Setting Out for the Russe Desert

Before dawn, Ryan was packed and ready to leave. His father was waiting outside the house to see him off, carrying some simple rations and supplies.

"The desert's hard to travel through. I hear the temperature in Russe changes drastically between day and night, so be careful," his father warned. "And if you run into danger, don't try to be a hero."

Ryan took the supplies from his father and nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be careful. I'm counting on you to look after things at home. Mom and Lena need you."

His father patted him on the shoulder. "You need to take care of yourself too. Don't make us worry."

After saying goodbye, Ryan shouldered his gear and headed alone to the Hunter Association's city office.

By six thirty that morning, hunters had begun gathering in the Association lobby. As soon as Ryan entered, a staff member approached him. "Mr. Ryan?"

Ryan nodded, and the staff member led him into a conference room. A tall, powerfully built hunter was already waiting inside. She appeared to be in her thirties, with short facial hair and thick black gloves on both hands. She looked composed and dependable.

When Ryan entered, she stood, walked over, and offered her hand. "Hello, Mr. Ryan. I'm Mo Lei. The Association has assigned us to hunt down Sand Nail in the Russe Desert. I look forward to working with you."

Ryan shook her hand. "Likewise."

Mo Lei motioned for Ryan to sit and took out the mission briefing. "Our target is a hunter named Sand Nail who defected from the Association. He was originally an Enhancement Nen user. A few months ago, he pocketed important intelligence during a mission and was suspected of killing several fellow hunters near the border. The Association has classified him as a