blood of the abyss

The Council of Nobles

The cell was dim, the air thick with the scent of damp stone and desperation. Mike sat slumped against the wall, the cold bite of iron shackles digging into his wrists. Glyphs carved into the walls pulsed faintly, their eerie luminescence sapping away his strength, reminding him of his imprisonment. For days now, he had been trapped beneath the Surface Continent's capital, awaiting judgment.

His thoughts churned with guilt and anger. The day he had been dragged here, the coalition of mages, soldiers, and nobles had declared him public enemy number one—a scapegoat for the chaos unleashed across the land. News of Shinra's unsealing had spread like wildfire, and to the world, Mike Obafemi was to blame.

Outside the council chamber, Rin paced furiously. Her fists were clenched so tightly her nails bit into her palms. "This isn't fair," she muttered. "Mike didn't even know what he was doing. They're treating him like a criminal!"

Kenji leaned against the stone wall, arms crossed, his expression grim. "Fair or not, Rin, he unsealed the Dark God. The world needs someone to blame, and right now, that someone is Mike."

Rin shot him a glare sharp enough to cut through steel. "He's not a villain, Kenji. He's our friend!"

Kenji looked away, his jaw tightening. "I know." His voice softened, almost a whisper. "But the world doesn't see it that way."

Inside the Council Chamber

Mike's manacles glinted faintly in the golden light cast by the grand chamber's luminescent runes. He stood at the center of a long marble table, surrounded by the most powerful figures of the Surface Continent. At the head of the table sat Lord Magnus Aster, his silver beard immaculately groomed, his piercing gaze radiating the divine essence of Luminara. Beside him, Lady Aria Ventis, the representative of Aeris, leaned forward, her emerald eyes fixed on Mike with an intensity that made him feel as though she could peel back his very soul. On Magnus's other side, General Kael Ignus loomed, his battle-scarred face framed by a mane of auburn hair. The faint heat radiating from his presence made the air shimmer around him.

The remaining council members—the envoys of Terra, Aqua, and Fulgar—sat in stony silence, their combined presence heavy with judgment.

Lord Magnus's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Michael Obafemi, you stand accused of breaking the ancient seal on the dark God Shinra, an act that has endangered not only the Surface but the entire world. How do you plead?"

The chamber fell silent, the weight of the question pressing down on everyone present. Mike's throat was dry, his heart pounding against his ribs. He knew there was no point in denying it. Taking a deep breath, he met Magnus's unyielding gaze. "Guilty."

Gasps rippled through the chamber.

"I didn't know what I was doing," Mike continued, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands. "But that doesn't change what happened. It's my fault, and I'll take responsibility."

General Kael slammed his fist on the table, the impact reverberating through the room. "Responsibility?" he barked, his fiery aura flaring. "Boy, do you even comprehend what you've unleashed? Shinra isn't just a threat to humanity—he's an extinction-level scourge!"

Lady Aria's eyes narrowed, her tone cutting. "And you claim ignorance? Meddling with forces beyond your understanding isn't an excuse. It's foolishness."

Mike clenched his fists, the chains rattling. "I didn't want this to happen. I— I was tricked!"

Lord Magnus raised a hand, silencing the murmurs that had broken out among the council. His expression was unreadable, but his voice carried the weight of finality. "Tricked or not, the seal is broken. What matters now is how we deal with the consequences."

The Sentence

Hours later, after heated deliberations, the council reached their verdict. Lord Magnus stood, his glowing eyes locking onto Mike.

"Michael Obafemi," he declared, his voice echoing through the chamber, "for your actions, you are hereby sentenced to serve the Surface Authority as a Hunter. You will use your powers to combat the threats you have unleashed. You will operate under strict supervision, and failure to comply will result in your immediate execution."

Mike's heart plummeted. "A… Hunter?"

Lady Aria's gaze was icy as she explained. "Hunters are tasked with eliminating rogue magic users, abyssal creatures, and other threats to the Surface. It's dangerous, grueling work. But it's the only way you can atone for what you've done."

Before Mike could respond, the chamber doors burst open. Rin and Kenji rushed in, flanked by guards.

"This isn't right!" Rin shouted, her voice cracking. "Mike didn't ask for this! He doesn't deserve—"

"Enough!" General Kael's voice boomed, silencing her. His fiery aura flared, forcing the guards to take a step back. "The boy is fortunate we're giving him a chance to live."

Kenji stepped forward, his expression fierce. "If Mike's going to be a Hunter, then we'll join him."

The council members exchanged skeptical glances.

"You're serious?" Lady Aria asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

Kenji's voice was unwavering. "If anyone can keep him in line, it's us."

Rin nodded, determination blazing in her eyes. "We'll make sure he stays on the right path."

After a long pause, Lord Magnus sighed, rubbing his temples. "Very well. The three of you will form a provisional Hunter unit. But be warned—this is your last chance. If you fail, you'll all answer to me.

The Hunters' Mission

The trio was escorted out of the chamber and into the Hunter's Guild, a sprawling fortress filled with warriors, mages, and adventurers. Each Hunter was ranked based on their abilities, from Iron (the lowest) to Mythril (reserved for legends). They were greeted by Commander Ayaka Sato, a seasoned Mythril-ranked Hunter known for her mastery of water and ice magic. Her long black hair and piercing blue eyes gave her an air of authority. "You must be the rookies," she said, her voice sharp. "Michael Obafemi, Rin Takahashi, and Kenji Nakamura. Welcome to the Hunters' Guild. Don't think for a second that you'll be treated differently because of your situation." She handed them their provisional Iron badges. "Your first mission is to investigate the Abyssal Rift that appeared near the village of Kasai," she said. "It's small, but the creatures coming out of it are causing havoc. Handle it, or don't come back." Mike nodded, determination in his eyes. "We'll handle it."

Kasai Village

The journey to Kasai was tense. Rin and Kenji were unusually quiet, and Mike couldn't shake the feeling of guilt weighing on him. When they arrived, the village was eerily silent. Shadows flickered in the corners of their vision, and the air was thick with the stench of sulfur. As they explored, they encountered their first Abyssal Creature—a massive wolf-like beast with shadowy fur and glowing red eyes. Kenji stepped forward, summoning his newfound lightning magic. Sparks danced along his hands as he unleashed a bolt of electricity, stunning the creature. "Not bad," Mike muttered, summoning his flames to finish it off. But as more creatures emerged, it became clear they were outnumbered. "Rin!" Mike shouted. "Support us with your wind magic!" Rin nodded, her eyes narrowing as she conjured a powerful gust that sent the creatures sprawling. The battle was chaotic, but the trio worked together, their powers complementing each other.

A New Ally

Just as they were about to be overwhelmed, a figure appeared—a young man with silver hair and golden eyes. He wielded a massive sword crackling with energy. With one swing, he dispatched the remaining creatures. "Who... are you?" Mike asked, panting. The man sheathed his sword and smiled. "Name's Kaien. I'm a Mithril-ranked Hunter. And it looks like you rookies could use some help." Mike exchanged a glance with Rin and Kenji. "Stick with me," Kaien said. "The Abyss is only getting stronger, and you'll need all the help you can get." As they returned to the guild, Mike couldn't shake the feeling that Kaien was hiding something. But for now, they had survived their first mission—and the journey was only beginning.