It's been a month since the incident. The arrival of the demon and the cracks in the sky have become a hot topic, not just in the Philippines but around the world.
Even on social media, people have different opinions about the demon's appearance.
"Maybe this is the end of the world."
"I'm sure more demons will appear someday."
"What if this is just the beginning of the real chaos?"
Roy sighed. "It's already been a month, but it's still a hot topic," he muttered. He was in his office at the Guardian Department in the city of San Fernando.
There was a knock at the door.
"Sir, I have something to report," said a voice from outside.
"Come in," Roy replied.
The door opened, and Cassian stepped inside. He greeted Roy with a small smile and a respectful nod.
"I've captured multiple criminals involved in illegal activities. Also, gangs that were previously hiding are now showing up and causing trouble," Cassian reported.
"Those fools... They think we're weak now just because we were almost wiped out by that demon. Did they forget we recover faster than normal humans?" Roy said angrily.
"Ah, by the way, good job, Cassian. You can go home now," Roy added. "This month, you've been the most active Guardian. Don't push yourself too hard. Spend some time with your family."
"Don't worry, sir. I'm not pushing myself too hard. Actually... there's something I wanted to tell you," Cassian said.
"What is it?" Roy asked.
"I want to become a Hunter. You know… I'm running out of time. I really need some quick money," Cassian explained, scratching the side of his head.
"You know that job is dangerous. You'll be traveling to dangerous places, hunting monsters you've never seen before. You won't even know how powerful they are," Roy sighed.
Cassian remained silent, just looking at him.
"Alright, do what you want. I'll take care of your family every time you go on a hunt—but promise me you'll come back safe," Roy said firmly.
"Don't worry. Nothing's going to happen to me. You know I'm strong," Cassian laughed and quickly left the room.
Roy had grown close to Cassian in just a month. Maybe it was because he treated Cassian and Mia like his own children. He had paid off their debts, covered their bills, and helped Cassian become a Guardian. He was also the reason Mia was able to go back to college.
Roy sighed again.
"Clark... what have you done? Leaving your family and putting all this responsibility on your son..." he thought to himself.
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Somewhere else in the world…
A man stood on the top floor of a skyscraper, gazing out at the city lights with a glass of champagne in hand.
Behind him, a door opened and someone stepped in. The man turned to see who it was.
"Did you find him? That damn Clark?" the man asked.
"No, sir. He always manages to escape us," the other man replied, bowing his head.
-------
Cassian was currently registered as an E-Rank ability user and was actively serving as a Guardian. However, he was planning to become a Hunter as well, to increase his income.
In the city, there was a local branch of the Hunter Association. Cassian went there to apply. After submitting all the required documents, the woman at the desk said, "Okay, thank you, sir. We'll contact you once your application is approved."
Cassian left the building.
When he arrived home, he checked his System:
[Health: 160 → 180]
[Energy: 170 → 190]
[Strength: 10]
[Defense: 9]
[Speed: 10]
[Perception: 9]
[Cloning Skill]
- Summon Clone
- Number of Clones: 37
- 'Unnamed' Special Clone
"It's been a month since that incident… and this is the result of my daily and weekly quests," Cassian thought. "I haven't summoned the special clone yet. The System warned me he might not follow my orders. He's a demon—might be dangerous," he added as he reviewed the clone's information
[Special clone
Name: None
Race: demon
Ability: fire]
- This clone has its own will and personality.
- The special clone holds equal authority to the master.
- It may be weaker or stronger than the master.
- It possesses abilities the master doesn't have.
- The master cannot access its memories or experience.
- The special clone can refuse the master's orders.
"I should at least try to summon it. It's already been a month. I've got 37 clones—I can gang up on him if I can't control him," Cassian said.
[skill Activated: cloning]
Summon the 'unnamed' special clone
-50 energy]
A clone appeared—but it looked completely different, it had silver hair, red eyes, and the whites of its eyes were black
[What name would you like to give this clone?]
"Name? I think I should call you Hari—" Cassian began.
Before he could finish, the special clone grabbed him by the neck and lifted him into the air.
"Name? Who the f*ck are you to give me a name?" the clone growled with a wicked grin, his eyes glowing brighter.
"I'll name myself. Call me Cain," he added.
[Name "Cain" has been registered as the name of your special clone]
Cain dropped Cassian to the floor and stared down at him.
[Cain is stronger than you]
[You have not tamed Cain into submission]
"Tsk… I'm at a disadvantage," Cassian thought. "He has fire abilities—just like the demon I fought. But I can still defeat him if I use all my clones."
Cain stood calmly before him and muttered, "Summon clones."
[Skill Activated: Cloning]
Clones available: 35
Two clones appeared behind Cain.
Cassian's eyes widened. "he can also use the cloning skill?" Cassian question himself, "My energy didn't decrease… does that mean he has his own energy?" he added.
Suddenly, the System appeared again.
[When normal clones are summoned by a 'Special' Clone, they will follow him as the master]
[The Special Clone holds the same authority as you]
"Hey, I know you're the original, but it looks like I can do everything you can—and more. You can't do what I can," Cain smirked. "I'm stronger than you, so don't ever think you're above me."
"But let's settle this. Let's fight. Whoever wins becomes the master," Cain added.
[Cain is challenging you for authority]
[Show him who's in charge]