《Evolver's》


 Chapter 1

    "What''s the situation? Did the Evol officers make it there?"


    A woman''s voice rang out, laced with frustration¡ªor perhaps nervousness. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white as she sped down the road. Her phone was on speaker, resting on the dashboard, but her impatient glances toward it made it clear she wasn''t getting the answers she wanted fast enough. The engine roared as she pushed the car to its limits, weaving through traffic with sharp, precise movements. Every second felt like an eternity.


    "Miss Hinata, they''re on their way. They''ll reach there in at least 30 minutes. There isn''t a single Evol in Tokyo right now¡­ so it will take some time."


    The man''s voice crackled through the phone, tinged with unease. Even without seeing his face, the nervous edge in his tone was clear. There was a slight hesitation before each word, as if he was choosing them carefully, afraid of how she might react. In the background, faint chatter and the hum of equipment suggested he was at a command center, possibly monitoring the situation in real time.


    "Thirty minutes?!" she shouted, her voice sharp with anger. "Are you fucking kidding me right now?"As if on cue, the car suddenly jerked to a stop in the middle of the road."You''ve got to be kidding me," she muttered, frustration boiling over. She slammed her hands against the steering wheel before glancing at the dashboard¡ªthen it hit her. She forgot to refuel.Cursing under her breath, she grabbed her phone and pushed open the car door. The cool night air rushed against her as she stepped out, slamming the door shut behind her. She was still at least 20 kilometers away from Tokyo, and waiting for another car wasn''t an option. She don''t have time for this.


    She wears a sleek black high-neck top with thin vertical pinstripes, giving it a refined touch. The sleeves are long and slightly loose, adding a soft flow to her look. Paired with it are high-waisted black trousers, secured with a slim black belt.


    "Haru, Just tell those Evols to get there as fast as they can. I''ll be there in a few minutes."


    With that, she ended the call without waiting for a response. The moment her finger left the screen, she vanished, leaving behind nothing but a rush of air. The force of her sudden departure cracked the asphalt beneath her feet, creating a deep circular impact. Dust and debris shot outward, and the sound of splitting concrete echoed through the street. The ground trembled slightly before settling, leaving only the proof of her incredible speed behind.


    After a few minutes, she finally reached her destination¡ªher home. Her entire body was drenched in sweat, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to catch her breath. She had just sprinted over 20 kilometers in mere minutes, pushing her body to its absolute limits.


    But when she arrived, the sight before her made her exhaustion meaningless.


    Her house was in ruins. One side was engulfed in roaring flames, casting flickering shadows over the debris. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and something metallic¡ªblood. Her frantic gaze darted across the wreckage as she searched desperately for something¡ªor someone.


    Then she froze.


    Amidst the destruction, a man stood calmly. He wore a plain white t-shirt and simple pants, with a black apron tied around his waist. But what caught her attention wasn''t his clothes. It was the blood splattered across them¡ªfresh and dark.


    Yet, it wasn''t his.


    Three bodies lay sprawled on the ruined floor of what was once her home, their blood pooling beneath them.


    The man in the apron noticed her, his expression unreadable at first. Then, as if nothing had happened, he smiled at her¡ªsoftly, almost gently.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "You''re back, Hina," he said gently, his warm smile never fading. Despite the blood splattered across his clothes, he still looked effortlessly handsome¡ªand to her, completely harmless.


    Without hesitation, the woman ran toward him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. A wave of relief washed over her as she buried her face against his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath.


    "Hina... I''m covered in blood. You''ll get yourself dirty," he murmured softly. But despite his words, he made no move to push her away.


    She looked up at him with a smile, her breaths still coming in short, heavy gasps.


    "Dirty? Nah¡­ to me, you''re as clean as always, my sweet husband," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth.


    Suddenly, the quiet area was filled with noise as a fleet of cars and two helicopters arrived, their engines roaring. The car doors swung open, and a man came running toward them. He wasn''t very tall, and his expression was filled with nervousness.


    "Miss Hinata, you''re already here," he said anxiously.


    His eyes darted to the three unconscious men lying on the ground before quickly glancing at the approaching vehicles. He raised his hand in a silent signal, and some of the cars immediately turned and drove away, while others stopped. Their doors opened, and a group of people poured out, swiftly getting to work.


    Some of them secured the three unconscious men and took them away, while the remaining team focused on extinguishing the fire still raging on the other side of the destroyed house.


    "I already sent the Evols back since there''s no need for them here," he said softly, his gaze sweeping over the scene before settling on the man in the bloodstained apron.


    "Mr. Jin¡­ did you really take down these men? I thought you were just a normal person," Haru asked, his voice filled with curiosity. He couldn''t help but wonder how this seemingly ordinary man had managed to defeat three Evols.


    Hina turned to Haru, her sharp eyes locking onto him with an intense stare. The weight of her gaze made him shift uncomfortably.


    "I-I didn''t mean it like that, Miss Hinata! I''m just curious, that''s all," Haru stammered nervously, raising his hands slightly in defense.


    Jin let out a gentle chuckle and patted Hina''s head. "Don''t be so hard on him, Hina. It''s normal to be curious," he said kindly before turning his attention back to Haru.


    "I''ll tell you," Jin said gently, glancing down at his bloodstained clothes. "But as you can see, I need to get cleaned up first."


    "Of course, Mr. Jin. I''ll arrange something for you," Haru replied softly before signaling two men to come closer.


    Hina stepped forward, her gaze lingering on Jin. "How about you go first? I need to take care of this mess," she said gently. Then, without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him again, holding him close.


    Jin smiled slightly and gave her a reassuring pat on the back before stepping away. Without another word, he left with the two men, getting into a car that quickly drove off.


    As soon as Jin left, Hina''s expression turned serious. Without wasting a moment, she got into the car with Haru, sliding into the back seat while he took the wheel.


    Her voice was cold as she spoke. "Who were they, Haru? And why did they target my husband instead of me?"


    Haru tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his tone careful yet respectful. "It was that Evolver group we took down last time. Looks like we missed someone back then. They put a bounty on Mr. Jin''s head¡ª100 million USD." He hesitated before adding, "Since putting a bounty on you is as good as suicide, they went after Mr. Jin instead, hoping to get revenge on you, Miss Hinata. That''s all I''ve managed to gather so far."


    Hina remained silent for a moment, absorbing the information. Haru glanced at her through the rearview mirror before continuing. "But I have to say¡­ I wasn''t expecting this. I thought Mr. Jin was just a normal human. Even if he is an Evolver, taking down three A-rank Evols by himself¡­ that''s not normal."


    "You''re not the only one who was surprised, Haru. I was too," Hina admitted, her voice calm yet unreadable. "But it''s not a big deal. Jin must have had his own reasons for keeping it from me. Still, from the way he handled the situation, it didn''t seem like he was deliberately hiding it¡ªhe just never mentioned it. Either way, I''m relieved. If he hadn''t been that strong, he wouldn''t have survived."


    Her eyes darkened slightly as she shifted her focus back to the matter at hand. "What happened to the Evolvers Jin took down?" she asked, her tone sharp again.


    "They''re all alive. I sent them to Level 4 prison," Haru answered while keeping his eyes on the road.


    Hina leaned back, exhaling slowly. Then, in a cold, commanding voice, she said, "Take me to headquarters first."


