Shadows Of Deception

The hum of the ship's engines faded into a tranquil stillness as the team finished their meal of oversized pork chops, fried duck, rice, potatoes, and beans. Mengi wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin, while Jin stared out of the window at the blue expanse, lost in thought. Seiji leaned back, chewing on a bone with his usual casual demeanor.

"Alright, folks," the pilot called over the intercom, "we're approaching the destination. Get ready to disembark."

The announcement jolted everyone out of their mealtime bliss. Seiji grinned, tossing the bone into a nearby waste bin. "Well, looks like it's time for a little reunion. Just a heads up—they don't like me. Old grudges and all that." He chuckled, brushing crumbs off his shirt.

The metallic doors of the ship opened with a hiss, revealing the expansive sky beyond. They were high above a settlement nestled between towering mountain ranges, its ancient architecture standing as a testament to a lineage of powerful warriors. The team peered down at the settlement, noting the large insignia of the God Hunter family emblazoned on a central building—a mark of their storied legacy.

Seiji stepped forward, taking a deep breath. "Alright, time to jump. Try not to scream too loudly on the way down."

Without hesitation, they leaped, slicing through the air in synchronized motion. The rush of wind was exhilarating but short-lived as they descended rapidly toward the ground. Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the air.

"SEIJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"

A blue arrow whistled toward them, crackling with energy and immense force. The team split in mid-air, narrowly dodging the attack before landing gracefully in the heart of the settlement. Seiji's face lit up with recognition.

Standing at the center of the square was Arya, her bow still taut with energy. She wore an intricate battle robe adorned with the family's emblem, her confident stance radiating authority.

Seiji raisedqq a hand in greeting. "Arya, my dear sister! Still trying to kill me, huh?"

Arya's expression softened as she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Seiji in a tight hug. She kissed his cheek before stepping back, her gaze scanning him critically. "I missed you, you idiot. It's been far too long. How have you been?"

"Still alive," Seiji replied with a grin. "Can't complain."

Arya turned her attention to the group behind him. "And who are these fine companions of yours?"

"They're friends," Seiji replied nonchalantly. "And we're here for Father."

At the mention of their father, Arya's demeanor shifted slightly. "He's home. Follow me."

The group trailed behind Arya, weaving through the settlement's cobblestone pathways and marveling at the ancient structures. The energy in the air was palpable, a mixture of history and power that clung to the very stones beneath their feet. Arya stopped in front of a large, ornate door and pushed it open with ease, revealing a dimly lit room where an old man sat cross-legged on the floor.

The man's presence was commanding despite his humble posture. Dressed in monk-like robes, his piercing eyes darted toward the newcomers. His aura was overwhelming, exuding wisdom and strength that immediately silenced any lingering chatter among the group.

Seiji stepped forward with a respectful bow. "Greetings, Father."

Before Seiji could say another word, the old man moved with blinding speed. His fist connected with Seiji's nose, sending him flying through the doors and scattering the wooden panels like splinters. Without missing a beat, the old man launched himself after Seiji, delivering a powerful kick that sent him tumbling out of the settlement and into the dirt.

Seiji groaned, teleporting back beside Jin using his Mark Teleportation. "Welcome to the God Hunter family," Seiji said with a wry smile. "Where everyone's a little unhinged."

"Huh when did you mark me?" Jin asked, and Seiji replied.. " probably for times like this "

The old man landed gracefully, brushing off his robes. "You tricky bastard, Seijiiiiii!" he roared, pointing a finger at him.

After the commotion, the team found themselves seated around a large wooden table in a communal hall. The old man, now calm, introduced himself formally. "I am Shiki, head of the God Hunter family."

Mengi took the lead, explaining their mission and the need to locate Atlantis. He laid out the situation with Jiangshi and the Resurrection Project, emphasizing the urgency of their quest. Shiki listened intently, his sharp gaze shifting between the members of the group.

When Mengi finished, Shiki leaned back with a mischievous grin. "Accessing the old ways of the family, eh? That'll cost you… oh, let's say a billion bucks."

The room erupted with incredulous protests. Madagascar slammed his hands on the table. "A billion? Are you crazy?"

Seiji rolled his eyes. "And you call me a thief."

Amid the commotion, Shiki's grin widened. "I'm kidding, you fools. Relax."

The atmosphere shifted as Shiki's tone grew serious. He stood and motioned for the group to follow him. They descended into a hidden chamber beneath the settlement, illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. At the center stood two ancient stone pillars inscribed with intricate runes.

"These are the teleportation pillars," Shiki explained, his voice reverent. "In the old days, we used them to travel to Atlantis. The magic behind them is powerful, but they require immense physical and spiritual strength to withstand the journey. Only those who are prepared will survive."

The team stared at the pillars, the weight of their mission settling heavily on their shoulders.