Akin began walking toward the Meteosity building in Irnak, his mind set on a new path. As he approached, another BCB agent spotted him and quickly relayed the information to Merin. However, Merin dismissed the report, seeing no cause for concern.
Meanwhile, Akin made a decisive choice. He removed his badge, discarding his past identity with the agency. His decision had been impulsive yet firm—sparked by an advertisement he had come across on his phone. The ad promoted a recruitment assembly, offering new opportunities, and Akin saw it as a chance to redefine his future. Without hesitation, he made his way toward the event, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.
The scene shifted to Zenix's base, where Hellesa, Izaki, and Kazen were preparing for their training session. The air was thick with anticipation as they readied themselves for what was to come. Just then, Issac entered the room, his authoritative presence commanding their attention.
"Get your weapons ready for training," he instructed, his voice firm. "You will learn how to use them efficiently."
Without hesitation, Hellesa reached for her claw, gripping it tightly, determination evident in her eyes. Together, they moved toward the training area, the dimly lit hall echoing with their footsteps. As they arrived, Issac turned to Hellesa and said, "I don't have experience using a claw, so I can't train you properly in wielding your weapon."
A mysterious voice resonated within Hellesa's mind, calm yet commanding. "No problem, I will train you. Tell him you will handle it yourself."
Hellesa nodded, acknowledging the spirit's guidance. She turned to Issac and confidently said, "No problem, Issac. I will train myself."
With that, she began following the spirit's instructions, immersing herself in an internalized training process. Meanwhile, Issac focused on training Izaki and Kazen, guiding them on how to maximize their efficiency with their respective weapons. Nearby, Maria observed Hellesa closely, intrigued by her unique method of training.
The rigorous training continued for three relentless days. Sweat dripped from their brows, muscles ached, but their skills sharpened with each passing hour. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Izaki, exhausted and slightly exasperated, turned to Issac.
"Is our training over now? We've been doing this for three whole days," he grumbled, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension.
Issac, assessing the group with a critical eye, nodded in approval. "Yes, you have finished your training. I believe you've all learned to use your weapons efficiently. Now, it's time for the final test. We will fight to gauge your abilities."
Without any further delay, they assumed their stances, the atmosphere crackling with anticipation. Izaki took the initiative, swiftly throwing his blade at Issac. However, Issac was quick to react. With a deft movement, he dodged the attack and caught Izaki's blade mid-air. Without hesitation, he charged at Izaki, who barely managed to block the oncoming assault before counterattacking. The two clashed fiercely, their weapons colliding with sharp, metallic clangs that echoed through the training ground.
Izaki struggled against Issac's relentless onslaught. Using only one blade proved to be a significant challenge for him. In a sudden move, Issac overpowered him, sending Izaki stumbling backward before speaking with disappointment evident in his tone.
"This is what you've learned? I expected more. I didn't think you would be this disappointing."
Izaki's frustration boiled over. Clenching his teeth, he sprang forward with renewed determination, launching himself at Issac. This time, Issac blocked his attack, but Izaki didn't relent. With a surge of strength, he pushed Issac back, reclaiming his blade in the process. Seizing the opportunity, he aimed a precise strike at Issac's legs, but Issac skillfully evaded the attack and countered with a sharp elbow to Izaki's ribs.
Izaki collapsed to the ground with a grunt, but he refused to stay down. Gritting his teeth, he sprang to his feet almost instantly and lunged at Issac, successfully landing a stab to his waist. Issac merely smirked, seemingly unfazed. He retaliated with a swift kick, followed by a powerful punch to Izaki's chest, sending him sprawling backward. Without missing a beat, he grabbed Izaki by the neck and slammed him onto the ground.
Izaki, undeterred, acted on instinct. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he hurled his blade toward Issac. The weapon sliced through the air, narrowly missing Issac's neck. The tension in the air was palpable.
Issac, breathing heavily yet composed, raised a hand. "I've tested you enough. Let's stop the fight now."
The battle was over, but the lessons learned in those moments would stay with them forever. Each of them had grown, and their skills had been sharpened. The real challenges, however, were yet to come.
Issac took a deep breath, his gaze settling on Izaki. "You've done well, Izaki," he acknowledged, his tone firm yet instructive. "But remember this—never assume your enemy will stop fighting. No matter what happens, you must keep going. The moment you pause, you give your opponent the opportunity to strike, and that could mean defeat or severe injury."
