《Demon Card Enforcer [A Noir Cardgame LitRPG]》
Chapter One: Beelzebub’s Party
The Great Game Rule #1: Every ten years, the gods will grant one in five hundred people over the age of thirteen a deck of ten cards, and that person shall become a deckbearer.
Drop Nightwhen the new card set was released by the godswas the single biggest holiday for everyone around the world. The one night every decade when they might receive a deck of cards, and become a deckbearer.
Everyone desperately hoped that they would be chosen, and every single person did something to prepare for or celebrate the night. Perhaps sit in the dark, hands clasped, hoping fate would change their lives. Perhaps performing last-minute deeds that they thought would convince one faction of the gods to reward them with a deck.
But most people threw a party. Alcohol and drugs worked equally well for celebrating good luck and drowning sorrows, after all.
Wolfe strode through the massive rave he was required to attend. He shoved his way across a fog-filled dance floor shining with red strobe lights that flashed between statues of demons and giant flies, his bones reverberating from the loud club music. Wolfe did his best to weave his way among the partiers as he made his way to the VIP section, but that was difficult, given the number of drunken, half-dressed dancers.
He couldnt help but think that while the gods had never talked to anyone, it was still painfully obvious they had favorites. This whole party was a celebration for one man, Wolfes employer, Big Man Grimm, who ran the Grimm crime family.
Big Man Grimm was clearly favored of Beelzebub, a dark god of the Infernal faction and Master of Gluttony. That was why fly statues and dcor covered every inch of the nightclub.
Wolfes thoughts were interrupted as a petite girl bumped into him. She wore a black miniskirt and bra, and had her blonde hair shaved on one side. She craned her neck in order to stare up to Wolfes six-foot-two height.
Her drink had spilled onto Wolfes gray Armani suita gift from Big Man Grimm himself.
Whyd you shillspillmy drink? the girl slurred, slapping his arm, practically hurting herself in the process. Wolfe was two hundred and thirty pounds of rock-solid muscle. Im gonna ge a deck tonight!
Wolfe stared at her for a moment, then glanced up at the man who was dancing with her: Richard Rich Cordova, one of the many other enforcers who worked for Big Man Grimm. Wolfe met the other mans brown eyes with his own hazel gaze, and Rich shuddered.
He grabbed the girl, pulling her away. Im so sorry, Wolfe. Um, Tiffany is just havin fun. Ill pay for the
Dont bother, Wolfe growled. Just get her out of here.
Tiffany pouted. But I still want to
Rich put his hand over her mouth, hissed, Shut up! Then glanced at Wolfe. We were just heading out.
Wolfe turned away, irritated at himself for being irritable. But he wasand he knew why. The gods didnt care about people like Wolfe. He had been to these parties twice, once when hed been eighteen and newly in the family, and once when hed been twenty-eight and still full of adrenaline. He had never received a deck on Drop Night.
Truth was, Wolfe wanted to be at home tonight, even though it was empty. Pierce, his dog, had recently died, and Wolfe only had his shadow for company now. He still preferred that over the blaring music and drunken nincompoops.
But Big Man Grimm wanted all the important members of the familys business here at the Ekron Eternal. The club was the heart of the Grimm family business.
Unfortunately, all the important members included his head enforcer, Wolfe.
Wolfe sighed and went back to making his way past other drunk-ass girls and men who thought they were dangerous to reach the clubs most important table, the one with the people who mattered: Big Man Grimm, his inner circle, and his family.
Two large, rough-looking thugs who could have been brothersHarry and Danwere guarding the table.
Neither batted an eye as Wolfe slid into the last place on the outside edge of the VIP table. They knew Wolfe belonged there. He did get the stink eye from the other members of the tablethe Big Mans children and a couple of his remaining lieutenants.
Sorry Im late, boss.
Big Man GrimmThaddeus Grimm, Seniorlooked and sounded like his name. He was big and grim. He was sixty years old and two inches taller even than Wolfe, but he had stayed healthy in an old-man way. He had a lean body and large muscles that still couldnt hide his nearly white hair and wrinkled skin. Big Man Grimm almost never smiled, and when he did, it wasnt a good thing.
But the scariest thing about him was his voice.
We were just talking about my children, Big Man Grimm said in a tone that was heavy, deep, and the stuff of horror movies. Do you think theyll get a god-gifted deck?
The boss swept his arm to take in his three children.
The Big Mans oldest son, Thaddeus Jr., who was thirty, had been watching the girls dance. At his dads voice, he turned back to the table. What?
Thad Jr. was extremely handsome in a lean way, and once he had been the apple of his fathers eye. But his own eyes were blank and he seemed perpetually surprised.
And hes wearing a football tie with the Armani suit. Even I know thats tacky.
Damian Grimm, the middle child, was younger at twenty-six. He resembled a demented hobbitfour and a half feet tall with fat rolls under his chin he tried to hide with a black goatee. He wore a burgundy suit, near blood-colored, and he fingered his demon-fly cufflinks.
Damian smiled at Wolfe as Wolfe. Grimms middle child loved stories of Wolfes exploits, especially the times Wolfe had taken down deckbearers without a deck of his own.
Maybe our own Wolfe-y will finally get a deck. Damian smiled at Wolfe with perfect white teeth, the only thing about him that didnt scream beaten near to death with the ugly stick.
Miriam was Big Man Grimms youngest child. She was tall and slender, and her naturally black hair was complemented by black eye makeup and an equally black mortuary dress. If there was a goth pride flag she would be waving it.
Or perhaps shes hoping the gods of undeath will give her a deck tonight.
Miriam stared at everyone around the table with an expression of amused condescension, but when her gaze reached Wolfe it lingered, her stare intense. Yes, Wolfe, do tell me whether you think Ill deserve a deck this year. Have I been a bad girl? At least bad enough these last ten years to curry the favor of the dark?
She smiled and pulled up a necklace with a dagger pendant from the depths of her black dress. Her tongue flicked out to briefly lick it, her eyes boring into Wolfe.
Wolfe ignored her anticsMiriam was twenty and head of her class at law school, with all the intelligence and verbal skills that impliedshe just had a nasty habit of dragging people into conversations that could get them in trouble.
Why? Because it amused her, for all Wolfe could tell.
Miriam leaned back, narrowing her eyes when Wolfe didnt answer, but she raised her wine glass to him as if acknowledging his victory for not getting roped into her game.
Might be someones lucky night, Wolfe said as he glanced over to Big Man Grimm. Even your children, whom youve already bought decks for, could get a god-gifted one. On the other hand
Wolfe paused before he finished his thought. Its not the best odds, though. The Great Game Rule One: Every ten years, the gods will grant one in five hundred people over the age of thirteen a deck of ten cards, and that person shall become a deckbearer.
A weaselly man made his way to the table, passing the guards with a huff and roll of his eyes. He wore a suit that said, Yeah, you can beat me up, but my daddy will sue, and walked with the same haughty confidence.
Heinrich Grimm. The family accountant.
Im here, Im here, Heinrich said, his voice nasally.
Big Man Grimm nodded.
"Ah, cousin, Heinrich said with a smile. Its almost time. Youve given much to advance the causes of Beelzebub. Im sure hell continue to favor our family greatly. Do you want to make a speech? Youre so good at speeches.
Wolfe scowled at Heinrich. What an ass-kisser.
Im here to enjoy my family, Big Man Grimm stated, then nodded to Wolfe. And my friends.
No one else said anything after that, the conversation stalling.
Then Thad Junior piped in. Hey, has anyone seen Johnny? I thought hed be here tonight.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Wolfe pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.
Big Man Grimm didnt answer his son, just frowning at him with a brow so furrowed, it threatened to split his face in two. Miriam laughed loudly into her wineglass, and Damian shook his head in theatrical disgust at his older brother and fiddled with one of his fly cufflinks. A few of the other, lower-ranking lieutenants around the table looked away, unwilling to get into the conflict.
Johnny, a long-time supporter of Big Man Grimm and his best drug courier, had been killed in an ambush last week, along with his entire team. The drugs he had been moving for the Grimm family had all been stolen. The Cobras, a stupid jumped-up street gang that had been making waves, had brazenly left their calling card at the scene. No one knew how the Cobras had found out what Johnny was doing, or where he would be. Millions of dollars in product had gone missing.
To judge by the claw marks and the couple withered, horror-faced corpses they had found, it had been a deckbearer who did the killing, most likely the Cobras head enforcer, Nico. Somehow, the Cobras street gang had six deckbearers, the real reason theyd been able to move into Grimm family turf.
Wolfe sighed. Thaddeus Jr. was a decently likeable guy, and he had always admired Wolfe. But the mans I.Q. sat squarely at room temperature. How did he not know about Johnnys death?
Big Man Grimm turned to Wolfe. I didnt want to spoil Drop Night, but Im going to need you to do what you do best. The Cobras have been cutting us to pieces. Its time for you to hit back.
Wolfes scowl deepened. He had managed to kill two deckbearers in the past, but he had almost gotten nixed in the process. Now Big Man Grimm wanted him to do it again?
Big Man Grimm had taken the cards from the dead deckbearers to make his own deck, and his childrens, stronger. Without a deck of his own, Wolfe would be at a disadvantage
Wolfes eyes flicked to Big Man Grimm. He owed the man everything. But Wolfe still wished Big Man Grimm had allowed Wolfe to keep the cards he had killed, so to speak.
Wolfes boss must have sensed his mood, because he took a package from the seat next to him and passed it across the table to Wolfe. Here. I was gonna give this to you after midnight, when the new deckbearers had been picked, but have it now. We dont need both of us scowling and ready to kill everyone.
What is it? Wolfe asked, picking the package up. It was the size of a shoebox, and it weighed quite a bit. But when Wolfe surreptitiously shook it, nothing moved inside.
Big Man Grimm shifted in his seat, glowering out at the floor, where the bodies of the dancers were visible as silhouettes through the smoke and lights. Bonus and a promise, for my best and most loyal packmate.
Heinrich huffed at that statement.
Big Man Grimm ignored his cousin. Take it and open it alone. In fact, use Suite Two on the upper floor. Also, I give you my word: You can have the cards of the next deckbearer you end. I know youve balanced the sheets between us, and youve been with me for twenty years. Ill have your back.
It was Damians turn to huff. He picked up a shot glass and threw it back. I need to be able to look at any cards he gets first, especially if theyre Infernal. I need the best cards possible.
You can take the cards when youve done as much as Wolfe, and not before. You dont lead yet, son, Big Man Grimm said in his most menacing tone.
Damian glowered to the point his eyebrows appeared to be trying to forge a dynastic union with his nose. But he didnt speak any further.
Wolfes heart warmed. He appreciated that Big Man Grimm was siding with him over his spoiled son.
Wolfe picked up the package from the table and stood. Ill be back.
He got a respectful nod from Big Man Grimm and Damian, a corny salute from Thaddeus Jr., and a glare from Heinrich. The other, lower-ranked lieutenants at the table didnt acknowledge him.
Wolfe walked around the outside of the dance floorhoping to avoid any more Tiffanysand reached the elevator. He rode it to the second floor and exited. It was the big mans private set of suites. Suite Two was his best guest suite in the entire Ekron Eternal.
Wolfe entered the spacious room and shut the door. There was a bar, circular couches around a central table with a statuette in the middle, even a goddamn indoor jacuzzi.
That was just the front roomit also had a bedroom and bathroom. Most of the suite was done in garish red and black, thick curtains and velvet, with arta sort of baroque-style depiction of the Infernal in both painting and statuaryliberally spread around. An iron clock with its gears showing hung on one wall, its style out of place.
Wolfe imagined he could almost smell blood and incense from the overly themed room. There wasnt any, of course. But the dcor tickled his brain and summoned his memories of the smell.
The sounds of Drop Night celebrations and a few early fireworks outside the window really mute the evil vibe, though, Wolfe thought with a sardonic grin.
Wolfe put his package down on the marble bar top and then sat on one of the barstools. He grabbed an ashtray, pulled a half-full cigarette pack from his pocket, removed a cigarette, tapped it, then pulled his lighter and lit it up.
Once he had smoked for a few seconds, he glanced at the clock on the wall.
11:58 p.m.
He was tempted to wait for the very moment of Drop Night but then cursed himself for a fool. He tore open the package and stared at it.
The majority was a thick stack of thousand-dollar bills and the top was a stylized card that appeared to be a blank creature card.
Wolfe was pretty sure it was a promissory notepromising him that he would receive at least some kind of deck and become a deckbearer. Big Man Grimm could do it if he wantedand hed been there for Wolfe when
A fiery pain in his chest caused him to yank his shirt open, a button shooting off to disappear in the plush red carpet. Wolfe stared at the huge, raised-off-the-skin scar that marked his chest. There was a brief flash of flame, then chains and a pentagram appeared above his chest. After a second, they sank into his scarred flesh and disappeared.
His own eyes wide in shock, Wolfe slowly touched his chest with a trembling hand splayed open in the gesture everyone knew from watching hundreds of TV shows about deckbearers. A sense of fire and eternal hunger, as well as a controlled rage and purpose, filled Wolfe, all of it tempered by a feeling of limitless possibility.
His heart beat so fast he thought it might burst. Wolfe held his hand out, still splayed open.
A red, fiery light pushed out from his hands and manifested as three cards, each the size of a normal playing card, hovering in front of Wolfe, just like it would have for every newbie deckbearer ever. A fourth card also manifested, hovering in the air off to the sidewhich wasnt normal.
He mentally called up a list of his cards. He had:
Two Escaped Damned, creatures.
Two Tormentor Imp, also creatures.
One Loyal Guard Dog, and One Rescue Pup, both creatures.
Two Return to the Pit, which was an immediate spell.
One Soul Hunter, his mantle cardsomething that empowered him whenever he played it.
And finally A named card. Cereboo.
A piece of him was concerned he had received an Infernal god-gifted deck, which probably said some pretty bad things about him. But in that moment, he was just overjoyed to have received a deck at all.
Wolfes eyes strayed to the last card, the fourth one hanging by itself in the air even through his swipes. He knew instantly it was different It had no power cost, it was labeled as a companion card, and it was unique. Cards had both rarity and tier. Rarity tended to reflect starting strength compared to its power cost, and each tier was just a slightly stronger version of the same cardand cards could normally be combined to form higher-tier cards.
Unique cards could be nearly any effective rarity in quality, and since they couldnt be raised in tier, were assigned an effective tier to explain their total strength. Tier-seven was ridiculously high.
Wolfe stared at his card, Cereboo.
Cereboo
Unique Beast/Infernal[Canine] Companion Effective Tier-7
0 Power
Health: 12
Attack: 5 x3
Defense: 7
Magical Attack: 7[Fire]
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Fungible [Beast, Infernal]: While in play, Beast and Infernal power may be spent as if they were the other.
Special: Infernal Slayer: +100% attack and magic attack against other Infernal cards.
Special: Preferred Typing [Beast, Infernal]: Gains all the better type matchups of both Infernal and Beast.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. Each card was given to a member of the Noimoire underworld.
A pup of Cerberus, who was born into a particularly frisky litter. Cereboo was the runtnot quite as strong, nor as tough, as his litter mates. But his heart was the heart of a huntsman, and the blood of Cerberus runs in his veins. He hunted across the fiery plains of the first infernal realm, chasing the damned who tried to escape their fates. Now, he chases many things, but his soul is still called to chase those who belong in the Infernal Realms.
Wolfe was intrigued by the part where it claimed it belonged to a set that would unlock other, even more powerful cards If Wolfe could acquire the other five. Cards came in five raritiescommon, uncommon, rare, legendary, and mythic. Legendary cards were so rare that only the most famous card users had more than one or two, and Mythics were almost always out of reach of all but the insanely powerful deckbearers or the leaders of nations and the ultra-rich. The gods might have power crept this season. Wolfes mind raced with the possibilities.
Before he could do anything, however, his spine crawled with danger. Hot, fetid breath, smelling faintly of decay and incense, washed across him. Wolfe dropped his hand to his pistol and turned, but nothing was there in the empty hotel room.
Despite seeming to be alone, Wolfes skin still prickled. A sudden premonition filled him. He saw, in his minds eye, the indistinct outline of the five other people that had all gotten the cards that was part of Cereboos card set. They fought one another, until only one was left, and from that person a miasma of darkness, evil, and pain spread.
This is the fate if you do not hunt them down, and claim the cards for yourself. It will be as your failure from before, but far, far worse.
Wolfe could not have put a name to the voice that entered his mind, but it was hungry and vengeful but somehow not evil. Or not entirely.
Wolfe shuddered as the room returned to normal.
He stared at the Cerberus puppy card for a moment, gathering himself. The picture of the pup reminded Wolfe of his late dog, Pierce, but with three heads, and it calmed him. He had been in numerous life-death-situations, but it took him a moment to gather his normal sardonic wit after that voice.
Pierce better not be in some hell, Wolfe quipped. Then he gave a dark chucklehe knew damn well his dog hadnt gone to any bad place in the cosmos. He was the only purely good being Wolfe had ever known, even if he had been a bit of a doofus.
Wolfe reached out a hand and touched the Cereboo card. Immediately, the card turned into red light and rushed to the carpet. In less than a second it spread out, intensified, and then disappeared, leaving a massive three-headed, black-skinned boxer puppy that appeared to weigh around two-hundred pounds in its place.
Wolfe was stunned. I just summoned a card, like a real deckbearer!
The puppy woofed from its right head.
Pierce reached out and pet that head, and the left head pushed at his right hand. Wolfe reached out and scratched that head behind the ear. Both the left and right heads were now panting happily, and the dogs tail was wagging.
In that moment, when Wolfe was fully occupied, the middle head licked his face.
Blargh, Wolfe said, grabbing the bed cover and wiping his face. Infernal you might be, but a dog you remain.
Cereboo woofed happily and bounded around Wolfe in a circle.
Well, Ive been ordered after the Cobras, so maybe Ill find one or more of the people I need to kill with them.
How the hell am I supposed to find out who has these cards?
Wolfe put it from his mind for the moment, and was about to pull up his status sheet when his phone went off. What the fuck? Its been like four minutes since the drop! How the hells can someone already need me?
He pulled it out to see who was calling, then answered immediately.
Whats up, boss?
Big Man Grimms voice came through the phone. Get down here. You need to deal with this.
Chapter Two: Aeshma’s Bid
The Great Game Rule #2: When a deckbearer is defeated, anyone may take their cards.
A few minutes later, and after sending Cereboo back to the deck, Wolfe slipped back into his seat at the table with a nod to Harry and Dan. Heinrich was missing, but the rest of the inner circle was still at the table.
Whats going on? he asked.
Damian had four cards out, each floating in front of him. Most of his cards glowed a fiery red, and every minute, he swiped them to the side, switching them for others and staring at them. Four cards at a time was impressivethat was one more card out than a Level One deckbearer would normally possess.
Wolfe wondered when the fuck the miserable little man had been able to level up and improve his hand size. Damian was sifting through cards laid out on the table, and even as Wolfe watched, he removed one from the cards floating in front of him and replaced it in a single swap.
He got new cards? Wolfe asked over the music that still thumped through the club.
Big Man Grimm nodded, a tight smile on his face. Yes. My son was gifted a deck with some Beelzebub cards in it. Just like his old man before him.
Wolfe glanced over at Damians robust frame and chuckled. And at least one of you favors gluttony in turn.
Damian glanced up, his face flushed. Wolfe, I got a companion card. Theyre new to this drop. They cost no power to use, so they make any deckbearer that has them, like meDamian tapped his own chest with a ring-encrusted, pudgy hand, smiling broadlyvery powerful.
I bet you love the idea of finally being powerful, Wolfe thought, keeping his sneer from reaching his face. It wasnt fair to Damian to judge him for wanting the cards so desperately, Wolfe knew. What the gods had taken from Thad in the brains department, they had taken from Damian in the brawn department. Of course the big mans son wanted to be powerful, and if his lust for cards was a little unseemly, well, at least it made sense.
Wolfe raised an empty glass at Damian. Congratulations.
Big Man Grimm turned to Wolfe, his question on his face.
Wolfe hesitated but then said, I got a deck as well.
A couple of the other gang members around the table clapped, but Thaddeus Junior exploded and swiped a half-empty brandy glass from the table. What? How is that possible? Im the oldest son! Damian got a deck, Heinrich got a deck, and our dog got a deck?. How come I didnt, Dad? What a crock of shit.
Wolfe gave Thad Junior the eye as a nearby waitress came over and started to clean it up. Daddy already bought you one, you spoiled little shit. Wolfe had known Thad Jr. since Wolfe was eighteen and Thad Jr. had been ten. He had been spoiled then too.
Damian stared at Wolfe with curiosity.
Miriam had her arms crossed over her chest. She reached one slender arm out and languidly took a wineglass, raising it and a black-dyed eyebrow at Wolfe. Congratulations. Welcome to the true aristocracy, the only one that really matters.
What did Heinrich get? Wolfe asked.
He claimed he only got generic Infernal and Psychic cards, Damian said, running a finger across the table. Then he ran off with some whore, like he always does to celebrate. What cards did you get? I cant wait to tell you what I got.
Big Man Grimm chopped his hand through the air. Enough of this. Im glad so many of us got decks, but we can compare cards later. Wolfe, Im sorry, but I called you down here because Im having a feeling I want you to go and provide back-up at the docks.
Wolfe sighed.
Big Man Grimm frowned. I know, my friend, and Im sorry. We cant afford to lose this shipment. If it goes away, were fucked. A few years ago, we were the strongest family in Noimoire, but were losing it. It stops tonightthis new year, with our new deckbearers, we will remake ourselves.
Wolfe sighed again, but stood from the table. He really wanted to figure out what being a deckbearer meant. To sit at some computer and learn about the new companion system and what cool cards had been released with this current set. Check out card combos that might work with his deck. Wolfe had already had a ton of money squirreled away, from his time as Big Man Grimms top enforcer. Hed just gotten even more. Before now, he hadnt had a reason to spend the money. Cards that helped him in his job, though
But Wolfe wouldnt say no to Big Man Grimm. He owed the man too much.
Ill be at the docks in fifteen, Wolfe said, stepping away from the table and heading for the elevator to the garage.
On his way, he avoided the couple people that were sobbing over not having gotten decks and not becoming special in a single moment.
Wolfe had problems of his own.
***
Three minutes later, Wolfe stepped into his beat-up black Chrysler 300 SRT. Wolfe liked his carit appeared to be a boring sedan, but it had a ton of power under the hood. He even left a few dents and scratches in it to encourage the view he was poor and harmless. Even if most of the players in the Noimoire underworldand even a few in the larger circles within the greater rust beltknew him, the street-rank thugs didnt know him on sight, so it was still possible for Wolfe to appear unimportant occasionally, and take people unawares.
Plus, an expensive car in the bad parts of Noimoire got the cops on you faster than shit got flies.
Wolfe had also paid good money on some modificationsarmor plating in the door, bulletproof windows, and a couple of small, hidden compartments in case he ever needed to smuggle something.
Wolfe reached back and put his gift from Big Man Grimm in one of the smuggling compartments. Then he drove out of the underground parking garage and onto the usually dark and rain-filled streets of Noimoire. It was raining, a cold drizzle, but it wasnt that dark in this part of the citythe part where the city spiked vertical. The glittering lights of the club district plus the flashes of fireworks lit the place up decently.
Even if they hadnt, all the billboards had their own floodlights, which would have kept the streets lit. Wolfe could practically drive the city by the insane billboards.
He glanced up at the floodlit signs through his rain-slicked windshield. To get home, take a right at the giant soap card billboard, with germ attack listed where the magic attack stat would normally go. So clever, no one has ever done that before. Then take a left at the advertisement for Gavins, the online card buying site. It actually makes sense to advertise here, I suppose. Noimoire, and similar cities, are the only places with enough money to justify blanket advertising a site for buying cards when the minimum price of a card is fifty K, and the cards get more expensive rapidly from there. Wolfe had nearly half a million saved up from his life as an enforcer, and briefly wondered about whether he could buy the other five cards he needed.
Wolfe laughed and met his own eyes in the rear-view mirror. Sure, buddy, you can just buy these five ultra cards when some legendary and mythic cards have gone for hundreds of millions of dollars or even caused wars. Sure. Itll be that easy. Face it, this is gonna be a whole thing.
The lights faded as Wolfe left the glitzy nightlife district and headed to the docks, and the billboards began to advertise alcohol. There were a lot of docks in Noimoires crescent-shaped harbor, but the ones Wolfe was headed to were in the poor part of town. Far fewer cars and people were out at night here, and the ones who were mostly wantedor purveyedillicit drugs or sex.
Wolfe chuckled quietly to himself, noting that they were doing it from under awnings at the moment, trying to stay dry in the rain.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out another cigarette, lighting it from his car lighter and then puffing. He didnt expect trouble on Drop Night, not till he got to the destination, at least, but his eyes scanned for danger through the rain and his wiper blades all the same.
He noted the car idling down a side street with its headlights on as he turned onto Main Street, but his danger sense didnt flare until it sped toward him. What the hell?
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Wolfe yanked his steering wheel to the left. The oncoming car sideswiped him, and they both spun out, the sounds of metal crunching filling the night air. Even before the collision, and despite having never been a deckbearer before, Wolfe had already placed his hand on his chest, and before his car had fully come to a stop, he had his cards up.
Wolfe had always been an intuitive killer with whatever tool came to hand.
He saw two Escaped Damned cards and a Loyal Guard Dog card floating in front of himas well as his ever-present companion card. Fuck. Of course I didnt get my mantle card. Well, were doing this without the added personal protection, I guess. Never stopped me before.
A notification popped into his vision, claiming that a deckbearer had drawn their deck. A fierce predatory glee filled Wolfe. Another deckbearer. Which might mean more cards, even if it means more danger. And I havent even seen all my own cards yet.
He grabbed his companion card, Cereboo, and willed it into existence just outside the car door even as gunfire erupted from the opposite vehicle and a series of spiderwebs formed in his windows where the bullets had been caught by the bulletproof glass.
Wolfe ducked below the window level and released his seatbelt. Then he opened the passenger-side door and slapped his glove box open. He grabbed his firearman STI international Edge 40 caliber with a 14-round magazinefrom the glovebox and rolled out of his car, onto the rain-slick cement of the sidewalk. Less than five seconds after the collision, Wolfe came to his feet in a crouch, his pistol pointed at his opponents car, watching through the rain-splatters on his hood for a target.
His companion card, Cereboonow a two-hundred-pound, black-skinned boxer puppy with three headswoofed excitedly and leapt onto the first thug out of the car, grabbing both arms in his left and right mouths and chewing on the guys shoulder with his center head.
Wolfe wasted the second thug that came from the carthe back passenger side, facing himwith three shots to the chest from his slightly-more-powerful than cop guns pistol. He noted the snake tattoo on the thugs exposed shoulder. The Cobras. Of course.
He also received a hundred experience and a level notification overlaid across his vision, but he dismissed those.
But both of the ones to come out of the car side facing Wolfe were now out of the fightone being chewed on by Cereboo, the other dead.
Ive still got it! These fuckers ambushed me and Im the one that got first blood!
Someone still inside the car shot Cereboo in his left head, screaming Kill the fucking card! and blood splashed from the dogs head, but Wolfes new mutt didnt go down. A guy came out of the back drivers side and shot over the hood of the car, screaming Im taking out their deckbearer! Wolfe cussed as the shot grazed his arm.
Four total mooks, three I still need to kill, Wolfe catalogued automatically.
Wolfes first-ever combat log appeared in his vision, but he mentally pushed it asideit wasnt helpful in the middle of combat.
As he ducked back behind the car, he grabbed his next card: the Loyal Guard Dog. He was tempted to pull the Escaped Damned, as it had immense physical defense, but it had almost nothing else, and Wolfe needed damage output to finish the fight since the momentum had shifted in his favor. Never give your enemies a chance to recover.
Magic flowed from him as he brought forth his card, a tickling sensation running from his chest along his arm and out through his hand.
Loyal Guard Dog
Common Beast[Canine] Creature Tier-1
1 Beast Power
Health: 10
Attack: 5
Magical Attack: N/A
Defense: 5
Magical Defense: 2
Special: May remain on the battlefield for twice as long as the casters base length of play stat.
A Powerful mastiff guard dog. A basic low-level Beast creature, common throughout the world in junkyards and the homes of people that want to look dangerous.
The dog manifested. It hit the ground and ran around Wolfes car. Another creature also manifestedan enemy spirit obviously summoned by one of the thugs. It was a yellow-red spirit that appeared to be on fire. It floated around the thugs car, its arms outstretched. Wolfe cussed. He brought his own Escaped Damned to the fight.
Both his dogs attacked the Escaped Damned.
Wolfe grimaced and muttered to himself, The Great Game Rule Fourteen: Summoned creatures must attack opposing summoned creatures first, before they can target enemy deckbearers or mortals.
Fortunately, deckbearers could attack whomever they wanted.
Wolfe popped back up and finished off the wounded thug that Cereboo hadnt quite put away, noting that the experience was reduced to fifty this time. He dove back behind the car as a fusillade of bullets whistled through the air where he had been. His driver-side window finally broke.
Wolfe also got a notification that his Cereboo had finished the Escaped Damned off, briefly surprising him. Then he remembered the card. Right, Cereboo gets a huge bonus to his attack against other Infernal cards. Convenient.
Wolfe ejected the magazine from his pistol, pushed a new one in, and then swiped his cards away, bringing the next three up for use. He got a Tormentor Imp that cost one Infernal power, a Rescue Dog that cost one Beast power, and a card called Return to the Pit that only required one available Infernal power to use. The last was a persistent activated card.
Wolfe was pretty sure he had the advantage at the momentbut he needed to hold it for a few more seconds. He couldnt give the enemy deckbearer a chance to change the flow of combat with his deck.
Hoping the Cobra gang enforcer would pull a second Infernal creature, Wolfe played the Return to the Pit card, spending his last power. And then he fired over the hood of the car to distract his enemy.
For a fraction of a second, as he huddled behind his shot-up and dented car, Wolfes mind wandered away from the combat, something that almost never happened to him. Im a real deckbearer! I just ran a tribe-specific shutdown strategy, something my deck seems built for! Its like the king-of-cards comic!
A brief yellow and red flash of flame appearedanother Escaped Damned; the guy wasnt that creativeand then the Return to the Pit card activated, wiping the creature card out and trapping the one Infernal power his opponent had used for five minutes. The card briefly manifested as a pentagram, then dissipated, the energy flying back into Wolfes chest and disappearing. Returning to my deck.
Its just you, me, and my doggo, assholes! Im betting youre fucked.
The third thug was covered in bites but tried a wild kick to fend off Cereboo. His planted foot flew out from under him and he slammed down back first onto the rain-slick pavement. The Loyal Guard Dog and Cereboo both leapt forward and ended the last thug with four bites, one to the thugs neck. Wolfe got another fifty experience and went to level three.
Wolfe lurched to his feet, throwing his Rescue Pup card out as well.
A decently sized dog, maybe forty pounds, emaciated but with huge cute eyes, appeared. Wolfe fired rapidly at the enemy deckbearer, who ducked and brought forth a Tormentor Imp.
Those have got to be the Infernal common baby drops for this drop season, Wolfe thought to himself as he raced around his own car. He swiped his cards again, and his mantleSoul Hunteranother Rescue Pup, and a second Return to the Pit appeared.
His Loyal Guard Dog and Rescue Pup was still in play, as was Cereboo. Wolfe had the upper hand and meant to keep it, which in this case meant doubling down on his shut-down strategy. He pulled the Return to the Pit to prevent an enemy creature from appearing. If his creatures could attack the enemy deckbearer, he would win, and he was pretty sure theyd finish the enemy imp off quickly.
As he came around the enemy car, however, his preparation proved unnecessary. The deckbearer was firing at Cereboo while trying to dodge the three dogs. What he wasnt doing was keeping his eye on the guy with the gun.
Good-bye, fucker, Wolfe said, satisfaction in his voice as he held his pistol out. The man turned, his expression a focused snarl. Wolfe hit him with a couple of shots to the chest. The enemy deckbearer went down, a red mist briefly marking the space the bullets had hit him. The Tormentor Imp disappeared in a puff of red smoke.
Wolfe ejected the clip and reloaded his pistol a second time, storing his empty while standing over his dead assailants. Fuck around and find out, he muttered to their uncaring corpses.
Wolfe had gotten sixty-seven experience for his last killhe was pretty sure it had been sixty-six point six, which felt appropriate and caused him a brief, black chuckle. The deckbearers cards appeared on the ground next to the corpse. Wolfe scooped them up before the seeping blood got on them. Wolfe didnt know if they could be stained or not, but he didnt want fucked-up cards in his deck.
As he picked the cards up, the rain beaded on them but never soaked in. Probably cant be affected by normal things, then.
Wolfe scanned the scenefour corpses with snake tattoos on their arms, pools of blood everywhere slowly diluting in the rain, guns, and a car with a dented front. Plus, his own busted vehicle. He sighed. All right, more like twenty minutes till I reach the docks.
Also, how the fuck do the Cobras keep getting the drop on us?
He frowned at his expensive suit, torn and stained and now getting wet.
The Loyal Guard Dog and Rescue Pup waited, doing nothing, but Cereboo ran up to Wolfe and planted his feet on his chest, all three heads licking him. Each had the oversized idiot grin of the boxer, as well as the enlarged jowls even the puppies got. Wolfe was again powerfully reminded of his old dog, Pierce. Despite the setting, he was warmed by his new companions presence. Whos a good boy, helping me put down the Cobras? Is it you?
Cereboo woofed with all three mouths.
I wonder if Cereboo playing with me, rather than waiting like my other summons, is a sign of his personality?
Wolfe put the question from his mind as he laughed at his enthusiastic new demon-puppy. He had work to do, so he wrestled Cereboo aside, then pointed to the ground next to him. Sit.
Cereboo sat, all three heads panting happily.
Wolfe pulled his phone out and called Rich while he rooted for and found his own ejected empty clip.
Wolfe? the voice answered.
We have a situation, and Im needed elsewhere. Get a cleaner crew to Main and Thirty-First, near the local Cardless Caf. Four bodies, all Cobras, and a dented car. Disappear the bodies and repurpose the car and guns.
Im, um, about to you know. With Tiffany.
Take her or leave herget road head, for all I carebut get out here and get it done.
There was a brief pause, then Richs annoyed voice came through the phone. All right, Ill be there.
Wolfe ended the call, and mentally dismissed his two other summoned cards. Both dissipated into a brownish light and flowed back into Wolfe. Then he looked at Cereboo. Im sorry, buddy, but I need to put you back in the deck, okay?
Cereboo whined.
Wolfe grimaced. If any deckbearer sees you, theyll be able to read your card. Then theyll try to take you from me, boy, because youre part of some super rare card set. Id rather not deal with that shit, okay? I already lost one dog this month.
Cereboo flopped to the ground but quit whining, and Wolfe took the action as acceptance. He unsummoned Cereboo, who became red energy and rushed back into Wolfes chest.
He went to his car, swept the glass from the drivers seat, and continued to the docks, eighty percent of his brain thinking about the strategy he had almost instinctively employed against the enemy deckbearer, and other things he might be able to do with his deck.
But the last twenty percent was occupied with a fierce joy at his victory. Wolfe still had it. And he wasnt about to lose his cards or fail Big Man Grimm.
Chapter Three: Wrath of the Pit
The Great Game Rule #3: Anyone who acquires ten cards outside of Drop Night becomes a deckbearer and is bound by the rules of the Great Game.
Wolfe pulled into the parking lot at Dock Eighty-Seven with his dented but still functional car and turned his engine off. He waited for a moment in his car, remembering what it was like to be young and on a product run. It was nerve-wracking. He could see a couple guys out near some shipping containers, and he didnt want to spook them into using their guns.
Besides, Wolfe was still quite excited that he was a deckbearer, and, thanks to the few Cobra jerks hed just made the acquaintance of, already level three. Excitement outside of a fight was an unusual sentiment for Wolfe, and he treasured it, trying to hold on.
Although said excitement was muted a bit since the rain had been soaking Wolfe through his shot-out window the whole time he had been driving, and his car had a few too many bullet holes for his taste now.
Its gangland chic, Wolfe thought to himself with a snort, surprised by his own whimsy.
He glanced around. Dock Eighty-Seven was one of the many, many docks of Noimoire, which had both lake- and river-side docks. This one was lakeside, and had a medium-large ship at porta smaller container carrier, with a pile of unloaded shipping crates on top, and a few large cranes near the ship.
A couple of the containers had been unloaded onto the dock and left there, and a couple cars were parked around the metal shipping crates. Wolfe was only about two hundred feet from the set up, and finally, a few men left the five Wolfe could see and approached.
He grabbed his pistol, stuck it in his belt, and got out of his own busted car just as the Grimm family men arrived at the vehicle, keeping his own empty hands visible. Wolfe didnt recognize the first guy coming up, a tall, wiry man with coffee-colored skin and hazel eyes to match Wolfes own. Guy moved like he could fight, however, and had his hand on his pistol at his belt, which Wolfe approved of.
The second guy, however, Wolfe knew. Hey, George, everything going alright? The boss sent me to oversee everything.
George was a long-time member of their organization, and his loyalty to the boss was unquestioned. But over the years he had gone from a tan, hulking bruiser to a grossly overweight pasty dude. He was out in the rain sporting sweatpants and a wife beater, despite the drizzle still going on.
Wolfe frownedguys with moobs shouldnt wear wife beaters. Or lead runs for the family, no matter how loyal they were.
Although he was legitimately impressed by Georges ability to ignore the wet, cold weather.
I wonder if his fat insulates him? Wolfe thought with genuine curiosity. He was uncomfortably cold, himself, but didnt allow himself to shiver or otherwise acknowledge his cold in front of his compatriots. His reputation for ignoring pain and discomfort kept him from a lot of actual fights.
The flash of headlights cut off any answer. A car turned onto the pier-side road, weaving drunkenly. Probably sad they didnt get cards, Wolfe thought with a glance over his shoulder to make sure it wasnt a threat. It passed the dock without slowing down.
Once the car was gone, George responded. Its good youre here, Wolfe, but theres no need. Everythings quiet.
Hmm, Wolfe responded, his eyes scanning the night despite the reassuring words. There was little light, only that provided by the streetlamps on the side of the road, plus a tiny bit through the drizzle from the city itself, which he could see along the shore.
George hooked his thumb back at some men working on the shipping containers. Our boys are over there right now, getting the product. Were mantled.
Wolfe chuckled at the common expression, which referenced a deckbearer that was wearing a mantlethey were almost always far stronger than one that hadnt gotten a mantle on yet.
George cocked an eyebrow and scratched at his gross chest, but didnt pursue when Wolfe declined to comment.
Whos the new guy? Wolfe asked with a jut of his chin at the man next to them.
Im Derek. The man held his hand out. Derek Washington. I carry a gun for the family. Really glad to meet you, Wolfe. Everyone around here really talks you up.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Wolfe just glanced at the offered hand, then raised his own eyebrow.
Hes new, George explained. Hired to replace some of the men we lost with Johnny.
Wolfe nodded and started to hold his hand out in turn, but a flash of headlights pulled his attention away.
Another car turned onto the pier road, driving slowly. Then another. And another.
Wolfes hand dropped to his Edge pistol almost automatically. He turned to get a better view of the cars.
In the dim light of the street lamps, through the misty air and drizzle, he couldnt make out much, not even the exact color of the cars, although they were all darker. But a metallic glint of light where there shouldnt be any metal, in a back driver-side window, warned him.
Down! Wolfe screamed, throwing himself to the rain-slicked concrete of the parking lot, grunting as he jostled his already-bruised-and-shot shoulder.
Derek followed him half-a-second later, leaving George standing.
From the back window a series of lights flashed, and loud bangs rang out across the docksthe sound of an automatic rifle. Wolfe stared in shock. Where the fuck are people getting military rifles?
Two large red holes appeared on Georges chest, and his back exploded in a shower of gore. He slammed into the ground with finality, almost certainly dead from hydrostatic shock before he hitand if not, he would be in seconds as blood poured from the massive wounds in his back.
Hollow-point rounds? This gets better and better.
Even through the rain, the coppery smell of blood was over-powering, and a shit-stink of death joined it.
Wolfe rolled to his back across the wet asphalt and put his hand on his chest as the three cars turned into the parking lot. He had three cardsa Return to the Pit, an Escaped Damned, and a Tormentor Imp. And he always had Cereboo available.
No mantle in my first pull again. Of course.
Wolfe was very briefly tempted to put the Escaped Damned into play, as it had powerful defense and health stats for a tier-one card.
Escaped Damned
Common Infernal/Undead Creature Tier-1
1 Infernal Power
Health: 10
Attack: 0
Magical Attack: 3
Defense: 8
Magical Defense: 1
A soul that somehow escaped the Infernal realm and wants to remain free
Cereboo was treated as Infernal for purposes of resistances, which meant he was fifty-percent stronger against Mortal including actual mortals and their guns. So Wolfe ignored his weaker cards and tossed Cereboo into the fray once again. The red light left his card and formed into his dog, who ran toward the Cobras gleefully.
As soon as Cereboo was in play, Wolfe sprang to his feet. Get to the crates! he screamed at Derek, who followed him almost step-for-step. Wolfe kept his own car between himself and his enemies as he moved, making sure he had cover.
More gunfire, and the sound of exploding glass, caused him to grit his teeth. He was pretty sure his cars repair bill was gonna rival the national debt.
He reached the containers and slid to a halt half-behind one. He saw three more of the Grimm family men and another corpsethe head was blown through.
Two guys killed in a spray-and-pray, in the darkness, in the rain? And I didnt get my mantle? The gods must really hate me.
Derek slid in next to Wolfe and then scrambled around to the other side of the container, his gun out.
Wolfe fired blindly in the direction of the enemy cars, just to keep their heads down, but a round of cussing told him that not all his luck was bad. It was followed by a combat log showing four damage against an unknown enemy thug.
Derek fired from his side of the big shipping crate, but the other three were just hiding.
Wolfe glanced over at them. Fight back, you dumb fucks!
They have a gun! one called back.
Wolfe pointed his pistol around the corner again and fired another couple rounds off. You idiots, we all have guns!
Three howls, that sounded suspiciously of glee to Wolfe, rang out from the darkness, and someone yelled, Dogs!
A series of screams sounded, and Wolfe got another combat notification that he summarized as Cereboo turning someone into an involuntary chew toy. These notifications are really helping out, since I cant see a gods damned thing out there in the dark and rain.
His remaining cards became available again, and he threw an Escaped Damned out. A screaming soul, yellow, with red fire around it, appeared a few feet from him.
The Escaped Damned cards were extremely strong on the defense, but weak on the attack.
And I didnt bring a spare magazine, Wolfe thought to himself, desperately wishing he had access to his car glove box and trying to remember how many rounds he had fired. He couldnt, although he usually fired three-round bursts to keep peoples heads down so probably eight shots left. Probably.
He turned around the corner of the metal shipping crate he was still crouched behind.
Three men ran up fast, one carrying the automatic rifle. They were close enough that Wolfe could easily make them out in the dark. He casually pointed his pistol and shot the guy with the big gun in the head. He got a notification of another thirty-three experience and level four.
I really should level. I could have used being stronger right about now. Although, I hate the idea of not sitting down and carefully planning my growth as a deckbearer.
The other two men leapt to the sides, and one pulled a grenade from his jacket and tossed it toward Wolfe, rolling it behind the protection of the crates. Die, fucker!
Wolfes eyes involuntarily widened. A grenade? In a gang war?
Wolfe was so shocked by the incongruity of the weapons in this fight that he almost didnt act, but his instincts carried him through. He leapt behind his Escaped Damned just as the grenade went off, praying his summoned creature would be enough.
Non-chapter MC stats to start Book 2!
Wolfe, Start Book 2:
Stats and Level
Ethan Madison Wolfe Status:
Level 19 Mortal
Deckbearer Perks:
Deckbearer Perk 1: In the Thick of it: +50% to all numerical benefits gained from mantles
Deckbearer Perk 2: Mans Best Friends Best Friend: Gain 1 Beast Power. May have one extra card in play so long as its a Beast(Canine or Hybrid Canine).
Deckbearer Flaw: Fallen: May not gain Divine Power, nor use Divine cards unless they are also Infernal or Corrupted.
Deckbearer Stats:
Cards in Deck: 15 (1 pip)
Cards in Hand: 4 (1 pip)
Cards in Play: 3 (1 pip)
Length of Play: 5 minutes
Specialty Cards: Companion: 1
Minion: 1 (1 pip)
Total Power: (upgraded 5 times): 8 -1 (Infernal Rift) = 7. (Total pips 15)
Type 1 and Power: 4 Infernal (5 -1(Infernal Rift))
Type 2 and Power: 2 Beast
Energy 1 and Power: 1 Fire
Personal Perks:
Inborn Perk 1: Vicious Killer: +25% to all Attack and Defense, check twice for attack modifier and take the best
Inborn Perk 2: Tough as Nails: +10 Health
Acquired Perk 1: Crafty Street Fighter: +3 Attack and Defense
Personal Stats:
Health: 30/30
Attack: 10
Magical Attack [None]: 0
Defense: 10
Magical Defense [None]: 5
Cards in deck:
Angry Hellhound Tier-3 x4
Lost Hellhound Puppy (upgraded Rescue Pup) x3
Pact Howl x2
Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds (upgraded no kill Shelter) x1
Fireborn Hellhound
Soul Hunter (Mantle)
Infernal Rift
Cereboo
Malviere
The Cards
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-Three Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 13
Attack: 8
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 5 (bonus)
Magical Defense: 5
Special: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack of either Fire or Infernal typing on the same target.
Special: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point its needs to reform on many an occasion.
Lost Hellhound Puppy
Rare Tier-1 Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
1 Beast or Infernal Power [Available]
Health: 8
Attack: 4
Magical Attack: 3
Defense: 4
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Does not require upkeepis a zero-cost monster.
Special: If slain, all Mortal and Beast cards in play gain +50% Physical Attack for the next 30 seconds.
Special: May be merged with Rescue Pup cards, but advances as if Rare in quality.
A poor lost Hellhound, outside its normal realm.
Pack Howl
Tier-One Beast Immediate
1 Beast Power(available)
All Canine creature cards gain +2 to all stats for 30 seconds
A ferocious howl that gives the pack strength
Cerberuss Home For Wayward Hellhounds
Unique Tier-1 equivalent Persistent
1 Infernal, 1 Beast, and 1 Any power
Special: Any Beast with Puppy or Rescue in its title has +50% Attack and Defense.
Special: Generates a Lost Hellhound Puppy at no power cost every 30 seconds until Level/5 Lost Hellhound Puppies are on the field, rounded up. These are second-summoned (they do not count against cards on field).
Special: If any opponent sacrifices a creature card type Beast, that card joins you instead of being destroyed until the fight ends.
Special: You cannot sacrifice Beast cards.
This card is the only pound in existence that tries to find homes for the few Bad Doggos in the universe. Perhaps with proper attention, they too can be Good Boys.
Fireborn Hellhound
Rare Tier-1 Infernal[Canine] Creature
1 Beast, 1 Infernal, and 1 Fire power
Health: 23
Attack: 9
Magical Attack: 12
Defense: 9
Magical Defense: 12
Special: +100% magic Defense against Fire energy
Special: +1 Attack and magical Attack for every Escaped Damned card on the field within 100 feet, regardless of owner.
An unusually tough and rare specimen of hellhound that makes its lair near Gehenna, the lake of fire. Only one large pack of these particular hellhounds is known to exist.
Soul Hunter
Uncommon Tier-1 Persistent(Mantle)
2 Infernal Power
This card grants the Deckbearer 2 Attack, 2 Defense, and 2 Magical Defense. Additionally, the Deckbearer will do an additional 25% damage against Infernal cards, monsters, and Deckbearers
Sometimes, the Infernal Realms want their own back. Thats when they send a Soul Hunter to do their dirty work.
Infernal Rift
Unique tier-8 equivalent Enhancer/Persistent card
1 Infernal Power (permanent)
Special: When this card is played, any one deckbearer that has no creature cards on the field is banished to a faux Infernal realm for 90 seconds
Special: When this card is added to your deck, one persistent card may be permanently made into an Infernal card, gaining benefits and a second typing. This card will reflect the named Infernal most represented in the deck if any is. Any modified sub-cards are affected as well.
Special: When this card is added to your deck, one minion card may be made into an Infernal card, becoming a 2-power equivalent companion with a free card slot and gaining benefits and a second typing. This card will reflect the named Infernal most represented in the deck if any is. Any modified sub-cards are affected as well.
Special: When this card is added to your deck, one building card may be made into and Infernal card, gaining a second typing. This card will reflect the named Infernal most represented in the deck if any is. Any modified sub-cards are affected as well.
Special: Any benefit may take place after the fact if it has not taken effect, but afterward it may never happen a second time.
Special: If the card leaves the deck, all benefits are lost, and all cards revert.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. Each card was given to a member of the Noimoire underworld.
A permanent rift to the realm of an Infernal Lord, this hole between dimensions influences everything around it, tainting it all with demonic influence.
Malviere, Conduit of Cerberus
Unqiue, no-tier Mortal/Infernal companion[Orphan, Canine]
0 Power
Health: 13
Attack: N/A
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Will fetch normal objects and such with a decent degree of precision and help carry up to ten pounds.
Special: If kept alive for five straight years, will turn into a tier-6 equivalent companion card, gaining notable power. If ever killed, the timer resets.
Special: So long as she is on the field, all [Canine] creature cards gain +1 to all stats.
Special: Once every 30 seconds, the most powerful Beast card on the field will make a second attack or magical attack, whichever is its highest score.
Special: Is liked by all canines, and can command them to do her biddingincluding the [Canine] creature cards of other deckbearers, which, if summoned, will switch sides without returning their power.
Malviere cannot remember any life except that of acting as a conduit for the great guardian of the gates of the Infernal, Cerberus. She aids his chosen hunters on the Mortal plane, to bring back those that Hell has lost. And she gets to play with all the doggos. Good, and bad.
Cereboo
Unique Beast/Infernal[Canine] Companion Effective Tier-7
0 Power
Health: 12
Attack: 5 x3
Magical Attack: 7
Defense: 7
Magical Defense: 4
Special: While in play, Beast and Infernal power may be spent as if they were the other.
Special: Guardian of the Gate: +100% attack and magic attack against other Infernal cards.
Special: Preferred Typing: Gains all the better type matchups of both Infernal and Beast.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. Each card was given to a member of the Noimoire underworld.
A pup of Cerberus, who was born into a particularly frisky litter. Cereboo was the runtnot quite as strong, nor as tough, as his litter mates. But his heart was the heart of a huntsman, and the blood of Cerberus runs in his veins. He hunted across the fiery plains of the first infernal realm, chasing the damned who tried to escape their fates. Now, he chases many things, but his soul is still called to chase those who belong in the Infernal Realms.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter One: Stumbling Block on the Straight and Narrow
1: A Brief History of Noimoire, by Chris Zinn: The City of Noimoire was founded at the site of the Arena of the Three Firesthe agreed-upon dispute resolution location for the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa tribes. The American army under Bartholemew Kline slew most of the tribes warriors at the battle of Buck Hill and seized the arena. A group of American settlers founded Noimoire in the shadow of the fort the army built near the arena. The three tribes have been seeking legislation to have the arena, and its revenue, returned to them ever since the Dakota Accords ended the hostilities between America and most of the north-central American tribes.
Okay, does everyone understand what were doing tonight? Emmett asked, gripping the steering wheel of the blue-and-rust jalopy they were all sitting in tightly. He was practically a caricature of a washed-up fifties pulp detective as he sat in his stained, brown suit and wrinkled shirt, running his sweaty palms over his thinning, salt-and-pepper hair before returning them to the steering wheel of a car that wasnt even turned on. He reeked of desperation and cigarettes.
Wolfe didnt mind the first one so much, but the second one reminded him that he hadnt had a cigarette in weeks and was fiending for one.
Fiending. An appropriate term. The comforting power of Wolfes Infernal and Beast deck was a constant presence in his chest, a feeling of hunger, power, and heat. It reminded him of his calling: to hunt those who preyed on others.
Trying to do that the right way, on the right side of the law, was what had led Wolfe to his current place if life. He was awake at two a.m., sitting in said powder-blue-and-rust jalopy, next to a fifty-year old man who had drunk enough alcohol to be officially considered pickled by the FDA, staring at a closed and rundown train station. A huge junction of tracks, old, rusted locomotives and train cars, and huge maintenance sheds, all behind a chain-like fence with razor wire on the top. The center was a cleared space where the tracks met, gravel bisected by the rusting iron lines.
Can you go over it again? Bart asked from the back.
Oh, right, we have a third member of our little party. Bart was some aspiring private investigator working with Emmett, trying to earn his three years of associate workthe requirement to go out on your own.
Just like Im doing, Wolfe thought with a grimace. Becoming a P.I. had involved a few classes, but the real requirement had been practical experience. With his history, Wolfe couldnt join the police, so this was his only option.
Wolfe hated being in the same position as an obvious mook like Bart.
Emmett sighed and frowned. We dont have much time! Okay, listen up. The plan is were going to go into the trainyard, and were going to sneak up on the people there. Then were going to take pictures of what theyre doing. Thats it! Once weve done that, were going to get out of here. Got it, Bart?
Bart nodded.
Got it, William?
Silence in the car.
William? Emmett asked again.
It took Wolfe a moment. Oh, right, my new name. Ive got it.
Wolfe had been born Ethan Madison Wolfe II and gone by his surname because it had made for a solid street name. But ever since he had died, he had switched his name and started over. Now he was officially William Madison, no middle name. That little change had cost him quite a bit of the money he had fled the Grimm mob family with.
Wolfe tapped the passenger-side dashboard rapidly, his desire for a cigarette making him jittery. The real question is: Why do we need three men for a simple photography job? Or is this a bit more than that? Most normal people, even most normal criminals, dont need an abandoned train station located in the no mans land between two cities to conduct business. You only need a place like this if youre prepared to kill people to stop them from finding out what youre doing. Maybe its truly heinous, or maybe its just a really huge deal with a lot of money involved.
Emmett nodded with Wolfes words and didnt appear surprised at Wolfes knowledge. You have some experience with these people, William?
Wolfe clenched his fist. My history is just that. Mine. Answer my damn question.
Rather than answering, Emmett reached underneath where Wolfe was tapping the dashboard and opened his glove compartment. Two Glock-17s, a standard police model common throughout the country, each in a hip holster, half fell from the compartment.
Wolfe stared at the guns for a second, then looked at Emmett, his eyebrow raised.
I dont want trouble, but it could happen. The people were dealing with are the worst of the worst, and theyll kill to keep from being dragged into the light, like the vicious, little cockroaches they are.
Wolfe chuckled darkly in the sanctity of his own mind. Tell me how you really feel.
Emmett took one of the holsters out, removed the eight-inch gun, checked the magazine, placed it back in its case, and handed it to Wolfe. He repeated the motions for the next one and strapped it on himself. The way that it sat on him, Wolfe was pretty sure Emmett was wearing a bulletproof vest.
Not expecting trouble, hmm?
Wolfe let it go and hefted the Glock-17 briefly and regretted not bringing his own STI International Edge 40 caliber. He didnt have a license to carry concealed, and Illinois wasnt an open carry state. Without the protection of the Grimm family and its corrupt connections, a gun charge could land him in serious troublewhich would reveal to Damian, Wolfes nemesis, that he was still alive.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
I dont have the permits for this, Wolfe said.
As a trainee earning your hours under me, you can carry while on the job, Emmett replied. Besides, Im surprised you care about the law.
Wolfe grimaced and stared down at the police standard gun in his hand. It was reliable, but it didnt have quite the stopping power that Wolfes favorite gun did. Regardless, given the situation and how far they likely were from police, Wolfe decided to risk it. He strapped the gun to his waist.
Do I get a gun? Bart asked from the back.
Wolfe turned and stared at the other trainee. The man was about twenty, with sallow cheekbones and slightly black teethsure sign of someone using meth, in Wolfes experience.
No, Emmett said. The old P.I. rooted around in the glove compartment and took a camera from the back of it, heaved himself around in his seat, and held it out to Bart. You get this.
Bart stared at it dubiously but took it. I think I should carry a gun, and William here can carry the camera.
Emmett glanced over at Wolfe again. Im comfortable with my choicesthis guy has obviously been in some fights.
Ive been in fights, Bart protested.
Wolfe was rapidly losing patience with the idiot. Losing a fistfight to your sister doesnt count, jackoff. Shut up so we can get this over withthe longer were out here, the more chance something can go sideways. Ive got shit to do before I die.
Hey, asshole Bart started.
Wolfe pulled the Glock and held it up, turning it in the dim light inside their vehicle.
Whatever, Bart muttered, but he shut up beyond that.
Emmett, who hadnt said anything, let go of the steering wheel. If you two are done arguing, lets go!
He opened the door and exited the vehicle. Wolfe followed out his own side, Bart behind him. Bart was fiddling with the camera as he went and moved slightly forward.
Emmett fell back to walk beside Wolfe. You do know how to use that, right?
I know my way around a firefight, Wolfe responded.
Odd for someone whose resume listed lumberjack as his only previous work experience, Emmett commented, but then he held his hands up. I dont actually care how you know, as long as you know.
Wolfe gritted his teeth. Ive told you three times now that I can handle a gun, counting that little tiff with numb nuts over there.
Emmett nodded. Okay. I just cant have tonight go wrong. This could make up for everything.
Wolfe just shrugged at Emmett and followed the man across the parking lot. Wolfe knew there was more to the story. The truth was, however, that he didnt want to do anything more than to collect a day of supervised training. He needed three years of work before he could be a licensed independent P.I., and the unfairness of sitting backseat to a bunch of wet-behind-the-ears P.I.s before he could do his own work was aggravating him.
He had been the head enforcer for the Grimm mob family for twenty years before Big Man Grimms son Damian had shot his father. He could handle a little P.I. work. But mob enforcer wasnt something you could put on a resume, so
The three of them ran across the parking lot until they reached the chain-link fence. The portion Emmett to which had led them was already cut, with a pair of metal cutters on the ground next to it. Bart was still fiddling with the camera.
Prepared for this? Wolfe asked.
Emmett just nodded, his face tense as he looked toward the trainyard.
Bart crawled through and headed into the trainyard. Before they could join him, however, Wolfe grabbed Emmett by the arm. I dont think I want to do whatever is happening. It isnt worth a day of training.
I need you, Emmett said. Bart can barely get his shit together.
Well, I dont need this, Wolfe said. Ive got a lot of my own shit to deal with.
Emmett turned and placed his hand on Wolfes arm. Ill make it worth your while, William. Ill sign a months backlog of work cards to just do this. Itll probably be fine, and youll get a months work for an evening.
Wolfe frowned. That would save him a lot of time, despite how his instincts were telling him this was going to be dangerous. Fine.
The two of them crawled under the cut fence, Wolfe first, and headed into the train graveyard in the center. Wolfe rounded the corner of a train car, staring down a long, open space between numerous other train cars, toward the center. It was open, and a large van was parked in the center. Wolfe could make out a couple of figures moving around in the moonlight, but he was too far away to see details.
Bart, get back! Wolfe hissed, but the idiot was either not paying attention or too far away to hear, about halfway from Wolfe to the van.
Emmett reached into his jacket and pulled out an old-fashioned pair of binoculars and held them up to his face. They havent opened the van yet. They have to open the van before we take a picture!
Wolfe reached over and grabbed the binoculars, and Emmett let him take them. Before Wolfe could put them to his face, he heard a car approaching. He looked up to see a sportsy, black convertible with the Ferrari logo on the front pull up with a squeal in the gravel of the trainyardWolfe was surprised theyd even gotten close to off-roading it with a car like that, much less entered the trainyard. Infernal Realms, he was surprised theyd let it out of their yard.
He put the binoculars to his face and stared through them.
The people came into focus. Three guys Wolfe didnt recognize were waiting with obvious gun bulges beneath cheap suits, along with a fourth guy Wolfe did recognize: Piper.
Son of a bitch, Wolfe said through gritted teeth.
Piper had been one of the Grimm family men and had worked with Wolfe once. Until hed disappeared without a trace during a job that had nearly gotten Wolfe killed. Wolfe hadnt even known hed survived, or what had happened to him.
You know them, William? Emmett asked.
The use of his new name floored Wolfe for a moment but stopped him from revealing anything. No, just upset about the damage theyre doing to that car.
Fuckers deserve everything that happens to them down to the road grit, Emmett ground out. That car is a Ferrari Mythic 2024, worth almost half a million. They bought it with blood.
Wolfe ignored the hyperbole and stared at the people exiting the car. One was a tall, slender man in his late twenties dressed in a perfectly tailored white suitcompletely inappropriate for night-time shenanigans. The other he was just under six feet tall, with pale-white skin and black hair. He dressed in a black hoodie and equally black skin-tight jeans, and he had a stylized skull ring on his finger.
Wolfe cussed again.
What? Emmett asked.
I know the guy next to the suit, Wolfe said, pointing and passing the binoculars back to Emmett. Thats Tracy dOrdinii. A deckbearer who will removeWolfe held his fingers up in air quotes, despite Emmett staring through the binocularsproblems that the powerful crime lords have. No offense, but we need to leave. Now.
Emmett wisely didnt ask how Wolfe knew these things. I need to get evidence! Incontravertible evidence of their wrongdoing. Evidence that the police cant ignore.
Wolfe pinched the bridge of his nose. Youre going to get dead, not evidence. Then youll fail whatever obnoxious quest is driving you. Live to fight another day.
Emmett lowered the binoculars, his pasty face even paler in the moonlight, and Wolfe could smell the sweat and fear on him. He stared at Wolfe for a moment, then his shoulders drooped. Lets get Bart.
Just then, there was a flash of light from the train cars near the van. Wolfe stared, dumbfounded, at Bart. He had decided to take a picture and obviously forgotten to turn the flash off.
Two of the mooks ran over to Bart, who held his hands up.
With no hesitation whatsoever, one of the mooks raised his gun and shot Bart in the head, then stomped on the camera, hard.
Book 2: Chapter Two: The Dead Rise
A Brief History of Noimoire, by Chris Zinn: As is the case for most of the arenas the gods gave humanity, the Arena of Three Fires reflected the local structural moresin this case, it took the form of a huge grove with a few scattered tents, whose towering trees and shrub walls are invulnerable. While parks werent a convention in either city planning or the American conscious at the time Noimoire was founded, multiple religious groups, led by the church of Raphael and heavily funded by the church of Persephone, decided to create a segment of the city in the same style as the Arena, with the result that Noimoire arguably became the site of Americas first municipal park.
Not another one! Emmett yelled, moving forward. He held his own Glock out and fired rapidly, bullets heading toward the mooks as fast as the sweaty P.I. could pull the trigger.
None even came close to hitting any of their enemies that Wolfe could see.
Wolfe was nearly shocked into inaction by the ineptitude of his team. He still had the presence of mind to grab Emmett by the back of his suit jacket and yank him behind the train car nearest them just before a hail of return fire filled the space the old detective had occupied seconds before.
What the fuck are you doing?! Wolfe yelled, then he ripped his own pistol free. Never mind. Moot question. I can berate you when were both in the deadlands.
Wolfe stuck his hand around the edge and fired off, the lower recoil of his new pistol helping with the awkward angle.
A notification appeared in his view, and for a brief second, Wolfe thought he had hit someone, but then he cussed.
A deckbearer has pulled their deck.
Run! Wolfe said.
We cant leave Bart!
Wolfe almost face-palmed with a pistol, he was so frustrated. Bart is deader than disco! Get. The fuck. Out of here!
What are you going to do? Emmett asked.
What I do best, Wolfe replied before running around the other side of the train car they were hiding behind and sprinting across to another one.
He didnt see anyone, so he leapt to a ladder on the side of the car and scaled it crazy fast, feeling the skin around his chest scar stretch as he exerted himself. But he still landed on top of the train car in barely three seconds.
He waited a couple more seconds then looked over the edge.
Emmett wasnt running toward the gate. Wolfe silently cursed in the quiet of his own mind.
This situation was likely to go bad, and in the moment, Wolfe only wanted to hear one voice. He took his phone out and dialed.
Before the phone picked up, two of the mooks came running up the path between train cars, probably to try to flank the original position, Wolfe guessed. Wolfe hit mute on his phone even as Shel answered.
Wolfe couldnt hear her, but he whispered into the receiver, If I dont make it, keep goingyoure everything right with this fucked-up world.
He put his phone down and leaned over the edge of the train car. He hit the first mook with a cluster of three rapid shots to the torso, then turned and hit the other in the legs as he dived behind the other end of the same train car Wolfe had come from.
The thug screamed, One of them is over here! And he got Pedro!
A chill filled the air, and Wolfe glanced over. A spectral mass of robes and rags was floating toward them, out from behind another of the train cars. Wolfe stared, and the card appeared.
Wraith
Common Tier-2 Undead/Shadow creature
1 Undead, 1 Shadow power
Health: 8
Attack: 0
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: 8
Magical Defense: 3
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Special: Incorporeal: Immune to physical attacks
Special: This card fully heals if it kills any living card
A common denizen of the Deadlands, the Wraith feeds on souls unlucky enough to find themselves on the plains of the Lightless Wastes.
Wolfe was torn. On the one hand, he really didnt want Piper or Tracy seeing him or his cards, because soon after, all of Noimoire would know he was alive. However he wouldnt be alive if he fought an experienced deckbearer assassin without a deck of his own.
Wolfe would just have to try to limit the use of cards he was known for and stick with some of his lesser-known cards.
Yeah, Ill fight one handed instead of no-handed. Screw Emmett and this job and trying to do things the right way.
Wolfe touched his hand to his chest, feeling the darkness and hunger. He held it for two seconds, then pushed his hand outward. Red and brown energy came from his chest and coalesced into five cardsfirst, a Tier-three Angry Hellhound; second, Malviere, his named orphan card, which was grayed out, as she was already out back at his house; then one of his Rescue Pups; fourth a Pack Howl; and off to the side, his companion card, Cereboo.
Wolfe barely ever used his Angry Hellhound, and it had been an extremely common card in the previous drop ten years agoso hopefully, no one would connect it with him. It also made a small, magical attack every time it made a physical attack, so it could at least fight the wraith. Wolfe reached out and touched the card, and a great dog, man-high at the shoulder, with red fur and two horns on its head, appeared. It leapt from the top of the train car and rushed the Wraith.
As soon as his new doggo leapt, Wolfe rolled over and pointed his gun over the edge of the train again. He saw Tracy come around the side of a train car and fired. He got a single hit, but Tracy was wearing a mantle. The magic of the mantle clearly increased his defense and prevented Tracy from being seriously hurt by the bulletat least at the moment, when Wolfe didnt have a mantle of his own.
Tracy glanced around the corner, and in the moonlight, Wolfe could see his smile. The deckbearer is on top of the train car at the end of the linehere. Surround him and finish him!
Wolfe wasnt sure if the remaining people would comply, but he wasnt willing to take any chances. He rolled back to the other side and leapt down from the train car top. He hit the ground almost ten feet below and grimaced as his ankle twisted and he fell to the ground. Shit! Not one enemy has tagged me, but I just damaged myself.
Wolfe came to his feet and limped toward the next line of cars, rolling underneath one. He touched a card and howled. A pulse of magic went out, giving his Angry Hellhound a boostPack Howl gave +2 to every single stat of any canine for thirty seconds. It was doubly effective on the Angry Hellhound, which normally made two weak attacks.
Then Wolfe dismissed his deckthe cards glowed, and he didnt need the distraction. Plus, he had an idea
As he predicted, two more thugs came running around the cornerthe last two, Wolfe was pretty sure. One was Piper, which made Wolfe grimace. But Piper was against him at the moment, and his loyalty had been deeply suspect from their first interactions.
Wolfe aimed carefully and shot both in the chest, one bullet each, less than his usual expenditure. His notifications told him neither had died, but both hit the ground, bleeding and moaning and trying to drag themselves away. Good enough.
Wolfe leapt up and ran as fast as he could toward his original position: the train car he had been at when everything had gone wrong. He heard a series of gunshots as he ran.
Wolfe re-summoned his deck.
They have a second deckbearer! Tracy yelled. Caine, you need to join us!
Wolfe smiled as he came around the corner of that first boxcar. Emmett was down, and Tracy was standing over him, a spectral outline around him, his gun pointed at the detective.
Wolfe fired rapidly, hitting Tracy twice more, but again, the mantle protected him enough. Tracy turned and fled as fast as he could, however, not wanting to face any more bullets, Wolfe presumed.
The night air was penetrated by the faint sound of sirens. Shel must have called the police. He was glad he had joked with her about the stupid train mission before leaving.
Lets go! the man in the suitCaine, Wolfe guessedyelled from near his car.
Tracy kept running, head down, dodging and weaving. Wolfe shot a few more times but then clicked on empty. He had no more bullets or clips for his gun.
Tracy made it to the car and jumped into the passenger seat. The car spun out for a second in a massive spray of gravel before it raced out of the abandoned train junction.
Wolfe rushed to Emmetts side. The old detective was on the ground, hand over his chest. Blood leaked from a separate wound on his arm, and his already pale complexion was verging toward translucent.
You okay? Wolfe asked, then he grimaced. Of course he isnt okay!
Never mind me, Emmett said through gritted teeth. Are they okay?
I doubt it. They all have lead poisoning, Wolfe quipped. Although Tracy got away with his suited friend.
Not the thugs, Emmett ground out, then he slumped back to the ground. The van
Wolfe wanted Emmett to relaxit appeared as if the pudgy P.I. was on the verge of losing his last Health through sheer stress. Ill check it out, Emmett. Be still. Just focus on trying not to leak everywhere.
Ha ha, Emmett said, no mirth in his voice at all.
Wolfe got up and headed to the van, grimacing as he slowly limped through the gravel while the sirens grew louder. His old instincts were telling him to runpolice were trouble. But he couldnt abandon Emmett, and besides, he thought that for once, he wasnt on the wrong side of the law, except for trespassing. Everything that had happened after had been defense of self or others, Wolfe was almost positive. Almost.
As Wolfe limped up to the back of the van, he saw that it was unlocked. He grabbed the door and threw it open even as police came blaring into the trainyard.
He was confronted by twenty long, thin coffins. One was open, and the inside was a freezing container with a naked woman, perhaps eighteen or nineteen, lying in it. Her head was entirely shaved and her eyes closed. For a second, Wolfe thought she was dead, as she barely breathed, but he saw tubes leading from her body to a machine at the end, which included a vitals monitor that showed slow heartbeat activity.
Police poured from their cars, surrounding Wolfe and screaming at him to get on the ground, but all he could do was stare into the back of the van.
What in all the Infernal realms?
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Three: Enter the Hero
A Brief History of Noimoire, by Chris Zinn: After the Demons Massacre in Italy in 1921, when the National Fascist Party attacked Conclave City and stole the tens of thousands of Infernal and Elder cards from beneath Uriels Cathedral, America underwent the Divine Renewal, in which the vast majority of the countrywith a population almost eighty percent a member of one of the thirty-nine Divine churches, or their spinoffsdecided to add Infernal and Elder cards to the prohibition against alcohol. When the courts upheld individual rights to own these cards over state and federal legislation, the states passed the 19th amendment, banning ownership.
Wolfe hated police stations.
Most people would assume it was because he had spent twenty years as a criminal, but they would be wrong. He had never been taken in, although he had spent a few hours in the back of police cars from time to time.
No, it was from the huge amount of time he had spent in them as a child, the first time after his dad had beaten the shit out of him, and the second after Wolfe had killed his father. Neither had ended well, and the police had all been on the take. They had taken the money of his fathers patronsWolfe still didnt know whoand allowed the young boy Wolfe had once been to suffer injustice. It still rankled, over two decades later.
Wolfe wasnt that great at letting go.
Despite it being over twenty yearsand a different city, since this was Joliet Police and not Noimoirethis police station didnt look much different than the one he remembered. It brought back unpleasant memories. Wolfe saw the same cheap-ass, hard, plastic benches bolted to the floor, the same faded, torn posters advertising various charity organizations like the David Torres Homeless Shelter, and the same bulletproof glass protecting overweight police officers with stained shirts who were so far past their prime they were calling into question whether or not said prime had even existed.
Let go of me, pig! a struggling junkie screamed as he was walked into the back.
Wolfe glanced at the loser being manhandled. The same skid-row vibe of the involuntary inhabitants.
