The rain had finally eased, leaving a slick glaze over the streets of Kuoh City. Neon reflections shimmered across puddles like fractured mirrors, distorting the familiar world. Aki Hayakawa walked slowly, his dark coat brushing the wet asphalt, fingers brushing the hilt of his knife in his pocket. The Devil Hunter System hummed quietly in his mind, waiting, patient.
System Status: ActiveHunter Mode: EngagedNearby Supernatural Activity: Low
Aki glanced at the interface in his vision. He had collected Hunter Points from his first encounter, unlocked Keen Reflexes, and gained a Summon Token. Now, a new option blinked insistently:
[Summons] Available – Use Summon Token?
He paused. The system had been quiet before, observing. But now, it pressed forward, like a predator nudging its prey. Summons were dangerous. Contracts were dangerous. He had learned that long ago. But he also knew that to survive in this city, in this world, he needed every advantage he could get.
He tapped the holographic icon. A menu expanded in front of him, semi-transparent and humming with energy.
Summon MenuToken Available: 1Summon Type: BeastSuggested: Shadow Wolf – Moderate Combat AssistanceSummon Duration: 30 minutesNotes: Passive loyalty, obeys combat commands
Aki's fingers hovered. A shadow wolf. One step at a time, he reminded himself. He took a deep breath and confirmed the summon.
Summon Initiated
The street ahead darkened, shadows gathering in a swirl around his feet. A soft growl echoed in the rain, low and resonant. Then, from the darkness, a figure emerged: a wolf-shaped silhouette, larger than normal, teeth bared, fur flickering like living smoke. Its eyes glowed faint red, reflecting neon lights in the puddles.
Summon Complete: Shadow WolfCombat Rating: Moderate
Aki crouched slightly, studying the creature. It moved silently, paws whispering against the wet asphalt, tail swaying like a pendulum. It wasn't just a weapon; it was alive. Loyal. Dangerous.
"Good," Aki muttered. "You follow my lead. No mistakes."
The wolf tilted its head, growling softly as though it understood. The system pulsed in response:
Summon Loyalty: HighSuggested Engagement: Observation Mode Active
Aki continued walking. The streets were quiet, too quiet. He could feel it—the faint pulse of energy in the distance, subtle but distinct. Something watched. Something was moving.
Entity Detected – Type: Unknown DevilThreat Level: ModerateDistance: 150 meters
He paused, feeling the familiar tension coil in his chest. Moderate threat… good warm-up. The wolf growled softly, sensing the same disturbance.
Recommended Action: Investigate carefullyOptional: Engage
Aki crouched behind a lamppost, pulling the wolf close. Its body pressed against his side, muscles coiled and ready. The system pulsed in sync with his heartbeat, slow and deliberate. It wasn't just a tool; it was alive. It was a part of him now.
From the shadows, a figure moved. Pale, humanoid, but with unnatural grace. Its eyes glinted red in the neon reflections, claws flicking like blades in the dim light. Aki studied it, memorizing the movement patterns. He had always been methodical. Always prepared.
Ability Check: Enhanced Awareness – PassiveResult: Active – Entity is armed, agile, unpredictable
He let the wolf slip silently ahead, letting the creature scout. Its growl was low, almost like a warning. The system pinged softly:
Combat Advisory: Engage if confident, otherwise retreat.
Aki's hand brushed the hilt of his knife. Confidence comes from preparation. Preparation comes from observation. He waited. The devil moved closer, unaware of the shadow wolf concealed in the darkness.
Optional Action: Deploy Summon Attack
He tapped the command. The wolf surged forward, silent and sudden, teeth sinking into the devil's arm. A hiss of pain erupted, claws flailing, and Aki moved with precise timing, slicing the creature's midsection with his blade.
XP Gained: 40Hunter Points +25Loot Acquired: Minor Devil Essence ×1
The creature shrieked, evaporating into black smoke, leaving only faint traces on the wet asphalt. Aki exhaled slowly, the adrenaline buzzing in his veins. The wolf padded back to his side, ears perked, tail low. The system pulsed, approving.
Combat CompleteRewards: Summon Loyalty +5%Skill Unlocked: Tactical Coordination (Passive – Improves combat synergy with Summons)
Aki stood, rain dripping from his coat. He had survived. Once again.
He felt the pulse of the city around him, faint but insistent. More devils were here, lurking, hidden among the neon and shadow. And he was ready. Not fully prepared, not fully powerful—but ready.
System Notification: Multiverse Store available. Hunter Points: 35
Aki glanced at the floating menu. The store shimmered in his vision, promising weapons, items, and knowledge from other realities. But he hesitated. One step at a time. Summons first. Observation first. Survival first.
He moved through the wet streets with measured steps, shadow wolf close, senses alert. The first trial had ended. The first summon had been called. But he could feel it: this was only the beginning.
Current Goal: Investigate supernatural disturbances in Kuoh CityHunter Mode: ActiveNearby Entities: Unknown – Moderate threat detected
The rain slowed, the neon reflecting in puddles, and Aki knew this city had more secrets than he could count. Devils, hunters, mysterious students—this world was alive, dangerous, and unpredictable.
And he was a part of it now.
Player Status: AliveHunter Points: 35Summon Tokens: 0Abilities:
Sword Proficiency (Basic)
Hand-to-Hand Combat (Basic)
Enhanced Awareness (Passive)
Keen Reflexes (Passive)
Tactical Coordination (Passive)
The wolf nudged his side, growl fading into soft panting. Aki looked at the empty streets ahead. Somewhere, lurking beyond the neon haze, other entities waited. He didn't know if they were devils, angels, or something else entirely—but the system whispered of danger, of opportunity.
Optional Action: Access Multiverse Store or Save Hunter Points
Aki inhaled deeply, letting the night air fill his lungs. He flexed his fingers over the hilt of his blade. One step at a time. That was all. One step at a time, one summon at a time, one encounter at a time. Survival, adaptation, hunting—the rhythm of his new life in this strange city.
The Devil Hunter System pulsed softly, a heartbeat in his mind. Watching. Waiting. Guiding.
And so, Kuoh City gained another predator in the shadows. Aki Hayakawa, transfer student, reincarnate, hunter—and now, a summoner.
The game had begun.