Yumix; Unveiled

CHAPTER 8

The golden rays of the setting sun cast long shadows across the bustling entry hall of the PHG Union. A solemn atmosphere weighed heavily as Hiroki and his comrades made their way back, carrying a wounded girl. The usual chatter and greetings were replaced by hushed whispers and curious glances as they passed.

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Entry Official looked shocked as she asked, "What happened? Is everyone alright?" Her voice carried a note of worry, her eyes darting between the unresponsive Amaya and the impassive Hiroki. Yoru spoke seriously, saying, "We faced a dangerous situation. This girl, Amaya, needs urgent medical help." Her voice remained steady, yet there was a hint of suppressed anger in her tone. She recounted the harrowing events in the cave, and some were able to eavesdrop on the conversation and spread mutterings among them. The story of the mysterious figure, the attack on the children, and Amaya's brother's tragic death painted a chilling picture. The entry official listened intently, her face etched with concern. Every detail Yoru shared added another layer of urgency to the situation.

A sense of urgency filled the air of the administrative center. Papers shuffled swiftly, reports were compiled, and hushed conversations filled the room. A young female servicer, her brow furrowed in concentration, sorted through a stack of documents detailing the Hiroki group's mission. Her name was Akari, a bright newcomer eager to prove herself.

Servicer murmured to herself, "An attack on a PHG mission... a mysterious assailant with unknown abilities... a hostage situation..."Her voice, hardly more than a murmur, faded away as she took in the seriousness of the report.

A deep voice boomed across the room.

A man who showed signs of experience, strength, and authority over the place, his face obscured by shadows, he was looking with insight, sitting at the large table that looked like it was for meetings. Confidence radiated from him as he spoke with insight."So, it appears the problems are starting to emerge... They're already making themselves known."

News of the mission's gruesome turn of events spread like wildfire through the bustling mess hall. Conversations buzzed with a mix of shock, disbelief, and morbid curiosity.

Someone shouted in disbelief, "An attack on a PHG mission? This is unheard of!" His voice quivered. Another replied skeptically, "Yeah, right. Sounds like someone's trying to embellish a simple scouting mission." A girl whispered, "I heard there was a mysterious figure involved. Someone.. Dangerous" Her words added an air of doubt.

Another boy scoffed, "Dark powers? Oh Come on, that sounds like something out of a fairy tale, don't be ridiculous. This isn't a bedtime story.."᲼

Amidst the swirling rumors, a single figure stood out—the white-haired boy Hiroki had glimpsed earlier at the shelter. As baseless speculation filled the air, his interest seemed to wane. With a silent grace, he rose from his chair and exited the hall.. Seemingly.

News of the mission's grim outcome swept through the mess hall, replacing the usual buzz with a tense silence.

A senior PHG member, a man with a commanding presence, strode into the room. Everyone recognized him – Ryuuji Yamaake, the man known simply as "That Senior."

"Silence!.." he commanded, his voice resonating with quiet, but firm, authority. "There's no need for fear-mongering. This is an isolated incident, a fluke you could say. The PHG has faced many challenges over the years, and we will overcome this one as well."

A hush fell over the room as Ryuuji addressed the crowd, his words carrying the weight of experience.

Ryuuji continued, "The details of this situation are still being investigated. Rest assured, the highest-ranking members of the PHG are on the case. We will identify the perpetrator and deal with it."A tense silence followed Ryuuji's speech. Hiroki, still amazed by the turn of events, stared at the figure commanding respect from everyone.

Hiroki turned back, to notice Ayuri coming to him, "Oh, you're back already," He muttered to her."I made sure Amaya was taken care of at the health center," Ayuri responded, before adding, "There's definitely something major going on here."

Hiroki leaned towards her, speaking in a hushed tone. "Who is that guy? It appears that he is widely respected."

"That's Ryuuji Yamaake. He's the head of the PHG, a highly respected leader. A role model for all of us," Ayuri explained.

Ryuuji's gaze swept across the room, eventually locking eyes with Hiroki. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face, and a furrow etched his brow for a fleeting moment. He then turned his attention back to the report, while Hiroki continued watching him intently.

Next to Ryuuji stood a man helping him. He was a bit shorter, with a severe and focused expression. He seemed very calm, focusing on minor details, and it was clear he was Ryuuji's right-hand man.

Once a significant amount of time has gone by and everyone has dispersed from there, we relocate to a spot that appears to be somewhat distant.