    [Chapter 1 end]

 Chapter 2

    [Let''s go back in time to understand the previous chapter.]


    [Morning, the same day before the incident.]


    Hina came out of the bedroom after getting ready for work. As she entered the living room, she saw her husband, Jin, making breakfast in the kitchen. The rich aroma of sizzling food filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of coffee.


    Jin was a househusband who worked as an artist and stayed at home, while Hina was an Evolver officer, the head of Tokyo Headquarters.


    She walked into the kitchen and climbed onto Jin''s back, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Her body pressed against him as she leaned in, resting her chin on his shoulder from behind.


    "I''m hungry, dear. When will breakfast be ready?" she murmured softly, her tone playful and childlike.


    Her warm breath brushed against his skin as she clung to him, swaying slightly in his hold. The scent of his familiar cologne mixed with the comforting smell of breakfast, making the moment feel even cozier.


    Jin continued to cook, completely used to Hina clinging to him. The warmth of her body against his back was familiar, almost second nature by now. He flipped the last pancake onto a plate, the golden-brown surface glistening slightly with butter. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air.


    "Oh, it''s almost ready. Sit at the table, and I''ll serve breakfast," he said gently, his voice calm and soothing.


    Hina sighed softly before climbing down from him, her feet touching the cool floor. She stretched her arms briefly, then made her way to the dining table, pulling out a chair and sitting down. Her eyes followed Jin as he moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, arranging the plates and pouring a cup of coffee for her.


    A moment later, he brought the food to the table, setting it down in front of her before taking his seat. The meal was simple but comforting¡ªwarm pancakes, eggs, and a side of fruit.


    They began eating together, the quiet sounds of clinking utensils filling the room. The morning air was peaceful, making it feel like a perfect, ordinary start to the day.


    After breakfast, Hina got up, grabbed her long black coat, and slipped it on before putting on her shoes, preparing to leave for work.


    "I''ll be going then, dear. Bye," she said softly, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on Jin''s lips.


    As they pulled back from the kiss, Jin looked at her with a calm expression. "When will you be back? I''ll make dinner around that time," he said gently, reaching out to pet her head.


    Hina let out a small breath, feeling the warmth of his hand. "Oh, eat alone tonight. I''ll be late. I''m going to Osaka¡ªthere''s a sea monster problem," she replied softly.


    "Osaka¡­ Why? Aren''t there Evolvers there?" he asked gently, his tone curious but calm.


    "There are, but it''s a big problem. They need someone stronger. Since the head of Osaka is in China for a meeting, she asked me for help," Hina explained. "Bye then, see you tonight." She wrapped her arms around him in a brief hug before turning to leave.


    "Bye, take care," Jin said gently, watching as the door closed behind her. He stood still for a moment before turning back to continue the house chores.


    As the hours passed, Hina remained in Osaka, the sky now a shade of deepening orange as the sun sank toward the horizon. It was 4 p.m., and she stood at the port, her arms crossed as she stared out at the sea.


    Beside her, a small group of Evolvers and port officials watched in silence. The ocean stretched endlessly before them, its surface eerily calm. Not a single sea monster had appeared today¡ªnot even a minor disturbance. It was strange. Unsettling. Normally, these waters were a hotspot for attacks, yet now, the waves lapped gently against the docks, reflecting the dim glow of the port lights as if nothing was wrong.


    Something didn''t sit right with her. But since the cheif of the Osaka was arriving in some hours she don''t see the point of staying there.


    After exchanging a few words with the others and giving instructions, Hina finally left the port. She slipped into her black car, started the engine, and pulled onto the road, heading back to Tokyo.


    Four Hours Later ¨C 8 p.m.


    The once bright sky had faded into darkness, the roads illuminated only by streetlights and the occasional passing car. She had been driving for hours, her focus locked on the highway ahead. By now, she was at least 80 km away from Tokyo, the city still a distant glow on the horizon.


    The rhythmic hum of the car engine and the faint whooshing of the wind against the windows filled the silence¡ªuntil suddenly, her phone rang.


    The sharp sound made her flinch slightly. With one hand still on the wheel, she reached for her phone, glancing at the screen. Haru.


    A bad feeling crept into her chest.


    She pressed the button to answer. "What is it, Haru?" she asked, her tone calm but firm.


    There was a brief crackle on the other end, followed by Haru''s voice¡ªuneven, nervous.


    "The thing is¡­ that¡­" His words wavered, cutting in and out.


    Hina''s brows furrowed. "Haru, just say it already! What is it?"


    Her sharp tone filled the car. She wasn''t in the mood for hesitation, and Haru''s nervousness only made her frustration grow.


    "The thing is¡­" Haru hesitated, taking a sharp breath before finally saying it. "Someone put a bounty on Mr. Jin''s head."


    Hina''s grip on the steering wheel tightened, her heart skipping a beat. Her foot instinctively hit the brakes, the tires screeching slightly as the car came to a halt on the side of the road.


    She froze.


    Her mind raced, but she forced her voice to stay steady. "What the hell do you mean by that?" she demanded, frustration laced with rising anger.


    "I don''t know who did it or why, but I''ll find out!" Haru said, his nervousness clear through the phone.


    Without another word, she cut the call and restarted the engine, slamming her foot on the accelerator. The car roared forward at full speed. Luckily, the road was clear¡ªno traffic, no delays.


    Time felt painfully slow as she drove. Every second mattered.


    Minutes Later ¨C 40 km from Tokyo


    Hina had been pushing the car to its limits, the city lights now visible in the distance. Just then, her phone rang again.


    She glanced at the screen¡ªHaru.


    Still gripping the wheel with one hand, she answered. "What is it now?" she snapped, her frustration barely contained.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "They raised the bounty¡­ and now it''s gone," Haru said, his voice laced with urgency.


    Her breath caught.


    The bounty was gone. That meant someone had taken it.


    In this world, once a bounty was placed, it wasn''t easy to erase. Someone had already accepted the job. That realization made her stomach twist.


    Her fingers clenched around the wheel. She pressed the gas harder.


    "Send every available Evolver to my house¡ªnow!" she ordered, her voice sharp with desperation.


    She didn''t wait for a response. She cut the call and immediately dialed Jin.


    Still off.


    It had been off for hours. She had tried multiple times.


    Her hands trembled slightly as she gritted her teeth. The longer it stayed off, the worse her gut feeling became.


    She wasn''t just frustrated anymore.


    She was scared.


    [After that what happen was already in chapter 1 but to clear things more let''s see what happen on Jin side]


    After Hina left for Osaka in the morning, Jin went about his day as usual, following his daily routine with quiet ease.


    Now, it was 9 p.m. The house was peaceful, the faint hum of the stove filling the kitchen as he chopped vegetables with practiced movements. He had assumed Hina would be back in about an hour or so, so he decided to start cooking dinner.


    Earlier in the day, while working on a painting, a few drops of paint had accidentally spilled onto his phone, causing it to shut off. He had set it aside, planning to clean it later.


    Jin stood at the counter, wearing a simple black apron over his clothes, the soft scraping sound of the knife against the cutting board the only noise in the room.


    Then¡ªthe sharp crash of glass shattered the silence.


    His hand paused mid-cut. His brown eyes lifted from the cutting board, shifting toward the living room.


    Three men stood there, shards of broken glass at their feet.


