The sun blazed overhead as students gathered on the expansive school grounds, buzzing with nervous energy. The starting line was marked by cones, and the field stretched out before them an open space dotted with obstacles, trees, and, at the center, the flags of each team fluttering in the breeze.

Yega shifted nervously, clutching his makeshift team’s flag. His stomach twisted, and he stole a glance at his friends Dean, Yo-Yo, Emily each showing their own mixture of excitement and anxiety. Yega’s own confidence felt fragile next to theirs. He looked around at the other teams, seeing their confident postures and eager expressions.

He bit his lip. Can I really do this?

Over the loudspeaker, the announcer’s voice boomed, loud and energetic, cutting through the murmurs.

Announcer: “Welcome, everyone, to the first stage of the Hunter Exam—Capture the Flag! This is where your teamwork, strategy, and resilience will be put to the test. Remember, it’s not just about physical strength; it’s about quick thinking, adaptability, and working together. Only the best will move on. Let’s see who rises to the challenge!”

The students cheered, some clapping each other on the back, others nervously shifting in place.

The five teams gathered at the starting line, each with their own unique energy.

 The Teams

Team One: The Vance Group  

Harold Vance was already exuding confidence. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a sharp jawline and a piercing stare, he looked over his teammates with a commanding air. His dark hair was slicked back, and he wore a black jacket with red stripes. 

Harold grinned. “You guys ready? This is ours to win.”

Beside him, Mira Vance smirked, cracking her knuckles. “Let’s make sure they remember who’s boss.”

Harold shot her a quick glance. “Yeah, yeah. Focus. We’re taking their flags early and often.”

Team Two: The Stealth Squad 

Lina Hoshino, the quiet leader, adjusted her dark hoodie and looked around with calm eyes. Her long black hair fell over her shoulders, and her posture was relaxed but alert.

“Good luck, everyone,” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.

Taro grinned mischievously. “We’ll sneak in, grab their flags, and vanish before they even see us.”

Suki, smaller but quick, nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, but we’ve got to be smart about it. No reckless moves.”

Team Three: The Guardians 

Rina Takahashi stood tall, her braided hair pulled back tight. She looked every bit the leader—confident, fierce, ready to defend her team at all costs.

“Stay close,” she ordered. “We’re not letting anyone take our flag without a fight.”

Koji, muscular and scarred, cracked his knuckles. “If they come near, they’ll regret it.”

Aya checked her watch. “We need to be quick but careful. No rushing into things.”

Team Four: The Daredevils  

Eliot Cross leaned forward, a grin on his face. His spiky blond hair was messy, and his leather jacket looked like he just stepped out of an adventure movie.

“Let’s shake things up,” he said confidently. “We’re not here to play it safe.”

Lena rolled her eyes but smiled. “Just don’t do anything stupid, Eliot.”

Finn chuckled. “Hey, if we pull this off, nobody will forget us.”

Yega’s Team: The Green Hornets

Yega looked at his friends, feeling a surge of nervousness. He kept clutching his flag, unsure if he was ready.

Dean clapped him on the back. “Hey, relax. We’ve trained for this. Just do your part.”

Yo-Yo grinned wildly. “Yeah! We’ve got some surprises for them!”

Emily, ever calm, nodded. “Trust each other. Stay focused.”

Yega took a deep breath. Okay. I can do this.

The loudspeaker crackled again. “Teams, get ready! Get set, GO!!

Capture the flag NOW!”

A burst of energy shot through the field. Harold Vance’s team charged forward, aiming for aggressive early dominance. Mira darted ahead, trying to outpace the others.

Lina’s team moved swiftly into the shadows, disappearing behind trees and bushes. Their silent approach was almost unnerving.

Rina’s Guardians formed a tight line, ready to defend their flag fiercely, shouting commands.

Eliot’s team zigzagged chaotically, drawing attention and creating confusion.

Yega’s team hesitated for a moment—then moved cautiously, sticking close together. Yega kept his eyes peeled, trying to focus amid the chaos.

Announcer: “And they’re off! The Vance group is already pushing forward aggressively. Watch out for the Stealth Squad—Lina’s team is moving silently, trying to flank the others.”

