Chapter 25 - Hunter and Hunted
Jin-Ho Kang stood motionless in the void-like chamber of his own creation, his mind a storm of thoughts. The moment he chose to step further into the light, he knew the world would push back. Now, the underworld had declared war on him, seeking out mercenaries, rogue hunters, and even government operatives to take him down.
[Host has been designated as a high-priority target. Estimated threat level to adversaries: Extreme.]
A slow smirk formed on Jin-Ho's lips. "Let's see what they've got."
---
The first attempt came that very night. A team of highly skilled operatives descended upon a supposed safe house Jin-Ho had been using. Armed with the latest anti-magic technology, they moved with precision, clearing rooms one by one.
"No signs of hostiles."
"Keep moving. He's here somewhere."
A flicker of darkness. A whisper of movement.
Then, chaos.
The first man fell without a sound, a shadowed claw piercing his throat. The second turned just in time to see Igris cutting through his armor like paper. Gunfire erupted, but their bullets passed harmlessly through the abyssal forms that danced through the shadows.
"Abort! Ab—"
The commander's voice was silenced as Beru materialized behind him, claws slicing effortlessly through his body armor.
In less than a minute, it was over. The squad, once highly trained killers, had become new additions to Jin-Ho's army.
---
Far away, in a dimly lit bunker, a figure watched the mission unfold through a grainy security feed. Their fingers tapped impatiently against the wooden desk.
"He's faster than we expected. Stronger. Smarter."
A voice from the darkness spoke. "Then we'll need to send someone who isn't disposable. Someone who knows how to kill monsters."
The figure nodded. "Deploy Phantom."
The room fell silent.
---
Jin-Ho stood atop a skyscraper, the city's lights glowing beneath him. He knew this was only the beginning. The world's strongest would come for him now, drawn like moths to the abyss.
He closed his eyes, inhaling the cold night air.
[Shadow Count: 592]
With each enemy that fell, he grew stronger. And soon, he would no longer be the hunted.
He would be the hunter.