A heavy silence blanketed the massive concrete clearing, stretched wide in the middle of nowhere. Darkness hung thick in the air, swallowing the distant tree line that scattered like shadows around the edges of the open space.
"We're here," Ryju said, scouting out the perimeter.
Azar followed, his eyes narrowed with resolve. "Yeah. We know what to do."
Rei glanced around, pointing toward the treeline. "There are trees scattered everywhere. Hide behind them until you get the signal."
"Got it," Zanden responded, already moving into position.
Azar looked over at Ryju, his eyes serious. "Until it's my time to shine, I'm leaving Misa to you."
Ryju nodded, determined. "You got it. Misa's leaving this place today—and we're going home."
Taro clenched his fists. "Yes, please. I made a promise to Mr. Gio."
Kenshiro stepped forward. "Alright. Let's move. Everyone, find a tree to hide behind. This has to be perfect—no mistakes."
Suddenly, a swirling black hole opened beneath the group.
"What the—?!" Jett blinked. "They're gone!"
Azar didn't flinch. "No matter. Everyone else, get moving. Find a tree."
Without hesitation, they scattered into the forest's shadows.
Spiritual King's Office
The Spiritual King sat calmly behind his desk, fingers interlaced.
"I just got word from the pilot," he said. "They're on the ground."
Okata nodded beside him. "So… they've arrived."
Gio exhaled deeply, his voice shaking. "My daughter will be saved today."
The Spiritual King smiled gently. "You bet."
Kaji leaned back. "It's their turn now. Let's see all that training pay off."
The King gave a quiet nod. "No worries. I believe in them."
Outside the Auction Grounds
A swirling black hole opened in front of a rusted metal gate. A crooked sign read: DO NOT ENTER.
Team One stepped out of the portal.
"Next time give a warning," Shun muttered, brushing dust off his clothes.
Kenshiro smirked. "Why? That's the whole point—it's supposed to look cool."
Ryju pointed at the crumbling building ahead. "That abandoned bar... that must be it. Is everyone ready?"
"You bet," Rei replied with a confident nod.
As they approached the door, Ryju paused. "Last chance. Everyone ready?"
"Yeah!" they answered in unison.
Ryju pushed the door open.
Inside, a gruff man behind the counter looked up.
"Hey, can't you read? The sign says Do Not Enter."
Ryju stepped forward. "I think we're exactly where we need to be."
"I'm serious. Get outta here before—"
"Three-Headed Dragon," Ryju interrupted.
The barkeep blinked, eyes wide with recognition. "They're letting kids in now, huh...?"
He stepped aside and pulled open a door behind him. "My apologies. You may enter."
"Thanks," Ryju said, though his eyes stayed sharp.
Very sketchy, Rei thought as they entered.
A long hallway led to another door.
"Open it," the barkeep instructed.
Ryju pushed it open—and froze.
Golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The room glimmered with wealth: roulette wheels, buffet tables, people laughing over drinks, and butlers in crisp black suits.
"What...?" Ryju muttered.
"This is so cool!" Shun gasped.
"Tell me about it," Goro added, spinning in a slow circle.
"There's so many people," Kenshiro said, eyes narrowing.
"Don't forget why we're here," Rei reminded sharply.
Kenshiro smirked. "Still, can't lie... this is pretty good customer service."
They wandered through the room in disbelief.
"You wanna play a game?" Shun grinned.
"Yeah," Goro said. "Which one?"
"NO ONE is playing any games!" Rei snapped.
"Man..." Kenshiro sighed. "I already lost hope in this mission."
Then footsteps.
A man in a sleek black suit approached them, short black hair brushing his shoulders. A devilish grin stretched across his face.
"Hello. Welcome," he said smoothly. "I'm Vel Draven."
Ryju's heart froze. Him...!
That bastard. The one who had Misa kidnapped, Rei thought, fists clenching.
If Azar were here, he'd attack instantly, Goro thought.
"You must be new faces," Vel continued. "Pleasure to see someone from my clan as well."
"I know," Ryju said flatly.
Vel raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Ryju forced a smile. "Nothing's wrong."
Rei forced a laugh. "What're you talking about?"
"We're totally cool," Shun said, nodding awkwardly.
"Very cool," Goro echoed.
Kenshiro gave a thumbs-up. "Man."
Vel stared at them for a moment... then laughed.
"Relax. I'm just joking."
They all exhaled quietly, realizing their cover hadn't been blown—yet.
"You all seem... young," Vel said.
"Is that a problem?" Ryju challenged.
"Not at all," Vel replied smoothly. "People from our clan can enter at any age. Our red eyes... they're special."
Ryju nodded slowly. "You're right."
Suddenly, Vel's earbud lit up. A quiet voice on the other end.
"Sir, some guests arrived after 10:15."
Vel's smile darkened. "Let them through."
Ryju glanced up. "What was that?"
"Just some late arrivals," Vel said casually. "I suppose I need to... handle them now."
He turned toward the entrance.
I sense bloodlust... Ryju thought, stepping forward.
"What are you going to do?" he asked.
Six long, bone-like spikes erupted from Vel's back.
With a grin full of malice, Vel Draven looked back over his shoulder.
"Oh... don't worry."