The devourer of darkness

The forbidden knowledge

"Welcome" Hitoro said. Jinshi plastered a smile sitting "thank you sir" he said placing the paper bag he brought with him on the sofa.

"You have a visitor, your friend" Emiko reported, Ichiro wore a frown "I don't..."

"You do; he's downstairs" she said firmly. Ichiro shook his head "I don't have a friend..." "I'm inviting him upstairs" she said leaving "Emi..." She slammed the door shut.

Emiko returned afterwards with the 'visitor'. Who had his hands stuffed in his pockets and was more confident than anyone Ichiro had ever seen that was not Yuto. His looks gave Ichiro a sense of nostalgia

'this jealousy is too familiar' Ichiro thought his eyes scanning his visitor who was also very familiar but he had a hard time remembering where they met. 'or is it a second grade classmate?'

"I will leave you boys to do your thing" Emiko said shutting the door.

Ichiro scanned his visitor with guarded jealousy. He was that rare, effortless kind of handsome. With his lean build and long hair casually pushed back, all attention was drawn to his face. His fine, arched eyebrows perfectly framed and his intense hazel eyes that sparkled with a warm, magnetic charm.

"Who are you? Why are you here?!" Ichiro fired making the visitor scoff

"Relax, I am surprised you don't recognise me..."

"Why should I? And since when are we friends?" Ichiro just could not welcome this very familiar stranger

"I am Jinshi, a harvester with silver lining agency where you work" Jinshi said shrugging "and yes-yes" he nodded "I lied about us being friends, but we can become that eventually" he shrugged again

"I don't know you" Ichiro hissed. Jinshi rolled his eyes "well, I have a very recognisable face" he murmured. It was true, but Ichiro would not feed Jinshi's ego. He moped "sadly, I don't. . ."

"Do you treat Yuto like this behind the scenes? Because he does a lot to deserve this, yet here am I who have done nothing..."

"Get lost!" Ichiro barked, but Jinshi scoffed "no, I entered a bus all the way here. I can't waste my bus fare" he said looking away "I would refund you" Ichiro offered "of course, after joining the hunt today you must've received at least five red crystals" Jinshi said moping. Ichiro frowned confused. He remembered seeing Jinshi a lot now "you are literally everywhere" he said quietly. Jinshi's face contorted in disappointment, he was not everywhere... he nodded "I'll take that bus fare now" he said faking a smile "why?" Ichiro asked "nothing, buh-bye..." "You were at the mall the other day; 'mr push not pull' "

"Busted" Jinshi celebrated his loss "so no bus fare for you, you clearly live around here" Ichiro said nodding "ughh" Jinshi groaned turning back to the bed "you remember me now?" He asked Ichiro who nodded "I remember seeing you harvesting as well. So you are Jinshi?" He asked raising a brow "yeah, what?" Jinshi took his seat on the bed

"You are a thief, they say you take most of the crystals you harvest for yourself. Especially purple crystals"

Jinshi nudged a shoulder "well, and as you can see... I'm a fine young man and three blue crystals won't even do for my skincare" he said lightly. Ichiro widened his eyes, three blue crystals could last his family two weeks "you can't be serious" he said still in shock. Jinshi shrugged "how's your wound" he asked "fine" Ichiro replied "how was the fight?"

Ichiro plaited his fingers then sucked his teeth "I don't know, I passed out almost immediately" he muttered. Jinshi had a hysterical laugh "you are such a laze. . ." "I know, and I don't like that I am. I wish to get stronger... be better, but this is all a weak core gets me" lamented Ichiro

Jinshi agreed with him "that is true, it's one thing to not have a Hunter's core, and it's another to have a weak core" he muttered

"I really want to get stronger, but whenever I try; I get sick or injured -- and I'm tired"

"Mhmm" hummed Jinshi paying less attention to what Ichiro was saying

"I try my best, yunno..."

"Mhmm" "are you even listening to me?" "Mhm. . ." Ichiro stumped the bed with his right hand "hey!"

"Sorry-sorry" Jinshi apologised waving "it's just; complaints bore me. How can you go about complaining and not thinking of a solution?" Jinshi asked shaking his head. Ichiro was taken aback "what can I do?"

