The Hunted

A resounding click echoed through the entire Abyss Cube, shaking slightly as it docked firmly in place.

“Attention. We have arrived and docked at Black Monocle Headquarters, Kandar. If you are staying, please hold on to the issued communication device. Otherwise, please deposit them into the drop-off box located at the exit. Thank you for riding with Abyss Cube.”

Jimin stretched herself out of her finger-threading hand-holding daydream with Elian and cleared her throat.

“So I guess we're parting ways here?”

Joy gave a warm smile and finished her yoghurt.

“No. In fact, we’ll still be together for some time. You’ll be heading back with us to Spellbound’s main headquarters here in Kandar.”

Jimin tilted her head in confusion.

“What for?”

“It's the reward collection for the goblin eradication request,” Derrick said, grabbing his cube gadget, turning the sounds off. “Once we're done, we’ll head to our headquarters and stay there.”

“Yay!” Rei jumped. “Then I get to see Christine!”

“It's been long since we saw her,” Jimin nodded her head and gave a expectant smile. “I wonder if she's doing well.”

“Alright, then let's grab our things and meet up at the exit,” Joy said, standing up as she headed to clear her empty cup.

Voidborn nodded and cleared his and Jimin’s plate before leaving for his room.

“Wait for me!”

Jimin ran after him, quickly sliding each of her fingers between his, pulling his arm tight as she tugged him forward.

She turned and looked at him, a beaming grin plastered all over her face.

Back in his room, Voidborn grabbed his equipment and rechecked all his pockets, making sure everything was clipped tight.

He slid his hand into his side pouch and took out his communication device, tapping on it.

Escort mission complete. Subject has arrived in Kandar safe and sound.
Sub-objective complete. Goblin camp eradication was a success.

He pressed the sent button and looked at the monitor on the wall which was now showing the static view of the mansion in front of the Abyss Cube.

Kandar.

It was his first time here.

Perhaps he may find some answers, if any, to the questions he had.

His device buzzed.

Your arrival in Kandar is much earlier than expected. Please report the full details, in case the employer seeks clarification.

Voidborn looked at the message and frowned. Mr Kennedy had asked for something he did not usually ask for. Drafting a report was a hassle, but still, Voidborn sat down and began typing, spelling out every single detail that happened.

Minutes passed.

“Elian~”

Jimin’s beautiful voice floated from outside his room, carrying a hint of concern.

“Is everything alright? We’ve waited for quite some time and the rest are worried.”

“I’m fine,” Elian said. “I’ll be out in a bit.”

“Okay~ I’ll wait for you out here?”

“You can come in.”

The door to his room swung open instantly.

Jimin poked her head in, peering past the door. She skipped in coquettishly with her hands behind her back.

“What's taking you so long?” she asked.

“I’m just finishing this report,” Elian said.

Jimin sat beside him on the bed and looked as he typed, appreciating the way his fingers moved skillfully on the device’s keyboard.

She looked around the room, appreciating the tidiness of the bed. Blanket folded, pillows arranged neatly, bedsheets pulled tight.

A tidy man is a manly man.
Jimin thought to herself, satisfied.

She took in a deep breath and watched as Elian finished the last section, talking about how the encounter with the Threads happening after the successful goblin camp raid led to them hitching an express ride on the Black Monocle to Kandar.

He clicked sent and cracked his knuckles, sliding the communicator back into his pouch.

“Sorry for the wait. I needed to get this done.”

“It's alright,” Jimin said, ruffling his hair. “Let's go.”

Elian nodded and picked up his sword, leaving the room behind Jimin.

“Oh, while we were waiting for you, Derrick contacted the Machinist Union’s main branch,” Jimin said. “He was frowning the entire time.”

“Why?” Elian asked.

“When he hung up, he said that the riots have damaged quite a few of their affiliated hotels, and a lot of them are under repair. We will have to seek our own accomodation.”

They walked down the stairs, heading towards the exit.

“Won't that be unsafe, given that unaffiliated hotels offer virtually no protection?” Elian asked

“Yeah, that's why he's scrambling to find a solution right now,” Jimin replied.

They approached the large group who were all chatting by the exit.

“I'm sorry everyone. I was finishing up a report.”

“Hey,” Joy said. “We almost thought Jimin had eaten you alive!”

“W-What?” Jimin blurted, flustered at the teasing.

“I’m joking,” Joy chuckled, smirking at Rei as she gave her a virtual high-five.

“Anyway, jokes aside, it seems that both of our teams need to find accomodation,” Joy continued. “The riots seemed to have damaged quite a bit of the city’s facilities and both our main branches cannot house us.”

“We’ll have to settle with the hotels in the middle district,” Derrick said.

