Chapter 23 - Bronze Ticket
At the heart of Manila, walk down the street and you shall find countless dangers hiding in the shadows. Local thugs and gangs are the least of your worries as those who see the truths know that the darkness that once hid was now slowly emerging.
In the hidden world of the supernatural, many mythical creatures are hidden from the public eye and their intentions vary with some benevolent and some malevolent while there are those who are neutral, letting the world unfold and unshaken.
Humans are between them all with the majority lacking the power to protect themselves and those who discover the truth usually learn the dark arts of becoming a salamangkero.
However if there is darkness then there is light of hope in the form of Babylan-Mandirigma which roughly translates to Shaman warriors who trained to be the protector of Terra mundo to all manners of Creature.
The current Babylan-Mandirigma was known as Alexandra Trese, the sixth child of the sixth child. Like any story, there is a prophecy that spoke of the end times.
Those who know the prophecy understand that "the sixth child of the sixth child" will bring about a balance between the underworld and the world of men. And will preside over the one and destroy the other.
The prophecy spoke of none other than Alexendra Trese who had a twin that had been killed by his father in fear of both his child being killed.
"You seem quite tired, Bossing."
A middle-aged man with prominent goatee facial hair and average-looking build wearing a simple long-sleeve shirt while making glasses of alcohol looking at the young woman drinking some of it. His name was Hank Sparrow and a close friend of Alexndra's father.
Her expression was troubled to recall something that had recently occurred and hadn't found a clue where to start.
His expression looked at her bothered by Alexandra's burden as she was the daughter of his close friend and treating her as his niece.
"*sigh* it's just that I feel dissatisfied from the recent investigation."
"Oh, the one about the human trafficking? Didn't you find and save them? Then what's troubling you much?"
"The mysterious creature that killed Salamangkero and everyone else. I just want to find this creature and see if it's a threat or not."
Alexandra, despite her stoic expression, was frightened by the images and gore that she witnessed from the scene. Though she had already been prepared to see this, it was still difficult to get used to.
"Yeah, it's understandable that you're troubled but from what I see that creature seems to only kill those human traffickers."
The young woman took another sip of her drink thinking that it was true that the creature killed every single human trafficker but did not do anything else and even flew away after they arrived rather than fighting them.
Despite being shot by one of the Kambal (Twins) didn't show any hostility showing that it had human intellect rather than a mindless beast.
"You should stop worrying about so many things and just relax. How about that investigation on the missing body in the nearby hospital?"
Hank asked, trying to help ease her worries seeing that she hadn't gotten much rest after thinking about that mysterious creature.
"Nothing much, I'm still waiting for more information from Guerrero. I got the feeling the higher ups of the hospital are responsible for the disappearance."
She explained as the hospital had numerous staff and tight security that it was nearly impossible for the bodies to be taken that easily without anyone witnessing it even more that the security surveillance refused to be shared.
"I already plan on getting in contact with Jobert and asked him about it."
"Is that so? Oh, welcome to Diabolical."
Alexandra finished her drink hearing the entrance creak where a couple headed inside to take a seat.
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Ryuu was surprised by the coincidence that just occurred and thought this was not mere chance, rather orchestrated by the creator of the chat group. He decided to ignore it and thought of accepting since he's been training none staff and best to rest.
[ Ryuu: Sure, just tell me where we'll meet. ]
[ Justine: That's dope to hear! Let's meet at the main entrances of the Manila Mall at 10:00 am. ]
He nodded a little bit excited to hang out with his friend. Ryuu soon washed himself and went to have breakfast trying his best not to mention being invited by Justine knowing they would tease him about it.
He glanced at each of his parents thinking about the [ Protection Hearthstone ] that was worth every point and didn't have to worry for someone to sense the magic around them. It would be troublesome
Ryuu sent a message to shinobi regarding his training and surprisingly she was online in the chat group.
[ Butterfly Hashira: It's fine, just tell me when you're ready. ]
[ Simp For Makima: Thank you, Shinobu-san. I'll try to send you some gifts later. ]
[ Butterfly Hashira: You don't have to. The thing you've already given is enough ]
[ Simp For Makima: No, It's fine. The things I sent are small compared to helping me train. ]
Ryuu didn't think that showing them about their world was anything valuable even though it changed their life completely from how it fated to be didn't see it as anything special.
Furthermore, the things shown in the story had an uncertain future and didn't want them to think that it would change or save their life. It was still in their hands that determined the outcome.
On the other hand, everyone in the group chat excluding Lucifer thought it was priceless to know your possible future and get amber to do hope for it to change. Ryuu was just acting out of his humble nature which Shinobu appreciated.
[ Butterfly Hashira: I can you won't back down then Thank you for your consideration. ]
She smiled at the other side while Ryuu started his day by opening the [ Gacha ] to claim his daily normal ticket. Currently, he has two with one normal and one bronze ticket. He took a spin in the [ Gacha ] using the normal ticket first.
[ You have acquired Rapid healing skills. ]
Ryuu saw the skill and quickly smiled as it was able to quickly restore his wound to how it had been. Though, he could never be physically harmed and only drop his health due to the [ Gamer's Body ] still useful in healing himself.
It increased his Health bar restoring time by twice before. He normally gained 1 per minute but now it was half the amount. Ryuu quickly integrated the skills and used the bronze ticket next.
[ You have acquired Petrification Gaze skill ]
[ Petrifaction Gaze Skill
Description: Any living things the user sees could be petrified and halting their body causing them to be unable to move like a stone. It would last so long the user wills it. This is dependent on their Magical Resistances and amount of Mana poured ]
Ryuu thought that these skills would be useful when in combat and when using interrogation. He quickly integrated the skill before changing his outfit into black cargo shorts and shirt with red sneakers.
Seeing himself in the mirror he smirks, having more confidence in himself and thinking of buying new clothes to add in his inventory.
'I wonder how she'll react seeing my new face??'
He thought to himself before heading to the mall after locking home. Ryuu rode public transportation since he was unable to use magic without being spotted unless he was heading out of the urban city.
Though, he uses magic when going out as it wouldn't be able to let anyone see him at night when returning after training. Ryuu soon arrived in the Mall where it jumped back with people.
It was still early and made Ryuu wait for Justine to arrive. He was leaning in the glass walls of the mall looking at the people walking past him hearing every word they were saying.
His new senses were still overwhelming and needed him to train in a way that wouldn't be a bother. He picks up a discussion regarding the flying creature in the night to the recent massacre of the Human trafficker.
"R-Ryuu I-Is...is that you?"
His thought was interrupted when a female voice could be heard and turned to see Justine dressed in beautiful casual clothes looking at him baffled by his appearances.