"That now is what I expected you to ask..." Jinshi said as he opened his hand, and an ancient looking book appeared out of nowhere. Ichiro let a gasp

"Am I the only one who can't do that?" He asked

"Read?" Jinshi asked back amiss "no, make things appear out of nowhere" Ichiro replied glancing at the book "oh this" Jinshi chuckled "anyone can do that as long as you purchase a vault" he said, Ichiro nodded even though he understood nothing "you own a vault?" He asked clearing his throat

"Well this 'vault' isn't a typical vault with metal and a spoke. It is an intangible vault built like a server, but instead of carrying files, it carries items according to the weight limit of the vault you purchase. I for instance purchased a vault with a three ton weight limit. I can put items in it until it reaches three tons" Jinshi explained "so once I get an item I want to keep in my vault, I study the item for its peculiar properties; like scent, colour, and size. Then I place it in my hand just like this" Jinshi placed the book on his palm "move like I'm shutting it in, and..." The book vanished. Ichiro's eyes widened in thrill, and Jinshi nodded.

"Bring it back" Ichiro requested

"Good. Now I simply have to remember the details of the object, open my hand and..." The book appeared "whoa" exclaimed Ichiro "spatial storage. So how much did you purchase your vault?" He asked curiously. Jinshi scoffed

"Vaults come in different weight limits. There are vaults much smaller than mine and a lot much bigger. But I bought mine for about three million yen..."

Ichiro was taken aback, he scratched his head disappointed in how broke he was yet someone spent money as vague as that "Jinshi-senpai, you are rich" he muttered his eyes wide in shock and self pity. Jinshi chuckled laying on his back "little do you know"

"What's in the book??" Asked Ichiro, glancing at the book and then Jinshi who sprang up. He began flipping pages, and finally he stopped "look at this" he said pointing at the book, Ichiro looked closely

"These are comparisons of a Hunter's core and a beast's core" Jinshi tapped the handmade drawings "what do you observe?" He asked. Ichiro scratched his head, he really could not observe anything asides the difference of colour

"Er... this one's gold and this one's crimson..."

"No, Ichiro Teta. They both have a crystal in the middle" Jinshi's frustration could be heard, it made Ichiro pout "oh..." He muttered even more disappointed in himself "sorry"

"Yeah...now take a look..." Jinshi flipped some more pages forward "this is the core of a non-hunter. What do you observe?" He asked narrowing his gaze. Ichiro stumped the bed "there's no crystal in the middle!..." He hissed in pain, his shoulder was still hurting and he was not supposed to move as fast as that. Nonetheless, he was happy he got one thing right

"Good, you can't be a fool at twenty"

'it's forty, you fool' Ichiro wore a confused frown "so?"

"What if the crystal from the core of a hunter can be fit into that of a non-hunter?" Jinshi asked. Ichiro's frown disappeared into sheer disappointment, he really expected Jinshi to be smarter

"You should know that isn't possible" he muttered relaxing

"Why?" Jinshi asked shutting his eyes. Ichiro could already tell the young man had something under his sleeves, but he went along "because once the core is taken out of the body, the crystal is lost. I've seen core devouring face to face. Trust me no crystal comes out with it" he replied

"But once you take the core out of a beast what happens?"

Ichiro glanced at the book "the core is lost and you only get a crystal..." Ichiro answered quietly. 'is he saying...' he shook his head "that's nonsense, Jinshi. Mana cannot be fit into your core. Your core isn't feasible until you depart the body -- die" he said looking away. Jinshi shook his head vigorously

"What if you consume it?"

Ichiro chuckled "I consumed Mana yesterday at the agency -- so I'm a hunter now?" He asked sarcastically, it didn't bother Jinshi although "what you consumed was refined mana energy infused in a drip. Why not try unrefined mana and see?" Jinshi sounded challenging, and Ichiro could only stare at him for a long while.

"So? You want me to gobble a whole mana crystal, in order to get stronger? A rock-like matter??" He asked. Jinshi nodded. "You are crazy" Ichiro concluded "is that why you came all the way here?" He relaxed "you are only good-looking without brains. Merciful Buddha -- you can never get it all... or what will we ugly folks do?" He asked rhetorically shutting his eyes. Jinshi tutted and pointed at the book

"You have to believe me..."

"Have you tried it?" Ichiro cut him off opening his eyes

"No, but..."

"When you get a Hunter's core, maybe I'll listen to you... just maybe" he closed his eyes again "your bus fare is in the cupboard"

"I don't need it, I live a street away..."

