Hi3rd: Achievement Hunter

Before the third eruption, the world was still somewhat peaceful. More than twenty years had passed since the first eruption, yet the most humanity faced were dozens of emperor-class honkai beasts. 

At first, they had an interval of a few years, then months.

Honkai's research was progressing slowly due to lack of driving force and specimens. 

The minor honkai eruptions could still be contained silently. Their scope was only an entire town's at best. It was the case with the First Herrscher.

Now, the situation was vastly different. Honkai was brought forward to the face of Earth. All kinds of societal problems emerged. Both honkai and humanity itself became Fire MOTH's problem.

It was for such a reason they decided to leverage on MANTISes largely. It was their way of saying that "We can still handle it."

What they did not tell was the 'strict' regulations revolving around MANTISes.

From the moment someone was performed with the surgery, they were placed in a special squad. They retain their previous officer ranks, though they directly answer the call of the higher ups—the councilors.

"A confidential mission from above… is what I told others."

Kevin brought two of his trusted friends at the highest point of their outpost. The twenty-storey tall tower served as the communication tower of this base.

Nowadays, it served as Kevin's vantage point when it came to the invading honkai beasts.

"Captain… what does this mean?"

The transparent glass reflected Kevin's pensive look. He turned around and saw the green-haired boy's confused look. He was a tad bit shorter than Kevin. His face easily tells how young he was—only a bit older than Hua.

"I will go away for a few days, a week at most. It's listed as such in the logs." Kevin replied. "Before I leave, I want to speak about something."

The other person in the room, a tall middle-aged man with tied gray hair, nodded to him silently. His arms were crossed as he wore a serious look—one that was quite hard to come by.

"Things are heading for the worse. We might face… no, we will face stronger enemies in the future."

He first posited the idea of Herrschers having the intellect of a normal human. Herrschers were terrifying, yes, but their dangers could still be contained. Their minds were 'hyperfocused' on one thing they could either buy time or deal with in one blow.

The same could not be said for the newer Herrschers.

"The higher-ups chose not to publicize them at the moment. Humanity's morale would take a hit… more so when most Herrschers were found to be victims of society's injustice."

"They…no, Herrschers are victims?"

Kosma could not believe it. The boy turned to look at their vice-captain, Ato, only to see the latter being completely unresponsive.

Clearly, he knew about this old news already.

"From the First to the Fourth… They're all someone who suffered injustice. Fire MOTH's post-battle investigations revealed that."

Just like Vill-V, Kosma engaged in acts of vigilantism. He was an expert when it came to beating up street or professional thugs. He was also someone who secretly dealt with undeads and Seraph-class honkai beasts.

One time, he came across a dead soldier with an opened radio. He coincidentally overheard about the origins of the strong hurricane that appeared out of nowhere.

Later on, with some twists and turns, he met Kevin and went under his command.

"It does not end there. Their hatred towards us… should have reached its peak. Such was the enemy we would face, along with the increased honkai beasts."

For now, the outposts on the frontlines were doing well. They served as a line of defense to the cities and wilderness lost to the honkai.

It was for such a reason that Kevin convened Kosma and Ato about this matter. 

Aleph's revelations regarding the future woke up his sense of urgency. Humanity already struggled with the previous major eruptions, more so when Herrschers became intelligent now.

Without any high-end power to face them, they would lose.

Kosma and Ato were the two candidates Kevin had for their 'group'. 

He was rather surprised when Aleph lit the green light when he heard of the two.

"It's not just that, isn't it?"

"There is more." Kevin affirmed Ato's question. "I would like to invite you two on our side."

"Our?"

"Mei, Doctor Mobius… and Ainsworth."

Ato's eyebrows rose at the mention of three names. He was well too familiar with Mobius. His wife, Blanca, worked as her assistant for years before retiring. 

Ato's surgery was scheduled three days from now on. They specifically found an ICHOR that suited him across all the samples Aleph found.

"Sir Aleph? East's Hero?"

Unlike Ato, Kosma was shaken when he heard of his name.

"Oh, that's right. I haven't told you yet. I'm one of his good friends."

"So that friend you mentioned was him..?"

Kosma was dumbfounded. There were times when Kevin told them about his good friend—on how they fooled around, shared common interests, and the likes. 

"Ahem. Anyways…" Kevin interrupted Kosma. "I want to extend an invitation. Becoming stronger is already a certain thing once you two joined. But, we might face enemies far stronger than what we used to. It's your choice."

"I'm in."

"Me too."

It did not even take a few seconds. Both Kosma and Ato had agreed to him in an instant.

"I mean… nothing much changes if we join or not. We still fight the Honkai."

Kosma's words resounded in the room.

"You invited us knowing we'll accept. My decision remains the same, still."

Ato's words completely exposed what Kevin initially thought. The latter wore an awkward smile, though more of it was a smile out of relief.

Just as he was about to talk, he immediately sensed another presence outside the room. A familiar tall man appeared, as if his entire existence was revealed by an eraser.

"Pardon me for the intrusion. I did eavesdrop on your discussion. I hope you can also pardon me for that."

Aleph's golden pupils gave Kosma and Ato a look. It was his first time meeting Kevin's colleagues in person.

Moreover, he knew the two of them from his foreknowledge.

"Turns out, Miss Sakura got her bad habit from you."

Kevin spoke to him with a tone of helplessness. When it comes to the 'martial arts' Aleph brought, he was only able to learn Juezhao. It was simpler compared to Sphere Boundary.

If Juezhao was akin to pouring water on a cup, Sphere Boundary required that cup to become larger until its drastic size envelops the whole room. The former was easier to get started with.

"It's her bodyguard work. It's just right."

Upon hearing his reply, Kevin struck him with a 'Yeah, that's right' look.