One of the massive, metal doors in the wall opened, and an extremely cute woman, less than five feet tall with caramel skin and long, black hair, came into the room. She was dressed in the pencil-skirt version of a police uniform.
The lady glanced down at her clipboard, all frowns, then glanced up again. Is there a William here? William?
No one answered, and she glanced down again. William Madison?
Oh, right, thats me now, Wolfe thought and he stood easily.
The woman glanced over at Wolfe and raised an eyebrow. Wolfe cut an unusual picturehe was six-foot-two-inches, two hundred thirty pounds of nothing but muscle. But his brown hair was disheveled and he was sporting a couple-days fuzz on his cheeks, and his clothing was scuffed and torn.
Wolfe almost laughed. She looks like shes trying to decide if Im a bodybuilder or a vagabond.
Wolfe walked over, limping slightly, to tower over the tiny woman by more than a foot.
She glanced up at him. Youre William Madison?
Thats what my license says, Wolfe responded.
Right, right Well, if youll come with me, please. Lieutenant Rhett Walker would like to talk to you.
Where is Shel? Wolfe pinched the bridge of his nose. Yeah, sure, take me to him.
He would rather have shot himself in the foot, but you couldnt really say no to the police when you were possibly a suspect in an investigation.
The lady frowned again but motioned Wolfe through the door.
Wolfe walked back through a ton of cubicles and a few offices until he arrived at a brown, wooden door at the back, which a sliding nameplate proudly proclaimed as the domain of Lieutenant Rhett Walker. Wolfe opened the door without knocking and strode in.
Ah, Cara, is The man behind the desk trailed off as he glanced up. Then he stood.
The ladypresumably Carahurried past. Sorry, Lieutenant, he just walked in! I didnt tell him to do that.
Wolfe almost laughed at the desperation in her voicehe presumed a need to have the lieutenants approval.
The mans ice-blue eyes flickered over Wolfe, noting his walk and stance first, then meeting his eyes, then going across his clothing. The mans brow furrowed ever so slightly, as if something didnt sit right with what he saw, but Wolfe wasnt sure what.
Those eyes were what Wolfe noticed first, but the rest of the man was impressive as well. He was of a height with Wolfesix-foot-twoand even more muscled, something Wolfe rarely encountered. His shirt was pressed, and his hair was in a perfect military cut. His face was smooth shaven, but for a small mustache, which Wolfe thought of as the police standard-issue mustache.
Okay, I get why she wants his approval. Wolfe disliked the lieutenant almost immediately. He was too perfect. Something had to be wrong with him.
Rhetts brow smoothed. Youre William? The William who was at the train station tonight?
Thats what they tell me, Wolfe said.
Rhett raised an eyebrow at his flippant answer. Have a seat, please.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Do you want some coffee, Rhett? Cara asked, her previous frown now a glorious smile, and her voice falsely cheery.
That would be great, thanks.
Ill get it for you, Rhett, Cara said, then she walked out of the office with a bounce in her step.
While they were talking, Wolfes eyes flicked around the room. He saw multiple commendations and awards, including a certificate from the Elite Card Police Academy, but no pictures of family or friendsjust multiple pictures of police functions and clippings from newspapers about lives saved.
There was also a huge article on the wall that read Chief of Police Charleston drops Noimoire crime to lowest level in fifty years. Wolfe wondered why a Joliet detective had an article about the chief of police from a neighboring town on his wall, but turned his attention elsewhere.
The mans desk was absolutely covered in files. The chair behind the desk was large, but not ostentatious. The one for Wolfe to sit in was a thin, cheap metal one, however.
So, are you banging her, or do her fingers smell of her own frustration? Wolfe asked as he pulled the chair out and flipped it around, then sat on it facing Rhett.
Rhett frowned, an expression that sat easily on his face. That is a very improper way to speak about a fellow human. Also, I would never sleep with a subordinate. It is deeply improper and unethical.
Huh, your loss. She looks like shed be fun in bed.
Rhetts frown deepened. Also, do you have to sit in the chair that way?
Wolfe gave the cheap chair a slap. The ol baby is tough. Shell hold together.
There was a brief pause before Rhett sat in his own chair and pulled out a pad of legal yellow paper from a drawer. I wanted to ask you about your participation in tonights events.
Youd be better off asking EmmettI was just hired to help him investigate a possible criminal site. He didnt tell me what we were doing beforehand, and I have no idea what that was about.
Well, tell me your side of it, please, Rhett said. Besides, after the barest of questioning, the EMTs ended up taking Emmett, and hes out cold at the moment.
Fuck. Even if he did get me in this mess, I hope the guy makes it. Hes the kinda guy who feels as if life already took a sledgehammer to his knees.
I already gave my statement to the officer at the scene, once they realized I wasnt a bad guy and took their pistol out of my ear, Wolfe said.
Rhett smiled at his description. Standard police procedure when we dont know whats happening on a scenesorry about that. But about that statementId like to ask some clarifying questions. Because a few details dont add up.
Wolfe tensed slightly, although everything hed said had been the absolute truth. Whatever gets your rocks off.
Rhett rolled his eyes. Right. According to Emmett, you basically saved his life. Five thugs, one of whom was a deckbearer, attacked you guys when you found them engaged in human trafficking.
Thats pretty much how it happened, Wolfe said. So, Im the good guy, then? I can go?
Where did you learn to fight so well that on almost no notice, with a handgun that wasnt yours, you managed to kill two of them, deeply wound a third to the point his life is hanging in the balance as we speak, cripple a fourth, and drive the deckbearer off?
Wolfe tensed. Ive been to the gun range.
Rhett smiled and opened a file with the name Madison, William, on it. He glanced into it and then stared at Wolfe. Come now, dont be modest. That was one of the most complete, I guess, victories I have ever seen.
Meh.
Rhett glanced up. You told Emmett you worked at the lumber mill here in Joliet before you became a private investigator?
Thats what it says in my file, right? Wolfe asked. Why do you have that, anyway? You keep files on all your citizens?
It was a formality, created when you applied to become a private investigator. But it does have your answers to the questionnaire here. It must have been hard.
The questionnaire? Wolfe asked, not sure where Rhett was going.
Being unemployed for nearly a decade, since the last lumber mill here closed seven years ago.
Wolfe cussed in the safety of his own mind. They had needed to generate a backstory fast and loose when first getting Wolfe his fake I.D., social security number, and birth certificatethings hed needed when hed purchased a house, even with cash.
Before he could formulate some plausible-sounding story, the door opened, admitting the sound of yelling. They need you in Interrogation A, Rhett, Cara said.
Rhett nodded and stood. Dont go anywhere, Mr. Madison. We still have things to discuss. Ill be back in just a few minutes.
Wolfe nodded and Rhett left the room, following Cara.
He reached across and opened his file. It was almost entirely incomplete. It had his questionnaire from when hed gotten his provisional private investigator license, and some faxed copies of his fake birth certificate, his drivers license, and the death certificate for his fake parents. Nothing else.
Wolfe relaxednothing to connect his current life as William Madison to the head enforcer of the Grimm mob family, Ethan Madison Wolfe II. Perfect.
But as he let the file go, his eye flicked across the rest of the files on the table. Most of them were files for the Grimm family membersincluding ones for Damian and Piper and Wolfe himself.
Wolfe reached across and gently opened the file, careful not to disturb its place. At the top was his death certificate, and opposite was a blurry photo from a police cam. It didnt show him well, but
Why is the good lieutenant looking at the file of a dead guy? Does he know, or suspect?
Wolfe closed the file and sat back. Just more shit to deal with. Gods damn, Emmett! I really dont need the police looking into my backstory right now. Or ever.
Wolfe glanced at the files a second time. Why does he have the Grimm family files out? Miriam said all the money was tied up in legal proceedings, and that Damian wouldnt be able to engage in any of the family activity Has he found an alternative source of funding? Did he have money squirreled away from before?
Wolfe had a dark thought. An absolute ton of good cards were left in the Grimm family mansion when I blew it all to hell. If he collected most of themand the little card-obsessed hobgoblin could actually stand to part with a fewhe could have gotten some serious seed money.
Wolfe was so focused that he almost didnt hear the turn of the knob, but the door creaked as it opened, and Wolfe dropped the file folder flap and leaned back in his chair just before Rhett entered again.
The man walked over, sat back in his chair, and opened William Madisons file again. He read for a few moments before looking up, the folder flap held in his hand.
Sorry about that, William. A couple of kids we removed from a car for excessive drunkenness were getting violent. Now, where were we?
You were about to tell me I was free to go? Wolfe asked.
Rhett raised his eyebrow at him. Worried I might look into your life?
Is this how you usually question people who just saved the lives of twenty near-kids? Wolfe shot back.
Rhett frowned again. I always check out all stories I dont understand, at least where my jurisdiction is concerned.
Wolfe wanted to ask about neighboring jurisdictions, like Noimoire, since the Grimm family had never had a presence in Joliet, but he held his tongue. That would have been a huge, red flag for lieutenant detective over there.
Before they could continue the repartee, there was a knock at the door.
Rhett blinked at the door and muttered, Is it too much to ask for anyone else around here to handle something?
Wolfe almost laughedhe could sympathize with the guy on that.
Come in, Rhett called.
The door opened, and a vision of feminine beauty walked in. Red hair framed a freckled, heart-shaped face with two near-emerald eyes on top of a five-foot-four, slimbut with a healthy amount of muscle underneathframe. The vision was dressed in blue workout shorts showing off pale legs, and a T-shirt.
Before Wolfe could even greet Shel, Rhett asked, Why are you here, Cadet Lyons?
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Four: Home Is Where the Heart Is
A brief History of Noimore, by Chris Zinn: The results of banning almost twenty percent of all deckbearers from owning their cards was nothing short of disastrous, with six armed rebellions against the central government and thousands of terrorist acts. The country as a whole backed off in 1937, but an entire generation of powerful men and women have passed their distaste and distrust down to their descendants, and legislation over the rights to cards seized by the government, either from dead people or at gunpoint, continues to this day.
Nowhere was this felt more than in Noimoire, which in the 1920s was a massive transportation hub with numerous parties sympathetic to the plight of the outlawed deckbearersmost notably, the already existing rum runners. It has been estimated that Noimoire had almost 25% of Americas Infernal and Elder deckbearers at one point, and almost all of those became involved in illegal activity beyond just owning their cards.
The city was ungovernable by all except the crime bosses for almost twenty years, and that dark legacy has reverberated through its streets to this very day.
Wolfe blinked at Rhetts knowledge of his girlfriend but recovered quickly. What are you doing here, Shel?
Shel gave a glowing smile. I came here to collect Williammy boyfriend.
It was Rhetts turn to blink. This man is the William youre dating?
Shel nodded. Then she walked over and put her arms around Wolfes chest from behind and kissed his cheek. Yes. This is the man Im with.
I see Rhett said. He dropped the folder flap. You vouch for him?
Shel tilted her head slightly. Thats an odd phrase, Lieutenant. But this man has always had my back, if thats what you mean. Always.
Even though hes way older than you?
Shel smiled brilliantly. I like to think of him as more experienced. Besides, what difference does it make, really?
I suppose thats as fine a way of looking at it as any, Rhett said slowly.
Whys he here, though? Shel asked.
I had some questions for him, but I think Ive asked enough, Rhett said. I mean, he just saved twenty people, nearly singlehandedly, and now Ive learned hes dating our cadet classs top student. I suppose thats all the answer I need, for now.
Wolfe grit his teeth at the implication that Rhett might ask more questions later.
Shel smiled again and kissed Wolfe on his other cheek. Just like Id expect him to do. Hes free to go, right? I need to get him home and make sure hes okay.
He has a twisted ankle thats pretty swollen, but otherwise, hes untouched.
Wolfe grit his teeth. I can let her know how Im doing without help, thanks.
Rhett nodded. Sure. Let me get your number in case I have more questions, okay?
Wolfe was tempted to refuse, but with Shel here, he didnt want to make a scene with the man who was apparently her instructor. She didnt need that shit. He grabbed a pen from the desk and wrote it on the outside of his file.
Rhett frownedat Wolfes disrespect for police property, probablybut didnt address it directly. Well, take him home, Shel. I look forward to seeing you in class tomorrow, at a less infernal hour.
Shel nodded with her cheek pressed against Wolfes.
Wolfe stood, almost shrugging out from Shel in his irritation with the situation. Lets go.
He glanced over at Rhett and gave him sarcastic finger-guns. Wellcatch ya on the flip side.
Wolfe turned and walked from the room, Shel following. He headed out through the door and into the cheap police lobby, walking fast and fuming as he went.
Once they were outside, Wolfe turned to Shel. That dick is your instructor?
Shel raised an eyebrow. Im surprised you dont like himyou guys have a lot in common.
Pfft, Wolfe said. I seriously doubt that. Hes a goody-two shoes cop, for fucks sake.
Shel touched his arm. Well, no need to worry about it now. Lets get you home, where I can take care of you.
She led him out into the parking lot, to the replacement car he had purchasedcash only again, like his house. It was a slightly older Subaru Outback. Black like his old car, and it had the same set of modifications as his old car, minus the smuggling compartment. There were bulletproof windows and reinforced siding, and he had, of course, sprung for the turbocharged engine. It wasnt actually an amazing car, but it was one that appeared totally normal while being higher performing and more protective than it ought to have beenwhich he needed, since he wasnt ready to reveal to Damian that he had survived, not yet. Nor could he afford to be pulled over by curious cops. It would lead to too many encounters like the one he had just had.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Wait, if hes your instructor, is he a member of the card police? Wolfe asked as they got in the car, Wolfe in the drivers side, Shel in the passenger.
Shel nodded. Yes. Although not all my instructors or fellow students are card police.
What kind of deck? Wolfe asked.
He pulled out of the police station and onto Jules Street, honking at someone in a Volvo whod nearly clipped him.
Shel smiled nervously. Dont drive angry! I think that guy had the right of way.
Wolfe didnt answer, and Shel returned to his question. Rhett has a Divine and Golem deck, he says, but hes never shown it. I dont know the cards or anything. Thats just what he told us.
Fuck.
Wolfe looked sideways at Shel. She was still quite small, at about five-foot-four, with red hair and green eyes. But she wasnt the complete pale waif whose life he had saved in a bar fight nine months ago. She had some musclemore tone than bulkabout her body, and a decent tan. Her gaze was steadier, and she smiled more.
When Wolfe had first met her, she had been hunting her brothers killer, and fresh out of living with family whod beaten her. Now she was almost a year from that tragedy, in a new life as a deckbearer, with a partner in Wolfe, who, while by no means perfect, was certainly not abusive of her.
Shel probably wasnt someone the police would have recruited under normal circumstances, despite her good grades in high schoolexcept for the fact she had a deck. That meant that as soon as she graduated the police academy, she would be going straight to the eliteand well-paidcard police, which were exactly what they sounded like: police officers with decks. For handling a lot of situations where you needed something that could go into hostile territory, or to fight criminal deckbearers.
Shes young, shes beautiful, and she has a deck. Why the hell is she still with me?
Hell, her instructor even had a divine deck as well.
As Wolfe drove through the cool, night air, he pondered his situation. He didnt want to burden Shel with anything, but they were partners now
He came to a decision. We might have a problem. Your good buddy Rhett was looking over files on the Grimm familyincluding a file for me. Me Ethan Wolfe, I mean, not William Madison.
Shel grimaced. Theres nothing to connect you, right?
I dont think so, Wolfe mused slowly. But I cant be sure. Some of the guys at the train station would know me on sight.
Who? Were they Grimm family members? Shel asked.
Wolfe shook his head, then stopped. Actually, Im not sure. Piper was there, and they took him into custody. He might be working for Damian. He might not. I dont know. But TracyTracy dOrdinii, an assassin for hirewould also know me. I dont think either one saw me in the dark, but I cant be one-hundred-percent positive.
Wolfe turned off Jules street and onto Persimmon, the only entrance to a small subdivision that contained his new housea moderately wealthy subdivision with neighbors who were mostly boring and left him alone, the way he liked it.
What are you going to do? Shel asked.
Before Wolfe could answer, his phone rang. Since he didnt have a good answer for Shel, anyway, he picked up the phone instead. Yeah?
Emmetts voice came through the phone. William? That you?
Wolfe frowned. Yeah, its me. I mean, you called me. Who did you expect it to be?
I cant be too careful, Emmett said, his voice going low and soft. Wolfe could imagine him glancing around with shifty eyes wherever he was. I need to talk to you.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Well, I have fantastic news for you, then. Youre talking to me right now! Tada! For your next trick, try to breathe. Itll also be an easy item to cross off your to-do list.
Always with the sarcasm. I meant I need to talk to you privately. About what happened tonight.
You mean the part where you dragged me into a blind gunfightgun and card fightin a trainyard without warning me? Wolfe growled out.
Shel raised her eyebrow and mouthed, Emmett?
Wolfe nodded to her during the brief pause.
Then Emmett cut in again. Look, Im sorry about that. But you saw what was going onI needed to put a stop to it.
So call the police, Wolfe said.
I cant trust anyone except you. I know that you arent with them, or Id be dead.
You cant trust the police? Seriously? Wolfe asked.
Please, just come talk to me! Emmett said again. I can make it worth your while.
Wolfe sighed. He doubted Emmett would make it worth his while, but he figured it wouldnt hurt to talk. All right, tomorrow evening. Its practically morning already and I havent been to sleep. Ill come talk to you. But Im not promising a gods-damn thing.
Thats fair. And thank you. Ill tell you everything once you get here.
Im waiting with bated breath, Wolfe said with as much sarcasm as he could muster, then he hung up the phone before Emmett could say anything else.
What did he want? Shel asked.
Wolfe pulled into the driveway of their new home. In the darkness, even with a streetlamp a single house down, he couldnt make out many features, but it had an honest-to-goodness white picket fence, waist high, around the front. To talk to me. Probably to ask me to do a bunch of dangerous shit for him since he got himself shot. He says he can make it worth my while.
Wolfe opened the door and stepped from the car to the sounds of paws hitting a fence over and over. Wolfe smiled as he looked at his two new dogs, then scowled as Shel got out and glanced at him.
James and Jason are happy to see you, she said, nodding her head to the two twenty-pound apricot fluff balls masquerading as dogs that were waiting for him. Their tails were wagging so furiously, Wolfe thought they might have had motors in their butts.
"Ridiculous things, Wolfe muttered. Their attempts to trick people into thinking theyre real dogs are half-assed at best.
But he opened the gate and petted and scratched the two dogs as they jumped on him, licking at him when he bent down. The two dogs were cavapoosa mix between King Charles Cavaliers and poodles. They were hyper-friendly, hypoallergenic, and cuddlier than the teddy bear from the detergent commercials. They were also faintly ridiculous and utterly non-threatening, with almost nothing that Wolfe would consider a normal dog skill.
Wolfe glanced at Shel, who was smiling down at him as he petted and cuddled the little mop heads.
"Hey, Im just saying hello. These guys are still utterly ridiculous.
So youve said, Shel murmured, then she walked up and put her arms around Wolfe. She leaned up and licked his ear, murmuring, Care to waste another thirty minutes before we go to sleep?
Wolfes heart rate quickened, and he nodded. He went to the front door, the dogs running ahead and jumping on it, and then let everyone into their house.
He pulled out his deck and touched his companion card, Cereboo.
The giant, three-headed, black-furred boxer appeared, and the two cavapooswho had been terrified when theyd first met himbegan to leap at him happily, play-bowing and then racing around.
Keep these two idiot excuses for canines out of trouble, huh, buddy? Wolfe said as he reached down and scratched Jason behind his floppy ear again.
Cereboo woofed, and Wolfe stood, then picked Shel up, slinging her over his shoulder. She squealed and batted at him playfully. Put me down! she demanded, but there was laughter in her voice as Wolfe walked to their bedroom and kicked the door shut behind him.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Five: Sedum
Do you have any food? the girl asked, staring up at Wolfe.
He sighed, glancing at his watch. It was almost noon. After an enjoyable evening with Shel last night, she had asked if her younger sisterthe one who had left with Shels mother when shed fled Shels abusive fathercould come over. Wolfe had said yes, and then woken up to Shel telling him that the munchkin was over, and that Shel herself needed to attend her class.
If Wolfe were being honest with himself, only Shel, his doggos, and hunting evil people brought him much happiness, and he wanted to do whatever made his girlfriend happy to return the joy she brought his life.
But he still had absolutely no idea what to do with a random rugrat.
He had been letting Papa TV handle the kid up until this point. Well, Papa TV as well as Cereboo and Malvierethe insanely creepy minion card was currently petting Cereboo in the living room. Cereboo was two hundred pounds of black-furred boxer puppy with three heads, and Malviere appeared as a skeletally thin, ten-year-old with long brown hair, who wore a tattered black dress, with equally black shadows flickering around her.
Not creepy at all.
The ten-year-old Lucywho studiously ignored his cardswas staring up at him in his own new front room, her green eyes slightly narrowed. The house was larger than the one he had lived in before resigning from the Grimm family. The front room was a full living room, with doors to both a hallway in one direction, the back yard in another, and a full kitchen in the third.
His two apricot fluff balls raced around the room, jumping and pawing at legs, trying to get someone to pet or play. The girlLucyabsently bent down and scratched one behind the ears, then straightened and pushed the red hair that had fallen in front of her face back behind her ears with her right hand. She kept her left arm down at her side, hiding the missing hand that ended in a stump and two very awkward pseudo-fingers.
Despite Shels history, and Wolfes own dark life, the hand wasnt the result of any kind of abuse, according to Shel. Lucy was just unlucky, and the gods had given her a birth defect.
I would like some food as well, Malviere said, her voice a combination of high-pitched female child and the reverberations from elsewhere.
You dont even need to eat, Wolfe growled out.
I still like to, Malviere said.
Do you all want eggs? I make a mean scrambled egg, Wolfe said.
You made that for breakfast, Lucy replied.
Didnt you just eat, like, a couple of hours ago? Wolfe asked.
Im a growing child and need to eat regularly, Lucy said pedantically.
Wolfe sighed and pulled out his phone. What do you want? Because if its not scrambled eggs, its gonna be Chef DoorDash.
A chicken salad, Lucy responded. Its good for me.
Youre a weird kid, Wolfe replied, trying to find a place that would deliver what she asked, and settling on Applebees.
Its not nice to call someone weird, Lucy replied, flushing and putting her hand behind her back.
Wolfe frowned. This is why I shouldnt be asked to watch kids.
Im not talking about your damn hand, kid, and it wasnt an insult. I meant it in the sense that youre, like Wolfe waved his hand as he tried to think of the best way to say it, improbable in a good way. Its an odd ten-year-old who knows they should eat healthy. But its a good thing. Calm your jets, or whatever the kids say nowadays.
Oh. Sorry. I shouldnt jump to conclusions.
I want eggs, Malviere said, and Cereboo woofed in what Wolfe knew was agreement.
You two can have burgers, Wolfe said.
I like my meat rare, Malviere said, licking her lips like a predator, which was extra-creepy on a ten-year-old.
Wolfe finished ordering and directed his attention back to Lucy. All right, Im going to go try to clean up the failure that is our back yard. You watch some more TV or play on your phone, okay?
Dont you have anything else to do? Lucy asked. Im bored.
You can play with Malviere.
Lucy looked over at the card that was blatantly radiating dark energy and shuddered. Do you have anything else?
No. I dont have any kids toys or know a damn thing about them. Plus, Shel will be home soon. Shell take care of you if you dont want to hang with Malviere or Cereboo.
Shels tiny twin frowned up at him but said nothing else.
Wolfe walked to the back, opened the sliding glass door, and stepped out onto his small porch. Cmon, you two, he called to his cards.
Malviere and Cerberus followed him out into his back yardwhich could charitably be described as a work in progress. Before Wolfe could shut the door, his two cavapoo pups ran out as well.
Wolfe glanced at his two companion cards, reflecting that they were the absolute backbone of his deckboth made his deck far more effective.
Cereboo
Unique Beast/Infernal[Canine] Companion Effective Tier-7
0 Power
Health: 12
Attack: 5 x3
Magical Attack: 7
Defense: 7
Magical Defense: 4
Special: While in play, Beast and Infernal power may be spent as if they were the other.
Special: Guardian of the Gate: +100% attack and magic attack against other Infernal cards.
Special: Preferred Typing: Gains all the better type matchups of both Infernal and Beast.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. Each card was given to a member of the Noimoire underworld.
A pup of Cerberus, who was born into a particularly frisky litter. Cereboo was the runtnot quite as strong, nor as tough, as his litter mates. But his heart was the heart of a huntsman, and the blood of Cerberus runs in his veins. He hunted across the fiery plains of the first infernal realm, chasing the damned who tried to escape their fates. Now, he chases many things, but his soul is still called to chase those who belong in the Infernal Realms.
The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Malviere, Conduit of Cerberus
Unique, no tier Mortal/Infernal companion[Orphan, Canine]
0 Power
Health: 13
Attack: N/A
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Will fetch normal objects and such with a decent degree of precision and help carry up to ten pounds.
Special: If kept alive for five straight years, will gain stats as a Tier-6 equivalent companion card. If ever killed or returned to the deck, the timer resets.
Special: So long as she is on the field, all [Canine] creature cards gain +1 to all stats.
Special: Once every 30 seconds, the most powerful Beast card on the field will make a second attack or magical attack, whichever is its highest score.
Special: Is liked by all canines and can command them to do her biddingincluding the [Canine] creature cards of other deckbearers, which, if summoned, will switch sides without returning their power.
Note: Malvieres on the field range is 200 feet.
Malviere cannot remember any life except that of acting as a conduit for the great guardian of the gates of the Infernal, Cerberus. She aides his chosen hunters on the Mortal plane, to bring back those whom Hell has lost. And she gets to play with all the doggos. Good and bad.
Wolfe sighed and turned his attention from his awesome cards to his less-than-amazing back yard. He looked at it in the afternoon sun of late autumns false summer. His back yard was trashedespecially his garden. He had planted about a hundred flowers, and he couldnt remember what all they were, but only one patch of them bloomed regularly. It was a patch of flowers with a yellow center and thin, red petals sticking out around it. Not the most beautiful flower, but it was still pretty.
He walked over, grabbed the hose where it was attached to the wall, and turned on the water. He unspooled the hose and let the water hit his patchy grass as he walked over to the garden portion of his domain. Malviere ran around the yard, throwing sticks for Cereboo as well as the two apricot fluff balls. She got along better with dogs than people, most of the time, being a Conduit for Cerberus.
Youre doing it wrong, a voice said from the fence.
Wolfe whirled, hand falling to where his Edge would normally have been. He saw an eyepale blue behind smudged glasses, with wrinkles all aroundstaring at him through a knot in the wood.
The old bat who lives next door. Lovely.
Wolfe had never met her, but he had seen her, and some dirty-blonde-haired girl he assumed was her granddaughter, from time to time, in their front yard. It was a very nice house, and he wondered who she was that she had been able to keep it when she retired.
His two cavapoos ran to the fence and started barking at the old lady, minutes too late, like Wolfe hadnt already known she was there.
Wolfe ignored themand her. He went back to giving his flowers some water. It pooled across the ground, not seeping in quickly.
Maybe he was doing something wrong.
You should have dug the flower bed up to about eighteen inches of depth and then broken it up before putting it back. It makes it easier for the roots and allows water to get to the flowers without problems, the lady said.
What do you want? Wolfe asked exasperatedly.
Just to help you. Youre floundering badly, and I feel for the plants.
Wolfe frowned. Seriously, you old bat? Youre so lonely that you want to help some random guy garden?
The eye seemed to crinkle, as if she were smiling. Like I said, its a mercy for the plants.
Wolfe rolled his eyes, but he also smiled a tiny bit. He preferred people with tough skin and some bite to them.
Not enough to invite some old grandma to his house, but still.
Look, I can handle this gardening thing. Ill figure it out. You go back to knitting, or dying in peacewhatever it is that old people do.
The lady chuckled on the other side of the fence. So neighborly of you. But suit yourself. Ill be here when you realize you need help.
Wolfe grunted, half-amused, half-annoyed. But he kept watering his plants. After a bit, he went and grabbed a three-pronged tool that Shel had and used it to poke holes in the ground so the water could soak in better.
After hed checked the knot to make sure the old bat wasnt watching, of course.
Wolfe worked another hour to judge by the sun, give or takewatering, poking holes, and eventually getting their mower. It wasnt working out in the gym sense of the words, but he enjoyed the physical labor. It relaxed him, helping him to mull over Emmett, the Grimm family, Damian, and his life in general.
He also enjoyed seeing his cards and dogs playing and having fun, even if his two dogs had gotten so muddy, they had moved from apricot to brown.
The sliding glass door opened and Wolfe hunched slightly. He figured that Lucy was gonna bug him again and didnt want to deal with it.
But it was Shels voice that called him. Wolfe! I brought ice cream!
Wolfes shoulders loosened and he dropped the hose. He wasnt really an ice cream guy, but he was glad to see Shel.
Coming! Wolfe called.
He washed his hands off, then wiped them on a less-dirty portion of his shirt and headed inside. He turned into his kitchen, a modern-looking place done in tiles and gray, with a granite countertop. It had a section to the side with a smaller table and four chairs for eating without going to the dining room. The table and chairs were gray and theoretically fit the room, but somehow always seemed cheaper to Wolfe.
Lucy was already at said table eating ice cream and reading a book. Shel had set three more bowls out. Each was filled with pi?a colada flavored ice cream, which struck Wolfe as odd, but he set it aside. He went to the fridge, grabbed a beer, and sat at the table.
There were also cold hamburgers, one on a plate on the table, and one on the floor.
Ah, beer and ice cream, a time-honored tradition, Shel joked, smiling at him.
Hey, I just spent an hour working in the hot sun, Wolfe said. Im entitled.
Malviere sat at the table and began ripping at the burger like she was feral, and Cereboo bit his in half and simply wolfed the first part down with a single gulp of the central head.
Huh, lefty usually gets to eat. I wonder why it was different this time.
Then Cereboo bit the remainder in half and let each cavapoo puppy have one piece of itthey promptly started dragging them around the house.
Wolfe cussed and Shel laughed and went and picked up the pieces of lost burger.
"You should drink water to hydrate yourself, Lucy supplied without looking up from her book.
Wolfe rolled his eyes.
Shel sat back down and tapped her fingers together, a nervous gesture from their earlier time together that Wolfe hadnt seen in a while.
Here comes the other shoe, ready to drop.
Just say it, Wolfe said, then he took a drink of his beer and grimaced. I really want some good whisky, but its too early in the day for that.
So I got invited to a barbecue, by one of the other class instructorsnot Rhett, Shel said.
Good for you, Wolfe replied.
They told me I can invite my significant other, Shel said.
Wolfe put his bottle down, staring at her for a moment, eyes wide.
You want me to go to a cop barbecue? Wolfe asked. You forget who I am?
What does that even mean? Lucy asked, staring back and forth between her sister and Wolfe.
Shel ignored her. Well youre William, and I think youll get along with everyone. You have a lot in common with them. Plus, I want to tell everyone what my priorities are.
What are they? Wolfe asked, confused. And why do I need to be there for you to do that?
My priority is you, Shel said softly.
Gross, Lucy muttered.
Malviere chimed in with, For the pack.
Wolfe ignored the kidand his cardand felt his cheeks heating. Right. Umm sure, I guess. Thats fine. But if I dont like it, Im leaving.
Shel nodded. Thats fair. Its tomorrow afternoon.
Great.
Shel paused as Wolfe took another sip of his beer and then some of the sweet ice cream. It wasnt the best combination.
Shel was tapping her fingers together again, like the worlds most nervous evil mastermind.
Wolfe raised an eyebrow at her.
Can I see Emmett with you as well?
Wolfe was honestly surprised. Of course. Why couldnt you?
She shrugged. You normally try to keep me out of harms way.
Wolfe snorted. Were gonna go see a borderline geriatric guy with a gunshot wound in a hospital. I think harm will be far away from this one. Then he tipped his beer to Lucy. Course, youll need to find a sitter for this rugrat.
Hey! she replied indignantly.
Wolfe laughed, and Shel smiled. Ill just have Sorenia do it. If an angel of Raphael cant take care of a child, who can?
Shel pulled out her own deck and touched one of the softly glowing golden cards. A woman, nearly six feet tall with white hair, dove wings, and an old-timey iron lantern chain strapped to one wrist appeared.
Thank you for bringing me out, my deckbearer, Sorenia said, bowing shallowly to Shel.
Sorenia briefly frowned at Malviere, but Cereboo woofed, ran over, and began licking Sorenia with all three heads. Lucy laughed out loud, accidentally spitting ice cream on the table as Sorenia tried to fend three heads off with one hand. Shels sister went beet red, cleaned the ice cream up extremely fast, and then went and washed her face.
Sorenia finally managed to calm Cereboo enough to just pet him.
Wolfe glanced at the three companion cards that were all out.
Sorenia
Unique, effective Tier-7 Divine/Light companion
0 Power
Health: 10
Attack: 0
Magical Attack: 9
Defense: 8
Magical Defense: 8
Special: While in play, all Mortal creature cards gain divine typing and +25% (minimum 1) to all stats.
Special: The benefits to Mortal cards stack with the other three named companion lantern angels. If all 4 are possessed the card, Zarachiel, Commander of the Lanterns, a 4-power mythic Tier-8 equivalent divine companion card, will be gained as well as a free companion card slot.
A particularly zealous and dedicated member of the hundred thousand lantern angels, she tries to guide mortals to right behaviorand victory over the Infernal, Undead, and Elder gods. Through her zealous efforts to make the Mortal world better, she once earned a lesson at Archangel Raphaels knee, her proudest memory.
Yeah, odds are pretty decent she can handle anything while were gone, Wolfe said.
Chapter Six: Moribund Hostel
Wolfe hated the smell of hospitalsit reminded him of his near-week-long stay after the first time his father had beaten him. There was a chemical smell that couldnt quite cover up the faintest hint of death and decay, and it reminded you that the air was likely filled with germs.
The incessant coughing of the people in the waiting room wasnt helping, either.
Room twenty-three on the third floor, the stick-thin nurse acting as a receptionist said, adjusting her glasses and glancing up from the computer. She was uglylike a stick figure drawn by someones left hand, but her eyes were quick-moving and took details in rapidly.
Ugly, perceptive, and probably judgy. Wolfe didnt like her on sight.
The nurse continued. Hes awake at the moment, so head on up. Take the second doorshe pointed to one of numerous doors in the walland Ill buzz you in. Use the elevator, and when you get off, go right. Right, got it? Right.
Wolfe blinked at her. Yeah, I heard you the first time you said it.
The human walking stick scowled. Well, a lot of people go the wrong way.
Shel put her hand on Wolfes arm and stared at the badge on the ladys smock. Thank you, Nurse Green. We really appreciate the help, and you making sure we dont get lost.
Wolfe briefly wondered how a nurse had gotten stuck working the front desk, which he was pretty sure wasnt how that was usually done.
She was still frowning but nodded to the door. Go on, go see Mr. Dunn. No one has come to see him. We couldnt find any friends or family at allwe were worried he didnt have someone in his life, so I think hell be happy to see you. Under her breath, she muttered, Glad someone will be.
As they walked to the door, Shel smiled at Wolfe. Why pick a fight? Shes just trying to help. Be nice to the little people, remember?
Wolfe rotated his neck and then gave her a stretching shrug. Sorry, just feeling weird. I hate hospitals and dont want to get sick. Plus, there might be a cop here who recognizes me. Your instructor
Rhett.
is already up my ass. Also, the Grimm family might be active in Joliet for some reason, and while they didnt see me clearly, they did get a good look at Emmettso they might be here as well. Lady treating me like a special-needs two-year-old was just one more thing.
They reached the wall and the door buzzed, and Wolfe pushed it open and hit the elevators that were immediately to the right side of the hallway theyd entered.
After the elevator doors shut, Shel said, Well, youre complaining like a two-year-old. Wheres the badass chosen of Cerberus who saved me at the start of this year?
Wolfe snorted. All right, youve got a point. Ill quit whining and just deal with the shit if it comes at us. Although I still dont like hospitals.
Shel kissed him on the cheek. Wolfe smiled.
Then Shel licked his ear.
Wolfe jerked away for a second, caught by surprise, then smirked at Shel, who was looking at him with a challenge in her eye and her hands on her hips.
Just as Wolfe was about to reach for her, the elevator dinged and opened.
Shel smirked back at him.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Point to you, Ms. Lyons, he said, faux serious.
You can try again tonight, Shel said with a grin as she stepped out from the elevator.
Wolfe, already feeling ten times better than he had but two minutes ago, followed her out onto the hospital floor. The smell was just as bad, but it was almost silent in the upper wing. Wolfe took in the room number directions, then followed the signs toward twenty-three, his shoes clicking quietly on the shiny floor as he walked.
Wolfe stared at the floor, not sure what it was made of. Not linoleum, but it wasnt that different
Shel elbowed Wolfe in the side. Hey, speak of the Infernal, theres Rhett!
Wolfe froze for a moment, glancing up. The good lieutenant stood in front of room twenty-threeEmmetts roomand stared at a pile of paperwork attached to a clipboard, his gaze intense.
Hey, instructor! Shel called out. She waved while walking forward before Wolfe could say anything.
Rhett looked up, blinked in surprise, and then smiled.
If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
What are you doing here, Lieutenant? Shel continued.
Im here to question P.I. Emmett, Rhett said. Its in connection to the trainyard case, of course.
Thats why were here, Shel said, and Wolfe pinched the bridge of his nose.
You know Emmett? Rhett asked.
Shel motioned to Wolfe and beckoned him forward. Wolfe glared at her but walked up to the walking recruiting poster that was the lieutenant. I work with him, remember?
Rhett nodded, his face clearing. Oh, of course. That makes sense.
Rhett turned to Shel, smiling at her with his perfect teeth. Itll be officially posted tomorrow, but you scored a perfect hundred on the last test, which has solidified your position at the top of the class. Youre really making something of yourself, Shel, and I cant wait to see where you go.
Wolfe found himself irritated by the lieutenants words to Shel and threw his arm around her shoulders. Well, its been fun, sergeant, but I have business to get to.
The lieutenant frowned, but to Wolfes disappointment, didnt react further.
Shel leaned up to Wolfes ear. Actually, can I stay and talk to Rhett?
Wolfe glanced at the stained walls of the hospital around them. Why would you do that?
I dont see him outside class very often, and Rhett is an important member of the police academy and the Joliet Police Department, a real up-and-comer. It could be a very important connection to have.
Fine. Ill tell you whatever it is that Emmett wants when I get out, Wolfe said. He gave a nod to Rhett and then walked into room twenty-three, pulling the wooden door closed behind him.
It was a pretty standard hospital room, smallish and for one person. A complex of machines with tubes and wires coming from them behind an uncomfortable-looking bed with a small, rolling desk next to it took up the centerand in the center of that nest, hooked up to just all the tubes, was Emmett.
William! he exclaimed, sitting up in his bed.
Youre not looking bad, Wolfe said, blinking. It was true, and unexpected. Well, true to a degree. Emmett was still old, pale, and kinda flabby without being fat. Still, despite having a bulletproof vest, he had taken numerous shotsand one had gotten him in the arm.
Wolfe could see a bruise spreading from up under the gown across his chest, and his arm was wrapped, but he didnt seem all that more screwed up than a normal out-of-shape, pasty-white dude in his fifties would have.
They used a weak card to heal me enough to stabilize me, but they dont have enough here to just fully heal everyone, Emmett said, his voice low. But that doesnt matter. All that matters is that I need you to continue things for me.
Wolfe raised an eyebrow. Continue things?
The investigation! Emmett said. I need you to continue the investigation!
Wolfe hesitated. He truly wanted to get back to hunting. Cerberus had tasked him with hunting down the others who bore the Gate of the Damned set cards, of which he had twoand Damian another. It seemed as if the Grimm family might have been involved in the human trafficking, and if not, Wolfe would bet one of the other families was.
But he wasnt sure if he was ready yet. He walked over to Emmetts side as he thought.
After a moment, Wolfe decided to play coy and see what he could get out of Emmett. Maybe the old private investigator would make an offer worth getting back into the field a bit early for.
Are you crazy? Wolfe asked. You got shot. I almost got shot. And they had deckbearers. Who in their right mind would continue to investigate this? Let the police handle it.
I cant let the police handle it, Emmett hissed, reaching out and grabbing Wolfe with his good arm. Theyre in on it. I know some of the corrupt ones, but not most of them! I need someone to take over the investigation till Im released from the hospital and well enough to handle it myself.
No matter how well you get, you werent talented enough to handle it the first time, Wolfe said.
Emmett flinched and let go of Wolfes arm. Thats Thats true.
He sighed. Look What if, instead of a month of time cards, I made an entire three-year set? You handle this one thing for me, and you can be a private investigator on your own right away, instead of handling everyone elses crap for years.
Wolfe smiled inside, being sure to keep it off his face. Perfect.
Trying to look pensive, Wolfe nodded slowly. All right, if you do that, Ill look into it for you. What do you need me to do?
Emmett smiled. I have boxes of files in my office. My clothes are hanging in the tiny closet therehe pointedincluding my coat. Get my key, go to the office, and get the files. They have everything you need to know. Youll understand when you read them why its so important and what to do. I need you to gather proofincontrovertible proofof whos really behind everything and then expose them in a way that the police wont be able to cover it up.
Wolfe nodded. Ill take a peek at it.
Then he leaned down, his face close to Emmetts. But if I do it, youd better come through.
Emmett grimaced. I said Ill do it, and I will. No need to threaten me.
Wolfe straightened. Just so we understand each other.
He walked to the closet, rummaged through it, and found the key. He tossed it into the air where Emmett could see it, caught it, and tucked it into his pocket.
Get me proof, William, Emmett said. I need proof to take all these bastards down.
I will, Wolfe said as he walked toward the door.
He exited into the hospital hallway. Shel was leaning against the wall, scrolling through her phone, a cute look of concentration on her face.
Wolfe smiled to see her, but his mind was on the something else. Rhett left quickly. I wonder why.
Wolfe walked over to Shel, who glanced up from the phone, caught sight of Wolfe, and smiled happily. Hey, boyfriend, howd your meeting go?
Wolfe grimaced at the word boyfriend but started to answer. Well, Emmett wants
A man walked around the corner of the hallway, wearing a rumpled brown suit and carrying a bundle of flowers. He was younger, perhaps twenty-five or so, with thick, black hair. His left hand held the flowers up, in front of his chest, and his right hand was inside his jacket. He didnt appear particularly noteworthy, except that he had one blue eye and one brownand an intense, nervous expression, with sweat beading on his forehead.
Wolfe stopped speaking, his mind on the nurses words something about not being able to find any family or friends of Emmett.
As the man passed, Wolfe stepped in close, conscious of not having his own gun and placed his hand against the mans chest.
What are you doing? Shel asked from behind him.
But Wolfe barely heard, his hand pressed against the obvious bulge of a gun beneath the suit, just behind the flowers.
He met the other mans eyes, and there was that moment of perfect clarity, where both of them knew violence was imminent.
Chapter Seven: Better Call an Ambulance, but Not for Me
A Brief History of Noimoire, by Chris Zinn: Given the vast differences between the various gods and their goals as outlined on hundreds or thousands of cards, there isnt really a religious voting bloc. The followers of Pan, a leading Nature Lord, are radically pro-environmentalist occasionally to the point of eco-terrorism, while the followers of Hephaestus, one of the most prevalent of the Golem Lords, regularly show up to the offices of politicians with their ubiquitous Drill, baby, drill! signs.
But there are a few issues that the religious voters, which in one form or another represents over seventy percent of everyone involved in politics, can all agree on. The most important of which is that a deckbearer keeps what he kills, which, in modern times, has been appended to include the phrase "so long as it is done lawfully."
Every card that seems to have anything to say on the matter encourages deckbearer conflict.
Nowhere is this more prevalent than in Noimoire, where the huge population of Infernal, Elder, and Undead decks, and the large anti-government sentiment, has given birth to a darkly individualistic society. It is something notably new and different for the strain of community and family oriented individualism that defined much of early America.
The thugs eyes widened and he started to draw the gun, but Wolfe headbutted him, forehead to nose. Something crunched, and the thug reeled away with one hand over a face splattered with blood. The assassin still drew the gun out from his jacketbut it wasnt pointing at anything, and Wolfe ripped it from the thugs hand.
But he didnt get a good grip on it himself, and the gun went skidding down the hall.
The assassin turned and ranbut not toward the gun. He hit the stairs at a near-full run, one hand on the railing, and half-leapt to the next level.
Son of an Infernal
Wolfe followed, trying to move down the stairs fast. He made it two flights without issue, but when he reached the bottom set, he tripped at the end of the stairs. He grabbed the railing as he fell but still slammed down onto the floor of the lobby, wincing as he hit, then letting loose a string of curses.
William? someone asked, and Wolfe stared up to see Rhett glancing down at him with his ice-blue eyes open wide, his surprise evident to the world.
Of course its Captain Perfect. Wolfe groaned, struggling to his feet. The same nurse from before, whose name eluded Wolfe, clicked her tongue in disapproval. No running in the hospital! You men, I swear.
Ignoring the old nurse, Wolfe started to run from the building, but Rhett grabbed his arm.
What are you doing? the lieutenant hissed.
Someone tried to assassinate Emmett, and Im chasing them. Hes getting away!
The nurse pointed out to the parking lot. Some white kid with blood all over his face just ran out the front door. I told him to walk, but he didnt listen, either.
Rhett didnt hesitate, withdrawing his police-issue Beretta 9mm and holding it in both hands. Follow me!
He rushed out the door. Wolfe hurried after him, favoring his right leg slightly. Upon exiting the hospital, however, Wolfe didnt see anyone in the parking lot.
Rhett lowered his gun slightly. He might be hiding among the cars, but most likely, he went around one side or the other. Ill go left, you go right. What did he look like?
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Black hair, suit, one eye was blue, the other brown, maybe twenty-five, Wolfe huffed out before turning right and rushing around the outside of the hospital.
It was dark outside, but the hospital was well lit, so Wolfes vision was barely impaired. The hospital had a small, grass lawn and hedges around nearly the whole thing, except where there were entrances for ambulances and there they kept huge medical waste bins.
Wolfes leg worked through whatever injury it had taken, and he was able to easily jog along the side of the hospital, keeping an eye on the hedges. As he had many times over the last day, he wished he had brought his Edge pistol, but he was still waiting for the man to approve him to carry a gun.
His lack of a gun was starting to seriously irritate him.
Wolfe curved around the side of the hospital, coming to a break in the hedges where a couple of locked dumpsters were up against the outside of the hospital.
"WolWilliam? Shel called from somewhere behind him and around the front of the hospital, sounding slightly panicked. Where are you, William?
Wolfe was about to answer when he saw the assassin poke his head up from behind one of the locked dumpsters, his blood-spattered face and heterochromatic eyes instantly recognizable. Wolfe didnt hesitate, rushing at him in a full charge.
The assassin touched his chest, his five fingers splayed open.
No way Wolfe was wide-eyed, staring at the man.
Unknown assassin deckbearer has drawn a deck near you! Three cards, all red, appeared in front of the assassin, and he reached for one.
Wolfe wasnt about to test fate by fighting him without a deck, and he touched his own chest. He had the satisfaction of seeing the assassins eyes go wide in turn, but the assassin was still half a tick ahead of Wolfe. The assassin touched the card he had reached for and a pistol appeared in his hand. Not just a normal one, eitherit had a pentagram on the handle, and a faint, red glow emanated from it.
Wolfe dived to the side, a moment too late. Pain ripped through his shoulder as he hit and rolled. He still had the presence of mind to throw out one of his Angry Hellhound cards instead of Cereboo, cursing the need to keep his identity hidden.
He came to his feet in a sprint as two bullets plinked off the concrete around him. He reached the shrubs and dived headfirst into them, cussing as they ripped at him and then cussing further as he hit the ornamental rocks underneath. But it was better to be cut up from branches and bruised from the rocks than hit with another shot from the magical gun.
Wolfe glanced at his remaining two cardshis modified No Kill Pound, currently called Cerberuss Home for Wayward Hellhounds, and his Infernal Rift card.
The man touched another card and a Tormentor Impthe Infernal card most ubiquitous to this current seasonappeared.
But his Hellhound hit it and terminated it, and Wolfe waited for the perfect moment. The man shot the hellhound, and it nearly diedbut for a brief moment, the assassin had no creatures.
Wolfe touched his Infernal Rift card and banished the man to a faux Infernal realm for ninety seconds.
He didnt hesitate, grabbing a rock from the ornamental garden and rushing toward where the assassin had disappeared, mentally directing the Angry Hellhound there as well.
Rhett came running around one side, and Shel the other.
What happened to you? Rhett called, staring at the blood pouring down Wolfes side.
At that moment, the assassin appeared again, his eyes wide with shock and his mouth still open. But even then, he started to slowly and awkwardly raise his gun, and Wolfe slammed him with the rock as hard as he could, right in the temple, grunting as the force of his blow caused his other shoulder to throb in agony.
Unknown assassin deckbearer slain. 16 experience gained.
The man hit the ground on his back, blood leaking from his skull, and ten cards appeared on his chest.
Wolfe glanced up at Rhett, wondering what would happen now.
Rhett walked over, his gun now trained on Wolfe. What happened? Are you in immediate danger?
He had a second gunan equipment card. He used it to shoot me, Wolfe said, pointing with his right armwhich still held the bloody stoneto his left shoulder. I had a rock. I won. Ill be fine now that Shels herethis isnt life-threatening and shes got healing cards.
Shel touched her chest and then pushed her hand out, and her cards appeared, a slight golden color around them.
But she frowned at them and didnt use one.
Rhett walked up, then, after a moment, holstered his gun. He reached down and took the ten cards.
Damn. I could really have used some more Infernal cards.
Rhett briefly glanced through the cards, and when he came to the pistol equipment cardwhich was called Brimstonehe glanced at it.
Try to heal him, Shel, please, Rhett said.
Shel nodded. Of course.
She switched the cards out and this time touched one and tossed out her Rookie EMT cards.
Wolfes minor scratches healed, but his shoulder wound remained untouched.
I wish you could have let him live, Rhett said. It would have been extremely helpful to question him.
Then he held the cards out to Wolfe, frowning. Here.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Eight: Two Twists
8: A brief History of Noimoire, by Chris Zinn: The lone sheriff and his deck style of book and movie became a huge hit with early entertainment junkies, and has long been a staple of the western. Many a critic decried the descent into formula of the genre, with one critic describing them as a mad lib where you only fill in the deck. Regardless of the veracity of these claims, a resurgence in movie-making in the eighties led to new takes on the formulae, including the gritty new anti-hero movies.
Nowhere were these movies more accepted than in Noimoire, where the average acceptance of vigilantism is twice the national average.
Wolfe stared at the lieutenant like he had grown another head. What trickery is this?
Rhetts eyes narrowed. I dont trick people, except within very specific confines the law lays out.
Is this one of them? Wolfe asked. I mean, Im not sure hearing I only trick people the way the man says I can is the most reassuring thing you could be saying to me.
Rhett rolled his eyes, but a tiny smile quirked at the side of his mouth as well. Fair. I promise, this isnt a trickand besides, Cadet Lyons is here to make sure everything is above board. The law states that when you kill a deckbearer in single combat, in a legal manner, you get to keep the cards.
"Youre shitting me, Wolfe said, thinking about the deckbearers he had killed. Although he was pretty sure those fights hadnt been legal.
Im not shitting you, Rhett said. The various religious groups combined still command almost seventy percent of the voter block, and theyve kept that law on the books despite many attempts by various law and order groups, such as our own police department, to remove it. Since multiple cards and the Great Game rules mention deckbearers killing each other for cards, we havent been able to remove the last anachronistic rules, although weve pared them down pretty farno voluntary duels are allowed, for example.
Wolfe only half-paid attentionhe didnt really have a lot of room in his life for the politics of things. What he really heard was that he could legally keep the cards.
Wait a minute, Wolfe said, finally reaching out and taking the cards from Rhett but staring straight into the lieutenants eyes. If I can keep them, how come you get to look through them first?
Can you guys talk and walk? Shel asked. Youre shot, my boyfriendhow about getting some medical help while you work this out?
Rhett nodded and started walking, and Wolfe, noticing how much his shoulder hurt, followed.
I looked at the cards to confirm your story, Rhett said. Sometimes, people shoot themselves to create a fake self-defense claim, but clearly, you were shot with Brimstone.
Wolfe glanced down at the card. The picture on the card was similar to the gun he had just seena modern pistol with red haze around it and a pentagram on the grip. He checked the stats.
Brimstone
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal persistent(equipment)
2 Infernal Power
+3 attack to the deckbearer or card equipped with this item.
Special: This card may be equipped with the equipment card Hellfire. They empower each other, adding both totals to their wielders attack stat.
Special: This equipment ignores ALL type resistances or immunities and causes wounds that are immediately considered injuries for healing purposes.
Special: This card is part of the Banisher card set. If both cards are gained, they will create a single rare pack of Infernal cards and give the deckbearer who possesses both 1 additional pip of Infernal power. Both cards were initially sent to members of the Noimoire underworld who are considered assassins.
The Infernal use weapons of all sorts during both their internal wars, and their wars against other factions. This weapon started its life as a gift from Aesthma to his favorite assassin in hell, and has worked its way into the Mortal realm since then.
Wow, Shel said, staring at the card along with Wolfe.
Another set card although a lot weaker than the original one. But not weaka permanent point of Infernal power is worth about six levels to me at the moment. Although putting in two cards that are only moderately better than normal guns is an interesting choice.
So, I do have a question, Rhett said as they walked. How did a lumberjack end up with an Infernal deck, anyway? Its extremely unusual to see in people who arent criminals, or other villains, shall we say.
Shel chuckled. William is more of a bad boy than a villain.
Rhett gave a polite and perfunctory chuckle but still stared at Wolfe.
Wolfe understoodthe Infernal faction was one of the evil factionsperhaps the most evil faction. Along with the Elder faction, and to a lesser degree the Undead faction, they were widely distrusted, and usually for good reason. Few people got god-gifted decks from those factions that didnt have some remarkably evil skeletons in their closet somewhere.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
But some did, and there were enough people who had done good with decks from those factions that prejudice against them was outlawedofficially. But it was still a smart move to hope your daughter didnt date an Infernal deckbearer. Even Wolfe had to admit that.
Heh, good thing that Shels father is almost entirely out of her life.
They continued around, reaching the front of the hospital, but no one said anything. When the silence stretched awkwardly, Shel coughed again. William got a deck from Cerberushes not that bad, I checked.
Wolfe gave Shel the stink eye, and she coughed and flushed visibly, even in the bad light.
Rhett ignored the byplay. Cerberus? Hes not one of the Infernal Lords Im familiar with.
He keeps the demons inside the Infernal realms, Shel supplied.
Hmm was the only response from Rhett.
They walked into the hospital, and Rhett raised a hand and called out, We have a shooting victim who cant be healed by non-injury healing cards. I need someone to see to him!
Every single person in the waiting room turned to face Wolfe, and the nurse glanced up at him. Youre just going to be a problem all night, arent you?
She picked up a phone and talked into it briefly.
Shel giggled nervously as Wolfe clenched his teeth.
Play niceyoull be out of here in no time.
Before Wolfe was carted away by the various nurses coming through the door, Rhett leaned over. Did Emmett tell you anything about the human trafficking case?
He told me the police were in on it, Wolfe said to Rhetts wide, ice-blue eyes.
***
Wolfe stared at the front of E mett Investigations in the bright light of the morning a mere eight hours after he had been shot, on far less sleep than he would have liked. The missing M was the least of the places problems. The building was incredibly ramshackle, with blinds that looked as if they had been invented about the same time as bell bottoms, and not washed since then, either, blocking sight through the one window. The door was just as dirty, and the slat for mail was missing entirely, now just a random hole for bugs and weather to get inalthough judging by the overhang, even the spiders wanted to stay on the outside.
Wolfe had some sympathy for not wanting to work on house stuffhis own back yard coming to mindbut he thought that Emmett needed a bit more pride. His work place was a dump.
Fuck it, what do I care if his place looks like a nest for three-power dust bunnies? I just need to figure out his stupid case, and then I can make my own office and not worry about someone elses dump. Wolfe pulled the key and went to the door, unlocking it and letting himself in through a door whose hinges cried out for mercy.
The inside wasnt any different than the outside advertised. There was a waiting room with a cheap, plastic table and some equally cheap chairs that looked like refugees from the 1970s, as well as a magazine that appeared to be falling apart.
Wolfe ignored that and pushed into the back rooma small office, with a desk, two chairs, and about a hundred boxes in random piles. All of them were cardboard file boxes with the slip-on tops, and most had clear damage, from water, tearing, or probably bugs.
Fuck me, Wolfe muttered. This was going to add hours to the case just to find everything, he figured. But as Wolfes eyes ran around the room, he saw three boxes next to the desk. He could see that all were old, but they were also taped back together and carefully labeled. Theyd clearly had care lavished on them that everything else in the room was lacking.
Wolfe went and sat down in Emmetts chair, on the other side of the desk, and looked at the boxes.
One was labeled Missing, and was the largest. The second, slightly smaller, was labeled Corruption, and the last was labeled Transfer sites.
Wolfe was pretty sure what he needed was in the last file, but he pulled the second one up first. He opened it and saw a large listing of nameslast first. Each also had a designation, such as sergeant or detective, and Wolfe was pretty sure they were all the names of police officers.
Hoping that Shels instructor was one of the corrupt ones, Wolfe quickly glanced through the files, but he had no luckRhett wasnt listed on any of them.
Emmett said that he wasnt sure of all the cops. Maybe goody-two-shoes is still dirty.
Wolfe wished he had spent a bit more time learning about the ins-and-outs of bribing cops when hed been a member of the Grimm crime familymostly how to spot the ones susceptible to bribing. Wolfe knew damn well that a lot of them had been in Big Man Grimms pockets, but it had been far less than allnot even close to a majority. But it had been enough, and Wolfe assumed that was what was happening here as well. But he just had to take Emmetts word for it, and he doubted he would be able to find any more corrupt ones by himself.
After his failure to find a reason to hate Rhettbesides the fact the man was suspicious of Wolfe, and might have eyes for ShelWolfe picked up the box marked Transfer sites.
Before he could open it, however, the door to Emmetts business slammed open. Wolfe jumped, reaching for his Edge again before remembering he had left it home.
A man stormed into the office without even knocking. He was about five-foot-nine, scrawny, but he wore a suit that looked like it cost more than most peoples monthly paychecks and radiated You might be able to beat me up, but my dad will sue energy.
You, Dunn! Where is my witness statement? he yelled, leveling an accusing finger at Wolfe. Ive been calling and calling all morning! Why havent you gotten it yet?
From his own father, Wolfe could deduce that this guy was probably an attorney, which didnt endear him to Wolfe at all. He mentally settled on calling the guy Suit, as it seemed his defining personality trait.
Hey, jackass, Im not Emmett, Wolfe said irritably. Youve got the wrong guy.
I dont care! Suit said, furious. Whichever part of his office you are, I need you to get that statement, pronto. Were going to the final pre-trial this Friday, and I need it!
Suit shouted so much, Wolfe would bet his middle name was exclamation mark. Wolfe was about to blow him off but stopped himself. Im training to be a P.I. I could get the witness statement, and besides, this guy seems like hell become a real problem for someone if I dont.
"Take a chill pill, Wolfe said. Ill get the witness statement. Which case is it? Emmett didnt tell me.
The Timo case! Suit said, not chilling at all as he bent over the desk and put his hands on it, his face inches from Wolfes. And dont forget it. I need it by the end of the day!
Friday is three days away, Wolfe said, frowning, restraining himself from popping the walking violation of personal space.
I need to prepare my case and my client, Suit sneered as he pulled back. Dont fuck this up.
Yeah, I gotcha, Wolfe said.
You better, Suit reiterated before turning and storming from the room.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. He checked the boxes around the desk, on the assumption the current work could be closer, and found it after just a couple of minutes lookinga box marked People v. Timo.
He picked it up and glanced at the top file, which contained faxed instructions from Faraday, Hostler, and Chan to interview a client about the case, and an address.
Wolfe looked at it, blinking.
No fucking way.
It was the address of the old lady who lived next to him.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Nine: The Young and the Old
Wolfe knocked on the neighbors door with his knuckles, squinting in the afternoon sun. There was no response.
Wolfe knocked harder, knowing the old lady had to be home. There was a single beat-up car in the driveway that looked like it couldnt even handle once a week to church on Sundays, and Wolfe hadnt seen any other cars in the driveway in months.
Still no answer, and Wolfe wondered if maybe she had died.
He snorted. It would be far from the first time Ive dealt with a corpse, but at the same time, itll be funny to be able to call the cops and have them deal with it for once. Thatll be new.
The door snapped open, and the same woman from beforejudging by the eyesstared up at Wolfe. She had a general sunbaked look, with light-brown skin that was wrinkled, like she wanted to win a dog show for best shar pei. She was a good foot shorter than Wolfe, roughly five-two, and she wore a dress that could be a damned botanical guide, it had so many floral patterns.
The two stared at each other for a few moments before the old lady chuckled. Finally decide to give in and get some help with your garden?
Wolfe snorted. No, I can handle that. Im here on behalf of Emmett Private Investigations, and I need your statement in the case of People v. Timo.
The old lady glanced over her shoulder, then shuffled out of the house and closed the door behind her. Talk quietly, please.
Wolfe blinked, confused by the odd turn of events, but he couldnt see a problem. If the old lady wanted to give her statement outside, he didnt care.
So, youre a private dick, huh? she said, smiling. I wondered what you did for a living, but I guess that makes sense, based on your social skills.
Wolfe laughedhe always appreciated a good quip, even at his expense. Look, uhWolfe glanced at his paperwork againPatricia Timo, I need to get your statement in regards to Mr. Timos voluntary manslaughter.
Call me Grammy, or Ms. Timo, but not Patricia.
Why do people tell you how to get under their skin? Wolfe wondered, but he decided not to be a dick about it. I just need the statement please, Ms. Timo.
Before she could answer, there was a creak of wood from inside, and a young, feminine voice called out, Grammy? Where are you?
Ms. Timo cracked the door open. Im on our front porch, honey, talking to our neighbor.
The one with all the dead flowers youre always going on about? the girl asked.
The very same, Ms. Timo said.
The door pulled back to its limit, and a girl, roughly eleven or twelve based on her size and awkward proportionsthe same rough age as Lucystared out at Wolfe. It was obvious she and Ms. Timo were related. They had the same tan-olive skin, and their eyes were an off shade of gray blue.
This is Shannon, my granddaughter, Ms. Timo said.
Shannons eyes roamed up and down Wolfe, obviously taking in his suit. Are you a lawyer? she asked out of nowhere. Are you here about my parents case?
Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
Before Wolfe could answer, Ms. Timo stepped in front of Shannon. Honey, this is adult business. Please go inside and take care of your assignments, okay?
Shannons face went red. Im grown up enough and can handle hearing whats going on. I should knowtheyre my parents! I havent heard from them in months!
Go inside, Ms. Timo said more forcefully, and Shannon flounced back into the house.
Lets take a walk, Ms. Timo said, and Wolfe, irritated by the delay but unwilling to argue, followed her as she shuffled down the driveway and out onto the sidewalk that meandered through the neighborhood.
I just need to know what happened that night, Wolfe said.
Keep your voice down, Ms. Timo said again. Shes following us, Im sure.
Wolfe glanced back and saw some bushes a house back rustling. He doubted Shannon could hear anything, but he humored the old lady, lowering his voice again. Please, just tell me about the case so I can get out of here and you can get back to whatever you were doing.
Ms. Timo exhaled long and slow, took a deep, shuddering breath, and then spoke in a low voice. My son called me, after after he found his wife in bed with another man. Shannon was already at my house, and no one was there when it happened, except him. I drove over after he told me, telling Shannon to stay at my house.
What did you find when you got there? Wolfe asked, making notes as she talked.
I found him, sitting at a table in the kitchen, a pistol in front of him. He was shaking, shaking so much. I know he didnt mean it he had only fired a single time.
Wolfe glanced at the file. Mr. Timo had been charged with the murder of his wife. Wolfe kept taking notes.
Did he say anything? Wolfe asked.
My son said he wished he could take it back. He said itd been one moment one moment when hed lost control. He regretted it more than anything. I know he wasnt lying.
Wolfe was silent for a moment, then asked, as gently as he could manage, Did you see his wife?
Ms. Timo looked back again, and Wolfe glanced with her, to see Shannon following, still a house behind. She spoke in a whisper. Only very briefly. Some things some things you cant unsee, and I didnt want to see any more than I had to. It was as bad as the time I saw my own brother die to a monster six drop nights ago. Some things I dont want to look at longer than I have to.
Wolfe nodded, jotted a last few notes, and closed his file. Thank you, Ms. Timo.
She was silent for a few moments as she continued to shuffle forward. Wolfe was about to leave when she spoke again. Shannon is home-schooled, you know.
What? Wolfe asked. I dont care how you teach your kid Why are you telling me this?
Ms. Timo continued. She used to go to public school, years ago, and then she was home-schooled but at least made it to the Church of Uriel every couple of days. Now Now she has no one. No family, no friends.
Wolfe had the sinking feeling he knew what was coming.
Can she visit with your daughter? Ms. Timo asked.
Wolfe laughed. I dont have a kid. Thats my girlfriends younger sister, Lucy. I dont care if she visits as long as Shelmy girlfriendapproves it. But you know Im a deckbearer, right? Youve seen my cards hanging around the backyard? The Infernal ones?
Ms. Timo nodded. I do, and I have. More importantly, though, I see that youre always nice and respectful to your girlfriend. I want Shannon to have friends. But I also want her to have a good example of a relationship that works before before she finds out about her parents. They were always fighting, and this situation, well I just want her to see that some people can make it work.
Some old bag wants to use my relationship as an example for her kid? Shes got to be crazy desperate.
Look, just ask Shel, okay?
A tiny bit of Ms. Timos good humor returned. I see who wears the pants in the family.
Wolfe laughed and shook his head. Dont make me regret this.
Ms. Timo shook her head, too. I can tell that you get it Sometimes life is just so horrible, you have to joke about it. I hear that doctors and lawyers and cops all have really black humor, because what else can you do?
Wolfe nodded, almost involuntarily. He couldnt deny that a lot of the time, he used humor to take the depressing edge off.
Speaking of horrible I really can help with your garden.
So thats what this is all about, Wolfe said, and he shook his finger in her face. If Shel says your granddaughter can visit, and if she does some afternoon when everyone is here, I wont mind if you come putter around my back yard.
So kind, so generous.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Ten: Beans
A brief history of Noimoire, by Chris Zinn: Thanks to its dark history, Noimoire became known as a cesspool. Because it was a massive transportation hub, with access to the Great Lakes, The Mississippi river, two oceans indirectly, and the steel heart of the train networks, and an immobile Arena it was never abandoned, nor was that ever seriously considered.
But those that could afford it did move out to where crime and property rates were lower. Noimoire became the heart of a massive network of asphalt roads as well, leading to over fifty places within fifty miles that you could call home and still easily work in the city.
Many of them are far nicer than the city that spawned them.
Wolfe pulled his car onto the side of the road next to the relentlessly suburban house that his phone had directed him to. While it didnt technically have a white picket fence, it should have had one. The house was medium-sized, with a neatly mowed lawn and a hedge of rose bushes around the front, a minivan in the driveway, and a kids tonka truck toy under said hedge. The house was painted eggshell white, and had a single large tree with a swing hanging down from it in the front.
This is the place you want to go hang? Wolfe asked, glancing over at Shel. I mean, we hung out in the Ekron Eternal, in the VIP lounge, for crying out loud.
No, you did, Shel said, smiling at him. I hung around just outside the booth until someone decided to shoot at us, remember?
Ah, the good ol days, Wolfe snarked, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye.
Shel rolled hers. Did you ever actually have fun at the Ekron Eternal?
Wolfe thought about it. Well, not since anonymous sex lost its appeal, back when I was in my mid-twenties, give or take.
So give this place a chance, hmm? Shel said, giving him another huge smile.
Wolfe snorted to himself. Is she constantly smiling at me to put me at ease and try and make me happy? If shes been reading more of those psych mumbo-jumbo books, Im gonna be annoyed.
Wolfe wouldnt actually be annoyed, of course. At first, the idea that Shel was manipulating him had upset him. Then he had figured out that Shels manipulation was just her doing her best to find ways to make him happy, and to conduct herself in ways he found enjoyable all the time. That, in turn, made him want to be nice to her.
Every other girl he had ever been with did it the other way aroundthey wanted stuff from him, and were only nice if they got it.
If what Shel is doing is manipulation, sign me up to be manipulated.
Wolfe, you there? Shel asked, waving her hand in front of his face.
Uh, sorry, Wolfe said.
What were you thinking about? Shel asked.
Wolfe smiled at her. Believe it or not, that youre an amazing girlfriend.
Shel practically glowed, and she leaned in and gave him a kiss.
Wolfe faced the house again. Although, you pretty much need to be to justify me going to a cop barbecue. Lets get this over with.
Shel laughed. Ah, Wolfy, I love that you can find the cloud to every silver lining. Wolfe grimaced. Dont. That reminds me of Miriam, which makes it awkward.
Shel rolled her eyes. Awkard? Why ever could that be? Because she hits on both of us constantly and brazenly whenever we see her? Because when she isnt acting like she wants to jump in our bed she acts like she wants to jump into a corpses bed? Or because shes technically a criminal mastermind?
Yeah, that.
Shel smiled. Well, I still like her. Shes fun.
Wolfe snorted, but rather than continue the conversation, he pushed from the car, stretched once, and then walked up to the pristine house. Even the cement walkway was oddly pristine. He reached the off-white door and knocked three times.
Shel laughed and took a few double-steps to catch up, and by the time the door opened, Shel was standing next to him.
A man that appeared to be in his early thirties, powerfully muscled but with a gut and the standard issue cop stache, stared out at them. Shel! Its so good you could make it!
He glanced at Wolfe, and his eyes widened the tiniest bit, but he recovered quickly. This your boyfriend, then? William?
Shel broke out into a huge grin, then leaned up and kissed Wolfe on the cheek. Thank you so much for inviting me over, Charles. I really appreciate it. And yup, this is my boyfriend, best guy in the whole world!
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Charles laughed, a belly laugh that invited everyone that heard it to join in. You only say that because you havent tried my beans yet!
Wolfe almost wanted to be madit felt like a vague challenge from his olden daysbut he could pretty easily tell that Charles meant nothing by it. His eyes never even really saw Shelno looking at her body or anything, not even a flicker that Wolfe could see.
A moment later, it became clear why. A tall, thin lady with bright blue eyes and a baby bump came to the door. Well, dont stand there bragging all day, Charles, invite them in!
Charles stared at the woman with loving eyes, and moved from the door. When my wife is right, shes right! Come in, come in! Everyone is out on the back deck, and Leon is tending to the meats.
Wolfe strode inside. The house had a faint smell of roses to itprobably some fancy air freshener. Most of the furniture had faint wear-and-tear on it, but everything was clean and vacuumed. Wolfe went through the living room to the kitchen, past vegetable trays and a simmering pot, and then onto the back porch.
A brick porch was fronted by a small poolalso surrounded in brickand a small but well-kept lawn and garden off to the side. About ten peopleeight of whom had cop staches, causing Wolfe to snickerwere clustered around a barbecue and small table filled with uncooked meat. A thin man with tan skin was working the grill, and about half the people had beers in their hands that were mostly untouched.
There were two other young people therepeople about Shels age. One was a chubby blonde girl with bottle glasses, and the other was an athletic young man with umber skin and a shaved head. They waved, and Shel walked over, calling out, Hey Lisa, Hey Warren.
Wolfe walked up as well. Almost immediately, the groups reorganized around agesthe younger three in one group, and then two groups of four and five around the grill. Wolfe found himself getting a quick series of introductionsLeon was the tan guy working the grill, Carlos was a short, stocky guy with thinning hair despite being in his young thirties, Jack was so nondescript but for his mustache that his name should have been John Doe. A very elderly man, pale as snow with hair to match and a scar across his face, was named Bart, and Charles was there as well.
Whatre you having? Leon asked. Ive got some hamburgers almost ready, and well be putting some hotdogs on in a moment if youd preferall beef. I can also do the burgers as cheeseburgers orand hear me out herebacon cheeseburgers.