"Take it, at least to compensate you for wasting your time" Ichiro said breathing deeply.

Jinshi faked a smile and picked his book, returning it to his vault. He waved knowing Ichiro did not completely close his eyes

"Quick recovery"

************************

Yuto took his seat and plaited his fingers, he always felt nervous and inferior around his father. Uzui did not look at him once, instead he kept moving the mouse around the pad. The sound completed Uzui's aura, the cold and hard to read father. His focus remained on the computer in front of him.

"How was your progression test?" He asked Yuto who sat upright "fine sir..."

"Any progress?"

Yuto wanted to say something, but it remained stuck in his throat. Uzui looked up at him from his glasses "any progress?" He repeated

"Oh... yes-yes...my approach leve..."

"In your rank" Uzui clarified. Yuto's shoulders dropped some more

"No..."

"Why?" Uzui asked returning his focus to the computer. Yuto gestured with his hands, but there were no words.

"What?" Uzui asked "can't cook up an excuse now?" Uzui's voice remained calm, but Yuto could tell how upset his father was at him. His hands retracted and he sighed "I'm sorry, father..."

"Sons should take after their fathers. As an Alpha hunter, I am disappointed that you cannot ace the ranks. I shall remain sir to you until you get a promotion" Uzui said his voice stern and warning. Yuto nodded

"Yes, sir. I shall improve..."

"Good. Dismissed."

Yuto stood up and bowed fully "thank you, Shibata-sama"

****

Kenta stared at Yuto from head to toe, and furrowed his brows slightly. The other hunters stared at Yuto curiously as well, especially Ayumi from her armour's visor.

"Are you alright?" Kenta asked. Yuto did not reply, he walked past Kenta rather

"When does the mission commence?" He asked raising a brow. Kenta tilted his head back

"Why are you so eager?" He asked back

"What? Is there a reason why I shouldn't?"

Kenta raised his brows and dropped them "ten thirty" he replied tolerating Yuto.

"It's nine forty six. You haven't even briefed us yet. Why is that?" Yuto asked his gaze condescending. Kenta knew the young man was trying to transfer his aggression unto someone, but he was not going to be the one to take him on

"Some of us aren't present. We can't just leave without..."

"Who is it? Ichiro?" Yuto asked rhetorically, Kenta simply nodded "we don't need him" Yuto said widening his eyes. Kenta remained stoic "you do not, but I need him. And as long as I remain captain of this troop, we shall not leave this premises incomplete." And that was final. Geto walked out of the small crowd of hunters

"We are incomplete because Nanami left us, and it is all that Ichiro's fault. Yuto-san is right -- we don't need that weakling. He will only be a burden." He said grimacing. Ryo raised his hand up "may I speak?" He asked, Kenta nodded "Thank you, Kenta-sama." Ryo appreciated bowing "as an SSR I believe I have a voice..."

"Get on with it already" Yuto was already bored

"I was getting to that... I say we wait for Teta Ichiro. If he's a burden to you I shall take him on my side, so you no longer have to worry about him being a burden" Ryo assured. The hunters could not challenge Ryo so they were quiet, only Erika a fellow super special ranger whispered "looks like you have a death wish... That kid is a curse"

Ryo feigned a smile "hunting on its own is a death wish"

This made Erika quiet, she averted her gaze and scoffed.

After fifteen minutes of waiting, Ichiro arrived. Trying to avoid the poisonous gaze of the angered hunters, Ichiro lowered his head.

"You are late..."

"Sorry, I missed the first train" Ichiro apologised bowing "forgive me Kenta-sama..."

"Apologise to your seniors" Kenta ordered, things like apologies never really pleased him

"Forgive me, sirs" Ichiro apologised turning to the hunters, he gave a low bow. A few scoffs could be heard, but that didn't bother Ichiro

"Good join them" ordered Kenta gesturing for Ichiro to join the crowd of hunters.

Ryo waved wanting Ichiro to join him, Ichiro quickly joined him knowing fully well that the other hunters did not want him standing next to them.

"How is your wound?" Ryo asked Ichiro who smiled thinly "I feel much better" he replied

"Are you sure you can hunt in this condition?" Ryo asked "yes, thank you Ryo-senpai" Ichiro appreciated bowing. Ryo nodded "of course, the briefing starts now, we are late already" Ryo said pointing at Kenta.

A holo screen appeared, and Kenta began explaining the mission.

