The First Men Chronicles

Chapter Title: The Gathering Storm

The chapter opens at the Light House, where Thomas steps through the grand entrance after returning from the urgent hunter meeting. Portgas, who had been waiting near the hallway, immediately greets him, curiosity flickering in his sharp eyes.

"How did the meeting go?" Portgas inquires, sensing the weight in Thomas' expression.

Thomas sighs as he removes his coat, hanging it over a chair. "There's a war coming to Korea," he says gravely. "And if The Ten succeeds in their goal, there will be an even bigger war."

Portgas expression darkens at the statement, but before he can respond, a door creaks open down the hall, and Mori steps out, dressed in light training gear. His sharp features seem more composed than before, and his aura is noticeably calmer.

Thomas, catching sight of him, feels a wave of relief wash over him. "It's good to see you back on your feet," he says. "How's your training?"

Mori smirks, rolling his shoulders. "Better. I'm getting stronger and gaining more control."

Thomas nods in approval before addressing both portgas and Mori. "From now on, stay alert. The Ten will strike soon, and when they do, they won't hold back."

Just as the weight of his words settles in the room, a loud knock echoes through the Light House's main entrance. Mori, nearest to the door, moves to answer it. As he pulls it open, his eyes widen slightly in surprise.

Standing before him are Lady Daisuke and Lady Chiro, both radiant yet commanding in presence. Their elegant robes drape over their curvaceous figures, their large chests almost stealing Mori's focus before he quickly straightens up and steps aside to let them in.

As they settle into the living area, Thomas wastes no time. "What brings you two all the way here under this blistering sun?"

Daisuke crosses her legs, eyes sharp yet playful. "I want both our house members to collaborate on a mission."

"A mission?" Thomas leans forward. "What kind?"

Chiro, always the more direct one, speaks up. "An escort mission. A very wealthy man is traveling to Spain, and we've received reports that bandits are after him. We'll need your pupils to assist."

Thomas turns to Portgas and Mori, gauging their reactions. Both exchange glances before nodding in agreement.

"We're in," Portgas states firmly.

Miro shrugs, a faint grin playing on his lips. "Sounds fun."

With that, the arrangement is sealed. The Light House and Dragon House will work together for the mission.

The Ten's Hidden Assembly

Far from the Light House, deep underground in one of The Ten's secret bases, Huey materializes from the ground, his body emerging seamlessly from the roots beneath.

In the dimly lit chamber, four key members of The Ten—**Number 3, 6, 7, and 8—**await his arrival.

Huey steps forward, his grin unusually subdued. "It's time," he announces. "The final Hybrid must be retrieved."

A flicker of interest crosses the faces of the gathered members. They had anticipated this moment.

Huey continues, "I visited Eagle Island, but the Hybrid is no longer there. It's gone."

A brief flashback reveals the ruins of Eagle Island—the once-majestic temple now crumbled into dust, debris scattered across the landscape,his fists clenched in silent frustration as he surveyed the wreckage.

Flashback Ends.

Huey's eyes gleam as he addresses the room. "Korea must have already retrieved the Hybrid and hidden it away. And if I'm right… it's no longer just a beast." His voice drops lower. "They must have found the last descendant of Ichabod."

A tense silence follows.

He extends his hand, and tiny wooden roots slither from the ground, coiling into the palms of each member. "These will serve as my summoning marks. When the time is right, I'll call upon you. Be ready."

And just like that, Huey vanishes, dissolving back into the roots.

The Underground Chamber: The Power of the Shen Devourer

Huey reappears in a secret underground sanctum, deeper than any known Ten base. It is cold, ancient, and alive with whispers

In front of him stands a massive, coffin-like structure—one that houses Shukaku, the Shen-devouring beast. Its towering, obsidian-like surface is covered in intricate carvings, pulsating with ancient energy.

Huey steps forward and claps his hands together.

A low rumbling shakes the chamber.

A grotesque head begins to emerge from the coffin—its hollow eyes burning with hunger, its monstrous maw stretching open slightly, revealing jagged teeth.

Huey tilts his head, observing it. A small chunk of the beast's head is missing.

His lips curve into a knowing smile. "Not long now," he mutters.

He stretches out his hand, pressing it against the head that came out of the coffin.

A deep, guttural humming sound fills the air as Shukaku's Shen begins to pulse outward.

Huey chuckles, recalling the words Lord Arcade had once written in the scrolls:

"One who absorbs the Shen of the Coffin will house the strength of a god… if the process is completed. But even in its incomplete state, the power one wields will be beyond comprehension."

A wild gleam enters Huey's eyes as the Shen begins to siphon into his body.