At the same time, Carlos passed him a beer. Try this. My cousin makes itits pretty good.
Ill have a bacon cheeseburger, Wolfe said. No veggies.
Me too, Bart said. Might as well die happy.
There were a few perfunctory chuckles around the table
Leon nodded and slapped a couple more patties on the grill. Wolfe knocked the top off the beer on the side of the grill and took a sip. Hed had plenty of better alcohol at the Ekron Eternal, but he admitted he was an expensive whisky guy. For beer it was pretty good, or at least flavorful for people that liked strong beer.
Not bad, he said to Carlos unspoken question.
Carlos nodded, satisfied with the answer.
So, how did Shel convince you to come to a party? Bart asked.
Wolfe shrugged, not sure of the correct response. She asked.
Bart smiled. Wanted to see your daughters friends, huh?
Wolfe frowned, gripping his beer. Leon abandoned the burgers for a moment to lean over and whisper in Barts ear.
"Youre shitting me? Really? Divine be damned, maybe theres hope for me yet, the guy said, just loud enough for Wolfe to hear.
Ha ha, Leon said. Barts just playing around, William. Its great that youre here supporting your girlfriend and all. Howd you guys end up together, exactly? she said it was because you saved her life and always protected her. She wouldnt tell me the details. Wanna tell me about that?
Wolfe shrugged, doubly uncomfortable because the story touched on personal details he really didnt want the cops to know and because he never looked at that story quite the way Shel didhed needed to kill Frankie the Frog regardless.
Rather not, apologies.
Well, your story, man, Charles said.
So you guys are her instructors? Wolfe asked.
Just me and Rhett, Charles replied. Everyone else here works the streetscept Bart, who earned his desk job with forty years and two gunshot wounds.
Even if he sticks his foot in his mouth regularly, Leon said, nudging the older man. Huh? Huh?
Bart rolled his eyes.
So, what do you do? Leon asked.
Nothing at the moment, Wolfe said. But Im working with a private investigator, Emmett Dunn, and trying to become a P.I. myself.
How do you even take care of Shel? Carlos asked. That sounds like it pays squat.
Wolfe hesitated. He wasnt sure how much to reveal, but Well, Im a deckbearer and I found some cards a few days after drop night, and sold them. Now, Ive got a house without a mortgage"
So jealous, Charles interjected.
that isnt even as nice as this one
Thanks, Charles interjected again with a smile.
And Ive got a medium decent car and a small amount in the bank. But Im trying to become a P.I. to make sure theres money in a few years. Independently wealthy I aint.
Leon laughed and placed two burgers with cheese onto a thick paper plate. At the same time, Charles wife came out and placed a heaping helping of beans in sauce, with tiny bits of meat, along one side.
Try the beans, Charles said.
Im not really a beans guy, Wolfe replied.
Try im.
Wolfe sighed, picked the plate and a plastic fork up, and shoveled some beans into his mouth. He was prepared to make a noncommittal platitude to get the cop off his back about beans, but stopped and really chewed.
He still wasnt sure he was a beans guy, but these were damn good. Slightly meaty sauce with a hint of honey over perfectly cooked beans. It was wholesome, Wolfe supposed. Hed had a ton of steaks and gallons of whiskey, as well as a ridiculous amount of fast food, when he worked for Big Man Grimm. But nothing that tasted wholesome.
Charles grinned at Wolfes expression. See? See? I told you.
Wolfe couldnt help but smile. Yeah. Damn good.
Well, until you get the job, maybe you should stop by these events more often, stock up on good food.
Wolfe laughed. Every cop hed interacted with had seemed like a dickbut maybe it was because hed been a jackass himself. These guys seemed not bad. Even Bart.
Maybe I will. I could use a few free meals.
Charles laughed and clinked his bottle of beer against Wolfes. Yeah, it can seem like a lot of money in your bank till you think about the long term, huh?
Wolfe nodded.
Well, it shouldnt be long now, right? A masculine voice asked from behind Wolfe.
He turned to see Rhett standing there is all his six-foot-two muscular glory.
What? Wolfe asked.
I talked to Emmett again, and he said youve been working with him almost three years. But the other day you told me you didnt know anything about the case and hed picked you up to work on it recently. Care to explain?
Well, shit.
Chapter Eleven: A Confrontational Interlude
A brief history of Noimoire, by Chris Zinn: One of the more interesting things that happened with the discovery of the new world was what was thought to be the discovery of new godsat first. Cards referenced beings that had never been mentioned in any card drop that occurred in the old world, and it was quickly discovered that cards existed in the new world that did not exist in the old. However, it was clear that the card set names were the same and the time that new mechanics and card types were introduced was the same.
Once the old and new worlds were discovered, however, the card releases standardized to bothbut the languages stayed different in the new locations, with the result that the old world and new world gods were found to be the same, but with different names and manifestations on the differing sides of the ocean.
However, some of the absolute rarest cards in existence are the cards from old sets of cultures that existed prior to Columbus sailing the ocean blueincluding numerous cards in and around Noimoire from various Amerind tribes. Even the weakest of them sells for far more than an equivalent card, simply because of their rarity.
Wolfe stared at the lieutenant for a long moment, forking another bite of the beans into his mouth.
Emmett must be trying to lay the foundation for paying me off to keep helping him, by claiming Ive been working with him for a while but this is twice now that telling the truth is making me look like a liar.
Wolfe swallowed, about ninety percent of his attention on Lieutenant Rhett, and ten percent on how good the beans were.
Sorry, I must have misunderstood. I thought you asked how long Ive been working on this case for, which is not at all. I work with Emmett, but I dont have his files.
Well, we just picked a few files up, Shel volunteered. But weve never had his files before and havent even opened them.
Wolfe glanced up and saw that everyone was paying attention to him now. While Wolfe wasnt bothered by attention per se, he had to admit that the eyes of an entire party full of cops was a touch unnerving.
Rhett was staring at him. Youve been working with Emmett on the case more, now, then? Anything you care to share?
In the background, someone quietly muttered, By the Divine, Rhett, were at a party.
Rhett glanced around. To Wolfes surprise, it seemed that most of the eyes had switched to Rhett, and everyone wore little frowns.
Rhett turned back. Care to join me inside the house, William?
Wolfe was tempted to refuse him, but decided fuck it. Fine, but Im taking the food. I cant believe Im saying this, but these are good beans.
Rhett blinked at the non-sequitur, but didnt say anything, walking into the house.
Wolfe followed him, and Rhett led them through the kitchen and back to the living room. When they entered, he turned to Wolfe, standing stiff and tall.
Im going to lay my cards on the table, William. I havent, formally, seen anything from you that would warrant arrest, or even indicate moral turpitude. But nothing adds up with you, and Im beginning to suspect youre not who you say you are and that you might be a criminal, the worst of the worst.
Wolfe raised his beer in a sarcastic salute. Hurray!
Rhett frowned but ignored Wolfes aside. But even if I am wrong about all of that, you certainly know more about the investigation into the railyard trafficking than youre letting on. Two people are dead, three wounded, and twenty people were found naked in medically induced comas. That kind of thing doesnt happen in Joliet, and I, for one, want it to stay that way.
Rhett paused, raising an eyebrow at Wolfe, as if he expected an answer. But Wolfe had no idea what Rhett wanted, so he just set his beer down before biting into his cheeseburger. It wasnt as good as the beans, but it was pretty damn solid.
Weird that all these cops can cook.
When Wolfe didnt answer, Rhett continued. Have you thought about how all of this is affecting Shel?
What? Why the hell would anything be affecting Shel? Wolfe asked.
Rhett smiled grimly. Finally have your attention, huh? Well, think about this. Whatever it is youre doingand Im pretty sure its illegal, whatever it iscould easily drag her down with you.
Wolfe picked his beer back up and took a long drag before pointing the bottle at Rhett. You leave Shel out of whatever Wolfe motioned the bottle back and forth between them, This is. I dont get why you dislike me, but its got nothing to do with her.
A sudden thought crossed Wolfes mind. Or does it? Is this a you want Shel for yourself thing and now youre just looking for a reason to take me down? You as corrupt as the rest of the cops on this?
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Rhett spluttered. Im not after you to take Shel, whatever that means. But shes first in her class. And the class shes in isnt just the card policethere are over two hundred people there! Shes going to go places and do thingsunless some selfish asshole, happy he finally got one good thing in his life, drags her down!
Rhett straightened further, something Wolfe hadnt thought possible, and cracked his neck. And if youre going to make accusations against my fellow police officers, Id ask that you bring proof or remain quiet. We get enough false accusations without your self-serving proclamations!
Wolfe was feeling heated, and Rhett wasnt a problem he could punch, shoot, or Cereboo his way through. I know the cops in this part are frequently crooked. But forget that. As to your ironically equally unfounded accusations against me, youre barking up the wrong tree, asshole. I havent done anything illegal in this case.
Rhetts mouth quirked up at one corner. In this case?
Wolfe almost slapped his face, angry at having been baited into even that much of an admission. He was also tempted to immediately deny any illegal activity ever.
But something stopped himhe wasnt sure why, but he didnt want to run from this cocksure cop, and thats what lying would have beenit would have been running from Rhett.
Instead, Wolfe met Rhetts eyes, his voice deadly serious. Youre after the wrong guy in this case, I swear on all I hold holy. But you do youwouldnt be the first-time the supposed good guys, cops included, have absolutely wrecked my life for no reason other than their own selfish desires.
Rhett held Wolfes gaze, and the two men stared at each other long enough that Wolfes anger started to fade, and the whole thing started to feel awkward.
Rhett turned away first. Well, youre either the best liar ever or youre telling me the truth about those two things, at least. Ill trust you for now. But if youre telling me the truth, why not tell me whats going on?
Wolfe frowned. Ive told you everything I know, lieutenant. We have some boxes of Emmetts files, and maybe Ill know more later. But he didnt tell me why we were going to that train station, I didnt know what to expect, and I still dont know whats going on. But Im gonna lay my cards on the table. Even once I learn whats happening, I still may not tell youEmmett wants things kept quiet.
Rhett frowned harder, put his hands behind his back, and tapped one foot. When I came out, you were talking about needing money, right?
Wolfe blinked. Yeah, why?
What if I pay you? Once you learn things about the case, let me know.
You want to bribe me? How is that not corrupt? Wolfe asked, angry again.
Rhett let go of his pose and pinched the bridge of his nose. Im not bribing you, its information from a paid informant. Ask Shel, its perfectly legal.
Still shady, Wolfe said, but held his hand up. Whatever. How much?
If you bring me his information on the case, Ill give you five thousand dollars.
Wolfe snorted, and Rhett narrowed his eyes. Ive got way more than that in the bank. Way more. And one of the weakest cards is worth ten times that.
Ill keep it in mind, Wolfe said.
Please do.
There was another awkward pause, and Wolfe wasnt sure what to say. But it seemed like the conversation was done. He pointed back to the yard with his mostly-empty beer. You want to go back to the party? Charles is righthe makes some mean beans. You can fuck with me later, kay? Lets just eat now.
Rhett rolled his eyes, but the ghost of a smile crossed his face. He does make some good beans.
***
Cmon, admit it, you had fun at the party, Shel said, smiling at him from the passenger seat as he drove his Suburu back to his house through the moonlit streets of Joliet.
Wolfe mock-growled, Yeah, getting interrogated by Rhett was the highlight of my month.
Shels smile slipped and she hung her head. Sorry, I honestly thought you and him would get along more. Im sorry that happened.
Wolfe sighed. I had a lot of fun at the rest of it, Ill admit. And learned a bit, as well, listening to the cops talk stories. Tactics, methodsthings like that.
Shel smiled at Wolfe again, her green eyes shining.
I have a question, Wolfe asked. Can Rhett bribe me to give him information on Emmetts case?
Shel nodded. Yeah, he can. As long as its reasonably connected to a case, he can pay an informanteven to get information he cant go after himself legally, like Emmetts notes. Why?
He offered me five-k to give him exactly that info.
Why not give it to him? Shel asked. I mean, we dont even know what it is, yet.
Emmett thinks the cops are dirty. Besides, we dont need them. We can solve it ourselves.
Do you think Rhett is dirty? Shel asked.
Wolfe sighed. No. But Ive been wrong about cops being good guys before, and I wont be shocked if he turns out to be a self-ish prick, as opposed to a self-righteous one.
Wolfe laughed at his own wordplay, mildly embarrassed when Shel didnt join in. He continued. Also, Rhett is a lieutenant in the Joliet police department, and most of this is happening in Noimoire according to the stuff I have managed to look at. The upside to helping him is very low.
Shel nodded slowly. Alright.
Wolfe had another thought. Plus, if we really are after Grimm family members, Im not sure I want Rhett knowing about me when we take them in. That could become a whole thing on its own.
Shel smiled at him. I already said alright. You have to quit arguing when you win. Thats the rules.
Wolfe snorted. We werent arguing. Just trying to come up with a plan together."
Of course. And whatever you decide, Ive got your back.
Wolfe felt a rush of warmth. Thank you.
They drove for a minute, Wolfe following the roads back to their house.
Hey, so, while you were talking to Rhett, my mom called me. She needs to leave town on business for a month. Can Lucy come live with us?
Wolfe pinched the bridge of his nose, then laughed quietly as he realized that was the same thing Rhett had done when talking to him. Yeah, sure, the squirt can come live with us. Im sure itll make Malviere happy to have someone to play with.
Besides our little apricot bundles of joy.
Yeah, besides them.
Shel nodded. They drove in silence for a moment, until Wolfe pulled into the driveway to their house.
Shel raised an eye at him and licked her lips. So, whats next for the evening, my hero?
Wolfe was fairly certain that she was offering him another tumble. He had to admit, he loved the fact that Shel was into him. A woman that truly cared for him was the most precious thing in the world.
But he wasnt twenty-two anymore, and they had things that were more important, unfortunately. He needed to make sure everything went right, as soon as possible. Lets go over my deck, see what I can add from that assassins deck. If the Grimm family really is involved, Ill need to be as prepared as possible. Then, well take a look at the files, see what were up against. And make a real plan. Today was a good day, and I know it matters to your future that we go to these things. But tomorrow, we huntand we need to be prepared.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twelve: Hellmouth Deck
Wolfe had his deck out as they sat at the kitchen table in his house. The new cards he had gotten from the would-be assassinwhose name had turned out to be Harvey, which made Wolfe laughwere spread out on the table as well.
Malviere was playing with his two cavapoos, and Cereboo lounged at Wolfes feet.
He had written down his own deck, and stared at the list. It was fifteen cardshe had gotten almost all his cards through the first couple weeks after Drop Night, nine months ago, but he had been trading through the internet and a few auction sites since then.
The biggest change had been when he discovered how utterly cheap the angry Hellhounds were. They had been ubiquitous to last season, ten years ago, but almost no one ran Infernal and Beast combination decks, and those that did didnt want the Angry Hellhounds, which were widely regarded as F tier, Never Use, or something similar, depending on which forums lingo you were using.
Despite the normal minimum of around fifty thousand per card, in the frenzy of buying and selling after the latest drop night, the price of most of them had dropped to around twenty-five thousand, and Wolfe had snatched up a ton of them. He had sold most of the spare cards he didnt need, as well as most of his share from the Frozen Tomb dungeon. He now had four Tier-3 Angry Hellhounds.
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-Three Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 13
Attack: 8
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 5 (bonus)
Magical Defense: 5
Special: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack of either Fire or Infernal typing on the same target.
Special: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point its needs to reform on many an occasion.
The Angry Hellhounds specialty seemed to be gaining unusually good tier up bonuses and making multiple attacksplus benefitting from other canines. Additionally, it was both Infernal and Canine, which meant every bonus Wolfe had would pretty much stack into it.
His deck also contained Cereboo and Infernal Rift, his two gate to hell set cards, Malviere and Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds, which were his two cards that had been upgraded by his Infernal Rift card. He had also had two Rescue pups that had been converted to Lost Hellhound Puppies, two Pack Howls to give large static boosts to his canine cards, his mantle, his Fireborn Hellhound, and now Brimstonehis new gun.
He pulled his stats up.
Ethan Madison Wolfe Status:
Level 19 Mortal
Deckbearer Perks:
Deckbearer Perk 1: In the Thick of it: +50% to all numerical benefits gained from mantles
Deckbearer Perk 2: Mans Best Friends Best Friend: Gain 1 Beast Power. May have one extra card in play so long as its a Beast(Canine or Hybrid Canine).
Deckbearer Flaw: Fallen: May not gain Divine Power, nor use Divine cards unless they are also Infernal or Corrupted.
Deckbearer Stats:
Cards in Deck: 15 (1 pip)
Cards in Hand: 4 (1 pip)
Cards in Play: 3 (1 pip)
Length of Play: 5 minutes
Specialty Cards: Companion: 1
Minion: 1 (1 pip)
Total Power: (upgraded 5 times): 8 -1 (Infernal Rift) = 7. (Total pips 15)
Type 1 and Power: 4 Infernal (5 -1(Infernal Rift))
Type 2 and Power: 2 Beast
Energy 1 and Power: 1 Fire
Personal Perks:
Inborn Perk 1: Vicious Killer: +25% to all Attack and Defense, check twice for attack modifier and take the best
Inborn Perk 2: Tough as Nails: +10 Health
Acquired Perk 1: Crafty Street Fighter: +3 Attack and Defense
Personal Stats:
Health: 30/30
Attack: 10
Magical Attack [None]: 0
Defense: 10
Magical Defense [None]: 5
Then Wolfe spread the other ten cards he had. One was the Rescue Pup that he had replaced to put Brimstone in. The other nine were the remains of Harveys deck.
Compared to most decks that Wolfe got, this deck was incredibly odd. It had a ton of stuff that wasnt immediately usefulWolfe honestly wondered if Brimstone was the only thing that was useful that Harvey had pulled in his first card draw.
The first card was the Fallen Assassin mantle, which gave attack stats against MortalsWolfe was incredibly glad Harvey hadnt gotten that on before fighting him. Not useful to Wolfehe already did far more than enough damage to kill most actual mortals in a single hit, and usually went after Infernal deckbearers.
Second were two copies of Infernal Creaturesthe Imp and an Infernal Leech, a creature card that functioned almost like a damage over time persistent, but had to do at least one damage in a combat round to start it. There were two copies of Pile On, a neutral card that allowed an extra creature summon when an opponents creature was killed.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
But the other four cards Wolfe stared. They were legitimately bizarre.
One was a card called Infernal Nobility. It was an enhancer card.
Infernal Nobility
Rare Tier-1 Infernal Enhancer
0 Power cost
Enhancer: Null card. May not be directly used in the Great Game
Special: +1 attack, +.5 Defense, +.5 to all Infernal cards attack, +.5 Infernal Power, and +2% total lifespan per Infernal Nobility in deck.
Special: Every four Infernal transformations in the deck will give the user an Infernal feature, which may add stats.
The Infernal Realms sometimes grant their power to their favorites.
Wow, Shel commented, reading the card upside down. Thats powerful.
Maybe, Wolfe said, skeptically. To get any real power from it I would need to have at least two in my deck, and that would take out two cards out I could use. Not to mention spend three leveling pips to have the two enhancer cards. Not sure its worth it.
What if your deck was only twenty of those cards, no power cards at all? Shel said, staring far away. Like Alexander the Colossus.
Wolfe nodded. If he had spent on cards only, and gotten a bunch of those, he would have another thirty or so years of life and he would fight as an absolute beast himself.
Yeah, we cant even begin to afford a bunch of rare enhancers. They go for millions of dollars, plural, each. I could start a small crime empire of my own just by selling this one.
Shel laughed, and they turned their attention back to the cards.
The next two were new minion cards called Junk Tinkerer Orphan.
Junk Tinkerer Orphan
Uncommon, no-tier Mortal/Golem minion[orphan]
0 Power
Health: 6
Attack: N/A
Defense: 6
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Will fetch normal objects and such with a decent degree of precision and help carry up to fifteen pounds.
Special: If kept alive for five straight years, will turn into a rare, Mortal/Golem, 2 power, tier-4, equivalent creature card called Urban Outfitter. Will also produce a uncommon 1 power equipment card and a single uncommon 1 power Golem creature card. If ever killed, the timer resets.
This young boy was born on the streets and raised by them. But he had a natural affinity for tech, and even without formal training, is a dab hand at equipping the gangs and struggling businesses around him.
Wow, a golem orphan. Im impressed.
Wolfe nodded. Pretty weak for what it is, though. I mean, it basically converts to a tier-4 card, which is nice, but hardly worth writing home about.
Maybe Rhett would want it? Shel asked.
We can just sell them, you know, Wolfe said, irritably. Or grow them to sell off the equipment pack cards.
He stared at the last card.
Orphanage of the Lost
Uncommon Tier-1 Mortal Building
No cost
Building: Null card. May not be directly used in the Great Game
Special: Creates a run-down orphanage of 12,000 square feet. It may utilize power and water if hooked to an appropriate grid, and will generate food for up to 50 inhabitants, of poor quality, ever day. Any deckbearer inside gains 2 Mortal Power.
Special: All orphan cards age at 3x the rate
Well, looks like we finally found a card for you, Wolfe said to Shel. A sad orphanage. Itll give you a lot of power, though, especially if people try and come for you inside the building.
She was staring at it, not speaking. After a moment, she glanced up. Wolfe I know youre gonna say Im being a martyr, but I want to propose something.
Shel, I cant use the cardand I dont think we should just sell it to buy me better stuff.
Actually, I think you can use the card. Your Infernal Rift can still convert one building card, remember? You could make it an Infernal orphanage of some sort. Itll be a free specialty card for you because of the way the Infernal Rift works.
Wolfe laughed out loud. Are you serious, Shel?
She nodded. The cards get slightly more powerful each time theyre upgraded. And the Infernal Rift takes a permanent Infernal power from youshouldnt you get its full benefit? Besides, itll almost certainly make Malviere grow far more quickly. Shell be an amazing card when shes grown
Wolfe hesitated, but he had to admither mentioning that the Infernal Rift could modify the card intrigued him.
He thought about it for a moment. Are we sure we want to do the orphanage? If I modify this, Infernal Rift cant modify any other building cards. Cerberus Wayward Pound, the little Lost Hellhound Puppies, Malviere, and this orphanage will be the modified cards forever. I mean, I could get a dark temple or something instead, power everything up.
Shel hesitated, her lips pulled to the side. She played with her hair as she thought.
Everyone says the orphan cards are a huge dealalthough I havent heard of anyone managing to grow one yet. I think that leaning into our Seasons cardsand what will almost certainly be numerous other seasons, since the cycle of the Lost and Lonely will probably continue for a whilewill be a huge benefit to us, long term. I think you should do it.
Shel smiled again. We can try and find me an angelic orphanage or something.
Wolf laughed at that. Alright, Ill do it. What card should I pull out, though? Its a pretty synergistic deck at the moment.
Shel considered. Id take either one Lost Hellhound or one Angry Hellhound out. Youve got a total of seven hellhounds still in your deck, and you pull a quarter of your deck every time you swipe. You can afford to not have it.
It lined up with Wolfes still organizing thoughts. Thanks, I agree youve been getting more confident, you didnt used to suggest much about my deck, before.
Shel blushed. Im sorry, I didnt mean
Wolfe held his finger to her lips. Hey, slow your roll. I wasnt upset. Just commenting. I like you suggesting thingsI wouldnt have thought to put the orphanage in my own deck.
Shel smiled. Okay, well, dont keep a lady in suspense. Lets see what happens.
Wolfe placed his hands over his chest, his old scar itching, and felt his power. Dark and eternally hungry, somehow.
He pushed his hand out, and his cards came into existence. Two of his Tier-3 Angry Hellhounds came up, and he touched the Orphanage of the Lost and willed it into his deck.
The Hellhound popped out, and the orphanage went in. Immediately, he had the same sense as beforeoptions appeared in his mind but were immediately picked as he had only one qualifying card. The Orphanage of the Lost warped and turned into
Hellmouth Institute
Unique, rare equivalent Tier-2 equivalent Infernal Building
No cost
Building: Null card. May not be directly used in the Great Game
Special: Creates an ostentatious orphanage of 24,000 square feet. It may utilize power and water if hooked to an appropriate grid, and will generate food for up to 100 inhabitants, of excellent quality, every day. Minor magic within the orphanage makes the entire place far easier to live with. Any Infernal deckbearer inside gains 2 Infernal Power.
Special: Any additional Infernal Buildings gained will add bonus benefits to orphan or transformed orphan cards.
Special: All orphan cards age at 3x the rate, unless they are Infernal or would become Infernal without the aid of this building, in which case they age at 5x the rate.
Special: Every orphan card that transforms that is Infernal or would become Infernal without the aid of this building gains 1 tier of equivalent power as a permanent modifier.
Special: Every Mortal orphan card that transforms becomes Infernal and is modified accordingly, but gains no total increase to power.
Alright, I can see the next stage in the evolution of my deck, Wolfe said. Or at least one possibility. And thats to get more buildings.
Buildings cards are extremely rare and extremely expensive, Shel warned.
Wolfe nodded, but his mind was alight with ideas.
Speaking of expensive, Shel said, holding her phone up. I checked the prices. If we sell everything we got from Harvey except Brimstone, the Hellmouth Institute, and the Infernal Nobility card, we can afford to get a single copy of either a No Kill Pound, or a Gehennan Kennel Master for your deck.
Wolfe hesitated. They had looked at both of those as significant ways to increase the power of his deck but he felt like he was leaving Shel out.
Look just humor me, okay? Please get something for your deck, instead. Or save the money in case we need it. I know this was my kill, but I feel like weve been really neglecting your deck growth. My alliesmy packis my power too, if youre just worried about me.
Shel hesitated. I was saving to try and get one of the other three of Raphaels companion angels. Although I can only even find mention of one of themAliel is owned by a coder named Sapphire Duvall in Noimoire that got a Divine deck in the last drop. I think he might be willing to sell, though. If youre serious, Ill add that to the fund although, at this point, itll basically be the fund, near enough.
Wolfe nodded. Alright. Do that.
He turned his eyes to the back room, where the boxes he had taken from Emmetts office were. Alright, lets figure out whats going on with the damn trafficking case, and see if we can start hunting Damian. I really want to be able to put my new twenty-four thousand square foot ostentatious home somewhere, but Id rather not call attention to us before we smoke him.
Chapter Thirteen: Planning
Wolfe and Shel sat on the bed in their shared bedroom, the sites box from Emmetts office open off to the side, and most of the files spread around them.
So these are the places where they make the transfers, then? Shel asked, holding up ten files.
Wolfe nodded. Yup. Six in Noimoire proper, one in Joliet, at the train tracks, and three more in other cities near Noimoire. If Emmetts files are anything close to accurate, half the gangs in Noimoire are involved in whatever is going onand its gotten far more comprehensive over the last year or so.
So, you just have to wait for them to come back to the trainyard for an exchange? Shel asked.
Wolfe shook his head. It wont work like that. Now that the trainyard is compromised, theyll move on to another site. Id also bet they pull back from the other outer sites, although Im less sure about that. If I want to go after them, Ill have to go back to Noimoire itself, most likely.
Shel hesitated, and for a moment, Wolfe thought his girlfriend would counsel caution, but her gaze hardened and she nodded. I understandand this is important. Its obvious a lot of people are having terrible things happen to them, and you should save them.
Wolfe shook his head slightly, smiling. You should save them, Shel. My job is to put the ones who are doing this behind bars or six feet under.
I will save them, Shel said. When you go next time, I should join you. Together, well be far more powerful than we would be alone.
Wolfe laughed. Far more powerful than we would be alone, huh? You sound like a Saturday morning cartoon, but I get what youre saying.
Shel smiled. Hey, you dont have a complete monopoly on cheesy lines.
Oof, right in the gut, Wolfe said, miming taking a bullet, and Shel chuckled.
A sobering thought crossed Wolfes mind as he thought back to Rhetts words. Rhett mentioned that you could lose your career, helping me. This whole situation could easily go southit could be dangerous, but it could also end up illegal. You shouldnt kill your career before its even started. Just let me handle it.
You think itll be bad?
A good way to figure out how much a situation will go south is to figure out how many people stand to lose what if you butt your head in, Wolfe said. In this case, were talking with massive amounts of coordinated, RICO-level human trafficking, with what looks like half the Noimoire underground involved.
Shel twisted her finger in her hair and bit her lip.
But then her face firmed, and Shel shook her head. Im not leaving, and Im not stepping back. You always try and sacrifice yourself for me, Wolfe, and I really like that about you. But were partners. Im going to be there for you, no matter what. My career as a police officer, especially being one of the elite card police, showing my stupid father and mother that Im worth something well, I really want it. But youre the most important thing to me. Stop trying to send me away, okay? Please?
Wolfe smiled again. Shels support over the day had been truly welcome. Ill quit trying to send you away. Promise.
Shel smiled. So, just check out the sites, then?
Something about the whole thing was nagging at Wolfe. Shel, has it occurred to you that weve never heard about any of this?
Shel frowned. What do you mean?
Well, the news Wolfe took a moment to gather his thoughts. Let me start again. Every time the precious, cute little daughter of some rich executive or movie star or something disappears, its national news for months, right?
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Shel nodded.
Wolfe continued. But weve never heard about any of these people, and apparently, this has been going on for years and years, according to these files.
Okay.
So, the victims arent attracting any attention. Do you know why? Do we know who the victims are?
I mean, not exactly. But Rhett told me they were all criminalspetty ones. Street thugs fresh out of failing high school, young whores, street-level pushers that got in because their uncle said they could make fast moneythings like that. People like Kevin, or, well, me, once upon a time.
Wolfe nodded slowly. Yeah thats what I thought. Theyre the people who, if they disappear, everyone will just assume they died in a way everyone expectsdrug overdose, strangled by a pimp, something like that.
Shel frowned. It still seems like someone should be saying something what are you thinking?
I think its time to return to Noimoire properand to talk to the people that know whats happening there.
Shel smiled and motioned to the darkness outside the window. Its lateI assume you mean tomorrow?
Bright and early, we go see the few remaining people that liked us.
***
Wolfe stared at the Morning After Inn from next to his car, which he had parked in the back most parking spaces, to give him a tiny bit more time before someone noticed him. He had been here quite often, usually to help its owner, Melissa, with something or other, since she had done the Grimm family quite a few solids back in the day.
But he had few fond memories of the place, even if he didnt hate it. Its purpose was as cheap as its fa?ade, which was saying something. The Morning After Inn was three stories of sleazy rooms packed into a long, thin building. The whole thing was off-white, old, cracked, and covered in dirt. A beat-up sign hanging in the front window declared, Rooms rented by the hour, available now!
I get that now, Shel said, her lips pulling up on one side. Is that a good thing, or a sign of how far Ive fallen?
A little of column A, a little of Column B, Wolfe said, waggling his hand.
Shel chuckled, but Wolfe didnt react after that, beyond tapping his foot.
You okay? Shel asked. You seem nervous.
This is pretty much the declaration of war, going in here. Someone is going to see me, and eventuallyand Im thinking two days maxits gonna make its way back to Damian. This is the end of the peaceful vacation.
Shel nodded, her finger twisting in her hair but her eyes forward and intense. Yeah. Worth it, though. Some people need to be taken off the street.
Wolfe nodded, braced his shoulders, and walked toward the Inn. He took a few steps around his car and toward the building when another car pulled into the parking lota fancy red sportscar with a license plate that read LeftOne.
He stopped dead in his tracks and threw his arm out as Shel walked up beside him. She hit the arm and looked at him questioningly.
Thats Markos car! Wolfe said, taking his arm and pointing. The asshole must not have changed his license plate even though it should now read Onlyone.
Shel let out a single gasp-snort, but she moved backward, and Wolfe followed. He rushed back behind his car and knelt. The driver and passenger side door both opened, and two men came out as if they had practiced synchronized car exiting. The passenger side revealed a man of middling height and weight, but the drivers side revealed a man that looked like a Viking had taken a really unfortunate liking to a wolf somewhere in his wood pile. He was almost six-two, with black, shaggy hair that hung loose and a physique that screamed work-out junky.
He was also wearing a wife-beater that screamed class, Wolfe thought to himself with a half-snort reminiscent of Shels.
Marko added to his general dark vibe by pulling a Smith and Wesson 3566 model and racking it, like a bad B-movie villain. Then he walked into the Morning After Inn, his mook following him.
Fuck, Wolfe growled out. I still dont have my Edge!
Shel raised her eyebrow. What are you planning on doing?
Nothing, unless I full on pull my deck. That freaking hand-cannon could blow a hole in a car. I could really have used a gun, here. Especially since its Marko and I murdered his brother.
Shel pointed toward the passenger side of the car. Well I have a gun, actually.
What? Wolfe asked, blinking hard.
Shel quirked her mouth. They gave me a permit to carry a gun for purposes of training and going to the gun rangeI have a Glock 17 in the glove compartment.
Wont you get in trouble if I use that? Wolfe asked, but he was already moving toward the side of the car.
I dont think so. I mean, I was transporting it correctly I think, Shel said. No one has to say I allowed you to use it.
She didnt sound particularly confident, but Wolfe decided to risk it. Marco was a violent thug with almost no sense or restraint, and if he was here, there was almost certainly going to be problems of one sort or another.
He reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a small, locked gun case that had been wedged into it. Shel passed him the key, and he unlocked the case quickly, his eyes on the doors to the Morning After Inn ahead of him the whole time.
He got the gun outthe same type Emmett had given him back at the trainyardand quickly loaded it.
He stood, feeling better with a gun in his waistband.
But before he could do anything, a gunshot sounded from inside the Inn.
Chapter Fourteen: Old Acquaintances
Wolfe leapt out from behind the car door, slamming it closed, and ran toward the front door of the inn. The slap of shoes on pavement told Wolfe that Shel was keeping pace with him as he ran.
Dont draw your deck until Ive gotten surprise, Wolfe said. Gun still beats idiot thug.
Okay, Shel said, her breathing easy as they hit the wall just outside the door.
Wolfe glanced in through the window in the front. Melissa was down on the ground, holding her knee, and blood seeped around her fingers. She was crying, and breathing raggedly.
Marco was standing to the side of the door, half-facing it, with his pistol trained on Melissa. His partner was facing Melissa with his back to the door. The second thug had a pistol as well, but it was held loosely and pointed at the ground.
This is a clear case of defense of others, right? Wolfe asked Shel. I can kill them legally?
Shels eyes widened, but she nodded.
Wolfe smiled a sharks smile. About damn time.
Wolfe touched his chest at the same time as he shouldered his way into the Inn, drawing his deck with his gun pointed out in his other hand.
I need one of them.
Wolfe fired a couple times at Marco, hitting him once in the side, but Marco was nearly as good an instinctual fighter as Wolfe. He managed to get one badly aimed shot off as he dived behind the counter, trailing blood. He scrambled across the floor and dragged Melissa, who screamed, with him.
But Marco wasnt a tactical fighter, and he had done essentially what Wolfe wanted, after just dying. Wolfe slammed his gun into the head of the random thug, who hadnt managed to turn around yet. Wolfe knocked him sideways and to the ground. Surprisingly, it didnt take him out completely, and Wolfe fired again at the counter to keep Marcos head down.
Then Wolfe kicked the mook in the same place he had hit him, and that put the guy to sleep.
From down the hall Wolfe heard shouts and screams. Yeah, everyone was going to know I was here.
His deck manifested. It showed Cereboo, his companion card, and four otherstwo of his Tier-3 Angry Hellhounds, a Lost Hellhound Pup, and Brimstone.
Enemy deckbearer Marco has pulled his deck.
Allied deckbearer Rachel Lyons has pulled her deck.
Marcos voice came floating up from behind the counter. I cant fight both you and your stupid cunt, Wolfe, but if you dont drop your damn gun right now Im gonna blow this bitchs head all over the floormaybe she can sell the new hole to some prick. And if I so much as smell a summoned creature from either of you Im gonna waste her as well.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Marcos mouth had always been foul even by the standards of the thugs that Wolfe ran with, and it made him sound like an idiot.
But his eyes fell on his cards.
He tossed his gun to the floor so that it slid across the ground toward the counter, where Marco could see it. Shels eyes opened wide, But Wolfe calmly reached out and touched a card.
An angry Hellhoundone of Marcoscame around the corner, and at the same time Marco stood up, his gun out, blood seeping from his existing wound.
You dumb he managed to get out.
Wolfe shot him in the face with Brimstone, and Marcos head exploded across the back wall.
Melissa screamed from behind the counter.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Why do women do that?
The Angry Hellhound faded away, and Marco fell back to the ground.
Wolfe made a level, which surprised him. Marco had been a deckbearer for almost eleven years, but still. When did Marco make a high enough level to give me more than a hundred percent experience?
Wolfe pushed the thoughts aside. Shel, make sure the guy with the concussion is alive, please, and heal him.
My EMTs can only heal deckbearers, Shel said.
Right, Wolfe muttered, feeling dumb. Well, please take care of him as best you can then. Didnt you take some basic lifesaving courses as part of becoming a cop?
Very basic, Shel replied, but she bent down and started to touch the guys head.
Wolfe walked behind the front counter.
If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Melissa appeared as she always did, only wounded and terrified. Pink chemise with white bra straps showing, and she was forty and usually looked it. At the moment, with blood oozing from her wrecked knee and tears streaking her face, she currently looked closer to fifty.
Wolfe crouched down beside her. What happened?
Wolfe, I thought you were dead!
Rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated. But what happened, Melissa? Or why?
Melissa was holding her leg below the knee. Please, Wolfe, help me. This hurts so much!
Wolfe picked up the deck and flipped through the cards, of which there were twenty. Marco had possessed a couple Angry Hellhounds and, to Wolfes delight and surprise, a rare Gehennan Kennel Master, as well as a couple weaker enhancement cards. Nothing else would work for his deck and would likely just be sold, for one reason or another. Most werent compatible, but one rare card called Aesthmas Wrath was a named card that made a single Infernal creature far more powerfulbut Wolfe didnt want another named infernal lord other than Cerberus in his deck.
Whatre you doing? Melissa asked. Please, Wolfe!
Wolfe ignored her for a moment. He pocketed the rare or useful cards, picking the weakest nine and the solid mantle card.
Then he held them out to Melissa. If you want to become a mixed Infernal and Beast deckbearer, Melissa, I can give you thesebut you owe me a half-million, clear? I like you, but you did choose this life, and I dont half-a-million like you, get me? If you become a deckbearer, Shel can heal you.
Those are worth a half-million? Melissa asked, gripping her leg near the wound.
More, actually, because I left an advanced mantle in. But I gave you a bit of a discountclose to a hundred thousand dollars.
Wow. Thanks, hon, Melissa said, a bit of a non-sequitur to the situation. Although she was still breathing raggedly.
Figure it out fast, though, Wolfe said. Ive got shit to doand I need to ask you some questions.
I didnt really want to be a deckbearer, Melissa said, sniffling. In this life, it makes you a target someone is gonna come gunning for me.
Wolfe waited.
She glanced at her leg. How bad is it?
Wolfe looked. He wasnt an expert, but hed seen a few knee-cappings in his time. Im pretty sure that the knee is completely destroyed, and youll never walk again without magic or intensive reconstructive surgery. But you could pay for a card with more powerful healing than mine, if you want to waitand explain why you got shot.
Melissa sighed and held her hand out. Alright, give me the cards. Youll get your money. I have more than enough.
Wolfe gave her the cards, and she took all ten. What now?
Shel quietly walked up behind them, five golden cards floating in front of her.
Just will them into you, I think. Aside from needing to touch your chest to pull the cards, which is true for very nearly every deckbearer out there, everything Ive experienced so far, from directing my creatures at targets to pulling up my status sheet, merely requires me to will it.
Melissa scrunched her nose, and the cards disappeared. A look of wonder briefly replaced the pain written all across her face.
Shel immediately touched one of her cards, and a nervous looking woman in her late teens appeared, dressed in a blue jumpsuit with a white plus sign on it.
Golden light washed across Melissas knee, and her face lost its pinched, pained look and her eyes went wide. God thats good.
Wolfe watched the bones briefly fuse backpartiallyand the flesh heal somewhat.
He waited as Shel did it twice more. By the time she was done, Melissa was able to crawl to her knees and then her feet.
Thank you, Melissa said, hugging him. Seriously, Wolfe, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Wolfe stiffened slightly but didnt pull back, nodding as he said, Just make sure I get paidI already discounted you.
Melissa gave him another squeeze. Of course.
Wolfe disentangled himself from her. Im not really the hugging type, Melissa. If you really want to thank me, you can answer some questions for me.
She nodded.
Lets start withwhy the hell was Marco here, anyway? And shooting you?
Melissa rubbed her knee, even though it appeared to be totally healed. Hon do you do body disappearing anymore?
Wolfe shook his head. No.
I promise Ill answer your questions, Wolfe. But let me take care of some stuff, okay?
Wolfe sighed, aggravated. But he had to admit that dead body and massive blood stains were a pressing issue.
Melissa pulled her cell phone out from a drawer and called someone. Mr. Singh? Melissa here. Ive got a dead body and a ton of blood in my downstairs lobby. She paused. Its Marco, from the Grimm family.
Wolfe met Shels wide eyes with his own at the confirmation that the Grimm family was still operatingand that Marco had somehow joined it. Damian, that little bastard, must have finished unifying the families. Im not surprised by the basics, but Im surprised he managed to get Marco on board when his schemingor failure to scheme well enoughgot Marcos brother Ramius killed by me.
Melissa was still talking. No, Im fine. Pause. I dont think I can say who killed Marco. Another pause, in which she met Wolfes eyes. It would be bad for everyone. Yeah, Ill be here.
Melissa hung up. Okay, hon, what was the question? Also, how are you still alive? Where have you been?
Wolfe shook his head. As to how Im alive, Ill talk about it later, over a shot of whisky at some bar someday. As to my questions, first, why did Marco shoot you?
She grimaced. I wouldnt tell him where Cherry and Delilah were.
With a name like Cherry Two of the working girls?
She nodded. Yeah. The cops, under this new Chief of Police Charleston, have been cracking down like crazy. They grab every freakin working girl they see and send them to jail. Every minor drug pusher, too. Most are only there for a small amount of time, but no one wants to go to jail and get a rap. Anyway, Ive been letting a lot of them live hereor at least work here, with assigned roomsand the Singh family has been sending the Johns here directly.
A face, thin and feminine with long brown hair and dull brown eyes, poked out from the hall. Mel? Is everything okay?
Then the girl took in the body. By the Divine! What happened? Oh god, are we going to be okay?
Melissa grimaced. Yeah. Were fine, Pearl. They came to get Cherry and Delilah, and Marco became violent, but Wolfe here handled the situation.
Wolfe? The guy that killed all those Cobras and then died?
Melissa smiled. Well, didnt die, apparently. But Marco, at least, wont be bothering us.
Wolfe held his hands up. Wait. Wait wait wait. Why the heck would Marco be coming for these girls? Nothing you said explains that.
Melissa shrugged, and then reached into a drawer behind the counter with shaking hands, removing a pack of cigarettes. I dont know. But the last time he came for some girls, a month ago, only one was ever foundand she was rescued by some guy at that trafficking incident in Joliet. You know, the one in the train yard? It made the news.
Wolfe met Shels eyeshe could tell she knew as well. They had been suspicious, but this was nearly absolute confirmation that Damian, that scumbag, was involved in the human trafficking.
Demon Card Enforcer Book 2: Chapter Fifteen: Old Habits
15: The History of the Great Game, Part III, by Chris Zinn: Deckbearers are usually chosen by one of the deities of their faction, and so you would suppose they are fairly similar people. But that ignores the deep differences on the question of the individual gods preferences on specific issues. All Nature, Beast, and Plant deities seem to prefer environmentalism, but beyond that, their preferences vary wildly. Garuda, known by other names such as The Great Eagle, is very pro-monogamy, while Vers, the Pack God, is pro-polygamy, even though both are part of the Beast faction. Cheating is a deadly sin to one, and a point of pride to another.
Division within factions isnt even the weirdest part. Sometimes factions you would think diametrically opposed to one another, such as the Divine and Infernal, come out on the same side of issues as well. While no one knows the opinion of any faction leaders on any specific war, the opinions of certain gods on war in general is well known. Recently, a peace march calling for an end to the war in Greater Chernigov that included the followers of the Archangle Raphael and the Infernal Lord Asmodeus turned violent when followers of Aesthma, the Infernal Lord of Wrath were joined by followers of Gabriel, Archangel of Death in trying to break it up.
***
There was a brief moment of silence in which Wolfe, Shel, and Pearl just glanced around at the room. Melissa carefully lit her cigaretteshe needed more than one tryand puffed. Wolfe felt a brief, almost overwhelming desire to ask for one, but pushed it down after a furtive glance at Shel.
There was blood and brain on the wall, blood on the cheap carpet where Melissa had been shot and leaking from the mooks mouth as well, and bullet holes all through the structure. A window behind Wolfe had a hole in it with a spiderweb crack radiating out from it.
The brief combat had really accentuated the awfulness of the placethe rooms rented by the hour signs and all the pictures of half-naked women were terrible if you really thought about it, but splattering everything with blood made the horror immediate and shocking.
The Singh enforcers have their work cut out for them.
Pearl looked green, and gagged once before gathering herself. Do you think May is going to be okay?
I dont know, Melissa said. Im sorry, I havent heard anything.
Pearl came up to Wolfe, licking her lips and looking up at him. Wolfe?
He tried to hold in his sighhe just knew that someone else was going to ask something of him. Yeah? What did you want?
Umm if youre looking for missing girls, can you, maybe, um, keep an eye out for my friend Maybelle?
Where is she? Shel asked. Did she go missing?
Pearl nodded. Yeah. The cops took her to jail on a soliciting charge a month ago, and she hasnt come back yet.
She got thirty days for soliciting? Wolfe asked, surprised. Was this a repeat offense?
Pearl shook her head. No, first time. She was barely eighteen, fresh in from Northridge. But she didnt get a conviction. They didnt take her to court, Ive been checking every day.
Thats illegal, Shel said. They have to take her to court within forty-eight hours or let her go, unless a weekend or holiday interferes, and then they can have ninety-six hours. No more.
She aint been to court, Pearl said, frowning. I know that for sure.
If we hear something, Ill let you know, Wolfe said.
Well make sure we find out, though, Shel said. I promise, well find out what happened to Maybelle, and save her if we can.
Wolfe half growled, but left it. He had literally told Shel that it was her job to save people, and his to take down evilhe could hardly complain that she was following his rules.
Still, whether they saved some whore or not, they needed more information. Wolfe felt like he had ninety percent of the puzzle, and just needed that last ten percent.
His eyes fell on the guy on the ground. He might know somethingbut I cant just kill him.
Shel, please bring the car up. Im going to grab the mookwe need to question him, find out what the hell theyre doing, exactly. More importantly, how theyre getting away with it all.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Shel glanced back at Pearl. What is Maybelles last name?
Fontain.
Shel nodded to Pearl and then took one last gander at the Morning After Inn. She glanced at the blood on the wall, the blood on the ground, the bullet holes in the wall. Are they going to be able to clean this up?
Wolfe snorted to hear his thoughts mirrored. We can discuss the odds of their cleaning crew when were on the move with the mook here.
Shel rolled her eyes but gave Wolfe a nod, heading out the front door to the parking lot.
Wolfe turned to Melissa. You have a scarf or anything around here? Or a towel I could have?
"Why? Melissa asked, but she reached into a different drawer behind the counter and pulled out a thick, pink woolen scarf.
Because Im pretty sure that Shel wont let me kill some thug that surrendered, and I dont want him knowing who I am. Itll fix the knowing who I am problem.
Wolfe took the scarf and put it around the head of the mook he had knocked out earlierit was ridiculous looking, but it did the job.
The action caused the mook to stir and cry out slightly as Wolfe jostled his shattered jaw, however. Whaow!appened?
Shut up, Wolfe said. You fucked around, now you found out, with a bonus dose of kicked so hard you forgot the five minutes before I made your dentist rich.
Wha I evah do you? o ah u? the thug asked.
Wolfe knew he was being a jackass, but the thugs idiot speech made him want to laugh.
Wolfe very lightly slapped the back of the mooks head. I said, shut up. In case you cant tell by the blindfold, the less you know, the better your chances of living are. The more I find out from you, also the better your chances. Even a dumb fuck like you ought to be able to process this.
The thug must have been able to, because he shut up.
A second later, Shel pulled their Suburu up onto the sidewalk of the Morning After Inn and got out, opening the side door. Wolfe grabbed the mook by his upper armcuffed behind his backand stood him. The mook was wobbly, but Wolfe managed to get him to the door.
Hey, um thanks! Pearl called. Please dont forget to find Maybelle!
Wolfe turned around, and Melissa nodded.
Yeah, Wolfe said, glancing around one more time at the absolute mess that the front room was. Well do our best. Dont forget my money.
I wont, Melissa said.
Get in the car, you, Wolfe said, pushing the blindfolded man toward the back of the Suburu. The guy managed to carefully inch in, crying out softly once when his face hit the back cushion.
Wolfe took the moment to go back and get Shels pistol, and then, as an afterthought, took the gun Marco dropped when his head exploded, and the one that his mookWolfe still didnt know the guys namehad dropped as well.
Both pistols were the heavy, powerful mark nineteen desert eagle forty-fours, with eight shot capacity. Wolfe was unimpressedthe gun was extremely powerful, but felt more like the kind of gun Marco would usepowerful and showy, but it would run out quickly. He assumed that the mook had just copied his boss, but didnt know.
Wolfe missed his Edge.
He took the guns, walked back to the car, and got in the front driver side. Shel took the passenger side. Wolfe put both guns in the glove compartment
You know you Shel began.
Wolfe waved his hands and silently mouthed, be quiet. The he looked her in the eye and said, I know.
Shel smiled, a tremulous thing that quickly faded, but she nodded. Where are you taking him? You can hardly use the warehouse for this one.
I had an amusing thought about that.
***
It wasnt even noon yet, and Wolfe stood, in full daylight, in the trainyard. Even during the day it was semi-secluded, and so long as Wolfe didnt actually fire a gun, he was pretty sure no random passerby would see himand he suspected the Grimm family, and whatever organization they were selling to, had abandoned the site.
Wolfe touched the back of the mooks head with the pistol he had looted from Marco. He had already emptied the gun of bullets, and shown Shel.
Everything they were doing was illegal, but if the guy lived and walked, Wolfe strongly suspected no one would ever find out, and Shels career would be fine.
And morally speaking, Wolfe was pretty sure the guy deserved a lot more than a broken jaw and a solid scare, which was all he would get for being part of shooting someone and a ton of kidnappings and trafficking.
us ell e wha u wan ow the guy said, quickly. Blood had drooled from his mouth down his shirt.
Man, listening to this guy try and talk is gonna be a huge pain. Although probably not as much a pain as talking is for this dumb mook.
Listen, and answer simply, to save us both the pain of you trying to talk. In fact, just nod yes or no. Got it?
The mook nodded.
Do you know how they pick which victims to kidnap?
The mook shook his head no.
Do you know how the victims are physically being picked up?
The mook nodded.
Explain out loud, Wolfe said.
On eease um ail, The man sputtered out.
On release from jail? Shel asked. Like, theyre being picked up right when jail releases them?
The thug nodded again.
Who tells you when they are being released?
The man shrugged.
Wolfe frowned. He couldnt tell if the mook was lying, but it all seemed consistent to what he knew. The Grimm family hadnt told all the street level enforcers how the plans were made, or who the sources of information were. They had told them to go guard a pickup at this time on this day. The same principal applied here.
How did Cherry and the other girl not get picked up then? Wolfe asked.
aic, the man said.
What?
affic, the man said, struggling to sound out the word.
Traffic? You guys were late? Wolfe asked.
The man nodded.
Wolfe almost laughed. It was surprising how often something simple fucked up a good crime. It was rarely a treacherous insider spilling the beans or somethingit was usually some dumbass that drove twenty miles over the speed limit with a hundred thousand dollars of drugs in a car with six outstanding speeding tickets, got pulled over and got his car impounded, and all of a sudden hes looking at ten years if he stays quiet and two if he talks.
This felt similar to Wolfe. He still wasnt sure of the truth, but it all felt right to him, consistent with his twenty years of experience.
It still didnt answer the question of how they were picking who to make victims. Wolfe didnt have the last ten percent.
But talkative here had given him another string to pull at.
And Pearl had wanted him to check on Maybelle at the jail.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Sixteen: Some Time in Jail
The Noimoire jail was huge. It wasnt a part of the prison, which was even biggerjust the jail, where people awaiting trial and the people serving short sentences for baby crimes stayed. It occupied a massive block it would take minutes to drive around.
I still cant believe you took that guys pants, Shel said, trying not to start laughing again.
Wolfe didnt try, chuckling. Best chance to get him legitimately arrested, and if he doesnt want to get arrested for having his dong out, hes gonna need to be mighty stealthywhich means longer before people find out about Marco.
Did you check his cards? Shel asked as Wolfe pulled into the massive parking lot in front of the jail main entrance.
Yeah, I glanced at them. Mostly a few extra Angry Hellhounds, which is gonna be the signature card in this deck, I swear by all the gods
Appropriately signature, Shel snarked
and most of his other stuff was trash. But he did also had a Gehennan Kennel Master, Wolfe said.
Shel clapped rapidly in front of her face, looking a bit more like a woo-girl than Wolfe was used to. Take it out, I want to see it!
"Thats what she said? Wolfe asked, arching an eyebrow at her.
She chuckled. Cmon, lets see it.
Wolfe pulled into one of the parking spaces and turned the car off, then reached into his pants and pulled Marcos deck out.
He passed it to Shel. Yeah, sure. Here.
She flipped through the deck, pulled the card out, and held it where they could both see it.
Gehennan Kennel Master
Tier-1 Rare Infernal Creature
2 Infernal Power, 1 Fire or Beast Power
Health: 28
Attack: 8
Magic Attack: 6
Defense: 7
Magic Defense: 7
Special: Motivation: When this creature enters the field, any creature with a matching type may make an additional attack.
Special: +1 to attack and magical attack to any Creature[Canine] for each of the types it matches among Fire, Beast, and Infernal.
Special: This card acts as a Creature[Canine] for triggering any other canines bonuses only.
Special: The first time a deckbearer with this card and at least three Hellhounds defeats a divine deckbearer, they will gain a random hellhound from any of the last ten sets as if drawing from a rare deck.
The Fireborn Hellhounds that hunt Gehenna, the Lake of Fire, are sometimes recruited to serve in the armies of the Infernal, and a magically twisted demon is put in charge of them. He motivates his pack with the flesh of angels.
Are you going to add it to your deck? Shel asked.
Wolfe hesitated. Its crazy strong for my deck, but it takes so much power for a card that isnt a canine itself, given how my deck works.
It takes three, and you have seven. Most of your strong cards could enterimagine if you had this big boy and Cerberus Home for Wayward hellhounds. Each of the generated Lost Hellhound Puppies would be crazy strong.
Wolfe did the matheach would become a nine-attack creature. Cerberus Home would generate four that would enter free, five when he made one more level. Still
If I had it out, I could either place Cerberus Hone and also spam my spare Lost Hellhound Puppy cards, or bring out two Angry Hellhounds with this guy But I have to cut something from the deck.
What would you cut?
Wolfe was having trouble deciding, but Yeah, its completely worth it. Ill add it. Wish I had another power or two though, to really stack stuff.
You need to gain another six levels to gain another power.
Wolfe nodded. Yeah. I doubt thatll happen soon.
It would if we fought in the Arena and gained some levels. Itd be hard, but if you got some over-level match-ups, you could make it.
Wolfe thought about it. Maybe, but Same problem as before. If I go to a major arena, Damian will find meand maybe the police. Ive already got Rhett up my rear, I dont need the Noimoire police department comparing notes with him.
Why dont you call someone, one of your old contacts. I mean, youre back on the scene anyway, and Damian is bound to find out. Perhaps just call Victor. He likes you even if he doesnt owe you anymore, right?
Wolfe laughed as he imagined the look on the information brokers face. Hes gonna be shocked. But he might sell my existence to someone else, you know.
Shel shrugged, and glanced back down at the card. Its going to come out soon, Wolfe. Youre hunting again.
Wolfe nodded slowly. Alright, Ill call him. But first, lets go see if we can find out what happened to one Maybelle he snapped his fingers.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Fontain, Shel supplied.
Right, one Maybelle Fontain.
***
The inside of the jail, at least in the front room, was less horrible than Wolfe would have guessed. The floor was clean green-and-white tile. The walls had art whose motif seemed to be almost entirely wholesome scenes from the 1950s. The lady with curly brown hair at the front desk, dressed in a prison guards uniform and typing away at the old computer next to an even older printer, was surprisingly cute, perky, and helpful.
Well, as helpful as she could be, but Wolfe was pretty sure that she wasnt going to let him go down the hallway that led past the metal detector to the visiting rooms.
She smiled up at him, her teeth so white and brilliant that Wolfe expected an announcer to pop out and say something about ten-of-ten dentists.
Then she gave a cute little frown. Im sorry, but we dont have a Maybelle Fontain in custody right nowneither the first name, nor the last name, are bringing up any hits right now. Your friend is luckyshe got let go.
Wolfe met Shels eyes, and he knew they were both thinking the same thing. The odds that was lucky for her were about the same as the proverbial snowball in Gehenna.
The smile came back. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Can you at least tell me when she was released? Wolfe asked, leaning over onto the desk.
Without a falter of her smile, the front desk guard leaned back about six inches. Im sorry, sir, only family with proof of relation can access that information.
Wolfe sighed, straightened, and shuffled to the side. Shel went with him, and the two moved over to the waiting room benches.
What now? Shel asked.
I dont Wolfe started, but stopped, glancing back at that lady and then to Shel. That ladyshe just answers questions about people who are, or were, in jail, all day long, right?
Shel pursed her lips in evident confusion, but nodded. Yeah.
And its hooked up to a database or whatever that tells her about all of them? Even the ones that left?
Shel nodded.
So all I really need is to look at the program for a few seconds Wolfe mused, still glancing at the lady.
Wolfe You cant take that nice guards computer away from her, Shel said with a heavy sigh.
Wolfe looked up, ready to argue that he wasnt that dumb and wouldnt just hurt some random women, but found Shel smirking at him.
He chuckled. Hilarious. But seriously, how do I do this?
Shel glanced around the room they were in. It was fairly small, with the desk and waiting benches but it had three exits. One was the double doors back to the parking lot, one was past the metal detectors and into the facility itself, and one was to a small alcove with a bunch of vending machines and some small computers.
Before Shel could answer, Wolfe pointed back toward the computers. Whats back there?
Shel briefly glanced at it. Its a new electronic system they installed to check on current inmates and put money on books, so they can buy food and stuff.
Hmm Wolfe mused. Perky there seems like shes really excited to do her job. What if I just go pay someone to pick a fight with the vending machines, and check the computer when she leaves?
Okayjust pay them off camera, okay? Shel asked.
Wolfe nodded.
Then he walked out of the double doors and back into the parking lot. He glanced around for a place he could observe easily without being observed as easily, in case someone came in that would recognize him. Two columns along the side of the entrance that were in the shadows at the moment were the best he was going to do, Wolfe figured.
He leaned on one of the columns, his profile sideways to the entrance, and scanned the people filtering in. Older long-haired lady with entirely too much makeup in entirely too little of a leather skirt, likely the girlfriend of a career criminaltoo wise and jaded by half. Heavy-set man in a cheap suit with a widows peak, looking embarrassed, likely the father of some precious kid that took a walk on the wild sidenot even remotely criminal or desperate enough.
Then he saw him. A pale-skinned twenty-year old with a pock-marked face, dressed in baggy designer jeans that were old and worn, a black t-shirt, and scuffed sneakers that were a touch too large. He had a faux gold chain around his neck, and the skin on his face was sunken in so much you could open a cardboard box with his cheekbones.
The kind of guy that was both idiotic and had a lot to prove. Wolfe knew the type quite well. Ill call him Baby Thug.
As Baby Thug walked up, Wolfe pried three hundred-dollar bills from his pocket and stepped forward.
Baby Thug turned, took a step back, eyes wide, then stepped back forward, subtly pressing his chest out.
Ive got a business proposition for you, Wolfe said without preamble as he stepped up to Baby Thug, the money visible in his hand.
What? Baby Thug asked, staring at the money hungrily.
Whatre you here for? Wolfe asked.
Baby Thug turned to face him. Gonna do my tencaught a bullshit possession case, lawyer fucked me. Why you care?
Wolfe winced at Baby Thugs use of languageand his halitosis.
But that confirms what I needed to know about Baby Thugs judgement and station in life. I dont actually give a shit. But I need a favor. I want you to pick a fight with a vending machine in there, make it good. Can you do that for three hundred dollars?
Baby Thug reached for it, but Wolfe pulled it back. Ill put it on your books, after you do what I need.
How do I know youll
You dont, Wolfe interrupted. Youll have to trust me. But Ill handle it. And Im only asking you to pick a fight with a vending machine.
Im Reginald Hutchings, Baby Thug said. So you can put the money on my books.
Wolfe glanced at Reginald. He doesnt look like a Reginaldmore like a train wreck.
I go by Reggie.
I dont care, Wolfe said. Just do your part, and Ill do mine.
Reggie nodded.
Wolfe followed Reggie back in, and Reggie immediately went to the side, where the vending machines were. Wolfe walked up to the desk and waited at the side. When Guard Perky gave him a questioning arch of the eyebrow, Wolfe ignored it.
Hey, give me my soda, you fucking machine! came from the back, followed by the sound of flesh striking glass.
Guard Perky stood, smiled briefly at Wolfe and rolled her eyes, nodding to the back like it was some kind of joke.
Remain calm, sir! she called.
Shel was trying not to giggle in the corner of the reception room.
A couple more slams came from the back. I dont need your shit right now, you fucking machine!
Sir, calm down! Guard Perky yelled, sounding angry now. Dont vandalize the machines!
Another couple smacks and some profanities followed.
Guard Perky glanced at Wolfe while pulling out pepper spray. Dont touch anything!
She raced around the side of the desk and down the hall.
Wolfe immediately walked around the desk and leaned over, trying to figure the system out. It was rather intuitive, with a huge imput bar next to a space titled Inmate lookup.
Sir, let go of the machine, right now! came from the back, followed by a It took my fucking money!
Wolfe ignored that and quickly typed out Fontain, Maybelle into the search bar.
A picture came up of a corn-fed Iowa cheerleader type with red-rimmed blue eyes and blond hair, a bruise on the side of her face. Wolfe glanced through her biographical data without interest before coming to the status section. She had been picked up thirty days ago, and released the evening after, at five. The only other note was that the pretrial services package had been prepared by a company called Worldwide Decurion, carried out by its agent Caine Delacruz.
Caine Ive heard that somewhere.
Wolfe remembered his fight in the trainyard. When he had been beating Tracy dOrdinii, the fixer had called for backup from the guy with the sportscar. He had specifically called out for Caine.
It wasnt the most common name
Alright, alright, just give me a soda and Ill calm down, no need to pepper spray me, came from the back.
Wolfe glanced back up at the biographical information. It claimed Maybelle was homeless and had her father unlisted and she had no emergency contact information.
Wolfe quickly exited the file, and tried to remember the name of any other young working girls he knew, but couldnt. He just typed in Smith, and got a ton of hits. Looking for one with a female name and a release date in the last sixty days, he found a Marissa, and selected it.
She had been released a day after pickup, and Worldwide Decurion had done the pretrial services package. This time, Wolfe glanced at the biographical data.
Homeless, no emergency contact information, dad unlisted.
Wolfe quickly hit escape and stood, just as Guard Perky came around the corner, marching Reggie in front of her.
Wolfe met Reggies eyes and nodded, patted his own pocket, and then walked toward the back before Reggie could say anything stupid and get them both in trouble.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Seventeen: The Much-Anticipated Return of Suit
Why are we here? Shel asked as Wolfe pulled into the parking lot outside E mett Investigations.
Wolfe parked out front and turned the car off. I dont understand how Emmett got all his information without making the connection to Worldwide Decurionhe has all these files where he has the victims listed, but I dont see anything about Worldwide in the files. I want to know what Emmett knows and how he knows it.
Wolfe opened the door and swung his feet out.
You could call him, Shel said.
Wolfe stopped, half in the car. That would be the easy answer. Sorry, given my history I guess Im not the most trusting type. I should have done that. But were here nowIll check his place, see what we can learn, and perhaps well find something. If not, we can call him after.
Wolfe stood next to the car, then walked over to the door, took his key out, put it into the door, and turned to unlock the door. He met no resistance, and shifted down and turned the knob. The door opened.
Wolfe stepped inside. All the old magazines were missing.
"Fuck, Wolfe muttered. Someone had been here.
Or is here.
Pull your deck, Wolfe whispered, touching his own chest. A second later, his deck came out, and Wolfe dropped Brimstone into his hand. He ignored the notification about Shels deck.
Sorenia appeared behind him.
Thank y Sorenia began.
Wolfe held his finger up. Ssh!
Although being quiet was probably pointless as a surprise tactic. Any other deckbearers certainly knew they were coming, and any ordinary thugs had probably heard them in the tiny building anyway. But it wouldnt help to give away their position constantly.
Wolfe moved forward cautiously and kicked the door to the back office open.
It was empty of enemies, which was easy to tell because every box and scrap of paper was missing entirely, and the desk had been turned over.
Wolfe dismissed Brimstone and his deck.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. Fuck. Someone must have come and cleaned this place out. If there was any more information, its long gone.
You think Damian did it? Shel asked.
Wolfe pushed the deck back up and pushed the chair back under it. Damian, or these Worldwide Decurion people, or maybe the corrupt cops Emmett talked about Ive got no idea. There is a lot of reason for a lot of people to cover this up.
The door slammed open in the front room. Wolfe grabbed Shel and pulled her down behind the desk, touching his chest again as he did. She yelped as he shoved her down underneath it.
Then an aggravating voice he remembered all too well yelled out, Dunn!
Shel picked herself up off the floor as Suit busted into the room, a briefcase in one hand and a piece of paper in the other. He walked up to Wolfe like he owned the place.
Then he thrust the paper into Wolfes face. This is worthless, Dunn! Complete, utter garbage that I cant use! You need to get off your lazy, incompetent ass and go back and do it right!
What? Wolfe asked, staring at the half-filled page. It was the statement he had gotten from Ms. Timo on her sons manslaughter case. Whats wrong with it?
Shel glanced at it, then glanced at Wolfe.
Its incompleteand done improperly. Its completely inadequate, inadmissible pick your favorite word that means useless and worthless. Now we paid you for a gods damned statement, and I expect a good one, or Ill report you to the licensing board myself!
Wolfe was about to pop Suit in the nose, but Shel put her hand on his arm. Well get this taken care of, Mr., umm?
You better! Suit said, still angry. You damned well better.
Then he looked around. I see you at least cleaned this dump up. Now you better clean your act up.
He threw the paper down on the desk.
Before Wolfe could decide how to handle the situation, Suit turned and flounced from the building.
What. The. Fuck, Wolfe ground out.
Shel sighed. Actually he has a point, even if hes an ass. The statement needs to be very detail oriented, preferably with specific times, it needs to be on court paper, it needs to be signed
Wolfe pinched the bridge of his nose. Why the hell does it need all that? It says here, on the paper, plain as day, what the hell Ms. Timo did.
Look I can help you make a better statement, Shel said.
I dont need your help, Wolfe ground out.
Shel reached her arms around him and hugged him. Wolfe, when something needs beating or killing, do I ever, and I mean ever, try and stop you from doing it your way?
No.
Because I know youre the best ass-kicker in three counties, Shel said, with the air of someone quoting a famous line, although Wolfe had no idea which one. But Im the one taking the police coursesincluding the one on statements that the prosecutor can use. Let me help, please?
Wolfe sighed. Alright, fine, just this once to help me learn.
Shel smiled. Perfect. Lucy will be over tomorrow to start the month with us, and Ms. Timo asked if Shannon could come playI said yes. So, Ill help you get ready tonight, and you can get it from her tomorrow, while everyone is over and Im at class. No one will even know I helped.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Wolfe nodded. Well do it your way.
Then he glanced around again. I wish I did know who raided this placeDamian, the police, or someone else.
Wolfe pulled his phone out and dialed Emmett.
After the fourth ring, Wolfe hung up.
No answer? Shel said, raising an eyebrow.
Wolfe shook his head no, then dialed again. This time, he waited for voice-mail, but when it kicked on, he got a falsely cheery lady telling him the mailbox was full.
He hung up again, then glanced at Shel. What was the name of the hospital?
The one Emmetts at?
Wolfe nodded.
"Uriels Sacred, Shel said, glancing around the room they were in nervously, as if the people that had raided it might come back at any time.
Wolfe knew that people committing crimes rarely hung out where they had done so once they were done, and wasnt too worried about it. He finished looking up Uriel Sacred and dialed.
A series of menu choices led him to placing a call to floor two, room twenty-threebut no one picked up again.
Wolfe, feeling like something might have gone south, dialed the main line again and went through the menu until he was connected with an operator.
Hi, how may I help you? A tired, feminine voice asked.
Im looking to talk to Emmett Dunn he was brought in two days ago. I work for him and need some assistance with a job were doing.
Dunn, Dunn the voice said, along with the clackity-clack of a keyboard. Im sorry, Mr. Emmett Dunn is no longer with us.
He died?! Wolfe exploded into the phone, and Shels eyes went wide.
The woman chuckled, the coughed. Sorry, didnt mean to laugh. No, he was discharged early this morning, with a clean bill of health, basically. Id look for him where you normally find him.
Wolfe glanced around the empty office. Yeah, Ill do that. Thanks.
He hung up.
Hes not dead, he was let go, Wolfe said. Maybe he took the files.
Thank Raphael, Shel said, sighing. Do you think he came and got the files himself?
Wolfe shook his head. No. But he might have. It still bothers me that hes not answering. Its not even close to the end of working hourswhy wouldnt he answer?
Shel nodded, tapping her fingers together. So, he might still be in trouble?
Wolfe nodded.
What should we do? Shel asked.
Well, Im a private investigator now. I need to do some more investigation. I think its time we investigate in a different direction. Lets go see Miriam, and learn about whats been going on with Damian.
Shel snorted. Ought to be an experience, at least.
Wolfe dialed for Miriam.
***
Wolfe pulled to the front of the Ekron Eternal, past the garden and fountains around the main entrance, up to the steps. Once, the garden had been filled with statues of flies and demons, but now it had been redecorated with numerous barely decent vampire statues.
Wolfe shook his head. He had been here a couple times since Miriam had assumed control of the place, but it always felt weird to Wolfe to see the new dcor. He thought it was weird for people that had never seen the old dcor, but it was extra weird for Wolfe.
What was different, however, was the front line. The last time Wolfe had been to the Ekron Eternal, there had been almost no line to get into the clubthe lack of criminal support and the gunfight nine months ago had made the Ekron Eternal a dying institution, and despite being appointed to run it temporarily by the probate courts, Miriam hadnt been able to turn that around.
Now, however The front had a huge line, filled with men Wolfe recognized from all the different crime organizations, that were waiting for their chance to ascend the ramp and enter the club.
Plus, the guys working the line were completely unfamiliar.
What has Miriam done? Wolfe asked.
Shel glanced at him, not understanding, but he shook his head. He would ask her soon enough.
Wolfe took a deep breath. This was the final moment of truth, when his presence would be known, openly, to the underground again. Entering publicly, in front of so many of his old associates, was tantamount to declaring that he had returned.
Time to do this. Ive returned to hunt, and I guess theyll know theyre being hunted. Feels right, somehow.
Wolfe stepped from his car, and Shel followed on her side, staring up at the ostentatious club. Wolfe was about to head up the steps next to the ramp and enter when a man in his young twenties walked up to Wolfe. He was shirtless and covered in make-up to make him look incredibly pale. He glanced at Wolfes Subaru and sneered.
Do you want me to valet this, sir? the man asked.
Wolfe tossed him the keys and resisted the temptation to punk the kid. Yeah, handle it.
Wolfe strode up the steps, past the huge line of people that stared at him as he walked straight up to the bouncer and his two backup men. The bouncer was even larger than Wolfe, about six-six and built like a linebacker. He held his hand up to Wolfe, palm out.
What the hell are you doing, chump? Get in line.
Wolfe leaned in. Im William Madison. I believe Miriam had special instructions.
The man nodded, but didnt remove his hand. You said a name Im going to pay attention to, but now provide some I.D.
