoulder. "I'm sorry to have to leave, Komachi."
"No, it's okay." Komach whispered as she sat on her bed. I frowned and dropped my bag. I made my way over and sat beside her. I wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into my chest. Komachi wrapped her arms around my chest, and I rested my cheek on her head.
"I'll be back before you know it. So when I'm back, why don't you and I go on a shopping spree? How does that sound?" I said. Komachi slowly nodded her head and squeezed me tighter.
"Okay. I'll… miss you." Komachi pulled away and smiled warmly at me. There was a trace of fear in her eyes. I had told her I was heading off to another dungeon raid in Hokkaido, which would take around a week or two to complete. I hated lying to Komachi, but I couldn't tell her the truth about where I was going. I had vowed to tell her everything about the System and myself once I was on the level of an S-Rank hunter.
"I love you, big bro."
"I love you too, Komachi."
x x x
I landed on the rooftop of the Shibuya 109 building in a blur of speed. It was nighttime, and the bright city life was in full swing below. I ignored them and summoned the demon's castle key. A large, burning red portal exploded into life in front of me. I stepped inside and watched my world transform into a ruined wasteland. Waves of fire swallowed everything in sight.
"This is Tokyo? But a different version of it."
I said, looking around at the Hellish version of Tokyo. However, one building was not one I'd ever seen in the city before. It was wide and tall, reaching into the sky while flames danced back and forth around it. However, a gigantic three-headed monster rose from its position in front of the building. Its sheer size was easily as tall as a double-storied house.
[HELL'S GATEKEEPER CERBERUS ]
I summoned my arsenal of weapons around my body. I pulled back the string on my lion's great bow and leveled it in the large monster's roaring heads. I let go of the string repeatedly, and several arrows stabbed deeply into Cerberus's three pairs of eyes. It roared in pain and stomped blindly. I lifted a hand and snapped my fingers.
"Gravity bolt." I said, and a large purple lightning bolt crashed into the monster's giant body. The Cerberus roared as powerful bolts of electricity ran through its large body. I dashed around its body and rained dozens of arrows into its body. Each one hit with a powerful explosion, knocking back its body in every direction from my assault.
[HELL'S GATEKEEPER CERBERUS is using Skill: Wrath ]
[ Wrath will last for three minutes. In that time, Cerberus's stats will be doubled. ]
"Is that so? I suppose I should come at you twice as hard then!" I jumped into the air and shot several arrows in the air. Those arrows grew in size and multiplied thanks to the unique effect of the bow. They shot down like meteors and pierced through Cerberus's thick skin and flesh. Cerberus ignored its pain and swiped at me with its massive left paw. I spun around it and snapped my fingers at it once again. The air around us cracked as another bolt of lightning struck the gatekeeper.
I then dashed below it and unsheathed my katana. As I charged my next attack, the black blade glowed purple with electric sparks. I slashed throughout its body at lightning speed. Blood rained down on the ground with a wet splat. I ran up the monster's large body as it fell to its knees and pulled my daggers from my upper back. Using the dash and fatal strike skills in tandem, I sliced off each of the Cerberus's heads with a volley of sharp slices. The Cerberus fell onto the ground, dead. I looked down at it calmly and sheathed my daggers.
[ You have defeated [HELL'S GATEKEEPER CERBERUS ] ]
[ You have leveled up! ]
[ You have leveled up! ]
[ GATEKEEPER'S NECKLACE ]
[ TYPE: ACCESSORY ]
[ CLASS: A+ ]
[ +20 AGILITY ]
[ +20 SENSE ]
[ CASTLE DOOR KEY ]
[ TYPE: KEY ]
[ CLASS: A ]
[ This key unlocks the door to the Demon's Castle. You can acquire this only when you kill the gatekeeper. ]
I also acquired one of Cerberus's fangs alongside the castle door key. I then walked over and tried to add Cerberus to my shadow army.
[ (!) ALERT ]
[ Shadow Extraction can't be used on targets with contaminated mana, such as demons. ]
"Well, that's disappointing." I said with a sigh. So much for adding a legion of demons to my army.
