Yumi and Sora moved cautiously through the thick underbrush of Kanagawa's dense forest, scanning every shadow and sound. The air was heavy, and the Essence signatures fluctuated erratically, making it difficult to pinpoint their target.
Suddenly, from behind a tree, a blur of yellow flashed—a figure with a shimmering yellow body charged forward, striking with incredible speed and precision.
Before Yumi and Sora could fully react, the attacker lunged at them. But with practiced ease, the two Essence Warriors countered. Yumi's swift blade intercepted the strike, while Sora's Essence shield absorbed the impact.
Within seconds, the yellow figure was overwhelmed and pinned to the ground.
Yumi's eyes narrowed as she knelt beside the fallen attacker. "This isn't just a human… but it's not fully Essence either."
Sora nodded grimly, "Some kind of hybrid… or an enhanced warrior."
They called out urgently to the other teams.
Within minutes, Toru's team and Reika's team arrived, along with several others, surrounding the area.
From a vantage point, Riku observed, noting the attacker's unnatural body.
"Everyone," Riku called out through their comms, "this is more than just a rogue beast. The enemy here is hybrid—part human, part Essence, but controlled."
He looked at the teams gathered.
"We move as one. We don't split unless absolutely necessary. Stay sharp."
The group nodded in unison, their expressions set with determination.
The hunt in Kanagawa had just become far more dangerous.