[Scene Opens] (A beautiful waterfall cascades into a clear blue lake. The sun glistens on the water as Tenzai, Midori, Zetsuya, and Eva splash around, laughing and enjoying the moment.)

  EVA: (smiling) This place is amazing! I could stay here forever.

  TENZAI: (grinning) Yeah! No worries, no training, just—

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

  (A sudden growl echoes through the trees. The water trembles slightly as something approaches.)

  MIDORI: (serious) Something’s coming…!

  (A D-rank monster leaps from the trees, landing near the water’s edge. It has sharp claws, dark red eyes, and a hunched, muscular body.)

  ZETSUYA: (calm but firm) We can’t let it get any closer. Midori?

  MIDORI: (nods) Formation One! Now!

  (The three spring into action.)

  (Midori throws a handful of kunai, aiming for the monster’s weak points. The creature dodges some but gets struck in the leg. It snarls in pain.)

  MIDORI: Tenzai, now!

  (*Tenzai raises his hands, electricity crackling around