He turned his sharp gaze to the rest of the group, ensuring they all absorbed his words. "This lesson isn't just for Izaki; it applies to everyone in this room. In battle, hesitation can be fatal. Always be prepared to fight until the very end."
Kazen, standing attentively, nodded in understanding. "Understood, sir."
Issac's gaze shifted to Hellesa, his expression serious yet curious. "Hellesa, how did your training go?" he asked.
Hellesa met his eyes and replied confidently, "It went well, Issac."
Issac nodded, considering her words. "Then, shall we test your improvement?"
Hellesa hesitated for a moment before responding, "Alright, but you're already wounded. Are you sure you're in a condition to fight?"
A smirk played on Issac's lips as he dismissed her concern with overconfidence. "I can still fight you without any problem."
The room fell into an eerie silence as the two prepared to face off. All eyes were on them, anticipation thick in the air. Hellesa and Issac took their stances—Issac opting for an aggressive approach, while Hellesa chose to play defensively.
Without hesitation, Issac seized the first opportunity and lunged at her. Hellesa, however, reacted swiftly, blocking his attack with ease before retreating a few steps to reassess. Unfazed, Issac pressed forward, launching a flurry of strikes, but Hellesa effortlessly parried every blow. Her calm and precise movements contrasted sharply with Issac's increasingly forceful attacks.
Then, in a fleeting moment of vulnerability, Hellesa saw her opening. With a swift and calculated strike, she slashed his leg. Issac jumped back, momentarily stunned, but still unwilling to acknowledge his mistake.
Seeing his stubbornness, Hellesa decided to press her advantage. Without hesitation, she charged forward, unleashing a series of devastating blows. Issac struggled to keep up, caught completely off guard by her newfound speed and precision. Each strike forced him further onto the defensive, and for the first time, doubt flickered across his face.
The room fell into stunned silence as everyone processed what had just happened. For the first time, Issac had been defeated. Expressions of disbelief spread across the faces of those present, their eyes wide with shock.
Maria, in particular, was shaken. She had always believed that Issac and Zenix were in a league of their own, their strength unmatched. To see Issac fall in battle was almost unthinkable. If Hellesa had managed to defeat him, what did that mean for the balance of power? Doubt crept into her mind, making her question everything she thought she knew.
However, Izaki remained unfazed. Unlike the others, he had anticipated this outcome. To him, Issac had been reckless, his aggression clouding his judgment. Overconfidence had been his downfall, and Izaki saw the fight for what it was—a lesson in humility.
As the realization settled in, the weight of the moment lingered in the air. Hellesa had not only proven her growth but had also shaken the once unwavering confidence in Issac's invincibility. The battle had ended, but its impact would be felt far beyond the walls of that room.
Kazen was overwhelmed seeing hellesa's growth in very less time and he sensed something different in her.
The scene shifted to Merin's office, a dimly lit room filled with the scent of paperwork and coffee. The tension in the air was palpable as Agent 78 entered in a hurry, his face grim.
"Sir! We have bad news," Agent 78 announced urgently.
Merin, seated behind his cluttered desk, remained calm and composed. He barely looked up as he responded, "What is it?"
Taking a deep breath, Agent 78 continued, "We believed the other council members were dead—but they weren't. Not only are they alive, but they also attacked the prison where Council Member 0 was being held. They managed to free him… and they took several of the most dangerous criminals with them."
Merin's expression darkened, his fingers tightening slightly around the pen he had been holding. "What?" he muttered, his voice carrying a sharp edge. Then, after a brief pause, he leaned back in his chair and sighed. "Those bastards are still alive…"
Instead of reacting with alarm, he waved a dismissive hand. "Whatever. Get me a coffee."
Agent 78's eyes widened in disbelief. "Sir! This is serious. I am not joking. This is not the time to mess around."
Merin's gaze snapped toward him, cold and unwavering. "I know what I'm doing," he said firmly. "You don't need to remind me of anything. I will take care of these problems."
His words, though calm, carried an undeniable authority. Agent 78 hesitated but ultimately nodded, understanding that despite his superior's seemingly indifferent demeanor, Merin always had a plan. The room remained heavy with unspoken tension as they both prepared for the storm that was undoubtedly on the horizon.