Wolfe fished into his pocket, pulled it out, and showed the man.
He lowered his hand, removed the rope, and ushered Wolfe inside. Miriam is waiting in the back, at the V.I.P. table, sir. Do you need an escort?
Wolfe shook his head no. I know my way.
Wolfe and Shel strode past, with a few angry exclamations and one guy shouting, Who the fuck is that guy? from behind them. Wolfe didnt want to admit that it mattered to him, but he did like getting the respect he would have been given back in the day, when he was the Grimm head enforcer. He was getting damn tired of being a trainee P.I.
Shel chuckled. Enjoyed that, did you?
Wolfe gave a half-smile to his girlfriend, but didnt reply directly.
The club was, but for the same statue change Wolfe had seen outside, about the same as he remembered from his days as head enforcerwhich was a huge upgrade from what it had been a couple weeks ago. The club was dark but lit by flashing lights that swirled through a machine generated fog, which swirled around the statues of vampiresmany of them actually nude now that they were inside the club. The twenty-somethings that danced through the club were barely more dressed, and loud, beat-heavy techno music played through the club, reverberating through Wolfes teeth.
He wove his way around the outside of the huge dance floor, avoiding any chance of collision with the various dancers, and made his way to the back, along a path he knew quite well.
He reached the end of the club, where the V.I.P table was. It was exactly as Wolfe remembered it, down to the fact that the bullet holes in the top of the giant oak table, from when Wolfe had used it as a shield, were still there. He slid into the giant leather booth on the left side of the table, past Harry, who was still acting as guard a year later for the Grimm family. As always, he didnt bother Wolfe when Wolfe took his seat, but in a change from the past, he also said nothing when Shel slid into the booth on the right side.
Wolfe glanced around at the other three occupants.
The first was Derek, who had helped Wolfe in a couple of his final fights, including taking out Javier Garcia, the old lieutenant of the Cobras. Derek was shirtless, with his umber skin oiled, and he had an honest-to-the-gods pitchfork upright in the booth next to him.
The second was a new man, Ahmed, who had been hired by Miriam after her father had diedwith cards from the Frozen Cairn dungeon they had done together. He was also young, in his late twenties. But he was dressed almost like an Egyptian pharaohalthough still shirtless. He was very tan of skin, six feet tall, and had been both a model and a military man before Miriam had cut a deal with him.
Lastly, there was Miriam herself. She was dressed in a diaphanous silver dress that just barely hinted at her dark underthings beneath, and hung very low on her frame. She had in red contact lenses, with black make-up around them, and lounged back in the booth with her arms on the backrest behind her, both accentuating her sensuality and heightening the space she took up.
Miriam always managed to take up a lot of space, whether in attention, conversation, or just actual, physical space.
A purse beside her, black with white skull clasps, completed the image.
Wolfe glanced around. You always manage to look like a supervillain team, Miriam. Why?
She smiled and then licked her lips blatantly. Its good to see you too, Wolfy. What can I do for you this beautiful evening? I was positively intrigued when you actually asked to come see me for once.
"Well, before I answer that, tell me what deal with the Infernal youve made to turn this around.
Miriams smile slipped, and she grimaced, but leaned in toward Wolfe conspiratorially.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Eighteen: Deal with the Infernal
Miriam leaned in even further. Look, you know how things were after Damian killed Dad. I really appreciate you saving me, Wolfe, trulyId love to be allowed to show you how much someday, in fact.
She licked her lips suggestively.
Wolfe snorted. Im not letting you distract me, Miriam. Just tell me what you did.
Miriam leaned back in the huge leather booth, her eyes slightly narrowed, but then she shrugged her slender shoulders. The Ekron Eternal was shut down, our house was gone and insurance wouldnt pay for a probably criminal bombing. No one could figure out where Dad had been keeping most of the loose money. We still havent.
Wolfe raised an eyebrowhe was pretty sure Big Man Grimm had stashed the money somewheremillions of it.
Miriam picked a cocktail up with one slender hand and sipped at the edge. I was sustaining my lifestyleand my delicious employeesshe waved at Derek and Ahmedby selling off the cards we got from the Frozen Cairn dungeon. But that wasnt going to do the trick long term.
Wolfe, reminded by Miriam taking a drink, turned to Harry. Please bring me a whiskyyou know my favorite.
Harry nodded, but Wolfe reached out and touched his arm. And a strawberry daiquiri for Shel.
Harry nodded a second time and walked off, and Wolfe turned back to Miriam.
The court made you the operator for the club since both your parents were dead and you had credible witnessesnot the least of which was your idiot brotherthat Damian was the murderer. You couldnt make money from that?
Yeah, thats true, Miriam said, taking another sip. But the club had a horrible reputation after the attacks Nico launched on it. Very few people were coming hereit wasnt the place to be anymore. The operating costs were higher than the profit, and I was in debt.
So Shel asked.
So, I talked to the remaining crime family leaders, starting with Benjamin Renfeldt. We made a deal. I would be their money laundering location. They send all their people through, spending a ton of money here on alcohol and entrance fees, just like with Dad. Only, I hire a bunch of fake consultants and such, transferring most of it back to the families. Very nearly everyone in the Noimoire underworld is in on it now, and a fountain of illegal money pours through this placeand I get thirty percent. Plus, the club is popular again, and a lot of legitimate money flows through it as well.
Wolfe sighed, leaning back in the booth to match Miriam.
She frowned. Dont give me that, Wolfy. Its not like you spend a lot of time on the right side of the lawand Ive got my own men, my own business, and everything.
And law school? Wolfe asked, gritting his teeth at the nickname.
Miriam smiled. Ill still graduate. I doubt Ill ever do anything with it, directly, since this place makes way more money than most law firms, but its a handy skill to have.
You know Im going to put most of the crime families out of business, right? Wolfe asked. Have you thought about that?
Miriam smiled wide at Wolfe, taking her phone out and typing at it. Oh, I definitely have. In fact, itd be better to say Im counting on it. Thisshe waved around at the clubis another of those businesses you cant leave normallyI know too much about too many people. I suspect the other crime bosses are all hoping that Ill eventually get assassinated because of that knowledge, and then their dealings will be totally secure.
Shel laughed lightly, shaking her head.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Miriam grinned back at her and ran one finger around the edge of her drink. Audacious, I know. But I do have what business calls asymmetric knowledge nowI know that a certified killer everyone else thinks is dead is still gunning for them. All of them. And when they do die, whatever money is currently in the pipeline will just become mine as well. Its perfect.
Wolfe glanced at her. I really hope she doesnt go full supervillain. I would truly hate to have to kill her as well, both because shes a woman, and because Ive known her since she was in diapers.
Even as they were talking, a sixth person slid into the booth, next to Shel, who scooted over. Wolfe glanced at the newcomer briefly, then did a double take. A short five-foot-seven, almost painfully thin, pale white with faint acne scars and brilliant green eyes under greasy black hair
Wolfe?! the man asked, his eyes wide as dinner plates. Youre alive?
Victor, Wolfe said. Your information gathering powers are amazingyou discerned the state of my life just from looking at me.
Victor laughed, running his hand through his black hair, his eyes still wide. Its been like three years since I last saw youand nine months since we talked. I thought you were dead where have you been?
Miriam shook her head. Uh-uh. No asking Wolfe about that, Victor.
Victor settled back. Yeah, sorry. I just like to know. Well, Janine will be happy to hear that her savior managed to survive.
Miriam held her glass out to Wolfe, then motioned to Victor with it. Victor works for me now, Wolfe. Hes always had his ear to the ground for news about the Great Game within Noimoire, among other things. And Ive learned some things that I want your help with. Things that can help both of us, in fact.
Wolfe held his hands up. Wait, wait, wait. Do that second. It sounds great, but I want some information first. I didnt come here because of cards, I came here because of Damian. I think his half of the Grimm family might be involved in human trafficking.
Yeah, Victor told me about the situationyou think thats Damian?
Along with others, Im almost a hundred percent sure its him. What I dont know is where the evil little dwarf is hiding, and what his connection is.
Miriam stirred her drink again, glancing down at it for a moment. Well, as to what his connection is, I have to admit Im not sure. I dont know what hes doing at the moment, and the few attempts Ive made to infiltrate my men into his organization have failed.
Wolfe frowned.
Miriam looked up with a bright smile, her eyes glassy. But if youre looking for revenge for Dad, I know where he is. His people are constantly going to an old meat-packing plant with a ton of old warehouses nearby. Its a huge complex, not at all small, bigger than anything Dad hadalthough I think its his only base of operations.
She giggled, a sound with an edge to it. Deliciously, I think he might live there.
Then she frowned. But no one, from the police to the local hitmen, seem willing to do anything about the information. I assume the creep is either paid up with some important people, or working with them.
Wolfe slowly nodded. My contact says that the police might be in on it, so that makes sense at least.
Miriam reached into her purse and pulled a stick of red lipstick out. Then she wrote onto a napkin an address.
Do handle my dear brother as soon as you can, Wolfy.
You dont want to help? Shel asked.
Miriam drummed her fingers on the table. I dont want to be anywhere near where he died because Im a very obvious suspect. How about, Ill keep you in information and gear, hmm?
Then she smiled again. Now that thats out of the way, can we discuss my proposal?
Wolfe nodded. Sure, what do you want from me?
Well it seems that the gods actually gave Noimoire a second arena. An underground arena, literally and figuratively. Neither Victor nor I have been able to find out who runs the place, for the moment, at least. I want to go participate, but Im worried about the details.
Wolfe raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. The details?
Well, you get taken to the arena blind-folded, and no one gets to bring cellphones or anything like thatso well be out of touch. Potentially vulnerable. No slight to Ahmed and Derek, here
None taken, Derek said. Wolfe already saved my bacon. I get it.
Yes, exactly. Id rather have you around in that kind of a situation.
Wolfe glanced over at Shel. She was grinning at him.
Wolfe turned back to Miriam. Yeah, I think that could be Fun, to play the Great Game with you again. When?
Tomorrow afternoon?
Not night time?
Miriam shook her head.
Wolfe nodded. That works outIve got business to attend to tonight. I want to check the sites, see if I can find out where theyre going to do the switch, and whos involved.
Victor leaned in. Do you know the sites? I can spy on them, as long as there are only a few.
Wolfe raised an eyebrow. Really?
Victor nodded. Just because Im part of Mistress Grimms organization, doesnt mean that I left my skills and contacts behind. If its a limited number of sites, I can put my people on it, let you know when someone sees something. I can also get you any ordinance you might need.
Most of Wolfe was incredibly excited to hear both of those things, but a small piece of him
Mistress Grimm?
Miriam smiled at him, took a sip of her drink, and shrugged.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Nineteen: The Newest Site
A bit later Wolfe was driving his Subaru down Main Street, headed for Industrial Avenue again. The moon still lit everything, although it was considerably higher in the night sky now, but on Main it wasnt neededcars were still common, and the street lights kept everything at least dimly illuminated.
The site that had turned up a hit had been a large complex of warehouses, barely half a mile past the pound where he, Shel, and Miriam had slain Ramius and gone to their first dungeonthe werewolf one.
Now, well into the early hours of the morning, Wolfe and Shel were driving to probably stop a mass kidnappingand hopefully gain the evidence needed to put a stop to the traffickers in general, one way or another.
About a quarter mile before they reached the site, Wolfe pulled onto a side road and then turned onto another road facing away from the warehouses. Then he pulled over to the side of the road and turned the car off.
Shel raised her eyebrow at his rapid turns.
Wolfe smiled at her, feeling in his element again. They might have seen the car coming at this rangeif they did, not seeing turn away would raise suspicions. This way theyll think we left if theyre there and paying attention. At the same time, its close enough we can likely get to it at a dead run, if we have to.
Shel shuddered but nodded.
Wolfe reached down and grabbed one of Miriams giftsa brand new Edge STI International Pistol, loaded, with two additional clips in his belt. It felt goodjust a touch heavier and more powerful than the usual pistolsthe nine-milswithout being unwieldy.
Wolfe stuffed it into the belt holster hed been given and opened the door to his car, exiting swiftly. Shel took her cadet Glock and put it in the back of her jeans before following him out.
Alright, from here on out, lets try and keep quietbut dont act like youre trying to keep quiet.
What? Shel asked, half laughing. How do I do that?
I dont know walk casual.
Shel snorted, but neither said anything else as they walked down the road between the warehouses. There were very few street lights, and almost no cars, to light things, but the moon still kept everything dimly visible in shades of gray.
An owl hooted off to the side, and a chill October wind blew down the street.
Shel shivered and then gave a forced laugh. All we need is rain for the atmosphere to be perfect for a grizzled P.I. and his femme fatale to be in a crime novel.
Wolfe chuckled, but something she said struck him as a non-sequitur.
Have you ever killed anything, Shel? Wolfe asked.
Well, not a person, if thats what you mean, although Ive gotten credit for helping.
Well, you might get your chance tonight, Wolfe said.
So much for lightening the mood with some light-hearted banter, Shel muttered, shivering again.
Wolfe crooked a smile, but he was too wound up to do more.
The two of them reached the edge of the main warehouse complex. It was all asphalt, newer and quieter than the gravel at the train yard. On the other hand, there werent a lot of places to hideno going under train cars, or leaping from line to line. Instead, there were ten warehouses, all around a huge parking lot, four to each side north and south with one each on the other end.
We go around the back of the warehouse to our right, and then well look around the side, between the two near ones, see what we can see, Wolfe said.
Shel nodded, and Wolfe started an easy jog along the back of the first warehouse, a couple hundred feet before he reached the turn point and glanced around.
There werent any trucks, despite the warehousesjust a huge parking lot, empty in the dark but for a single van, almost a perfect match for the one Wolfe had seen the night this whole mess with Emmetts case and Wolfes early return to Noimoire had started.
Theyre here, Shel said, her voice a barely audible whisper in the darkness.
Wolfe nodded. Victor said they were, and Ive found his information to be reliable often enough I didnt doubt it. Shall we go?
Should we pull our companion cards first? Shel asked.
Wolfe shook his head. I think were close enough to be detected if they have deckbearersand I cant make out whos there in the darkness. But even if we werent, Sorenia is a lantern angel. Lets get as close as we can, guns out, and then pull our decks.
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
Shel nodded. We have to try and arrest them first, you know.
Wolfe hesitated, but nodded. Alright. One warning. But if they go for guns or knives, Im sending them to whatever idiot realm wants their shriveled souls. At the end of the day, there are likely another twenty people that need saving in that van, and a lot more thatll die or suffer some fucked-up fate if we dont take these guys down now. Cerberus himself showed me my purpose, and its to end these fuckers.
Shel gave a nervous smile. That was almost a noble speech. Almost.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Lets go.
Wolfe rushed forward, half crouching as he ran, trying to keep his closest approach a surprise. Very softly, he could hear Shels soles hitting the pavement as she ran after him. He kept his gun in one handit wasnt as good a way to aim, but he wanted his other hand free to slap his chest and summon his deck.
He made it farther than he thought he would, closing to within a couple hundred feet before fate itself decided he wasnt going to get any closer. The same Ferrari Mythic from the first meeting sped into the parking lot, calling everyones attention to it and shining a light directly onto Wolfe as it did.
Deck! Wolfe screamed, touching his chest and turning to face the Ferrari. He hoped the snazzy sportscar hadnt had the same modifications as his far more mundane car. Wishing for once that he had more of a hand cannon rather than his new Edge, Wolfe fired two shots at the radiator, based on a tip he had picked up from the police barbecue, two into the hood of the car almost for the hell of it, and then two right toward the drivers facewhere they hit the bulletproof glass, spiderwebbing the windshield.
But the ones in the radiator seemed to go inthe body of the car wasnt armored, probably to keep its speed up.
The car had travelled almost half the distance to him in the time Wolfe fired off the six shots, and Wolfe decided to work on self-preservation, taking a step to the side Shel hadnt run, and then kicking back and leaping in the other direction as the car adjusted. He never took his hands off his chest, even as he hit and rollednow with bullet fire around him from the direction of the van as well.
He saw his cardsan Angry Hellhound, a Lost Hellhound Puppy, Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds, the Gehenna Kennel Master, and, of course, Cereboo.
Wolfe had a sudden thought among the gunfirewhat he really needed was cover. Cereboo can physically block bullets, I wonder
He rolled across the ground but tossed out Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds. A series of rocks poked from the ground in a circle, and multiple dog-run style cages formed between them, with a central area of cracked ground showing red.
A bullet ricocheted away from a rock.
Rachel Lyons, allied deckbearer, has pulled her deck.
Unknown enemy deckbearer has pulled their deck.
Unknown enemy deckbearer has pulled their deck.
Joy, Wolfe thought as he rolled to the rocks.
Use Cerberuss Home as cover! Wolfe screamed out. It blocks bullets and shit!
Shel started back toward him, golden glowing cards in front of her. She touched one and Sorenia appeared, her lantern glowing in her hand.
Near the van the darkness coalesced into a Wraithbut this one was larger and more powerful than Wolfe had seen before.
Malik, Soul Devourer
Unique Tier-7, Power-2 equivalent Undead/Shadow Companion
0 Power
Health: 15
Attack: 0
Magic Attack: 10
Defense: 5
Magic Defense: 5
Special: Incorporeal (Immune to physical attacks)
Special: If Malik gets the killing blow on an enemy deckbearer, Maliks deckbearer gains a card as if it was drawn randomly from a rare Undead or Shadow pack. This only works against deckbearers who received god gifted decks on Drop Night.
Special: Considered a wraith for all things that would affect a wraith.
Malik, Soul Devourer, was once a mere wraith. But a thousand years in the Deadlands, feeding on the souls of powerful departed he was lucky enough to find, has made him into something more.
Fuck, he has a companion, Wolfe thought.
The Ferrari screeched as it turned, and in an impossibly badass move, a man in a tailored suit opened the door and stepped out even as the car twisted. He flung his hand out even as his shined shoes hit the asphalt, throwing a card out.
A woman rose up, one with pink hair and old-fashioned, ornate, slightly glowing plate armor, with a lantern strapped to her wrist and a sword at her side, as well as wings springing from her back.
No
Artenia
Unique, effective Tier-7 Divine/Light companion
0 Power
Health: 13
Attack: 4
Magical Attack: 6
Defense: 7
Magical Defense: 6
Special: While in play, all Mortal creature cards gain Divine typing and +25% (minimum 1) to all stats.
Special: The benefits to Mortal cards stack with the other three named companion lantern angels. If all 4 are possessed the card, Zarachiel, Commander of the Lanterns, a 4-power mythic Tier-8 equivalent Divine companion card, will be gained as well as a free companion card slot.
Special: May make an additional physical attack in addition to her magical attack.
Special: Does not suffer weaknesses against ANY creatures that have Infernal, Undead, or Elder, and gains advantage against all the same. This nullifies all other advantage and disadvantages that would normally apply based on card type.
A particularly zealous and dedicated member of the hundred thousand lantern angels, she prefers to lead the defense of mortals with sword in hand. None shall suffer from evil while she is vigilant over them. Through her zealous efforts to protect the mortal world, she was once permitted to spar with Archangel Raphael, her fondest memory.
How, by all the realms Divine and Infernal, is a man wielding the Divine to help human traffickers?
Wolfes brief reverie was shattered as Shel let out a shriek and collapsed to the ground a mere few feet from the safety of the rocks.
Wolfe stood, his heart frozen in his chest.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty: Do Walls Count?
Shel rolled over, gripping a leg leaking blood, and Wolfe felt his chest unfreeze. He touched his chest, throwing out the Angry Hellhound tier-3. At the same time, a Lost Hellhound Puppy sprang into existence from Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds.
New summons appeared near his enemies as well.
Wolfe barely paid attention as he dragged Shel back, somehow avoiding the bullets from the thugs near the van.
Shel managed to touch her deck and summon an EMT to heal her even as Wolfe dragged her behind the rocks.
He paused for half a second, taking stock of the situation.
Two thugs at the van with their deckbearer, who was almost certainly Tracy DOrdinii. He had his companion and a Wraith out. At the same time, CaineWolfe presumedhad Artenia out, and he was now covered in a white glow with a fiery sword in his hand. His mantle.
Sorenia was nearly dead from gunshots and a beam of light from Artenia, who was weeping and apologizing as she fought.
Wolfe swiped sideways, bringing new cards up. He still had Cereboo, and got his second Lost Hellhound Puppy, another Angry Hellhound, the dead card for Malviere, who was at his house, and his Soul Hunter Mantle.
Wolfe started to reach for his mantle, but even as he did, an alternative path that he thought had a better chance for victory came to him. He glanced at his hellhound
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-Three Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 13
Attack: 9 (8 +1)
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 6 (5 +1) (bonus)
Magical Defense: 5
Special: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a magical attack of either Fire or Infernal typing on the same target.
Special: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point it needs to reform on many an occasion.
and told it to stay behind the rocks and not fight, along with his Lost Hellhound Pup.
Wolfe stood, firing at Artenianormally the fools play when he could just aim for Caine, but a mortal against a mantle was a bad play. Additionally, if Wolfe put his own mantle on, he would be at disadvantage against the Divine mantle.
But against a Divine creature, he had a base eight attack, with two separate chances to go to a ten or better, thanks to his perkwhich would kill Artenia in thirty seconds of combat.
Wolfe also touched the Lost Hellhound Puppy in his deck, using one power that immediately returned, leaving him with two again. Another Hellhound Puppy appeared from Cerberus Home.
Lost Hellhound Puppy
Rare Tier-1 Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
1 Beast or Infernal Power [Available]
Health: 8
Attack: 6 (4 x1.5)
Magical Attack: 5 (3 x1.5)
Defense: 4
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Does not require upkeepis a zero-cost monster.
Special: If slain, all Mortal and Beast cards in play gain +50% Physical Attack for the next 30 seconds.
Special: May be merged with Rescue Pup cards, but advances as if Rare in quality.
"A poor lost Hellhound, outside its normal realm."
Shel, send your EMT forward and summon something else to take the hits!
Shel, whose leg was partially healed, nodded from the ground. But she also raised her gun and fired at Artenia, presumably following Wolfes lead.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
Artenia went down hardWolfes attack alone had been enough and Shels just made it overkill. At the same time, the glowing Sorenia dropped as well from a hail of gunfire.
A man in a black suit with a gun appeared next to Cainea 1 Mortal power Corporate Enforcer card.
Fiery wings appeared and Caine leapt into the fight, swinging viciously at Wolfe. Wolfe dodged the first three swings and shot Caine twice, who doubled up like he had been gut punched, but then clicked on empty.
As he tried to reload, the fiery sword clipped him across the arm, and Wolfe bit down to keep from screaming as the flesh burned around the cut, and dropped his clip.
But he still threw his Angry Hellhound out, bringing him to zero spare powerand Cerberus home spewed another out.
Whatre you doing, Tracy?! Caine screamed as he rushed Wolfe again, kneeing him in the face when he ducked the sword.
A chill fell across the battlefield, and wisps of spirits seemed to rise around them. Wolfe got a notification that a persistent card Ghastly Gloom had been played, that gave all undead the ability to heal for half of all damage they dealt.
Wolfe glanced over to see that two Wraiths and Malik, Soul Devourer, had almost made it to him, with Tracy running behind.
But Tracy couldnt see what Wolfes pack looked like now. Each Lost Hellhound Puppy had fifty percent extra attack and magical attack, overcoming the Wraiths biggest strength. But there were now two Angry Hellhounds and four Lost Hellhound Puppies on the field, which meant that every single Angry Hellhound got a five point bonus to both attacksand would gain another plus fifty percent if any of the Puppies died.
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-Three Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 13
Attack: 13 (8 +5)
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 10 (5 +5) (bonus)
Magical Defense: 5
Special: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack of either Fire or Infernal typing on the same target.
Special: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point it needs to reform on many an occasion.
The difference between a magical attack of five and a magical attack of ten is hugefour times the amountand the physical attack is now a base one-hundred-and-sixty-nine damage divided by defense.
Wolfe was stumbling back, fighting defensively while he tried to reload. But he ordered his pups in. He couldnt target the deckbearers, but sent his two Angry Hellhounds at Malik, Soul Devourer, and two of his Hellhound Puppies at the Wraiths, and the last two at the Corporate Enforcer.
The slaughter was universal, with the over-powered Hellhounds doing huge damage and wiping everything out, but getting mostly wiped out in turnleaving him with a single Hellhound Puppy and Angry Hellhound pair.
Caine, however, was stunned as the whole battlefield cleared.
Wolfe swiped his cards again and threw the newest Angry Hellhound onto the field while another Lost Hellhound Puppy popped out of Cerberus Home.
Caines eyes flicked around the field even as Wolfe pointed his gun and started firing, but it was apparently too much for himhis wings of fire flickered, carrying him from the fight even as Wolfe hit the mantled bastard with a few more shots.
Wolfes arm mostly healed as Shel brought forth another EMT.
Caine used a card to heal the minor bullet wounds rather than summoning another creature, and Wolfe directed his pack toward his enemy.
Wolfe glanced around without stopping, feeling the battle had switched dramatically in his favor. As if to prove him wrong, an engine roared to life. The van screeched and lurched forward over the parking lot pavement, slowly picking up speed as it barreled toward Wolfe and his pack of creatures. The thugs leaned out the window and fired, and Wolfe grit his teeth at the near misses.
Shelwho had gone through her deck, apparentlyresummoned Sorenia and started firing back, causing them to duck back into the questionable protection of the Van.
Wolfe ran back toward the protection of the stones, but at the last moment stutter stepped and rushed in the other direction as the van passed, missing the stones by a few feet and Wolfe by a few inches.
Wolfe touched Cereboos card finally, summoning his companion into the van through the open window, like he had summoned him outside his own car the very first time his companion had joined him in combat.
At the same time he heard the crack of a gunshot and fell, his own leg gushing blood.
Wolfe rolled and shot toward the Ferrari, missing the mook that had been with Caine. But the Hellhounds hit the car and the mook went down, briefly screaming before going silent. Caine himself was nearly chewed to bits, but he managed to gun the Ferrari and screech out, turning an Angry Hellhound into red power that flowed back to Wolfe as he did.
There were screams, growls, and gunshots from the van as it sped forward across the parking lot, but then it veered off course and slammed into the corner of one of the warehouses, plowing sideways and tipping on its side.
The Ferrari went flying past Wolfe and out of the parking lot.
Fuck! I wanted to get that fucker.
Wolfe stood, cussing as his leg wouldnt support his weight. Healing, Shel!
Another EMT appeared and partially healed Wolfes leg, to the point he could limp over to the van.
A notification told him that Cereboo had died, but he didnt see any creatures on the battlefieldand he had spare power now. He swiped his cards, knowing by process of elimination that he would see his Infernal Rift this time, waiting for the inevitable move.
Tracy DOrdinii popped up over the van, reaching for a card and pushing his gun out at the same time. But Wolfe was just a hair faster, hitting Infernal Rift and banishing the assassin before he could do anything.
Wolfe hurried his limp, trying to decide if he wanted to kill Tracy or take him for questioning.
Wolfe was almost ashamed to admit it to himself, but the fact that Tracy was sporting an Undead deck as opposed to an Infernal, Divine, Mortal, or Beast one was what made the decision. When Tracy appeared, Wolfe slammed the gun against the assassins temple, almost identically to his attack on Harvey, hoping that Tracy would survive.
Tracy slumped down and then dropped back into the van.
Please go get the ties, Shel. Well put him in the back of the Subaru.
Shel nodded and raced away.
Wolfe went to the back of the van and opened it, staring inside.
He found ten more of the steel containers, each with a display on the side, blinking. He did a quick checkeverything appeared normal as near as he could tell.
Wolfe went back and kicked out the windshield, rooting around till he found a phone. Very conveniently, it had a thumb lock, and Cereboo hadnt eaten this thugs hand.
Wolfe dialed 9-1-1, then, before anyone could answer, hung up.
Instead, he quickly looked up and then dialed the Joliet police department.
Hello? a feminine voice answered.
Wolfe tried to make his voice higher pitched. Hello, um, I found a crashed van and some of those kidnapped people I read about from our trainyard story in South Noimoire, near the Industrial Avenue warehouse complex.
I who is this?
There are a ton of people here that need help, Wolfe said.
Stay on the phone, please, the voice said, then the phone went quiet. But Wolfe could faintly hear the lady calling for a supervisor.
Good enough. Wolfe didnt comply with her request, instead hanging up. Then he wiped the phone with his shirt, trying to make sure any fingerprints were gone, just in case.
Shel came running back with zip ties, and Wolfe grabbed them and set to work restraining Tracy with his hands behind his back.
***
A few minutes later, Wolfe drove by an abandoned, and burning, Ferrari Mythic.
He chuckled darkly. Huh, guess I got the radiator after all.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty-One: Bromance Interruptus
Youre sure youre okay to drop me off? Shel asked.
Wolfe nodded again and rolled his eyes. Of course. I dont think Ill be in too much danger here, and Id rather you not be there when Im interrogating Tracy, in case someone sees.
Shel smiled nervously. Im supposed to be by your side.
Ill be fine, Wolfe said. This isnt worth the risk. Weve been over this. Tracy is zip tied with his hands behind his back, and I took his gun. If were caught, I seriously doubt hell talk, since that would get him involved in kidnapping, so I wont get in too much trouble. But if youre involved, even a small thing can get you kicked out.
Shel slowly nodded, her fingers tapping together.
Im right here, you know, came from the back. Wolfe glanced into the mirror to see Tracy sitting up in the car, a ripped shirt making a blindfold across his eyes, with his shoulders strained with how he was sitting with his arms tied behind him. Wolfe was pretty sure that Tracy could neither see where they were, escape, pull his deck, or attack anyone.
Welcome back to the land of the living, Wolfe quipped.
Is that a joke about my deck, or? Tracy trailed off. Fuck my head hurts. I assume team me lost?
Wolfe chuckled. Yeah, team you lost. I was just commenting about how long youd been out, which is probably why your head hurts. Or just because I hit you solidly.
Tracy glanced down at himself. Im cut and bruised, but no gunshots
Wolfe turned onto Persimmon and into their subdivision. I have questions. If you answer them well, Ill let you live.
Tracy was silent for a moment. You had a good name for that sort of thing and I am blindfolded, I guess. But wont you kill me just so no one knows youre still alive?
Wolfe laughed. Thats well and thoroughly out of the bag, trust me.
He turned onto his street before Tracy could respond. Wolfe was going to head to his driveway when he saw a blue Honda Civic in front of the house, interior lights on and engine idling. Wolfe narrowed his eyes. He didnt know who was at his house at night, but he would rather sneak up on them than have them know he was coming.
Wolfe stopped his car on the side of the road. When Shel glanced at him, he instinctually nodded to the car rather than talking, even though they were two houses down and his silence was almost certainly useless.
He fished Shels Glock-17 from the glove compartment and opened the car door, keeping it behind him as he did.
Wolfe stuck his head back in. Stay here and stay quiet, or I promise I will kill you.
Tracy rolled his eyes but nodded.
Shel followed him out, and the two of them walked down to the blue Civic.
Before they reached their target, a huge man, as tall as Wolfe and even buffer, exited from the car like a cork popping free from a wine bottle, making the whole car rock a tiny bit.
Shel let out a tiny sigh of relief and waved. Rhett!
Wolfe was less happy about seeing the lieutenant and hissed, Take your pistol!
Shel bumped into him and he passed it back to her behind their backs.
Shel fumbled, gave a slight gasp, and dropped the gun.
Even though it was extremely unlikely, Wolfe tensed, figuring the universeor Jyestha, goddess of misfortunewould cause it to misfire.
But nothing happened, and Wolfe breathed a sigh of relief.
Did you just drop your gun, cadet? Rhett asked as he walked up. In fact, why were you even carrying your gun?
Shel blushed hard enough that Wolfe could see it by street lamp, and then bent to retrieve the weapon. Sorry, sir, I wasnt sure who you were, or why you were at my house at three in the morning. My sister and her new friend are here.
Rhett scratched his chin for a moment, then looked back at his car, his face conveying dawning realization. Alright, yeah, somehow I didnt think of it that way. Youve got a point.
This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Wolfe almost snorted at the look on Rhetts face, but held it back.
Rhett returned his stare to Wolfe. A better question is why are you two here? Especially you, William?
Why do you care? Wolfe asked.
Well, I got a report from Cara
Fingers? Wolfe asked.
Rhett pinched the bridge of his nose. Please never call her that again. As I was saying, I got a call from my assistant, who told me that we had received a call about a crime in Noimoireinvolving human trafficking. I was just curious where you were.
Rhett glanced down at Shels pants, which were torn and soaked in blood. It seems like you might have a story to tell, cadet.
There was a long pause as Rhett stared at Shel, then turned to Wolfe. Care to enlighten me? Because Im pretty sure that whatever you are up to, it ends poorly for the girl you claim to care so much about.
Wolfe squeezed his fist. Dont attack the asshole cop, dont attack the asshole cop.
After another few seconds, Shel asked, Are we being detained, Rhett?
Rhett stared at her. You really want to go down this path, cadet? Tomorrow is the gala, where youre receiving the award for the top student in your class. Captain Tennison, as well as some police captains from neighboring jurisdictions, will be there. A very bright future is being born. Do you really want to throw it away?
People are Shel began, her finger twisting in her hair.
Rhett interrupted her. I fully believe your intentions are good, Ms. Lyons. I even think there is a slightly greater than even chance that your boyfriends intentions are good. But intentions wont matter in the face of certain methods. Youd be better served bringing your concerns to the police, and letting us handle it.
Emmett thinks Wolfe began.
Rhett interrupted him as well. I know what Emmett thinks. I stand by the officers of my department fully. Were a small department, and theyre all men I know personally. I trust their judgementand their integrity.
Do you trust everyone in Noimoires police force? Wolfe asked.
Lieutenant Rhett hesitated. Wolfe could tell he was an honest man, even if he was a pushy, self-righteous one.
He cleared his throat. I dont know everyone in Noimoires police force. It would be impossiblethere are almost fifteen thousand employed officers there. We have barely a hundred.
Well, there you go.
There cant be fifteen thousand corrupt cops, Rhett said with disgust. Even if, theoretically, there are a few. If you bring the trafficking to the attention of the department, theyll deal with it.
Wolfe snorted and crossed his arms over his chest.
Rhett grit his teeth. Fine. Drag yourselves down. But dont count on me to go easy on you when you inevitably screw up.
He paused, and looked back to Shel. Ill see you at the gala at eight p.m. tomorrow night, cadet.
Shel nodded, and Rhett turned and walked back to his car.
Wolfe watched as Rhett got in his car and drove away.
Damn glad he didnt search the car, Wolfe muttered. I probably would have said more about him showing up at my place at three a.m. except I was sweating bullets over that. Hell, all he had to do was glance in the back window.
Shel let out a near hysterical giggle.
Im gonna go see to Tracy, you make sure everyone is okay. Ill be in later tonight.
Shel chewed her lower lip. After a moment, she nodded quickly, and kissed him on the cheek. Dont be too late. We have to go to the arena with Miriam tomorrow, and we should spend some time with Lucy and Sharon.
Whos Sharon? Wolfe asked.
Shel smacked him on the chest lightly. You. Its the neighbors granddaughter. She was over so that Ms. Timo could look after both of them.
Ill be quick, promise.
Wolfe turned and headed back to the car, then opened the door and got in, buckling himself in and starting the car.
Who was that? Tracy asked.
A cop. So be glad you kept quiet, or youd be in on multiple kidnapping and trafficking charges and Id be in for being me.
So what did you want to know? Tracy asked, shifting around in his seat.
Wolfe drove out onto the street.
Why do you need to drive somewhere if Im going to live? Tracy asked, still squirming in his seat.
Wolfe laughed. Because its three a.m., Ive got shit I need to do if Im going to get any sleep at all. Lets talk while we drive, huh?
What do you want to know?
How deep is the Grimm family involved? Wolfe asked as he turned onto Main, which even at this hour had a few cars zipping by at over fifty miles per hour. Or at least Damians portion of it.
Tracy somehow managed to shrug despite being zip tied. A lot, but hes not the main guy. After you blew half the family to pieces, Damian sold a few cards, but his real source of money is someone else. He isnt calling the shots, but hes getting huge amounts of money to act as the main mover in this whole thing.
Where does it all operate out of? Wolfe asked.
The huge warehouse and shipping complex he bought, of course, Tracy said nonchalantly.
Something about his voice sounded off. Wolfe glanced into the rearview mirror to see Tracy pulling the headband off his eyes with a hand carrying a small pocket knife.
How did he?
Before Wolfe could even finish the thought, Tracy lunged over the side of the seat, knife out, wedged above Wolfe against the ceiling. Wolfe caught Tracys arm as he brought the knife toward Wolfes throat, but his enemys position gave Tracy a massive leverage advantage, and the knife was cutting deep into his hand.
Wolfe slammed on the brakes as hard as he could. The car squealed and slid two lanes, turning perpendicular to traffic. Tracy flew up and slammed into the inside, passenger side corner of the glass windshield head-first, getting wedged in with his feet over the back of the chair. Wolfe kept his foot on the brake and let go of the wheel, touching his chest with one hand and punching Tracy with the other repetitively.
Somehow, despite enough blunt force trauma to put a cow down for the count, Tracy managed to touch his own chest and hold for two seconds.
A deckbearer has summoned their deck.
A horn sounded, and Wolfe glanced past Tracys flailing form to see a car heading right at them.
He tried not to tense as it slammed into his car.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty-Two: Always the Car
Wolfes world went topsy-turvy for a moment as the car slammed his Subaru. The Subaru was tougher than it ought to be, thanks to modifications, but it wasnt that tough. Tracy slammed into Wolfe, and something hit his head.
Wolfe shook himself back to full consciousness. His head hurt, and when he reached up, pushing Tracy off him as he did, his hand came back with blood. Even his arm was spotted with little pieces of glass.
Wolfe focused, and saw he had a notificationTracy was dead, and Wolfe had gained more experience, split with unknown driver ally.
Wolfe knew that ought to be funny, but everything felt fuzzy. A card fell from Wolfes shoulder as he moved, knocking a few more pieces of glass to the ground.
I need to get back to Shel, to get healed. But she already used her healing once on me.
Wolfe glanced up to see the person that had hit him stumbling from their car. The car had both its headlights shattered, and Wolfe counted on the extra anonymity as he put his car into reverse, praying to whatever Divine or Infernal being would help him that the car would move.
With a tortured screech of metal, Wolfes Subaru pulled back, and he shifted it into drive. The car was pulling hard to the right, and grinding was coming from multiple placesbut it was moving.
Hey, are you alright buddy? the man that had stumbled from the car shouted.
Wolfe felt bad for ruining the guys day, but if he stayed, hed most likely end up in prison, and still wouldnt do anything to help the man.
He drove back down the road at a slow pace, pushing Tracys broken body further into the seat. Blood and other bodily fluids leaked onto the passenger seat.
I need to dump the body somewhere they wont find it, and then hide my car as best as possible.
Wolfe suddenly laughed, gritting his teeth when that hurt.
He turned on the next street, heading for Noimoireand a certain warehouse that was still in probate court, with a back entrance onto a deep and freshwater-crab-inhabited part of the river.
***
Wolfe? Shel asked as Wolfe opened the door to their shared bedroom. That you?
Wolfe sat on the bed. It was near to five in the morning and he was supposed to be hanging out with Shels family in a couple hours.
Arent you supposed to be asleep? Wolfe asked his girlfriend.
I was worried about you. Did everything go okay?
No, Wolfe muttered as he sat next to her in the dark. Tracy got free and attacked me. Cut my hand up, but that was the least of it. I got in an accident. The car is a near-total loss, and Im pretty badly beat up. I need the remaining two EMT heals.
A few seconds later, a soft golden glow lit the room revealing Shels face. She gasped, and reached out and touched Wolfes head gently with the end of her fingers, then pulled them back.
She touched a card and an EMT appeared, healing Wolfe a tiny bit. Shel dismissed it afterward, then, a few moments later, swiped her deck.
After the next heal, she reached over and pulled Wolfes shirt off.
Im too tired, and still too hurt, Wolfe muttered, trying to lie down. Youll have to do all the work.
Shel smiled wryly in the dim golden light, tossing his shirt to the side. You need to go to the bath. You are, in fact, still busted up and youve got blood and everything else all over you. Ill take care of you.
Wolfe remembered the last time he had had a long day with a lot of wounds, and Shel taking care of him then. Nothing had happened, but it had been a very sensual sceneonce hed recovered enough to appreciate it.
He allowed himself to be led to the bathroom, where Shel closed the toilet lid and bid him sit down, which he did. He watched as she started a bath, adding shampoo as a makeshift bubble bath, and then adding some bath salts.
Alright, cmon, Shel said, giving Wolfe a half-smile. As Wolfe stood and stripped his remaining clothing off, Shels eyes widened, her smile slipped, and her brow furrowed.
He glanced at the mirror. Dried blood covered half his face, and his entire left side was a bruisegiven how the car was hit he wasnt even sure how or when that had happenedmaybe hed slammed back against the side, he couldnt remember. His knuckles were still bleeding, his hand was cutalthough not as deep thanks to Shels healing.
Wolfe was shocked at how much damage remained across his body.
Alright, well, you lived, Shel said. Thats whats important.
Wolfe reached down to the pants he had just discarded and fished out Tracys deck. It was harder then he would have thought. Weird that sometimes my body just shuts down after a situation. Must be the adrenaline leaving my body, or some shit like that.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Wolfe passed Tracys deck over to Shel. Here, sell theseexcept maybe the companion card, which we might want to offer to Miriam first. Tomorrow, after we hang with your sister and Ms. Timo and her rugrat, were going to go to that hidden arena our freaky little crime boss was hyping. Get the cash and lets see if anyone there is selling cards you can use.
Sure, Wolfe, but for now, how about you just get into the bath, okay?
Wolfe stepped into the bath, and Shel knelt down next to him. She grabbed a sponge they had kept in the house in honor of the first time, soaped it up, and began slowly and gently wiping the blood away from him. The water immediately pinked, and small chunks of blood swirled around, slowly dissolving in the warm and soapy water. Shel didnt freak out, instead continuing her ministrations. Wolfe laid his head back on the rim of the tub and closed his eyes, trying to ignore the stings in the scrapes that remained after his healing. He had noticed, through unfortunately common use, that the cards tended to heal the internal damage first, and the superficial damage seconda good thing, but it did make this process less than perfectly pleasant.
What felt like seconds later, Wolfe found himself being gently shaken awake.
Shels voice penetrated the fog of his thoughts. Its time to go to bed, Wolfe.
Wolfe grunted, half-tempted to explain he had been sleeping, but too tired to put the effort forth. Instead, he got up and Shel helped him from the bath. Then she toweled him off and led him to bed.
His last thought, before the darkness claimed him, was that he had gotten impossibly lucky to get a girl that would take care of him even when she, herself, had been shot not but a few hours ago.
***
How come your car is all beat up? It looks like it was attacked by one of those Drop Night monsters.
Wolfe struggled to open his eyes, glancing over at the girl across from him. His eyes slid to the side. The two girls across from him.
Lucy and Sharon were watching him expectantly. He honestly wasnt sure who had asked the question.
Where is Shel? Wolfe honestly couldnt remember why Shel wasnt in the main room with him. Maybe she went outside? Ms. Timo isnt here either, and she loves to garden
Wolfe tried to shake his exhaustion and sit up straighter. He stared at the two kids.
Aside from a general height and framegangly ten-year-oldsthey shared little in common. Lucy had red hair and green eyes to match Shel, as well as a complexion as white as mayonnaise, while Shannon was darker, with black hair and gray-blue eyes. Despite that, they could practically be sisters for mannerisms as they stared up at him.
I got in a car accident last night, Wolfe replied.
Did you report it to the police? Lucy asked.
I cant bear to answer questions about it, Wolfe said dramatically, then put his hand to his face and pretend sobbed. It was a traumatic loss. That car was a part of the family. Im still processing my grief.
Lucy frowned, but Shannon laughed.
There was a brief pause as they looked at him, then Shannon asked, Are you working on my familys case?
Wolfe frowned. Technically he was, and he had the files in his bedroom right now, but I dont know much, kid. I got some statements from your grandmother for the lawyer. Thats it.
But you know what happened, right? Shannon asked.
How do I exit the conversation without causing the kid to cry? Look, your grandmother knows everything. Just talk to her, okay?
Shannon slumped. She wont tell me anything. Its my mom and my dad, and theyve been gone for months. No one will tell me whats happening. Did they leave me?
Wolfe winced. None of this is because of you, kid. Youre a fine kid.
Her name is Shannon, Lucy said.
Shes a fine Shannon, Wolfe replied, overly sweet.
In an almost dj vu replay of the first time hed joked, Lucy frowned and Shannon laughed.
But Shannon sobered again quickly. Just tell me whats going on, please.
Wolfe sighed. Someone ought to tell her. Its crazy, keeping her in the dark like this. But Im really not the one that should be doing it.
Wolfe settled back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. Look, I think you should know, truly. But Im not your dad. Ask your grandma.
She calls herself Grammy, Lucy said.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Ask Grammy.
She wont tell me anything. She just says that shes taking care of me now, and thats okay. But its my mother and father. Shannon stamped her feet.
Gods damn it. Kid, I cant tell you. Im sorry.
I miss them.
I miss them too, since if they were here, itd get me out of this conversation. Again, Im sorry. Sometimes, things suck. Sometimes, we dont get to be with the people we want. Ask about Lucys brother sometime.
His name is Kevin, Lucy said.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. What are you, the name police? Arent there more important things to worry about than whether Im using their exact name.
My teacher says calling people by the name they want is very important, and matters a lot to them.
Well, it sure as shit doesnt matter to Kevin, Wolfe growled out.
Lucy frowned again. That was mean.
Wolfe rubbed his eyes. He really didnt want to be upsetting kids, but he was dog tired, and he had never been the best speaker regardless. Im sorry. Ill try and use hisKevinsname from now on.
There was a brief pause.
Can Shannon spend the night? Lucy asked.
Yeah, sure, as long as her Grammy says its okay, Wolfe said.
Shannon clapped her hands. Can we set up a tent and sleep in the backyard?
Do little girls like to do that? I dont remember my sister liking any outdoors stuff when I wanted to do it.
Sure, as long as Shel says its okay.
Shannon clapped again. Yay! I never get to do stuff like that anymore. I miss camping and hiking and the outdoors and adventure and
Take a breath, kid.
Lucy coughed.
Take a breath, Shannon.
The glass door to the backyard opened and Shel stepped in, followed by Ms. Timo and Malviere. The vengeance orphan trailed silently afterward.
Wolfe glanced at the wall clock. Is it time?
Shel nodded. Yeah. I called an Ubertheyre outside.
Where are you going? Lucy asked.
Shel squatted a bit and hugged Lucy for some reason. Were going to an Arena to do our three competitions each deckbearer gets every Drop Night.
You smell like dirt, Lucy said. Then, Can we come? I want to see you be a deckbearer, and watch Sorenia in battle.
Lucys voice was raw with jealousy when she talked about Shel being a deckbearer.
Yeah, I want to go! Shannon chimed in.
There are going to be a lot of rough characters there, Wolfe said. I dont think its for you. Im sorry.
Well take you guys to watch some of the fights at the Three Fires Arena, Shel said. Okay?
Why cant you take us to this one? Or go to the Three Fires Arena yourself? Lucy asked.
Wolfe glanced at Shel, raising an eyebrow.
She tapped her fingers together. We just cant.
When you do that with your fingers youre worried about something.
Everyone ever tell you that youre too smart for your own good, sprout? Shel said, ruffling Lucys hair.
Lucy ducked away from her hand. You can never be too smart.
Well, youll have to figure it out yourself, Wolfe said. Because were going.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty-Three: The Rat Arena
Seriously, Miriam, why? Wolfe asked, motioning around at the huge black limousine they were all riding in. It could seat four or five people beside one another on each side of the ridiculously large vehicle. Since it was just Wolfe, Shel, Derek, Ahmed, Victor, and Miriam herself in the giant car, it felt extra ostentatious.
And that wasnt even talking about the ceiling skull motif, or the skull etched on the hood of the limo.
Miriam smiled at Wolfe as she ran one delicate hand across the plush seat. It just fits my vibe, you know?
Couldnt you just get a nice, slightly low-key vehicle with some protection? Wolfe asked.
Miriam just laughed and smiled at Ahmed, then turned slightly away from him in the seat. Massage please, Ahmed.
The Egyptian man began to knead at her shoulders, and Miriam sighed contentedly, relaxing into his touch but keeping her eyes on Wolfe the whole time.
I read about this for one of my police academy classes, Shel said, quite seriously. Its called Deckbearer Apotheosis Syndrome. Someone gets some cards, can order monsters and maybe minions around, they can put mantles onto themselves it goes to their head and they kinda go crazy with the power. More than a few deckbearers end up selling their cards to cover debts they acquire.
Derek laughed, and Miriam frowned and opened her mouth.
Wolfe beat her to the punch. Its just old-fashioned ego, you dont need a damned college degree to make up special words for it.
Miriam glared and her cheeks pinked slightly. Its camouflage, assholes. Im never going to be as scary as Dad, not in person, at least. He used fear and anger to rule and hide his intelligence and plans. It was easy for him. He was even bigger than you, Wolfe, and had a voice that sounded like the judgment of the Divine. But I dont have any of that. So I do what you do, WolfeI conceal.
You conceal? Wolfe asked skeptically.
She kept going. Dont think I didnt notice, Wolfe. You act physically aggressive, but youre always quiet with your intelligence and plans. You pretend to be a thug to conceal your real capabilities. You have cars that look way cheaper than you can afford, but you always get them quietly upgraded. Well, this car has the same upgradeson top of that, the seats themselves are massively armored. We can simply lie down and probably survive anything short of a tanks big gun, although the limo cant take more than pistol and sub-machine gun type fire and keep functioning. But well survive. Its the same thing.
Wolfe snorted. Again, nothing about this is hidden, Miriam. You bray your existence and importance to the world.
She was no longer glaring, but she had a serious intensity about her that Wolfe had only seen a couple times before, usually when she talked about her abuse at the hands of her evil older brother. Her intelligence and force of personality shown through in a way they didnt normally, and for a moment, she somehow resembled Big Man Grimm more than anyone Wolfe had ever seen.
Miriam motioned down to herself. Im twenty-two, a club owner, beautiful
Humble, Derek muttered.
the daughter of a very wealthy dead man, and absolute top of my class in law school. No one is going to believe Im dumb, or a ditz, or afraid but they might believe Im a spoiled, eccentric rich kid with idiot notions about cards and power and the games Im playing.
She relaxed again, and old Miriam, sardonic but playful, was back. Not that it isnt real, to a degree. I do love the pageantry and drama of it all, and
She reached her hands out, putting one finger one each hand on Shels and Wolfes knees and slowly dragging them back, I would actually, for real, love to take the two of you for some playtime. Offer will be open when you guys get bored.
Shel blushed, and Miriam smiled at her and licked her lips.
Ahmed frowned, but kept kneading.
Miriam leaned back into Ahmed as she finished. But that doesnt mean a lot of my act isnt a disguiseits my armor, Wolfe. None of the other Noimoire bosses spend too much time worrying about Thads poor, spoiled little daughter, in over her head. And even Victor never figured out what my escape plan for all this was till you showed up.
Wolfe gave brief thought to what she had said and nodded. Alright, thats fair. Ill stop talking about it.
With that in mind, we have a present for you, Wolfe continued.
Miriam sighed and sensually stretched in Ahmeds grasp, obviously hamming it up. I love presents, Wolfy. What did you get me?
A carda companion card. Its called Malik the Soul Devourer. But I guess its only half a gift, as I expect your support in turn.
Wolfe held it out, and Miriam leaned forward, all of the playfulness gone from her.
Malik, Soul Devourer
Unique Tier-7, Power-2 equivalent Undead/Shadow Companion
0 Power
Health: 15
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Attack: 0
Magic Attack: 10
Defense: 5
Magic Defense: 5
Special: Incorporeal (Immune to physical attacks)
Special: If Malik gets the killing blow on an enemy deckbearer, Maliks deckbearer gains a card as if it was drawn randomly from a rare Undead or Shadow pack. This only works against deckbearers who received god gifted decks on Drop Night.
Special: Considered a wraith for all things that would affect a wraith.
Malik, Soul Devourer, was once a mere wraith. But a thousand years in the Deadlands, feeding on the souls of powerful departed he was lucky enough to find, has made him into something more.
Wow, a gift? Really? Miriam asked. This might sell for a million on the open market. Probably more, actually. Companion cards are crazy rare and free of power cost. I bet itd go for at least two million. Sure you want to make a gift of this to me?
Wolfe nodded, but he stared at Miriam. A partial gift. Next dungeon Victor finds for you, assuming he does, Shel and I go and get equal shares, fair?
Of course, Miriam said. I owe you one whole dungeon, and one partial one, already. One more wont hurt.
Well then, if you get your dainty little hands on any cards for my deck, return the favor. I know youre trustworthy. Wolfe paused, then smirked at her. Even if you are a bit touched.
Miriam laughed. Fair. Ill be sure to make it up to you. What did you do with the rest of whatever deck you got this from?
We sold it, Shel said, holding her phone forward. We sold it at a discount to Gavins, the card auction company. But they gave us immediate cash for useincluding when we get to the Hidden Arena. Were hoping that some people there will have decent Mortal or Divine cards for sale.
Finally going to work on your deck, huh? Miriam said, then wiped an imaginary tear from her eye. Its so good to see my little girl all grown up.
Shel blushed.
Something outside drew Miriams gaze, and she nodded to the window. Were almost there.
Wolfe felt himself tensing. He understood the plan, and the necessity of itbut he didnt like it. It went against all his animal instincts.
The limo turned into a parking lot surrounded by a chain link fence. A man at the front, with a suspicious bulge under his black suit, looked at their vehicle and then unlocked a gate, ushering the limo into the parking lot.
A separate van waited therea van that gave off want some candy, kid? kidnapping vibes harder than any vehicle Wolfe had seen before. Tinted windows, duct tape on parts of it, and a large amount of wear and tear proclaimed how unsavory it was to the world.
More camouflage? Shel asked hopefully as they drove in.
What? Wolfe asked.
Like Miriam, its just cover that isnt actually a van where everything terrible happens, right?
Wolfe snorted. Probably not.
The limo stopped, and Wolfe, Shel, Miriam, and her three men all got out of the vehicle. Two men were waiting beside the van, and the third came up behind them.
He reached up to grab Wolfe, and Wolfe batted his hands aside. Hey, Im not judging your personal tastes, but I dont swing that way.
Har har, the guard said mirthlessly, a slight hint of a British accent detectable in his voice. Pat down. No weapons allowed.
And if I dont agree? Wolfe asked.
You dont agree, you dont go. Thats it. Now dont make me make this a cavity search.
You know Im a deckbearer, right? That I can summon doom at any time?
The guard looked at him like he was an idiot.
Yeah, fair, I suppose I am headed to an Arena, Wolfe muttered, embarrassed.
He sighed and held his hands up. The guard patted him down, finding no weapons, and then went through the others. He might not have had a sense of humor, but Wolfe noted he did have a sense of professionalismhe didnt take even the slightest liberty with Shel or Miriam.
Alright, youre either clean or youve got guns in your prison purses. Good enough. Now the blindfolds.
Wolfe tensed, but allowed the other guard to come up and place a thick cloth over his eyes. He briefly wondered about the fact that even if the Arena was hidden, this transaction was semi-visible in the daylightbut he put it from his mind. If they got caught, it was their problem. No law against using any Arena, after all.
When the guards had tied the blindfolds in place, they carefully helped everyone into the van. Wolfe sat on what felt like a cheap wooden bench, as if the owners were now going out of their way to make the van as unpalatable as possible. He could smell sweat and fear, and tried to calm himself, adding to neither as best he could.
Under the right circumstances, this could be hot, Miriam said, but Wolfe caught a slight undertone to her voice. He would have bet his companion card that she was playing around to hide her own nervousness.
Shel coughed, and Derek muttered, Sorry.
A moment later, she leaned against Wolfes side.
The drive lasted all of five minutes, which at least told Wolfe what district the Arena was in, roughly. He was pretty sure he heard a metal garage being pulled down before the van door opened, letting in stale, dusty air.
Then one of the guards took his arm. Follow me.
Wolfe was led across what he was almost positive was a parking garage cement floor, then stopped. A slight chunk of metal settling into place came a bit after, and then a slight whirr of machinery.
The guard pushed slightly on Wolfes elbow, and he walked forward. He stepped onto what he thought was carpet, and the floor settled very slightly. Then the whole room began to move downward.
Alright, you buggers can take the eyewear off, the guard said in a bored voice.
Wolfe reached up and removed the blindfold.
Thank the Divine, it is just an elevator, Victor muttered, and the guard gave a more genuine laugh.
They were, in fact, just in an elevatorone slightly old and worn-looking, but not uncared for. It had a mirror on one side, and cheap brown paneling on the other three.
After a moment, the elevator clunked to a stop, and Wolfe saw they had reached B2, which he assumed was the second-floor basement.
The doors opened, looking onto a huge balcony, about fifty feet wide, that curved in a circle around the top of a massive arena. The arena itself was in an even larger cavesmooth stone made up the ceiling and the walls on the outside of the balcony, except for a few places where concrete and faux brick had been put up, around the elevators. Wiring ran across the natural stone ceiling, held in place by metal prongs hammered into the stalactites and ceiling itself. A few parts of the walls had power lines as well, and they snaked across the smooth wooden floor of the balcony to the tables across the balcony and the sitting bar that ringed the arena for easy viewing. It was cool, but not cold, in the giant natural cavern, and numerous people watched an ongoing fight in the arena that Wolfe couldnt see.
A huge number of anthropomorphic rats, mostly women in slinky cocktail dresses that seemed like they should have come from an eighties casino floor, worked the tables that lined the place, and the bar that ran around the entire edge of the arena, passing out drinks and snacks. Near the wall on one side, a large makeshift bar and sitting area was where the drinks were coming from, and huge, plush couches dominated that edge of the cavern.
Wow, Shel said. My Dad took us to the Three Fires Arena once, a couple years ago, but somehow, I never imagined that this place would have the same level of grandeur. Especially since its nearly empty.
A man stepped up to them. He was thin and dressed in an expensive gray suit, and a cloud of cigar smoke trailed after him like a thought bubble. His hair was thinning as well, and even the hand he held out was long and boney.
Welcome to the Rat Arena, the man said.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty-Four: The Rat Deckbearer
The Rat Arena? Wolfe asked, glancing around. He supposed the anthropomorphic rat womena version of minion cards, he guessedgave it that sense, but that was it. Everything else felt more like an underground arena.
Itll make sense when you compete, the man said with a smarmy laugh. He reached out further and took Wolfes hand. Were Clive Faraday.
Wolfe gave the twig-like appendage a firm shake, trying not to snap the mans fingers like so many twigs. Were?
Clives cigar cloud washed over Wolfe, who inhaled, longing passing through him again. He even has the good shit, Wolfe thought, recognizing them from his days as Big Man Grimms well-compensated right hand man.
He saw Shel giving him the side eye and pretend-coughed. She laughed.
Clive gave them a quizzical look, but didnt comment further. He turned and waved his hand at the enclosure. Welcome to our humble home. Since the most recent Drop Night, the auspiciously named Cycle of the Lost and Lonely, we have been providing arena services to the discerning members of the Greater Illinois alternatively employed. Were glad you could make it, William or should we say Wolfe?
Wolfe frowned, more irritated by the mans ostentatious use of phrases like Greater Illinois alternatively employed and the royal we than because he knew Wolfes name. That ship had sailed over the last day and a half.
But calling criminals and pushers alternatively employed reeked of wine-swirling condescension or pretension or both.
Wolfe will do fine. How do we register for a bout?
You find a partner here that is willing to match you, and we set it up. But be warnedwe require that a card be taken at random from the deck of the loser and given to the winner.
Thats bullshit, Wolfe said loudly. A few of the patrons turned and glanced at him and a few sets of eyes went in surprised recognition.
Its the old way, and well all honor it here, Clive said, holding his hands out and swirling the smoke cloud around him.
He gave Wolfe a smarmy smile. If you dont want to join us, you dont have to play with us.
This guy uses language like dragging his nails across a chalkboard.
Whatever, Wolfe said. If I compete, Ill register the card.
The man nodded, his smile going wider despite the cigar in his mouth. He rubber his hands together. Great, great. Well, have a look around.
We have to risk cards? Derek asked, rubbing his hand through his close cut hair. Seriously? I dont have a spare, can I even register?
Shel nodded slowly. The same.
Victor nodded his head. Itll be fine. We can add a single card to the Arena, to be placed in our decks if we lose one. All the Arenas can do this, but since the usual effect is to reduce decks and make them weaker overall, most dont.
Derek slowly nodded. Well, all my cards are cheap as hell, so it seems like a good deal for me.
Wolfe glanced at Shel. Both of them had some fantastic, nigh-irreplaceable cards. Like their companions, and the Infernal Rift. If Wolfe lost a match, there was a twenty-percent chance that he would lose a card he really couldnt get back in any legal way.
Lets look around, see who is here, and what they have. Maybe we can find some very likely wins.
Check with Victor, Miriam said. He knows a lot about the people of Noimoire and all their interesting decks.
Ill be sure to check with our very own little CIA agent, Wolfe said.
NSA, really, if youre going for those comparisons, Victor replied.
Uh-huh.
Even as they were talking, a shout of excitement went up from the crowd around the bar that ringed the arena. An announcer called over a P.A. system. By all that is unholy! Elizabeth shows us what a champion is by defeating Kiera Black without even pulling a creature!
Wolfe, curious, walked up to it and glanced over the edge.
The bottom of the Arena was on firenearly the whole thing. A blasted, burned corpse of a woman was on the ground, as well as charred and splintered chunks of wood. Another woman, who remained untouched, in a red-and-black dress, was watching the corpsefor a moment. Then everything dissolved, including the two people.
Wow, Elizabeth is amazing, a thin girl that looked barely legal next to Wolfe said. She was dressed in a slinky black miniskirt that was a mere inch or so away from dispelling all the mystery.
A huge tub of lard with swarthy skin one seat past her smiled, putting a ring-encrusted hand on the girls mostly bare thigh. He spoke with an English accent. Yes, a good show. Having an actual champion visit certainly puts all the local riff-raff to shame. Ill be glad to see all the poseur deckbearers reminded of their place. The ones think theyre special just because they got a deck and made level six.
The swarthy tub of lard picked up a huge tumbler of whiskey with his free hand and took a draught.
Local riff-raff deckbearers? Wolfe asked before he could think it through.
The corpulent man turned to Wolfe, his chair squeaking under his weight. His hand never left the thigh of the girl. Wolfe saw her briefly glance down, and her bland expression briefly went to disgust, but then her face cleared.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Yes, the man said. Most of the deckbearers here lack the refinement and education to put together a truly worthy deck, and most of them are, frankly, too stupid. Why do you bloody care? Are you one of them?
Nevermind, Wolfe said, shaking his head disgustedly and turning away.
A wise choicerun away from your betters, and keep your pathetic cards.
Wolfe turned back, hand falling to the space where his absent weapon had been. Are you that stupid?
Me? the man said, sneering at Wolfe, a tiny bit of alcohol spilling from his mouth onto his shirt. But his eyes glistened, and Wolfe could tell he was happy. Youre the one that came here to compete with your betters. Or do you actually think you can beat me?
By now, Wolfe had attracted a small crowd, including Miriam and her gang. I dont even know you, fat-ass. Who are you, and what do you do, besides paw women you could probably eat in a setting?
Victor stepped up and whispered in Wolfes ear. This is Gopal Singh, cousin to Gurjit Singh. He has recently arrived from Pakistan, to help his cousin.
Ah. Gurjit Singh, the head of the Singh crime family. That makes sense, then, why he is such a dickand why he has a beautiful girl with him.
Victor leaned in closer, and Wolfe almost batted him away as the information broker breathed right into his ear. He runs an Infernal Hive rat deckInfernal/Beast, specifically.
Wolfe briefly paused. He didnt know this guy at all. But a deck with Beasts and Infernal cards would be a perfect opponent for Wolfe. This guy might be worth risking a fight with. Plus, Wolfe wanted very much to make a few levels. Level twenty-five, specifically, to see what new perk options he would get.
Gopal was watching him closely, and Wolfe could tell he wanted Wolfe to accept his goad and fight him. Who is tricking whom, here?
Are we doing this, then? came Clives voice from beside Wolfe, accompanied by the faint cigar smell.
Fuck it. Alright, fat man, youre on. On one condition. You add the girl for the night, and no reprisals afterward. I know Gurjit, personally.
The man sneered. I can always get another whore. Meet me downstairs, so I can quickly put you back in your place and get back to drinking.
Clive clapped his bony hands together. Another match, then! Wolfe the lost enforcer vs. the new Singh family purchaser! We cant wait!
This way, Wolfe, please, Clive said. Gopal knows the way to the other entrance to the arena.
Wolfe nodded and followed in Clives cigar-infused wake as the thin man led him to a set of narrow stairs with a clear glass handrail down the side of the Arena. Shel, Miriam, and Miriams gang all followed after him.
Sorry, Shel, well look for cards after I take this asshat down a peg or two.
No, its fine, Shel said nervously.
Wolfe kept going down the stairs, eventually following Clive into a large room in the side of the arena that reminded him of a fancy dugout, with a padded bench and chairs and a small barbut the same basic design as a dugout. At the front was a glass screen with numbers scrolling across it on a stone pedestal, a weird mixing of old and new.
Place your hand on the glass, please, Clive said.
Wolfe complied. It was warm to the touch, and pulsed with power, similar to what Wolfe felt when he touched his chest to summon cards.
Nothing happened.
Clive coughed. Weve noticed, before, that Gopal sometimes takes a while to reach his side. Just give it a few moments.
A good three minutes later, Wolfe felt power shoot up his arm, like an electric jolt.
Two cards appeared on the glass. Wolfe''s stomach clenched as he stared at the one selected for him: Malviere.
Malviere, Conduit of Cerberus
Unique, no-tier Mortal/Infernal companion[Orphan, Canine]
0 Power
Health: 13
Attack: N/A
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Will fetch normal objects and such with a decent degree of precision and help carry up to ten pounds.
Special: If kept alive for five straight years, will gain stats as a Tier-6 equivalent companion card. If ever killed, or she is returned to the deck, the timer resets.
Special: So long as she is on the field, all [Canine] creature cards gain +1 to all stats.
Special: Once every 30 seconds, the most powerful Beast card on the field will make a second attack or magical attack, whichever is its highest score.
Special: Is liked by all canines and can command them to do her biddingincluding the [Canine] creature cards of other deckbearers, which, if summoned, will switch sides without returning their power.
Note: Malvieres on the field range is 200 feet.
Malviere cannot remember any life except that of acting as a conduit for the great guardian of the gates of the Infernal, Cerberus. She aids his chosen hunters on the mortal plane, to bring back those whom Hell has lost. And she gets to play with all the doggos. Good and bad.
The second was a Beast instant card
Hunters Hunger
Uncommon Tier-1 Beast persistent
1 Beast power (available)
All deckbearers sacrifice a Beast creature every thirty seconds. This may be sacrificed as part of another effect. If they do not have a beast creature to sacrifice, they take 4 health damage every thirty seconds.
Fuck me, now Im risking Malviere against some uncommon, 1-power, tier-1 POS card? Fucking gods hate me.
Wolfe stepped out into the bare arena. Across from him, Gopal waddled out from his side.
An announcer called out, Gopal Singh, new purveyor for the Singh family, has taken the field with his Hive Rat Deck! Opposing him is a new challenger, a man long thought dead, Wolfe! Once an enforcer for the Grimm family, he disappeared after near single handedly taking out the Cobras. But will his skills translate to having any chance against the man that has mastered this arena?
Mastered the Arena?
Even as Wolfe thought the question, numerous crates and piles of trash filled the area, and a squeaking filled his ears.
The arena has chosen the field! Its a bad one for the challenger!
Words flashed across Wolfes vision.
By random selection, the Rat Arena has picked the Infested Warehouse as the site of your battle. At the start of the fight, and every minute after, a single rat will appear, with a 5 health, a 3 in Attack, Defense, and Magical Defense, and a 0 in Magical Attack. They are considered part of both sides field, team, and allies, and will attack the nearest deckbearer or creature.
Wolfe touched his chest to pull his deck, and it popped into existence in front of him.
His enemy did the same, and then dropped a creature onto the field. It was nearly a basic rat, but had demonic features.
Demonic Hive Rat
Uncommon Tier-1 Infernal/Beast[Rodent] Creature
1 Beast or 1 Infernal Power
Health: 5
Attack: 3
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 2
Special: Swarm[Rodent]: This creature gains +1 to all stats for every other rodent on the field, regardless of owner.
The Hive Rats of Dis are one of the very few vermin that could bother a demon.
Wolfe looked at the two other rats crawling from behind piles of garbage, one near him, and one near Gopal. Ah, shit.
Chapter Twenty-Five: A Peg or Two
Wolfe had his Fireborn Hellhound, an Angry Hellhound, Malvieres Null card, and Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds in his handand Cereboo off to the side.
For one of the few times in his life, Wolfe blanked, not having the exact tactic for the moment. It was clear that Gopal had suckered him into the battle before Wolfe knew what the arena didbut Wolfe was almost positive that Gopal didnt know what Wolfes deck did either, or he wouldnt have been so cocky.
Not having a better play, Wolfe threw Cereboo onto the field. A rat immediately attacked Cereboo, and the other arena rat chewed on the demonic hive rat that Gopal had summoned.
The announcer was commentating. Gopal starts his overwhelming rat swarm as expected. No surprises there.
Wolfe ignored that, instead running as fast as possible toward Gopal. If I can just get to him, I can beat his fat ass to death, especially if I get my damn mantle, which never shows up first.
And now our challenger is running toward Gopal! What does Wolfe have in mind I wonder? I bet itll be exciting!
He covered most of the distance when a thought struck him. Wait, he has that sacrifice card for a reason
As Gopal reached for his card, Wolfe screamed Dodge this, fat ass! and held his hand out.
Gopal stopped reaching for his card and glanced up, then half-dived, half-fell behind one of the wooden crates, letting out a grunt as he hit the arena floor.
Hah! That was a good oneGopal takes a self-inflicted hit to his own belly! the announcer cried out.
Wolfe tapped his own card, his intimidation trick having gained him back the precious seconds he lost when he had been stunned by the arena producing rats.
Wolfe tossed Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds out. But unlike his last fight, he didnt use it as cover, instead placing it to his sidehe kept up his dead run at Gopal.
Wow, what a play! the announcer called, This will give
Wolfe did his best to tune the announcer out as he neared his foe.
Gopal stood and tossed another carda rat that appeared half brain, or perhaps a brain that had a rat head and legs coming off it.
Demonic Hive Rat Coordinator.
Rare Tier-1 Infernal/Beast[Rodent] Creature
1 Beast Power, 1 Infernal Power
Health: 12
Attack: 2
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Every rodent on the field gets Swarm[Rodent]: This creature gains +1 to all stats for every other rodent on the field, regardless of owner.
Special: no Beast[rodents] will attack the Deckbearer or any Hive Rats.
The vermin of the Infernal city of Dis, the famed Demonic Hive Rats, are nearly as dangerous as the demons that rule the city. And the coordinators rule their nests, second only to the great Brood Mothers.
Well, that explains why he wanted to play in the rat arena. Now, since the card stops any rats from attacking him or his deck, itll be like the arena is summoning two extra rats per round on his side.
But Wolfe smiledhe had been right.
When the Demonic Hive Rat Coordinator came out, Gopal sacrificed his basic demonic Hive Rat. But Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds meant that the sacrificed creature joined Wolfe instead. And the Home spit out a Lost Hellhound Puppy.
Suddenly, there were four arena rats that were neutral but effectively on Gopals side and Gopals Hive Coordinator against Cereboo, a Lost Hellhound Puppy, and Gopals own Demonic Hive Rat.
Gopal appeared a bit shaken, but glanced around. He must have figured that his tactic still worked as long as he kept the Hive Rat CoordinatorWolfe couldnt beat his effective three summons a round.