    Jin took in the scene with a glance¡ªthe cold expressions, the way they carried themselves. Uninvited guests, and judging by their entrance, they weren''t here for a friendly visit.


    Yet, his expression remained calm.


    He didn''t flinch. He didn''t show even the slightest hint of concern.


    Instead, he casually continued cutting the vegetables, his voice as gentle as ever.


    "You know," he said, as if making small talk, "you could''ve just used the front door. I just cleaned the house."


    The blade of his knife glided smoothly through the vegetables, as if nothing had changed at all.


    One of the three men stepped forward, a creepy smile stretching across his face. His red hair was messy, and his flat tone carried an unsettling edge.


    "Do you know why we''re here? Or who we are?" he asked, his grin never fading.


    Jin glanced up, his brown eyes meeting the man''s for a brief moment before returning to his cooking.


    "Hmm¡­ maybe thieves?" he said gently, slicing through another vegetable as if nothing was out of the ordinary.


    The red-haired man let out a chuckle, but it lacked amusement.


    "That''s too low, you know."


    Another man, this one with yellow hair, scoffed and crossed his arms. "We''re professional bounty hunters."


    Jin''s hand paused for a fraction of a second before resuming. "Bounty hunters?" he repeated, his voice still calm but carrying a hint of mild surprise.


    "Looks like you''ve got the wrong house," he said gently. "I don''t have any bounty on me."


    The third man, with green hair, leaned against the counter, his eyes watching Jin carefully. "No, we''re at the right place. You''re Riyozaki Jin, right? The one with a 100 million USD bounty on his head."


    Jin finally stopped, setting the knife down. He wiped his hands on a nearby cloth, then turned slightly to face them.


    "I am Riyozaki Jin," he admitted, his voice still as soft and unshaken as before. "But I don''t have a bounty on me."


    A brief silence filled the room before he spoke again, his expression unreadable.


    "And even if I did¡­ how exactly do you three plan to split it?" His gaze moved between them, sharp yet strangely amused. "Since I can tell¡ªyou don''t work together."


    For the first time since entering, the three men exchanged glances.


    "Oh, you don''t need to worry about that. We''ll each take 33 million and donate 1 million," the red-haired man said casually, his creepy grin never fading.


    Jin let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Donate? What kind-hearted killers you all are." His voice was gentle, yet laced with quiet amusement.


    Before anyone could respond, the green-haired man suddenly raised his left hand, pointing it straight at Jin.


    "We''re not here for chit-chat," he said coldly.


    A second later, water swirled around his palm, rapidly forming into bullet-like shapes.


    Then¡ªhe flicked his index finger.


    A barrage of water bullets fired toward Jin with incredible speed, tearing through the kitchen.


    CRASH! The impact shattered cabinets, sent dishes flying, and ripped through the walls, leaving holes in the once-pristine kitchen.


    But when the dust settled¡ªJin was gone.


    The green-haired man''s sharp eyes scanned the wreckage. No sign of him.


    Then¡ª


    "You know¡­"


    A gentle voice came from right behind him.


    "It cost me a lot to make that kitchen look beautiful. And now you''ve ruined it."


    The green-haired man''s body stiffened. Cold sweat ran down his neck.


    Before he could react, he whipped around and unleashed another wave of water bullets¡ªover a hundred of them¡ª


    BOOM! The attack tore through the room, leaving the house in complete chaos.


    But Jin?


    He was nowhere to be seen.


    Out of nowhere, Jin appeared right in front of the green-haired man.


    His golden eyes, usually warm, were now ice-cold.


    "You just destroyed my wedding photo."


    His voice was no longer gentle. No warmth. No amusement. Only a cold, quiet rage.


    Before the man could react¡ª


    SLASH.


    Jin''s kitchen knife tore through his arm.


    Then¡ª


    SLASH. SLASH. SLASH.


    One after another, Jin''s blade danced, cutting through flesh at terrifying speed.


    The green-haired man couldn''t even scream.


    In just seconds, Jin had slashed him over a hundred times.


    Blood splattered across the kitchen, across Jin''s black apron, across the ruined walls.


    Then¡ªTHUD.


    The green-haired man collapsed.


    His body twitched, drenched in red.


    Jin stood over him, the kitchen knife dripping.


    His expression?


    Still calm.


    But now¡ªdeadly.


    As the green-haired man collapsed, the expressions of the remaining two men turned deadly serious.


    No hesitation.


    They rushed at Jin at the same time.


    The red-haired man lunged forward, his body suddenly engulfed in flames.


    With fire coiling around his fist, he threw a devastating punch straight at Jin''s face.


    Just inches away¡ª


    Jin caught his arm.


    With one swift motion, he twisted his grip and hurled the red-haired man across the house.


    CRASH!


    The man''s body tore through the walls, smashing through one after another.


    BOOM!


    He finally landed outside, crashing into a large tree in the garden.


    The force bent the entire trunk.


    Blood trickled from his mouth, his body slumped against the bark.


    The red-haired man was sent flying, but his partner didn''t hesitate.


    The yellow-haired man ducked low, his body moving like a shadow as he threw a devastating punch toward Jin''s stomach.


    SNAP¡ª


    Jin caught his fist.


    A flicker of shock crossed the yellow-haired man''s face, but he didn''t stop.


    He launched another punch¡ª


    Caught.


    Another¡ª Caught.


    Faster. More ferocious. Blow after blow.


    But Jin''s hands were like steel traps, catching every single attack with precision.


    Their movements blurred, too fast for an ordinary human to even perceive.


    Then¡ª Jin countered.


    CRACK¡ª


    A sharp, crushing punch to the man''s wrist.


    CRACK¡ª


    Another to the opposite wrist.


    POP! CRACK! SNAP!


    Jin dismantled his guard, breaking through his arms like they were nothing.


    The yellow-haired man let out a choked gasp, his body betraying him.


    He had no defense left.


    Jin moved in.


    BOOM¡ª A fist slammed into his chest.


    BOOM¡ª Another to the stomach.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Jin''s punches landed like gunfire, tearing through him.


    His opponent staggered back, coughing up blood. His body shook violently.


    Then¡ª he screamed.


    With a desperate roar, he threw his broken arms outward.


    The air around them exploded.


    WHOOSH¡ª


    A furious storm erupted, spiraling outward like a hurricane.


    The entire house trembled, walls splitting, windows shattering.


    Then¡ª


    BOOOOOOM!


    The house was ripped apart, reduced to nothing but debris and dust.


    "You really destroyed the house... What will I tell my wife now?" Jin''s voice was cold, stripped of all warmth.


    The yellow-haired man barely had a second to react before¡ª


    BOOM!


    Jin was already in front of him.


    WHOOSH!


    His right leg shot up¡ª fast, sharp, unstoppable.


    BAM!


    It came crashing down.


    CRACK!


    The yellow-haired man''s face slammed into the ground, the sheer force splitting the floor apart. Debris and dust blasted into the air as the entire house shook from the impact.


    He didn''t move. His body twitched, half-buried in the shattered ground, his breathing ragged.


    Jin stepped back, looking at the wreckage around him. His eyes were cold.


    "Tch... What a pain."


    Suddenly¡ª


    FWOOOSH!


    A massive blaze erupted from the garden. Flames roared as a figure emerged, stepping through the fire.


    It was the red-haired man.