"Today we will be visiting the southwestern darklands again. And this time we will be operating within eight Ris, and we will be lasting two days on this mission." He said

'two days' Ichiro was uncertain. he could quit now, but glancing at Yuto he made his mind up.

Kenta tapped his gauntlet and the holo screen displayed a black and white map

"Our eyes have managed to detect a hall, we do not know if it is safe or unsafe as this area" Kenta's hand revolved around the part of the map marked X "remains uncharted. We shall enter the hall as it is our only way to get through the third Komon. We must keep our guard up, not allowing the previous event repeat itself. Any questions?" Kenta asked looking around. Yuto raised his hand. "Yuto, ask away"

"Will there be grade three beasts?" Yuto asked Kenta whose mouth formed into a thin line, he understood it all now and decided to go easy on the Yuto who peered at him in expectation "we aren't certain, but I ask that we do not act rashly. We shall use the diamond formation. Ryo, Ayumi, Erika, and Boru" Kenta called out

"Sir!"

The four stepped out of the crowd, and Ichiro watched them impressed. There were two female hunters, and they even led the ranks. Ayumi still wore her helmet .

'only a glance'

"You shall be with me as the vanguard." Kenta stated "yes sir!"

"Yuto, Takumi, Masaru, Yuki, and Nana..." Kenta stopped, he shook his head "and Geto" he corrected himself. The five stepped out

"Sir!"

"You shall be our rearguard"

"Yes sir!" They chorused except for Yuto

"I want to be in the front lines today" he said bowing. Kenta gave him no reply

"The rest of you will move as one body in the middle, is that clear?"

"Yes sir!" The hunters chorused in unison.

Yuto grimaced upset. Kenta did not just ignore him, he embarrassed him in front of everyone.

"Move out!"

****

Immediately Ichiro disembarked the van, he met Jinshi's gaze. The harvest crew was present, and Kenta seemed to be explaining to the supervisor that the hunt was ending the next day and that they could only harvest on the third day. Ichiro could not help but curse inwardly, how much he hated the supervisor

'porky devil'

Jinshi waved, but Ichiro ignored him, he had his mind fixated on the hunt and did not want Jinshi's stupid theory clouding his thoughts. Ryo waved and Ichiro quickly hurried to where he stood.

"Captain Kenta has already given us fixed positions, but do not worry. You will be safer in the middle. The diamond formation is the strongest." Ryo assured

"Thank you, Ryo-senpai..."

"Kenta-sama; all clear"The engineer announced that the gate was open, and Kenta motioned for the hunters to organise into the diamond formation. Ryo waved leaving and Ichiro sighed, he still did not have a better weapon, but what was the point of he wasn't strong enough to use it?

"Hey" Jinshi whispered "what do you want?" Ichiro asked "take"Jinshi said handing Ichiro a voulge while he used his back to block others view

"Why do you have this?" Ichiro asked frowning "I got it for you yesterday" Jinshi replied. Ichiro collected it reluctantly "thank you" he muttered "you're wel..."

"Hey, Jinshi! We are leaving" another harvester called. Jinshi left winking

'you are not so useless afterall'

****

Ichiro held the weapon tightly, it looked similar to Nanami's and now he felt the weight of the voulge double.

'All this pressure' he thought as he glanced at the hunters surrounding him.

They said the mainlands weren't so much of a big deal, but Nanami was lost here, Ichiro could not relax as much as the vanguard relaxed. Especially that Supreme hunter who still had his sword in his sheath.

All of a sudden, Kenta held his hand up, and the hunters came to an abrupt halt.

[Komon -- gaining access] the gauntlet announced. Ichiro was stoked, he had been too lost in his thoughts to hear the gauntlet's once in a while bother.

[Komon -- access allowed]

The gate cracked open and the march continued. They were entering a territory once owned by beasts, and here they were attacked. Ichiro could feel his spine tingle, and his palm began to sweat. He tried to hold himself together, there was no way he could get strong by shivering all the time

'sweating is the worst thing I can do' .

[Komon] the gauntlet announced

'It was here, Nanami was killed here, I almost died here' Ichiro thought bitterly. The memory was fresh and Ichiro glanced at his shoulder.

[Komon -- gaining access]

The gate opened easy unlike the last time and Ichiro guessed the hunt must have went on after he passed out.

[Darklands detected -- twelve metres away, Twenty five degrees northwest.]