But Wolfe smiled viciously. Chump deckbearers that relied on money and tricks always forgot the first card that started on the field every timethemselves. And judging by how Gopal looked, himself was a common, 1-power card.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Wolfe swiped his deck as he closed the last few feet, trusting his three creatures to survive long enough to keep him alive. That was all he really wanted. Before the thirty seconds were up, Wolfe reached Gopal, whose eyes were wide with fear as Wolfe leapt. He tackled the fat man to the ground. Gopal crunched as he hit, and the two of them went down, Wolfe on top and scrambling till he was half-straddling the fat mans chest.
Brimstone didnt show, but his Soul Hunter mantle did. It would be enough. Wolfe touched it, and the red energy flowed into him, giving him slight horns and very slightly scaled skin.
While Wolfe did that, Gopal managed to maintain enough of a sense of control to hit another card, summoning it, surprising Wolfe, who had expected him to fold instantly.
Another rat appeared, this one huge and bloated with children.
Grelka Ratbearer, Demonic Hive Rat Broodmother
Unique rare-equivalent, tier-4 equivalent Infernal/Beast creature
2 Infernal, 2 Beast power
Health: 50
Attack: 3
Defense: 10
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 10
Special: Every Hive Rat gains Swarm[Rodent], gaining +1 stat for every other rodent on the deckbearers side.
Special: Every round, a single creature from an opposing deckbearers deck is chosen randomly. That creature is sacrificed as if sacrificed by the deckbearer that owns Grelka, and Grelka spawns a number of Demonic Hive Rats equal to the power of the sacrificed creature.
He didnt think that through at allhes flustered from being attacked and just pulling randomly.
Wolfes cards couldnt be sacrificedand if they were considered sacrificed by Gopal, they would return to him anyway.
Wolfe struck down, as hard as he could, slamming his fist into Gopals face. His targets cheekbone gave way beneath his demonically empowered blow, and teeth flew across the floor of the arena. The copper tang of blood filled Wolfes nostrils.
Stoph, stoph! Gopal cried out. Pveave!
Wolfe received a notification that three rats had died to his team, but that everything on his side except Cereboo had also diedand two more rats had joined.
But Wolfe ignored that.
He managed to grab the flailing Gopals hands and pin them above his head, to prevent the man from summoning more cards, and summoned an Angry Hellhound to give himself more time.
Gopal thrashed violently but couldnt dislodge Wolfe, who started to slam short elbows into Gopals face, over and over.
Slam. His forehead split open, and something cracked.
Stoph! His thrashing became more panicked and animalistic.
Slam. Gopals jaw slewed sideways.
Gopal lay stunned for second, then wept with a half-sobbing noise. Uh huh huh.
He was barely resisting now, his thrashing minuscule. A shit stink had joined the copper tang in a miasma of gross odors.
Can he just surrender? Or is death the only way?
Wolfe took careful aim with his next demonically empowered elbow. Time to die, prick.
Slam. Wolfe felt his opponents skull cave in.
He noticed the experienceonly about seventy-five percent of a level. Damn.
He glanced up, realizing that the arena was utterly quiet, no screams of the crowd, no announcer. He wiped blood from his face with a hand whose attached arm was dripping with blood.
He turned and glanced back at his dugout. He saw Shel staring at him, her eyes wide, her hand at her mouth. She hasnt actually seen me kill many people. Hope this doesnt upset her.
Then everything dissolved, and Wolfe was standing with his hand touching the glass screen he had started the fight with, but he was holding the Hunters Hunger card. The blood was gone, his wounds were goneeverything felt normal. But for the card in his hand, nothing might have happened.
Clive was staring at Wolfe with considering eyes. Wow. That was impressive. As well as impressively dark.
Wolfe only cared about Shels opinion, and he glanced over at her. She smiled, tremulously.
You okay? Wolfe asked.
Yeah. I knew what you did when we got together, and its good to be reminded. Not that some other recent activities didnt remind me, but that was a visceral reminder of what is simultaneously the hottest and scariest thing about you.
Nice, Clive drawled out, and Wolfe knew the man thought Shel was referring to sex as recent activities.
But Wolfe knew it was last nights fight, in which they had defeated two deckbearers together, Caine and Tracy. She was just being subtle.
Didnt hurt his stock with the arena owner, though.
Well, shall we head up and see about your deck? Wolfe asked.
Shel nodded and took his hand, then kissed his ear. I like that my man can beat up all the other men.
Wolfe snorted, and the two walked up the stairs together.
When he reached the top, he found that Gopal had apparently started back early, as he was already back at the table.
Wolfe glanced at his opponent. He appeared unharmeduntil Wolfe glanced at his eyes. Gopals eyes flickered side-to-side, as if already seeking escape from Wolfe. His face was pale as he stared at Wolfe.
Miriam and her crew were standing around, most of them staring at Wolfe with a mixture of respect and disgustalthough Miriam had the same glazed look to her eyes that she had gotten after murdering werewolves, and Wolfe bet she was going to make some kind of comment about sex soon. Speaking of, the girl in the short black mini-skirt was still there, and she licked her lips as she stared at Wolfe as well.
He had forgotten about her for a moment, until her blatant staring brought him back.
Gopal was so shocked he didnt even try and play dominance games. Im, um, going to go home early today. You, um, enjoy Tiffany.
Wolfe almost laughed, remembering the girl from Drop Night. He was nearly positive this wasnt the same person, but the outfit and demeanor might as well have been.
Um Wolfe? Shel asked as Gopal waddled away, his gait unsteady.
Yeah?
She nodded to Tiffany. Whats going on?
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Right. Girl, youre free for the night.
Tiffany frowned. You didnt want me?
Wolfe chuckled and put his arm around Shel. No, I just wanted that asshole to get blue balls as well.
The girl frowned, but didnt make more of it beside putting some sway into her hips as she walked off.
A shame, Miriam said, staring at her. She would have been fun to play with.
Then she turned her gaze to Wolfe. You know"
Wolfe held his free hand up. No. Cards and levels. You flirting later.
Youre no fun, Wolfy, but okay. While you were absolutely brutalizing that waste of man-flesh that just left, Victor here did his thing. There is someone here with a connection to a lot of cardsand surprisingly, most of them are Divine cards.
Lets go see them, then, Wolfe said. We can get Shel some new cards, and see what she can do in the Arena herself.
Shel extricated herself from Wolfes hug, and nervously twirled her finger in her red hair. Sure.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty-Six: A Happy Hint of Coming Darkness
Victor took them to a table on the outside edge of the great balcony overlooking the rat Arenathe wall was stone in some places and brick in other, incongruous to the build. The table was lower to the ground and had multiple couches around it. A tall man, overweight but not grossly so, with brown hair and brown eyes, was sitting at the table. His only distinguishing feature, besides being big, was a huge wart on the inside of his arm that a hair was visibly growing from. Next to him sat a pretty blond-haired girl that was obviously trying to hide her looks. She was dressed like a pile of laundryshe had on baggy black sweatpants and an oversized black hoodie. She wore glasses, and had a black laptop with her.
Victor gestured to the pair. This is Hans and Lisa Berwick. They move cards that have issues attached to them. Issues that would make it harder to sell them through a reputable card trading company like Gavins.
Wolfe stared at the pair. They looked like gamers, or accountants, or maybe the kind of people that had been working on a novel in a coffee shop on and off for five years. What they didnt appear to be were fences for what was probably cards gained by murder or theft, or through the trade that still existed to third world countries with wars, civil or otherwise, where the cards could be bought far cheaper.
I guess not every jackass I meet can look like they stamped villain on their forehead, like poor Gopal.
Wolfe glanced at Shel.
She nodded.
Alright, were looking for Mortal and Divine faction cards, Wolfe said.
Particularly civic type Mortal cards, Shel said. Cards that have jobs like police officer, or EMT, or have the word civic in their name.
The pair nodded in near-perfect unison, briefly meeting each others eyes.
Lisa will see what we can do for you, Hans said.
Lisa stared at her computer, poking away at the keyboard for a minute or so. Wolfe waited, wondering what cards would be offered.
After a bit more, Lisa turned the computer around. Okay, we have a few options in that area, but also a few other, rarer options for Mortal and Divine.
A list of cards was on the screen, with prices attached. Shel knelt next to the low table and checked the screen. Wolfe stood, reading over her shoulder as Shel scrolled. First he saw a Veteran EMT, then a couple of the Rookie EMTs, then the same for the Riot Police cards.
Then things started to get interesting.
Shel stopped the screen as she was scrolling. Is that an enhancer?
Wolfe glanced at the card.
Caretaker of the Lost
Rare Tier-1 Mortal Enhancer
+2 Health
Enhancer: Null card for the Great Game
Special: All minion[orphan] cards grow at twice the rate. This stacks multiplicatively with any other source of minion[orphan] growth.
Special: When any pack is opened, there is a 20% chance one card becomes a minion[orphan]. This ability does not stack.
Special: When a minion[orphan] card evolves, it gains 1 tier automatically.
Special: All evolved orphan cards gain +10% Health, Defense, and Magic Defense.
The next generation is the future, but they stand on the shoulders of the ones that came before.
Thats interesting, Wolfe said, eyeing it. It feels like a very long run build. Is there any stuff thats faster?
Let me just check the price, Shel said.
She looked. They wanted five-hundred thousand for the enhancer card.
Shel scrolled a bit more. Soon, a persistent came into view.
Police Academy
Uncommon Tier-1 Mortal Persistent
3 Mortal Power
This card produces a Rookie Riot Police every 30 seconds until 1/5 levels of the deckbearer is present on the field. If this card is dismissed or removed, they all dismiss as well.
Special: This card counts as a Veteran so long as its on the field.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
There is no substitute for training and experience, no matter your field. No amount of natural talent can make up for 10,000 hours of keeping your nose to the damned grindstone.
Thats more like it, Wolfe said. Thats like the No Kill Pound, which has been one of my best cards.
Shel nodded and muttered, mmhmm.
But she kept scrolling. A moment later, a Barter the Soul came up.
Shel touched the price. They wanted fifty-thousand, which was a discountmost common cards went for that much in the open.
hmm she murmured again.
After a bit more scrolling, she came to another card.
Grail of Free Will
Mythic Tier-1 Divine Persistent
2 Divine or 2 Mortal Power
Special: All Divine cards gain the best option of being treated as Mortal or Divine under all circumstances
Special: While this card is out, no Mortal or Divine card may be controlled or sacrificed without the specific consent of the deckbearer.
This grail contains the essence that is most Mortalthe essence of choice.
Shel stood, leaning up to Wolfes ear. This was one of the mythic Grail cards from the last three seasons. Its almost certainly the card that belonged to Officer Klinefelter!
Wolfe remembered the poster hanging on Rhetts office wall of the missing officer. Whomever killed him sold his cards rather than keeping them for themselves.
Still, I wonder
Whered you get this card? Wolfe asked.
Everyone tensed. Victor didnt say anything, but Wolfe could see the disapproving look on his face.
Wolfe could tell he wasnt going to get an answer, and might get himself in trouble.
Hans brow was furrowed, and he started to open his mouth.
Wolfe held his hand up. Sorry, my bad. Didnt mean to pry.
Everyone relaxed, and Wolfe nodded to the laptop screen. Its an amazing card. How much?
Shel scrolled slightly. The number that came up made Wolfe wince.
Twenty Million.
Wolfe sighed. Unless something in his life changed dramatically for the better, the grail was off the table.
What about the other ones? The police one and maybe the Veteran EMT? Wolfe asked.
Shel hesitated, then touched the price on the cards. A hundred thousand for the Police Academy, and fifty thousand for each of the Veterans. Far more reasonable than the other stuff.
Id have to use a few levels to really benefit, Shel said. Thatll put my other plan further back.
Itll be a while before you gain three more companions anyway, Wolfe said. Just go with it.
Shel stared for a bit longer, then checked the prices on the rookie EMT and rookie Riot Police cards. Thirty-five thousand each, a huge discount.
Ill take three each of the Rookie Riot Police and the Rookie EMT cards, Shel said. And also a Veteran EMT, a Veteran Riot Police, the Police Academy, the spare Barter the Soul, and the Caretaker of the Lost.
Really? Wolfe asked, doing the math in his head. They actually had nearly that much between the two decks they had sold one way or another over the course of the day but it would nearly empty them again.
Shel nodded. Yeah. I think the orphans are going to be hugely important to becoming a truly powerful deckbearer as time goes on. Adding ten percent to three categories is about a free tier upgrade, essentially. But I need power now as welland improving my Mortal cards will give that to me.
Alright. Youve supported me wholesale in my deck-building ambitions, so if this is what you want, lets do it.
***
The thirty minutes after they decided what they wanted were taken up with bank transfers and fetching the cards from hidden back rooms, but finally, Shel and Wolfe sat at a table with all her new cardsand her status sheet. Shel had gotten a pen and paper and written down everything so Wolfe could see, although they planned to burn it afterwards.
Ive taken an additional five cards in deck, bringing me up to fifteen, Shel said. I also took an enhancer slot and increased cards on field. With my five total power, Ive got some decent options.
Wolfe stared at her sheet.
Rachel Lyons Status:
Level 16 Deckbearer (8 Levels pending)
Deckbearer Perks:
Deckbearer Perk 1: Divine Favor: When pulling from a Mortal or Divine pack, one random card will be a rarity higher.
Deckbearer Perk 2: Guiding Light of the Divine: Gain 1 Light Power. May have one extra card in play so long as its a Mortal(Any EMT, Police, or card with Civic in the title).
Deckbearer Flaw: Pacifist: May not gain attack from Mantles
Deckbearer Stats:
Cards in Deck: 15 (1 pip)
Cards in Hand: 4 (1 pip)
Cards in Play: 3 (1 pip)
Length of Play: 5 minutes
Specialty Cards: Companion: 1
Minion: 1 (1 pip)
Enhancer: 1 (1 pip)
Type 1 and Power: 1 Divine
Type 2 and Power: 3 Mortal (2 pips)
Energy 1 and Power: 1 Light
Personal Perks:
Inborn Perk 1: Small: -1 Attack
Acquired Perk 1: Police Training: +1 Attack and Defense
Personal Stats:
Health: 20
Attack: 5
Magical Attack [None]: 0
Defense: 6
Magical Defense [None]: 5
Whats your deck going to look like? Wolfe asked.
Shel spoke with conviction. I merged the three new and three old of each of my rookie cards, so I have two each of the Rookie EMT and Rookie Riot Police. Then I added the veteran of each as well as the Police Academy, which makes up half my deck right there on the Civic type cards. The Vengeful Orphan and the Caretaker of the Lost bring me to ten, and cover the future growth of my deck for the moment. Sorenia, the linchpin of the build, makes Eleven. My mantle, Resilient Martyr, makes twelve. Ive got two Barter the Souls, as I think thatll be a black horse trump card, and I think for my last card Im going to put the Guiding Light persistent back in, as another way to improve my Mortal cards.
Wolfe nodded, considering. A mantle, two mortal empowering cards, and a ton of efficiently organized mortalsand two cards to use her cheap mortals to upgrade if the enemy brought a giant monster to the field. Not bad.
Alright, shall we find you a fight, then?
Shel bit her lip and checked her watch. Okay, but we need to be at the police Gala tonight at 6 pm. If we get dropped off at a rental place and then head there, we probably have time for one more match. Sure you dont want it yourself?
Wolfe shook his head. No, you go. Id like to see you make some levels.
Shel nodded to his words. Alright, lets see what we can find.
Shel looked out into the rest of the balcony, which was filled with numerous members of the Noimoire criminal underworld, and Wolfe followed her gaze. Half the punks here probably had Infernal decks. It should be easy
But Shel was still biting her lip, and she was twisting her fingers in her long red hair.
It took a moment for Wolfe to get it.
Shes only ever had one real deck fight where I wasnt supporting her. And she very nearly diedwould have if Id be about fifteen seconds late.
Shes terrified.
He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. Its going to be okay. Youve got training now, and no one can hurt you for real. Or, at least, the hurting will stop and youll be fine again.
Shel chuckled. Your inspiration leaves a bit to be desired.
Wolfe chuckled along with her. Fine. Point is, no real consequence worse than the loss of a single card will come. You can do this.
Shel stood. I can. Lets go.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty-Seven: Angel Trumps…
Wolfe occupied the place that Shel had occupied an hour beforethe small dugout on the side of the Rat Arena floor. He gave Shel a quick pat on the back as she strode forward to touch the same glowing panel on the plinth that Wolfe had touched.
She hesitated briefly as her hand hovered over the panel, the only sound the impatient tapping of Clives shoe on the ground.
Youve got this, Wolfe said.
Shel squared her shoulders and touched the panel. There was a brief pause, and then the screen flashed.
Shels Vengeful Orphan card came up.
Wolfe felt himself tensing. It wasnt Sorenia, but the Vengeful Orphan is a solid card.
Shel froze in placebut at the same time, another Shel walked a few feet into the arena.
Is that what happened with me? Wolfe asked, turning to Clive.
Clive nodded. Yeah, pretty much the same for everyone.
When I looked back, I didnt see myself, Wolfe said.
Clive gave Wolfe a crooked smile. Well, it wouldnt feel real if you just saw yourself back there hanging out, now would it? Just be a good boy and watch the arena selection.
Asshole, Wolfe said with little heat, turning back to the action. Creepy bastard. But I cant punch every idiot that makes dog joke.
The Arena shifted, and the announcer cried out, Well, ladies and gentleman, youll need to hold onto your popcorn! Shel and Hector are in for a treat, and so is this entire audience!
What happened? Wolfe asked as four massive, ancient, pitted pillars of stone rose, two on each end of the Arena away from Shel and her opponent Hector.
Shh! Clive put his finger to his mouth and glared at Wolfe.
The Arena has selected the Remnants battlefield, which I think weve seen less than five times before tonight! The shades of two ancient Beast deckbearers, lost in this land ages before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, will be joining the fight!
Wolfe frowned. Beast deckbearers would be weak against the Mortal cards in Shels deck, but still.
How powerful? Wolfe asked.
For the love of all the gods, please let us watch! Clive said.
Dont punch our host, dont punch out host, Wolfe repeated to himself as a mantra.
Shel touched her chest and tossed out a cardthe Police Academy card. A brief image of her face, and the card, appeared in Wolfes vision along the outside of the arena.
A solid first pull. One of her best possible starts.
At the same time, He saw the face of Hector as he pulled a carda four-winged, bird headed demon with claws on hands and feet that stood almost ten feet tall.
Pazuzus Get
Rare Tier-1 Infernal/Elemental[Wind] Creature
2 Infernal, 1 Wind, 2 Any power
Health: 35
Attack: 9
Magical Attack: 9
Defense: 9
Magical Defense: 9
Special: Perfect Movement: At any turn after the creature enters, may move instantly to any point within a 1000 that could be reached in a direct line and attack any enemy that would then be available to strike, regardless of any other rules governing targets.
Special: Untouchable: 50% of all physical attacks targeting this card miss.
Special: Ward Infernal, Elemental, Fire: 50% damage to deckbearer and all allied cards from Infernal and Elemental types and all Fire energy.
While not as strong as their father, Pazuzus Get can be found tormenting their enemies and protecting their allies in most of the desert wastelands of the old world.
Oh my! the announcer called. Hector is going for the immediate kill. Pazuzus get was a favorite of deckbearers that was introduced at the turn of the millenniait allows a very fast killing of your opponent if you get it out and hold it!
Wolfe couldnt help but agree, and groaned nervously. Fuck, that is crazy strongalthough its a demon and wont really help with its protections. But it could go right after Sheland possibly kill her in a single round next turn.
Two other people with vaguely Amerind features showed up in the screen, and one pulled a Rainbow Coyote, a three power Beast/Meta card that could deal damage as any energy type, and the second pulled a card called Tree line that created a Plant persistent that reduced all incoming damage from all enemy sources by twenty percent, but could be removed by any Golem or Fire direct damage spell.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Near Shel, a small building rose with generic police symbols on it. She stepped so that the building blocked the line of sight of the enemy and the Pazuzus Get card.
At the same time, A line of trees grew near the one faux deckbearer, and a medium-sized coyote with iridescent fur sprang up near the other.
A single Rookie Riot Police popped out of the Police Academy.
Unlike in Wolfes fight, no deckbearer changed positions. Shels phantom still stood a mere few feet in front of Wolfe, now out of line of sight of everything else.
She still had three cards in front of her, and a fourth off to the sideSorenia, her companion. Wolfe saw her reach for it, but as she did, she hesitated.
Her enemy pulled another card while she hesitated.
Pentagram of Demonic Strength
Uncommon Tier-1 Infernal Persistent
3 Infernal Power
Special: All Infernal cards get +50% to all stats and resist death at 1 Health the first time they would be removed for any reason except sacrifice.
Special: No card may remove an Infernal card except by dealing damage
Sometimes, the power of the Infernal pours into the world, overwhelming all else.
A circle of black flames sprang up in front of Hector, and Wolfe saw the Pazuzu card alter, going to a flat twenty on its basic stats.
At the same time, it blasted sideways, appearing next to the other deckbearer in his tree line. It attacked.
Wolfe saw the hit displayed on the outside of the arenafourteen damage, squared, against the deckbearers current defense of five. Wolfe was interested to see that Arena-created deckbearers didnt get a modifier to their defense like actual human deckbearers did. Instead, they thing had its hundred and ninety-six damage divided by a mere five, dropping it to thirty-eight damage, which was still nearly two times the deckbearers life. The twenty percent Treeline card reduction did almost nothing, reducing the overkill from two-to-one to merely one-and-a-half-to-one.
Ooo! Pazuzus Get swings for the fences! the announcer called amid cheering from the balcony around the side. A brief flash of blood and the deckbearer, and the trees, disappeared.
Pazuzus Get turned to face Shel now that it had line-of-sight.
Shel withdrew her hand from where it hovered in front of Sorenia and touched another card.
The Rookie Police Officer faced skyward and screamed, and then disintegrated.
Barter the Soul flashed on the arena wall.
This is why we watch! screamed the announcer. The one play that changes everything. Pazuzus get, now empowered, just changed sides!
A second Rainbow Coyote joined the fight, as well as another Rookie Riot Police, put out by the Police Academy.
The first Rainbow Coyote was heading across toward Shel, and the second joined as well.
Bullshit! Wolfe called when the Arena sent both against Shel.
Shut up! Clive said. Its random. Your squeeze just got unlucky!
Wolfe wasnt too worriedhe assumed Shel was now going to be the winner since she controlled the overpowered Pazuzus Get.
Hector frantically swiped cards, but a look of triumph replaced his grimace of fear, and he dissolved the Pentagram of Demonic Strength and hit another card.
Bar the Gates
3 Any Power [Available]
All Divine, Elder, Infernal, and Elemental creature cards are banished. The power used remains gone for an entire extra card switch.
This is a world of Mortals, and our influences should be indirect. And I would trade all my influence to be rid of theirs.--Raphael, Archangel of Kindness, protector of Mortals.
Wolfe sighed in frustration, but Shel didnt hesitate, throwing out the Guiding Light card.
Guiding Light
1 Light, 1 Divine Power
+2 to all Stats of any Mortal card
You must be a Guiding Light to guide Mortals to be free of the influence of the damnedRaphael, to the 30th Lantern Angel cohort.
At the same time, a Rookie Riot Police popped out of the Police Academy.
Hector really saves his bacon with that pull, but now hes got no cards on the field while the beautiful Shel has four! the announcer called. How can he recover?
One of the Rainbow Coyotes reached Shel, but turned to attack the older of the Rookie Riot Police with its new increased stats. Even though the Wolf attacked using Death energy, the matchup was still mixed since it was a Beast attacking a Mortal, and both took damagethe Coyote more.
A Coyote Pack appeared by the other deckbearer. It was a beefier creature at three power, but still not amazing with the bad match-up.
Wolfe was still hopeful despite Pazuzus get having been vanishedShel had the best position of the three remaining deckbearers he thought, and not by a small margin. Each of her once weak Rookie Riot Police was now eight attack, nine defense, and eight magical defense, with solid match-ups against Beast cards.
The next thirty seconds solidified Wolfes certainty that Shel still had the fight. Sorenia came out, pushing the now three Rookie Riot Police to ten, eleven, and ten on stats and making them take half damage from Infernal Sources as well.
Hector, meanwhile, apparently didnt have enough power left for the pull thanks to the Bar the Gates card, Wolfe assumed.
The rest of the fight was slow, but certain, with Shel slowly cleaning up, maintaining field advantage with too many cards coming too fast and with too much power for Hector to ever recover. Toward the end, there was a brief moment when a Pazuzus Get rejoined the field, but Shel had two Barter the Souls, and she simply took the Get again.
The end was rather anti-climatic, and the crowds cheers were anemic. But Shel handled it well all the same. And her choice of cards in the beginning had been perfect.
The field faded and the true Shel, frozen in front of the screen, gasped, her hand holding the card that had been wageredthe Bar the Gates card. She turned to Wolfe, her eyes glowing. Then she ran and leapt on Wolfe, wrapping her legs around him and hugging him.
I did it, I did it! she exulted.
I knew you could, Wolfe said, smiling and kissing her.
Clive made gagging noises. We are not amused.
Shh! Wolfe said to Clive in imitation of his earlier comment and laughed.
Clive joined in, surprising Wolfe. Okay, so a weirdo and jackass, but at least he has a sense of humor about it.
You did well, young deckbearer, a womans voice, cultured and precise, said. Would you care to wager that card you just got against me?
Wolfe turned, and Shel hopped down from him.
Standing across from him was a lady, dressed in a long, black lacy dress that was simultaneously sexy and demure. She had pale white skin and long hair so blonde it was almost white.
Clive coughed. Surely she wouldnt
Quiet, the woman said, her voice suddenly cold and commanding. Wolfe marveled at her vocal control as Clive just shut up, and even Wolfe felt a hint of danger from her.
Well? The lady asked.
Shel glared at her. Youre the one we saw fighting when we came inElizabeth, Infernal Champion.
Elizabeth smiled. Her voice was reasonable and not threatening as she said. Not Infernal ChampionChampion of Enlil. I wont bet against anything in your deckand if you beat me with your Divine deck, which has advantage, youll probably go up five to six levels. Ill give you three million dollars if you win. So whatever the Arena takes, we agree to trade back in return for the specific prizes. What do you say?
Shel glanced at her phone.
Wolfe started to speak. I dont think
Shel held her hands up. No. Ill do it.
Wolfe glanced at her. Her face was set, her expression fierce.
Elizabeth smiled, a smile not that different from Wolfes when some baby enforcer tried to step to him back in the day. Brilliant.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty-Eight: …To A Point
Shel, thats a champion, Wolfe said a few minutes later, after Elizabeth had started the trek to her side. That means shes over level a hundred. No idea what shes doing slumming here, but why would you agree to fight her.
I have advantage, Shel said. Divine beats Infernal.
Uh-huh, Clive said from where he was still standing in their dug-out.
Wolfe didnt want to agree with the jackass and just raised his eyebrow at Shel. Her cheeks pinked.
I know it wont probably be enoughbut if it is, it would solve a lot of things and make us way stronger. Its worth the bet.
I thought you had to get to the Police Gala? Wolfe asked.
You guys are cops? Clive asked, his voice nervous.
Wolfe turned to face him. Do I like like a cop, numb nuts? You know who I am.
Clive nodded, but he looked thoughtful.
Shel ignored the byplay and glanced at her phone again. I think we can do this, go back, get our car and clothes, and make it in time.
Wolfe shrugged. Whatever. If you miss the Gala, its no skin off my nose. Im not really pro-cop anyway.
Shel briefly frowned, then smiled. I like that youve got my back, even when youre grumpy about it. And youre at least a little bit pro-policeyou like the beans.
Wolfe rolled his eyes but played along. They were good beans. Now lets talk strategy.
Theres no strategy for Elizabeth, Clive said. You know she was born in 1891, right?
I didnt know that, but there has to be something on her, Wolfe said. I mean, we just saw her fight.
All I saw when we came in was an Arena entirely on fire and a lady that obviously regretted all her life choices.
Clive laughed.
Wolfe joined in. Wow, one personal victory and you get all sorts of cocky and funny. I like it. But I admit thats not a lot to strategize with.
Shel chuckled but nodded.
Do you know things about her? Wolfe asked, turning to Clive.
We are not betraying information about an Infernal Champion, Clive said with a roll of his eyes.
Champion of Enlil, Shel interjected.
We are not amused by your sass. Clive rolled his eyes and the corner of his lip quirked upward.
Wolfe turned away from the kooky Arena owner. Shes seen your deckdo you think we can figure out what she knows, and counter you with that?
Shel smiled. I doubt it.
Well try not to, um, die Wolfe said, holding his fingers up in air quotes.
Ill do my best, Shel said, kissing Wolfe once and then giving him a quick hug before turning to place her hand back on the glass.
Clive made gagging noises again.
Shels gesture felt weird to Wolfe. Like shes going away. He supposed he could understand itshe was going to battle at some level.
Are you fucking kidding me? Wolfe asked in disgust as Sorenia appeared on the trade list.
I hope, for your sake, that Elizabethll honor her word, because that card would go for a couple million at least, Clive said. Even on the black market. Were sure of it.
Wolfe almost asked Whos we? but then just rolled his eyes. Looney bastard. I certainly dont miss the personalities of the people I used to work with.
Then the announcers voice boomed through the arena and into the dugout Wolfe, Clive, and Shel occupied. Someone had been foolish enough to challenge Elizabeth, our resident Infernal, Che coughed excuse me, our resident Champion of Enlil. Its the victorious deckbearer from the last round. I dont know if shes counting on her Divine typing to help her, but I think shes in for a rude surprise if she is!
Elizabeth stepped out onto the fieldalthough Wolfe knew she was merely projecting onto it.
Her black dress and eyes gave her a sinister demeanor, even at the distance. She flicked her long blond hair once.
Shel touched her chest and pulled her deck, tan and golden cards appearing in front of her.
Elizabeth did the same, a fraction of a second behind, and red and swirled cards appeared in front of her.
Shel didnt go for the building this time, instead rapidly touching Sorenia and throwing her out.
Elizabeth, in turn, touched a red card and threw a scorpion-taur with a sword onto the field, and then started to run toward Shel, dress held up in one hand.
The announcer exclaimed, Oh my, Elizabeth brings out her patrons signature card! It was last released in the final Drop Night of the Age of Exploration and Exploitation set over a hundred years ago, but has featured in at least three other set releases prior, with alternative art! This creature has a lot of nasty combo powers!
Wolfe glanced at the card.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Girtablullu
Rare Tier-1 Infernal Creature
2 Infernal Power, 1 Elemental Power
Health: 30
Attack: 7
Magical Attack: 7*
Defense: 6
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Gains +2 to all stats during any 30 second period after their deckbearer played an elemental card
Special: This creature may normally only make physical attacks. However, when it kills an opposing creature, it immediately gains a free magical attack against another creature or deckbearer. This attack is considered a Death energy attack and does not have any other typing.
The Gitablullu are the chosen instruments of punishment from Enlil, The Infernal lord of storms, floods, and disasters.
Wolfe raised his eyebrow at the card. That could be roughonce it reached Shel, if it could do enough damage to her cards, it would gain free attacks on herand she would go down fairly quickly.
Shel touched her cards again, and her mantle settled over her. At the same time, Sorenia used her Light beam and burned the Girtablullu, which roared more like a bull than the man its upper half was.
Elizabeth touched another card, mouthing, Goodbye as she did.
Storm of Demons
Mythic Tier-1 Immediate Infernal/Elemental
1 Infernal Power, 1 Elemental Power
When this card is played, any number of cards matching an Infernal creature on the field may be played from the deckbearers deck, but the cost to play each must be paid at the same time. Until all creature cards have left the field the power used to play this card remains spent.
All matching copies of the card make an immediate action, moving up to 1000 to do so.
Its not that the wind is blowing, its what the wind is blowing.
Its the Demon Storm! the announcer cried. Great Game over!
Three more of the Girtablullu appeared on field, and winds kicked up, moving all of them instantly to Sorenia.
Sorenia died as four creatures attacked her with a boost, cutting her down, and then all of them leapt over to Shel, who cringed down as they each stabbed her with their tailstails that were now two Magical Attack stronger.
Shel screamed as the tails entered her and her flesh rotted, and Wolfe tried to surge forward, but then Shel disappeared from the field.
And thats it, a clinic put on by a master! the announcer called.
The Shel that had her hand on the glass gasped and pulled back, then turned and flung herself into Wolfes arms.
But she didnt cry, just breathing raggedly as she held him.
You okay? Wolfe asked. I mean, now okay obviously you werent a minute ago.
Ive never died before, Shel said, shaking, her voice haunted. Not even against Frankie did I experience this. I felt the scorpion tails enter me, a blinding pain. Pain that then spread it was agony, Wolfe.
Wolfe pet her head, pulling his rough hands down her hair. Youre fine now and youll be stronger for it, as you know what it is to suffer extreme pain.
There was a brief pause in which Wolfe thought about the encounter before he spoke again. She had at least fourteen power which means, even if she started with three power, she had to spend sixty-six levels on power. Thats insane. That card, using up two power to spend twelve, is only really useful at the insane levels.
She might have had some really good enhancer cards as well, maybe, Shel said.
Wolfe nodded, his chin moving across the top of her head.
Shels shaking stopped. With a tremulous smile, she glanced up at Wolfe. Shall we head to the Gala, then? Where Ill presumably be lauded and plied with good food? Were getting close to that point anyway.
Wolfe chuckled. Sure but you just lost Sorenia from your deck. We need to go trade the Bar the Gates card and then we can head out.
Shel nodded. Wolfe tried to walk out with his arm around Shel, but the stairs were narrow and difficult to navigateWolfe ended up going first, with Shel and Clive, who had been uncharacteristically silent while Wolfe and Shel were talking, trailing behind.
At the top he met Elizabeth. Against expectations, she wasnt smilingin fact, her face was neutral, almost somber.
She immediately held out Sorenias card.
Wolfe reached for it, but she pulled it up a few inches. The card Im owed, please.
Shel came out of the stairwell, slipping past Wolfe, and held the Bar the Gates card out. Elizabeth nodded and they exchanged the cards.
Whats your story? Wolfe asked. For an Infernal deckbearer, you dont seem that bad.
Pot kettle much? Elizabeth said.
It took Wolfe a fraction of a second to parse her broken English, but then he laughed. Fair. Feel like sharing the specifics?
Shel put her hand on Wolfes arm. Id love to hear as well, but we dont have time. We really need to get to the Gala.
Elizabeth glanced at the two of them. I dont normally share my history on first meeting regardlessbut Id love a chance to talk sometime. Despite that one-sided fisticuffs, I have a feeling about you two.
She handed an embossed card over, with her name and number. Give me a call sometime.
She walked away, and Wolfe and Shel headed over to collect Miriam.
As they did, Shel glanced over at Wolfe. You ever wonder if you just attract weird women?
He laughed so hard he snorted. I would hardly say youre weird. Improbably in a very good direction, maybe, but not weird.
Shel hugged him tight.
***
Were late, Shel said, glancing at her phone. Its already a minute past.
Youll be fine, Wolfe said, driving the new rentalalso a black Subaru, but without all his special modificationstoward the huge waterfront hotel, the one with the giant lion statues flanking its entrance, each with a copy of the stats of the unique Nemean Lion on its base.
It wasnt called the Hercules Hotel or anything, it was just a Hilton, so Wolfe wasnt sure whybut he couldnt deny the statues added a certain oomph to the place.
Wolfe pulled up in front of the hotel. Okay, youre here. Nobody will be upset about three minutes.
We still have to parkthis isnt valet, Shel said.
No, I still have to parkIll find their garage and then meet you inside. You go in and start meeting and greeting and kissing all those cops asses. Ill be along shortly.
Shel rolled her eyes, leaned over, and kissed him. Alright, but be quick.
Wolfe nodded as Shel got out of the car and headed up the front steps. He admired the figure she cut in her dress uniformshe was sleek and professional, from the jacket to the slacks to the shiny shoes.
Wolfe pulled back into traffic and circled the block, not finding the garage, then did so again, starting to get frustrated. He pulled his phone out and checkedthe garage was a block over, running under two hotels.
Of course, he muttered, hoping that Shel wouldnt think he was avoiding her ceremony or sneaking a smoke or something. Not that she would say anything, but he didnt want her to even think it.
He drove around a third time, found the parking entrance, and pulled in. It was like every other underground parking garage ever, but with a bit less random trash, and the paint wasnt scuffed.
Fancy, Wolfe said to himself as he drove through, finally finding a parking space and then pulling into it.
He was still a ways from the elevators, past a large number of police cars. He took a brief jog to get to the elevators, to try and make up some lost time from his drive.
They were set in a small alcove in the parking garage. As Wolfe turned around the corner, he saw Rhett waiting for him, leaning back against the wall, faux-casual. But he was dressed in a tactical vest, and Wolfe could see his muscles were tensed, and there were slight pit stains on his uniform.
Whatre you doing here, Rhett? Wolfe asked in surprise. Shouldnt you be inside, kissing ass and getting it kissed in turn?
Im doing youand Shela favor, Rhett said, his voice deadly serious.
What? Wolfe asked, confused and slightly alarmed by Rhetts demeanor.
Rhetts eyes were hard as steel, and his hand hovered in front of his chest. Youre under arrest, William, for conspiracy to murder Emmett Dunn. Or should I say Wolfe?
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Twenty-Nine: Rhett Meet Reality
"What? Wolfe asked in the still air of the parking garage, stunned on multiple levels. Emmetts dead?
For half a second Wolfe though about Emmett, and imagined him dead, lying in a pool of his own blood somewhere. He wondered if Rhett had done it.
But he glanced over at the detective. The two of them were alone, and Rhetts face shown with righteous indignation. Not a hint of the smugness he would have shown if he was pinning something on Wolfe.
And he wasnt one of the corrupt cops that Emmett had fingered as working with Worldwide Decurion.
Rhett continued. Yeah, Emmett was murdered by a Peter Brownbetter known by his street name of Piper for some inane reason. Piper was found with a fifty thousand in cash, and he claims you paid him to do in Emmett, and provided the thug with the location of the old detective. What do you have to say for yourself?
Wolfe gave a single dark laugh. Piper? That stupid street-level enforcer has somehow caused me no end of problems, despite a half-ass attitude about work, no deck, and not a lot of skills. I should have finished him off in the train yard.
Laughing? Rhett asked. Thats all you have to say? Whyd you do it, Wolfe? Did Emmett know about you and your bloody past?
Rhett stalked closer, his hands remaining by his gun and chest respectively.
Wolfe, still standing perfectly still, shook his head. Emmett had plenty of information on bad peopleincluding corrupt cops. Information I have in a box at home, now. But Emmett didnt know a damn thing about me, and whatever past you think I have. He was helping a new detective get his hours, and I was helping him catch some bad guysincluding bad guys protected by the system. Thats it.
You expect me to believe you had nothing to do with this? I know youre not who you say you are, and if youre who I think, you have a truly bloody history.
Wolfe laughed, long and rich, as the full absurdity of the situation hit him. So you believe that Piper, who Emmett and I found at the scene of a mass human trafficking case, is telling the truth when he says that the guy that got him arrested after shooting him was definitely also the one that paid him to kill the other guy that also, let me think, arrested him. Yeah, Piper definitely had no motive to take care of this himself, and no motive at all to finger me. Pure chance he names me. Any other evidence?
Rhett frowned, his brow furrowed. I wont deny its a bit convenient, but given everything he told me, and who you likely are, I have more than enough to take you in. In a court at trial, the evidence is beyond a reasonable doubt, and this probably wont hold up. But for me to detain you and investigate and see if theres anything else that will hold up, the evidence needed is only that of reasonable suspicion. Given that Piper is probably your old gang buddy, I think his accusation qualifies.
Great, Wolfe said.
There was another pause in which neither moved. Wolfe was a bit surprisednormally when cops wanted to take someone in, they just did it.
Where was he? Wolfe asked. When he was found, I mean.
Piper?
No, Emmett.
Rhett frowned, and his hands dropped a tiny bit from his gun and chest.
He was found in a dirty hotel room he had rented less than an hour before, tied to a chair and shot.
Wolfe sighed. So what now?
Now I put you in handcuffs and we go for a ride. Im trying to do it here so it doesnt mess up Shel. I think she can still have a great career, if we distance her from any association to you.
Wolfe was deeply, deeply frustrated. He wanted to beat the shit out of Rhett and put a stop to this.
On the one hand, if who Wolfe actually was came out formally to the cops, he might have a lot to answer for, and more importantly Damian and his crew, or Worldwide Decurion, might find a way to shank him in jail. Wouldnt even be that hard. But Wolfe would have a chance to fight back.
But on the other hand, Wolfe knew that beating up Rhett, or killing him, would make Wolfe a permanent criminalone that would be arrested by any cop that saw him. Plus, Wolfe would almost certainly be cleared for Emmetts murderPiper was the worst person to finger him, and there would be absolutely no evidence to link him. Wolfe remembered enough of his father to know he would have laughed about a case like this.
And, last and final, he had told Shel he would try to be a good guy.
Lets get this over with, Wolfe said.
Rhett tensed and stepped back, half-drawing his gun.
Wolfe smiled to see how much the huge man, obviously a bruiser, still considered Wolfe a threat. But he turned around and placed his hands behind his back.
Rhett stepped up and pulled on Wolfes arm. Wolfe snarled.
Sorry, Rhett said. Dont make a scene though, for Shels sake if nothing else.
Am I cooperating, or am I cooperating? Wolfe asked.
Surprisingly, youre cooperating, which reflects well on you, Rhett said as he snapped handcuffs onto Wolfes wrists. Quite loosely, which surprised Wolfe. Maybe Rhett wasnt as sure Wolfe was a bad guy as he was letting on.
Rhett straightened, putting a key to the handcuffs in his back pocket. I have a transport team nearby, to take you in. Youll get a fair hearing.
Hurray, Wolfe sardonically said, wishing he wasnt cuffed so he could do the most sarcastic jazz hands ever.
Rhett gripped Wolfes upper arm and slowly pushed him out toward the main, open portion of the parking garage.
A word of advice. Dont make up any bullshit about dirty cops. The judges prefer honesty, and anything you say will come out.
Me and judges have a lot in common, then.
Dont start, Rhett said, his voice irritated. Youve already said too much.
Emmett wanted to catch his kids killers. He gave me all the evidencedates, times, locations, contacts, payments, even picturesof the cops working with the traffickers. Problem was, he could never find out who was really behind it all. I still havent, not a hundred percent, although I have a damn good idea. But Emmett said I should turn it all over if he died. Im guessing there is going to be a shitstorm in Noimoire when it all goes out.
Rhett stopped. You have evidence of dirty cops? Hard evidence?
Yeah, its all in a box that Emmett kept in his officewhich was ransacked by someone, I might add. But I got there first, and now the box is in my house.
Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
Wolfe glanced back over his shoulder. Want to make a detour on the way to the slammer, lieutenant?
He loaded the last word with as much sarcasm as possible.
It doesnt really matter. Either we get it now, or Shel will turn it over tomorrow when she hears what happens. Im sure youre very excited about that.
Shel shouldnt openly involve herself in this, Rhett repeated.
So youve said, Wolfe muttered. Well stop by then?
Of course not. I know that Wolfe, who I think you are, was once a deadly killer with outcomes far above his supposed capabilities. So Im not going to give you a chance to escape and try something. Ill go get it later tonight with Shel, and Ill turn it in.
Wolfe felt a twinge of rage at the statement, as if Rhett being with Shel in their house was natural, but he pushed it down. Shes never betrayed you.
Is that what this is about? Being with Shel? Wolfe asked, trying to control his rising rage.
I would never, ever, arrest someone for personal gain. Not ever, Rhett said, his voice angry.
A large police van drove into the parking garage and pulled up to Wolfe and Rhett. Both stiffened at the same time, and Wolfe knew Rhett was seeing the same thing that Wolfe wasthe van had Noimoire police department on its sidenot Joliet.
The passenger door opened and a huge man stepped out. Wolfe was six two and muscled, and Rhett was about the same. But neither held a candle to the man that squeezed his way out of the front door.
If someone had told Wolfe this man was born of a woman that had figured out how to mate with an ogre card, he wouldnt have been surprised. The man looked like he ate steroids for lunch rather than taking them per se. He was a good two inches taller than Wolfe, and must have weighed nearly three hundred pounds, the vast majority of it bulging musclehis biceps were beyond cut, and thicker around than most peoples thighs. Sweat glistened on his bald head, off-setting his thick veins, probably from the heat of wearing a huge tactical vest over his police uniform.
Deputy Chief Charleston, Rhett said, surprised. How did you even?
Deputy Chief Charleston was one of the people on the dirty cops list
Thompson called me, Charleston said, pulling an assault rifle out from the car and then
turning back again and walking over to Wolfe. No need for you to do anything else, lieutenant, well take it from here.
As if in time to his words, the back of the van opened and another eight men leapt out and came over, all holding guns on Wolfe.
Rhett blinked. Isnt this a bit much?
Charleston glanced around. This man is a dangerous criminal, wanted for conspiracy for murder. He was once an enforcer for the Grimm mob family. Arent you doing this with a bit too little?
I had a team waiting, but Williamor Wolfewas reasonable.
Well, either way, Im head of the task force investigating the situation in Noimoire. Ill take it from here.
Of course, Rhett said, stepping back.
Charleston came over and grabbed Wolfe by the lower arm, wrenching him toward the giant deputy chief. Wolfe growled.
They have no intention of taking me in. I could cause far too many problems for them. Im not going to make it to jail.
Wolfe wasnt afraid, he told himself. But he was becoming very concerned. In jail he could handle. Handcuffed with ten armed men around him would be a stretch.
Wolfe stared at the police chief, trying to figure a way out of the situation. But without the ability to summon a deck, or even get a gun, Wolfe wasnt sure what to do.
The police chief must not have liked the way Wolfe was staring at him.
He growled out, Lowlife like you doesnt deserve the comfort of our prison system. If it were up to me, youd have a fast-track right to the electric chair.
The hypocrisy of the comment almost floored Wolfe, but he didnt call it out. It wouldnt do him any good in the moment, and besidesCharleston might actually think he was doing good by getting criminals off the streets, even if the method itself was criminal.
Besides, Wolfe was handcuffed and the other guys were packing all the heat. Now wasnt the moment.
Theres one other thing, Rhett said, obviously not with Wolfe when it came to keeping quiet. WilliamWolfementioned that Emmett had some information regarding dirty cops.
By all that is Divine, why cant anyone keep their damn mouths shut?
The air in the parking garage seemed to get three degrees chillier, and all eight of the other officers exchanged glances with at least one of their fellows. Instantly Wolfe knew that they were all in on it, although of course they were if they were all taking him in when he wouldnt make it.
But it solidified for Wolfe that Rhett wasnt in on it, even though Wolfe had already been pretty sure. None of the other officers so much as glanced at him afterward.
Wolfe was sure Rhett should never have admitted he knew about the dirty cops. If they were willing to kill Emmett to keep their secret, they would most likely be willing to kill Rhett, too.
Is this true? Chief Charleston asked. You tried to disparage my fine fellow brothers and sisters in blue?
Wolfe had no idea what to say, so he just grit his teeth and remained silent.
Without warning, without any hint in eyes or body, Deputy Chief Charleston slammed his fist into Wolfes undefended stomach. The blow shocked him, and he felt as if things inside him were crushed. His breath exploded from him and he dropped to his knees, then fell forward and hit the cool parking garage floor, the blow to his face a welcome distraction from the agony in his gut.
The single punch had done seven damage, a fourth of his lifeno way Charleston didnt have enhancers of some kind in his deck. Magical steroids, so to speak. Because that kind of damage wasnt normally humanly possible.
Charleston! Rhett barked. Whatre you
He was resisting, the deputy chief chortled. Some of the men with him laughed as well, but most just kept their guns vaguely pointed in Wolfe, and now Rhetts, direction.
No he wasnt! Rhett said. Hes been nothing but cooperative to this point! Its an abuse of your authority, not to mention generally morally reprehensible, to strike a man in custody!
Rhett knelt down and placed a hand on Wolfes back, then tried to help him to stand. He only got Wolfe to his knees before Wolfe vomited what little food he had eaten, surrounded by a fair amount of blood. Man he did a number on me.
Leave the filth alone, Deputy Chief Charleston said. Hes a criminal with the sheer audacity to say were like him. Hes as slimy as they come. Dont be a chump manipulated by his pathetic attempts for pity.
That annoyed Wolfe. He hadnt tried for pity from anyone since he was an adult.
He says he has proof. Physical proof. And Emmett did work with numerous police departments. I think we should take this seriously.
Wolfe almost laughed again. Rhett was such a damn boy scoutbut he was also the only one in the entire freaking parking garage playing this straight. Wolfe almost liked the guy, but he also couldnt help but be a little amused at the idiocy wrought by Rhetts combination of naiveite and sheer bravado.
Charleston looked down at Rhett where he knelt beside Wolfe. Rhett, youve been helpful in this investigation, but Ill take it from here. Im handling the case, which occurred in Noimoire, Ill remind youmy jurisdiction. Just forget you ever met this lowlife scum.
Rhett stood, tall and proud. Well, Jolietwhere we are nowis my jurisdiction. Its also where Emmett had his office. You can take Wolfe and question him, but Im going to investigate his claim. We need to know if someone in our ranks is using their post for personal gain. Especially if it involves human trafficking.
Charleston didnt say anything, merely staring balefully at Rhett.
Rhett continued. To be frank, it also disturbs me how quick you were to manhandle someone in custody. Youre the deputy chief of police for all of Noimoire, for the Divines sake. Everyone here looks to you as an example, and youre setting a terrible one. I have half a mind to report you.
Wolfe smiled where he knelt on the ground. Hes na?ve as fuck, but Rhett has some testicles on him.
Deputy Chief Charleston surprised Wolfe by laughing, his voice suddenly jolly. You know what Rhett? Youre right. Maybe Im overworked and taking it out on the little guys. You take this guy over to the Noimoire station, and Ill speak to Chief Huang on the subject. Maybe we can use some of the internal affairs guys.
Rhett took a deep breath, calming himself. Alright. Ill take him in, and get you the report as soon as possible.
Good man.
Rhett bent down and took Wolfes upper arm.
Before Rhett could straighten, and again without warning, Deputy Charleston threw a punch impossibly fast at Rhetts face, which was at Charlestons gut level. Rhett turned away, but still took most of the force to his head. He went sprawling, rolling and reaching for gun and deck, but he was rattled and slow.
As Rhett fell, Wolfe saw his opportunity, and he went with the fall, acting as if he had been pulled down with Rhett by the hand on his shoulder. He rolled onto his side, back against Rhett, and took the key from his pocket.
A cop shot Rhett with a taser, and Rhett spasmed. Then three more descended on him, turning the lieutenant over and handcuffing him. They grabbed Wolfe as well, but no one checked his hand.
Take them to the boathouse, Charleston said. Have Caines man figure out what they know. Then dispose of them.
Even Rhett? the officer yanking Wolfe to his feet asked.
Poor stupid officer didnt learn the lesson.
You want to join him? Deputy Chief Charleston asked, his voice pure menace.
The officer finally got the clue and shook his head.
Then shut the fuck up. No one was here, and no one saw Rhett. Write the report that he went rogue on thisthat he went to apprehend this piece of shit and never came back.
Weirdly, the thing that worried Wolfe the most as he was taken away was the possibility that Shel might actually believe he had been responsible for Rhetts death.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty: Taking a Trip
You dont have to do this, Rhett said, his back to the corner of the van, his arms handcuffed and restrained to the reinforced steel siding while four officers watched. Anderson, Thompson you both have wives, kids. What would they say if they saw you
Shut up! one officer shouted. Then he got up, pulled his sidearm, and put it to Rhetts head. Dont you dare mention my family, not ever again.
Calm down, Anderson, another officer said. Thisll all be over soon. No matter what he says about our kids.
The officerThompsonwas carrying a fully-automatic rifle, although Wolfe wasnt sure of the brand, as he only really knew pistols. But Thompsons eyes flickered back and forth between Wolfe and Rhett, and he sat with the easy confidence of someone used to violenceunlike Anderson. Wolfe kept wanting to try and use the key, but he knew if did, hed be deader than the job of town crier. No way he could finagle unlocking his cuffs and closing the distance to Thompson before Thompson blew him away. He still needed his moment.
Rhett sat up as straight as he could while handcuffed to the wall of the van. Whatever youve done, it can be mitigated if you turn yourself in and stop now. It only gets worse the longer you go.
Anderson rushed over and grabbed Rhett by his blue police shirt, jerking him as close as the handcuffs allowed. This didnt have to happen! Its your fault we had to do this! If you had let it go, not been such a damned Boy Scout, we could all have gone our merry way.
I didnt force you to do this, Rhett stated. You could have just done your job.
There was a quiet moment where nothing happened, but then Anderson completely lost his shit. He slammed his gun into the side of Rhetts head, once, twice, three times. The first blow stunned him, the second split his eyebrow open, and the third split his ear. Blood poured over Rhett and even splattered the seat and wall slightly.
The two officers that havent been involved in the conversation at all leapt up and yanked Anderson back and away from Rhett. Anderson was breathing heavily, his face red.
Wolfe didnt want any part of thisfoolish last-minute heroics were for when no other option presented itself, and he still had an option. He had an option so long as he didnt get hit so hard he dropped the damn key. But almost no one was paying him any attention as they wrestled Anderson back.
Thompson, however, was still semi-alert to Wolfe, and too far away. The situation still wasnt right, and Wolfe almost growled in frustration.
After the two cops got Anderson under control, all three officers moved toward the cab, near Thompson, leaving Rhett and Wolfe semi-alone in the back of the van, with Thompsons eyes, and the muzzle of his gun, the only thing pointed at them.
The rest of the ride was thick with silence, broken only by the sounds of the van occasionally bouncing and the faint sound of outside traffic. Wolfe could feel each bounce through the metal of the bench he was on, but didnt complainhe knew what that would get him.
Rhett must have finally learned as well, because he too remained silent.
After about twenty, maybe thirty minutes, the van pulled to a stop. A moment later the back door was thrown wide open, and the unmistakable smell of the river, not that different from last night when Wolfe had dropped Tracys corpse in it, flowed into the musty van, clearing out the sweat, anger hormone, and blood smell that had been brewing.
If Wolfe hadnt known this particular river held a certain attraction to bad guys thanks to the prolific freshwater crab population, he might have found it refreshing.
The officers uncuffed Wolfe and Rhett and moved them out the back of the van. Wolfe was in an old parking lot next to rundown wooden boathouse with a single speedboat in it.
Wolfe glanced across the river at the city skyline, which was pretty familiar, especially lit up at night as it was. This isnt the warehouse, but we cant be more than half a mile from it. Ironic if I do end up dying here. Poetic or some shit.
A tall, thin, stick-like man came walking out of the boathouse, trailed by six thugs. He wore a sleeveless t-shirt and jeans, and carried a knife in a sheathe at his waist. Wolfe was vaguely impressed at his cold resistance, but appalled at his lack of taste. His arms were wiry, but not cut enough to justify the wife-beater lookand he had been skipping chest day, it appeared.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Castor, Officer Thompson said, his dislike evident in his voice.
Charleston got us up to speed, Castor said. We can take it from here.
Anderson pushed Wolfe forward. You gotta get whatever information they have. And call us afterward with the details. We need to make sure this information dies with these pricks.
I said, Charleston got me up to speed. You pigs dont need to tell me twice. Were just waiting on the doctor to get here.
Castor motioned his six buddies to take Wolfe and Rhett. Wolfe didnt struggleit still wasnt the right time. Plus, Castor had inadvertently given Wolfe the information that he still had time.
Rhett didnt get the memo, however. He struggled, and most of the thugs left to deal with him, restraining him and putting a gun to his spine.
The thugs walked Wolfe closer to the river, pushing the struggling Rhett along behind him.
They might as well call this the River Styx, so many dead people have tried to ford it, Wolfe quipped.
One of the thugs laughed. Youre the funny one, then?
Wolfe chuckled. Just more relaxed now that Im not in the presence of cops.
Yeah, you dont look like one of those fuckers, thats for sure.
The thugs turned them to the side of the boathouse and pushed them up a small ramp and into it. It was filled with numerous crates, and the walls were covered in all kinds of miscellaneous boat parts, fishing equipment, old radios, and a ton of similar things. The center had a speedboat in it, partially disassembled, with the blades of its propeller on the boats floor. Four metal poles around the outside kept the center from collapsing in on itself, and the thugs led Wolfe and Rhett to the pole closest to the water at the far end.
Probably just the instinct to keep us from the front door on the off chance we escape, although no one seems too worried about that.
They made Wolfe and Rhett sit, backs to each other with a pole between them. Then they tied their handcuffs together, trapping them to the pole.
This place owned by the Grimm family? Wolfe asked.
Yeah, one of the thugs replies. You know them?
Once.
Then you probably know we arent going to be the ones beating the information out of you. Damian hired a surgeon, and hes on his way. Although if you want to just tell me everything now, maybe he wont be needed.
Wolfe chuckled darkly. I might, but Id rather save something for him so hell eventually leave me alone.
The thug matched Wolfes chuckled and stood. Youre mighty blas about this, but suit yourself.
Wolfe was impressed that the thug knew the word blas. He wasnt sure he had heard anyone say that say that since he had put his father down.
Might have to upgrade my name for this guy to educated thug.
Educated thug and his five thug brethren went to the other side of the boathouse. They grabbed a couple slightly-rusted folding chairs and one of the crates, and set up an impromptu poker game they played by phone-light. Castor still hadnt come inside.
It was dark outside, and extra dim inside. The thugs were distracted.
It was finally time.
But Wolfes hands were in an awkward position.
Theyve hired a surgeon? Rhett asked under his breath.
Wolfe laughed quietly. A torturer, a professional one, to get information from us.
By cutting into us?
Maybe, Wolfe said. Most guys break after having their fingernails ripped off, but youre fairly stubborn. They might get to the part where they start slicing things up that arent that important.
Rhett was quiet for a moment. Youre fairly calm.
Wolfe chuckled again, although he was covering for his growing frustrationhe couldnt get his hands to bend right to open the cuffs. Maybe I should be less calm, like youthen we can both get our asses kicked first.
This isnt a game, Rhett hissed. Have you given up on life? Is that it?
You really know how to win friends and influence people, Wolfe growled out. He still couldnt get the key where it needed to be.
I cant believe thisyou should be more upset. Youve put Shels life in danger.
Wolfe almost dropped the key. What? Why the fuck would Shels life be in danger?
Because she might know what you knowthey cant chance it. You live together, right? If they were willing to dispose of me, theyll dispose of her for sure. And if she were tied up here, she would have indignity added to the pain and death.
Wolfe paused. Fuck. Hes right. I didnt consider that.
Wolfe took a chance. Ive got the key to my cuffsbut I cant get it in right. That sounded bad. If I drop it, can you grab it and free me?
Youve got my keys? Really?
No, this is the dumbest ever fooled you joke. Of course I do.
I can help, yeah.
Wolfe carefully dropped the key, wincing at the tiny plink.
He felt Rhett moving his hands down.
What was that? educated thug asked, and stood from his chair.
Nothing, just play the damn game.
I fold on this oneIm gonna go check it out.
Wolfe felt pressure on his handcuffsRhett being insanely fast and accurate at undoing them, he sincerely hoped.
Educated thug ambled over to Wolfes position. He was smoking, now, although Wolfe hadnt seen him light up.
Just as he arrived, there was a soft click.
What the? the thug said, his eyes widening as he watched one cuff fall from Wolfes wrist.
Then he reached for his gun.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-One: Rumble in the Boat House
Wolfe launched himself upward, his free hand touching his chest as he did. He tried to swing his manacled hand around and knock educated thug on this ass, but the open end of the cuff caught in something, and instead Wolfe slung himself sideways, giving educated thug the time necessary to get his gun out.
Knowing he was seconds from death, Wolfe didnt even hesitate, simply throwing Cereboo into the space between him and educated thug. Wolfe felt like a bit of a douche for letting his doggo take the shot, but, well Cereboo came back when he died. Wolfe didnt.
The crack of a gunshot, whine, and following enraged barks were painfully loud in the relatively small boathouse, but Wolfe didnt let it stun him. As Cereboo leapt onto educated thugwho abandoned his verbosity for screamingWolfe extricated his cuff from Rhetts, where it was stuck, and stood.
Then he dropped back down and crawled to the slight protection of the speedboat in the center of the boathouse. A hail of gunfire went through the space he had been half a second earlier.
The other five thugs hadnt been far behind.
He touched his deck again, and red washed over himthe familiar power of his Soul Hunter mantle. Between the increased defense and the resistance to Mortal damage that being Infernal gave him, he would take only about a third the damage from the mooks and their guns as he would otherwise have taken.
Feels like old timesCereboo and a mantle against a pack of thugs.
Rhett yelled, and a notification popped into Wolfes view that a deckbearer had pulled their deck.
Okay, not exactly like old times.
Educated thug went down beneath Cereboo, and Wolfe ran out and ripped the gun from the dying thugs hands, then peaked around the front side of the speedboat.
When he didnt immediately get shot, he wasted a thug and pulled back, rapidly scuttling to the other side.
Castor, Wolfes free! We need backup!
Wolfe ordered Cereboo to attack the thug nearest the water, then lunged around the speedboat himself on the side furthest from water. He shot at two thugs rapidly, dropping them, while Cereboo absorbed bullets and brought another down.
The last one turned and started to run, just as a crazy demon burst into the room. It looked like an insane Koa-Tuo had birthed it after mating with some fishing gear, and it smashed the door to the boathouse off its hinges before leaping across the scattered crates. It landed and slashed at Cereboo but did little damage thanks to Cereboos huge resistance to the Infernal.
Wolfe ran to the side, aiming to go out the boathouse window and around behind Castor, whom he figured was coming in hot on his demons heels, but when he attempted to push the wooden slats open, they were stuck, briefly halting him.
Die! Castor screamed as he entered, firing at Wolfe, who hissed as a bullet went through the meaty part of his left bicep. He hit the ground, ignoring the seven damageas much as Deputy Charlestons punch, which either said something awesome about the deputy chief or really bad about the pistol Castor was using.
But it also meant Wolfe was half-dead, and he got his first injuries notificationa 1 point penalty to his stats, except Health.
Did that hurt, Wolfe? Castor called out, faux kindly.
Why do so many of my enemies try and taunt me? Do they think Im going to suddenly become incompetent?
Want me to kiss it better? Kiss it better with my gun? Castor continued.
And why are so many so very bad at it?
Wolfe swiped and tried to play Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds, but nothing happened except a notification appeared. Insufficient space on field to play that card.
Huh.
Wolfe instead played a single Angry Hellhound.
Even as he did, another notification appeared. Malviere has been slain. Her card returns to the deck, and the timer is reset.
Wolfe was shockedMalviere was back at his house. With Ms. Timo, Shels sister Lucy, and Shannon.
Which meant someone was fighting there.
Oh, shit.
Maybe theyll kill the Venegeful Orphan too, and let Shel know something is going on.
Wolfe tried to put it from his mind as another fish hook demon joined the fight, snarls and exploding boxes heralding its arrival.
Wolfe looked at his remaining cards. Another Angry hellhound, A Pack Howl, and his Fireborn Hellhound. He only got one, and that would also bring his cards on field to max.
He opted for the another oldy but goody, the Fireborn Hellhound. He wished he had a bit more synergy, but he still had the equivalent of seven power worth of demon dogs on the field.
The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
He stood, his gun and gaze tracking together for Castor, but he didnt see him.
But his mantle made him deadly to other Infernals, so Wolfe spent a moment blasting one of the Fish hook demons to pieces. The other managed to get a hook into the skin of his Angry Hellhound, and ripped it out. His Angry Hellhound yipped and dropped to the ground. But Cereboo and the Fireborn Hellhound hit the demon and began ripping it to pieces.
At the same time, a giant Crab appeared and rushed the field.
Castor leapt out from around the side of the speedboat to shoot Wolfe three times in rapid succession. Wolfe was blinded by pain that felt like getting hit in the chest three times with bone cracking force, but his mantle prevented his deathbut he was left with huge penalties and three Health. Wolfe stepped inside and knocked the gun from Castors hand, only to have his knocked from his hand in turn. They went chest and chest, wrestling as they pushed each other around, grunts and huffs of exertion as the coppery smell of blood slowly overwhelmed the smell of the river.
Wolfe could normally take a chump like Castor in almost no time, but he was severely wounded. A lance of pain went through him as Castor managed to elbow one of his chest wounds, and his wounded arm gave in slightly. Castor used that to push Wolfe back. In the space, he drew his huge knife and lunged for Wolfe.
Wolfe caught the descending knife by using a cross-wrist block, but Castor pushed him back, and Wolfe tripped over the side of the speedboat. Both went down, and Castor landed on top. Wolfe tried to get the advantage, but Castor had started on top, was younger, and wasnt riddled with bullet holes. The bloody scramble ended advantage Castor, with Wolfe trapped against the metal bottom of the speedboat, Castor above him.
He quickly got his angle, mounted above Wolfe, and tried to stab Wolfe again. Wolfe again caught the knife, but he was in dire trouble. Castor was now pushing down on the knife, with his weight backing his play. Wolfe was nominally stronger, but his weak arm and Castors superior position meant the knife inched ever closer to his chest, bit by bit. Wolfes limbs were already shaking with the effort to keep it away. They would give way soon, and then Wolfes story would end.
"Give in, itll all be over soon, Castor whispered, his breath smelling of onions.
Wolfe glanced to the side at the disassembled propeller lying in the bottom of the speed boat and gave a last desperate, spasming heave to the side, throwing Castor and rolling. Castor let go of the knife and tried to post, but Wolfe hit him, driving him partially onto the exposed screws with their combined weight. Castor screamed and thrashed, not nearly dead but agonizingly wounded. Now, every thrash they made also wounded Castor more, and Wolfe finally managed to post on top of Castor, their positions reversed from a few seconds ago.
You give up, Wolfe said back. Ive been not giving up for twenty-five years, and Im not about to change that for a stupid POS like you.
That sounded better in my head.
Wolfe was still tiring, however, and Castor wasnt dead.
Both men also still had cards in front of them, moving in and out of each others bodies without interacting with them, and Castor managed to swipe, switching his cards.
Wolfe needed to stop him from summoning, and fell chest to chest with Castor, putting all his cards inside Wolfes body. Castor couldnt get Wolfe off him, half screaming, half grunting as each effort pushed the broken propeller parts deeper into him.
It only required a few moments of Wolfe stopping the summon for the air to suddenly reek of brimstone.
Castor looked up into four hellhound mouths. He had time for one scream before he was silenced forever.
Wolfe hit Level Twenty-Five. He dismissed the notification telling him that he had hit the level for a new perk, instead slumping back down onto the metal bottom of the speed boat for a moment, trying to recover.
He had imagined hitting level twenty-five to be more epic, somehow.
He rested for thirty seconds next to Castors corpse, but then managed to half-heave, half-crawl out of the boat. It wasnt over yet. A surgeon would be here soon, and Wolfe was in no condition to fight. He went over to educated thug, hoping he would have the keys to the handcuffs.
A quick rifle through his teeth-punctured, burned corpse showed that he did, in fact, have the keys. Wolfe managed to walk his way over the Rhett, barely able to stand. One hand on castors gun, one hand holding the keys to Rhetts cuffs.
When he reached the lieutenant, Rhett was staring at Wolfe with wide eyes. You just killed seven armed men, including a deckbearer, in a couple minutes.
Turns out I suck at nearly everythingbut I am stupid good at one thing, which is being the find out to every evil jackass that fucks around.
Rhett snorted. Sucking at nearly everything including one-liners, I take it?
Wolfe ignored the banter, and held his newly acquired gun to Rhetts head in one trembling hand. We need to have a talk about where this goes next.
Rhett narrowed his eyes, his jolly demeanor gone like a fart in the wind. Spit it out, then.
Im pretty sure you can guess by now that I didnt kill Emmett, and who the real enemies are. So whats going to happen is, Im going to set you free, and youre going to forget you ever heard the name Wolfe. We make a dealI get to keep my anonymity, and you get to keep your life. Sound fair?
Rhett stared at him for a few moments, eyes occasionally crossing to look at the gun pressed to his forehead a mere inch from his eyes.
Fuck you, Rhett said.
Really? Thats it? Just Fuck you? Wolfe asked with exasperation. Maybe your pride is wounded, being beat up by your fellow officers in blue and saved by some random thug, but dont let it stop you from thinking straight.
Youve heard my answer, Rhett growled.
Why? Why not even just pretend to agree and then arrest me later? Is turning me in worth dying for? Wolfe asked, truly baffled. Why not even give me the tiny hope I might get to lead a normal life, finally, so I wont shoot you?
Rhett was silent for a moment before speaking. You think a man like Anderson woke up one day and decided Im going to betray my fellow officers? Of course not. He did some tiny thing, barely noteworthy, and probably for a seemingly good reason. Maybe his mother was sick, and someone in your line of work offered to take care of all her bills in return for ignoring just one shipment of drugs. And it made sense to him. Victimless crime, save his mother. But it tainted him, and made him susceptible. The next bribe maybe he justified as his wife deserving it. Then that he deserved it. Then it was just his lifestyle. Even if he wanted to turn back, he cant, because hes a criminal now too. He may not realize it, but hes already ended the life he lovednow its just a matter of time till it catches up with him. And hes the worst kind of criminalthe one that betrayed the trust of a society he swore to protect. Im going to do my job, and Im going to Divine well do it right.
You cant do your job if youre dead, asshole, Wolfe said.
Men like you dont understand, Rhett said. When I die, and go before the Divine council, there wont be anything to explain away.
Rhett was the definition of self-righteous. Wolfes hand trembled as he began to tighten his finger on the trigger, looking in Rhetts eyes.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-Two: More Fighting
Cereboo whined.
Wolfe exhaled noisily and lowered his weapon. Hes a good man, even if he is also a self-righteous prick. He doesnt deserve to die. And I dont want to upset my pooch.
Wolfe put the key into Rhetts cuffs and turned them.
You know Im still going to arrest you, right? This doesnt change anything.
By all the Infernal, can you please just quietly take the W? Youve made that pretty fuckin clear... I swear to all the archangels you want to get shot. But no such luck, twinkletoes, cuz this fight isnt over yet and Im pretty fucked up. Turns out Im not going to be the one to decide your fatethis surgeon character and whomever he brings will be.
Twinketoes? Rhett asked.
I call you self-righteous prick in the privacy of my own head. You want me to use that instead?
Rhett actually laughed, a single bark of what sounded to Wolfe like genuine mirth. Fine, twinkletoes will do. Privately, at least.
He glanced at Wolfe. Also, youre more than pretty fucked upyou need a hospital. A morgue, soon, if we dont do something. I know this probably isnt your style, but just fight with your cards from behind cover, please. Let me handle most of this.
Hey, youre the insufferable hero. I, personally, have no issue with letting someone else handle the problems, as long as they actually do handle said problems. I mostly do shit because others wont.
Wolfe was saved from whatever rejoinder Rhett might have made by the sound of a car entering the parking lot outside.
Unfortunate, Rhett said, his voice elaborately casual. I should have pulled my deck earlier.
He touched his chest and pushed his hand out. Gold, steel, and tan cards sprang into existence in front of him.
Three types, no energies, Wolfe thought, wondering how much utility that would have.
One gold card hung off to the side, and Rhett reached out and touched that one.
Golden light flowed from the card, forming a beautiful, winged angel carrying a lantern chained to her wrist. She had black hair and vaguely Asiatic features, but still bore a resemblance to Sorenia, somehow.
No damned way, Wolfe thought, his eyes wide for a moment despite the approaching danger. He stared at the card.
Liurenia
Unique, effective Tier-7 Divine/Light companion
0 Power
Health: 11
Attack: 0
Magical Attack: 10*
Defense: 5
Magical Defense: 5
Special: While in play, all Mortal creature cards gain Divine typing and +25% (minimum 1) to all stats.
Special: The benefits to Mortal cards stack with the other three named companion lantern angels. If all 4 are possessed the card, Zarachiel, Commander of the Lanterns, a 4-power mythic Tier-8 equivalent Divine companion card, will be gained as well as a free companion card slot.
Special: Her magical attack is Light typed.
Liurenia was first infused with the divine and evolved from a base Lantern angel when she slew her tenth demon, and she gained her current rank after the Archangel Raphael saw her save a Mortals soul at risk to her own existence.
Youve got to be fucking kidding me, Wolfe growled out. How the hell did you get a god-gifted deck card from the Archangel of Kindness? You might be a good guy, but youre more the archangel of ramming a rod alllll the way up there kind of guy.