    His hands burned with raging flames, his eyes locked onto Jin with fierce determination.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    He launched forward, his entire body propelled by a fiery explosion. The air shimmered from the heat as he flew straight at Jin, closing the distance in an instant.


    With both hands raised high, he prepared to smash Jin down with a fire-fueled strike¡ª


    THWACK!


    Jin''s fist met his face first.


    The impact was brutal.


    BAM!


    The red-haired man''s body whipped backward, slamming into the ground with a thunderous crash. The flames around his hands flickered, and smoke curled from where he lay, motionless.


    Now, Jin was standing covered in the blood of these men.


    Then, Hina arrived, covered in sweat and breathing heavily since she had run over 20 km in a few minutes.


    [Chapter 2 end]

 Chapter 3

    [Year 1890]


    On July 10, a meteor entered Earth''s atmosphere, blazing through the sky before crashing into the center of the ocean. Unlike most impacts, it caused no explosion, no tidal waves¡ªjust a silent descent into the depths. The meteor, a strange blue rock, began dissolving in seawater almost instantly. Within a few hours, it had completely vanished, its remnants spreading across the vast ocean.


    At the time, with limited technology and no satellites, humanity remained oblivious to what had just occurred. No cities were destroyed, no tremors shook the ground, and so, the world remained unaware that something fundamental had just changed.


    The Silent Evolution Begins


    As the meteor dissolved, its unknown substance began affecting marine life. Not all¡ªonly one in a hundred sea creatures showed signs of change. At first, the transformation was subtle: a fish growing slightly larger, a shark''s eyes glowing faintly in the dark, a deep-sea creature moving faster than it should. But this was only the beginning.


    Once the substance had fully spread across the ocean, it did not remain confined to the water. Through the oxygen produced by the sea, the unknown energy began dispersing into the atmosphere, touching every corner of the world.


    Within two days, the entire planet had been exposed. Every human, animal, and insect unknowingly breathed it in. Yet, at first, there were no visible effects, no sickness, no immediate mutation. For the next two weeks, life continued as usual¡ªuntil the changes finally began.


    The substance did not choose¡ªit did not favor the strong, the weak, or the intelligent. It simply affected those whose bodies could adapt first. One in every hundred¡ªbe it human, beast, or insect¡ªbegan to evolve.


    For those who were not affected, life continued as before. For those who were, a new world had just begun.


    Two weeks passed. Then, the changes became impossible to ignore. People began witnessing unexplainable transformations¡ªa man suddenly lifting a boulder twice his size, a child moving faster than the eye could follow, a beast tearing through solid steel. Fear spread like wildfire.


    Some were terrified. Others saw it as an opportunity. The strong sought to dominate the weak, believing themselves superior. But they quickly learned a harsh truth¡ªhumans were not the only ones who had evolved.


    Insects, once insignificant, had grown in size and ferocity, some now hunting humans as prey. Predators in the wild became monstrous apex creatures, and the seas churned with beasts larger than ships. The world had become a battlefield where every species fought for dominance.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Despite the chaos, humans had one advantage¡ªtheir superior intelligence. While beasts relied on instinct, humans adapted. Those with powers began to train, learning to control their abilities. They realized strength was not granted instantly¡ªunlike the beasts, humans had to push their limits through discipline, understanding, and training.


    It took years of war, bloodshed, and sacrifice to bring the world back to stability. Though evolved animals, insects, and sea creatures continued to pose a threat, strong humans emerged to protect others. Over time, they built new structures of power, ensuring that those who understood their abilities could thrive in this new era.


    The Mystery of Evolution


    Even after years of adaptation, no one on Earth knew the truth¡ªwhy had only one in a hundred evolved? What force had granted them these abilities? And what had truly changed the world?


    But instead of seeking answers, humanity focused on mastering their newfound powers.


    The Nature of Power


    It soon became clear that no two people shared the exact same abilities. Some could manipulate flames, controlling their heat, shape, and intensity. Others commanded air, water, magma, or lightning. It was as if their powers formed a bond with these elements, allowing them to shape and wield them at will.


    This bond extended beyond just elements¡ªsome discovered the ability to control metal, bending it as if it were an extension of their own body. Others formed connections with ice, gravity, or even unseen forces.


    Yet, no matter how powerful one''s ability seemed, there was a clear limitation¡ªstamina. Power was not infinite. As long as a person had the strength to endure, they could continue fighting. But once their stamina ran out, their power became useless.


    Thus, it became evident that training was everything. Those who sought to grow stronger had to push their limits, refining their bond with their abilities through relentless discipline.


    And so, a new era of power began.


    The Birth of the Evolvers


    As time passed, humanity gave a name to those who had evolved¡ªEvolvers.


    With powers reshaping the world, history took a different path. The World Wars never happened¡ªinstead, humanity''s greatest battles were fought against the beasts, mutated creatures, and power-hungry individuals who sought to dominate the weak.


    To maintain order, every nation formed elite forces of Evolvers, ensuring that balance was upheld. Without laws, those with power could rule over normal humans, and chaos would consume society.


    But power did not change human nature. Not all Evolvers were noble. Just like before, humanity was divided¡ªsome sought to protect, others to control, and some to destroy.


    And so, a new world was born, shaped not by nations or armies, but by the will of the powerful.


    Even after the mass destruction caused by evolved creatures, humanity did not fall. Instead, the world developed faster than ever. With the help of Evolvers, rebuilding cities and infrastructure became easier and quicker. What once took years could now be done in months¡ªor even days.


    However, this did not make normal humans useless.


    One thing that all humans possess is intelligence, and it varies from person to person. Power alone does not grant creativity or strategic thinking. Since only one in a hundred becomes an Evolver, it was clear that not all Evolvers were intelligent or visionary.


    Thus, while Evolvers reshaped the world with their power, it was scientists, engineers, and thinkers who led the way in rebuilding society. Strength alone could not rule the world¡ªintelligence was just as powerful.


    [Now the story begins in 2025.]


    [Chapter 3 end]

 Chapter 4

    As Hina entered the building, Haru followed closely behind. Dried blood still clung to her clothes and cheek¡ªthe remnants from when she had hugged Jin. The metallic scent lingered, but she didn''t seem to care.


    They stepped into the elevator, the soft hum of machinery filling the silence as they ascended to the ninth floor.


    "Send someone to pick up the car I left on the road¡ªand repair the damn road too," she ordered coldly, her gaze fixed on the elevator doors.


    Haru nodded. "Sure, I''ll send some people." He hesitated for a moment before speaking again, his voice careful. "But, Miss Hinata¡­ why did you take a car? You left for Osaka by bullet train, didn''t you? But you returned by car¡­"


    Hina let out a sharp breath. "Some idiotic insects attacked the station. They had to shut it down temporarily," she said, irritation clear in her voice. "My work was finished earlier than expected, so I figured driving back was a good idea. Never thought this would happen." Her voice was cold, laced with frustration.


    The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime.


    "Are they all here?" she asked without looking at Haru.


    "Yeah, they''re all waiting in the meeting room," Haru replied, his voice softer now.


    They strode down a long, sleek hallway before stopping in front of a large set of doors. Without hesitation, Hina pushed them open.


    Inside, about thirty people sat in chairs arranged in neat rows, their faces serious. The air in the room was thick with tension.