Yega’s team moved slowly, trying to avoid detection. Mira made a dash for the neighboring flags, while Lina slipped into the shadows. Eliot’s team was darting unpredictably, causing confusion.

Yega looked over at Dean, who was nervously scanning the field. “What do we do now?” Yega whispered.

Dean hesitated. “Just stay close. We’ll find an opening.”

Yo-Yo was bouncing on his heels. “This is so exciting! I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve—just you wait!”

Emily’s eyes were focused. “Keep your eyes open. We need to be ready for anything.”

Yega clenched his fists. I’m not as confident as the others, but I won’t give up.

 Harold Vance’s team quickly made a move, trying to intercept Mira as she sprinted toward the opposing team's flag. Mira narrowly dodged a tackle, her speed giving her an edge.

Meanwhile, Lina’s team silently crept around the perimeter, positioning themselves for a stealthy strike.

Rina’s Guardians were defending their flag aggressively, yelling orders. “Hold the line! Don’t let anyone near you!”

Eliot’s team darted around wildly, distracting opponents and creating openings for their teammates.

Yega saw Mira slip past a defender and reach for the flag. His heart pounded. “Go, Mira!” he shouted instinctively, feeling a rush of adrenaline.

Suddenly, Lina appeared in the corner of his vision, moving like a shadow. She was attempting to sneak past their defenses.

Yega froze, unsure whether to warn Mira or try to stop Lina. His mind raced.-

Announcer: “What a move by Mira! She’s making a break for the flag—can she get there? And Lina—oh, she’s trying to flank the defenders. It’s a tense moment!”

I’m not quick enough. I don’t want to mess this up. But I have to try.

He hesitated, then shouted, “Watch out, Lina!” his voice cracking slightly.

Lina froze for a moment, surprised by the warning. Mira seized the opportunity, grabbing the flag and sprinting back toward their bas

The chaos continued, with teams exchanging blows, sneaky moves, and frantic chases. Harold’s team managed to push into the opponent’s territory, but Lina’s team kept their cool, slipping in and out of the shadows.

Yega’s team was scattered but still fighting to stay in the game. Dean grabbed his arm and yelled, “We’re doing fine stick together!”

Yo-Yo was laughing wildly, darting between opponents. “This is awesome! I love this chaos!”

Emily kept her head cool, guiding her team to cover and regrout

Announcer: “What a start! Each team showed their strengths—Harold’s aggressive tactics, Lina’s stealth, Rina’s defense, Eliot’s daring moves. And the Green Hornets? They’re holding their own, staying calm.”

Yega looked around, heart pounding. I’m not as confident as the others. I made mistakes. But I’m still here. I want to prove I can be a hunter

He took a shaky breath as the chaos of the field swirled around him, knowing this was just the beginning. The real challenge was still ahead.

“We’ve got this,” Dean shouted, catching Yega’s eye. “Just stay close, and we’ll get through it.”

Yega nodded, feeling a flicker of resolve. This was only the first challenge—and he was determined not to let fear hold him back.

Meanwhile, on the 18th floor of the Hunters Headquarters is the captain’s area. Standing next to Eugene is Evie casually drinking a Pepsi, she still holds onto the can as she slightly angles it down as she sighs “ugh there taking so long.” Eugene looked at her and chuckled.

“Chill, there be here soon besides we have all day” He says as he smiles back at her.

Eugene was a one of the strongest captains he stands at 5,7 with an ordinary build he has light pink hair and eyes that shine like diamond, Other hand theres evie the sec strongest captainonly to Eugene. 

Suddenly the door slides open, and Alex and Susie arrive and take their seats.

Alex looked around before he spoke up. “Sorry for being late everyone, we were just in the middle of a hunt.”

Evie groans. “It finally took you guys long enough.”

Alex smirks. “Hey, we had stuff to deal with. No big deal.”

Susie speaks up. "So where is Macus? Is he supposed to be here?”

Juliet stands on  the other with a staring glaze. “Well he is still on his mission overseas so he won't make it this time.”

Eugene smiles. “Really now? It's too quiet today. I swear, I almost miss him a little.”