I didnt, Rhett said, distantly. This card belonged to my father. Now hush your attempts at humortheyll be coming for us.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Something about the way Rhett said it told Wolfe that Rhetts dad probably wasnt in this world anymore.
He also tossed an Angry Hellhound out, to replace the one he had lost.
A sudden thought occurred to him, about the strategy his enemies might use. Get down!
Rhett squatted. Why would I need to
Wolfe reached out and grabbed Rhett. Rhett easily batted his hand away, but he did shut up.
Wolfe ordered all his creatures behind boxes, and his three demon dogs slunk there.
Wolfe whispered. They might not know were free, in which case we might get the jump on them.
I wont shoot someone without warning.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Whatever. If they do know weve escaped, theyll probably
Wolfes talking was interrupted by multiple gunshots through the door and window slats. Most of them hit Liurenia, whose lantern explodedas did a lot of her body, showering blood everywhere before everything simply turned back into gold energy and flowed back to Rhett.
And thats why we duck, children, Wolfe said sarcastically. Any questions?
Rhett stared briefly at the space Liurenia had been. Thank you.
A deckbearer has pulled their deck near you.
Its on, Wolfe said. Head in the game.
Rhett switched from squatting to a one-knee position, gun held up in front of him. This is the police! Drop your weapons or I will be forced to use deadly force!
Wolfe slapped his face and drug his hand down, but there was a pause in the fighting.
I didnt sign up to fight the police, came a voice from outside.
A different voice called out, Jones, get the fuck back to your window or so help me Ill shoot you myself.
Rhett touched his deck and a large brass clockwork device, Wolfe supposed, fell out, blocking a large part of the view. It had a ton of clockwork gears, but no visible clock face, was almost ten feet on a side, and square.
Clockwork Penance
Rare Tier-1 Golem Persistent
3 Golem Power
Special: This persistent has 100 Health and 10 Defense as if a creature. This may not be increased by anything that would increase a creatures stats.
Every round this device is out, all Golems, Mortals, and Angels gain +1 to all stats, stacking with each other gain, so long as any Infernal, Elder, Undead, or any card with the word criminal in its title is on the field and controlled by an enemy.
The Law isnt always quick, but it is inevitable.
Shame Shel isnt here, that would stack with her build wonderfully, Wolfe muttered.
A quick series of gunshots came from outside, but no bullets entered the boathouse.
Ill be damned, I think your hippie-dippie speech actually did something useful, Wolfe quipped.
Saying This is the police, get down, is hippie-dippie?
It is in this situation, Wolfe said with a roll of his eyes.
Rhett didnt answer, standing and striding forward. A bullet immediately whizzed barely past his head. Rhett planted his feet, drew his pistola glock-19, pretty standard police modeland fired through the door, three shots in quick succession. Why didnt he wait for his mantle?
Something hit the ground with a thump outside, and Rhett ducked back behind some boxes.
Wolfe figured it was time, and ordered his doggos out. He had bare moments before the Fireborn Hellhound would dissipate for lack of time on the field, but Cereboo and the Angry Hellhound would last until taken down.
Rhett touched another card, and threw out a golemnearly eight feet tall, with a scary stone mien and glowing eyes.
Enforcer Golem
Uncommon Tier-1 Golem
2 Golem, 1 Any Power
Health: 30
Attack: 9
Defense: 12
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 7
Gains all benefits as if it were a civic Mortal card.
A basic but powerful golem guard, its magic and purpose is to assist Mortals.
Guy has a decent amount of power, Wolfe thought as he glanced at the card. He might be around my level.
The golem stomped outside, and Rhett followed right behind, using the stone body as mobile cover.
Wolfe sat and waited, near death. He heard some yells, gunshots, guttural growls, and barks from outside. His Fireborn Hellhound actually timed out, and an Angry Hellhound died, but Wolfe replaced those with other Angry Hellhounds and sent them back into the fight. He got two more notifications of dead mooks that didnt give him any experience, and then finally got a bit of experience for the death of what his notification called The Surgeon Deckbearer.
Wolfe watched as Rhett came back in, limping slightly from claw marks to his leg. His deck was still out, with gold, steel, and tan cards interspersed. He wasnt as badly busted up as Wolfe, but he wasnt that far out either, given the earlier hits to the head from his fellow officer.
Rhett limped over to Wolfe and slid down the crate with a sigh to sit beside one-time enforcer. So, should I do a bit now where I put a gun to your head and demand things?
Id like you a bit more if you did, Wolfe responded.
Rhett chuckled tiredly but didnt respond beyond that. We need to get out of here. One sec.
Rhett touched a tan card from his deck, and a Veteran EMT appeared. The card healed Wolfe for eight damageWolfe felt it as a mending passing through him, his agony lessening and wounds closing. His injury penalties went back to a one-stat penalty.
Wolfe sighed. Thats the good shit.
Rhett dismissed the EMT and swiped his cards.
Wolfe glanced over at him. Why didnt you use that in the first place?
You spent most of the time I could have done that threatening me.
Eh.
Rhett laughed, then hauled himself painfully to his feet. Thats the only one I haveI keep it for emergency healing if I respond to a call with injuries and am first there. But we need to goI can heal myself on the way.
Wolfe climbed to his feet with barely a grunt.
Do you think Shel is in danger? Wolfe asked.
Not yetshe has no way to know we were in trouble, and the Gala isnt over yet. Shes probably pretty concerned neither her primary instructor nor her boyfriend showed up though.
Wolfe winced.
Rhett glanced at him. This is where the news gets bad, right?
They killed my minion, and probably Shels, at my houseso now the files are missing, most likely. And Shel knows for sure.
Was anyone there? Besides your cards, I mean? Rhett asked.
Wolfe winced again. Maybe Ms. Timo, her daughter, and Shels sister.
Rhett grabbed Wolfes arm. Lets go. The Surgeon had a car, and we need to get to your house right now.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-Three: Man Talk
Rhett walked outside the boathouse, and Wolfe followed him. The lieutenant flipped the cards in front of him to a new set, but didnt play any. Instead, he walked over to a man lying dead on the ground on his back, arms almost comically akimbo. He moved one arm across the mans chest and then rolled him over.
Rhett reached inside the mans back pocket.
Ive fondled plenty of things in my day, Wolfe drawled, but dead bodies isnt one of them.
Har har, Rhett said drily, and then pulled a phone from the mans pocket. He dialed 9-1-1. Hello, theres been a shooting at the Noimoire docks, theRhett glances up at a signGavins Boathouse.
Like the card selling company? Wolfe asked.
Rhett glanced over. Or another unrelated guy named Gavin.
Rhett flipped the cards still in front of his chest again, then summoned his Veteran EMT, healing himself.
Wolfe snorted. That made more sense.
Rhett pulled a key fob from the mans front right pocket, and pointed it at a dark green jeep wrangler. The cars lights flashed, and Rhett opened the drivers side door. Lets go.
Wolfe got into the opposite side. He was feeling a lot less damaged after Rhetts card, but now the adrenaline was leaving him. If he hadnt been so worried about the cops at his house, he would likely have tried to sleep, but he was a bit keyed up for that.
In fact You have a cigarette?
Shel told me you quit.
Wolfe ground his teeth. Of course they had talked about it. Now he would probably hear something from Shel and also not get a cigarette.
I dont have any.
And part one comes true.
Wolfe sighed and kicked one foot up onto the dashboard.
Sit normally, please. Its dangerous to position yourself like that.
Wolfe kicked his other leg up out of sheer orneriness, and hooked his ankles. Lifes short. I dont give a shit.
Rhett cornered hard, keeping his speed high, and Wolfe had to grab the bar. He glanced over, expecting to see Rhett mocking him, but he saw nothing of the sort. Instead, Rhett was driving intensely and with focus. Cutting seconds competently.
Wolfe would have complimented the man, but at this point, he assumed Rhett hated him so much that all he could think waswhy bother?
Why are you relaxing anyway? Rhett asked. Shouldnt you be moreready, or something?
Being too tense can kill you on things like this. Youve gotta relax. Its going to be almost half an hour before were there. I have no idea what happened, anyway, and no way to find out.
Rhett was silent. For a few minutes, the road sped by beneath them as he drove with focused determination.
But after a moment, Wolfe glanced over at him. Hey, I have a question. Do cops get any say over which prisons inmates are housed at?
No, Rhett said. Theres a prison designation board that determines your facility based on your security rating, criminal record, area code of residence, and availability of space in the different facilities. Sometimes a judge can make a recommendation on your behalf, but thats rare.
Wolfe thought about it, but there was nothing really to say.
Why? Rhett asked.
I wanna be placed as far away from Shel as possible.
Rhett turned and stared at Wolfe for a second before going back to focusing on the road. Why? I thought you were going to be there for her for life, or something.
Id planned on it. But we both know Im gonna go away for a long, long time. I cant take care of her, cant provide her with the family and support she so desperately wants. Shel wont leave her siblings and family, I think, and Id rather she not visit. Shes got better things to do with her time.
Wolfe was frustrated, but he knew that he had chosen his path when he didnt kill Rhett. He probably should have, but what Shel had said to him all those months ago, after Big Man Grimm had died, was still truehe had done the right thing the wrong way his whole life, and it hadnt worked out. Wolfe was tired of it.
The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
And even then, he had never really killed just to make things easier for himself, and never a true innocent, which Rhett was.
Wolfe continued. Truth is, at the end of the day, I have to do whats right for Shel. I cant let my past mistakes be what makes her unhappy. She needs to move on from me... No matter how much I fucking hate it.
Rhett didnt answer for a bit, and they drove again in silence for a few moments.
Finally, he spoke. Humor me. Hypothetically speaking, lets say you are who I think you are. Some gangster lowlife. Now lets pretend that you didnt hire someone to kill Emmett. Why would they say you had?
Hypothetically speaking? Wolfe asked.
Yeah. Pretend. Were pretending this is reality.
Then I would tell you that no one leaves a gang without consequences. I would also tell you that some of my hypothetical old associates would be displeased with my current occupation and consider it traitorous. I dont think we need to imagine what happens to traitors, right? Id say they would go to great lengths, hypothetically, to make sure I was taken out of the picture.
Some guy would be willing to go to prison to bring you in?
Youd be surprised at how far certain influences go. Its always nice to have a middleman in prison. If he was headed there anyway, why not make it as good a life as possible? Like a sideways promotion.
Is our prison system really that bad?
Wolfe shrugged. It holds individuals fine, but organizations? Not so much.
Why are you and Shel together? Rhett asks. I dont mean, how did you meet, or why did you hook up. I mean why stay together. Shes not like you.
This seems really personal and not something lieutenant Rhett should be asking me.
Please, humor me.
I ask myself the same damn thing all the time. I think Shel thinks she owes me. I saved her onceshes telling the truth about that. She did something dumb, got in over her head, and nearly died. I saved her, at some risk to myself. Then I helped her with some important stuff at a lot more risk to myself. Found out what happened to her dead brother, although we never truly fixed that situation.
What happened?
The Cobra street gang killed himtheir head enforcer, Nico, specifically did it. But Shel didnt know that, and so she went and tried to hunt her way up the list of gang lieutenants, at Level One and with a brand-new deck, like an idiot.
Oh? Shes an idiot? Let me guessyoure infinitely smarter.
Wolfe sighed. Im even dumber. Doesnt change that her thing was retarded too.
Rhett sighed right back. You know, this isnt at all how I imagined arresting you.
This guy has an odd train of thought. Sorry to spoil your fantasies.
Rhett frowned and faced Wolfe. They arent fantasies.
Wolfe laughed. Let me guess, you wanted me to resist? Kick my ass?
You have to admit, your attitude, comments about me, and comments about my co-workers have earned you at least one ass kicking.
Rhett said it deadpan, but when Wolfe turned to look at him, a small smile was playing around his face.
Wolfe snorted. Yeah, probably. My default position is torque them off. Although, for the record, I didnt resist because I didnt want to kick your ass where Shel might see. Shes soft that way.
She wasnt there in the garage, and she certainly wasnt there in the boathouse. Why not then?
Wolfe thought about his life, his patron, and Shel. Sometimes a man has to follow through with his duty, I guess. Youre carrying out yours, and Im carrying out mine. Thats all.
Wolfe wasnt sure if he owed Shel anything. It could be argued that she owed him. But it didnt matterWolfe wanted her to be happy, deep in his soul. He had taken the responsibility onto himself.
They were now inside the Joliet city limit, and Rhett sped through the city.
Rhett spoke again, his voice thoughtful. Why did you join the gang in the first place? Hypothetically, I mean.
Well, if I am who you think, then my story would go something like thisMy dad was a mob lawyer. He beat my mom and raped my older sister. When I was a teenager, I tried to stop him, and he beat me half to death. Two days after I was taken to the hospital, the police that had taken my statement altered records, then testified with a bunch of lies that made me the villain. My dad went free.
Thats why you dislike cops?
I dislike most people, Wolfe said.
Rhett laughed. Continue.
Eventually, I killed my dad while trying to stop him from harming my family. It was about a year after the first fight. You can look it up, assuming you can get into sealed juvenile files. Maybe some of the bastard cops are still around, and you can get the true story from them. But the only guy that stuck up for mehypotheticallywas a mob boss. He got me out of juvie, right before they tried to try me as an adult for murder. He took care of me, legit. A man that wasnt good, but was at least honorablesomething those that were sworn to serve and protect me werent. Tell mewhat would you have done?
Rhett took a corner hard. You saved my life, back there.
This guy jumps topics like a damned jack rabbit.
Its fine, you saved mine too, Wolfe said tiredly.
Rhett spoke musingly. No not really. I saved mine. But you could have left, after the first fight. Instead, you tried to save me.
I held a gun to your head. Not the same.
Only to get me to not arrest you once you had saved me. Leaving me or shooting me would have done everything you needed.
Wolfe rolled his head over and stared at Rhett. Rhett what do you want? Okay, I saved you. You going to not arrest me?
Rhett didnt answer. Instead, he touched his chest and pulled his cards out again.
Then he took a pile of cardstwentyfrom his pocket, split them in half, and passed ten to Wolfe. These are the Surgeons cards. Half belong to you.
Alright? Wolfe said, taking them and stuffing them in his pants next to the ones he had gotten from Castor.
You value Shels happiness more than your own? Rhett asked.
I what? Wolfe asked, briefly baffled. Yeah. At least, I think so.
Rhett reached out and touched his companion card. But it didnt summoninstead, one of the ten cards Rhett had kept from the Surgeons deck disappeared, and the companion card appeared in his lap. He picked it up and passed it too Wolfe. For saving my life.
Wolfe stared at the card for a moment, then glanced at Rhett. Are we friends now, or?
Rhett pulled into Wolfes driveway. Were here is what we are.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-Four: Unexpected Aid
Wolfe leapt from the car and flew the front door of his home. He immediately noted that the front door to the house was askew, hanging lopsidedly. It had been smashed in by something. Claw marks in the front lawn, barely visible in the moonlight, suggested a powerful card monster as the most likely culprit.
Rhett followed Wolfe closely as he ran up. No decks? Is that wise?
Wolfe gave it brief thought. Usually, he liked to surprise his enemies, but if his enemies were here, they had heard Wolfe drive up. Pull em.
Rhett touched his chest, and then touched a steel-colored card. His Enforcer Golem sprang into existence.
At the same time, Wolfe pulled his deck. His two companions appearedincluding Malviere. Suddenly feeling like an idiot for not bringing her forth earlier and asking what had happened, Wolfe touched her card.
Who was here? Wolfe asked as the ten-year-old looking girl appeared.
Two men in dressed in all black, wearing all black masks, she said. They asked for a box containing information on the cops, Malviere reported. Are James and Jason alright? They were very scared.
I dont know yet, Wolfe said, then pushed into the house, not sure what he would find and terrified he would find someone he cared about dead or hurt.
Just like when I was a child. If I even find either of my idiot cavapoos, James or Jason, hurt, Im gonna go John Wick on someone.
When Wolfe pushed in, he found his front room torn to pieces. Cushions had been thrown everywhere, as if a box of files would have been hiding in a couch. A couple lamps were smashed. For some inane reason, even the glass door to the backyard had been smashed open.
It took a moment for Wolfe to understand what he was seeing, but a lump, lying between the cushions, resolved into the form of Ms. Timo.
Rhett pushed in and knelt beside her. Maam, are you alright?
Ms. Timo coughed, a wracking sound. Blood was coming from a huge split over her eye, which was already swelling up. Someone struck her with a gun butt, but didnt finish her off.
She struggled to rise, and Rhett helped her into a sitting position.
Wheres Lucy? Wolfe asked, kneeling down next to her.
She struggled to sit upright, almost falling over, and held her hands to her head. Im sorry. I dont know. Shannon and Lucy were outside, last I saw. In the backyard, sleeping under the stars. They told me you said it was okay.
Wolfe vaguely remembered that, but mostly, he remembered telling them to check with Shel. It might have only been this morning, but that had been a long day ago.
Ms. Timo kept talking, her voice a broken monotone. But when the men with guns came, after they killed Sorenia and Malviere, they got really upset. They said that your bedroom was empty, and the box was missing. When I told them I didnt know where it was, they hit me with their gun. Thats the last I remember.
Two tiny feet planted themselves on Wolfes side, and he turned. James, the slightly larger of his two apricot cavapoos, was standing on his back legs, his front pressed against Wolfe. His tail was wagging, as if Wolfe being back meant everything would be okay. Next to James was his brother Jason.
Wolfe was glad his two dogs were okay, but he still didnt know where Shels sister was.
Do you think theyre still outside? Rhett asked.
Lets check.
Wolfe stepped through the shattered remains of his door, the glass crunching underneath his feet. When his cavapoos tried to follow, Wolfe turned to Malviere. Keep them back, please. Theyll cut their feet on the glass.
They whined but didnt struggle as Malviere picked them up into her arms.
Wolfe and Rhett walked off the porch into the yard proper. A small tent was on the ground under the sole tree in the backyard, nearest the fence. Rhett began searching around the fence and tree, but Wolfe walked over to the tent and glanced inside.
Two sets of blankets, two sets of pillows, a couple booksvery old fashionedand a small pile of snacks, but no one else. As Wolfes eyes roamed the inside, he saw a piece of paper.
What? Wolfe picked it up.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
It was his partially written statement in the People v. Timo case.
Ah, shit. Wolfe could already see the situation. Shannon, desperate to find out what had happened with her parents, must have stolen the box of files, and had almost certainly been looking through it in the tent.
But Wolfe didnt see the box anywhere.
William, take a look at this, Rhett called.
Just call me Wolfe, Wolfe said, then, just in case, Its a nickname.
He backed out of the tent and stood, walking over to where Rhett was examining the fence. Even in the dark, Wolfe could make out what he was talking about. Footprints on the fence.
The girls must have fled when they heard the commotion. Did they actually take the files?
Wolfe wouldnt have put it past Lucy. The girl was far too bright for her own good, but it was at least possible that she might have been bright enough for Wolfes good in this case.
Or maybe they had left before everything went wrong, taking the files to look at where no one would find them. Wolfe wasnt sure.
Where would she have gone?
Well, they live next door, Wolfe replied, his mind running. Right here, in fact, over this fence.
He turned and faced the house, glancing at it over the barrier separating the properties.
Rhett huffed out breath and leapt onto the fence, pulling himself over and jumping down to the backward next to them without another word.
Son of a Wolfe growled out and leapt over as well, stumbling slightly on the dismount. He still hurt quite a bit, and his body wasnt responding as well as it ought to.
Rhett ran through the yard and opened the back door. Shannon? Lucy? he called into the house.
No answer.
Lucy?! Wolfe called out as loud as he could.
Still no answer.
Lets go, Rhett said, entering the house through a glass door and curtains in the backyard entrance.
Should you be breaking in? Wolfe asked as he followed.
Exigent circumstances doctrine, Rhett muttered. Kids might be in danger inside.
The living room was empty of people, but the box of files that everyone was looking for was on the coffee table in front of some old, sheet-covered couches in the center. The Timo file was out and open in the center.
On the page describing Shannons mothers death at her fathers hands.
Fuck, Wolfe muttered.
Rhett picked up some of the police corruption files, glancing through them.
A knock came at the front door before he could process anything furthera small hall connected the living from to the front, and Wolfe could see the thick door from where he stood. He reached out and touched a cardan Angry Hellhoundand tossed it out before walking over to the front door as quietly as he could.
He glanced out the peep hole. Shel was standing on the front, her arms wrapped around herself, nervously pacing back and forth on Ms. Timos porch.
Wolfe opened the door, and Shel flung herself into his arms, hugging hard. After a long three seconds, she pulled back and glanced at Wolfes blood-soaked form. Are you okay?
Well enough. And you can heal me, so Ill be a lot better soon.
Wheres Lucy?
Wolfe shook his head. I dont know. Im almost positive the thugs didnt get them, but I dont know where theyre at now.
Are you two going to look for them? Rhett asked, glancing up form the pages he was reading. Steel-colored particles also flowed back into Rhett, which Wolfe took to be Rhett dismissing his summons.
Of course, Shel declared, and Wolfe nodded to her words.
Alright, well, even after a cursory glance I can see these files are fairly complete. Im going to take them back to the station, get my own chief on the line. Hes a good guyI know him personally. Hell help me to make sure that every police officer that betrayed his oaths goes to jail for a very, very long time.
Rhett picked the box of files up in both arms with a grunt.
Wolfe nodded to Rhetts statement, not entirely convinced after Rhetts insane display of ignorance of the corruption in Noimoire that the lieutenant was the best judge of police misconduct. But Wolfe had to admit, none of Emmetts files had shown any Joliet officer as being involved. Maybe they really were clean.
He wasnt about to gainsay Rhett at this point regardless. Wolfe no longer had the slightest doubt that Rhett was on the side of the angels.
Rhett walked out of Ms. Timos house, and Wolfe and Shel followed.
Rhett walked down the Timos driveway and then took the brief jaunt back to Wolfe and Shels place. He reached the car that had belonged to The Surgeon and hitched the box briefly into one arm, opened the car, and then put the box into the back seat. He straightened with a slight sigh before glancing at Wolfe.
Im not sure who you really are, Wolfe, but if you were who I think you are, you might be inclined to seek personal vengeance. I would recommend against it. Let the wheels of justice workthey may be a touch slow, but theyll be certain in this case, I promise. Too many people are involved now that we know whats up, and someone will squeal. With the evidence in these files, we could probably get a conviction even without thatbut someone always squeals.
Shel raised her eyes at Rhetts declaration, and then stared at Wolfe. He shook his head at her very slightly before addressing Rhett.
Im just gonna find Lucy and Shannon, and then sleep for three straight days, Wolfe said.
Be sure you do, Rhett said, then opened the front door of the vehicle.
They watched as Rhett got into The Surgeons car and drove off, presumably heading to the Joliet police station.
Wolfe turned and walked back into his house. Ms. Timo was sitting on the couch now, steadier than she had been. The two dogs ran around, tails wagging now that Wolfe, Shel, and Malviere were all back.
Lucy and Shannon are gone, but the box of files was at your house. Were pretty sure they stopped there, and Lucy read the Timo case filesand then they left. Do you have any idea where they might have gone?
Oh no, Ms. Timo said. I didnt want her to find out that way. I was going to tell her myself, but
Ms. Timo, please, Wolfe said, exasperated. The point is, shes missing. Do you know where she might have gone?
Ms. Timo thought for a few moments. Well her father used to take her to the local parkits a municipal card park, and it is always in bloom, and always spring-like. Maybe she went there?
Oh, Persephone Park? Shel asked.
Wolfe had never heard of it, somehow.
Ms. Timo nodded.
Alright, well check it out. Hopefully theyre there.
Please make sure Shannon is safe, Ms. Timo replied, resting her head back. My son was already so unlucky it would be a terrible shame for her to be lost as well.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-Five: A Few More Cards
Wolfe turned Ms. Timos old-ass car off and stared out at the citys card park. It was beautiful, even in the moonlight, the fields of flowers surrounding the various playgrounds still in bloom as if it were day. Two marble fountains girded the formal entrance to the park, each bearing bas relief carvings of the various nature deities in Greek style along the fountains base.
As Wolfe stared at the park, its card appeared.
Modern Municipal Park
Rare Tier-1 Nature/Mortal Building
This park increases the Health of Nature, Plant, Beast, and Life cards within it by 100%, and increases the Health of any Mortals inside by 50%
This park increases the lifespan and disease resistance of all Mortals within 5 miles by .1%
A city park brings numerous benefits to a city, even without magic. With it
Wolfe dismissed the card, noting that it was one of the rare cards that effected non-deckbearers within the Great Game. Nice to see that not every card in the Great Game is for murdering other deckbearers.
He opened the door, stepping out into the cool night air. A fragrant breeze, incongruous to the dark mission Wolfe was about, blew over him.
Wolfe strode into the park, head down and shoulders squared, the gun he had taken from the dead Grimm goons in his pocket. Shel stepped nimbly after him.
They continued to walk the park, glancing around at the various playgrounds. No kids that he could see, anywhere, probably because it was almost ten in the evening.
But he did see a few homeless dudes. He wrestled with himself, figuring it was useless, but he knew from his time in the gangs that the homeless were sometimes missed and just heard things. He took a chance on a slight delay.
He walked over to one man lying on a bench, a thick but ratty blanket on him. As Wolfe approached, a rank smell, of B.O. with a chemical undertone, reached him, powerful enough that it wasnt overwhelmed by the smell of flowers.
Wolfe gently shoved the mans shoulder. Excuse me?
The man snorted and looked up, blinking at Wolfe with blood-shot eyes. Whore you?
Doesnt matter. I need to know somethingdid you see a pair of girls, about twelve, around here?
The man nodded his head. Yeah, I did. He glanced up at the sky. About an hour ago, I think. Maybe.
Whered they go? Wolfe asked.
What ya gonna give me to tell ya?
Shel stepped forward, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her wallet. She fished a twenty out and held it to the man.
That aint much, the man said.
Please, Shel said, her voice raw with emotion. One of them was my sister. I need to find her.
The man rolled his eyes, but took the twenty. Fine, whatever. They were here, sitting on the swings over therehe pointedand two cops approached. I was under the playground at the time, and didnt want to be seen. Was, uh, you know
Hitting your favorite pick-me-up? Wolfe guessed.
The man nodded. Yeah. Anyway, the two men approached, and asked the girls about where their families were. One of em said she didnt have a family anymore.
Wolfe winced.
Then the one cop said that the girls needed to come with him. The other girl, who had red hair, said she didnt go with strangers. But then the policeman said that his name was Anderson, and that the girls had to come with him, because they couldnt be in the park at night.
Wolfe winced. Anderson was the one that had been beating Rhett in the back of the van. Corrupt with a capital C.
The girls didnt look like they wanted to go, but they got up. The second cop, who never gave his name, called someone. Said they had two late arrivals and were gonna take them to the factory.
On his police radio? Shel asked.
On his cell phone, the man said.
Wolfe glanced over at Shel. Her eyes were wide and her lip trembling.
Thats the place Damian is, where they process the people they ship away, right? She whispered.
Wolfe gave a single nod, his insides cold. He felt still, in a moment that presaged violence, despite no one being around to attack.
Thank you, Wolfe ground out as he stepped away from the man.
Once they were out of earshot of the homeless guy, Shel turned to Wolfe. What now? We have to rescue her.
Or avenge her, Wolfe thought to himself but didnt say.
First, we fix our decks and I make Level twenty-five. While you were partying, Rhett and I were attacked by corrupt cops and then members of the Grimm family. Downside is Im wounded, upside is we got some more cardsincluding a fantastic one for you.
One of them was a Divine deckbearer? Shel asked, surprised.
No, Wolfe barked out a single mirthless laugh. It was weirder than that. Rhett gave it to me for saving his life.
Shel gave a small smile, although she was twisting her fingers in her hair. So, are you guys friends now then? I heard him call you by your name. Your real name.
I have no idea. He started the whole situation by trying to arrest me, and then said hes still going to arrest me, but hes obviously taking his sweet-ass time about it. Well see.
So what card did he give you?
Wolfe held out Liurenia.
Shel stared at it for a good ten seconds before she spoke. He never once mentioned that he had one of the Lantern Angel cards.
It was given to him very recently, Wolfe said.
Spending those leveling pips now, Shel said with vacant eyes, then refocused on Wolfe. Done.
She took the companion card in trembling fingers. A quick touch her chest, pulling her deck, and suddenly she held a Vengeful Orphan card, and she had two golden cards off to the sideboth the companions.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Thatll make me wayyy stronger for the fight, if we have one, Shel murmured. Ill put the orphan back in once weve resolved everything.
She glanced at Wolfe. What did you get? Is your deck stronger?
I havent checked yet, and a lot will depend on my perks when I make Level twenty-five.
Check nowwe have to hurry.
Wolfe pulled the cards he had outtwenty-five new ones, ten that were his half of the Surgeons cards, and fifteen that were Castors, once.
Wolfe pulled the ten cards that was his share of The Surgeons deck first, wondering what kind of nefarious deck he would have.
Wolfe was astounded to see that the first card was a Nature card, a faerie specifically.
Unseelie Court Attendant
Uncommon Tier-1 Nature[Faerie] Creature
1 Nature and 1 Psychic Power
Health: 10
Attack: 0
Magical Attack: 8
Defense: 4
Magical Defense: 8
Special: Higher-rarity Faerie cards gain +2 stats when this card is in play
Special: When this card comes into play, pick any Power type. Cards of that faction cost 1 more power to play.
They may play by the rules of the court, but even the servants know how to bend those rules to their will.
Thats a nasty card, Shel muttered. But it means this deck likely doesnt have anything to crazy good for you in it.
Wolfe snorted, agreeing. He quickly moved through the deck, seeing a Faerie Whisper-stealer that prevented non-creature cards from coming into play, and a Faerie Scion legendary that had very high magical attack stats and could add temporary rules to a battlefield that had to be obeyed at risk of Psychic damage. It was likely to sell for a ton, but wasnt useful to Wolfe in the moment. This surgeon had some badass cards.
But then he reached a different card, a beast one.
Dark Owl
Rare Tier-1 Beast/Nature Creature
1 Beast Power
Health: 4
Attack: 2
Magical Attack: 2
Defense: 7
Magical Defense: 7
Special: Any attack must either kill the Owl outright or it takes zero damage
Special: So long as the owl is on the field, any faerie that dies becomes immediately available for recast for the remainder of the fight, as if a companion.
A bit more hopeful, Wolfe turned the next card, and saw another Beast one.
Litter
Uncommon Tier-1 Beast Persistent
3 Beast or 3 Nature or 3 Life Power
This card will create 3 token copies of any 1 or 2 power creature of the Beast, Nature, or Life type that already had two cards on the field. The power used remains spent until all copies are destroyed.
The Beast faction is considered weak by many, but quantity can have a quality all of its own.
Wolfe could imagine the monster creature that this would create if two of the Unseelie Attendants were on the field with that crazy powerful Fae Scion. He shuddered. Either Rhett was way stronger than Wolfe had originally figured, or he got fairly lucky in his fightor perhaps having all of Wolfes doggos as well had been too overwhelming for The Surgeon.
But this was a card he could useif he could put it somewhere. Wolfe could easily put more than two Angry Hellhounds or Lost Hellhounds on the field, and it would benefit him greatlyalthough the three-power cost was steep.
And he would need to clear a space in his deck.
Maybe merge three of your Tier three Angry Hellhounds? Shel asked. I mean, at Tier four, you get the first merge specialits slightly different for each Deckbearer, depending on their decks and powers. If your tier one, three power cardthe Litter cardmade three tier four, two power cards, that would be a huge net for you.
Wolfe gave it some thought. Having a ton of hellhounds out and synergizing was his signature, but he could sell most of the cards he had to buy a ton more, as they were extremely cheap. For now, merging three tier threes into a tier four was almost certainly the right move.
He knelt on the ground and removed the necessary hellhounds, glancing at them.
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-Three Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 13
Attack: 8
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 5 (bonus)
Magical Defense: 5
Special: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack of either Fire or Infernal typing on the same target.
Special: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point it needs to reform on many an occasion.
Then he pressed them together and willed them to merge.
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-Four Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 14
Attack: 9
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 5 (bonus)
Magical Defense: 5
Special: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack of either Fire or Infernal typing on the same target.
Special: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
Special: Reformed Doggo: This card gains type advantage, and loses type disadvantage, against any Infernal, Undead, or Elder card, and any card with the word criminal or villain in its title or type.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point it needs to reform on many an occasion.
That tracks, Wolfe muttered. He added the Litter card to his deck as well.
Shel briefly kissed Wolfe on the cheek. Well, itll almost certainly help us immensely with whats to come. Now see if you got anything in Castors deck.
Wolfe flipped through Castors deck next. It was Elemental/Infernal. Four of the cards were the stupid fish hook demons. The next three were Third Degree Elemental, which created an Elemental that did Fire damage and could inflict paincausing a round loss. Two were cards that simply inflicted pain directly on a deckbearer or creature. The real key to the deck came from the next five cards. Three were Flayer Demons. They could also inflict the Pain status, but they got stronger each time any creature on the field suffered pain. Then one was a rare persistent card called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that caused the pain status to repeat, and the last was a mantle that gave the user strength from every pain status inflicted as well. All were moderately low in power cost, relying on the pain synergy to achieve the desired effects.
How was this not the Surgeons deck? Wolfe muttered.
The Surgeon? Shel asked.
Wolfe waved her off before putting the cards away. Some were nice, but they didnt synergize with his deck. Still, the fourteen cards would probably go for near a million, and he still needed land to place his orphanage on.
Without much hope, Wolfe flipped over the last card.
His eyes nearly popped out of his head.
Hellfire
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal persistent(equipment)
2 Infernal Power
+3 attack to the deckbearer or card equipped with this item.
Special: This card may be equipped with the equipment card Brimstone. They empower each other, adding both totals to their wielders attack stat.
Special: This equipment ignores ALL type resistances or immunities and causes wounds that are immediately considered injuries for healing purposes.
Special: This card is part of the Banisher card set. If both cards are gained, they will create a single rare pack of Infernal cards and give the deckbearer who possesses both 1 additional pip of Infernal power. Both cards were initially sent to members of the Noimoire underworld who are considered assassins.
The Infernal use weapons of all sorts during both their internal wars, and their wars against other factions. This weapon started its life as a gift from Aesthma to his favorite assassin in hell, and has worked its way into the mortal realm since then.
Thats thats the other half of your set, Wolfe. You have both, right?
Wolfe nodded, his own eyes wide. A free Infernal power was huge, as was having an equipment card that added six attack.
Take it, Shel whispered.
Wolfe switched out a single Pack Howl, and as soon as the card entered, a massive feeling of power and sense of completion washed over him. A sulferous burst of fire popped in front of him, and Wolfe held his hand out.
A rare card pack, titled Cycle of the Lost and the Lonely I dropped into his hand. The picture of a small, demonic child in ratty clothes with a tail and horns, running from police through a modern day alley, was on the cover.
Open it, Shel whispered.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-Six: …And A Few More Levels
Wolfe hesitated. Do you think its better to take perks, on the off chance I can improve the cards first, or open the pack and see if anything there calls to me to level or when I take perks?
Just check, Shel said. But dont make a choice unless you have a pull modifying perk. If you dont have a pull perk, you can open the cards and return to your status after.
Shel grinned. I cant wait to see what perks the system offers you for how youve played the Great Game so far.
Wolfe pulled his status sheet up but didnt pay much attention to it, instead going to perk selection, next to his name where free leveling pips were listed.
He was presented with a new notification chart, containing six new options for perks.
Alpha Wolf: The Deckbearer counts as a Beast[Canine] tribal himself and may have one additional card on the field so long as it is a Beast[Canine] tribal.
Lone Wolf: So long no creatures are on the field, the deckbearer gains 2 to all stats except health.
Stray Street: Lose 1 Fire Power, Gain 1 Mortal Power. Bonuses to Mortal[Criminal] cards will benefit Beast[Canine] cards, and vice-versa, as well. May have up to one additional Minion card at all times so long as it is an [Orphan]. May have up to one additional Building card at all times so long as it is Mortal[Criminal] type or has Criminal in the title. Gain the Stray Street rare building card.
Bane[Infernal]: The deckbearer and all creature cards gain advantage against Infernal, and lose any disadvantage. This stacks with anything already possessing advantage or other bonuses against type.
Master of the Lost and the Lonely: Orphans gain +1 Tier when they switch over, and any card packs or non-orphan cards gained from orphan advancement are gained twice. Any one [evolved orphan] card of no more than 2 power may be treated as if it were a free-slot companion card with a 0 power cost.
Fires Temptation: Gain 3 Legendary Fire card packs immediately, and the first non-creature fire card used each time a deck is pulled does not count against card plays.
Wolfe stared at his screen for a moment. That is six legitimately good abilities.
What did you get? Shel asked.
Wolfe gave her a quick rundown.
She smiled. Now I cant wait to get to level twenty-five. Damn those are goodeach is a serious power boost.
Do champions have four additional perks? Wolfe asked.
Shel nodded. New perks are gained every twenty-five levels, supposedly based on your style in the Great Game for the previous twenty-five levels.
Shel smiled slighly. So you got offered a temptation perk because youve never used fire cards?
Wolfe chuckled darkly. Probably, yeah. Although the Fireborn Hellhound requires Fire power... Its actually right, its tempting. That is an amazing ability, which would give insane card advantage. But I would have to nearly rebuild my deck to get itand I have multiple set cards that wont synergize at all, many of which are really good, like the Hellmouth Institute and Malviere, and of course Cereboo.
Well, the perk is further proof this cycle was power crept, as if companion cards, sets, and orphans werent proof enough already. I wonder if the gods are working toward anything
Why is it proof this cycle was power crept? Wolfe asked
Because people have not used a type in their deck before, and never received a perk option like that. Shel pursed her lips. As to the perk itself, youll get three legendary fire packs. That probably means youll actually get three fire legendary cards. Which would most likely make your deck rather epic, especially with a free cast of a non-creature spell. You tend toward an early overwhelm or aggro style anyway.
Wolfe nodded consideringly. You think thats best, then?
She paused and glanced around the dark park. Normally Id want to weigh every decision and think about it for days, but perhaps you should just open the deck and see what you have first, since you didnt get the option for a card pulling perk.
I think you should open it, Shel. Two of my six options are for orphan cardsand even though there are common and uncommon orphan cards, theyre a lot harder to come by. How often did cards become orphan cards normally?
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Shel held her hand out. I think I remember any given card in this set having a two-point-five percent chance of becoming an orphan card. So even a common orphan card is fairly rare.
Wolfe passed the pack over, and Shel tore it open, shook the six cards into her hand, and then passed them without looking to Wolfe.
Two Escaped Damned made up the commons, and Wolfe frowned. Once upon a time, that would have excited him, but at the moment, he had purged them from his deck, despite their synergy with his Angry Hellhounds.
Wolfe had three uncommon cards. First was an Enraged Imp, a one power imp glass cannon, which he reminded himself to sell to Derek.
The second was, in fact, an orphan card, which Wolfe would have bet Infernal packs wouldnt have. But Shels card trumped, he supposed. Shel and Wolfe stared at it.
Desperate Cult Child
Uncommon, no-tier Mortal minion[orphan, criminal]
0 Power
Health: 7
Attack: N/A
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 3
Special: Will fetch normal objects and such with a decent degree of precision and help carry up to ten pounds.
Special: If kept alive for three straight years, will turn into a rare, Mortal/Infernal, 1-power-available, tier-4 creature card called Obsessive Infernal Cultist.
Special: If in play as a minion, may be sacrificed for 3 Infernal Power that lasts for 30 minutes
This young girl was abandoned by an abusive family before her fifth birthday, and has been raised in a street cult ever since. She has dedicated herself to its every rite since, hoping to find approval from someoneor something.
Wolfe stared at it, his mind whirling with ideas.
But the first thing that popped out of his mouth was, Not that all your pulling specialties havent been amazing, but I cant wait till it makes a rare card into a legendary, or turns it into a rare orphan or something.
Shel nodded absently to his words. These orphan cards are really sad. I mean, I know its the Great Game, and probably not real, but that one hits hard. Especially with my sister lost.
Wolfe rubbed her back. Yeah, sorry. Dont worryas soon as I finish increasing my power, well rescue her. I just want to be sure we dont die because I forgot to level and deck adjust.
Shel shuddered. No, I agree. But just check the next card, please.
Wolfe flipped it over. His third uncommon card was named Demonic Portal. It cost one Infernal and five any power. It created of a side deck and added five Infernal creature card slots to any side deck. When the card was played, it allowed any number of creatures, up to five power worth, in any combination, to be quickly summoned.
That could play well with your deck, Shel murmured beside Wolfe.
Wolfe quirked an eyebrow. Its a chump move, spending six power for five power of creatures.
Shel kissed his cheek. In a swarm deck like yours, it could put three-to-five creatures on the field quickly. Since theyd get all their stacking benefits, it could be worth it. Additionally, you could put some oddball creatures in there for, well, odd situations.
Hmm Ill think about it. I dont like total reduction in power. But maybe.
You did just gain a permanent power, so long as Hellfire and Brimstone are in your deck.
Wolfe slowly nodded, but rather than answering, he flipped over the last cardthe rare, although it might have gone up to legendary or down to uncommon.
It had remained a rare, which was briefly disappointing to Wolfe.
Deal with the Devil
Rare Tier-1 Infernal Persistent
3 Infernal Power
So long as the deckbearer has any Infernal Creature on the field, he may assign control of any one non-Infernal creature controlled by any deckbearer to any other deckbearer. When the card leaves the control of its original deckbearer, it may take an attack against that deckbearer or their card, obeying normal rules as if it were an enemy card, before it switches. This cards power remains spent so long as the creature is on the field.
In the abstract, Evil should be defeated quickly, as most want to be on the side of good. But there are always individuals that will betray the whole for their own benefit, and the Infernal is always there, whispering in their ears.
This is an Infernal version of your Barter the Soul card, Wolfe said.
Thanks, Id missed that, Shel muttered, kissing Wolfes cheek a second time, probably to take the sting from her gentle mockery.
Wolfe was briefly embarrassed, but was too concerned with the new card for it to last long. Its notably pricier, but is considerably more versatile and doesnt require a sacrificeand could really switch a fight. But it would take a beefy chunk of my power and it doesnt synergize with the rest of my deck. What do you think overall?
Shel considered, staring out into the dark park. Well As to the cards, Id recommend putting your spare Angry Hellhounds into a side deck and putting Demonic Portal in, as well as adding the Deal with the Devil card. Since were rescuing my sister, Id normally advise taking the ones that gave personal power but since you have Malviere and the Hellmouth Institute as improved, rare cards I think you might be better off taking one of the two orphan cards.
Shels face went briefly fierce. And you have a lot of cleanup to make sure things like this quit happening to people like my sister and brother. You should be as strong as possible.
Wolfe slowly nodded. I agree absent the tempting switch to actually use Fire, I think the most power I can get is likely with the orphans. But which one? I mean, both sound amazingone gives me an extra building slot and a free orphan card, which is at least six levels, more if I add other specialty cards, and bonus synergy.
Not to mention a rare building card, Shel said, pulling out her phone and typing into a search bar, perhaps to check on the stats of the building.
Wolfe nodded. And the second gives a permanent tier to any orphan cards, which are already very high tier, and also gives me a third free companion slot, which is insane in converted levels.
Shel nodded to his words.
Im honestly torn, Shel. I dont normally hesitate on shit like this, but Which one do you think I should take?
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-Seven: Ready and Onward
Shel gave it brief thought, still looking out at the nighttime park, before responding. As much as Stray Street sounds amazing, I think you should take Master of the Lonely and the Lost. Another free companion card would be nearly impossible to beat, I think, even more than a free building slot. Each Companion card slot is sort of two free power.
Wolfe nodded along with her words, and when she finished, he took the perk she recommended.
Before he could do more, Shel chimed in again. You can always take Stray Street at level 50.
Wolfe snorted at the idea he would live that long and pulled his status chart up.
What else should I take? I have five pips left.
I think you should take an enhancer card slot and take the caretaker of the lost card.
Your card? Wolfe asked. Its Mortal.
Its a zero-cost card. It doesnt matter what type it is. And your orphans will be gaining three tiers when they advance, which will make them way stronger for their power cost, as if they werent already. Not to mention the static improvements to any given orphan.
I suppose Ill want some actual minion card slots for more orphan cards as well, then, Wolfe said. Ill add another of those, leaving me with two pips.
Save for a building slot nextwell try and find an orphan-improving one. If we can attach that to the Hellmouth Institute and get them both settled, your orphan cards will be insanely good.
Ill also need cards in hand and deck size, and Ill soon need another card in play, Wolfe groused. These leveling pips spend fast.
Wolfe made the changes and checked his status sheet.
Ethan Madison Wolfe Status:
Level 25 Mortal [2 pips remaining]
Deckbearer Perks:
Deckbearer Perk 1: In the Thick of it: +50% to all numerical benefits gained from mantles
Deckbearer Perk 2: Mans Best Friends Best Friend: Gain 1 Beast Power. May have one extra card in play so long as its a Beast (Canine or Hybrid Canine).
Level 25 perk: Master of the Lost and the Lonely: Orphans gain +1 Tier when they evolve, and any card packs or non-orphan cards gained from orphan advancement are gained twice. Any one [evolved orphan] card of no more than 2 power may be treated as if it were a free-slot companion card with a 0-power cost.
Deckbearer Flaw: Fallen: May not gain Divine Power, nor use Divine cards unless they are also Infernal or Corrupted.
Deckbearer Stats:
Cards in Deck: 15 (1 pip)
Cards in Hand: 4 (1 pip)
Cards in Play: 3 (1 pip)
Length of Play: 5 minutes
Specialty Cards: Companion: 1
Minion: 2 (3 pips)
Total Power: (upgraded 5 times): 8 -1 (Infernal Rift) +1 (Infernal Gun set) = 8. (Total pips 15)
Type 1 and Power: 5 Infernal (5 -1(Infernal Rift) +1 (Infernal Guns))
Type 2 and Power: 2 Beast
Energy 1 and Power: 1 Fire
Personal Perks:
Inborn Perk 1: Vicious Killer: +25% to all Attack and Defense, check twice for Attack modifier and take the best
Inborn Perk 2: Tough as Nails: +10 Health
Acquired Perk 1: Crafty Street Fighter: +3 Attack and Defense
Personal Stats:
Health: 25/30
Attack: 10
Magical Attack [None]: 0
Defense: 10
Magical Defense [None]: 5
I think Ill hold off adding the orphan cards for the moment, Wolfe mused. Everything got reset for both of us. Ill leave Malviere in as she can empower my deck as she is, but for everything else Ill add it once we rescue your sister.
Shel nodded.
Wolfe did some last alterations to his deck, coming up with his final deck for the rescue operation.
He kept Cereboo and Malviere, his companion cards. He kept Infernal Rift and Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds. He kept both Hellfire and Brimstone, the set guns. He kept his Tier-four and Tier-three Angry hellhounds and one of the two Tier-1 Lost Hellhound puppies and his Litter card, so that he could generate a fair number of stacking infernal doggo benefits. He added the Demonic Portal and put his remaining two Tier-3 Angry Hellhounds and a Lost Hellhound Puppy in the side deckhe didnt have anything to go in the two spare slots, really. He kept his Gehenna Kennel Master and Fireborn Hellhound as his bigger hitters. He kept his Soul Hunter mantle. And finally, he switched his Pack Howl for the Deal with the Devil.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
Wolfe kept both Pack Howls and the Desperate Cult Child card, to add to Hellmouth Institute and the Caretaker of the Lost card when the time came to focus his deck on making truly strong evolved orphans.
He gave everything else to Shel. Sell it and add the profit to our cash stashwere going to need to buy a bigger place for the Hellmouth Institute.
She nodded.
Ready to save your sister?
Of course.
***
Thirty minutes later, with their car parked a fair distance away, Wolfe and Shel crouched in some bushes and stared across the small patch of grass at the giant, abandoned cannery that was Damians new lair.
If Miriam and her spies were correct.
Thats a huge facility, Shel said.
She was dressed in dark gray sweatpants and hoodie, almost black but not quite, and the hood was up hiding her red hair. She had wanted an all-black outfit, but Wolfe had convinced her that it was a touch easier to see in dim light, usually.
At her waist, a belt-and-holster held her Glock-19.
Wolfe was dressed almost identically, although multiple sizes larger, and he carried a chest holster with, finally, his STI Edge. He would quite possibly try and use Brimstone or Hellfire if the situation called for it, but since his Edge was 0-power cost and didnt take a card play, it would be better in most situations where he would take a pistol in the first place.
His belt carried a large knife in it, something absent from Shels ensemble.
Both of them had multiple magazines in their deep pants pocketshardly safe, but it would work for what they were doing.
The giant canning plant Shel was staring at had multiple warehouses near it, and the entire complex sat on what had to be at least a dozen acres. A huge parking lot led from the street to a central point, with the cannery immediately off the side, and the warehouses forming a huge complex in the back, the closest one flush against the cannery on the side farthest from the street. The complex had a couple of the same style vans Wolfe had seen at both the kidnapping sites, but a lone van was in the smaller parking lot next to the entrance to the cannery as well.
It was nighttime, but there were a decent number of lights about the facility, and Wolfe saw a couple people walking the place in security guard uniforms.
He would have bet his Cereboo card that at least some of them were Grimm family retainers in disguise. Hed be surprised if it wasnt all of them, in fact.
This is gonna be a whole thing. Fuck.
Where do you think Lucy is? Shel asked. The warehouses where the vans are?
Wolfe glanced at the warehouses, then back at the cannery. Theyre in the cannery Id bet. The warehouses dont have lights on inside that I can see, but the cannery does. And a single van is waiting there.
How do we get there?
Wait for the idiots walking the place to pass, then sprint for the side nearest the road. Try and find someone with keys, or an unguarded way in. Basic shit.
Raiding a mob site in the middle of the night outnumbered some ungodly amount to two is basic shit, huh? Shel muttered.
Wolfe didnt answer, instead focusing on keeping track of the movements of the guards. The security thugs were actually fairly inconsistent and wildly spaced, and an opportunity almost immediately presented itself.
Lets go, Wolfe said, low and intense.
The two of them leapt from the cover of the bushes. They ran across the couple hundred feet of grass and trees that separated the side of the cannery from the road, moving from tree to tree. Soon, they found themselves in an interior line of ornamental rocks with occasional bushes up against the outside of the cannery.
Wolfe glanced around the side of the cannery at the front door. No one was there. Wolfe rushed around the side and grabbed the front door. It was locked.
Wolfe wasnt surprised.
He went back around the side to Shel.
No go? she asked.
Were going to have to ambush someone and get the key, Wolfe said.
Shel nodded, her face set.
Ill handle the guard.
It never crossed my mind wed do it differently.
Wolfe went till he found a place where the buildings exterior wall had an interior corner with a bush in the little rock garden.
Then he waited for a guard to pass by on the walkway around the facility.
About five minutes of crouching in the bush later, a ripped twenty-year-old with a bald head, beard, and face tattoos came ambling around the corner. He was smoking and had headphones in.
Wolfe chuckled to himself. If this fucker was fat, hed be the perfect targetbut as is, hes not far out from it.
Wolfe waited a few more seconds for the man to pass his hiding spot, then quickly ran to the corner, peeking back around it to see if anyone was following the smoking thug. No one was.
Wolfe pulled his knife and rushed up from behind the thug and kicked him in the back of the knee. The thug cried out fuck! and hit the ground on one knee, but Wolfe kicked him in the back. The man hit the ground, his face bouncing on the concrete walkway, blood spurting from his nose. Wolfe dropped on top of him, landing with his knees to either side of the facedown man, his knife pressed to the side of the mans cheek where he could see the blade.
Dont move, numb nuts, Wolfe hissed.
The man complied.
Wolfe carefully removed the headphones, surprised when pop music came out as opposed to death metal or phonk or something equally apropos to the appearance of the tattooed man.
Whatd ya want? the man asked, fear in his voice.
"One sec, Wolfe replied, patting the man down. He extracted a Desert Eaglewhat is it with street thugs and their over-sized hand cannons?a container of pepper spray, a taser, and multiple zip ties.
Wolfe almost asked him why he had all the gear for restraining people, but then stopped. Of course. Hes guarding to keep the merchandisepeople down on their luckfrom escaping as much as to keep people from getting in.
He also had a key ring, which was what Wolfe really wanted.
And he supposed the thugs gear made the next step easy.
Im gonna tie you and gag you. If you try and stop me, or shout for help, or anything like that, Im gonna stab you to death instead. Got it?
The man nodded, although Wolfe was starting to get a stench from him. It smelled like scared and angry young man.
Being extra careful not to give the thug a chance to act on his growing anger, Wolfe carefully started to zip tie him. Shel joined him, making the process far easier.
Then Wolfe cut part of the mans shirt free, fashioning a gag.
Oof. Id hate to have this mans b.o. in my mouth, Wolfe muttered as he tied it tight.
uck ou, the thug said, and Wolfe chuckled, even in the tense situation.
Wolfe grabbed the man and hoisted him into an awkward firemans carry, then took him and stashed him in the bushes at the end of the road, praying to whatever deity of whatever faction would listen that he would be held and undiscovered for at least ten to twenty minutes.
He returned to Shel, huffing and puffing, and took stock of himself.
He was still wounded, even after all of Rhett and Shels healing, but basically okay. He was at twenty-five of thirty health, but retained a one-point penalty to non-health stats from his injuries.
His deck was as optimized for as many situations as he could make it.
He took a deep breath, held the key ring up, and stared at the front door to the cannery.
Damian was inside, as well as any new lieutenants he had acquired, with his very expensive deck. Quite possibly also people from Worldwide Decurion. And who knew how many thugs with guns.
But so was Shels sister Lucy and her friend Shannon.
Lets do this.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-Eight: Found Family
The door creaked open. Wolfe wasnt sure what he had been expecting, but it wasnt a modern office with a dusty but otherwise pristine tile floor and two reception desksalthough there were a ton of footprints leading to a door in the back of the office. The outside had felt a bit more thuggish, Wolfe supposed.
There was a computer on one of the desks.
Shel walked to the computer and flipped it on. but after a few seconds of banging at the keys, shook her head. I tried the most common passwords, but none worked, so were on our own.
Always are, Wolfe said.
He walked across the floor and opened the door. It led into a hall with a few more doors into respectable offices, although again covered in dust. But the path that had been cleared of the most dust went forward, hit a four-way intersection, and then curved left, away from the center of the factory and back toward the outside wall.
Wolfe followed the footprints slowly till he reached a door that just said stairwell.
He opened it into a dimly lit, unadorned concrete stairwell heading down. This is more of the vibe I was expecting. A sort of modern homage to thugs and horror movies.
Shel giggled nervously.
Wolfe took the steps down till he reached the basement, then exited into an equally dimly lit hallway with concrete floors heading right and left. Wolfe could vaguely make out both connecting hallways and doors.
A lot of them.
I wouldnt normally advocate splitting the party, as the kids say, but were on a time limit here. You okay to search for your sister right while I take left?
Shel nodded, her pupils slightly dilated but her jaw firmly set.
Wolfe held his knife out. Alright. Take this. Try not to shoot someone or pull your deck if you can help it, although obviously your safety is whats most important. But either action will put the whole place on alert.
Shel took the knife, nodded once, and headed away from him down the hall.
Wolfe pulled his gunhe wasnt sure what he would run into, and as he had told Shel, hed really rather not fire it. That said, he wasnt dumb enough to walk through Damians lair unarmed.
He took a couple hallways, peeked inside the mostly open doors, and passed by more hallways. The place was a maze. Wolfe turned a third corner in the same hallway.
A sudden loud bangmetal on metal, not a gunshotechoed through the building. Adrenaline dumped into Wolfes system, and he held his breath and tried to convince his heart to climb back out of his throat.
The bang didnt repeat, but the sound of men laughing replaced it.
Another, another! someone yelled.
A doorway ahead of Wolfe erupted with cheering. Wolfe wasnt sure if they were playing a game, or what, but he was glad they were occupied.
The door opened, throwing light into the dim hallway. Wolfe quickly stepped back around the corner of the four-way intersection, keeping one eye out.
A man staggered out of the door. Just play without me. Im gonna go check the merchandise, see if theyre almost ready. Boss wants to move soon. Besides, Im down too damn much money already.
The thug was wearing a reinforced jacket and jeans, and he staggered in Wolfes direction. Wolfe leaned back, reversing his grip on the gun to use as an improvised club if needed.
But the thug turned the other way, walking within a few feet of Wolfe without seeing him.
Wolfe sent a half-meant prayer Cerberus way, then followed after the thug as quietly as possible. The man walked slow, his gait ungainly, staggering as he went, but Wolfe still gave him a fair amount of space.
The man never turned around, and never seemed to notice Wolfe. He walked down a side hall, then took a turn and went to another door.
He banged on the door. Finish up! Boss called down, said theyll be ready to move in thirty minutes, and we need the last two handled quick!
Wolfe fell back again and hid around the corner of a different hall as the man stumbled back. He continued past Wolfe again, heading back toward whatever-the-Infernal game they had been playing.
Wolfe was half-tempted to end the trafficking asshole now, but restrained himself. It would only subject him to risk, not take out anyone that actually needed to die. Drunk thug would be handled by the police or a different thug.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Instead, he turned and walked back to the room the thug had banged on. He would bet money that Lucy was there. There were three other doors in the same segment of hallway, and Wolfe could hear activity from some of them.
He would need to be quiet.
Wolfe opened the door, but the room he entered didnt have anyone in it at first glance. It had a medical table heaped with something, some desks, a couple chairs, and too many bundles of medical equipment to count. Plus a computer haphazardly placed on the very edge of a counter and numerous IV bags on stands. A ton of those.
Also, a door in the back that was closed.
Wolfe realized the bundle on the medical table wasnt bundlesit was a body, hooked up to the computer and an IV bag. Some dude, probably about eighteen, fully naked.
The computer screen was so old it was a solid square. There was a vitals display on it. The little blips kept going up and down, and werent a flat line, so Wolfe assumed the man was okay. Or at least not dead.
He was glad he didnt have to take a pulsehe might be old fashioned, but he didnt want to be touching a naked man.
There were a couple sheets of paper on a clipboard next to the man. Wolfe grabbed themthey might be evidence of something, and get Worldwide Decurion in trouble.
The door to the back opened as Wolfe was engaged in his examination. He grabbed the heavy computer screen off the counter and yanked the cord out, and then, as a man walked into the room, slammed the whole-ass monitor against the guys head.
The dudes face exploded, teeth and blood flying, and he slammed back onto the ground with a mangled grunt. Someone inside let out a very girlish yell. The damage notification from Wolfes attack didnt say anything about dead or knocked out, and so Wolfe stepped up and kicked the man in his head as hard as he could.
The man stopped moving. Permanently, according to the damage charts.
Fuck. Pretty sure I wont get in trouble for this, but not sure how Shel will feel about it.
Wolfe pushed it aside. It was an issue for later. He stepped into the next room, which was very dimly lit.
Get back!
Wolfe stopped, surprised by the command. He lifted his gun, but then stopped, surprised by what he saw.
Thank you, Cerberus, or whichever god has my back.
Lucy and Shannon were in the back. Lucy stood farthest forward, a medical syringe held in her hand like a knife in a slasher movie. Lucy wore a white mens t-shirt which was long enough to act as a dress and barely that, but nothing else at alleven her feet were bare on the concrete floor of the room. No shoes, no socks. She was glaring at Wolfe with a look a honey badger might give a lion that came for itthe lion might win, but it would be a whole thing.
Shannon, however, was huddled behind her, legs drawn up in front of her and her hair over her face, which in turn rested on her arms, which were crossed on her knees. She too only had a mens t-shirt on.
I said get back! Lucy said, thrusting the syringe forward even though she was a good fifteen feet away, her finger on the plunger.
Does she not recognize me? Wolfe stepped into the light, lowering his weapon.
Kid, keep quiet.
For once Lucy didnt object to improper naming. Wolfe? Is that you? Really?
Shh.
Wolfe walked over to Lucy. She fiddled with her long red hair, hesitating, then suddenly handed over the syringe. Wolfe put it in the front pocket of his hoodie, hoping he wouldnt accidentally stab himself.
Then Lucy threw her arms around Wolfe, hugging him tight.
Shes never really liked me before. I guess everyone likes me when I use my one skill for their benefit. Hell, I dont think shes so much as shaken my hand before.
Wolfe couldnt deny he was happy about it, though.
Wolfe still hurt a bit, from injury and lesser damage both, but he didnt have the heart to push Lucy away.
Lucy finally let go and stepped back, her face more guarded and her eyes watering.
Are you hurt? Wolfe asked. Then he glanced over at Shannon. Can you both walk?
Wolfe wasnt sure what to ask, or say. He would hunt whomever had hurt them, but he didnt know how much they had been hurt, or what to do about it and him killing bad people was a proscriptive measureit prevented future harm; it didnt fix the ones that had already been hurt.
Lucy grabbed Wolfes hoodie, her voice high and fast. There were police officers. They got in their car. They took us here, all the way from Joliet. They wouldnt talk to us. I thought we were in trouble.
Lucy spoke quickly, taking short, sharp breaths between sentences. Wolfe was nervous, as they were very much on a timetable, but he didnt want to stop her from getting it out. Just one minute more.
They said we had to wait here, Lucy continued. And then other people came to see us. They had guns. They told us to take off our clothes. I told them no. Shannon did too. But they didnt listen. They had guns. We didnt want to. We told them no.
I understand.
We didnt want to, Lucy repeated, staring up at Wolfe with glassy eyes.
A whole lot of mother fuckers are going to die. I believe you, Wolfe said, trying to keep the rage from his voice.
Shannon cried, and one man he gave us shirts. A different man asked us questions. He had a needle. He took our blood. Lucy was now speaking in a monotone voice, as if she was reporting facts, and not something that had happened to her.
Wolfe grit his teeth. At least one of the assholes had possessed a tiny shred of humanity. When a little girl had cried, he had handed over shirts.
When Big Man Grimm had been in charge, stuff like this had never happened. Deputy Chief Charleston might think all criminals were the same, but they really werent. Innocents had never suffered when Big Man Grimm was in charge, not like this. No children, no one that hadnt voluntarily lived the life.
Wolfe knew the Grimm family had taken a huge dive when he found himself thanking some random, nameless thug for giving kids a shirt.
They didnt hurt you? Wolfe asked.
Lucy held out her arm, showing Wolfe the inside of her elbow. Just this. They didnt do anything else.
Thank the Divine.
Lucy continued. They just left after taking blood. Cept the one you hit.
She peeked past him. Is he okay?
Dont worry about that. We need to get out of here.
Wolfe stood. Lets go. Shel is here, and we need to leave. More bad men will come soon.
Lucy turned and glanced at Shannon. Shes not moving, or saying anything.
Wolfe stared at the girl, who hadnt so much as lifted her head from her crossed arms.
Shit.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Little Ones
Wolfe walked over to Shannon. Cmon, kid, weve got to go. Were seriously in danger here. Dont blow this rescue.
The room smelled like chemicals and fearand now, a rising undertone of blood. Nothing about the room was an ideal place to stay. Despite that, Shannon remained right where she was on the cold, bare concrete floor and didnt move, although she started to shiver. Whether from fear, reaction to the violence, or the actual temperature, Wolfe didnt know.
Fuck. Now is not the time for this.
No one came for me, Shannon mumbled into her knees. I was scared, and no one came for me.
Wolfe blinked and half-glanced back at the corpse in the doorway, surrounded by teeth and shattered screen. What are you talking about, kid? Im right here.
Shannon shook her head against her arms. No. You came for Lucy. No one came for me. Nobody they dont want me. No one cares.
Wolfe had no idea how to deal with whatever Shannon was going through. Look we have to go. Now isnt the time for this.
Lucy walked over and placed her hand on Shannons shoulder, but Shannon still didnt move beyond shivering.
Wolfe was tempted to grab Shannon and shake some sense into the blonde-haired girltell her now wasnt the time for existential dread, and that everyone had shit they were dealing with.
Before he could act, Lucy spoke. Talk to her. You knew about her mother.
Gods damn it, I wasnt the one that made the choice to hide things from her.
Wolfe took a breath. He remembered how terrible it had felt when he thought he was alone, after being abandoned by the system that was supposed to protect him when his father had been abusive and his mother permissive. It had felt like shit. And he had felt powerlessa feeling he had overcome through training and violence. It had to be worse, being a pre-teen instead of a teen, and knowing that neither your dead mother nor murderer father were going to be in your lifeand having a grandma that, however well meaning, wouldnt talk to you.
Not to mention not having the option to kick the shit out of people.
Wolfe sighed. I wasnt going to leave without you. I promise. You need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and help us, okay? When I was only a little bit older than you, my parents died as well. I can take care of myself, in case you havent noticed. Sometimes life kicks you in the ass, but youre strong enough to kick back. I know, because I did it. You can too.
Your father died? Shannon looked up at Wolfe with wide eyes. Your mother too?
Well, I killed him, but Yeah. And Im fine. A little secretsometimes you make your own family.
Wolfe didnt tell her the rest, of course. He left out the fact that he had made the mob his family, and a mob bossbetter than most, but still on the side of the demonshis surrogate father. His life hadnt really been Hallmark movie material. He was pretty sure the details wouldnt help anyone.
Im cold, Shannon whispered.
Wolfe took his holster off and put it on the table. Then he pulled his huge hoodie off and held it out. Shannon put her arms straight up, and it took a moment for Wolfe to realize what she wanted. But he carefully straightened the hoodie out and put it over the girlunlike the t-shirt she wore, it went past her knees, and sat on her like a massive tent.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Wolfe was cold in just his t-shirt and sweatpants, but damn if he would say anything when Lucy was in less and hadnt complained.
Shannon stood, and then hugged Wolfe hard, much as Lucy had done. She buried her face in his stomach and let out a sob.
There, there, Wolfe said, awkwardly running his hand over her blonde hair.
As Shannon held Wolfe, there was a crunching sound from behind him.
He whirled, knocking Shannon to the side where Lucy caught her before she could fall, and was confronted by a gun pointed directly at his face.
Wolfe briefly thought he was dead, but still wasnt going to go down without a fight. He reached for his gun on the table at the same time he touched his chest, but the person lowered their gun.
Wolfe? Shel asked.
Shel! Lucy cried.
Then she flung herself into her sister, hugging her as tight as she had Wolfe. You came for us!
I would never leave you, Shel said. Then she took her own hoodie off and gave it to her sister.
It didnt quite cover her as effectively as Wolfes giant hoodie covered Shannon, but it helped.
Alright, well, that was a great reunion. Worthy of an old-school Disney movie. But we need to get out of here before this becomes a tragedy, Wolfe said.
Shel looked down at the blood she was now standing in with a sardonic expression. Yeah, I can think of a few places Id rather be.
Then her face went deadly serious. This place is crawling with goonsI swear they seem even less competent then when I was around them nine months ago, but theyre everywhere.
Wolfe was surprisedhe hadnt run into many gang members at all.
You found them where you were? Toward the front of the place?
Shel nodded. Yeah, there was a sign that said garage on it. I couldnt get any further without getting caught though.
Wolfe looked back at the table in the room they were in, and thought about the person attached to the medical machines outside.
They must be getting a shipment prepared, probably in the garage. Perhaps after I shut two down at their sites with plausible deniability, they decided to handle the next one in house. Wolfe briefly thought about the pickup of Lucy and Shannon. And on almost no notice.
Well, we need to get out of here, Shel said.
The four of them walked out of the back room into the front, Lucy gagging as she stepped over the man Wolfe had killed.
Lucy stopped and pointed at the guy on the table. Is that a person?
Yeah, Wolfe replied.
What whats happening to him? Lucy asked again.
Shel answered. They put him in a medically induced coma.
Why?
I Shel paused. Every answer is evil. Bad people doing bad things. Ill tell you more when youre older.
For a wonder, Lucy didnt argue the point, instead asking, Are we going to save him?
I cant carry a dude and fight, Wolfe said. I might need to fight. So not yet. But when we get out, well call the police.
The police brought us here, Shannon said. Why will they save this man?
We know some good police, that take their job very seriously, Shel said. Im going to be a police officer, and you trust me, right? Well, well get people like me.
Lucy and Shannon both nodded. Crisis averted, Wolfe took the handle of the door.
Static sputtered from the man Wolfe had killed, and he whirled. For a moment Wolfe was worried that a monster had appeared, but the sound was coming from his pocket.
Then, a voice he hadnt heard in almost a year came from the pocket, slightly electronic and distorted by the clothing.
Wolfe has come for us, the voice of Damian said. Hes in the cannery. Everyone not in the cannery get to the exits and guard them, and everyone in the cannery, find him and kill him, and bring his cards to me. I want to make damn sure he stays dead this time.
Fuck, Wolfe muttered. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Lucy didnt call him on his language, instead quietly asking, Are we in trouble again?
We need to go. Now, Wolfe responded.
He reached out and opened the door.
For a second time in a few minutes, he found himself staring into the barrel of a gun, but this time it was held in the hand of a man nearly as wide as he was talland he wasnt short. The man had thick muscles across his body and a huge red beard with rings in it, but was otherwise bald. His eyes, however, were rimmed in dark circles, and his skin was sallow and pale.
Wolfe? the man asked with wide eyes.
Wolfe stared at the man, an apparition of old times that he hadnt thought of more than twice in the last nine months, now standing in front of him. Liam?
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Forty: Redemption Arc
Liam lowered his gun, but only partially. What are you doing here? I thought you were dead!
Wolfe shook his head slightly, keeping his eye on Liams gun. Thats not important. What are you doing still working for Damian? Hes kidnapping kids for the Divines sake!
He gave us the shirts, Lucy said quietly from behind Wolfe.
He still helped kidnap you, Wolfe growled, staring Liam in his eyes.
There was a brief pause, and Liams eyes flickered to the corpse in the doorway behind Wolfe.
His gun dropped further, but he muttered, Were supposed to kill you.
No way you get both me and Shel, Wolfe said. And youll likely fail even one, as were both deckbearers. But you shouldnt be working with Damian regardless, Liam. Remember when we worked for Big Man Grimm? This shit didnt happen. How come you didnt leave when Damian took over?
Liams gun fell till it was almost facing the floor. At this distance, Wolfe was pretty sure he could get to Liam before Liam shot him, but he waited.
I I didnt know what to do, after you killed most everyone, Liam said. I applied to a few jobs, but no one was hiring, and Damian and his people kept calling and telling me to do stuff. Eventually I just kinda kept going.
Well, nows a chance to stop, Wolfe said. Whats it gonna be?
Wolfe tensed, ready to spring into action if Liam decided to fight.
Liam put his gun away and hung his head slightly before stepping away from the door. Alright, get out of here. I wont stop you.
Come with us, Shel suddenly said. Help us escape. Wolfes going to be a private investigator, maybe you can work with him.
Wolfe turned and raised an eyebrow at her.
If you dont work with him, or if it takes a bit until Wolfe has jobs for you, we have enough money to put you up.
Liam hesitated again, but his head rose and his face firmed. He glanced at Wolfe with near hero-worship. Yeah, I will. I hated working for Damian anyway.
How do we get out if Damian sent his thugs to all the exits? Wolfe asked. Will others switch like you did?
Liam shook his head. One or two, maybe, but the vast majority dont know you and were hired after you killed nearly everyone. Or theyre ex-Cobra guys that hate you. Youre damned lucky it was me that found you.
Then do you know an alternative way out? Wolfe asked.
Liam thought, then smiled, an expression that sat a bit uneasily on his face. Yeah, I do. We can go out the windows of the managers office on the upper floor of the cannery to the warehouse, and probably use the fire escape down from there. I doubt either will be guarded.
Lets do it, Wolfe said. And lets try and avoid any contact with the thugs. One gunshot will tell them almost exactly where we are.
Unknown deckbearer has pulled their deck near you.
What? Wolfe and Shel asked at the same time.
Wolfe stepped over and glanced around the corner of the room into the hall. In a place like this, that could be anywhere.
Should we pull our decks? Shel asked.
Wolfe nodded. Surprise is gone. Itll give them some idea of where we are, but it wont be perfect.
Wolfe and Shel touched their chests and pulled their decks.
Shel touched one of her two golden cards floating beside her and Sorenia appeared. Wolfe touched one of the red cards floating next to him and Cereboo appeared.