Senia frowned in disappointment.

“Just when I thought I could experience a luxury hotel for once… we end up with the basics again.”

“I sent Gaeul a message earlier,” Joy said. “She may have a proposal.”

“Ahem—”

A short lady turned the corner, walking down the corridor towards them.

“I’m here with the proposal.”

“Gaeul!” Jimin waved.

“Hello again,” Gaeul greeted, giving a small friendly wave. “I hope you were impressed by the docking and the Abyss Cube.”

“It was sooo cool!” Jimin squealed.

“What’s about this proposal you have?” Derrick asked.

“I was thinking to have you guys continue staying here at the Abyss Cube for several reasons. One of them being the fact that you guys may still be targeted by those that call themselves the Threads.”

“So you're using us as bait?” Derrick said.

“That sounds terrible. Let's call it surveillance and protection,” Gaeul said. “I have requested that the Royal Family assign a member of the Black Monocle to each of your groups throughout your stay in Kandar daily, and it has been approved.”

She crossed her arms in front of her chest and tilted her head slightly.

“Plus, I heard that hotel conditions are quite bad. Since you guys need a place to stay, why not take our offer? The Abyss Cube is a five star hotel after all, and we’ll not charge a single cent.”

Joy listened intently, nodding gently at the suggestion as she weighed the pros and cons.

“Of course, we’ll respect your decision should you choose to reject us. I just figured that with the elusive nature of this unknown group, perhaps we can get some clues if they were to make a move on you again. At the same time, we’ll be around to offer assistance and increase your chances of survival.”

Joy looked at her team. They all gave her nods of approval, urging her to take the offer.

“We’re in.”

Gaeul’s eyes lit up in excitement.

“Great! Then I’ll assign someone to you guys later. You can keep the sphere since you’ll be staying. It’ll also act as a communication device between us and any of your members as long as you remain within the city.”

“Is there like no name for this device?” Senia asked. “It's kind of weird to keep calling it sphere.”

“I’ll ask Jake later. I think he said it before? But I just didn't bother to remember since it was super lame or something.”

Gaeul turned to Derrick.

“What about you?”

“I’ll have to ask my family’s head. I cannot make the decision. Plus, I need to update him on everything that has happened so far.”

“Fair enough. You can hold on to the sphere first. Contact me when you’ve made up your mind.”

Gaeul turned to Chaewon, grabbing on to her hand, rubbing her thumb across the back of her hand softly.

“Chaewon, I've spoken and discussed with your regiment captain. As of now, your squad is basically inoperable. For the time being, you’ll have to tag along with us. Is that alright with you?”

“I-I think Chaewon can join us Wordwraiths temporarily!” Robert blurted in a rush. “Right, Joy?”

He looked at his team leader expectantly, fingers clenched into a fist nervously.

“I mean, yeah, sure. If she wants to?” Joy shook her head in bewilderment.

“Can she?” Joy asked Gaeul.

“Sure. She's supposed to also be under our protection anyway. If she joins you, then I can use less manpower. What do you say, Chaewon?”

“Okay. It’s not like I can disobey orders from the Empire anyway.”

Robert pumped his fist in excitement.

Watching the girl’s reaction, Gaeul leaned in and whispered into her ears, grinning.

“You say that but your face says otherwise.”

“W-What? No!”

“Yeah yeah, whatever you say.”

Derrick cleared his throat.

“Then we’ll head back in to discuss first.”

“Sure, I’ll let you guys know who will be assigned to each group,” Gaeul said before walking off, leaving the rest to head back to their rooms.

“So, let’s have a short discussion before I call the family head. I want to be sure that we are aligned,” Derrick said.

The four of them were back in Derrick’s room, seated on the floor.

“So? What are your views?

“I’m okay with it,” Jimin said.

“Me too,” Rei said. “Those people were scary. I don't wanna die so early. Plus, if we stay here, that means I can see Joy-unnie everyday!”

“What about you?” Derrick asked, looking at Voidborn.

“I have no say in this. I will follow what choices you make. Furthermore, my commission should have already ended.”

“Right. About that, our family head did say he may want to extend your commission should he be satisfied with your performance. I’ll leave the decision to him.”

Voidborn nodded.

“Now, if you don't mind, I’ll have to request for you to leave while we have our call.”

“Can't he stay?” Jimin asked.

“As much as I want to, he's considered an outsider. I'm sorry.”

“Awww…” Jimin pouted.

“It's okay,” Voidborn said, standing up.

He patted Jimin on her head and turned to leave the room.

Standing outside, Voidborn faced away from the door like a bodyguard. It was as if he were protecting the people inside, but in fact he was chased out.

