Chapter 22: Attack at the headquarters?!
Unit 7's vehicle pulled up to the headquarters, a fortress of modern design fused with old-world stonework, standing as a silent guardian in the heart of the city.
The team disembarked: Captain Kirk, Ethan, Jake, and Lara, each wearing expressions that matched the gravity of their calling. Their backup team had already taken over their jurisdiction, ensuring no demonic threats went unaddressed during their absence.
As they made their way through the lobby, Ethan felt the weight of numerous gazes upon them — particularly on him. The curiosity and wariness in those eyes were evident, almost like a silent acknowledgment of the extraordinary events surrounding him.
His train of thought was abruptly interrupted by a gruff voice. "And there's my hero. Welcome, Ethan."
Ethan turned, coming face to face with a burly man whose presence commanded attention. As he did, his holographic display flickered to life, visible only to him with Lilith, supplying the basic information.
[Name: Marcus Flint]
[Age: 45]
[Height: 175 cm]
[Weight: 78 kg]
[Race: Human]
[Occupation: Senior Demon Hunter]
[Position: Commander]
[Rank: A]
[Affiliation: Headquarters, Manhattan]
[Additional Info: Former Head of Unit 4]
Ethan nodded slightly, acknowledging both Lilith's intel and the man before him. "Commander Flint," he greeted with a respectful nod. "It's been a while."
Marcus clapped a firm hand on Ethan's shoulder, his gaze assessing. "Too long, Ethan. I've been hearing some wild stories about you and Unit 7. Care to fill me in?"
Ethan's eyes briefly flickered to his team, a silent communication passing between them. "It's been... eventful," he admitted, his tone a mix of caution and candor.
Marcus grinned, a hint of the battles he'd seen etched into his weathered features. "I'll bet. Come on, let's talk. There's much to discuss after your recent... exploits."
Marcus turned to Captain Kirk with a pointed question. "Kirk, why haven't you let Ethan transfer to headquarters? We could use someone with his skills."
Kirk's jaw tightened, his eyes betraying a hint of resentment that he quickly masked. "Ethan's talents are best utilized in Unit 7 for now," he said, his voice even but lacking conviction.
Marcus raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. Instead, he gestured for Ethan to follow him. As they walked through the corridors, the air hummed with the unspoken energy of a hundred demon hunters at work.
"If you don't want to join my team, consider moving to a larger unit," Marcus suggested, glancing at Ethan. "Unit 7 seems to be limiting you."
Ethan shook his head, a firm resolve in his voice. "I think I'm doing just fine where I am."
Their conversation was interrupted as they turned a corner. Approaching them was a woman, her presence commanding attention.
She wore a customized version of the standard demon hunter uniform, a tight white crop top that struggled to cover the large melons she nestled on her chest; a fitted black jacket over it, paired with tailored shorts that allowed for agility, complemented by tall, sturdy boots.
Her blue tinted hair was pulled back in a no-nonsense ponytail, emphasizing her sharp, attractive features.
"Meet Adriana Vega, Unit 4 Leader," Marcus introduced.
[Name: Adriana Vega]
[Age: 26]
[Height: 163 cm]
[Weight: 60 kg]
[Race: Human]
[Occupation: Demon Hunter]
[Position: Captain]
[Rank: B]
[Affiliation: Unit 4, Manhattan]
Ethan extended his hand, but Adriana bypassed the formality, pulling him into a tight hug instead, her boobs pressing heavily against his chest. Her perfume, a subtle blend of jasmine and citrus, filled his senses.
"Ethan Carter, the man of the hour," Adriana said, her voice a melodic blend of warmth and authority as she released him. "I've heard quite a bit about you."
Ethan, slightly taken aback, managed a polite smile. "All good things, I hope."
Adriana laughed, a sound that seemed to resonate with confidence. "Mostly. You've made quite an impression."
Marcus cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to the matter at hand. "Adriana's unit has been making significant strides in the Eastern sector. They've been dealing with a tricky infestation of higher ranked possessed."
Adriana nodded, her gaze fixed on Ethan. "We could use someone with your... unique abilities. Ever thought about joining a different unit?"
Ethan's expression remained neutral, though the offer clearly intrigued him. "I haven't given it much thought," he replied, though his tone suggested he was considering the possibilities.
Marcus gave a knowing nod. "Well, the offer stands. Think about it. But for now, let's get to the meeting."
"I guess I'll see you around." Adriana said with a suggestive wink.
Ethan nodded, then he rejoined his team, as they made their way in for the meeting.
The spacious briefing room of the headquarters was filled with the low murmur of demon hunters from various units. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and anticipation.
At the front, a large digital screen displayed the emblem of the Demon Hunter Organization, casting a dim blue light across the faces of those present.
Ethan, along with Kirk, Jake, and Lara from Unit 7, found their seats among the crowd.
A stern-looking officer who Ethan identified as Commander Sterling stepped onto the podium, his presence commanding immediate silence.
"Welcome," Sterling began, his voice echoing through the speakers. "We're here to discuss recent developments and strategize our next moves. But first, I want to address the elephant in the room – the extraordinary events surrounding Ethan Carter and Unit 7."
Ethan felt dozens of eyes on him, some curious, others envious.
"The recent incidents have got the public asking, have got us asking a whole lot of questions… which need to be answered. And I believe —"
His words were cut off by a deafening explosion that rocked the building. The ground trembled beneath their feet, sending a wave of shock through the room. The lights flickered as a cloud of dust and debris billowed outside the windows.
Instantly, the room erupted into chaos. Demon hunters sprang from their seats, drawing weapons and readying themselves for combat. Ethan was among the first to react, his eyes scanning the room for the nearest exit.
"Stay calm!" Sterling shouted over the din, trying to restore order. "Security teams, to your positions! The rest of you, stand by for instructions!"
Ethan and his team quickly made their way to the exit, pushing through the crowd. As they emerged outside, the scene was one of destruction and confusion. A section of the headquarters' wall had been blown open, smoke and fire billowing from the gaping hole.
"Oh my fucking goodness…"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone