---
The midday sun blazed over the forest, and the wind rustled the leaves of the giant yarukiman mangrove trees in Sabaody. The air carried the scent of the sea and soap, a peculiar yet familiar aroma that filled the forest with every gust of wind.
The sound of hooves and paws echoed through the trees as Mystic Horseman and Silver Fang raced through the underbrush. Above them, the faint flapping of wings could be heard as Red Skull Bird, Kurama, and Meda-Bat soared through the sky, scanning the forest floor for prey.
Silver Fang, sniffing the ground intently, led the way. Beside him, Mystic Horseman galloped with his gleaming scythe in hand, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any movement. In the air, Red Skull Bird, Kurama, and Meda-Bat circled above, ready to strike at any unsuspecting prey.
WOOF!
Silver Fang picked up the pace, signaling that their target was close.
"Stay alert," Mystic Horseman commanded. "Our prey this time is no ordinary beast."
In the air, Red Skull Bird, Kurama, and Meda-Bat flew ahead, using their aerial advantage to locate the target. A sharp screech from Red Skull Bird signaled that they were ready to attack at any moment.
Mystic Horseman raised his scythe as a massive bear-like creature burst from the underbrush, its eyes blazing with fury.
"Now!" Mystic Horseman shouted.
He swung his scythe at the bear's stomach, leaving a deep gash. However, the wound seemed insignificant to the massive beast, which roared in anger and swung its clawed paw at *
Mystic Horseman.
In a flash, Silver Fang lunged from behind, sinking his teeth into the bear's arm. From above, Red Skull Bird, Kurama, and Meda-Bat dove down, their sharp claws aimed at the bear's face. They managed to injure its eyes, leaving it disoriented and vulnerable.
The battle was fierce, but with the combined efforts of the ground and aerial teams, the giant bear was eventually brought down. Mystic Horseman delivered the final blow, driving his scythe into the beast's heart.
---
Just as the hunting team caught their breath, a group of people entered the area. At the center was a stout man wearing a bubble helmet and a pristine white suit that covered his entire body. He rode on the back of a half-naked man with a chain around his neck.
Flanking him were two armored guards, their bodies covered from head to toe in iron plate armor. Two scantily clad women danced beside the helmeted man, while a towering figure in a black suit stood at the rear, exuding an air of authority.
"Interesting," the helmeted man said, his voice flat and unbothered. "I want those two flying creatures. Capture them."
"Sir, my duty is to protect your safety," the man in the black suit replied.
"DON'T ARGUE WITH ME! DO IT NOW!" the helmeted man barked.
The man in the black suit, an agent of Cipher Pol, gestured to the armored guards, who produced a net to capture Kurama and Meda-Bat.
The agent threw the net with precision, trapping Kurama and Meda-Bat before they could escape.
"Kurama! Meda-Bat!" Mystic Horseman charged toward the agent, swinging his scythe.
SORU!
The agent dodged with incredible speed, avoiding the attack effortlessly.
Red Skull Bird circled above, looking for an opening to strike, while Silver Fang crouched low, waiting for the right moment.
SHRIEEK!
Kurama screeched, urging Mystic Horseman and the others to flee.
Mystic Horseman hesitated for a moment before giving the order. "Fall back! Kurama! Meda-Bat Return to Master!"
Before he could move, the agent reappeared in front of him.
"Do you really think it'll be that easy to escape?" the agent sneered. "Who is this 'Master' you speak of?"
The agent launched a series of attacks, but Mystic Horseman managed to evade them with his agility.
Seeing Mystic Horseman struggling to get away, Red Skull Bird swooped down, aiming its sharp talons at the helmeted man. The agent was forced to break off his attack to protect his charge.
With the distraction, Mystic Horseman, Red Skull Bird, and Silver Fang managed to escape. Meanwhile, Kurama and Meda-Bat, still trapped in the net, chose to return to their card forms. so they can return to Erik.
---
"Hey! Where did they go? Find them now!" the helmeted man shouted, his face red with anger.
"Sir, I could search for them, but we'll be late for our destination," the agent replied calmly.
"Fine. Let's get out of here," the man said, pulling out a pistol and shooting one of the women beside him without hesitation.
BANG!
The woman fell dead instantly.
"I'm so annoyed!" the man muttered.
"Forgive me, Sir Celestial Dragon," the other woman pleaded, dropping to her knees.
The group, now reduced to five, left the forest, leaving behind the body of the woman.
---
The agent in the black suit activated a Transponder Snail, a creature used for communication in this world.
"Jasper, I have something to report," the agent said.
"Speak, Vaz," a mysterious voice replied from the snail.
"I encountered a group of strange creatures in Sabaody. They were under the command of someone they called 'Master.'"
"What do you mean by 'strange creatures'?"
"A centaur, a giant bird, a wolf, a bird-like humanoid, and a one-eyed monster with wings."
"...Are you drunk?"
"I'm serious. Their abilities varied. The one-eyed monster and the bat-like humanoid weren't particularly strong, but the centaur was nearly on par with me."
"Investigate further, but for now, focus on your primary mission."
KCHAK!
The call ended.
---
Back at the hideout, Erik listened intently as Mystic Horseman recounted the events.
"So that's what happened. I'm glad you all made it back safely. Are there any serious injuries?" Erik asked, concerned.
"Our wounds will heal once we return to our card forms, Master," Mystic Horseman replied.
"Then rest for now. I'll summon you again tomorrow," Erik said.
---
"Cipher Pol will likely investigate us soon," Erik muttered, his mind racing. The encounter with the Celestial Dragon and Cipher Pol had left him furious, but he knew he couldn't act recklessly. He had to tackle one problem at a time.
"The monsters I sent to scout The Hound Pets should be back soon. I wonder what information they've gathered," Erik thought aloud.
---
Meanwhile, in a Back Alley
In a dark alley behind a bar, Succubus Knight stood over the lifeless body of a man, his wrinkled face drained of any energy. Armed Ninja appeared beside her, his expression unreadable.
"Succubus Knight, Master only ordered us to gather information. What are you doing?" Armed Ninja asked.
Succubus Knight smirked, her pose relaxed but her eyes gleaming with satisfaction and cruelty. "Relax, Armed Ninja. I didn't know they'd be this weak."
Her expression darkened as she continued. "Besides, how dare they put chains on the Master? When the time comes, I'll make them pay."
She stomped on the corpse's head, crushing it under her heel.
Armed Ninja remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Do as you wish, but our time is almost up. We need to report back to the Master."
"Fine. Let's go see Master~" Succubus Knight said, her tone suddenly cheerful.
To be continued