Sorenia started to bow to Shel, but Cereboo gave a low woof and ran at her, jumping up and licking her with three heads as he always did.
Shel ignored that, as did Wolfe. He normally found his card-doggos antics amusing, but the situation was too serious.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Instead, he turned to Liam. I assume you know whos working for Damian that might have pulled a deck?
The only two deckbearers he has left that work for him are newly promoted to the statusHans Rosario, who heavily favors Fire energy, and Zack Chang, who has a dragon deck. Neither fight like you but they arent slouches, either. But Caine Delacruz is also here with him, and that guy has some very strong cards if nothing else.
He wasnt that strong. Which one just pulled their deck?
What? Liam asked, his eyes wide. How would I know that?
Which one is near us here?
Only Hans was down hereeveryone else is in the Temple of Corruption.
Wolfe stared, completely floored by the comment. What?
The Temple of CorruptionDamians building card. He placed it inside the warehouse.
The walkie-talkie sprang to life again, mirrored oddly from Liams pocket. Wolfe is still in the cannery, nearer the middle or front. Everyone converge.
Thats Hans, Liam stated.
Then Damians voice came. Hes probably listening to us. Use your phones if you know who to call, even if its longer. And Wolfe, if youre listening to meIm going to kill you for mucking my plans up. You have no idea how bad you fucked me, and Im gonna have a gods damned gorilla fuck you back.
Wolfe stepped over and took the walkie-talkie, pushing the talk button and bringing it to his mouth. It was time to play psychological games and try and trick Damian, since surprise was lost. Im coming for you, Damian. Youre a corpse that doesnt know its dead yet. Im almost to your little temple, and when I get there, youll die.
He clicked it off.
Hopefully that sends a few guards in the wrong direction, Wolfe muttered.
Figuring the thirty seconds was up from when he brought Cereboo forth, Wolfe pulled Malviere.
At the same time, Shel pulled Liurenia.
Youve added one of my sisters to your deck! Sorenia said, stepping forward and hugging Liurenia before the new lantern angel could say anything.
Then she stepped back. Did you hurt someone to acquire her?
Liurenia shook her head. I was gifted to Wolfe in return for him saving my previous deckbearers life, and I assume he transferred me over since I see him here peaceably with my new deckbearer. Speaking of, its an honor to meet you, new deckbearer.
Shel smiled. Yes, you as well. But we need to go. Please, since both of you have lights, take up the rear. Ill be in the middle with Shannon and Lucy, and Wolfe, I assume youll be scouting ahead?
Yeah. Cereboo, Malviere, with me.
For the pack, Malviere whispered, taking a spot right behind Wolfe.
Wolfe looked at the old Grimm family enforcer. Liam, lead us out. If you see anything, try and warn us away before we get caught.
Liam nodded and headed out the door.
Wolfe followed, an entire train behind himsince he and Shel had entered, they had picked up two kids and four cards.
Wolfe reviewed his situation. Cereboo was enhanced by a mere plus one, but Malviere would also give him an additional attack each round. Beyond that, Wolfe could put two whole cards on the field directly, although power wouldnt be a concern at all, since his highest card was a mere three power. Shel was a solid deckbearer with two cards out already, but in the same situationonly two more cards, assuming one was Mortal, would come into play. And they had Liam.
His kept his other four cards cycling.
Hardly an army, but it would have to do.
Liam led them out into the hall, and then down a side hall.
Immediately, he came rushing back. Back up, back up, he stage whispered.
Wolfe turned and bumped into Cereboo, only to see everyone rush back around the wall in shambolic chaos.
He half-tripped, half-hopped over to them, stepping on Cereboos paw once, eliciting a whine.
Sorry, bud, Wolfe said as he hit the wall around the corner.
A moment later, Liam came around the corner. Okay, I think its safe to go.
Wolfe started around the side, only to see Liam awkwardly running back to him and a thug coming around the corner of the hall, behind Liam.
I knew we wouldnt sneak out of here with nine people.
Wolfe pointed over Liams shoulder and shot the thug in the face at the same time a second thug started his way around the corner. Thug ones head was blown through, and thug two leapt around the corner, screaming, Wolfes here, hes here!
Probably unnecessary given the sound of Wolfes pistol.
Well, were well and truly fucked, Wolfe muttered quietly.
This way! Liam screamed, running down the side hall away from the conflict.
Cover us, buddy, Wolfe said to Cereboo, whose three heads woofed in antiphonal chorus before he loped off after the thug.
Lets go! Wolfe yelled.
He ran to catch up to Liam to provide any additional firepower that might be needed, but Liam reached an elevator.
Everyone slammed to a stop in front of it as Liam dinked the up button.
Shannon and Lucy clutched Shel, and all three of the adults pointed guns down the hall, but somehow, no one came.
The elevator opened with a chime, and everyone piled in, Wolfe last.
The elevator shut just as he got a Cereboo has died notification and red energy flew back into his chest.
The elevator lurched and began to slowly move upward, soft piano music playing.
Wolfe caught Shels eyes and almost laughed at the sudden, absurd sense of forced normalcy as the crowded elevator slowly reached the top, no one saying anything. After it settled, it dinged and then opened.
A plain, carpeted hallway faced him, with pictures of old-school Noimoire industrial buildings done in black and white. Doors to either side led into meeting rooms with glass windows looking into the hall.
Wolfe led the way out at a jog, not even trying to hide his presence. Rather than waiting for Cereboo, he saw that his mantle was up and put it onthe next five minutes might be crucial. Tiny horns appeared on his head, and red scales crossed his arms.
You have an Infernal deck? Shannon asked from behind Wolfe as they ran. Are you a bad guy?
Well, if I am, Im on your side. Besides, didnt Cereboo clue you in?
Before she could answer. Liam and Wolfe rounded a corner. Wolfe had the barest vision of a man in a red suit with a gun aimed at Liam.
Wolfe dived sideways as the gun fired.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Forty-One: Rumble on the Roof
Wolfe grunted in pain as the bullet slammed into his back, taking a step forward from the force.
Hans attacks at 9 (5 +1 trained thug +3 gun +0 random roll) and does 3 damage (81 net damage over 14 defense 14 ((5 + 3 crafty street fighter +3 defense mantle (2 x1.5 for perk)) x1.25 (Inborn killer perk))/2 for Infernal resisting Mortal.)
You saved my life, Liam said, wide-eyed.
Regretting it already because youre talking when you should be fighting, Wolfe grunted out while turning and spraying his bullets down the hall at Hans.
Hans yelled and dived to the side himself. Wolfe got a negative modifier to his attack despite his take best of two perk, winging Hans but not hitting him seriously.
Two Light energy beams hit Hans across the chest, nearly vaporizing his shirt and leaving giant, burned gashes on him. He screamed and rolled into a room to the side of the hall.
Excellently aimed, sister, Liurenia said.
"You as well, Sorenia replied.
After him! Wolfe cried, and Sorenia, Liurenia, and Malviere all ran into the room. Sorenia made it around the corner first, and had time for a brief scream as she was consumed in fire.
Wolfe saw the card responsible in the air over the blaze before Sorenia turned into golden particles and flowed back to Shel.
Immolate
Tier-2 Uncommon Fire Immediate
1 Fire, 1 Any power (available)
This power makes a magical attack (fire typed) against 1 target at strength 12. This repeats the next round. This may not target a deckbearer unless he has no creatures on the field.
Wolfe rushed to the corner but hit Liam and bounced back. Liam shot around Liurenia, but Wolfe got no death notification for Hans. More shots and tinkling glass sounded.
Hes getting away, onto the roof! Liam shouted.
Where we were planning to go. Great.
Move! Wolfe growled, pushing past Liam.
He entered into a plush but otherwise normal office room, with a small couch and some chairs and a bunch of corny signs, including a huge piece of wall art that said all our jokes are canned over a picture of the same.
But all Wolfe cared about was the busted window. He saw Hans scrambling across the roof on all fours, trying to keep low enough to avoid bullets. Before Wolfe could end him with his Edge, however, the bastard made it behind some piping.
What the fuck warehouses still have piping on the roof in this day and age? Go home, Noimoire, youre drunk, Wolfe thought exasperatedly before diving out the window at a run.
He hadnt realized there was a tiny gap between the warehouse and the roof, but he sailed over it and hit the top of the building in a roll. His mantle protected him from the normal scuffing that would occur from such a move. Wolfe rolled to his feet and charged forward, gun out, and fired a single bullet vaguely in Hans direction just to keep his head down.
At the same time, he swiped his cards, pulling an Angry Hellhound and tossing it to the ground.
Hans stood, and a card very briefly appeared in Wolfes vision.
Wall of Flame
Uncommon Tier-1 Fire Persistent
This card creates a wall of fire up to 6 wide, 20 tall, and 100 long that burns hotanyone within 5 takes a true damage per round, and anyone crossing it takes a 10-point Fire magical attack every 6 seconds.
The card did just what it said, and Wolfe screeched to a halt and backed as a towering inferno appeared across his path. He hesitated briefly as some of the plastic on the piping caught fire, and insulation burned away as well.
Ive got resistance to fire and an effective nine magical defense
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Wolfe glanced back. Liurenia flew from the window, but a rapid fusillade of bullets slapped into her and she dropped down, behind the cover of the flame wall.
But Wolfe heard Hans gun click on empty.
At the same time, Malviere hopped across the small gap, calling, Im coming, Chosen!
Neither companion was likely to be much help, Wolfe judged.
Wolfe had the new Demonic Portal card, his tier-three Angry Hellhound, and a Lost Hellhound Puppy left. Not his best hand, since he couldnt get close enough to summon onto the other side of the fire wall.
I could really have used my Fireborn Hellhound right about now, gods, Wolfe thought sardonically. I have to do something, or this guy will just use fire cards or creatures to fight me.
He took a deep breath, anticipating agony, and ran at the wall. Right before he hit, Wolfe leapt through the searing flames, his skin frying. He screamed in agony as he took six damagesomething about being burned was far worse than just being hit or shot, and Wolfe thanked Cerberus for his own resistance to fire.
He also slammed into a pipe partway through and careened sideways, away from where Hans had been firing. He hit the ground on the other side of the fire and rolled, then came up to see Hans standing a mere few feet from him, gun in hand as he tried to reload. Wolfe was injured now, taking a die penalty to all non-health statshe had sixteen health left.
When Wolfe came crashing through the fire, Hans gave a cry of his own and stumbled back across the roof, between two of the pipes that were now burning, dropping the magazine he had taken out on the ground. But he smiled to see Wolfe, and touched a card in front of him. You arent so tough, Wolfe, no matter what Damian said.
A fiery wolf appeared in front of Hans, growling with a sound half canine, half crackling wood in a fire.
Fiery Wolf
Uncommon Tier-1 Beast/Fire [Canine] Creature
1 Fire, 2 Any power
Health 20
Attack: 3
Magical Attack: 9[Fire]
Defense: 3
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Beneficial Fa?ade[Elemental]: This creature benefits from all cards as if it were an Elemental in addition to its other types.
Special: Thorns [Fire 6]: If this creature is attacked in melee or by brawl, the attacker takes a magical attack of Fire type at 3 or 6 strength, respective to the type of attack, and if that damage would kill the attacker, they make no attack. This defense scales with all bonuses that would add to Magical Attack.
Beasts are highly susceptible to magical augmentation, and these wolves were no different.
Join the pack, Malviere said from behind him, then howled.
Wolfe received a notification. Fiery Wolf has switched allegiance for the duration of the fight.
The Wolf turned, and growled at Hans.
Wolfe pointed his gun at Hans, growling himself, but the thug deckbearer dived behind another of the giant pipes. The Wolf howled and chased after him.
Wolfe cussed, but didnt waste ammo trying to hit his running enemy, letting the dog handle it.
Instead, he painfully climbed to his feet and took a quick glance around. He saw the fire escape along the side, past the fire he had just run through.
Damn. I really need to kill Hans.
A series of yells and cussing told Wolfe that Hans wasnt dead, but the notifications said he was probably close, absent healing, but had resistance to fire.
Wolfe turned back to the pipes, crouched low, and tried to rapidly walk through the couple pipes and venting system on the top. The roof felt warm to him, but he ignored it. Now that he was on the other side he switched his cards, sardonically noting the Fireborn Hellhound, and summoned it.
Wolfe was pretty sure of impending victory.
Then, as if to spite him, the roof exploded right front of him. His crouched position behind pipes meant he wasnt hit by either the blast or what it had thrown about, but his brief relief was short-lived as the part of the roof he was on cracked.
He got some experience for Hans dying, and his fiery wolf blinked out of existence.
Wolfe stood, flailing his arms, as the roof shifted again, dropping another foot.
He turned back to see Shel staring at him, her hand at her mouth. Although Wolfe was pretty sure every thug in the greater Noimoire area knew where they were, he was still glad Shel didnt shout for him and give herself away.
The roof cracked again, and dropped another couple feet. Wolfe continued to flail his arms, and grabbed a pip, but the portion of the roof Wolfe was on gave out, and a twenty-foot section ripped away, one edge falling down while the other remained half-attached to heated metal rods.
But the side only fell another fifteen feet or so before slamming into something, the whole roof segment at a forty-five-degree angle. Wolfe fell down the steep and relatively smooth surface till he caught a pipe, tripped over it, and slammed down on something else.
Another roof? was Wolfes first quizzical thought. He was staring at a roof with a slight wall around the side, and in that wall were red stained-glass windows depicting horrible tortures and abuses of mortals at the hands of demons. The roof and wall were painted black, and at the far end, there was a portion with stairs slightly down to a door set in the ceiling.
A couple cards slid down next to him, and Wolfe absently gathered them as he stared in shock at the baffling and poorly designed building in front of him.
As he stared, a card overlay appeared.
Temple of Corruption
Rare Tier-1 Elder Building
0 Power
Special: The owner of this building may pay 1 less of either Infernal, Elder, or Undead power inside their building for all cards.
Special: All of the deckbearers cards with cultist in their title double their stats, to a max of +6 on each, if within a mile of the Temple of Corruption.
Special: The benefit of all Elder, Undead, and Infernal enhancement cards are doubled, as are the number of enhancement cards the deckbearer may have. However, each one adds a feature and either doubles all negatives, or, if there were no negatives, imposes -1 Health and -1 to any random stat.
Liam did say that evil hobbit had a temple down here, and I cant wait to see what he looks like now, given what I just read, Wolfe muttered, standing.
The rods twenty feet behind him gave a tortured scream of breaking metal, and Wolfe turned, staring in brief shocked horror as the metal broke and the broken piece of roof fell.
Wolfe leapt off the piece of collapsing warehouse roof and onto the temple roof, grunting as he hit, his wounds painful.
He stood and brushed himself off for the however many-eth time today, noting that his shirt was all but gone, and even his pants were barely holding onto modesty.
He stared at the door in the roof. I guess Damian and I are gonna settle this today after all.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Forty-Two: The Temple of Corruption
Wolfe walked across the roof of the temple, heading for the door in the back wall. The roof itself appeared marblebut a marble run through with worm holes and tracks, organic half-dips like whomever had designed it had finger painted into plaster in a continuous, intersecting lime. They didnt make a pattern that Wolfe could see, and they were made more disturbing by the flickering crimson light filtering through the red stained-glass windows around him, on the inside of a wall that surrounded the top of the building.
Who builds stained glass windows on the inside of the buildings walls, where no one could see them? Wolfe wondered aloud. Kooky-ass building.
There were stairs leading down a bit to a recessed floor that led to the doora place where water could get trapped. Wolfe supposed it didnt matter for a magical building, to a degree, but stillwhy?
He reached out and took the handle hesitantly, wondering if there would be some trap.
It opened easily, revealing a hall made of the same worm-track-riddled marble, with old fashioned candelabra and dark red hangings on the walls, depicting more demons and elder beings doing all kinds of horrible things to humanity.
I always hated how open your dad was with his affiliations, Damian, Wolfe muttered. Way to one-up your old man. Apparently, shooting him wasnt enough.
Wolfe cautiously made his way to the left, turned a corner left, and continued down a similar hall that would logically be on the outside edge of the building. There were numerous doors to the side, but Wolfe kept going.
He didnt encounter anyone, including, fortunately, any thugs from Damian.
His deck was already out, and he took advantage to switch his cards. He intentionally dismissed Malviere and Cereboo, figuring they wouldnt be able to reach him where he was. Seconds later, red energy flowed into him. It would be a few minutes before he could resummon them.
I have no idea who he has down hereI should be as prepared, myself, as possible.
Wolfe dismissed his Soul Hunter mantle as wellit was about to go away regardless. He pulled Brimstone, waited a moment, cycled, and pulled Hellfire as well. Two cards down, and plus six to my attack.
Wolfe was torn between waiting and buffing up, and moving to find Damian before more could go wrong on the roofhe had a buddy, two girls, and his woman up there.
He split the difference between waiting and buffing, settling on creeping forward slowly as he swiped and picked cards.
At the end of the terrible hall was a smaller room. Inside was a spiral staircase, black metal with ornamental human skulls on the knobs at the top of them. Wolfe took it down. He reached a small alcovestill in worm track marblewith two doors out. One was open, looking to a front foyer with a matching door and staircase on the far side of it.
Wolfe tried the other one, behind him, and found it locked. A notification popped up, telling Wolfe that he wasnt permitted through the door.
Does Damian know Im here, or is this just a door no one can go through?
Wolfe swiped his cards. Soul Hunter had popped back up, and he equipped it.
Soul Hunter
Uncommon Tier-1 Persistent(Mantle)
1 Infernal Power
+2 Attack, +2 Defense, +2 Magical Defense
Special: Traitor [Infernal] the Deckbearer will do an additional 25% damage against Infernal cards, monsters, and Deckbearers
Sometimes, the Infernal Realms want their own back. Thats when they send a Soul Hunter to do their dirty work.
Wolfe stepped into what he was pretty sure was the front Foyer of the Temple of Corruption. The Foyer had a similar but even more grandiose set of decorations to the previous rooms, including a full-on chandelier hanging from an inverted vault ceiling, the bottom of the chandelier a mere seven feet above the ground. A giant double door, covered in a bas relief of void-squid monstrosities, headed into the central portion of the lower floor of the temple, and a slightly smaller one headed out what would be the front.
The door behind him, to the staircase, and the one across from him to a matching alcove and staircase both swung quietly shut, and a click sound told Wolfe they had likely locked.
The evil hobbit definitely knows Im headed his way.
There were only the doors to flee, and deeper into the lair. Way to really rub in the choices, gods, Wolfe said in the quiet of his own mind.
Just to check if he did have a choice, Wolfe turned the handle of the door out and gave it a shove. It creaked open.
A fat man in a huge leather jacket that looked as if a whole cow had died for it stood outside, long white hair and a giant ZZ Top beard adorning his florid face. As the door opened, the thug turned and faced the doorbut when he found himself staring down the barrel of Hellfire, he froze.
If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Uh
Wolfe stepped outside, glancing around the warehouse interior. There were an absolute ton of the metal coffins around, including quite a few hooked up to a huge generator, near the front of the warehouse. A few people were working around them, mostly thugs moving stuff, but somehow, none had seen Wolfe. He could see an unguarded side entrance out.
Stay still and quiet, Wolf said to the man, who frantically nodded.
Wolfe pulled his phone out, took a picture, and awkwardly texted it to the phone number Rhett had given him way back in the day, at the police party with the great beans.
Well, I never did give him anything on Emmett, but I suspect hell consider this desirable.
Somehow, the thugs working the kidnap victims still hadnt seen him, and he motioned the ZZ Top thug inside the temple.
The thug complied, and Wolfe shut the door.
Then he put his gun back in the waistband of his pants.
Thanks, man, I thought you were going to kill me, the thug replied, wiping his hand across his red and sweaty forehead.
If I asked, could you guys get me a little girl? Wolfe asked. Do you have any children?
Yeah, we just got two, I can"
Wolfe punched him in the side of the head. He caved the thugs head in entirely, blood and brain squirting from him, sent the body careening into the wall with his single punch.
Even without the additional damage of the gun, Wolfes bonuses stacked to seventeenand Infernal got fifty percent extra damage against Mortals. That was roughly eighty damage after reduction, or four times what it took to kill most humans. And the body reflected it.
People that traffic deserve death, Wolfe said, shaking his hand hard to sling some of the viscera off it. Especially those that traffic children.
Wolfe had five of his eight power used, but his own stats were ridiculous. He glanced at the modified stats on his sheet, getting a handle on his capability.
Health: 16/30
Attack: 20 ((8 +6 (Infernal Guns) + 3 (Mantle 2 x1.5 for perk)) x1.25 for perk, -1 wounded)
Magical Attack: 0
Defense: 13 (8 +3 (Mantle 2 x1.5 for perk) x1.25 for perk -1 wounded)
Magical Defense: 8 (5 + 3(Mantle x1.5 for perk))
Wolfe stared at his stats, trying to decide if a frontal charge at Damian was a good idea. Wolfe got a lot of mileage out of being far more aggressive than most people gave him credit for, and his stats were absurdhis attack on par with a mid-rarity, mid-tier power seven or eight card, more against Infernals, and the rest of his stats were roughly that of a power four creatureespecially if Damian was wearing his mantle, which would give Wolfe even more damage.
But he also knew that he would be walking in on multiple deckbearers, most likely, and he already knew Damians trickbetween his mantle, which Wolfe had seen nine months ago, and the building they were in, Damian would be throwing out creatures at two less power cost. He doubted Damian was as high level as him, or had as much powerbut he might. And he had a lot of really good cards.
If Rhett gets here first, its likely that hell go to jail, and I wont get to take him out. And if Rhett doesnt get here quickly, its likely that theyll ship out a ton of people for sale and simply switch locations.
Wolfe had three cards in play, and could only have one more out on the field. He had a thought about that, though, and rifled through the cards he had picked up from the dead Hans. He noted that there was a Fire/Beast[Canine] orphan card, but it wouldnt be useful yet. Wolfe pocketed everything except for the Immolate, which he put into his deckit was never in play as an immediate. It might be useful.
He had switched enough that Cereboo had returned to his hand, and he tapped his companions card.
His doggo appeared, not barking, his hackles raised.
Yeah, its that time, Wolfe said. Lets end this.
He reached out and pushed open giant doors with both hands, pushing his way into the central hall of the Temple of Corruption.
For a final showdown with his nemesis, the hall didnt disappoint. It had pews of black basalt stone, with stone spikes on each end leading partway into the main isle, sharp and jagged. There were multiple chandeliers, their flames an unnatural blood color, and smoke disobeyed the laws of physics, drifting down across the room. At the far end was a raised dais with a throne of flesh melded together, eyes and mouths from multiple people adorning the outside. The eyes snapped to Wolfe as he entered, and mouths cried out for release in a guttural tongue that Wolfe didnt know.
Three men were on the platform, and all already had their cards out.
To the left of the throne was Caine Delacruz, wearing a white suit similar to the one that Wolfe had seen him in before, and his mantle was already onfiery wings extended from his back. With his boy band look and fiery wings, he fit the part of angel quite well.
To the right was a man that looked to be of mixed white and Asian descent, dressed in a faux-Chinese robe of gold silk with dragons carved on it. Wolfe presumed this was Zack Chang.
Sitting on the throne was what Wolfe presumed was Damian. He was nearly five and a half feet tall now, and probably weighed six hundred pounds. He was covered in a robe as well, and it hung awkwardly, revealing arms so pudgy they were almost two round balls of flesh squished together. His face was also so fat it was hard to make the eyes out, and nearly round, but for two massive rams horns curled on top. His skin was covered in pustules that wept pus, and his robe was already stained in it.
The throne itself had two chains attached to skulls at the end of the arm rests, and each led to a beautiful woman with a collar around her neck wearing a bikini and nothing else. Each stood just behind Damian, one with a plate of food, and the other with a towel that was already covered in pus.
He went full Jabba. Never go full Jabba.
He was also wearing his mantle, which Wolfe knew wellit was his Gate of the Underworld set.
Duke of the Legion
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal Persistent(Mantle)
2 Infernal Power
+7 Defense, +15 Health
Special: Master Deckbearer [Infernal 1]: All Infernal Cards cost 1 less power
Special: Demonic Empower [1]: All the deckbearers Infernal creature cards gain 25% to their stats.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. One card is held by each of the crime families of Noimoire, and the sixth is held within the city by another.
This person has been chosen to lead the demons of the Infernal, and they have been given the power to do so. Demons come extremely cheaply and are far more powerful.
Damian stood easily and quickly, reminding Wolfe that his hideous appearance was likely the result of the combination of a ton of enhancer cards and his Temple of Corruption, and not a bad lifestyle, per seand he had the benefits of his mantle, as well.
I still need to be careful with him.
Damian threw his disgusting arms wide, and Wolfe saw some pus fly out, narrowly missing Caines white suit.
Before Damian could give some grandiose speech, Wolfe said, Damian no botha in his best Star Wars impression.
Damian sneered. I always hated your sense of humor. So be it.
Everyone reached for cards except Wolfe, who whipped Brimstone from his pants and fired.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Forty-Three: Three-on-one
Wolfe swiveled and shot Zack Chang in the chest, blowing the man near in half. His enemy collapsed to the ground, red-brown cards spilling around him without so much as a single summon.
But Wolfe wasnt sitting around to enjoy his killhe dismissed the experience notification and raced to the side, leaping over a set of stone spikes into the basalt pew and half crouching. Bullets spanged around him, from Caine, but he only took a single point of damage from a slight hit to the shoulder. Caines toy pistol couldnt do much against Wolfes net defense, between the actual stat and his resistance to Mortal damage.
Wolfe, on the other hand, had a double strength gun that ignored type disadvantage.
Wolfe knew he could have hit Damian for an insane nearly four hundred and fifty damage, but he also knew that with his temple, a mere four enhancement card slotsten levelswould become eight enhancement cards in his deck that were all double strength. That was a lot of potential power. Plus, Damian had clearly put himself out to be attacked.
Never do what your enemy wants.
At the same time Wolfe was contemplating his moves, he threw his Fireborn Hellhound out, into the center aisle between the pews.
Fuck, he got Zack! Caine yelled.
It wont matter, Damian said. Hes dead anyway, and now we get Zacks cards and dont have to pay him.
Caine flew on wings of fire to land behind the first row of pews, mimicking Wolfes defensive moves. The blond bastard threw a card out as he did.
A rune, glowing with white energy, appeared across the floor. It was complex, with numerous interlocking circles.
Preemptive Retribution
Uncommon Tier-3 Persistent
2 Divine, 1 Any Power
This card makes all opposing creatures Open: Any round it attacks, its opponent inflicts its damage first, and only if the creature survives will it inflict damage. This does not affect creatures whose attacks are ranged.
Sometimes, angels dont wait before taking down evildoers.
Damian threw out his own card, and a massive, ten-foot-tall horned demon with all the muscles of an Olympic bodybuilder appeared.
Infernal Champion
Rare Tier-1 Infernal Creature
5 Infernal Power
Health: 35
Attack: 16
Defense: 16
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 16
Special: Terrifying Aura: When this creature comes into play, return any one creature that doesnt have resistance to its type, or is of matching type, to the deckbearers deck.
Special: Neutral Defense: This creature does not take any extra damage from any source due to type disadvantage.
Infernal Champions are trained to fight the strongest enemies of the Infernal, and embody the theory of rule by fearmost flee before their might.
The setup proved too much for Cereboohe turned into the Infernal Champion, only to be grabbed by his central head. Cereboo stopped with a whine, and tried to snap with his other heads. The Infernal Champion slung Cereboo sideways into the stone spikes on the end of one Pew. His health and defense were far insufficient to handle the damage, and a triple canine yip of pain, cut-off, was his only contribution to the fight.
This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Caine was behind cover, and Wolfe fired a cluster of shots at Damian, just to get a sense of what he was facing. He didnt have the power to put any more cards out.
Deckbearer Ethan Wolfe and Deckbearer Damian Grimm engage in physical combat.
Ethan makes a Physical Attack at 23 (20 + 3 random roll) against Deckbearer Grimms Physical Defense of 26. Damage dealt is 28 (23 * 23 (1.375)/26)).
Damian grunted hoarsely as he was blasted three times in the chest, blood spewing from his chest. The Hutt wannabe coughed more blood as he lumbered backward. He tripped over the chain of one of the slave girls he hadwho let out a yelp as she was pulled to the groundand half fell, half leapt off the dais to the back, out of sight.
But he didnt die. Wolfe guessed that Damians total health bonuses were over eight net, but he was pretty sure they werent enough to take a second round of damage similar to what Wolfe had just done. Thank the gods that the building imposed some health penalties on the enhancer cards, or Id be royally fucked.
Wolfe was still okay with his choice to start the fight with wasting Zack, though. He didnt think he could have handled a third deckbearer.
At the same time Wolfe was attacking Damian, the Infernal Champion obliterated his Fireborn Hellhound, again without taking damage thanks to the Preemptive Retribution card.
Wolfe shot a few more times, since the ammo of Brimstone was infinite. But he was starting to become concerned about the fight, despite his great opening move.
A second Infernal Champion joined the fight next to the first, and Wolfe winced. Damian must have also gotten a great deal of power or cost reduction from whatever enhancers he had.
Caine also summoned Artenia.
Wolfe swiped his cards, getting a Pack Howl, a Tier-Four Angry Hellhound, Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds, and a Lost Hellhound Puppy. He almost touched the Home, but stopped.
Wolfe had suddenly realized how he was about to get himself killed. He needed enough monsters to fight both of them and not let any of the big guys through, as they would kill him. If he threw the Home out, it would need a round, and Wolfe would get owned by the big guy.
Instead, Wolfe threw the Lost Hellhound Puppy out, and took aim at the big guy while quickly leaping from pew to pew. He fired repetitively at one of the Infernal Champions as he did, blasting it away.
Deckbearer Ethan Wolfe and Infernal Champion Card engage in physical combat.
Ethan makes a Physical Attack at 27 (20 + 7 random roll) against Infernal Champions Physical Defense of 16. Damage dealt is 62 (27 * 27 (1.375)/16)).
The Champion was wasted before it could attack, but the second one slaughtered Wolfes Lost Hellhound Puppy.
A Light energy magical attack from Artenia hit Wolfe, and he crashed to the ground behind a pew, grimacing as he took another five damage and his wound penalties went to two.
Wolfe quickly glanced over the pew to see that Caine had put a buff on ArteniaSentence Passedthat allowed her to attack a deckbearer directly.
Shit, shit, shit. I got one minute before Im dead, even assuming I draw one creature in the next card hand.
Wolfe leapt up, going for broke, to see that somehow, Damian had pulled another Infernal Champion. Damian shouldnt have gotten the power from the first one back yet. It told Wolfe that Damians Enhancers were somehow reducing the cost of his Infernal Champions even further, or adding power, or both. There was no other way.
Wolfe fired rapidly and wiped one out while it also dropped the Angry hellhound.
After a moment, Wolfe turned, and aimed for the pew that Caine was hiding behind. It exploded, revealing Caine, who had pulled a Corporate Enforcer.
Wolfe bit his teeth to keep from screaming as another Light beam slashed along his side, burning him deeply despite his mantle.
Caine scrambled back, trying to find cover. His eyes were wide with fear as Wolfe leapt over pews toward him. He had actually wet himself, his once-immaculate white suit stained yellow around the crotch, and Wolfe sneered at him.
Wa-wait! Caine cried, his hands held out in front of him. My dad is a billionaire! He can pay you whatever you want, take care of anything! Dont kill me, please!
Normally, Wolfe wouldn''t hesitate to put Caine down. But the battle was turning against him, and he needed a way to get Damian fast.
Then kill Damian, right now, Wolfe said. Do that, and Ill spare you.
Dont listen to him, we have him! Damian screamed from behind the dais.
Wolfe knew they didbut he was pretty sure he could kill Caine at the same time, possibly a round earlier.
He swiped his cards.
At the same time, Brimstone disappeared, and Wolfe got a notification that its time on the field was over.
Caine smiled.
Wolfe had Cereboo back, as well as a Deal with the Devil, the useless Litter, the too costly Demonic Portal, and the Immolate.
Caine was being an idiot. The loss of three attack wasnt significant since Wolfe had another thirty seconds with Hellfire, and that would be more than enough to finish Caine off.
But Wolfe would die as well if he did, since there would be too many creatures on the field for him to handle. He had to kill one of the Infernal Champions to prevent himself from being attacked. Wolfe couldnt see a way around it. But if he didnt kill Caine, Caine would just keep summoning, and Wolfe would be overwhelmed next round.
Fuck it. Ill at least leave Damian with absolutely no followers, a pissed-off bosswhoever this guys dad isand a whole situation to explain to the police when Rhett and his boys get here.
Wolfe raised his gun, prepared to drag all of Damians hopes to hell with him.
Demon Card Enforcer 2, Chapter Forty-Four: I’ll Always Have Your Back
Wolfe! the person he most wanted to hear in the world called, and Wolfe risked a brief glance back. Shel, along with Liurenia and Sorenia, was running into the temple after him, a Rookie SWAT card also in play.
Im here to help! Shel cried again.
Wolfe needed a mere fraction of a second to process what the change meant. He shifted his aim, and he exploded the next Infernal Champion with a cluster of shots from Hellfire.
He still needed to shift the fundamental course of the fight, however.
But he saw the move.
He touched his card Deal with the Devil.
Deal with the Devil
Rare Tier-1 Infernal Persistent
3 Infernal Power
So long as the deckbearer has any Infernal Creature on the field, he may assign control of any one non-Infernal creature controlled by any deckbearer to any other deckbearer. When the card leaves the control of its original deckbearer, it may take an attack against that deckbearer or their card, obeying normal rules as if it were an enemy card, before it switches. This cards power remains spent so long as the creature is on the field.
In the abstract, Evil should be defeated quickly, as most want to be on the side of good. But there are always individuals that will betray the whole for their own benefit, and the Infernal is always there, whispering in their ears.
Using its power, he seized control of Arteniabut instead of giving it to himself, which wouldnt do much, he transferred it to Shel, hoping that card wouldnt count against her maximum.
He also had her blast the Corporate Enforcer on the way out. It didnt die, but took some damage.
Caine scrambled away on all fours before leaping into the air and flying over to join Damian behind the dais.
The Corporate Enforcer shot Wolfe, but it was another single point of chip damage, and Wolfe dodged and leapt over the pew again, crouching behind it.
Youre a dead man, Wolfe! Damian screamed from behind the dais. You cant compete with the power of my cards, and Ill destroy you and then have your woman!
Looks like slavery is the only way you can have any women, slug. Youre a disgrace to the Grimm family name.
Youre dead now! Damian shouted.
Way to really vary up your taunts, Wolfe called from behind the pew.
Wolfe knew his mantle was about to fade in a minute or so, but he had two power left from Brimstone leaving the field, and if he made it another twenty-or-so-seconds he would be at four power when Hellfire dropped back to the deck as well.
As gunfire whizzed over the pewand occasionally spranged off themWolfe quickly reviewed his moves. He had a mere three health left again, and a two-point penalty to all his stats.
I need to keep from getting hit again but I need to keep the Infernal Champions down! If I stay back, we still lose. Just a minute more of danger.
Wolfe took a deep breath, trying to ignore the burns and gunshot wounds across his entire body. No way was he going to leave Shel without an ally that was giving it his all.
Hellfire faded away, its light rushing into Wolfe, the very thing he had been waiting for.
He touched the Demonic Portal card, which summoned two tier-three Angry Hellhounds and a Lost Hellhound Puppy in a single move.
He ordered the two Angry Hellhounds not to attack the Infernal Championif they did, all would die in a single round thanks to the Preemptive Retribution. But he sent the puppy to its doom.
The puppy was crushed by the massive foot of the Infernal Champion, and the Angry Hellhounds howled.
Throw me your gun, and then go for max Mortal power! We need stuff that can fight his damned Infernal Champions!
Shel managed a near-perfect toss, and Wolfe stood, catching the Glock-17 and turning. He leapt over the front pew with a wince, firing his gun into the Infernal Champion as fast as he could as it raced at a Hellhound, punching the poor dogs spine so hard it broke.
But his other Angry Hellhound ended the Corporate Enforcer with a single move.
Wolfe continued to fireinto the underarm, into its neck, and finally into the creatures head. With his reduced powerfrom not having both Hellfire and Brimstonehe didnt quite kill it, but two Light beamsfrom Sorenia and Liureniafinished it off.
Caine screamed as Artenia leapt into the air and flew to the side of the dais and, presumably, fired her beam into him, able to bypass Caines dying Corporate Enforcer thanks to his own buff on her.
Caine tried begging one more time, his voice floating up from the dais, which was covered in the two cowering women and a ton of viscera from Damian. My father will give you whatever you want!
The field had been cleared of almost all cards, but another Infernal Champion appeared.
Wolfes mantle faded. But he still had one creature on the field, and he was safe from the Champion.
He ran up the dais, careful not to trip or slip, and leaned over the dais. Caine was hunched over, staring around the corner, firing at Artenia. Most of his body was burned. Damian was standing behind Caine, a pistol in his hand, pointed at Caines back. His entire over-robe was soaked in blood, and the evil Jabba wannabe trembled where he stood.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Neither noticed Wolfe, a mere few feet above them.
We have to fight Wolfe together! Damian said, his voice tinged with desperation. His creatures cant get past mine as long as your field is up, so all we have to do is shoot him.
My own angel is going to kill me! Im surrendering! Caine said. Dad will get me out of whatever trouble Im in, but he cant do that if Im dead! Youre just some hired goon, not someone I owe anything. Youre on your own!
Damian shot Caine in his back without another word, right through Caines heart. He hit the ground like a sack, and Artenia and the Preemptive Retribution both faded as cards appeared on the corpses back.
Damian reached down and grabbed the cards.
Drop them, and your deck, Wolfe said.
Damian started to turn, not even attempting to point his gun at Wolfe but rather putting his hand inside a pocket on his robe, but Wolfe didnt wait to find out what was happening. His emptied his gun into Damians head and shoulders.
His attack was far weaker as a Mortal shooting an Infernal, and with his modifiers off. But Damian was already wounded, and the shots were like multiple punches to the head and shoulders, and one slashed into his collarbone.
Damian hit the ground on his knees, managing to turn and fall awkwardly onto his back. He kept fumbling inside his robe, but he couldnt seem to coordinate his hand.
Damn, he started to say, before coughing. Bloody spittle flew out. Damn you, Wolfe. May the Infernal claim your soul.
Probably. Keep someplace warm for me, Wolfe quipped, his voice tight.
Why why did you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you? Damian asked, blood starting to dribble from the corner of his mouth. His hand fell from his robe.
Are you seriously this delusional, still? After everything? Wolfe asked, exasperated.
He was about to launch into a diatribe about everything that Damian had, in fact, done but stopped himself. It didnt matter.
He raised his gun and pointed it at Damian, but didnt pull the trigger. Damians breathing was coming in shorter and shorter gasps, more and more labored as Damian struggled to make his lungs work against his own weight. His eyes were fading, his fingers barely moving.
Shel came walking around the corner, staring at Damian as well. Is he dying?
Wolfe nodded, keeping his gun pointed at Damian.
What did you do with the card that holds my brothers soul? Shel asked.
Damians head rolled to the side slightly, and his eyes focused on her. He gave the slightest smile, a hint of madness to it, his eyes feverish.
Then he exhaled slightly and went limp with finality. A pile of cards appeared on his chest.
Wolfe stared down at the corpse of his nemesis, feeling a deep, and dark, sense of satisfaction.
One more down, Wolfe said, reaching down and picking up the deck. He flipped through till he found Damians set card.
Duke of the Legion
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal Persistent [Mantle]
2 Infernal Power
+7 Defense, +15 Health
Special: Master Deckbearer [Infernal 1]: All Infernal Cards cost 1 less power
Special: Demonic Empower [1]: All the deckbearers Infernal creature cards gain 25% to their stats.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. One card is held by each of the crime families of Noimoire, and the sixth is held within the city by another.
This person has been chosen to lead the demons of the Infernal, and they have been given the power to do so. Demons come extremely cheaply and are far more powerful.
Even as Wolfe held the card, it shimmered, shifting, and changed in his hand.
Mantle of the Infernal Chosen
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal Persistent [Mantle]
2 Infernal Power
This card modifies to become one of numerous possible mantles depending on who claims it. This card is stronger if a card that names an Infernal Lord is present in the deck when added.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. One card is held by each of the crime families of Noimoire, and the sixth is held within the city by another.
Wolfe stared at the card. Thats convenient.
Shel hugged Wolfe hard, and he winced.
She let go of him and stepped back. Thank the Divine youre okay, Shel whispered.
Yeah, Im fine. Your sister and the others? Are they okay?
Everyone should be okay. Sorenia and Liurenia flew everyone to the lower fire escape, and then Liam led them away while I came back for you.
Thanks, Wolfe said. I wouldnt have made it without you, although I didnt really want you risking yourself for me.
Ill always have your back. Always, Shel said, reaching out and gently squeezing his arm where he was unburnt.
So its over, then? Shel asked, motioning to Damians body.
Wolfe shrugged. Its over with him, anyway. This piece of shitWolfe kicked Caines corpse lightlykept talking about his daddy, so Im sure theres more. And the other three houses still exist, so
Shel nodded. So itll be a whole thing?
Wolfe chuckled tiredly. Yeah.
Then he looked down at the card in his hand.
About this card should I add it? Wolfe asked.
You must be hurt if thats even a question. Of course. Its about how the Infernal Rift worked, Shel said. Whatever the person needed, it became, and Infernal Rift gave you some of your best cards ever.
Wolfe nodded. He touched the card, and willed it to replace Soul Hunter in his deck.
Soul Hunter appeared in his hand, and a new card appeared.
Master of the Infernal Hunt
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal Persistent [Mantle]
2 Infernal Power
+10 Health, +3 to all remaining stats.
Special: Cerberuss Champion: All other [Canine] Cards gain +5 Health and +1 to all other stats, and all [canine] cards gain advantage against Infernal cards.
Special: Grand Pack [Canine]: [Canine] cards do not count against cards on the field
Special: Favorable Fa?ade[Canine]: Count as a Beast[Canine] card for all purposes except type match penalties.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. One card is held by each of the crime families of Noimoire, and the sixth is held within the city by another.
Sometimes, the demons call a hunt on other demons, and a hunt master is always chosen to lead the chase.
Thats amazing but it seems weaker than the other version, Shel said. Twenty-five percent stats and a power lower on Infernal cards was huge.
Wolfe thought about it. Well maybe. It makes me count as a canine, though, so Ill get a bunch of bonuses from my own cards. It opens a lot of interesting possibilities, certainly. And the total stat gain is higher. Either way, its crazy strong for a two-power card.
Shel nodded. Also either way, it beats your current mantle.
Wolfe nodded. Yeah and I can use the health at the moment.
Wolfe touched his mantle, and it settled over him. He grew a bit larger, stag-like horns grew from his head.
You have red eyes, Shel said.
His health went from three of thirty to eighteen of forty-five, and Wolfe somehow felt himself strengthening, becoming stronger without healing per se. His penalties went down to just one in each category.
A voice came reverberating through the air, obviously over a powerful loudspeaker, as it made it even into the Temple of Corruption. This is the Noimoire police! Come out with your hands up!
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Forty-Five: Oath Abandoned
A notification popped into Wolfes field of view: The Temple of Corruption will despawn in 5 minutes. Leave now, or make peace with any result thereafter.
Well, that was pretty clear, Shel said. Shall we?
Shall we what? Wolfe asked.
Turn ourselves in, Shel replied.
Wolfe was flabbergasted. What? Why would we do that?
Its the police. Theyll arrest us, but then well be released when the fact we were rescuing my kidnapped sisterand otherscomes out. Itll be fine.
You didnt meet Deputy Chief Charleston, Wolfe replied. Seriously bad dude. If we survive, he goes down for sure. I mean, at this point he probably goes down regardless, but hell do his best to survive and take us down, with no hesitation as to methods. He gives me the same vibes that Damian and Nico did. That No-loyalty-even-among-thieves type vibes. We need to get out of here, away from them, and quickly.
Shel twisted her finger in her red hair. Okay, Im with you. Where to?
Out the back, or the side, of the warehouse. Somehow.
Shel walked over and picked Caines cards off his back. She pocketed them and turned to Wolfe. Lead on.
Wolfe left the huge central area of the temple, stepping past the stone spikes on the pews, clean of the card blood that had briefly been on them. He exited into the antechamber, and then went to the front door. As he left, he brought out Malviere and Cereboo, noting with delight that his stats increased by one across the board when she was out. Thatll be extremely handy.
Shel put her mantle on as well, a glowing third eye appearing on her forehead and starting to weep blood. Liurenia and Sorenia walked beside her, the three looking like a mystic prophet and her angel bodyguards.
If were going to run, you should put the lantern angels away, Wolfe commented.
Yeah, sorry, Shel said, and both of the angels turned into gold light and flowed back into Shel.
My own team looks like a demon, a demon child, and a demon doga tiny, screwed-up Infernal family. Appropriate, I suppose. We definitely dont shine though.
Wolfes brief musings were broken by the sound of the police. Everyone out now! Youre all under arrest, and anyone leaving will be considered to be resisting arrest.
Yeah, yeah, Wolfe said. He reached out and pushed the huge front door of the Temple of Corruption open.
Light, bright and powerful, hit his eyes. Wolfe briefly saw a floodlight pointed at him, with vague outlines of people near it.
Shels eyes widened in shock as blood spewed from her chest, and the CRACK of a rifle sounded.
Time seemed to slow to Wolfe. Shel started to fall back, her arms wide, but Wolfe was already moving. He reached out and touched the nearest creature cardhis Gehenna Kennel Masterand summoned it blocking the door just as another CRACK sounded, the Kennel Master grunting and stepping back. At the same time, Wolfe felt magic flowing into him and from his Kennel Master and fired out into the warehouse, aiming for the giant spotlight, which exploded. Wolfe caught Shel with his other arm and let her drop gently to the floor on her back, then dragged her back from the door, her blood leaving a massive smear across ground.
Cereboo, empowered by both Malviere and the Kennel Master, ran howling into the light, charging the enemies of his pack heedlessly.
No thugs had been outside, and the police had already been thereincluding one with a sniper rifle, Wolfe guessed.
They never, ever had any intent to let us surrender, and now the thugs have police allies.
No, no, NO! Wolfe growled as Shels body convulsed, blood spewing from her mouth. If theyve killed her, Ill leave a trail of bodies like no one has ever seen through this city.
But no cards appeared, and Shels wound stopped pumping blood and started to close, painfully slow.
Shel? Shel? Talk to me!
Shel coughed again and blood spewed across Wolfe. She convulsed one more time but then managed to get ahold of herself and rolled over, coughing more blood onto the worm-track floor of the Temple of Corruption.
Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
Wolfe was pretty sure he was privileged to witness a rare eventsomeone with exactly zero Health, or maybe one, who would have died from bleed damage but for active healing.
We need to go! Wolfe said, grabbing Shel and heaving her to her feet as the magic of her mantle repaired her. Malviere pushed her shoulder under Shels other side.
It was easy, like lifting an empty doll.
Wolfe glanced at his stats.
He was at a massive additional eight to all stats, not just his attack. He was also an Infernal, meaning he took half damage from Mortals. It was interesting that the stats were making him stronger.
Wolfe did quick math in his head. It was most likely he would only take two damage from each officer firing at him every thirty seconds or so, if they were in clear light and without cover. As it was
Wolfe growled. He could summon one more card, and he knew what it would be. He pulled Shel back into the temple, going to the far back, behind the dais, where he dropped Shel off.
Heal, and send cards to aid me, Wolfe said.
I will. What are you going to do?
Murder them all, Wolfe growled.
Shel reached up and grabbed his arm. There has to be another, better way. Please. Theyll kill you, and if they dont, youll go to jail forever for murdering that many police officers, even if youre justified.
They tried to kill you, Wolfe said darkly.
They failed. Ill be fine in a few minutes, thanks to Raphaels gift. We can still live the rest of our lives together happily.
Wolfe hesitated. Even as he stopped to think about it, however, another plan formed in his mind. Its risky, giving the enemy a clear shot if they get the light back up, but only for a few seconds, and we might get away clean
Alrightwell do it your way. Come with me.
Wolfe ordered his wounded Kennel Master to hide as best he could and not engage the enemy. At the moment, the Kennel Master was a walking buff for him, and he needed to keep the bonus.
Wolfe jogged to the side of the Temple of Corruption, between two pews, and knelt, pistol out. He was fast and limber, despite his wounds, empowered by the magic of his cards. He scooted just a bit, positioning himself so he was right next to the outside wall, about a foot away. Shel followed after him, her hand over the slowly healing wound on her chest. She dropped down next to him.
Malviere followed, silently, kneeling on the other side of Shel from Wolfe.
Whatre we doing? Shel whispered.
Wolfe fired a single shot blindly out into the opposite wall, and Shel clapped her blood-covered hands over her ears.
Warn me when youre going to do that, she muttered.
Sorry, Im just delaying them, keeping their heads down. Get in line with me, the same distance from the wall please.
Shel complied, going behind him the next pew over. Whatre we doing?
Malviere climbed over the pew to the front.
Avoiding any falling debris, Wolfe responded.
The building around them disappeared. Wolfe fell about a foot but caught himself easily, staying upright even as Shel half-fell and posted her hand against his back to catch herself.
A rain of objects, including modern chairs, computers, paperwork, and some heavy furniture rained down around them, but none of it hit Wolfe or ShelWolfe had positioned himself beneath the empty hall that he had used to get into the temple in the first place.
A string of cussing from what had been the front foyer of the temple a second ago told Wolfe that the police had been coming for him.
Go! Wolfe whispered, pointing toward the side of the warehouse.
Thompsons down, we need a medic! someone called. A goddamned file cabinet landed on him!
Oh no, Im gonna miss him, Wolfe muttered sarcastically as they rushed to the side of the building. But he knew it was a lucky break. Thompson had seemed the most competent of the crooked cops after Charleston himself, and not by a small margin.
The deep, dark voice of the deputy chief called out into the darkness. Well get him to a hospital when were done! Find that thug and his damned woman and kill them. Everything else comes after!
Wolfe turned, letting Shel go in front of him, and then rapidly ran, hunched over, to the side of the building. Malviere trailed behind him.
Thanks to Wolfes Kennel-Master-fueled shot earlier, the warehouse was still dark, and he reached the outer edge of the warehouse without incident. The two of them rushed along the side till they came to a door in the wall.
Alright, when we open it, run out. If there are still any of Damians guards then we need to end them quickly. Ready?
Shel nodded, her eyes wide, her hand on the handle of the door.
Go!
Shel pushed the door open and ran out. Wolfe followed half a second later, and a bullet impacted the wall of the warehouse next to him.
Wolfe! Deputy Chief Charleston roared.
Wolfe fled into the moonlit night, and for a wonder, there were no thugsor anyone elsewaiting to stop him. He wondered if theyd fled because they werent receiving orders, because of the cops, or because Charleston had told them to leave so thered be no witnesses. Either way it was a welcome relief, and Wolfe gave a half smile as they ran onto the lawn, between the few carefully manicured trees, heading toward the road and freedom.
Wolfe! Deputy Chief Charleston roared again, and he sounded closer. Wolfe glanced back.
The huge man, almost three hundred pounds of muscle, was running at Wolfe from the side of the warehouseat the speed a car might travel down a residential roadwith cards circling around himbrown cards. Wolfe turned and had just enough time to bring his hands up as Charleston close-lined him, slamming Wolfe back six feet to hit the ground hard.
Wolfe dismissed the two-damage notification, about a third of what he had taken when he had been hit before, thanks to his mantle and canine-stat increases.
Still, Charleston hit as hard as a pistol shot and then some.
Wolfe launched to his feet, firing rapidly at Charleston, hitting him three times. Each knocked the man back a step and caused minor damage, but on the fourth shot, Wolfe clicked on empty.
The two men stood staring at each other across the lawn. Wolfe knew he was wounded, and Charleston looked almost whole, despite the three bullets. His veins were popping out, and he had fur growing across most of his body, despite his bald head. His eyes were red.
One more round, then, Wolfe thought as Charleston growled and charged.
Demon Card Enforcer, Book 2: Chapter Forty-Six: Betrayal Least Foul
A golden light flared behind Wolfe, and he assumed that Shel was summoning creatures to the field.
But that wasnt his problemthe charging mass of animalistic muscle was. Wolfe threw his gun at Charleston and dived to the side as the growling, chuffing man flew through the space Wolfe had been. Wolfe hit the ground and rolled to his feet, only to find that Charleston had skidded so hard in the grass, he had ripped tracks in it and was heading back at him.
Wolfe sidestepped and pushed the first strike away, but the second caught him below the ribs with a cracking sound and he involuntarily folded slightly around the blow. He managed to barely dodge the follow-up and threw himself to the side again, hitting the ground. He had very little power left, between the mantle and the still-present Kennel Master.
And he was down to fourteen health.
He reached out to touch a card, but Charleston flew in, foot raised for a stomp to Wolfes head.
He felt a sudden rush of energy as Malviere triggered her power, and with supernatural speed, Wolfe turned and up-kicked Charleston to his gut as he came in, the brief boost making him hit faster than the corrupt cop.
Charleston took two steps back, his turn to involuntarily bend around a wound, but rushed at Wolfe again.
He touched his Fireborn Hellhoundwhich would get plus three to all stats from the Kennel Master and another one from Malviere and Wolfes mantle each. It sent Wolfe to zero power, however.
In a viral-video missed opportunity, the hellhound appeared just as Charleston charged, and he hit it perfectly, flying over the hellhound with a yell and slamming onto the grass past Wolfe, but also rolling the hellhound over Wolfe. The hellhound flailed its legs and yipped.
Wolfe rolled over and tried to scramble to his feet, but Charleston again pivoted rapidly and ran on all fours over the Fireborn Hellhound and lunged at Wolfe before he was fully to his feet.
Wolfe caught the incoming deputy with a vicious elbow over the eyebrow as he came in but was tackled back to the ground, the far larger and heavier cop scrambling on top of him. But Wolfe scrambled himself, at least keeping the officer from getting a stable position. He took two vicious blows, accruing another three damage, dropping him to eleven health.
A Light beam struck Charleston to small effect, and the Fireborn Hellhound slammed into him, taking him off Wolfe to the side.
Wolfe finally managed to scramble to his feet and rushed over to where Charleston was fighting the Fireborn Hellhound on the ground, aiming at Charlestons head with a soccer kick.
The crack of a rifle sounded at the same time wood blasted from one of the nearby trees, and Wolfe was thrown off enough that he hit Charlestons shoulder instead.
Meanwhile, with almost single-minded determination, the corrupt cop snapped the leg of the Fireborn Hellhound and then started pounding it with vicious short elbows on the ground, growling as the Hellhound bit him repetitively in return.
Wolfe ran behind a tree, not wanting to risk being shot with a damned sniper rifle just to try to get a few more hits in on the magically jacked Deputy Chief.
His timing was fortuitous as his mantle faded, precipitously dropping his statsand removing the health it had granted. For a second, Wolfe thought he might die, but it dropped in percentage terms, bringing him to seven health.
He hurt everywhere and was moving slower since he wasnt receiving the benefits from Malviere anymore.
He swiped his cards, getting a Tier-four Angry Hellhound, the Desperate Cult Child, Cerberuss Home for Wayward Hellhounds, and Hellfire.
A Veteran EMT appeared and healed the Fireborn Hellhound entirely, keeping Charleston occupied.
Wolfes mind whirled with possible strategies, but he decided to toss his Angry Hellhound, Tier-four onto the field.
He glanced at the warehouse again. Multiple officers had come through the wall and were slowly moving across the lawn toward them. Small-arms fire started up, and Shel grunted from a hit and retreated to the cover of a small tree as well.
Wolfe pulled back again as a near miss from the sniper rifle showered him with wood chips. Glad Thompson is outthat fucker was a bit too good with the gun, and his replacement is adequate at best.
Shel looked at him and mouthed, Plan?
Wolfe directed his two Hellhounds to keep the pressure up on Charleston, then yelled to Shel. Keep the cops from getting clear shots on the Hellhounds and keep them healed!
She nodded, and Sorenia hit a tree next to a cop with a Light beam. The police dived behind trees or into the ornamental bushes, one getting half-stuck.
Charleston managed to climb to his feet, slowly taking damage from the Fireborn Hellhound and beating it half to death, but Shel summoned a Rookie EMT, healing the card again.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
That has to be irritating, Wolfe thought with a grim chuckle.
When the thirty seconds was up, Wolfe took a chance, dismissing his Kennel Master so hed have the power, then tossing the second Angry Hellhoundthe Tier-three oneout.
Charleston was now taking significant damage, but he touched a card in front of him.
Vitality of the Wild
Uncommon Tier-1 Nature/Beast Card
2 Beast or Nature Power
Any single targeted Beast card fully heals
Sometimes, the animals of the wild have reserves from hard living that pampered humans can barely comprehend.
Every wound on Charleston disappeared, and he smiled at Wolfe even as he fended off the dogs attacking him.
Yeah, its utterly irritating, Wolfe thought. Also, interesting to know he counts as a Beast card. That changes things.
Shel, refocusbring out all your Mortal buffers and Mortal cards! Wolfe yelled.
It wont be fast enough, Charleston growled as he slammed the Fireborn Hellhound to the ground, killing it.
Thats fine.
Wolfe swiped his cards, almost sure of what he would findand he was right. His Litter card came up, as well as Brimstone, a returned Cereboo, the Lost Hellhound Puppy, and the Demonic Portal.
Wolfe could hear sirens in the semi-distance, rapidly coming closer. They were sheltered from sight by the factory from the street, and by the warehouse from the parking lot, but theyd certainly figure out where everything was and join even more officers, from a different angle, soon. Wolfe needed to end this.
He threw the Litter card out, and three more Tier-four Angry Hellhounds appeared. Between Malviere and their own buffs, each now had an additional five on all statsand they were nasty. Praying that Charlestons ridiculous stats didnt extend to a huge magical defense, Wolfe ordered his whole team at the Deputy Chief.
The police gunfire started to rapidly drop the dogs, but they lasted long enough thanks to their type and stat buffs to hit Charleston repetitively. The physical attacks, even buffed, did little, but his magical defense was lower. Charleston screamed as he was burned and bitten, flailing about himself.
Two of the dogs died to his strikes and gunfire, and three were wounded, but the Deputy Chief was covered in wounds.
By now, seven of the corrupt police officers were on the field, firing repetitively.
Wolfe needed to finish Charleston fast.
The sirens were suddenly far louder, and four police cars came around the factory, driving across the lawn between trees, boxing Wolfe and Shel in between the officers who had followed them and the new ones driving up.
Damn. Times up.
Wolfe flew around the tree, running for Charleston in a last, desperate bid to kill the man despite his incoming reinforcements. If Wolfe was going down, he was taking Charleston with him. He hit Brimstone, firing at Charleston as he ran up, hitting him twice.
No one else fired at him for some reason, but Charleston charged from the dogs and slammed into Wolfe, who didnt have his mantle on.
He felt things crack and hit the ground hard, dropped to a single health. Brimstone spun from his hand, landing two feet from him.
Fuck. Id have taken him out if this werent the fourth fucking fight in thirty minutes thats been dragging me down.
Charleston loomed over Wolfe, his body pouring blood from multiple small wounds, and most of his skin charred. He was huffing but didnt seem to be slowing at all.
Hands in the air, Charleston! came Rhetts voice. Its over! Come quietly and you may still have a life at some point.
Charleston glanced up from Wolfe and screamed. You fucking idiot, Rhett! This man is scum, just like everyone we remove from the street. Noimoires crime is down, damnit, because were taking out the trash!
Wolfe glanced over. There were another eight officers, but all had the words Joliet Police Department on their uniforms. They looked incredibly anxious, licking their lips and glancing around nervously, but all had their guns out to back their lieutenant.
Rhett was still talking to the man whose poster had once adorned his office. Its illegal and unethical. Additionally, I think that if your actions were counted in the official statistics, crime wouldnt be down at all. Might as well argue that gangbangers shooting each other reduces crime. But thats an argument for a judge. Im placing you under arrest for attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and about thirty other charges. Stand. Down. He looked up at the other officers. That goes for all of you, although you may well face lesser charges as mere accomplices.
We were winning, Charleston said, holding his arms out and facing the Joliet officers. Winning against the lowlifes who wont follow the rules. We can still win, and get rich doing it! Join me! Dont let this vile man get away with everything.
William will answer for his crimes, just as you must answer for yours, Rhett said. He wont get away free, I promise you.
Join me! Charleston cried again.
No Joliet officer moved.
Charlestons face twisted with hate. Fuck you! Charleston screamed, slamming his fist down toward Wolfes face.
The crack of Rhetts handgun came the tiniest fraction of a second before Charleston slewed to the side, a split in the skin over his cheekbone appearing, and he punched the earth next to Wolfe. Wolfe grabbed Brimstone and placed it against the underside of Charlestons jaw, pulling the trigger rapidly.
Blood and brain spewed across him, and the giant slumped on top of him, almost smothering him.
Wolfe! Shel yelled.
Im fine, Wolfe replied as he squirmed from under the giant corpse. Thats all him.
He dismissed the notification of the experience, cumulatively pushing him to the next level, and finally pushed Charlestons corpse off himself, slowly standing, his whole body in agony.
Men of the Noimoire Police Department, we are taking you into custody. Please do not resist, Rhett called.
The men stood in shock for the most part, although Officer Thompson collapsed to the ground, weeping, as he was placed in handcuffs. Wolfe was too tired, and in too much pain, to take much pleasure in watching the corrupt cops get arrested by the Joliet Police Department.
Rhett walked up. Sorry, William, but I think youre stuck with the damage for a moment. Everyone with healing cards here already used them on you, I think.
He reached down and picked up the cards that had spilled onto the ground when Wolfe had pushed Charleston away. Youll get your share, once everything is resolved.
Whats left to resolve? Wolfe asked.
Youre still under arrest. Can I assume youll come quietly?
Are you fucking kidding me? Wolfe asked.
Rhett gave Wolfe a small smile. No. Now, care to come with me quietly to the Joliet station?
Wolfe took stock of his situation, especially his health. Yeah, I guess I will.
Demon Card Enforcer Book 2: Chapter Forty-Seven: So Many Remain
Fern''s Viewpoint
Fern Wachowski walked the giant, ostentatious hallway with slow, short steps, her sandals scuffing the marble floor, her legs and lips trembling at the thought of the news she had to deliver. She was dressed in multiple layers of clothing, all covered in thick, black sweatpants and a giant, black hoodie, but it felt like no protection at all.
She was carrying a folder filled with paper, a manila envelope with postage on it that had been hand-delivered mere minutes ago, and a small thumb drive.
She placed her hand over her chest, feeling the comfortable power of her decka deck whose contents she didnt know, as she hadnt pulled it once in the nine months since shed received it. The deck felt of trickery with a mechanical, cold edge, and she had pulled her status sheet up, so she knew she had Psychic and Golem, but as to the specific cards, she was still ignorant.
It was far too dangerous to risk telling people she had a deck by pulling it, since she had nowhere to go. But the sensation of the cards, a tiny weapon that she could theoretically use to fight against her captor, soothed her.
Her time of escape would come, when she was ready. Prepared.
She walked the rest of the hall as if she were heading to the gallows, but the trembling had stopped. She passed underneath crystal chandeliers, and next to plinths carrying cards inside glass casesfamous cards that Adam couldnt use, a few even legendary, from the many deckbearers whom Adam had defeated over his years. Indigenous chieftains, Nazi generals, and Prohibition mobsters were merely a small sampling of the people Adam had defeated, and the cards he couldnt use were displayed here.
He valued his legacy and vanity more than another paltry hundred million, Fern knew.
The door at the end of the hallway was just as tastefully gaudy as everything else, but its motif was even darker. The entire thing was a bas-relief of the Archangel Gabriel, the Divine Lord of Death, striking down an evildoer with a single blade to the neck.
Fern rapped lightly on the door.
Enter.
The voice was familiar but never ceased to scare her. It was competent, confident, and filled with power.
She pulled back on the door, hard, and it slowly opened, the crease in the giant double door separating right where the neck of Gabriels conquest was, so it appeared as if the head were separating from the neck.
Fern shuddered.
When the door was opened enough, she turned sideways and slipped into Adams office.
It was even more ostentatious than the outside. Adam had a massive oil painting of himself dominating the back wall, behind the massive mahogany desk he sat at, which was more than six feet deep, and nearly ten wide, inlaid with gold to show Gabriels sign again and covered in glass.
Around the room were multiple large, leather couches, and Fern was relieved to see that they were occupied. With witnesses, Adam would never lower himself to hurt her. Not even these witnesses, who would likely want to see her suffer.
Because three of the couches were occupied by her once victims, the heads of the remaining Noimoire crime families.
To Adams left was Benjamin Renfeldt, who was nearly a hundred and looked it. He was an old man, with wrinkled skin; wispy, white hair; spotted skin; and trembling hands. But his brown eyes were quick and sharp, and his grandson and successor, Benjamin Renfeldt III, sat next to him, younger, larger, and more vital, but with eyes no less sharp.
Across from him was Gurjit Singh, a swarthy man in his mid-forties with black hair; a giant, black beard; and eyes so dark, they were also almost black. He wore a traditional red turban with a black geman actual onyx, not glass, in his caserepresenting his allegiance to Asmodeus, Infernal Lord of Lust. His arms were completely free, and corded with muscles despite his advancing agemuscles and scars, proof of victories he had won by the skin of his teeth.
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Between them, on the opposite side from Adam, sat Chester Ambroise, the nearly-sixty-year-old head of the Weeds, the vague last gang in Noimoire. He smelled slightly of weedand weeds too, an odd earthen and medicinal smell. His long hair, kept in a graying ponytail, nearly reached his waist in the back.
Behind Adam and to his right stood his eldest remaining son, Abel Delacruz. He had his fathers height and strength and was dressed in a power suit of deep blue with a crimson tie, his black hair cut to military perfection. A bulge under his jacket showed that he was probably the only armed person hereif you didnt count the decks, of course.
Behind him to his left was Nathan Leopold, a tall, black-haired and green-eyed man with the gaze of a killer. Once a Navy Seal, he owed his current wealth and his deck to Adam. But much like Adam, the wealth was a mere perkNathan fanatically believed in Adams goals and supported him wholeheartedly.
But Fern took all the others in quickly, before focusing on the person at the desk: Adam himself. He was nearly six-foot-three, with the frame of a defensive lineman. He was older now, with sun-touched skin and white hair. He wore a stylish if slightly old fashioned suit and carried a cane with a mythic card in a forged diamond on the top next to hima cane he utterly didnt need.
He appeared to be a vibrant sixty-year-old man, still hale and healthy. But Fern knew he had fought in the Confederate army.
She gave the shallowest bows. I have the information you requested, Champion, and two more things besides. Im sorry, theres bad newspersonal news.
You can tell me in front of these men, Adam said. I have no secrets from them.
Fern knew that was a lie, and a massive one. Adam had nothing but utter contempt for the men of Noimoires underworld. But Adam liked to keep up appearances, put people at ease. He wouldnt have allowed any information he didnt want shared to be presented in this manner regardless.
You should have gotten rid of the little thief, Gurjit muttered.
You got your money back, Adam said, his voice hard. Then, Give me the files.
Fern handed them overthey were logs of all the dirty business these men had together, the transactions and whom they had been with.
The money was a mere drop in the bucket for Adam, for whom wealth was a very secondary goal, Fern knew. But it gave him contacts he needed. It was more than half of everything the crime families made these days, however.
Adam didnt open the files. Instead, he glanced with raised eyebrow at the remaining two items.
She passed the manila envelope over with a muttered, From Gavins, Champion.
He opened it, turning it sideways until the contents fell outa single card.
A companion card named Aliel fell onto the deck, a near-match for Artenia, which Adam had bought for his third son, Caine.
We have the second one. Has the cop become less obstinate about selling?
It wont be an issue, not in that sense. The card is with someone new, a rookie police officer named Rachel Lyons.
Will she sell? Caines deck must be perfect.
I Fern trailed off, and the trembling started again.
Speak, wench, Adam commanded.
Your son is dead, Fern whispered. His killers, Rachel Lyons and her boyfriend, William Madison, have the card. Caine was caught with Damian Grimm after kidnapping the rookie officers little sister.
Adam was still for a long time, staring down at the card on the table and moving it back and forth with his finger. No one dared to speak.
And the connection to Worldwide Decurion? Adam asked.
Their offices are being raided by members of the Noimoire Police Department as we speak. I expect that nearly the entire operation will be wrapped up in days, based on the chatter I intercepted.
Is this going to be a problem, Mr. Delacruz? Benjamin Renfeldt asked, his voice soft.
Dont be ridiculous. There will be very, very little, other than my disappointing and dead son, to link them to me. It may cost me my seat come next November, but it might not. Beyond that, it simply wont matter to what were doing.
Benjamin Renfeldt inclined his head ever-so-slightly.
So your pet thief has her uses after all, Gurjit murmured.
That she does. As I explained to you all, repetitively.
There was another pause.
Im sorry for your loss, Chester said. Its hard, losing a child.
For a moment, Adam didnt speak, but then his face firmed. He was weak, and undeserving of any portion of my empire.
Shall we do something about this Rachel and her boyfriend? Gurjit asked.
Of course, Adam replied. But not yet. Immediate retaliation might lead people to suspect me, even with tenuous connections to Worldwide Decurion. But in a few months, perhaps a year at most well remove them.
Adam turned to Fern. Youre dismissed.
Fern nodded and slowly fled the room, trying not to give in to the urge to run. Once she was outside, and the door closed, she sagged with relief.
She hadnt revealed everything she knew She thought that even if Adam found out, she would have plausible deniability. She had her own plans, however nebulous they might be. And she certainly wasnt going to fight Adam.
I hope you survive Wolfe.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Forty-Eight: Finally Booked
Wolfe felt a degree of dj vu as he stared around the Joliet Police Department for the second time this week.
He still hated police stations.
This time, however, Shel sat on the hard, plastic bench next to him. Shannon and Lucy sat next to Ms. Timo on another bench, both dressed normally and leaning on each other, snoring. Ms. Timo was asleep as well. Having everyone around put him a tiny bit at ease.
But only a tiny bit. Everything else reminded him that he had never yet had a positive experience in a police station, and he was pretty sure after four a.m. when it was still dark outside, being suspected in multiple killings wouldnt be the first time he enjoyed this place.
At least he didnt hurt anymoreor not much. He still had an injury debuff, but his active wounds had been healed by the cops. The good cops, he supposed.
So what do you think Rhett is doing? Wolfe asked for the tenth time.
I dont know. He took you in and booked you, right? Shel whispered, with a nod at her sleeping sister.
Wolfe lowered his voice. Yeah, and he got a cheek swab and fingerprints, toosomething Ive avoided since I was a kid. And that file was sealed a long time ago.
They cheek swabbed you when you were a juvenile?
Just the fingerprints, actually.
Shel was quiet for a moment before softly asking, But he just let you come out here, obviously Did he handcuff you?
Wolfe shook his head.
A man came in, screaming and struggling. He had clear Taser marks on his neck, and his eyes were wild, his pupils dilated.
Shannon and Lucy jerked awake, staring around with wide eyes. Wolfe wished the two could go home, but their statements were neededand since they were the primary reason he might not go to jail, he had resisted asking the police to take them back home.
When it rains it pours, Wolfe said, looking at the man. With eighty percent of their force dealing with the Noimoire stuff, theyve got this guy going crazy.
Yeah, Shel said, but she twirled her finger in her red hair and bit her lip. She didnt respond past that.
So much for making some light conversation.
Wolfe took Shels hand and sat quietly, and the two girls fell back asleep. For his own part, Wolfe tried to pass the time watching the Joliet office around him. Despite the crazy guy with the eyes, nothing else happened, however. It gave Wolfe time to dwell on things that he didnt want to think about.
He was elated, of course, that he had killed Damian, and glad that his minions were all dead as wellnot to mention a whole slew of dark deckbearersassassins, enforcers, and thugs involved in human trafficking. Even a corrupt member of Noimoires elite Card Police. Over the last three days, Wolfe had bagged ten deckbearershe was fairly sure that his patron, Cerberus, would be quite excited.
Plus, Wolfe had most of the cards from the dead. Including a ridiculous amount of cards he hadnt looked at yet.
Not to mention half the cards for the Gate to Hell set now.