    Hina''s gaze swept over them as she walked to the head of the room, taking her seat.


    "Thirty Evolvers. Twenty-two A-ranks and eight S-ranks," she began, her voice sharp and unforgiving. "And yet, not a single one of you was present when it mattered. Every single one of you was outside the city. So tell me¡­"


    She leaned forward slightly, her cold eyes scanning the room.


    "What''s your excuse?"


    Her words sent a ripple of unease through the room. Some lowered their gazes, while others stiffened in their seats. A heavy silence settled, the weight of her anger pressing down on everyone present.


    "Chief¡­ you''re just mad because it was your husband in trouble. And it''s not like anything serious happened¡ªMr. Jin took down those bounty hunters on his own," a man said softly, his tone calm yet slightly amused.


    The speaker was Asahi, an S-rank Evolver. He was in his early thirties, strikingly handsome¡ªhis looks comparable to that of an actor. Unlike the others, he seemed completely unfazed by Hina''s anger.


    Hina turned her sharp gaze toward him, her eyes like ice. "The issue here isn''t just my husband¡ªit''s the fact that not a single one of you was in Tokyo today." Her voice was cold, unwavering. "And as for my husband, of course I''m mad. Do I look like a hero to you?" She scoffed. "You all work for me. This isn''t a government organization where I have to keep my personal matters separate¡ªI have every right to give you orders as I see fit."


    The room remained silent. No one dared to argue with her.


    Unlike other branches that worked directly under the government, this one was different. It was a private organization¡ªowned and controlled by Hina herself. They cooperated with the government on certain terms, but ultimately, she was the one who called the shots.


    That was why, unlike military or police forces, none of them wore uniforms. Instead, they were dressed casually, a reminder that this place operated under its own rules.


    "Chief, today was a holiday for all A and S-rankers. The ones on duty were lower-ranked Evolvers," a gentle voice spoke up.


    It was Yuna, another S-rank Evolver. She was only 20 years old, yet her presence was calm and composed. Her soft tone carried no fear, only respect.


    "And¡­ I have to tell you something," Yuna continued, her voice steady. "The reason we didn''t rush to the scene was because, after the bounty was taken by hunters, it was suddenly removed completely. And the one who placed the bounty on Mr. Jin''s head¡­ is already dead."


    Silence fell over the room.


    Hina''s eyes narrowed, and a wave of unease spread through the gathered Evolvers. Shock was evident on their faces.


    Removing a bounty was one thing. But the one who issued it being killed? That was an entirely different matter.


    This wasn''t some low-level thug putting out a bounty¡ªwhoever had done it was strong, likely not weaker than an S-rank Evolver. And yet, they had been eliminated before anyone could act.


    They had captured members of that group before. They knew how dangerous they were.


    "Who was it?" Hina asked, her sharp eyes narrowing. It wasn''t just her¡ªevery Evolver in the room was waiting for the answer, tension thick in the air.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "It was Ryuto," Yuna said softly.


    The room fell into complete silence.


    Kido Ryuto.


    A man whose power surpassed even S-rank Evolvers. But that wasn''t what shocked them the most.


    The real question was¡ªwhy did he do this? Why did he kill the person who put a bounty on Jin''s head?


    Why?


    No one spoke at first. The air in the room felt heavy, as if even breathing too loudly would shatter the moment.


    Hina glanced around, searching for some kind of response, but all she saw were blank, unreadable faces. Someone shifted uncomfortably. Someone else clenched their fists.


    "¡­I didn''t know that," Yuna murmured again, almost to herself.


    Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight behind it was undeniable.


    For a moment, it seemed like someone would ask more¡ªdemand answers, argue, anything. But exhaustion was setting in, dragging down their thoughts like an anchor. It was too late for this.


    "¡­We should talk more in the morning, Chief. Mr. Jin must be waiting for you¡ªit''s already late," someone said softly.


    The tension in the room didn''t fade, but the Evolvers present grew even more nervous. Their chief''s anger was something they all feared, and bringing up Jin was the only way they knew to avoid it.


    A silent agreement passed between them, and one by one, they got up to leave. Hina followed.


    ---


    By the time she reached their new apartment, the city streets were nearly empty. The cool night air did little to clear her mind, but at least the silence gave her a moment to breathe.


    She pushed open the door and stepped inside.


    The faint scent of fresh soap and warm fabric softener greeted her. In the dimly lit living room, her husband was already waiting. He had showered and cleaned up¡ªthere was no trace of blood on him anymore. Just the soft fabric of his usual clothes¡ªa white T-shirt and comfortable cotton jeans¡ªand the quiet way he watched her enter.


    Hina said nothing. Without a word, she walked past him and headed straight for the bathroom.


    By the time she finished showering, the tension in her chest still hadn''t eased. She joined Jin at the table, and they ate dinner in complete silence. Neither of them spoke¡ªnot because there was nothing to say, but because the weight of the day still lingered between them.


    After dinner, Hina quietly cleared the table and went to wash the dishes. The sound of running water filled the air, masking the unspoken emotions pressing down on her.


    Jin moved behind her, his presence warm and steady. Without a word, he turned her toward him and wrapped his arms around her.


    "Don''t stay so quiet like that¡ªit doesn''t suit you," he murmured, gently petting her hair. "I''m fine, see? Not even a scratch on me."


    Hina''s grip tightened around him. Her fingers clenched into the fabric of his shirt as she buried her face in his chest. Then, as if something inside her finally broke, she started crying¡ªsoft, muffled sobs, like a lost child who had been holding back for too long.


    All this time, the frustration, the coldness, the walls she had built¡ªit was all just to hold herself together. But the moment she had heard about the sudden bounty on Jin''s head, she had been terrified. Even though she found that he was an Evolver didn''t erase the fear.


    She was frustrated with herself¡ªdespite being one of the strongest people in the country, she hadn''t been there when her husband''s life was in danger. Thoughts swirled in her mind.


    What if Jin had been a normal human? What would have happened to him then?


    ""Let''s go to sleep. We''ll talk about it tomorrow, okay?" he said gently.


    Before she could respond, Jin scooped her up into his arms with ease. Hina didn''t resist¡ªshe was too drained, both physically and emotionally. She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The warmth of his embrace, the quiet strength in his touch, it all made the exhaustion settle in deeper.


    Jin carried her to the bedroom, gently laying her down on the bed before pulling the blanket over her. He lay beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist, holding her close.


    Hina didn''t say anything, but she shifted slightly, pressing herself against him. The warmth, the comfort¡ªit was enough.


    Within moments, exhaustion took over, and they drifted into sleep.


    __


    The next morning, like always, Jin was the first to wake up. The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm light across the room. He stretched his arms and let out a small yawn before getting out of bed, his movements quiet and precise.


    After freshening up, he went to the kitchen and prepared breakfast. The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm toast filled the house. Hina joined him at the table, eating quickly before grabbing her coat.


    "I''m going then. Bye," she said, adjusting her sleeves.


    "Okay, bye. Take care," Jin replied casually, watching as she left for work.


    Once she was gone, Jin went about his usual routine¡ªcleaning the house, washing the dishes, and tidying up every corner with practiced efficiency. The scent of detergent mixed with the lingering warmth of breakfast, making the place feel cozy.


    After finishing the chores, Jin grabbed his car keys and drove to the supermarket.