Juliet: "I really need a break. My legs are killing me after that last mission."

Alex:"You guys ever wonder what it’d be like if we just took a vacation somewhere warm?"

Evie: "Ugh, I could go for a vacation, but I’d probably just end up working the whole time."

Eugene: "Speaking of, who’s hungry? I could go for some snacks."

Susie: "Actually, I saw a new burger place open nearby. We should check it out sometime."

Juliet: "as long as they have spicy wings, I’m in."

Evie:"Sure, but if I beat you again, don’t complain."

Eugene: "Perfect. Lazy day it is, th-"

Suddenly the door opens and a tall man in a suit walks in, his eyes glazing the room before speaking immediately crashing their little party.

As the door closed behind him  his tall opposing figure stood over the other captain's key, wearing a black suit that fit his muscular frame. His eyes were piercing yellow. One of them was closed with a cut on the eye. His hair was a mixture of black and white as as he stood there, he took a deep breath, taking out a cigarette and sighing before continuing.

"I see you guys are planning a little break," he says, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Sorry to crash your party. Usually, I’d let you have your fun

you’re my  captain, after all. But I realize I’ve been giving you too much privilege lately."

His eyes narrow slightly. "Listen now—no more breaks. There are people who’ve ended up disappearing around Jonasson Lake National Park. And I want this handled immediately."

The room falls into a tense silence, everyone exchanging quick, uneasy glances.

Eugene smirks finally broke the silence, cracking a goofy grin.

“Wow, talk about a mood killer,” he said, throwing an arm around Evie’s shoulders with a playful nudge. “Guess we’re not getting that vacation after all, huh?”

Evie sighed, trying to mask her concern with a half-smile. “Yeah, well, I was kinda hoping for a beach, not a lake full of mysteries. But whatever. We’ve got work to do.”

Susie, small but fierce, clenched her fists. “If someone’s messing around at Jonasson Lake, I’m ready to throw punches. We should go now, no delays.”

Alex stepped forward, rubbing his temples. “Hold on, everyone. Let’s not jump the gun. We need to get some intel first. Charging in without a plan isn’t smart.”

Juliet leaned against the wall, eyes half-lidded, arms crossed. “Whatever. I don’t care what’s happening. Just tell me when it’s over.”

Eugene chuckled and ruffled her hair. “Easy there, Juliet. No need to be so tough. We’ll get to the bottom of this preferably with some snacks afterward.”

Evie rolled her eyes but smirked. “Focus, guys. Be serious. If the energy readings are off the charts, we’re walking into something dangerous.”

J“Everyone, hold up,” Mr. Z said, voice steady. He sits down , holding a tablet displaying a map of Jonasson Lake. “The Agent's have  been monitoring the situation.”

The team paused, listening intently.

“People have been disappearing at an alarming rate. No signs of struggle, no footprints—nothing. Whatever’s happening out there isn’t normal. The energy readings are fluctuating wildly, suggesting some kind of unnatural interference. with unseen forces.”

Eugene raised an eyebrow, trying to keep his goofy demeanor in check. “So, basically, we’re walking into a big, spooky mystery?”

Mr. Z shot him a sharp look but continued, “Exactly. And we need to be prepared for anything. I’ve coordinated with the local authorities—they’re at a loss. Whatever is causing this, it’s affecting the environment, the wildlife, and possibly those who enter its vicinity.”

Susie clenched her fists again, eager for action. “Whatever it is, I’m ready to take it down.”

Juliet, still leaning against the wall, shrugged. “No surprises there.”

Alex nodded, studying the map. “We need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the more disappearances happen. Let’s get out there and find out what’s really going on.”

Mr. Z looked each member in the eye. “Stay sharp. This isn’t just about rescuing missing people—it’s about stopping something much bigger before it’s too late.”

Eugene, grinning again, added, “Well, I guess this just got a whole lot more interesting. Who’s ready to see if we can survive Lake Monster: The Sequel?”

Everyone rolled their eyes but couldn’t hide their smirks. The mission was clear 

dangerous, mysterious, and unpredictable. But they were together, and that was enough to face whatever horror lay beneath Jonasson Lake’s surface.