Today was the day Sai would step into the world of exorcists, a moment he had been gearing up for with a mix of nerves and excitement. Sitting across from Yasuko, his outward calmness did little to hide the storm of anticipation brewing within.
"Today marks the beginning of your journey as an exorcist," Yasuko beamed, her enthusiasm lighting up the room. "You'll be joining Sato and Yume on a low B Class assignment—perfect for dipping your toes into exorcist duties."
Sai's brow furrowed in confusion. "What exactly is a B Class?"
Yasuko's smile faltered, realizing her oversight. "Oh, I should have explained," she said, her cheeks coloring slightly. "Threat levels are ranked from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most critical. The higher the level, the more experienced the exorcist needed."
She swiftly broke down the threat levels:
Threat Level-5: Critical situations that could endanger humanity itself. Immediate intervention required.
Threat Level-4: Major threats to large cities or critical infrastructure, demanding a team of the most skilled exorcists.
Threat Level-3: Serious threats to local communities requiring a coordinated response from skilled professionals.
Threat Level-2: Significant risks in cursed areas or threats to many lives, manageable by seasoned exorcists.
Threat Level-1: Minor threats in low-risk areas, mainly needing monitoring and preventive action.
With a nod and a confident smile, Yasuko encouraged, "Good luck on your mission!"
Sai nodded, processing the rundown. Despite his calm demeanor, a flicker of uncertainty passed through his eyes.
("That's it?")
His mind was filled with doubts and determination, and Sai couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and fear. Though generally reserved, he was prepared to prove himself and make a real impact alongside his team. He understood that this mission marked only the start of his journey as an exorcist, and he was resolved to confront any challenges that lay ahead.
Part 2: The Cursed Hotel
The dilapidated hotel loomed ominously under the pale glow of streetlights, its cracked facade casting eerie shadows on the ground. The air was heavy with the scent of mildew and decay, and the sound of distant sirens added to the sense of unease. Saitama stood resolute at its entrance, the flicker of his cigarette momentarily illuminating his stern features.
"Alright, listen up," Saitama's voice cut sharply through the night, echoing slightly off the surrounding buildings. "This place is marked as Threat Level 2+. We're expecting substantial supernatural activity. Your task is to cleanse this place of any Nightmares and purify the area. Understood?"
Sai and Yume nodded, their faces a tapestry of resolve and apprehension.
("This is my chance to prove I have what it takes!") Sai's inner voice was firm and hopeful.
Saitama's voice resonated with solemnity as he invoked his power.
"Innate Domain," he intoned, his voice resonating with power. Divine energy, shimmering with soft, pure light, surged through the air and the ground, enveloping the building in an invisible protective barrier unbeknownst to anyone except the team.
"I'll be here waiting," Saitama added gruffly, his voice betraying a hint of concern for their safety.
"Alright, let's go!" Sato declared, stepping forward with a confidence that bolstered the team's morale.
~ Creek ~
The team entered the hotel, the creak of the old floorboards under their feet echoing ominously through the lobby. The air was thick with a foreboding silence, only broken by their footsteps. They moved cautiously, their senses heightened, ready to face whatever horrors awaited them.
"The concentration of cursed energy here..." Sato murmured, his voice low and wary, as they proceeded further into the shadowy interior.
Suddenly, the last flicker of light sputtered out, plunging them into darkness. In an instant, Sai and Yume found themselves separated from Sato, enveloped by the pressing shadows.
"So much for this being easy," Sato grumbled, his disappointment laced with concern as he tried to pierce the darkness with his eyes, searching for any sign of Sai and Yume.
Sai felt a surge of panic as the darkness seemed to swallow Sato and Yume whole.
"Sato... Yume...!?" His voice echoed off the walls, his call for his comrades laden with urgency.
Simultaneously, now isolated, Yume fumbled for her flashlight, her breath quickening. The beam sliced through the darkness as she clutched her phone tightly, her heart pounding fiercely.
"Can this get any worse?" she whispered to herself, a tremor in her voice.
Just then, a bug dropped from the ceiling onto her hand, its sudden contact making her skin crawl.
"Ew, ew, ew, it's on me, it's on me!" Yume shrieked, flinging the insect away with a frantic motion, her scream reverberating through the silent corridors.
The darkness of the hotel seemed to close in around them, each member of the team now facing their own slice of torment, separated by shadows and silence. They needed to regroup quickly—whatever lurked in the depths of this cursed place was just beginning to stir.
Sato's determination burned like a beacon as he ascended the stairs of the decrepit hotel.
"Sai, Yume!" he called out, his voice bouncing off the crumbling walls. Only the oppressive silence answered back, swallowing his calls in the ghostly atmosphere.
Navigating the labyrinthine corridors, a Nightmare revealed itself—a massive, bony hand reaching out from the shadows with talon-like nails. Its rough skin, weathered by time, hinted at the creature's ancient origins.
Dodging its grasp with lightning reflexes, Sato's lips curved into a smirk.
"Finally, some action!" His voice, tinged with excitement, echoed through the empty halls as he charged towards the looming threat, his spirit unbroken by the impending battle.
Meanwhile, Sai cautiously entered a darkened room, the door groaning ominously on its hinges.
"Yume? Sato?" His hopeful yet wary voice faded into the quiet. Suddenly, the sound of sobbing pierced the silence, chilling him to the core.
"Hello? Anyone in here—" Sai's words trailed off as he moved toward the source of the crying. Turning towards him was the Nightmare known as Onryoku, a monstrous entity resembling a massive, detached head with a wild, unkempt beard and sorrowful, glowing eyes that burned with malice.
("A Nightmare!?") The shock was evident in his thoughtful exclamation.
Without hesitation, Onryoku attacked, its gaping mouth aimed directly at Sai. With swift action, Sai parried with his Dancing Dragon staff, the weapon lodging firmly between the creature's monstrous jaws. Despite his efforts, Onryoku's strength was formidable, dragging Sai across the room.
The struggle sent him crashing through a door into another chamber, his heart hammering with adrenaline.
("Think. How can I get out of this?") he pondered, desperately seeking an escape.
Just as Onryoku seemed poised to overpower him, it became stuck in the narrow door frame, its enraged howls echoing menacingly. Sai seized this brief respite to brace himself, gathering his strength for the confrontation ahead.
With a terrifying burst, Onryoku broke free, its immense form casting a dark shadow over Sai.
To be continued...
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