With that added knowledge, I entered and headed to the giant castle doors. In front of me was a long, dark hallway with gargoyles sitting on several pillars that stood next to each other. Walking down the hall, I looked around and felt no traces of enemy energy. This must be a path to the dungeon field.
[ (!) ALERT ]
[ A new quest has arrived. ]
[ Collect Demon souls! (1) ]
[ The Demon's Castle is filled with demons. Defeat the demons and collect their souls to acquire special rewards. ]
[ Quest Cleor Requirement: ]
[ 10,000 demon souls ]
[ Rewards ]
[ Your choice of any 1 item from the Store]
[ +20 Ability Points ]
[ Mystery reward ]
"Now, these rewards are worth getting excited over!" I grinned excitedly and couldn't help but wonder which item or weapon I would choose.
There were things priced in the Store worth around ten billion gold. I can't imagine just how much stronger I'll become with a legendary weapon or item! But then, a sobering thought filled my greedy mind. If the rewards were as epic as they are, then the difficulty level beyond the doors in front of me must be equal or greater to them. I had to proceed thoughtfully and carefully. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the doors.
I looked around and saw that I was now in a large, ruined city like before, instead of Tokyo. It now resembled a Hellish version of New York City. Fire and destruction covered everything in sight; the tall buildings the city was well known for were up in flames like torches of fire.
"Collecting over ten thousand demon souls will be no easy or quick task. If I don't handle this efficiently, my two weeks here will be wasted." I said.
Legions of horrifying demons stepped out from within the fires into the hot, scorching air. Their appearances were just as depicted in most MMORPGs and popular media. Their glowing red eyes watched me hungry as their thick, tough skin went untouched by the fires around them. Large horns grew out several of their heads while a few scant of them had thick skeletal helmets over their heads. I looked up to see several dozen more demons jump out of the nearby building and land in front of their companions on the road.
[ You can obtain one soul per demon, but demons with multiple souls are in the upper floors. ]
"Sorry, but I'm going to have to farm you guys." I said. I pulled out my dual daggers, the ice dragon fang, and Barca's dagger. Barca's dagger has an added effect of weightlessness, so I should be able to do this!
I used my dash skill and blurred in and out next to each of the demons in front of me. As I passed each one of them, I tore into them and killed them with extreme ease. I slid to a stop and spun to see their bodies explode. They resembled blood-filled water balloons.
"That was way too easy."
[ You have defeated x34 low-grade demons. ]
[ +340 EXP ]
[ +34 demon souls ]
[ EXP required until next level up: 62,240 ]
"Oh? An EXP bar? How convenient, it's just like Minecraft." I grinned and turned to see even more demons approaching me. They growled and roared in defiance as I stride towards them. I couldn't help but feel giddy. While it was nice to relax during summer camp, I felt like I would die of boredom. Damn, I missed this!
x x x
[ ITEM: ENTRY PERMIT ]
[ TYPE: ? ]
[ CLASS: ? ]
[ A permit to enter the second floor of the Demon Castle. Usable in the floor movement magic circle on the first floor. ]
I slid my daggers into my back holster and looked around at the large piles of dead demons. There was even a large pile that resembled a small hill. The bodies leaned up onto the Empire State Building. These guys were D-Rank at best. They did give me a considerable amount of EXP, but as I grew in level. The harder it is to level up, which was no surprise to me as a veteran gamer.
When I stood before the Draw Sword Guild and Izumi Shiori members, I knew I barely stood within the front doors of being an S-Rank. I have to use my time here to become one. No, to surpass them! My summer vacation had just barely started, so I had plenty of time to grind away here until I cleared the castle. Otherwise, my inner gamer would be annoyed we didn't do everything possible while I was here. This was the prime time to boost my level by farming everything this place offered.
I turned and looked over where the Statue of Liberty should be. In its place was an enormous beaming ray of light that reached the heavens. It didn't take a genius to guess that was where this floor's magic circle was located. With my destination confirmed, I jumped off one of the tall buildings in the city's financial district and made my way there.