Five minutes passed.
The door remained closed.

Ten minutes passed.
The door still remained closed.

He considered using his Emotion Sight to check on their progress, but he shook his head, deciding not to infringe on their privacy.

Fifteen minutes passed.
He raised his hand and decided to give a small knock.

Then the door opened.

It was Derrick and Rei.

“Come on in, the family head wants to talk to you and Jimin alone. We’ll be waiting outside.”

Voidborn nodded and walked in, closing the door behind as the two left the room. Rei gave him a small wink before the door clicked shut.

Voidborn wondered what that meant.

“Elian~ come, quick!” Jimin chirped.

He shuffled quickly towards her. On the table was Derrick’s communication device, projecting the holographic display of a man and a woman.

“Mr and Mrs Yoo,” Elian greeted them with a bow.

“Voidborn, or should I say, Elian. You don't mind us calling you by your real name, do you?” Mr Yoo said.

Elian looked at Jimin. She gave him a warm smile.

“It's your name, why are you asking my daughter for permission?”

“Apologies. I thought it would be more respectful to ask her since you're both her parents, and she's the only one I can hug.”

“Pfft,” Mrs Yoo laughed.

“Fair enough,” Mrs Yoo said. “I love seeing a man who respects their partner’s opinion.”

“Partner?” Elian lifted his eyebrow in confusion.

“Oh, it's just a term for those who can only hug each other. Girlfriend, fiancé, wife, partner, it's all the same, just different stages.”

“Mom!” Jimin exclaimed, her cheeks a rosy red.

“I’m a tad bit disappointed in you, Voidborn,” Mr Yoo said sternly. “I hired you to protect my daughter, and you did your job well. Too well, in fact. Based on your profile, I know that you are very good at slaying things, but I didn't know that you were also exceptionally good at slaying my daughter's heart.”

Elian frowned.

“I apologise, Mr Yoo, but I do not understand your words.”

“Dad! Why are you bullying Elian?! You promised me!”

“Oh Seraphine… look what our lovely daughter has become,” Mr Yoo choked out a fake cry. “She raised her voice at me because of a man. She’s never done that before.”

“Dad?! That's not what I meant!”

Elian looked at the ‘worsening’ situation, not knowing what he did wrong.

“Mr Yoo, I'm really sorry, but I'm not sure what I did. I apologise if I made you feel uncomfortable or upset.”

Mrs Yoo chuckled and smacked her husband’s arm.

“Stop it, you idiot.”

Mr Yoo coughed awkwardly, his face changing back into the expressionless, yet stern look.

“Once again, I apologise for my husband. He's just a bit sensitive whenever our daughter is mentioned.”

Mrs Yoo smiled and continued speaking.

“In any case, we have heard about how Jimin has fallen deeply in love with you, and based on what we have heard from Derrick and Rei, I think that you're someone that can be trusted.”

Jimin smiled widely, resting her head on Elian’s shoulder.

“Our Jimin can be quite the trouble, so please take care of her well.”

Elian nodded.

“I’ll punch laser and bullet and missile and railgun and plasma holes through you if you hurt my daughter’s heart,” Mr Yoo threatened.

“Dad!”

“I won't. I don't like seeing Jimin sad.”

“Good.”

“Now that that's out of the way, we have three more things to discuss with you,” Mr Yoo said. “We want you to join the Machinist Union. I know that Derrick has asked you before, but I am now formally extending the invitation to you. Would you be interested to join us?”

Elian looked at him and asked, “Am I qualified to? I am still working under Mr Kennedy.”

“I can speak to him if you are interested. No rush. We can settle this matter when you're back from Kandar.”

“Then I will accept your invitation,” Elian said.

“Good choice. You won't regret it. Since you are now with us, I want to extend your protection mission. Protect Jimin until she returns to Zylos, and perhaps, for her entire life, since you are both hugging partners now. Do you accept?”

“Yes,” Elian answered without hesitation.

“Hugging partners…” Mrs Yoo giggled.

“Great. As for the last matter, it's about you as a Reborn. I’ve heard the gist from Derrick and Rei. It seems that you're a Diviner as well.”

Mr Yoo drew in a deep breath and sighed.

“Please keep the matter of you being a Diviner a secret.”

“Why?”

“I'm sure you already know the six publicly known Reborn types. There's actually many other Reborn types out there that are hidden for reasons, one of them being a Diviner.”

He pointed to his wife and continued.

“Jimin’s mother here is a Diviner as well.”

Elian’s eyes widened in shock.

“Mrs Yoo?”

“Yes. She has been hunted by many for her ability.”

“Why?”

