Chapter 46

In the Federal Bureau of Hunters (FBH) headquarters, people were gathering around the meeting table. The room was filled with high-ranking officials and seasoned hunters, all gathered to discuss the recent unsettling developments. David Brennon, the director of the FBH, stood at the head of the conference table, his expression grim. Beside him,Michael Connor and Adam White exchanged concerned glances.

"Let's begin the briefing," David began, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the room, "we have a serious situation on our hands. All the agents we sent to Korea have gone missing. They were supposed to gather intelligence on Kade and his operations, but we've lost contact with every single one of them."

The room erupted in a flurry of worried discussions. Adam White raised a hand, silencing the others. "Do we have any idea what happened to them? Any last transmissions or signs of struggle?"

Michael Connor shook his head. "Nothing. It's like they vanished into thin air. Our surveillance teams have also reported that the local populace in Korea seems unnaturally synchronized in their behavior. It's almost as if they're all under some sort of control."

David nodded. "Forget sending people to that acursed land, we'll just be sending them to their doom"

As the discussions continued, an emergency alert blared through the room. The screen on the wall flickered to life, displaying live footage from New York City. The scene was chaotic, with hunters and civilians running in panic. In the midst of the chaos stood three towering figures, radiating an overwhelming aura of power.

"Attention all units, this is a Code Red. Unknown monsters have descended in New York City," a voice announced over the intercom. "Repeat, unknown momsters have descended. Rank is suspected to be above S ranks, Immediate assistance required."

The camera zoomed in, revealing the unmistakable forms of three Monarchs. Their presence exuded an aura of malevolence and destruction. Among them were the Monarch of Frost, the Monarch of Plagues, and the Monarch of Beasts.

The screen cut to another angle, showing Christopher Reed, one of the United States' National Rankers, standing defiantly before the Monarchs. He wielded his powers with precision and intensity, launching a barrage of attacks at the invaders.

But the Monarch of Frost ended the battle swiftly. With a single wave of his hand, a massive spear of ice formed in the air and shot towards Christopher. The spear pierced through him effortlessly, and he collapsed to the ground, dead in an instant.

The Monarchs looked down at Christopher's lifeless body, their expressions cold and disdainful. The Monarch of Frost smirked. "So this is one of the fragments of light? How pathetic."

The Monarch of Beasts chuckled, his voice a low growl. "If this is the best they have, this will be easier than we thought."

Brennan look at the screen where Christopher lay dead, and remembering what Kade said he figured out who they were, "They're the Monarchs…"

Back in Korea, Kade sat on his throne, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He had felt their presence all the way from here.

Go Gunhee approached, his expression serious. "Master, the Monarchs have begun their assault. They killed Christopher Reed in New York City."

Kade's smile widened. "Good. Let them show the world that they're no longer on top of the food chain, then they should be crawling to us when they realise I'm their only hope"

Back to America, a large screen in the conference room flickered to life, revealing Kade seated on his throne. His expression was one of calm amusement, as if he had been expecting this call.

"Director Brennon," Kade greeted, his tone polite but with an underlying edge. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

David's voice was steady, though there was an undercurrent of desperation. "Kade, we need your help desperately . New York is in ruins, and the Monarchs are unstoppable. We can't fight them off alone."

Kade's smile widened. "I see. And what exactly are you proposing?"

David exchanged a glance with Michael and Adam before responding. "We are asking for your assistance in defeating the Monarchs. In return, we are prepared to offer you…compensation."

Kade leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Compensation, you say? And what might that be?"

David took a deep breath. "We can offer financial resources, information, and any other support you might need."

Kade's smile turned sharp. "Those are nice gestures, but they don't quite match the magnitude of what you're asking for. I have a different proposal. If I help you reclaim New York and defeat the Monarchs, I want the city. New York will become part of my territory."

A murmur of shock rippled through the room. Michael and Adam exchanged worried glances, but David remained focused, weighing the gravity of the situation.

"New York is a major city, Kade. It's not just a piece of land, it's a symbol," David replied, his voice tense.

Kade's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Exactly. It's a symbol of power and influence. And it's a fair trade for the lives I'll be saving and the destruction I'll be preventing."

David hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He looked to Michael and Adam, who both nodded reluctantly. "We have no other choice," Michael whispered. "We need his help."

David turned back to the screen, his expression one of grim resolve. "Very well, Kade. We agree to your terms. You help us defeat the Monarchs and reclaim New York, and the city will be yours."

Kade's smile widened, almost predatory. "Excellent. Prepare the necessary documentation to formalize the agreement. I will deploy my forces to New York immediately."

The screen went dark as the call ended, leaving the room in heavy silence. David turned to his colleagues. "Mobilize our remaining forces to support his troops. We must do everything we can to protect the civilians and assist in the battle."

As orders were given and preparations made, the weight of their decision hung over the FBH. They had made a deal with a formidable power, and the consequences would ripple far beyond the immediate crisis. But for now, their focus was on saving New York and defeating the Monarchs.