Yoichi Ichikawa.
Japan's greatest prodigy. At 53 years old, the Hero Association chairman remained unmatched in strategy, wisdom—and most of all—power. His summoning skill was legendary. With a single command, he could call forth thousands of skeleton warriors to the battlefield, enough to turn the tide of any war.
Ryker remained silent as he walked beside Jasmine Katsuragi, deep in thought.
The chairman's presence still lingered in his mind like a shadow.
"Why did you stop yourself from asking him earlier?" Jasmine finally asked as they exited the association building, her voice low but sharp.
Ryker didn't stop walking. His eyes remained forward.
"It's not the right time," he said simply.
Jasmine didn't press further.
Ring Ring.
Her phone buzzed sharply. She picked it up, recognizing the name on the screen instantly.
"Jasmine," came the calm but serious voice of Shidou Shiranui,
"Come back to the guild. Now."
"We're on our way," Jasmine replied before ending the call.
She turned to Ryker, who nodded slightly.
No words were needed.
The quiet before the next storm had already begun.
The car hummed softly as it sped along the road back to the guild. Raindrops tapped against the windows, a gentle rhythm against the silence inside.
Ryker sat by the window, arms folded, gaze fixed on the blurred cityscape outside. Jasmine Katsuragi sat beside him in the back seat, glancing at him now and then—but saying nothing.
The tension from the Hero Association meeting still clung to them both like a second skin.
"You're still thinking about the chairman," Jasmine finally said, breaking the silence.
Ryker didn't look at her. "Yeah."
"Yoichi Ichikawa… he's not someone you can challenge lightly. You know that, right?"
"I'm not afraid of strength," Ryker replied, his voice calm. "I just want to understand the kind of power that leads this world."
Jasmine leaned back with a sigh. "He's been the chairman for over twenty years. He's seen more than any of us."
Ryker turned slightly. "He can summon thousands of skeletons at once, right?"
"Yeah. And each one fights with skill and precision. He's not just a hero—he's a force."
There was a beat of silence again. Then Ryker whispered, almost to himself—
"Then someday, I'll have to surpass him."
Jasmine stared at him for a moment, a faint smile at the edge of her lips.
"You're reckless."
"Maybe." Ryker leaned his head against the window, eyes narrowing.
Outside, the city lights flickered like stars fallen to earth.
Inside, a storm was growing.
Inside the guild leader's chamber, the atmosphere was charged. Ryker and Jasmine Katsuragi stepped in, and all eyes turned toward them. Already seated were the top young heroes: Sol, Izumi, Shin, Tasuya, King (Kenta), Hiroshi, Arisu, Celica, Yumi, Akira, Aisa, Amelia, Saki, and Mio.
At the center of it all stood Shidou Shiranui, their commanding officer.
"I have a mission for everyone here," Shidou announced firmly. "Jasmine Katsuragi, you're the mission leader."
"Understood, sir," Jasmine replied without hesitation.
Shidou's gaze swept across the room. "You're all going to Tomogashima. Reports say many girls have gone missing. Locals have complained, the police investigated—but found nothing. This falls under our jurisdiction now."
Before anyone else could speak, Ryker stepped forward.
"I want to lead a team of my own."
Shidou raised an eyebrow. "A separate team?"
"Yes, sir. If Celica, Yumi, Akira, and Aisa are with me, I'll complete the mission in five days." Ryker's voice was steady, confident.
"Oi! What about me?" Sol interjected, grinning. "You're ditching your childhood friend now?"
Ryker didn't answer. Shidou glanced between them with slight amusement. "So you want to split the operation into two squads."
Ryker nodded. "Yes, sir. One team under Jasmine, and one under me."
Shidou looked at Jasmine. "What do you think?"
Jasmine gave a slight smirk. "I agree."
"Very well." Shidou turned to the door. "Come in, Hizuru."
A girl with calm eyes and a quiet presence entered the room. She bowed respectfully to the gathered heroes.
"This is Hizuru. She lives in Tomogashima. She'll serve as your guide," Shidou explained.
"Wait, she's from there and she didn't disappear?" Sol asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sol…" Yumi muttered before slamming her fist lightly into his arm.
"Ow! I was just asking!"
Shidou sighed. "Enough. Prepare for departure. You leave tomorrow."
Before they could disperse, Hizuru spoke up, her voice low but clear.
"Do you really believe you can complete this mission? That you'll find the missing girls? Others have tried... and failed."
Sol met her gaze with a confident grin. "We're not 'others.' We're heroes. Believe in us."
Outside the meeting room, the group slowly dispersed. The air was still heavy with the weight of the mission.
"Why'd you do that?" Shin asked, approaching Ryker with a puzzled expression.
Ryker kept walking, his eyes focused ahead. "Because I want to lead."
Amelia crossed her arms, eyebrow raised. "And why did you only choose girls for your team?"
Ryker stopped and turned slightly, his expression unreadable. "Because I'm the leader."
The others exchanged glances. Some smirked, others rolled their eyes. Hizuru stood nearby, silently observing them. So these are the heroes… Are they really ready for what waits in Tomogashima?
"Let's go, Sol. I'm hungry," Ryker said suddenly.
Sol stretched his arms and laughed. "You always think with your stomach. Let's find something good."
With that, the two walked off toward the city streets, the sky above casting long shadows as the sun dipped lower.
The salty breeze of the ocean gently brushed against their faces as the van pulled up near the harbor. The distant cry of seagulls echoed under the orange glow of the afternoon sun.
Jasmine stepped out first, tying her hair into a loose ponytail. Ryker followed, his long black jacket fluttering slightly in the wind. Behind them, Celica, Aisa, Yumi, and Akira hopped down one by one, bags slung over their shoulders.
"So this is the port…" Akira murmured, gazing at the old wooden ships lined up beside sleek motorboats.
A heavy silence fell for a moment as everyone looked out over the vast, sparkling sea.
"This is where we part ways," Jasmine said, turning to Ryker. "I'll handle my team. You focus on yours."
Ryker nodded. "We'll finish in five days. Just make sure you don't fall behind."
Celica smirked. "Confident as always."
A group of dock workers began loading their gear onto a small ferry bound for Tomogashima.
Hizuru stood near the edge of the dock, waiting in silence. The wind tugged at her coat as she turned to face them. "The sea can be rough. Stay alert… Tomogashima isn't just some tourist island anymore."
"Don't worry," Yumi said, adjusting her bag. "With us there, things will change."
"Tch. Better not slow me down," Ryker muttered as he stepped onto the boat.
As the engines hummed to life, the vessel slowly pulled away from the dock, leaving behind the safety of the city—and heading straight into the unknown.
The sun dipped lower, casting golden rays over the water.
The mission had officially begun.