“Maybe let me answer this,” Mrs Yoo interrupted. “I was from an organisation called Aurelius. They are a hidden organisation that consists of Diviners and Diviners only. Jimin should have told you, Diviners wield the ability to observe and control emotions.”

She gave a small pause and continued.

“And this ability of ours is coveted by many. I haven't told Jimin this before, so I think it's a good time for you guys to find out the reason.”

Elian motioned for Jimin to sit on Derrick’s bed to listen together.

“As you already know, all Reborns experience Flaws. Flaws are inherently a side effect to compensate for using powers that are inhumane. Let’s take Rei for example. She displays an excessive amount of curiousity as her Flaw, and it’s the most apparent when her mental energy is exhausted. Whilst it is still manageable at Lowborn status, as she grows stronger, the Flaw’s effect will cause her thirst for knowledge to swell immensely, leading to effects such as memory overload, being detached from reality, or even identity erosion.”

“What? Does that mean Rei may forget about herself?” Jimin gasped. “I don't want that to happen… Is there any way to stop it from happening?”

“You can't. At least not conventionally. Flaws mainly erupt when powers are used. Under normal circumstances, they are usually dormant and minimal. So the most effective way would be to not use your powers.”

“But that wouldn't be possible,” Elian said. “What's the point of advancing if you are not going to use your powers? Plus, to safely advance, you would need to repeatedly use your powers.”

“Correct. Every Flaw is tied to a base emotion. For curiosity, it is tied to interest and excitement. If one is able to suppress their excitement, then the danger of the Flaw is basically reduced or neutralised. And that's where we Diviners come into play.”

“But isn't that a good thing?” Jimin asked. “To be able to suppress Flaw eruption and essentially prevent corruption?”

“Yes and no,” Mrs Yoo said, her voice carrying a hint of sadness. “Yes when we are treated the right way. No when we are hunted and harvested for our powers.”

“Hunted?” Elian asked. “But why? Can't people just request for services?”

“Humans don't like variables. They act on the assurance of the lowest risk possible. Ultimately, there can be no guarantee that a person has only good intentions. For example, what if one was to trust the Diviner to use their powers and suppress their Flaw, but they do not do so? What do you think will happen when if their Flaw erupts, or when they fail during their Rebirth advancement?”

“They meet one of the three endings,” Elian said.

“Exactly. And to reduce the possibility of that happening, people hunt Diviners to harvest their Rebirth stones, to make them into artifacts that suppress Flaws.”

“Mom… is that why there are so little Diviners?”

“Yes.”

“Then is the pendant I chose a Diviner artifact?” Elian asked.

Mrs Yoo nodded silently.

“That originally belonged to me. It was given to me by my closest friend, who had unfortunately passed away. This was one of her items that was willed to me. Did you choose it knowing that it was a Diviner artifact?”

“No. I just felt… something from it.”

“That's weird. I made sure to cast a seal over it to prevent anyone from finding out it is a Diviner artifact. Perhaps it has to do with your special constitution. Jimin told us that you can see more than one emotion.”

“Do you know anything about that?”

Mrs Yoo gave a small hum, pondering for a moment.

“No. But I do have some theories. We can discuss more when you guys come back.”

“Okay.”

“In any case, please make sure to not reveal your powers to anyone other than those you trust with your heart.”

The two of them nodded.

“I think we've talked for quite some time,” Mr Yoo said. “I will leave my daughter in your hands. Please, take care of her.”

“I will try my best.”

The holograph disappeared.

Elian looked at Jimin.

Her face was full of worry, but she was somewhat elated.

“Elian… I guess we're precious targets huh?”

Elian nodded.

“I’ll do my best to protect you.”

Jimin leapt forward and gave him a hug.

“I know you will,” she muttered into his chest. “I trust you.”

“Alright, let's get Derrick and Rei in,” he said.

“Okay.”

She stood and walked towards the door, opening it.

“Well, that was quite long,” Rei said. “Did your marriage get approved?”

“W-What? No! We didn't talk about that at all!”

“Yeah sure. I’ll be waiting for your wedding invitation and two gender reveal parties.”

Rei turned to Voidborn and smirked.

“Hey, you know Jimin wants to have two kids with you? A boy and a girl—”

“Yah! Naoi Rei! Shush!” Jimin pounced on her, jamming her fingers into her weak spots.

Derrick watched as the two ladies collapsed onto the ground engaged in their tickling warfare, trying to weave their fingers into each other's waists.

He shook his head.

“Anyway, I’ve already spoken to Gaeul. The family head has approved and in fact encouraged us to stay with the Black Monocle.”

Voidborn nodded.

“Let's settle back in and meet the rest to collect our reward.

INFOGRAPHIC