[Three days have passed At The Elders HQ - The Cathedral of Judgment, also known as Veridominium Cathedral]
The resonant echoes of footsteps reverberated through the dimly lit hallway as Ichika walked, his silhouette cutting through the shadows. TEP! TEP! TEP! He encountered Kohaku and Rebecca, the air charged with a mix of anticipation and concern.
"You're finally back," Kohaku greeted, her voice carrying a note of relief.
"Yes, I had a little problem," Ichika confessed, his expression betraying the gravity of the situation.
"Huh?" Rebecca quizzically responded.
"Ankoku Hunter showed up," Ichika revealed, his words hanging in the air with a weighty significance.
"Wait, what?" Rebecca exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.
"That's why I took so long," Ichika explained, the memory of the encounter still fresh in his mind.
"You clashed with him for two days straight?" Kohaku asked, disbelief coloring her tone.