"That day, my mother left," Ralph began, his voice subdued as the rain pounded against the window.
"I ran after her, but I couldn’t catch up. I tripped on the slope and hit my head on a rock. It hurt... there was so much blood."
Ralph’s gaze fell to his hands, trembling slightly as he spoke.
"She turned back for a mont, but she didn’t co to . I blacked out. When I woke up... it felt like an eternity had passed. That’s when I realized... the Minibus was already inside ."
Kaizen’s sharp eyes remained fixed on Ralph, his expression calm but attentive.
"At first, it was like a battle inside ," Ralph continued. "The Minibus fought to take control, and if it had won, I’d have beco a monster—completely. But... I thought of Lilith, Haji, and Hassan. Sothing inside refused to give up. Sohow, I wrested back control."
He flexed his right hand, staring at it like a foreign object.
"But not completely. My right hand belongs to the Minibus now. We reached a compromise—two beings sharing one body. It’s terrifying. Every day, I fear soone might discover what I am. But I suppress its power... I endure. Even if I’m bullied or humiliated, I can’t let anyone know."
Ralph’s voice hardened. "I have to protect Lilith and the others. I’m their older brother. It’s my responsibility."
He paused, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. "Mother worked so hard to raise us, but... she was exhausted. I saw it. I don’t bla her for leaving. I just hope she found peace."
Ralph looked up at Kaizen. "Thank you, Kaizen, for the pancakes you gave Lilith. Without them, she and the others might not have survived. If you need help, I’ll use the Minibus’ power. As long as it’s discreet... I owe you that."
Kaizen nodded but stayed silent, waiting for Ralph to continue.
"There are others in this city," Ralph added, his voice lowering. "The Minibus calls them its kind, but they’re not allies. They... hunt each other. And the Minibus, just being a part of my hand, is weak compared to them. If they find us, we’re finished."
Ralph’s confession carried a weight of fear and desperation, but Kaizen’s mind was already working. He analyzed the information, piecing together what Ralph had revealed.
"So," Kaizen thought aloud, "this alien force divides itself into fragnts, rging with humans to create new monsters. These creatures can’t be detected by normal ans—not with Gyo or En. But they can sense each other. And when they et, they fight to the death, absorbing their rivals to grow stronger."
Ralph nodded hesitantly.
"If they’re allowed to recombine," Kaizen continued, "they’ll beco whole again. But if enough pieces are destroyed... they’ll never be complete. Instead, each surviving fragnt might evolve into sothing entirely new."
Kaizen leaned back, his fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair.
"And the Minibus... it’s just one of these fragnts."
Ralph flinched as Kaizen’s sharp gaze bore into him. "Ralph, do you know why I agreed to keep your secret so easily?"
Ralph tensed, his instincts screaming at him to be cautious. "Why?"
Kaizen’s voice softened, but his tone remained firm.
"First, because of Lilith and the others. You’ve sacrificed so much to care for them. That tells you’re a good person. Second... because I’m like you. I have powers beyond ordinary people."
Ralph’s pupils narrowed. "You’re like ?"
The Minibus stirred, but then stilled.
"He’s not like ," it muttered.
"Not the sa," Kaizen clarified. He picked up a small rock from the ground, holding it between his fingers. With a slight squeeze, the rock shattered into dust.
"I haven’t rged with a monster. I’ve trained in Nen."
Ralph’s jaw dropped, the words sinking in. "Nen?"
Kaizen nodded. "That’s why I’m here in Horun City—to investigate creatures like the Minibus. Most people aren’t as lucky as you, Ralph. They’re consud completely, their bodies and minds overtaken. These monsters are lurking, waiting to strike."
Kaizen stood, his presence commanding.
"I need your help. You and the Minibus can sense these monsters. Find them for . We’ll destroy them together."
Ralph hesitated, glancing at his hand. "If we help you, what happens to the Minibus?"
"It lives," Kaizen answered without hesitation. "It’s reached a compromise with you, and you’ve limited the harm it can cause. That’s acceptable to . The Hunter Association and the human world can tolerate a creature like that. But the others... they’re a threat to everyone, including you and your family."
The rain outside intensified, water pooling in the streets. Ralph stared at Kaizen, his mind racing. Finally, he exhaled and nodded.
"Fine. I’ll help you. But promise this... Lilith and the others must be safe."
Kaizen offered a rare smile.
"I promise. Let’s rid this city of monsters—together."
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