[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/cECl3Rx.jpg[/img][/center][color=ed1c24]"Now that the formalities are concluded, I'll fill you in on your first mission as teams,"[/color] Mako said as soon as the director was done with the explanations. She made a brief pause to pick a stack of papers from a nearby desk before continuing. [color=ed1c24]"However, before that, I'd like to inform you that our mystics division ran some preliminary analysis on the rocks delivered by Mr. Kazemitsu. While their origins and purpose are still unknown to us, it seems like they are capable of reacting to your Hunter auras, or the power in your tools. This reaction causes a noticeable decline of the demonic power imbued on the rocks. In other words, it seems that you are capable of purifying them with prolonged contact. Please, keep that information in mind, it might be of use in the future."[/color] [color=ed1c24]"With that out of the way, we have two locations you are expected to investigate after you are rested and ready,"[/color] Mako said as she clicked a button on a remote laid on the desk, causing the lights to dim and a projector to fire up, showing a map with two locations very close to one another marked. [color=ed1c24]"The first one is the lakeside trail of an old park. We heard reports of strange sights in the area, thankfully, no one was attacked yet, but we want you to go there and smoke out the source of the problem before it escalates."[/color] [color=ed1c24]"The next one is a shrine located uphill from the park. The ancient sealing stones there have been disturbed twice in a single week. Faint traces of demonic power have been found on both occasions but no sight of the culprit has ever been confirmed. We want you to stage an ambush and deal with whatever, or whoever might be behind it."[/color] [color=ed1c24]"Given the nature of the jobs—and the expected collateral damage—Beniha's team will be handling the park, and Mai's team will take care of the temple. The locations are close enough that you may be able to assist one another if the need arises."[/color] [color=ed1c24]"That's all we had for you. You are free to rest for the night and take care of the missions tomorrow. If there are no more questions, you can take your leave now,"[/color] Mako finally said, announcing that the meeting had finally been concluded. [center]※ ※ ※[/center] Meanwhile at the demon's gathering place. The snake-like girl continued to observe the meeting silently. Her eyes darted from the human to Shika. A curious glare shone on them as she observed how the demon seemed to have successfully roped everyone on her facade. Maybe she didn't know what to say or was just playing the role of the group's introvert. The fact was that, as soon as the food rolled by, one of her snakes reached forth and picked a sample. And then, the dark mass of hair gulped it down, before licking its lips with a forked tongue. [hr]