    Once inside, he moved through the aisles, filling his cart with everything on his list. After gathering all the necessary items, he stopped near the checkout counter, double-checking to make sure he hadn''t missed anything.


    "Heard you had a bounty on your head yesterday."


    A calm, familiar voice came from behind.


    Jin turned, spotting a man as tall as himself, dressed in simple clothes. His white hair contrasted sharply with his black eyes.


    "Yeah, some bounty hunters came after me too," Jin replied casually, still scanning his list. "So, how''s life as a househusband?"


    It was Shun¡ªKurosawa Shun¡ªJin''s best friend.


    "Just like yours," Shun said with a slight smirk. Then, his tone turned knowing. "Since the bounty was completely removed, I assume your sword  had something to do with that?"


    Jin let out a small chuckle. "Well, you''re not wrong."


    As they finished shopping, they walked toward the checkout counter, paid for their items, and stepped outside. Holding their shopping bags, they made their way to a nearby bench and sat down.


    "So, any progress on your new comic?" Jin asked, his tone relaxed.


    "Not much, but soon I''ll be finished with the first chapter," Shun said softly, pulling a chocolate bar from his shopping bag and taking a bite. "I was actually planning to meet you. Lucky I ran into you here."


    Jin casually reached over and took the chocolate bar from Shun''s hand, biting into it without hesitation.


    "And why were you planning to meet me?" Jin asked gently, taking another bite.


    Shun''s eyes widened. "You seriously took that big of a bite?" he said loudly, snatching the chocolate back and taking another bite for himself. Then, his tone shifted, becoming quieter. "It''s something important. I found something... disturbing. Thought I should tell you."


    Jin looked at him, his gaze steady. "Something that disturbs you? That''s rare. What is it?" he asked gently.


    Shun exhaled, his expression unreadable. "It''s complicated. Better to show than explain," he said softly. Then, a small smirk played on his lips. "Let''s take a little tour first."


    Snap!


    A sharp flick of his index finger against his thumb echoed through the air.


    FWOOOSH!


    A surge of black smoke erupted around them, swallowing everything in an instant. And just like that¡ªthey were gone.


    [Chapter 4 end]

 Chapter 5

    The moment the black smoke cleared, a brutal cold stabbed at Jin''s skin. The warmth of the city was gone¡ªreplaced by an endless expanse of white. Ice and snow stretched as far as the eye could see, the freezing wind howling like a beast. The sky above was a dull gray, heavy with the weight of an approaching storm.


    Jin exhaled, his breath instantly turning to mist. He adjusted his long coat, glancing around. "Antarctica, huh? So, what exactly are we here to see?" he asked gently.


    Shun took another bite of his chocolate, his tone relaxed. "No idea. Someone sent me a message saying, ''If you want to know more, come here at this time.''"


    Jin raised an eyebrow. "And you just decided to come?"


    Shun shrugged. "Why not?" Then, as if remembering something, he added, "You did send our shopping bags home, right?"


    "Yeah, I did," Jin replied. He shifted his gaze back to Shun. "But about this ''wanna know more'' message¡ªmind explaining?"


    "It''s something connected to what disturbed me," Shun said softly as he walked forward.


    They walked for a few minutes in silence before stopping in front of something massive lying on the ice. The creature was at least 20 feet tall, its body motionless against the frozen ground.


    Jin narrowed his eyes. "And what is that thing that disturbed you?" he asked gently, stepping closer. Without hesitation, he jumped on top of it, examining the body.


    "Killing a beast is one thing," Jin muttered, his voice calm, "but what exactly is this supposed to mean?"


    The creature was an Evolved Penguin, its body easily cut open from its stomach to its head¡ªa precise, clean dissection, almost like a postmortem. Yet, whoever had done this had left the body behind, exposed to the cold.


    "So, it was true," Shun muttered, standing beside Jin as they examined the dead beast.


    "You noticed it too, didn''t you?" Shun asked, his tone calm but serious.


    Jin''s brown eyes scanned the creature''s open body. "Yeah, its heart and brain are missing," he said gently. "But there''s nothing valuable to gain from them, so what''s the point?" He jumped down from the creature, landing lightly on the ice.


    Shun followed, his expression unreadable. "Yesterday, someone sent a message to my old contact number," he said as they walked. "It was a video. In it, someone used their Evolve powers to turn the brain into liquid, then did the same with the heart¡­ and mixed them before drinking it."


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Jin''s steps slowed slightly. "Your old number?" he repeated, a hint of surprise in his voice before shifting focus. "Turning a brain and heart into liquid and drinking it¡­ that''s disgusting. What happened after that?"


    Shun''s gaze remained fixed ahead. "His aura changed," he said softly. "He got stronger. Not just a little¡ªhis power visibly increased right after drinking it."


    Jin stopped walking, his brows furrowing as he turned to Shun. "You know that''s impossible," he said gently but firmly. "No one grows stronger without training."


    "I thought the same thing," Shun admitted. "It shouldn''t be possible. But then, I considered it¡­ Hunted beasts are usually wasted anyway, so if this method lets even the weak get stronger, it could be useful." He exhaled, his voice dropping slightly.


    "But when I saw the message under that video¡­ I realized something was very wrong."


    "And what did that message say?" Jin asked gently as they walked.


    Shun''s footsteps slowed slightly. "It said¡­ it was a human''s organs. A normal human," he replied softly, coming to a stop.


    Jin''s brows furrowed. "What''s that supposed to mean? If it were an Evolved human or a beast, it would make some sense. But what do normal humans have to do with this?" he asked, his voice calm but questioning.


    "I don''t know," Shun admitted. "But the message was short. It said:


    ''Normal human organs give 10 times more boost than Evolved beast organs. If you want to know more, come to Antarctica tomorrow.''


    That''s all it said."


    Jin exhaled, his breath turning to mist in the freezing air. "Then we wait here. This isn''t something we can ignore."


    His gaze shifted to Shun. "Any information about the sender?"


    Shun shook his head. "Nothing yet."


    The two of them stood in silence, the icy wind whipping against their faces, carrying the bitter sting of Antarctica''s unforgiving cold.


    "You said you received that message on your old contact number," Jin said gently, his eyes fixed on Shun. "So, the one who sent it must be one of our past clients. Did you check the list? We''ll visit each of them after this."


    Shun nodded but hesitated. "You''re right, but the thing is¡­" He paused, then sighed. "My wife broke the PC where I had all our old data saved."


    Jin blinked, then exhaled slowly. "Seriously, Shun?" he said gently, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "You must''ve done something to deserve that."


    "It''s not like I did anything on purpose," Shun muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was just playing games, that''s all."


    Jin gave him a knowing look. "Yeah¡­ and I bet you played all night."


    Shun avoided his gaze. "Not all night. I mean¡­ I did sleep. At 6 a.m."


    Jin sighed, shaking his head. "And that is all night. Honestly, I''m surprised she didn''t beat you."


    Shun opened his mouth to argue, but then¡ªhe stopped.


    His expression shifted, his relaxed demeanor fading as his gaze fixed ahead.


    Jin followed his line of sight.


    Through the howling wind and thick snowfall, five figures were approaching. At first, they were nothing more than dark silhouettes against the white landscape, but as they got closer, their forms became clear.


    Three men. Two women.


    And they were walking straight toward them.


    "Looks like we''ll get our answers from them," Jin said gently as he stretched his arms, his tone calm as ever.


    Shun let out a small yawn, lazily rolling his shoulders. "But do you really think anyone will just tell us because we ask?" he said softly, stretching his neck.


    Jin exhaled, watching as the figures moved closer. The snowstorm howled around them, but it wasn''t the cold that made the air feel heavier.


    "Guess we''re about to find out."


    [Chapter 5 end]

 Chapter 6

    As the five figures drew closer, they all came to a stop, their gazes locking onto the two men standing before them. The wind howled through the icy wasteland, carrying the sharp sting of snow against their faces.


    Shun took a step forward, his tone calm yet curious. "So, are you the ones who sent the message?"


    The group exchanged glances before a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped forward. His expression was hard, his stance rigid with confidence.


    "Message?" he scoffed. "We don''t even know who you are." His voice was rough, edged with undisguised irritation. "But it looks like you were waiting for us. Which means¡­ you already know why we''re here."


    Shun tilted his head slightly, his gaze drifting to the weapons strapped to their backs. "Well, we don''t exactly know who you are," he said softly. "But coming all the way out here, armed and ready? There''s only one reason¡ªyou''re here to hunt."


    Jin let out a slow breath, his brown eyes steady as he spoke. "You do realize it''s illegal to hunt these beasts, right?" His tone remained gentle, yet firm. "If they live far from the cities and don''t harm humans, they''re protected by law."


    A heavy silence followed, the cold wind the only sound between them.


    "Protected by law? Hah! You really think we give a damn about that?" the short man sneered, gripping his sword.


    "Right now, you two are at our mercy. Spill¡ªwho do you work for, and what are you doing here?" the short man demanded, gripping his sword.


    Shun let out a small chuckle and glanced at Jin. "At their mercy? Isn''t he talking a bit big for someone his height?" he said in a hushed tone, but loud enough to be heard.


    Jin smirked, barely holding back his laugh, but before he could respond¡ª


    "Pfft¡ª" One of the women suddenly snorted. Then, as if a dam had broken, she and the other woman burst into uncontrollable laughter.


    The short man''s face turned red with anger. "What the fuck are you laughing at?!" he shouted, gripping his sword tighter.


    The second woman wiped a tear from her eye, still giggling. "Sorry, sorry, it just¡­ slipped out with the flow."


    Jin finally exhaled through his nose, shaking his head before turning his attention back to the short man. His amusement faded, replaced by a cold seriousness. His voice was calm, almost gentle, but carried an unmistakable weight.


    "You''re the ones who hunts and consumed the organs to grow stronger, aren''t you?" He took a step forward, his tone dropping lower. "Let''s not waste time. Tell me who''s ordering you¡­ and we''ll let you live."


    As soon as they heard Jin''s words, the group immediately took a stance, ready to fight.


    "We don''t work for anyone. And even if we did, why the fuck would we tell you?" the bulky man growled. His fists clenched, revealing a pair of stunningly crafted gloves, each detail precise, built from some kind of tough, reinforced material.


    Jin barely reacted, his tone still calm as he turned to Shun. "You fight the women."


    Shun scoffed. "Nah. Not my style. You fight them."


    Jin raised a brow. "Since when do you have a style? Or rules?"


    "Just now." Shun crossed his arms, giving Jin an annoyed look. "Besides, you don''t have any rules either, so you handle them."


    Jin sighed. "Fine. Let''s decide, then." He turned back to the enemy group. "Just give us a moment."


    The three men and two women exchanged glances, confused, but stayed in their stances.


    Then¡ªwithout warning¡ªJin and Shun raised their hands and threw them forward.


    Jin''s hand sign: Rock.


    Shun''s hand sign: Rock.


    A brief silence. Then they tried again.


    Rock. Rock.


    Again.


    Rock. Rock.


    The enemy group just stood there, dumbfounded, watching as these two grown men¡ªwho were supposed to be their opponents¡ªwere now completely absorbed in playing rock-paper-scissors to decide who would fight.


    Minutes passed.


    The bulky man''s patience was wearing thin. One of the women sighed. The other rested a hand on her hip.


    Yet Jin and Shun kept going.


    Rock. Rock.


    Paper. Paper.


    Rock. Rock.


    It was never-ending.


    Then, finally¡ªafter ten whole minutes¡ªShun threw scissors.


    Jin threw paper.


    Shun fist-pumped in victory. "Ha! Finally! Looks like you''re up."


    Jin exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "Fine, fine..." He turned back to the enemy group, cracking his neck.


    The five enemies, who had been standing there the entire time, just stared at them in sheer disbelief.


    "Are you two seriously done?" one of the women asked, completely baffled.


    "I''m done with this bullshit."


    The short man''s patience snapped. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his spot¡ªa gust of snowburst outward as he launched forward with blinding speed.


    Before Shun could react, the man was already in front of him, his sword slicing through the icy air with a sharp SWOOSH!


    CLANG!


    Shun raise his arm in time, blocking the attack, but the sheer impact sent a violent shockwave through the air. The ice beneath them cracked from the pressure, and in the next instant¡ª


    BOOOOM!!


    Shun was blasted backward, his body soaring through the stormy sky like a ragdoll. The powerful wind and freezing snow whipped against his face, the howling Antarctic storm roaring in his ears. He was flung at least two kilometers away, spinning uncontrollably.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Before he could stabilize himself¡ª


    SWOOOSH!!


    The bulky man with the gloves appeared right in front of him, mid-air, his massive fist already cocked back.


    BOOOOM!!


    A thunderous shockwave exploded as the punch slammed into Shun''s arms. He managed to block again, but the sheer force behind the attack sent him hurtling straight down toward the ice-covered ground.


    The frozen terrain rushed toward him at breakneck speed.


    CRACK!!


    The ice beneath him shattered into massive chunks as he crashed, sending a violent tremor rippling through the frozen wasteland. The entire ground split apart, jagged cracks spreading outward like a spiderweb.


    But before Shun could stand straight¡ª


    A sudden, bone-chilling presence loomed behind him.


    Then¡ª


    "AAAAAAAAAAGGHHHHHHH¡ª!!"


    A horrifying, earth-shaking SCREECH tore through the air.


    It came from the third man¡ªthe one who had been silent until now.


    His mouth opened unnaturally wide, releasing a monstrous sonic blast. The very air distorted, the pressure ripping across the battlefield like an invisible tsunami.


    KRRRRRRAAAAAASSSHHH!!!


    The shockwave obliterated everything in its path.


    The sheer force of the attack lifted him off the ground, sending him flying straight into an ice mountain.


    BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!


    The entire mountain detonated on impact.


    Chunks of ice the size of buildings were launched into the sky, crashing down like meteorites. The blast radius stretched over four kilometers, sending devastating tremors shaking the frozen wasteland.


    The battlefield was left in ruins.


    The howling winds carried the aftermath¡ªa blizzard of shattered ice and debris, proof of the sheer destructive power unleashed.


    Even from afar, it was clear¡ªthese three men weren''t ordinary.


    They were S-Ranked Evolvers.


    "You got a pretty voice there."


    A voice suddenly came from behind the screaming man.


    He stiffened. His blood ran cold.


    Slowly, he turned his head¡ª


    Shun stood right behind him, completely unscratched.