Deep in the vast forest, in a hidden semi-subterranean area that resembles a covert command center. Very few people were moving inside. Tools and books lay scattered on a makeshift workbench.

It was him, Eldarion, the enigmatic man who had attacked Hiroki's group, sat on a dilapidated chair. He meticulously recorded notes in a leather-bound tome, his expression obscured by the dim light. Several hooded figures moved about the chamber, tending to various tasks.

Suddenly, the heavy wooden door creaked open, admitting a young woman with an air of weary triumph. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her fiery ruby-red eyes shone with exhaustion, but a spark of devious amusement flickered in her gaze.

Renne (That girl) entered, sighing dramatically. "Ah, I'm done already. You won't believe how much fun that was, Eldarion. The mission was a breeze. They practically handed me the information on a silver platter." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Eldarion glanced up from his notes, a slight evil smirk playing on his lips. He gestured to a nearby table where a picture of Hiroki lay face up. "Didn't expect you to infiltrate the PHG so easily, Renne." His voice was quiet and carried a note of amusement.

Renne waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, come on. That Hiroki kid," she scoffed, her smile widening with a glint of danger in her ruby eyes. "That fool never even saw it coming."

Eldarion leaned back in his chair. "Excellent work. Everything is falling perfectly into place. Now, retrieving Yumix will be a mere formality."

Renne's eyes gleamed sharply. "Just as planned. I'll continue with it. The situation looks optimum. We can restore Yumix now that we have the basis and motives."

A nod from Eldarion, accompanied by a fleeting expression that resembled respect, was visible in his eyes. It was clear to him that Renne was a valuable asset, a cutthroat and sharp-witted agent for the owner of that whole game.

The moon illuminated the night that had just fallen over the residential areas of the PHG Union. Ayuri, weary from her journey, approached the main grand entrance, her steps echoing in the twilight. As she passed through the gate, a young woman with vibrant dark purple hair caught her eye. It was Honoka Kurosawa, the famous detective who previously appeared at the Shelter, was destined to find her here.

Ayuri continued on her way, then paused, turning away from Honoka's view. "Honoka... here? What could a detective like her be doing at the Union?" she wondered. A flicker of unease crossed her mind. Could this be a coincidence, or was Honoka investigating something related to their mission?"Whatever her reasons, I can't let her presence interfere with our plans with Hiroki and the others," Ayuri muttered to herself. Her expression hardened with resolve as she pushed the thought aside. She continued towards their usual meeting place, the small hut.

Hiroki, Yoru, Kenji and Miyu sat huddled in the room, a tense silence hanging heavy in the air. Amaya, propped up on pillows, sipped lukewarm soup that Hiroki managed to obtain from the general canteen. Her face, pale yet determined, mirrored the weight of their situation, but then, she seemed to be slightly happy eating this delicious food.The decision of the PHG's refusal to take her in had settled in after their many attempts that failed, given her young age and the loss of her last family, which complicated matters for them. They end up having different opinions

Amaya sat quietly, her eyes downcast, "So... they won't let me join? Not even stay in the private residences?" Her voice was trembling ever so slightly.

Miyu approached to her, gently squeezed Amaya's shoulder. "Don't worry, Amaya. We understand their position. You're still too young for official guild membership." Her voice was calm filled with empathy.

Yoru nodded in agreement. "But that doesn't mean we'll stop helping you. We'll surely find your brother's murderer."

Amaya's eyes darted between them, hope clashing with lingering sorrow.

Hiroki frowned slightly, glancing at the door. "Isn't Ayuri running a bit late? She was supposed to arrive soon as planned."

Amaya looked up "Didn't Ayuri mention she had errands to run?"

Yoru turned toward her in a bit of confusion. "I thought she took you for medical attention. Didn't she say that?"

Amaya shook her head. "Yes She did, but afterward... She said she had to continue somewhere else, then left me afterward"

Just then, the door quietly opened, the atmosphere thick with tension. Until, Ayuri stepped into view. Relief washed over the group, momentarily easing the silence.

Ayuri's expression was apologetic "Sorry for the delay. The higher-ups took longer than expected to get updates from them."

Hiroki's eyes narrowed as his tone lifted. "What did they say? Any leads on the attacker?"

Ayuri took a deep breath, then her face tightened with frustration. "Unfortunately.. details are still vague. But they've assured us the investigation is ongoing."

A heavy silence followed in the room. Despite Ayuri's return, uncertainty lingered. But her presence, and the assurance in her voice, gave the smallest glimmer of hope.