Inside a dimly lit room, Jasmine Katsuragi's team sat in a circle. The mood was serious, the only sound coming from the ticking clock on the wall. Jasmine stood in front of them, arms folded, her eyes sharp with purpose.
"Tonight, we move," she announced.
"Tonight?" Sol raised an eyebrow. "We're going out now?"
"Yes," Jasmine replied. "We've wasted enough time waiting. I found something… and we need to act fast."
Everyone sat up a little straighter.
"What did you find?" asked Shin, his tone calm but focused.
"There's a route—an old, half-hidden trail in the northern forest," Jasmine explained. "I overheard two locals whispering about it. They called it 'the path where no light walks.' I believe it leads to a hidden facility… maybe even where the girls are being kept."
"That's risky," King said, leaning forward. "We don't know what's waiting for us."
"Which is why we go in pairs," Jasmine said. "We don't split too far, and we stay in communication."
She turned to each member, assigning roles.
"Shin, you're with me. You're sharp in the dark."
"Sol, take Izumi. You're the strongest fighters."
"Tasuya and Amelia, your magic will help with traps or barriers."
"Hiroshi and Saki, you two are fast and can scout ahead."
"Arisu and Mio, stay behind and monitor our movements. If anything goes wrong, alert Ryker's team."
Everyone nodded.
"This isn't a rescue yet," Jasmine added. "It's recon. But if we see anyone in danger… we act. Understood?"
"Yes!" the team answered in unison.
"Then get ready. We move out in ten minutes."
The moon hung high, casting a silver glow over the silent streets of the island. Shadows stretched across the ground as Ryker's team moved quickly but carefully, cloaked in the stillness of night.
Ryker led the way, his eyes focused. Behind him, Aisa, Celica, Yumi, and Akira followed, each carrying a small lantern to light their path.
They arrived at the first house.
Ryker knocked.
The door creaked open, revealing a worried mother and a trembling young girl behind her.
"We're from the Hero Association," Aisa said gently. "Please… let us take your daughter. It's not safe anymore."
The mother hesitated.
Ryker stepped forward. "We'll protect her. With our lives."
The mother looked at her daughter, then nodded slowly. "Take care of her…"
One by one, they moved from house to house. Each time, they gave the same promise.
At another home, Celica knelt beside a girl who refused to leave. "It's okay," she whispered. "You're not alone. We'll be with you the whole time."
Yumi wrapped a shawl around a shivering girl. "You're safe now."
Akira, though rough around the edges, spoke with quiet conviction. "We're not asking—we're here to protect."
As they walked through the streets with a growing group of frightened girls behind them, Ryker looked back.
"This is only the beginning," he said under his breath.
But in the darkness, hope began to shine—one rescued soul at a time.
Saori's home was quiet, the lanterns inside glowing softly as the front gate creaked open.
Ryker stepped in first, followed by Celica, Yumi, Akira, and Aisa—behind them, nearly a Dozens young girls trailed, their eyes wide with exhaustion, fear, and curiosity.
Hizuru stepped into the hallway, surprised. "Ryker… who are—?"
"They're the girls in island," Aisa said gently. "We brought them here. They'll be safe."
"W-We're staying here?" one of the girls asked, clutching Yumi's sleeve.
"Yes," Yumi knelt down and smiled. "No one will hurt you. We promise."
Celica began guiding them into the living room, spreading out blankets and helping them settle. Some girls sat on the floor, others leaned against each other, weary but relieved.
Akira leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "It's getting crowded."
"Better here than out there," Ryker said. His voice was firm, but there was a softness in his eyes as he looked at the girls.
Hizuru walked up beside him. "We'll make space. I'll cook something warm."
"Thanks," Aisa whispered, touched by the kindness.
In the corner, a small girl clung to Celica's arm. "Will the bad people come?"
Celica paused, then looked at her with a fierce gaze. "Not while we're here."
As the night deepened, the once-quiet home buzzed with soft voices and the warmth of comfort. Ryker stood by the door, his silhouette cast in the faint moonlight.
"This is our responsibility now," he said quietly.
And in the heart of that home, surrounded by the rescued and the protectors, a fragile peace began to take root.
Moments Later — On the Other Side of the Island
Jasmine's team moved swiftly through the shadows. The air was tense, and their eyes scanned every corner of the dimly lit street.
"There," Shin pointed toward a small, isolated house. A single light flickered inside.
They approached cautiously.
Inside, an old man sat cross-legged, sipping tea. He looked up as they neared. "Heroes… are you here to ask about the missing girls?"
"Yes," Sol stepped forward. "We've found some clues."
The man smiled faintly. "You're late. One team already came. They gathered all the girls. Said they'd protect them."
"What?" King blinked, confused.
"Who was it?" Amelia asked.
The old man sipped his tea again. "Didn't give names. But… the boy had cold eyes. Strong presence. Spoke like a leader."
Jasmine's eyes narrowed. "It was Ryker."
Everyone fell silent.
"…He moved faster than us," Sol muttered, both impressed and irritated.
Jasmine turned sharply. "We're going back. Now."
Without another word, the team left the house and vanished into the night, their pace quickened.
The sky was dark, the wind calm. Jasmine and her team arrived at the house, their footsteps slowing as they neared the entrance.
There—on the porch—Ryker was sitting against the wall, fast asleep. His coat draped over his shoulders, arms crossed, head resting gently to one side.
"…He's sleeping outside?" Izumi whispered.
"Guess even Ryker gets tired," Arisu muttered.
Sol stepped forward and knelt down beside him. "Hey… Ryker. Wake up."
He gently tapped his shoulder.
Ryker stirred slightly, his brows twitching before his eyes fluttered open.
"Huh…? I was… sleeping?" he murmured, confused.
Then his eyes widened.
He suddenly sat up straight. "Wait… the girls!"
Without waiting, he jumped to his feet and ran into the house.
But the house was empty.
The living room—silent.
The hallway—dark.
No voices, no footsteps, no warmth.
"…Where is everyone?" Ryker said aloud, his breath catching.
Sol stood behind him in the doorway. "They were just here, right?"
Ryker turned slowly, his expression hardening. "Something's wrong."
A cold breeze slipped in through the open window.
The silence felt heavier than ever.
Ryker stood in the ruins of what was once a safe house. The walls were scorched. The scent of ash still lingered. Blood stained the floor.
Bodies.
Too many.
His knees gave out.
He dropped.
To the ground.
Like a man whose weight was no longer carried by strength, but by sorrow.
"I failed…" he whispered.
His voice cracked.