    A smirk tugged at his lips, his black eyes gleaming with amusement.


    "When did he¡ª"


    The man''s thoughts were cut off by pure instinct.


    Without hesitation, he screamed again¡ª


    But this time¡ª


    It wasn''t just his mouth.


    His entire body vibrated, and then¡ª


    BBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!


    A monstrous shockwave erupted from every inch of his being¡ª**his flesh, his bones, his skin¡ª**turning him into a walking sonic weapon.


    The air itself warped.


    The sheer force of the attack ripped through the frozen landscape, the powerful soundwave drilling into the ice like a divine hammer.


    BOOOOOM!!!


    The frozen ground was obliterated.


    A massive crater¡ª**one kilometer wide and endlessly deep¡ª**opened up beneath them as the shockwave annihilated everything in its range.


    The very snow and air were sucked away for a moment, creating a terrifying vacuum, as if the world itself was holding its breath.


    Then¡ª


    WHOOOOOOOSHHH!!!


    Everything came rushing back¡ªthe ice, the snow, the storm¡ªall violently collapsing into the void left behind.


    FWOOOOOSH!


    Before the screaming man could react, Shun vanished.


    And in the next instant¡ª


    BOOM!


    Shun appeared right in front of him.


    The man''s eyes widened.


    Too late.


    Shun''s fist sank into his face.


    BAM! BAM! BAM!


    A relentless barrage followed¡ª**lightning-fast punches slamming into his face, chest, stomach, arms¡ª**so fast that his body twitched violently like a ragdoll caught in a storm.


    His suit rippled from the sheer force of impact, but it didn''t tear¡ªdesigned to withstand his own devastating soundwaves.


    WHAM!


    One final punch to the gut¡ª


    The man''s feet left the ground.


    His body flew backward, spinning uncontrollably¡ª


    And then¡ª


    CRAAACK!


    His back slammed into the frozen ground.


    Ice shattered beneath him. A deep crater formed around his body.


    Silence.


    He didn''t move.


    Unconscious.


    Shun dusted off his hands and stood over him.


    "Woah... You''re an S-ranked Evolver?"


    His voice was soft, almost mocking, but his smirk was genuine.


    "You must train a lot... and that suit of yours


    Shun nudged the unconscious man''s chest with his foot.


    "It didn''t even tear from your own soundwave."


    His black eyes gleamed.


    Shun turned back, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    "What are you waiting for, shorty?"


    His voice was soft but mocking, each word dripping with playful arrogance.


    The short man''s face twisted in frustration.


    "You''re really getting ahead of yourself now!" he snapped.


    Then¡ª


    VWOOSH!


    He vanished.


    The next second¡ª


    SHING! SHING! SHING!


    Invisible slashes ripped through the ice.


    Shun remained still, hands in his pockets¡ªcompletely calm.


    Then¡ª


    CRACK!


    The entire iceberg beneath them exploded into countless shards, the sheer force of the slashes reducing it to nothing.


    Chunks of ice the size of buildings crashed into the freezing ocean below, sending massive waves roaring into the air.


    And yet¡ª


    Shun was untouched.


    He weaved through the storm of blades effortlessly, his movements so casual it was as if he wasn''t even trying.


    The short man''s frustration boiled over.


    "Stand still, you bastard!" he growled, swinging even faster.


    But the more he swung¡ª


    The more Shun smiled.


    Shun dodged effortlessly, his movements smooth and precise, slipping through the deadly wind-enhanced slashes like a ghost.


    "You''re a wind manipulator, right?" he said softly, his voice carrying through the chaos.


    The short man''s eyes narrowed, but he didn''t slow down¡ªhis sword blurred through the air, extending his slashes with razor-sharp wind.


    "Never fought one like you before¡ª" Shun continued, his smirk unshaken, "who increases his speed and extends his sword''s range like this. Most wind manipulators just rely on wind blades alone, but you... you''re different."


    He tilted his head slightly, easily dodging another high-speed slash.


    "Still..." Shun''s black eyes gleamed. "I''ve fought a much stronger swordsman than you. This won''t work on me."


    And then¡ª


    FWOOOSH!


    He vanished.


    The short man''s eyes widened.


    WHAM!


    A **kick came out of nowhere¡ª**crashing into his neck like a cannonball.


    CRACK!


    The sheer force twisted his body in mid-air.


    Before he could react¡ª


    BOOM!


    Shun **swung his leg downward¡ª**slamming the short man into the ice with an impact that sent a massive fracture racing across the frozen ground.


    A deep crater formed beneath him.


    And just like that¡ª


    The short man lay there. Unconscious.


    Shun exhaled softly, staring down at him.


    "You only use your speed for attacks." His voice was calm, almost lazy. "If you learned how to control yourself at that speed... you wouldn''t have been knocked out by that kick."


    Then Shun turned away, casually walking past the fallen fighters, when his gaze landed on the bulky man with the reinforced gloves.


    "Oh? Are you waiting for a one-on-one?" Shun asked softly, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.


    The bulky man didn''t react to the taunt. Instead, his rough voice cut through the cold air.


    "You don''t look like you work for the government or any organization. So what''s your deal?"


    Shun raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "Yeah, you''re right. How''d you figure that out?"


    The man crossed his arms, his massive frame unmoving. "Because I remember every single Evolver above S-rank¡ªwhether they''re under government control, part of a mafia, or working for some underground group. And you? You don''t fit anywhere. So why are you here? And how do you know about that¡­ process?"


    Shun''s smirk faded slightly. "Me and my friend came here because we found out about what you''re doing¡ªkilling normal humans and Evol Beasts, using their organs to grow stronger." His voice remained soft, but there was a sharpness beneath the words.


    The bulky man frowned. "What the hell are you talking about? We''ve never killed a normal human. We only come here to hunt evolved beasts. Nothing else."


    Shun''s eyes narrowed slightly. "You''re telling me¡­ you''re only here for beast hunts?"


    "Of course. That''s why we''re here," the man replied firmly, his rough tone leaving no room for doubt.


    "Looks like we have a guest," Shun said softly, glancing up at the iceberg.


    On the other side, as Shun and the three men vanished into battle, Jin remained standing in front of the two women.


    They moved without hesitation, drawing their weapons¡ªone wielded daggers, the other a long, thin chain that gleamed under the icy light.


    Jin sighed softly. "Look, I don''t like hurting women. I mean, if it were a kill-or-be-killed situation, I wouldn''t hesitate. But I just need information¡­ and that means I''ll have to hurt you. I don''t really like that process." His voice was calm, almost regretful.


    The woman with the chain smirked. "So what, you''re just gonna stand there and let us kill you?"


    Jin tilted his head. "Oh, I never said I wouldn''t fight. I just said I won''t." His lips curled into a small smile. "But my sword can."


    The woman with the daggers frowned. "Sword?"


    Snap.


    Jin flicked his ring finger against his thumb.


    BZZT!


    A crackling blue light, like electricity, burst from his fingertip¡ªflashing in the frozen air.


    And then¡ª


    FWOOOSH!


    A figure appeared in front of him, slightly taller than Jin, materializing in an instant.


    He was holding a pair of chopsticks.


    And he was eating.


    The air around them tensed.


    The woman gripping the chain stiffened. Her expression turned nervous as her voice came out in a whisper.


    "R-Ryuto..."


    [Chapter 6 end]