Shel rested her head on his shoulder and let out a huge yawn.
Wolfe couldnt stop thinkingnot normally a problem he had. But everything could go away in the next few minutes, depending on what Rhett did. He had saved Wolfes life now, even if Wolfe had previously saved Rhetts. Maybe hed lost his sense of gratitude and would arrest Wolfe.
Wolfe just wished he knew. He let go of Shels hand and stood, his face darkening.
Shel startled from her half-dozing state and rubbed her eyes. What are you doing?
Im gonna go see Rhett and figure this out. Whatever hes doing, he can do quickly so I can get on with my life.
Maybe we should Shel began.
But for once, Wolfe didnt listen to her, regretting it slightly but still determined. He strode toward the door in the wall. Im not really a wait-and-see kinda guy, anyway.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Just as he reached the door, it opened, admitting Cara, who looked harassed and tired. She was still quite pretty without her makeup, but the difference was noticeable.
Or maybe it was the lack of sleep everyone was suffering from.
She was glancing down at her clipboard and actually walked into Wolfe, bouncing off him and staring up with startled eyes. But when she saw him, her expression softened.
Uh Im sorry, William, she muttered as Shel came up beside Wolfe. You are William, right?
Wolfe nodded.
Okay, well, I was supposed to come get you for the detective. Please come this way.
Wolfe followed her into the back. Most of the desks were empty of police officers, but the ones that had them had multiple calls going at once, and every occupant looked harassed.
I never thanked you, by the way, Cara said.
Thanked me? Wolfe asked.
For saving Rhetty-poos life. I dont know what IweI mean, the department, would have done if hed died. It would have been a tragedy.
Shel strangled a laugh, turning it into a weird cough-snort. Wolfe was too surprised to do anything about it, just blinking at her. Rhetty-poo?
Cara brought them to Rhetts office and knocked. This time, Wolfe waited for Rhett to call out, Come in!
Cara opened the door and motioned Wolfe and Shel inside, and they went. Rhett had two cheap, metal chairs in front of his medium-quality desk, and the poster of Deputy Chief Charleston was missing, but nearly everything else was the same as Wolfe remembered.
Including the picture of the dead officer whom Wolfe knew had had a connection to the card sellers from the Rat Arena, however tenuous.
Shel sat in one metal chair, and Wolfe took the other and spun it around. Before he could sit, Rhett stared up at him, raised an eyebrow, and said, Please?
Wolfe sighed, completed the chairs rotation, and sat in it normally.
He glanced at Rhetts desk. There were files for both William and Shel on the tablebut none for Wolfe. None for any of the Grimm family, in fact.
So, have you decided if youre gonna be arresting me? Wolfe asked.
Rhett didnt respond, instead looking up at Cara. Cara, hon, would you mind bringing us some coffee, please?
Black?
Yes, Wolfe and Rhett said at the same time, and, Sugar and cream, Shel said.
Cara left, shutting the door behind her.
Rhett looked up at Wolfe. He looked as tired as Wolfe felt, with bags under his eyes, but he was smiling slightly.
Wolfe knew he was playing into Rhetts odd game, but he was growing tired of waiting. So, are you arresting me?
Rhett turned two files around and pushed them in front of Wolfe and Shel. On each one was a promise to appear in court form, a pen, and a marked place to sign.
Yes, I am arresting you Rhett began.
You son of a Wolfe interrupted, violently grabbing the pen.
For trespassing, Rhett finished.
Wolfe stopped, holding the pen above the X for signing. What?
Rhett smiled sardonically. Im arresting you, William Madison, for trespassing, a misdemeanor. The same crime I booked you forand the same one I got DNA evidence and fingerprints for. With a very complete file on William Madison that I will send to every major police station in Illinois, as well as a federal database. I am also releasing you, with a promise to appear in court when summoned by said court, assuming, of course, that our local district attorney decides to prosecute. I think its more likely that I get a call from said district attorney telling me not to be an ass and to stop harassing heroes who saved lives and put a stop to a trafficking ring, but thats for her to decide.
Wolfe was at a loss for words. Why?
Shel silently clapped her hands beside him.
Funny thing about the arrest packet. It requires a court order to seal and is never really gone. So, anytime anyone ever looks for a certain DNA pattern, or fingerprints, or anything else, really, theyll find William Madison, and no one elsenor an emptiness that might be suspicious. Prints matching the ones youll need to provide in your private investigator work.
Wolfe got itit was an extra layer of protection, making sure that he would always officially be William Madison, no matter what stories any remaining Grimm boyslike Pipertried to spin.
What about Shel? Wolfe asked. Her career, I mean?
Shel nodded to his words.
Well, technicallyvery technicallyit might cause trouble. But Id bet money I get another call about how much of a, shall we say, self-righteous prick I am, Rhett said.
Wolfe chuckled. Never going to live that down, am I?
Nope. But, the point is, I suspect that case gets dismissed too. No one questions why I only charged you. Regardless, trespass really isnt likely to be a problem for becoming a police officer, absent some really bizarre moral turpitude or associated crimes like stalking.
Now, hurry up and sign that paperwork. We both have about twenty hours of sleep to catch up on, and Im sure you have family to take care of. Ive gotten enough from everyone to let it go for the eveningwell take more formal statements in a day or two.
Wolfe nodded and stood, holding his hand out. Thank you. For the extra safe fresh start.
Shel stood as well. Yes, thank you. Truly.
Rhett nodded to Shel, then stood and shook Wolfes hand. Its a double-edged sword, William. Youve a fresh life, but you are in the system now. Just sayin.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Right, right. Ill be good.
In your case only, I think Im more worried about Law-abiding than good, per se, but Ill take what I can get, Rhett said.
Then his eyes widened. Oh, before I forget. We were going through Emmetts stuff, looking for evidence, and my boys came upon something.
He held a giant pack of paper slips to Wolfe.
Wolfe took them, rifling through them. They were all dates, times, and case names. What are these?
Three years of time cards from Emmett, showing in meticulous detail all the times, places, and cases you worked for him over the last three years. Its good to see that you didnt spend all seven years since the last lumber mill closed unemployed.
Wolfe looked up to see Rhett grinning at him with a sardonic half-smile. And welcome, however tangentially, to the side of the cops, since youre a full private investigator nowand I know I can trust you with a ton of jobs for our office and the D.A. both.
Oof. That made me barf a little in my mouth.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: Chapter Forty-Nine: A Breather
Im sorry I missed your police thing, Wolfe said as he stared at the giant lot, empty but for a large parking lot.
Shel snuggled against his side, her arm around his back. The ceremony honoring me for being top of a class of two hundred?
Yeah, that, Wolfe replied with a grin, stretching slightly, enjoying not hurting for the first time in a week, since Damian, Caine, and Charleston had nearly killed him. The last injury penalty had disappeared only this morning, reflecting the lack of pain when hed woken up.
Despite the lack of pain, Wolfe wasnt completely sanguine. He might have been stronger than hed been a week ago, but his deck was far weaker than it had been at that point.
One of the reasons for the new weakness nuzzled against his leg, and Wolfe glanced down.
He had no idea why the Wandering Bulgae Pup, which appeared to be made of fire, didnt burn him. But it didnt, and its fur felt amazing, silky and fine. He reached down and pet the orphan card dog, which was more expressive than he would have figured an orphan card would be.
Wandering Bulgae Pup
Rare Fire [Canine] Minion [Orphan]
0 power
Health: 6
Attack: 0
Magical Attack: 0
Defense: 3
Magical Defense: 3
Special: Orphan Evolution [unique]: If kept alive for three straight years, will turn into a rare, fire, 2-power, Tier-5 equivalent creature card called Bulgae Moon Chaser.
Special: Lost in the Dark: If in play, the deckbearer does not trigger deck drawn warnings.
The Wandering Bulgae Pup orphan card that Hans had possessed had opened Wolfes and Shels eyes to the possibility of canine orphans, and Shel had been scouring Gavins and far less reputable card sources both for any canine orphan cards. She had even found rumors of police dog orphan cards, which intrigued her.
Malviere and the Desperate Cult Child were also in Wolfes deck now, and out and accumulating growth time.
The various orphan cards had replaced more powerful fighting cards in his deck. Plus, Wolfe had taken the Caretaker of the Lost enhancer card and put the Hellmouth Institute in his deck as well.
Wolfe was almost a hundred percent positive that investing in the orphan cards was the way to bring him to levels of capability in his deck that would be almost untouchable someday, as he could raise orphan cards to extraordinary tiers. Almost no one had a card of tiers higher than three or four, but the orphan cards could hit absurd levels.
But it really bothered him that it made him weaker in the moment. He was pretty sure that at some point, people were going to come for him, after the things hed done.
Stop that, Shel said, lightly shoving herself against Wolfe.
What? Wolfe asked.
Brooding. This is a wonderful moment. Dont ruin it with worry.
Sure.
They were silent for another moment, and Shel turned to him. Hey, I wanted to tell you something. I wanted it to be more special, but I would have hated it if I hadnt told you before, and one of us died. So Im just going to say it.
She stepped in front of him, staring into his eyes. I love you, Wolfe. Youre my one and only, if youll have me. I want to be with you forever, to have your back forever.
Wolfes chest tightened. It was hard, and he didnt know why. Maybe because everyone he had loved once had abandoned or betrayed him.
But he wanted to be a part of a family again, to have someone he could truly trust, who would be there for him forever. An ally against the darkness life could throw at you, always.
Wolfe took a deep breath and unburdened his heart. I love you too, Shel, and I want the same.
She smiled at him brilliantly, then leaned up on her toes, put her arms around his neck, and kissed him hard.
When she came down, still resting her hands on his shoulders, she had tears in her eyes, but a smile to chase away the night. Well, shall we look at getting a house together? she asked playfully.
Wolfe chuckled and nodded, as happy as hed ever been. He stared at the huge plot of land in front of them. It was on the very edge of Joliet, bought with money from selling some of the cards hed gotten from Damiana pure cash transaction so that it would close almost instantly.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Shel let go of him as he strode across the newly laid parking lot and touched his chest, feeling the usual sense of power and hunger. He pushed his hand forward, fingers splayed out. Shel and the various orphan cards came up behind him as well.
Five cards appeared, and Wolfe touched Cereboo first. The pup had been with Wolfe from the beginning and deserved to be here for this as well.
Cereboo appeared, licking at Wolfe and Shel, then turned and stared, as if he knew what was coming.
Wolfe willed his new building card, the Hellmouth Institute, into existence.
The building that appeared was massive. The card claimed it was twenty-four thousand square feet in size, and Wolfe believed it. The structure was three stories tall, each story nearly three times as large as a good-sized home in America, with a tower climbing up another two stories from the back left. The architecture was clearly gothic, with arches at the top of every window, spikes and gargoyles on the roof, and stained glass, mostly red, across the windows of the tower.
Even the ground around the outside changed, becoming black and cracked, with fire seeping out around the edges. A few planters were below the bottom-floor windows, and each had flowers in crimson or black roses.
Thematic, Shel said drily as they both stared at the building. The card stats appeared as an overlay in Wolfes vision.
Hellmouth Institute
Unique, rare equivalent Tier-2 equivalent Infernal Building
No cost
Special: Creates an ostentatious orphanage of 24,000 square feet. It may utilize power and water if hooked to an appropriate grid, and will generate food for up to 100 inhabitants, of excellent quality, every day. Minor magic within the orphanage makes the entire place far easier to live with. Any Infernal deckbearer inside gains 2 Infernal Power.
Special: Any additional Infernal Buildings gained will add bonus benefits to orphan or transformed orphan cards.
Special: Fast Age [3], Fast Age Infernal [5] All orphan cards age at 3x the rate, unless they are Infernal or would become Infernal without the aid of this building, in which case they age at 5x the rate.
Special: Evolve Improvement: Infernal [1] Every orphan card that transforms that is Infernal or would become Infernal without the aid of this building gains 1 tier of equivalent power as a permanent modifier.
Special: Every Mortal orphan card that transforms becomes Infernal and is modified accordingly but gains no total increase to power.
A hundred people Shel mused. Do you think that it can house that many?
Probably, Wolfe responded. I mean, a hundred ten feet by ten feet bedrooms would only take up ten thousand square feet, and this is an orphanage, after all.
Shel turned to face Wolfe, her fingers tapping together. So my mom called. Shes decided to move.
Wolfe knew something ridiculous was coming, but he waited.
She asked me to keep Lucy.
Wolfe blinked hard. You want us to raise Lucy?
Wolfe was floored by the comment, but something about us warmed him. It really was them now, not just him.
Shel nodded. Im sure, with this building, we can have your P.I. business on the bottom floor and Lucy can live in one of the upper floors.
Wolfe shook his head, bemused. I dont know anything about raising kids.
Well you have to be better than our parents, and we turned out all right.
Wolfe laughed at the understatement of the year. Fair enough. We can raise Lucy.
Shel smiled, but she was still tapping her fingers.
And? Wolfe asked.
Well I was thinking. Ms. Timo and Shannon are poor. And Lucy and Shannon are best friends now. Maybe Maybe they could come live with us? I mean, youll need a secretary anyway, and Ms. Timo is good at that
You want us to adopt the old bat and her granddaughter? Seriously?
Well, we wouldnt formally adopt them. I just want them to live with us. It wouldnt even cost anything. I mean the electricity and such will already be here, and the building magically makes food, so
Shel hesitated. Plus, you said my half of the job was to save those who deserved it. Obviously, I cant save everyone, but Shannon could really use a champion, and she utterly adores you now, despite your, shall we say, rough exterior.
Wolfe shook his head in bemusement. Still, Shel was rightthe cost to him of having them in the Institute was almost nothing. And Ms. Timo and Shannon were good people. Sure, you can offer them a place to stay. Assuming theyll want to stay in a giant, demonic orphanage.
Shel glanced at the dark building and laughed. Good point.
Wolfe continued. I hesitate to ask, but anyone else?
Well Liam will need a job, once hes done serving whatever sentence he gets. Itll probably be pretty light since he turned state witness and helped us both. I mean, he did risk himself to get the girls out when I came back for you, and he did a great job. Maybe he could live here and work at the firm?
Wolfe shook his head in genuine amazement at the sudden turn his life was taking. But he didnt mind, he admitted. People to protect and take care of, whom he knew were worth the effort, was something he had always wanted. Sure, whatever, Liam can work here. Im afraid to ask again, but anyone else?
Not yet, Shel said, smiling at him.
Wolfes smile faltered. Are you sure about this, Shel? All of it, I mean. I remind you that Cerberus himself, a Lord of the Infernal, showed me that I need to end the remaining heads of the family in Noimoire. I dont think I can stop and Im not sure I would want to if I could. If I can take them down theWolfe held his fingers up in air quotesright way, I will, but its more likely it becomes another fight. Liam is one thing, and even youre an adult who made her choices clear, and I love you for it. But Lucy and Shannon
Shels smile also faded, and she thought for a moment. I I think itll be okay. Despite your takedown of Damian, almost no one wants to attack deckbearers inside their building cards. Besides we arent exactly anonymous, but your mission is. Everyone knows who we are. But your beef with Damian was personal, and the traffickers kidnapped my sister. I thinkI hopeno one will come after us, at least till later, and we can move them then if they need to be moved. Besides, someone could get to them more easily in another city than inside your institute, I bet.
Wolfe nodded. All right. Well do it your way. Cant say I dont enjoy the idea. He turned away from the institute. Itll be a good break, while I prepare again. I need to make two more levels and add another building card slot, and then get a good building for the institute. Then I need to evolve some of these orphans and hopefully other ones you find as well. But afterward, when my deck is stronger Afterward, Im going to go back to cleaning up Noimoire.
Were going to clean up Noimoire. Shel hugged him close, staring toward the city of Wolfes birth. So nothing like what happened to my brother and sister can happen again. Were going to remove the taint from the city. Together.
Demon Card Enforcer 2: NON-CHAPTER. Stat block going into book 3.
[This stat block is for after the 5 chapter mini story "Malviere''s Birthday" so it''s not the same as the ending stat block of book 2--it''s specifically the start of book 3]
Ethan Madison Wolfe Status:
Level 30 Mortal [2 pips remaining]
Deckbearer Perks:
Lost and Lonely God-gifted Start: +1 Companion card
Deckbearer Perk 1: In the Thick of it: +50% to all numerical benefits gained from mantles
Deckbearer Perk 2: Mans Best Friends Best Friend: Gain 1 Beast Power. May have one extra card in play so long as its a Beast (Canine or Hybrid Canine).
Level 25 perk: Master of the Lost and the Lonely: Orphans gain +1 Tier when they evolve, and any card packs or non-orphan cards gained from orphan advancement are gained twice. Any one [evolved orphan] card of no more than 2 power may be treated as if it were a free-slot companion card with a 0-power cost.
Deckbearer Flaw: Fallen: May not gain Divine Power, nor use Divine cards unless they are also Infernal or Corrupted.
Deckbearer Stats:
Cards in Deck: 15 (1 pip)
Cards in Hand: 4 (1 pip)
Cards in Play: 3 (1 pip)
Length of Play: 5 minutes
Specialty Cards: Companion: 3 (three free from perks and cards, 1 must be an evolved orphan acting as a companion)
Building: 2 (5 pips, one free from cards)
Minion: 3 (3 pips, 1 free from cards)
Enhancer: 1 (1 pip)
Total Power: (upgraded 5 times): 8 -1 (Infernal Rift) +1 (Infernal Gun set) = 8. (Total pips 15)
Type 1 and Power: 5 Infernal (5 -1(Infernal Rift) +1 (Infernal Guns))
Type 2 and Power: 2 Beast
Energy 1 and Power: 1 Fire
Personal Perks:
Inborn Perk 1: Vicious Killer: +25% to all Attack and Defense, check twice for Attack modifier and take the best
Inborn Perk 2: Tough as Nails: +10 Health
Acquired Perk 1: Crafty Street Fighter: +3 Attack and Defense
Personal Stats:
Health: 30/30
Attack: 10
Magical Attack [None]: 0
Defense: 10
Magical Defense [None]: 5
Deck: (15 cards, 2 companions, 2 Buildings, 3 Minions, 1 Enhancer)
Specialty:
Companion:
1x Cereboo (Gate to Hell set card 1)
1x Malviere
*1x Obsessive Infernal Cultist
Building:
1x Hellmouth Institute
1x Infernal Library (Library Wing of the Hellmouth Institute) (locks Obsessive Infernal Cultist to
the first pull)
Minion:
Enhancer:
1x Caretaker of the Lost
Standard:
Mantle:
1x Master of the Infernal Hunt (Mantle, Gate to Hell set card 3)
Persistent:
2x Demonic Portal (each adds a side deck of 5 Infernal creatures, 10 creature total side deck)
1x Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds
Immediate:
1x Infernal Rift (Gate to Hell set card 2, adds 1 minion and 1 building card)
Creature
1x Obsessive Infernal Cultist
1x Bulgae Moon Chaser
Equipment
1x Hellfire (Infernal Gun set card 1)
1x Brimstone (Infernal Gun set card 2)
Side Deck: (10 Infernal Creatures)
1x Gehenna Kennel Master
2x Tier-4 Angry Hellhound
2x Tier-3 Angry Hellhound
2x Tier-2 Lost Hellhound Puppy
1x Fireborn Hellhound
1x Smoke Demon
1x Chain Demon
Card List:
Cereboo
Unique Beast/Infernal[Canine] Companion Effective Tier-7
0 Power
Health: 12
Attack: 5 x3
Defense: 7
Magical Attack: 7
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Fungible [Beast, Infernal]: While in play, Beast and Infernal power may be spent as if they were the other.
Special: Infernal Slayer: +100% attack and magic attack against other Infernal cards.
Special: Preferred Typing[Beast, Infernal]: Gains all the better type matchups of both Infernal and Beast.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. Each card was given to a member of the Noimoire underworld.
A pup of Cerberus, who was born into a particularly frisky litter. Cereboo was the runtnot quite as strong, nor as tough, as his litter mates. But his heart was the heart of a huntsman, and the blood of Cerberus runs in his veins. He hunted across the fiery plains of the first infernal realm, chasing the damned who tried to escape their fates. Now, he chases many things, but his soul is still called to chase those who belong in the Infernal Realms.
Malviere, Conduit of Cerberus
Unique, Rare equivalent, tier-11 equivalent Mortal/Infernal companion[Evolved Orphan, Canine]
0 Power [2 power equivalent]
Health: 20[22]
Attack: 2
Defense: 5[6]
Magical Attack: 9 [Death]
Magical Defense: 15[16]
Special: Canine Leader[1]: All other [canine] creature cards gain +1 to their non-health stats while she is on the field
Special: Canine Rush[1]: Once per round, any one [Canine] card may take an extra attack or magical attack action.
Special: Canine Lord: [Canine] creature cards of other deckbearers will switch sides without returning their power.
Special: Canine Summoner[1]: All [Canine] creature cards cost 1 less power of any type to summon
Note: Malvieres on the field range is 350 feet.
Malviere cannot remember any life except that of acting as a conduit for the power of the great guardian of the gates to the Infernal, Cerberus. She aids his chosen hunters on the mortal plane, to bring back those whom Hell has lost.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Obsessive Infernal Cultist
Rare, tier-8 Mortal/Infernal Creature [evolved orphan, priest]
1 Infernal Power
Health: 9
Attack: 1
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 4*[Infernal]
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Infernal Portal Summoner [2]: Any Infernal card with the word Portal, Gate, or Summon costs 2 less power of any type to play
Special: Sacrificial [3]: This card may be sacrificed for three power of any type to be used for one summoning.
This cultist has grown up in an Infernal church, and its every commandment and mystery is dear to her heart.
Hellmouth Institute
Unique, rare equivalent Tier-2 equivalent Infernal Building
No cost
Special: Creates an ostentatious orphanage of 24,000 square feet. It may utilize power and water if hooked to an appropriate grid, and will generate food for up to 100 inhabitants, of excellent quality, every day. Minor magic within the orphanage makes the entire place far easier to live with. Any Infernal deckbearer inside gains 2 Infernal Power.
Special: Any additional Infernal Buildings gained will add bonus benefits to orphan or transformed orphan cards.
Special: Fast Age [3], Fast Age Infernal [5] All orphan cards age at 3x the rate, unless they are Infernal or would become Infernal without the aid of this building, in which case they age at 5x the rate.
Special: Evole Improvement: Infernal [1] Every orphan card that transforms that is Infernal or would become Infernal without the aid of this building gains 1 tier of equivalent power as a permanent modifier.
Special: Every Mortal orphan card that transforms becomes Infernal and is modified accordingly, but gains no total increase to power.
Library Wing of the Hellmouth Institute
Unique Rare equivalent Tier-1 equivalent Infernal Building
Special: Creates a library of approximately 10,000 square feet. Any Infernal deckbearer inside may use non-creature cards at 1 less power.
Special: Infernal Cards with the word Cultist, Tome, Book, Knowledge, and Forbidden do not count against the deckbearers card on field limit. The deckbearer may associate one card with those words in its title to this card, and it will always appear in the decks first pull.
Special: Forbidden Fruit: Any Mortal or Infernal (pre-evolution) orphan that evolves while this card is in play gains another tier. These benefits stack. If the final card is Tier-6 or higher (or equivalent tier-6) then the location of the nearest undiscovered monster or puzzle box will be revealed to the deckbearer. If the any Mortal or Infernal orphan evolves here and reaches Tier-10 or higher, the nearest undiscovered dungeon will be revealed to the deckbearer.
Special: This card will revert to an Infernal Library is ever removed from the Deck of the Deckbearer possessing the Hellmouth Institute.
The Library Wing of the Hellmouth Institute is where all its brightest pupils go to find incantations or allies to get them aheadin whatever pursuits they have.
Caretaker of the Lost
Rare Tier-1 Mortal Enhancer
+2 Health
Special: Fast Age [2]: All minion[orphan] cards grow at twice the rate. This stacks multiplicatively with any other source of minion[orphan] growth.
Special: Find the Lost: When any pack is opened, there is a 10% chance one card becomes a minion[orphan]. This ability does not stack, but multiple copies may each check against the pack.
Special: Evolve Improvement [1]: When a minion[orphan] card evolves, it gains 1 tier automatically. This does not stack with other Caretaker of the Lost cards, but may stack with other sources.
Special: Shield the Lost: All [orphan] and [evolved orphan] cards gain +1 Defense and Magical Defense and +2 Health.
The next generation is the future, but they stand on the shoulders of the ones that came before.
Master of the Infernal Hunt
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal Persistent(Mantle)
2 Infernal Power
Special: The wearer gains +10 Health
Special: The wearer gains +3 to all remaining stats.
Special: All other [Canine] Cards gain +5 Health and +1 to all other stats, and all [canine] cards gain advantage against Infernal cards.
Special: Grand Pack: [Canine] cards do not count against cards on the field
Special: Packmate: Count as a Beast[Canine] card for all purposes except type match penalties.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. One card is held by each of the crime families of Noimoire, and the sixth is held within the city by another.
Sometimes, the demons call a hunt on other demons, and a hunt master is always chosen to lead the chase.
Demonic Portal
Uncommon Tier-1 Infernal Persistent
1 Infernal, 5 Any Power
This card allows a side-board to be created, and adds 5 infernal creature card slots to the sideboard.
Summon Infernal [5]: When this card is used, up to five power worth of Infernal creatures may be selected from the side deck and summoned at once. All Infernal creatures in the side deck are treated as being of any power type.
A full-blown demonic portal would be a disaster of unmitigated proportions.
Cerberuss Home For Wayward Hellhounds
Unique Tier-1 equivalent Persistent
1 Infernal, 1 Beast, and 1 Any power
Special: Summoner [Lost Hellhound Puppy L/5]: Generates a Lost Hellhound Puppy at no power cost every 30 seconds until Level/5 are on the field, rounded up.
Special: Savior [Beast]: If any opponent sacrifices a creature card type Beast, that card joins you instead of being destroyed until the fight ends.
Special: Heart of Gold [Beast]: You cannot sacrifice Beast cards.
This card is the only pound in existence that tries to find homes for the few Bad Doggos in the universe. Perhaps with proper attention, they too can be Good Boys.
Infernal Rift
Unique tier-8 equivalent Enhancer/Persistent card
1 Infernal Power (permanent)
Special: When this card is played, any one deckbearer that has no creature cards on the field is banished to a faux Infernal realm for 90 seconds
Special: When this card is added to your deck, one persistent card may be permanently made into an Infernal card, gaining benefits and a second typing. Additionally, one minion card may be made into an Infernal card, becoming a 2-power equivalent companion with a free card slot and gaining benefits and a second typing. Additionally, one building card may be made into and Infernal building with a free card slot and gaining a second typing. All new cards will reflect the named Infernal most represented in the deck if any is. Any modified sub-cards are affected as well.
Special: Any benefit may take place after the card is added to the deck if it has not taken effect, but afterward it may never happen a second time.
Special: If the card leaves the deck, all benefits are lost, and all cards revert.
A permanent rift to the realm of an Infernal Lord, this hole between dimensions influences everything around it, tainting it all with demonic influence.
Bulgae Moon Chaser
Rare Tier-7 Fire [Canine] Creature [Evolved Orphan]
1 Fire and 1 Any Power
Health: 15[17]
Attack: 0
Magical Attack: 9
Defense: 6[7]
Magical Defense: 6[7]
Special: Canine Tribal: +1 to all non-health stats for every other [canine] on the field.
Special: Hold on! This creature survives the first otherwise fatal attack with a single Health.
Special: Lost in the Dark: If in the deck, the deckbearer does not trigger deck drawn warnings
Special: Speedy: This card may be played as an extra card play within a 30 second period.
This dark Bulgae has hunted the moon for his master a thousand times. Perhaps the thousand and first he will catch it, or perhaps he will merely learn another ability.
Hellfire
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal persistent(equipment)
2 Infernal Power
+3 Attack to the deckbearer or card equipped with this item.
Special: Paired [Brimstone]: This card may be equipped with the equipment card Hellfire. They empower each other, adding both totals to their wielders attack stat.
Special: Neutral: This equipment ignores ALL type resistances or immunities and causes wounds.
Special: Injurious: that are immediately considered injuries for healing purposes.
Special: This card is part of the Banisher card set. If both cards are gained, they will create a single rare pack of Infernal cards and give the deckbearer who possesses both 1 additional pip of Infernal power. Both cards were initially sent to members of the Noimoire underworld who are considered assassins.
The Infernal use weapons of all sorts during both their internal wars, and their wars against other factions. This weapon started its life as a gift from Aesthma to his favorite assassin in hell, and has worked its way into the mortal realm since then.
Brimstone
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal persistent(equipment)
2 Infernal Power
+3 attack to the deckbearer or card equipped with this item.
Special: Paired [Hellfire]: This card may be equipped with the equipment card Hellfire. They empower each other, adding both totals to their wielders attack stat.
Special: Neutral: This equipment ignores ALL type resistances or immunities and causes wounds.
Special: Injurious: that are immediately considered injuries for healing purposes.
Special: This card is part of the Banisher card set. If both cards are gained, they will create a single rare pack of Infernal cards and give the deckbearer who possesses both 1 additional pip of Infernal power. Both cards were initially sent to members of the Noimoire underworld who are considered assassins.
The Infernal use weapons of all sorts during both their internal wars, and their wars against other factions. This weapon started its life as a gift from Aesthma to his favorite assassin in hell, and has worked its way into the mortal realm since then.
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-Three Beast/Infernal [Canine] Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 13
Attack: 8
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 5[Fire or Infernal]
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Dual Attacker: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack on the same target.
Special: Empty Mind: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: Canine Tribal[1]: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Hunter[Escaped Damned 1]: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point it needs to reform on many an occasion.
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-Four Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 14
Attack: 9
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 5[Fire or Infernal]
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Dual Attacker: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack on the same target.
Special: Empty Mind: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: Canine Tribal [1]: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
Special: Reformed Doggo: This card gains type advantage, and loses type disadvantage, against any Infernal, Undead, or Elder card, and any card with the word criminal or villain in its title or type.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point it needs to reform on many an occasion.
Lost Hellhound Puppy
Rare Tier-2 Beast/Infernal(Canine) Creature
1 Beast or Infernal Power [Available]
Health: 8
Attack: 5
Defense: 4
Magical Attack: 3
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Does not require upkeepis a zero-cost monster.
Special: If slain, all Mortal and Beast cards in play gain +50% Physical Attack for the next 30 seconds.
Special: May be merged with Rescue Pup cards, but advances as if Rare in quality.
A poor lost Hellhound, outside its normal realm.
Fireborn Hellhound
Rare Tier-1 Infernal[Canine] Creature
1 Beast, 1 Infernal, and 1 Fire power
Health: 23
Attack: 9
Defense: 9
Magical Attack: 12
Magical Defense: 12
Special: +100% magic Defense against Fire energy
Special: +1 Attack and magical Attack for every Escaped Damned card on the field within 100 feet, regardless of owner.
An unusually tough and rare specimen of hellhound that makes its lair near Gehenna, the lake of fire. Only one large pack of these particular hellhounds is known to exist.
Gehennan Kennel Master
Tier-1 Rare Infernal Creature
2 Infernal Power, 1 Fire or Beast Power
Health: 28
Attack: 8
Defense: 7
Magic Attack: 6
Magic Defense: 7
Special: Motivation: When this creature enters the field, any creature with a matching type may make an additional attack.
Special: Gehennan Leadership: +1 to attack and magical attack to any Creature [Canine] for each of the types it matches among Fire, Beast, and Infernal.
Special: Fa?ade [Canine]: This card acts as a Creature [Canine] for triggering any other canines bonuses only.
Special: Meat for the Pack: The first time a deckbearer with this card and at least three Hellhounds defeats a Divine deckbearer, they will gain a random Hellhound from any of the last ten sets as if drawing from a rare deck.
The Fireborn Hellhounds that hunt Gehenna, the Lake of Fire, are sometimes recruited to serve in the armies of the Infernal, and a magically twisted demon is put in charge of them. He motivates his pack with the flesh of angels.
Chain Demon
Uncommon Tier-1 Infernal Creature
3 Infernal Power
Health: 25
Attack: 6 x3
Defense: 8
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 5
Special: If total damage dealt to any target exceeds half that targets Health, the target is rendered immobile. If held immobile, the target must truthfully answer all questions put to him.
The inquisitors of the Infernal Realms have far more tools at their disposal than their mortal counterparts.
Smoke Demon
Rare Tier-1 Infernal Creature
2 Infernal, 2 Any power
Health: 13
Attack: N/A
Defense: N/A
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 11
Special: Incorporeal: Physical attacks cannot hit
Special: Choking 50: All enemy creatures and deckbearers that need to breath suffer -2 to all stats within 50 of the Smoke Demon, and take 1 true damage every 30 seconds.
Special: Sacrifice Obscured[3]: This creature may be sacrificed at any time. If it is, for the minute and a half after, no creature may attack any deckbearer or creature if within 250 of the spot of death, and vision is reduced to 5.
I suppose, where theres smoke, theres fire. Or in these buggers case, where theres hellfire, theres smoke, I suppose.
Demon Card Enforcer Book 3: Prologue: One Chance
Ferns Viewpoint
Six days, twenty-two hours, and thirty-one minutes left, you damned baby. Youve already wasted almost an hour-and-a-half. Get yourself together! Youre not two anymore!
Fern Wachowski tried to breathe in a four-two-six pattern. Four second inhale, two second hold, six second exhale.
It was supposed to lower anxiety, and she desperately needed to be at her best.
But Ferns current level of fear was overwhelming the technique.
The painting of Gabriel I hate so much, the marble floor, and the computer I work at in front of me, Fern said, naming three things she could see, then moving on to three she could hear. The sound of the computer humming, my own heartbeat going far too quickly, and the chirping of that idiot bird outside my window.
Finally, three things she could feel. The chair Im sitting on, the keyboard beneath my fingers, and my gods damned anxiety! she said, her voice rising to a high-pitched scream of frustration on the last part.
She was embarrassed at her outburst, even though no one was with her in the tiny room that was her prison.
But her outburst gave her an idea.
She could try to call on an old emotion, to overwhelm the new ones. And old, once-familiar emotion, almost lost beneath her fear.
Anger, Fern. Anger is better than fear. Remember why you started, everything the crime families took from you. Remember what Adam took from you when he caught you. Not what he did, never thatonly what he took.
It was hard, but Fern stoked her deeply hidden rage. Her depression, anxiety, and outright terror threatened to overwhelm it and snuff it out. But it was still there, buried deep beneath those worthless emotions that owned her most days.
Finally, she managed to revive her old thoughts of revenge, breaking the cycle of dark, terrible thoughts that had paralyzed her.
Six days, twenty-two hours, and nineteen minutes left. Adams gone, his children are gone, his deckbearer minions are gone. Its time. The only chance youll ever have, Fern.
With trembling hands, Fern touched her chest. She felt her power as she had many times before, over the almost two years since drop night, when she had been gifted with a deck. It felt of cold metal, but with an edge of deception.
No one is close enough to know when you pull your deck, Fern. Its time. Just do it.
She pushed her hand out, forcing her fingers open and splayed through sheer force of will. She had been suppressing the urge to do this for almost two years, and it was hard to change now.
Four cards popped out of her chest and hovered in front of her, about a foot away. Three directly forward and one slightly off to the side.
Fern knew almost everything about cards and being a deckbearer. But it was all book knowledgeshe had no practical experience. She could pull her status sheet up, and she knew she had a god-gifted deck with a companion.
Which, of all her cards, was the one that most interested Fern. Please be something that can help save me. Someone that can help save me.
She touched the companion card to the side, which glowed with purple and metallic gray energy.
A tiny little robot appeared on the floor. Or maybe not a robot a bizarre cyborg. It appeared to be a human brain, inside a glass case with silvery wires connected to it, all on top of a cutesy white robot body. It was fairly small, perhaps a bit larger than a full-grown male pug.
She stared at it, and a card semi-imposed itself over the creature.
Brain Bot
Unique Rare Equivalent Tier-6 Equivalent Golem/Psychic Creature [Cyber, Cyborg, Mastermind]
0 Power
Health: 5
Attack: N/A
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 3
Special: Golem Leader [1]: this adds +1 to all non-health stats of every other golem
Special: Master Deckbearer [Psychic 1]: Every Psychic card costs 1 less power while this card is out.
Special: Psychic Resonator [2]: This increases the magical attack power of all Psychic immediate cards by 2
Special: Psychic Brain-Hack: This card can take control of any one other creature card that does not have resistance or immunity to psychic energy, but may only do so for two total rounds once every hour.
Brain Bot is loved by no one. But Brain Bot is useful to everyone. Why does no one love Brain Bot?Brain Bot.
Fern almost wept when she saw that the attack stats on her companion were not-applicable.
Damnit, Fern muttered, her anxiety threatening to come back with a vengeance. I needed a protector, not this.
The screen on the front of the little robot flashed. A sad emoticon face with a tear, almost eight-bit in appearance, formed, and then the words Is Brain Bot a disappointment? appeared.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Fern was startled. She had read, of course, about companions having personalities and memories, but somehow hadnt expected this thing, to talk to her. For some reason.
But she didnt want to hurt its feelings. I have to escape, Brain Bot. I wanted a companion that was large and powerful and could fight. You seem really neat but youre not what I wanted right now, Im so sorry.
The words changed. Brain Bot will save you! Brain Bot can do it! Take a chance on him!
I dont have a choice anyway, Brain BotI have to go now if I ever want to be free again. Now is the time, for multiple reasons.
She turned back to the computer, her hands slightly steadier with a companion nearby, even one that was not optimal for the moment. She took the usb drive out from itthe drive with all the proof of the corruption that wormed through Noimoire. More than half of it was directly traceable to her personal nightmare, Adam Delacruz.
It wouldnt work to try and do things the right way. That was what had gotten her in trouble in the first place, the time she had gone to the authorities when the Renfeldt family had been on to her.
She needed something else. Someone else.
She glanced around her ten-foot by ten-foot room. It was beautiful, and had a wonderful twin bed and beautiful wooden desk, but the door was closed, sealed from the outside.
With an electronic lock. To keep a hacker inside.
Adam Delacruz was brilliant, bold, and ruthless as hell. But he had two blind spots. He was old, almost two hundred years old, and he didnt really understand modern technology.
Which was how Fern ended up in a room with a computer, held by an electronic lock.
Or, perhaps it was his second flaw, his arrogance. Perhaps he had counted on her fear of him to keep her locked up.
Fern shuddered, her hand going to her back, and the tracery of scars there. She started to hyperventilate again.
But she grabbed hold of herself, thinking about her rage again. Adam had almost been right, about her fear of him. But as her father had once said, almost only counted in horseshoes and hand grenades.
She stared at her computer again. Land deeds, police incident reports, and intercepted emails from the three major Noimoire crime families were all still open.
As was a profile she had been building for some time, much of it on Adams assistance.
Ethan Madison Wolfe the 2nd.
It has to be him. Hes the only one that has any chance to survive, and is unquestionably not in Adams pockets. He killed Adams son, and ruined his plans with Worldwide Decurion. Adam wont forgive that for anything.
Fern stared out the window, onto the grounds of the giant manse that was Adams home. A large parking lot with fountains and statues, surrounded by a carefully maintained garden, surrounded in turn by a carefully maintained line of trees to block view and everything was finally encased with a huge stone and wrought-iron fence.
Cameras watched it all.
Fern turned back to her keyboard, fingers shaking. She took the mouse, and moved the cursor to click into a hidden folder. She clicked on two programs, both of which shed prepared a long time ago.
Her door clicking open was the only sign that anything had changed, but she had disabled all the electronic locks, the cameras, and the alarms.
She felt her pocket again, to make sure the usb drive was still there. Then the other pocket, where the keys to the little used van that she had nicked yesterday.
Fern walked to the door and opened it. It swung in smooth and silent, and Fern glanced into the hall. Finding it empty, she stepped out into the grand hallway that ran the near exterior of the mansion.
The hallway was ostentatious, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers that she passed underneath as she hurried away from her room. If she headed in the opposite direction, toward Adams offices, she knew she would find plinths carrying cards inside glass casesfamous cards that Adam couldnt use. A few were even legendary, from the many powerful deckbearers that Adam had defeated over his years, whether Indian chieftains, Nazi generals, or Prohibition mobsters. She was tempted to take some, but there were guards stationed there, and even without alarms, the sound of breaking glass could give her away.
The money wasnt worth it.
Instead, Fern headed in the opposite direction, toward the garage elevator.
As she walked the halls, Brain Bot followed, nearly silent but for the faintest hum as the small cyborg rolled along behind her. He reminded her that she had a deck she hadnt taken stock of yet.
She looked at her remaining cards. A Cyber Sai, an equipment card which added to her attack and could disable electronics. A Mind Blank card, that would do slight Psychic damagemore with Brain Bot outand cause a deckbearer to lose a card play. And a creature card called a Hack Ninja.
Those cards would have to be enough, although Fern hoped she didnt need anything from her deck.
She reached the elevator and hit the down button. She waited around the side of a nearby hallway, watching the elevator. When it opened, she waited a second to make sure no one came out, then dashed across the hall and slipped into it, holding the door as Brain bot rolled after her. She hit the garage level button repetitively, feeling trapped until the doors closed.
A moment later, the elevator doors opened, and Fern stared out into the garage. No one was there at the moment.
She hurried over to the old white van with a hanging symbol of Uriel in the windowthe one that hadnt been used more than a couple times in the ten years since Adams most recent children had gotten their drivers licenses. It was a solid vehicle, upgraded to provide protection to his children, although no one had attacked him or his family in ages. Well, not until Caine was killed last year.
Fern opened the van door with shaking hands, dreading every moment that it cost her. Then she helped Brain Bot inside, even though she could barely lift him. Once they were strapped in, she turned the van on, hit the fob to the garage door, and gently pulled the car out into the front driveway.
It had been almost three years since she had driven a car, but apparently it was like riding a bike.
The driveway was a huge circle around marble fountains with statues of angels in them, and Fern pulled out of the circle along the shorter path, entering the main driveway out.
As she drove out, slow and careful, one of Adams menTravisstepped out from the bushes to the side, holding his hand up. Travis was nearly thirty, large and muscled, with a thick black beard and a slight gut. He carried a gun in a side holster, and Fern eyed it nervously.
No one is supposed to be here. Did I miss something, or is this just bad luck?
Travis stepped out in front of the car and motioned for her to stop.
No, no, no, gods damn it, no, Fern muttered under her breath as she slowed.
Travis walked up, staring into the window. Upon seeing Fern, his eyes widened. Fern, what are you
Then his eyes flickered to the cards still in front of her chest, and then over to Brain Bot, strapped into the front seat.
His eyes widened in surprise. After half a second, Travis stepped back and reached down.
I cant go back! Fern punched the accelerator as hard as she could, and the van lurched forward. The crack of the handgun sounded, and some metallic plinks filled the car, as well as the sound of breaking glass. Fern scrunched up, barely able to move or breath, but she didnt take her foot off the accelerator or her hands off the wheel.
None of the bullets hit her.
Travis was shouting and waving his hands, and ahead of her, at the end of the path, the gate began to close.
Ferns foot never left the accelerator.
The vehicle picked up speed, going nearly eighty miles an hour when she reached the gate. She slammed into half of it, and the gate was bent out from the heavy van, but it was slung sideways. She left the end of the driveway, crashed through bushes, hit a slight ditch, and finally bounced out onto the road near the house, screaming the whole while.
But somehow, the car didnt flip, and she stopped screaming, but was still hyperventilating.
She happened to glance over at Brain Bot, who had a puke emoji in eight bit on his front screen.
The little bot stopped her emotional train cold, and she almost choked into laughter. She slowed slightly as she sped down the road.
But only slightly. She knew that it wouldnt be but two minutes before Adams men were after her.
She glanced at the clock. Six days, twenty-one hours, and fifty-three minutes left.
I hope youre everything they said you were, Wolfe
Demon Card Enforcer 3: Chapter One: Rampage Interruptus
Whats on the docket today, Timo? Wolfe asked.
Mrs. Timo glanced up from the large, dark wood desk with silver skull inlay she was working behind. Her skin was slightly darker than the normal white, either Mediterranean or perhaps pacific islander.
She lowered her glasses to stare at Wolfe with brown eyes surrounded by laugh and worry lines both. Its Mrs. Timo or Grammy, you young whippersnapper.
Wolfe chuckled. Alright, Mrs. Timo, whats on the docket today? More braindead work for the Joliet P.D. and/or D.A.?
Yup, Mrs. Timo said, patting a couple thin files on the desk in front of her. The P.D. this time. They need two people served that live near us in Noimoire, and they want you to take statements from a victim that lives out here as well. The usual rate is being offered.
Wolfe grimaced. I hate doing that boring-ass work for forty-an-hour, a couple hours a day. I mean, this would be a great job, normally
Damian Grimm, the son of his old boss Thaddeus Big Man Grimm, had possessed a ton of expensive cards in his deck before Wolfe killed him. Four rare cards specifically had been quite valuablethe five power, rare Infernal Champions. Close to as expensive had been the building card that Wolfe had dealt with the night he had killed Damian, and four solid enhancer cards. None had fit his deckor theyd had prices he wasnt willing to pay, like hideous Infernal features. So Wolfe had sold them all for millions.
Most of the money had gone to either purchasing arena matches for himself and Shel that were extremely advantageous, or to buying upgrades for his and Shels deck. Wolfe had also gotten Liam a knock-off Infernal and Canine deck that synergized with his own. It was far weaker than Wolfes own deckbut it had still cost almost a million dollars on its own.
Wolfe had a couple hundred thousand left in the bank, which might not sound like a lot for the number of people in his household. Besides Wolfe himself, it was composed of three adults, two children, four self-aware cards and two idiot cavapoo dogs. But Wolfe also lived inside the Hellmouth Institute, which provided a ton of food beyond the mortgage-and-maintenance free dwelling it itself was.
So working for what Wolfe admitted would be a solid salary under normal circumstances felt oddly pointless.
But he wanted the contacts with the police, so they would treat his William Madison personae as an ally and not a suspect. Plus, between Wolfes contract P.I. work and Shels work as an actual member of the Joliet P.D., he could hopefully explain away any giant windfalls that came from his other activities, once he resumed them.
He sighed and held his hand out. Alright, pass it over.
Mrs. Timo handed him the three new files, each with a case name and the hiring agencyJoliet PDwritten below it in small letters. Each was thin, with each file folder containing only a few pieces of paper. Although the one for the interview had a bit more in it, and Wolfe knew hed need to review it thoroughly before beginning his own interview.
He thought back to the first witness statement he had ever gotten, from Mrs. Timo herself, and winced. It had been bad. But he knew what he was doing these days, after nearly a full year as a P.I.
Wolfe drummed his fingers on the desk, only vaguely seeing the odd demonic imagery. After a year of living inside his building card, it was just part of the scenery. He decided to try and serve the papers first. It was still fairly early in the morning. Wolfe knew from personal experience that most people involved in criminal activity didnt get up till late, making it easier to surprise them at home.
He took the keys to the newest carhe seemed to lose one every year in some kind of shootout. The new one was a Black Ford-150 truck, with the v8 and all the bells and whistlesas well as a ton of custom mods Liam had put on it. Wolfe was tired of losing his cars and wanted one that would survive the next time he was in a fight, even if it was slightly more conspicuous than he liked.
Then he strapped on his STI Edge, more to stop any of the people he had to serve from doing anything dumb than out of any fear he might need to use it.
Then he whistled.
A chorus of antiphonal barks came back, and a moment later, Cereboo busted into the room. The giant, three-headed, black-furred boxer raced past Wolfe and out the front door, barking like a maniac the entire time.
Wolfe glanced at his first card, and oldest companion, as he raced past.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Cereboo
Unique Beast/Infernal [Canine] Companion Effective Tier-7
0 Power
Health: 12
Attack: 5 x3
Defense: 7
Magical Attack: 7[Fire]
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Fungible [Beast, Infernal]: While in play, Beast and Infernal power may be spent as if they were the other.
Special: Infernal Slayer: +100% attack and magic attack against other Infernal cards.
Special: Preferred Typing [Beast, Infernal]: Gains all the better type matchups of both Infernal and Beast.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. Each card was given to a member of the Noimoire underworld.
A pup of Cerberus, who was born into a particularly frisky litter. Cereboo was the runtnot quite as strong, nor as tough, as his litter mates. But his heart was the heart of a huntsman, and the blood of Cerberus runs in his veins. He hunted across the fiery plains of the first infernal realm, chasing the damned who tried to escape their fates. Now, he chases many things, but his soul is still called to chase those who belong in the Infernal Realms.
A moment later, an eighteen-year-old girl came through the door. She had red eyes, long black hair, a long, ragged black dress and fingernails that were almost claws. The shadows swirled around her, a near-physical black energy.
Morning, Malviere, Wolfe said with a nod.
Alpha, she responded with a nod back, her voice eerie. Do we go to serve notice to evildoers that their day of justice approaches?
I think in this case were serving victims notice of when to come tell their story in court, actually. But yeah, its time to go work.
Malviere nodded her head, and Wolfe caught a glance of her card as she walked out as well.
Malviere, Conduit of Cerberus
Unique, Legendary equivalent, tier-11 equivalent Mortal/Infernal companion [Evolved Orphan, Canine]
0 Power [2-power equivalent]
Health: 20[22]
Attack: 2
Defense: 5[6]
Magical Attack: 9[Death]
Magical Defense: 15[16]
Special: Canine Leader[1]: All other [Canine] creature cards gain +1 to their non-Health stats while she is on the field
Special: Canine Rush[1]: Once per round, any one [Canine] card may take an extra attack or magical attack action.
Special: Canine Lord: [Canine] creature cards of other deckbearers will switch sides without returning their power.
Special: Canine Summoner[1]: All [Canine] creature cards cost 1 less power of any type to summon
Note: Malvieres on the field range is 350 feet.
Malviere cannot remember any life except that of acting as a conduit for the power of the great guardian of the gates to the Infernal, Cerberus. She aids his chosen hunters on the mortal plane, to bring back those whom Hell has lost.
Wolfe followed Cereboo out, Malviere falling in at his side. It occasionally still struck him as odd that, aside from Shel, the two beings he might be closest to were magic cards, not real people. Both were companion-type cards that could think and had memories and even goals.
He walked out of the front office of his business, Madison Private Investigations, and into the foyer of the Hellmouth Institute. The room had marble floors and wood-paneled walls, but the lighting was iron chandeliers with giving off soft red light and there were statues and pictures of Infernal Lords or Champions on the walls.
Wolfe hated the dcor, but he couldnt actually remove it from the Hellmouth Institute, so grudgingly accepted it. He pushed his way out of the heavy wooden doorcarved with a pentagram, because why notand out into the front parking lot.
Cereboo was already in the back of his new truck, his front feet on the reinforced roof of the front cab, one head looking back at Wolfe and the other two staring forward.
Elder brother is excited to hunt, Malviere said, her voice feminine, but with an otherworldly reverberation that made it scary.
She got rather powerful when she evolved, and her new form reflects it.
I think Elder brotherWolfe held up air quotesjust loves smelling the city. Were not hunting anyone.
Malviere shrugged, then asked a different question. Why isnt your other companion, the Obsessed Infernal Cultist, coming?
Wolfe shuddered slightly. He only had two actual companion cards, but his perk from Level Twenty-Five let him treat one evolved orphan as if it were also a companion card. He kept the Obsessed Infernal Cultist out because she let him play his Demonic Portal cards extremely cheaply. The card normally cost six power and summoned up to five power of Infernal Creature cards from a side deck. But the Obsessed Infernal Cultist reduced it by two. Wolfe had a second one in his deck as well, that would always be in his first hand, so he might be able to summon five power worth of creatures for two power, if things went optimally.
But that was only if he needed to fight. The rest of the time, the Obsessed Infernal Cultist was just a thoughtless, silent card that almost appeared to be a human woman, walking around and giving off an entire chasms worth of uncanny valley.
Wolfe left her home, most days. She didnt just disturb him, she bothered the people he worked with and served papers on as well.
If we need her, well bring her, Wolfe responded.
He went around the driver side door, and Malviere went to the front passenger side door. Before Wolfe could open the door, however, he heard a screech of tires and watched as a van came tearing around the corner from the street into his parking lot, almost tipping over as it did.
Wolfe touched his chest, pulling his deck, and at the same time grabbed his pistol from the holster.
Wolfe aimed his gun at the front of the van as it came flying up. But he shifted his aim when he saw a small, mousey, and terrified looking lady gripping the wheel, and the three cars that came tearing around the corner after her.
Shit. I should have kept the Companion Infernal Cultist around after all.
Demon Card Enforcer 3: Chapter Two: It Begins
Cereboo, ravage whichever fool sticks his head out first! Wolfe yelled.
Cereboo woofed in acknowledgement and ran in a loping curve toward the enemys cars,
rapidly pulling ahead of Wolfe.
Malviere, keep behind me and boost your brother, Wolfe continued.
Malviere took a few steps behind him.
Wolfe glanced down at his deck. As expected, his second Obsessed Infernal Cultist card was available, thanks to his library building card. He saw that he also had one of his Demonic Portal cards.
Normally, his perfect set up would be the Cultist followed by the Portal which would cost four-power for five power worth of creatures.
But Wolfe wasnt sure mo monsters was the play he should be making. He was pretty sure he was about to be wildly outnumbered by people carrying guns, which would chew through his creatures before they could get unbeatable synergy going.
He had two other cards, one of which was the card he planned to use insteadCerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds.
As the van tore at him, he rushed forward and to the side, praying to his patron that the woman driving wasnt an actor pretending to be scared to ambush him. Two people leaned from the back of the leftmost car and fired at him with pistols. Wolfes stomach clenched as the near misses stirred his hair.
Well, now I know who my enemies are for sure. Plus, Ill have no trouble with the police when I waste these fools.
From behind Wolfe, Malviere whispered, Get him, brother. Cereboo sped up wildly, almost as if he were a movie on fast forward while everyone else was just on play.
Wolfes dog cut in front of the leftmost car, behind the van, and leapt up and snatched one of the gunman in midair and dragged him to the ground. Both rolled across the parking lot, a pile of screams, snarls, and barks.
Wolfe was glad one was down, but kept his focus. The cars were right on the Vans tail, a mere hundred or so feet backthe timing was going to be tricky.
As soon as the van passed him, he touched the card at his chest, trying to put it perfectly into the gap between the van and its pursuers, where it would muck up their attack the most.
Cerberuss Home For Wayward Hellhounds
Unique Tier-1 equivalent Persistent
1 Infernal, 1 Beast, and 1 Any power
Special: Puppy Power: Any Beast with Puppy or Rescue in its title has +50% Attack and Defense.
Special: Summoner [Lost Hellhound Puppy L/5]: Generates a Lost Hellhound Puppy at no power cost every 30 seconds until Level/5 are on the field, rounded up.
Special: Savior [Beast]: If any opponent sacrifices a creature card type Beast, that card joins you instead of being destroyed until the fight ends.
Special: Heart of Gold [Beast]: You cannot sacrifice Beast cards.
This card is the only pound in existence that tries to find homes for the few Bad Doggos in the universe. Perhaps with proper attention, they too can be Good Boys.
As the card triggered, rocks rose from the asphalt without damaging it, and rifts of flame and cages formed in the middle of the rocksthe physical manifestation of the card.
The three cars skidded, the two outside ones turning left and right to avoid the obstacle. The last guy that had been hanging out of the car to shoot Wolfe dropped his gun and grabbed the side to keep from flying from his ride.
But the middle car smacked into the rocks, denting the front of the black sportscar. An airbag went off, and Wolfe guessed he had a few minutes before those jackasses rejoined the fight.
He stepped forward, putting a rock between himself and the rightmost car and rapid firing his STI Edge into the front windshield. Fortunately, the thugs hadnt gotten bulletproof windows. The windshield collected tiny, spiderweb-crack ridden holes, and the thugs collected red spots on their chests.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Neither moved, and the car slowed a bit as it rolled past Wolfe, drifting away without a driver. Wolfe stepped back into cover.
Wolfe was tempted to immediately go on the offense for the other cars worth of thugs, but didnt want to leave an enemy behind him.
He waited for a couple seconds behind the rocks of Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds. The instant the card summoned the first Lost Hellhound Puppy, Wolfe knew thirty seconds had passed.
He instantly played his second card. The Obsessed Infernal Cultist appeareda woman appearing roughly eighteen with long black hair who wore gray robes with vague pentagram-esque symbols on them and carried a dark grimoire.
Stay behind the rocks! Wolfe called out.
Heavy gunshots sounded out across the parking lot.
Wolfe risked a glance. Liamwho looked like red haired, red-bearded dwarf, only tallerwas running from the garage. Two angry hellhounds were running at his sideWolfe figured he must have heard the fracas and started summoning the same time Wolfe did. He had an automatic rifle in his hands and was firing at the rightmost car. Wolfe grimaced as a bullet from the return fire caught his mechanic and driver in the thigh, and Liam went down with a yell.
Shit!
To buy his allyand friendsome time, Wolfe switched out the magazine and fired at the other side of the car, plinking the metal and wounding a thug in the back driver seat. Everyone took cover.
The Hellhound Puppy rushed at the rightmost car, barking cutely. Cereboo picked himself off the asphalt, blood from the throat-torn corpse at his feet dripping from his central mouth. He ran at the middle car, leaping at the first thug who opened the door and stumbled, face already bloody and cut, from the backseat.
Wolfe serviced targets as he walked closer, relying on the STI Edge held in two hands to keep people down. He ran out of bullets and rapidly switched his last magazine in. Liam fired from the other side as his two Angry Hellhounds reached the car.
But the drivers side thug had a feel for the flow of combat. In the seconds that Wolfe left as he switched his magazine, the man leaned out the window and fired rapidly. Wolfe bit back a yell as sudden pain flared through his right bicep, and he dropped his gun just as he was bringing it back up to fire.
Wolfe followed his gun to the warm asphalt and swiped his cards, cussing when his second Demonic Portal wasnt in the pull.
But he did get his mantle, which might have been even more important. He slapped that on.
Master of the Infernal Hunt
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal Persistent [Mantle]
2 Infernal Power
+10 Health, +3 to all remaining stats.
Special: Cerberuss Champion: All other [Canine] Cards gain +5 Health and +1 to all other stats, and all [canine] cards gain advantage against Infernal cards.
Special: Versatile [Infernal]: This card alters to fit its wearer so long as they have at least 2 Infernal Power
Special: Grand Pack [Canine]: [Canine] cards do not count against cards on the field
Special: Favorable Fa?ade[Canine]: Count as a Beast[Canine] card for all purposes except type match penalties.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. One card is held by each of the crime families of Noimoire, and the sixth is held within the city by another.
Sometimes, the demons call a hunt on other demons, and a hunt master is always chosen to lead the chase.
Wolfe felt power as the mantle settled over him, and a faint red glow covered him. His wounds hurt less, the blood staunched, and Wolfe knew he would be far, far harder to hurt.
But it was nothing compared to what came nextHe heard Malvieres voice in his mind, wordless but urging him to great feats in Cerberus name. His movement accelerated and he snatched his gun from the ground. He fired rapidly upward, his hand tracking almost effortlessly at the heads barely visible over the windows. In just a few seconds, Wolfe executed both the back seat thugs with his gun.
It took him a moment to realize what had happened. I turned myself into a canine card for all purposes which includes Malvieres ability to double the attack rate of any canine cards Im guessing.
Wolfe assessed the battlefield as he placed his now-empty Edge on the ground and then rose to stand again. He raced toward the car that had slammed into the newly-grown rocks. Five thugs left at the mosttwo on the other side of the rightmost car unless Liam and his pups have already killed them. Then three left in the car that smashed into Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds.
It would normally be suicidal to charge gunmen in a car, even stunned ones in a crashed car, but Wolfe knew his mantle made him far more resilient.
A yip came, and a notification told him that one of his Hellhound Puppies had died.
Another surge of power hit Wolfe. He had a base eight in his attack and defense, modified by four each from the combination of mantle and his perksand for thirty seconds, he got an additional fifty percent because his Puppy card had died while he was counted as a canine card himself.
He reached the car, and with his double attack rate from Malviere and current eighteen attack with his bare hands, double-punched straight through the back and front passenger side window, killing both thugs by caving their skulls in.
His hands were undamaged.
The battlefield stilled, and Wolfe glanced around.
Cereboo had finished off the driver as well, and Liam and his dogs must have killed the two on the far side of the rightmost car, as there werent any more shots being fired.
Wolfe headed around the car he had just attacked and then ran toward Liam. As he did, he pulled his phone and put a call into his friend, Lieutenant Rhett Walker of the Joliet PD.
Hello? Wolfe? The uptight but masculine voice of Rhett answered on the other side.
Hey Rhett, Wolfe said. Ive got a bit of a problem here at the Hellmouth Institute, and Id prefer if you were first on the scene.
Lovely, Rhett muttered through the phone. Ill be there in thirty minutes. Its a bit of a drive.
Thanks, Wolfe said, and hung up.
It was gonna be a day.
Demon Card Enforcer 3: Chapter Three: One Week
Wolfe stared around at the carnage. Three cars, twelve bodies, and Liam was shot. Not to mention the lady in the van, which had stopped right near the front door to the Hellmouth Institute. But she wasnt moving, just clutching the steering wheel, so Wolfe headed toward Liam.
Cereboo and Malviere fell in beside him again as he moved. Cereboo was torn up from the fighting, so Wolfe unsummoned and resummoned his pup.
As Wolfe reached his friend, he saw the damage wasnt too bad. Liam had rolled over, and Wolfe could see that the leg wound wasnt spurting. That meant no artery had been hit and Liam would live.
Which was how Wolfe defined damage that wasnt too bad, after twenty years as a mob enforcer and slightly over two years as a vigilante.
As if on cue, Liam muttered, Im okay, and Ill be totally fine once Shel gets off work.
Wolfe chuckled and nodded. Shel having cards that can heal people probably also has a lot to do with my cavalier attitude toward non-life-threatening wounds. Shes brought me back from serious injury on quite a few occasions. And speaking of
Wolfe dialed Shel at her private number. She was at work as a new rookie in the Noimoire police department. Her phone rang three times, then went to answering machine.
Wolfe sighed. This didnt seem like the kinda thing you should leave on an answering machine, but Hey Shel, its WolWilliam. I just got attacked by three cars worth of thugs. Im alive, theyre dead. But Liam was shot. Itll hold till you get back. Rhett is on his way, but I think things are about to get interesting again. Love you, see you tonight.
Even after two years, it felt weird to him to tell someone he loved them, but he liked it.
Can you walk? Wolfe asked Liam.
Liam held his hand up, and Wolfe pulled him to his feet. Liam took a halting step, grimacing as he did. Hurts, but I can move.
Cover me then. Im almost positive whomever is in the van is not a threat, but just in case
Liam nodded, and touched one of the cards floating in front of him. A tier one Angry Hellhound appeared next to him, and he limped into formation with everyone behind Wolfe.
Ive got an entourage, Wolfe thought with a half laugh, glancing at everyone.
A mighty pack indeed, Malviere said in her otherworldly voice, as if reading his mind.
Wolfe walked up to van. He saw the woman inside was staring at him as he approached, meeting his eyes in the side mirror.
But her white-knuckled grip never left the steering wheel as Wolfe approached.
When he was nearly there, the lady whispered, Im not here to attack you. Please dont kill me, Wolfe.
Wolfe almost laughed at the most ridiculously obvious declaration before his brain ground to halt. She knows who I really am.
Ironically, her knowledge made him more wary, and Wolfe regretted that he was out of magazines for his Edge. But with his mantle on and Malviere out, he was still ridiculously dangerous. Not that he wasnt always dangerousbut especially so now.
Wolfe reached the window and stared inside. The woman in the drivers seat appeared older at first glance, with dark rings around her eyes and the first sign of wrinkles around their edges. But a second look, at her vibrant brown hair, youthful skin, and lack of any hang in her flesh, placed her in her late twenties. Wolfe was almost positive his first impression was because she had suffered terribly, or been in fear a long time.
The way she gripped the wheel confirmed it, and did the thick black hoodie and sweatpants she wore, that concealed most of her from gazing eyes.
She was breathing oddly, long deep breaths, a slow hold, then letting it go.
On her opposite side, a brain in a glass case, carried by a small, white wheeled frame, was buckled into the passenger seat. A card appeared over it. Shes a deckbearer.
Um, hello? Wolfe said.
I need your help, the woman whispered after a moment, still only staring at the side mirror rather than directly at Wolfe. I can make it worth your while.
Youre sounding crazier than a soup sandwich, Wolfe said. Or at least way ahead of where this conversation ought to be. Start at the beginning. Who are you?
Im Fern. Fern Wachowski. But thats not important. Whats important is that Adam is gone forshe glanced at the dashboardSix days, twenty-one hours, and thirty-two minutes more. Thats how long before he comes back and kills us both.
Wolfe frowned. Not helping the whole soup sandwich thing.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Fern took a deep breath, then whispered, The seat beneath me, the wheel Im gripping, the air conditioning.
Wolfe was getting impatient, but gave her a moment. While Fern breathed and talked to herself, he glanced back at the scene of carnage. I hope no one had heard the commotion and called the Noimoire police. I think theres a decent chance, since the lot has a lot of distance from everyone else. But gunshots are loud, and we fired off a ton of bullets in that fight.
Fern finished whatever breathing exercise she was doing and finally looked at Wolfe directly.
Im involuntarily working for Adam Delacruz, she said. You dont know him, but hes Caine Delacruzs father.
Wolfe remembered Caine, the man that had worked for Worldwide Decurionthe organization that had been trafficking criminals for organs and other nefarious purposes. Caine had been killed by Damian, technically, but only because Wolfe had been trying to kill them regardless.
I keep tabs on the remaining three crime families for him. Adam works with them. He plans to assassinate you a few weeks after he gets back because you killed his son, with the help of said families.
Fern slowly and deliberately released the wheel with one hand. She reached inside her hoodie pocket and pulled a USB drive out, handing it over to Wolfe. Everything I know about all their operations, which is a lot, is on that drive. Its yours.
Wolfe fingered the drive. Why?
You cant be working for Adam, since you killed his son. But I know youve been quietly looking into the crime families, who I want dead as wellbecause they support Adam, and for personal reasons as well.
That all sounds like personal reasons, but I dont need to know. So you want me to take this information and kill a ton of people?
Fern returned her hand to the wheel and stared ahead again, then recited in a monotonous voice, I investigated you after you killed Caine. I know youre keeping a growing list of everything you can about the crime families on your computerincluding lists of who has certain cards. I know most of your information is through Rachel Lyons, your girlfriend, who''s working for the Noimoire police department, since it matches the files in the police databases, mostly. I know about the Gate to the Underworld set. I think you aim to finish the other crime families off. I want that as well. This will help.
Wolfe raised his eyebrows at the recitation. Alright, I guess Im going back to storing information the old wayon paper. I had no idea someone was, or could, look at my personal computer. I wonder which idiot in my household downloaded what that let Fern look into things.
"What do you want in return? Wolfe asked.
She turned her head back again, staring at Wolfe with haunted eyes. Its yours. But I would want you to protect me from Adam, if you will. Hes coming for you, one way or another. But Ill still be safer with your protection than without, when he sends people after me in turn.
Hes going to send people after you?
Fern nodded.
Wolfe motioned to the Hellmouth Institute. And you want to live in a gigantic demonic building?
If I never see another symbol of Gabriel, Ill be happier.
Wolfe glanced at the symbol on the side of the van. He was almost positive it was a Divine symbol, but he didnt know which archangel it referenced. Not Gabriel, I guess. Huh.
Wolfe turned his attention back to Fern. Alright, well, you can stay here for now. I dont know thats its perfectly safe, but its something.
Fern turned the van off, slowly removed her seat belt, and stepped from the van. Wolfe took a few steps back to give her room as she exited. Something told him she wouldnt appreciate large people near her.
Fern glanced up at him once she had exited. She took a deep breath and whispered, You can do this, Fern. Anger is better than fear.
Wolfe raised an eyebrow, then glanced over at Liam, who rolled his eyes then shrugged. Wolfe silently chuckled to himself. Yeah, thats how I feel about this chick as well.
Fern took another deep breath and then looked up at Wolfe. I can do something else for you, as well. Im going to pull my deck, okay? Im not attacking you.
Sure, Wolfe responded.
Fern went through the motions of touching her chest over her heart and then pushing her hand out, fingers splayed.
Two cards with purple light, and another glimmering with gray light, appeared.
Golem and Psychic. Thats an odd combination.
Wrong cards, Fern said.
You should see my alpha trying to pull his mantle, Malviere murmured.
Fern didnt respond or acknowledge Malviere at all, just staring at the cards in front of her for a full minute, the time before you could switch into a new hand. Then she swiped the cards sideways. The three cards seemed to move sideways into nothing, and three more came from nothing to rest floating in front of her. Two were gray, and one purple.
She reached out and touched the purple card, and light flashed around her.
Ferns appearance changed. She now had long red hair, a freckled face, and green eyes, all on a roughly twenty-one-year-old body.
Wolfe blinked as he stared at a near-perfect copy of Shel, the love of his life.
I can change your appearance with my cards. It only works on any given deckbearer once per day, like healing cards, and my length of play for my cards is only five minutes but, for a tiny bit at least, we can disguise you.
Her appearance briefly shimmered, and Wolfe was looking at Fern again. Liam whistled. Thats useful. The gods put very few cards in that can affect the world outside the Great Game, you know.
A lot more this season, Fern replied, her voice stronger than it had been. But when its time to hunt, you can catch them unawares. For a bit, at least.
She reached back inside her hoodie pocket and glanced at her phone. Youve got six days, twenty-one hours, and twenty-seven minutes before Adam gets back. You have to clear the Noimoire underworld before then.
It was Wolfes turn to whistle. You dont think small, do you?
It has to be this way, Fern said.
Wolfe frowned. Im not sure I should launch a war of murder against the gangs Ive been giving thought to trying to get them all arrested, instead. Doing it thehe held up air quotesright way.
Fern started to tremble. You cant, Wolfe. Even if you had time, Adams connections will keep them on the street. And you dont have time. You wont live if they all go on the offensive at once, and neither will Rachel. Theyre going to do it soon, right after Adam gets back, like I just said. You have to finish them, now.
Youre sure? Wolfe asked. I thought I covered my tracks fairly well
Ferns breathing and speech were both speeding up. Look at the evidence I gave you! Its all there. If you wait for them to hit you, itll be too late. Then, once theyve killed you, Adam will have me back. Ill never escape again. My choices will be death or servitude forever, if he doesnt just torture me to death for my betrayal.
She paused her talk, almost choking as she hyperventilated. You have to, hit them, first. Now. For, both our, sakes. Please.
Demon Card Enforcer 3: Chapter Four: The Decision to Garden
The Joliet PD vehicle pulled to a stop in front of Wolfe, away from the huge mess. A huge mess that was starting to really smell in the unusually hot Joliet weather. The normal copper-and-shit smell of violent death was already being reinforced by the smell of rot and decay, and Wolfes nose wrinkled.
Hey Rhett, Wolfe muttered.
The door to the car opened and Rhett stepped out. Wholly crap, William. Even for you, this is impressive.
Just use my nickname Wolfe, Wolfe said.
Rhett grimaced. He appeared, as always, like the poster child for military recruitment. Rhett was of a height with Wolfe, six-foot-two, but even more muscular. He also had military cut hair, intense blue eyes, and chiseled features.
Even his police uniform looked ironed.
Rhett was probably one of Wolfes closest friends, and his most reliable after Shel, but he was also a bit much sometimes. Who irons their police uniform?
Rhett glanced around, his head taking in the scene while his body remained almost at attention. His nose also wrinkled at the smell.
What happened here?
"I was attacked by twelve guys in three cars, Wolfe responded. They drove in, shooting wildly and inaccurately, and I used Cerberuss Home for Wayward Hellhounds to cause an accident. Then Liam and I killed them allLiam had an assault rifle, and I have a very strong deck.
Rhett nodded. Thats it? Nothing else?
Wolfe consciously didnt let his gaze head to the garage, where Fern and her van were currently hiding. Nope. They just drove in and attacked me. I ended them. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
Rhett frowned at Wolfes flippancy. With anyone else Id assume you were hiding something, but you do have a lot of people that would want to off you for one imagined slight or another.
And a few real ones, Wolfe quipped again.
This time Rhett nodded as if that were sage commentary. Yeah, I could see you actually slighting a few people enough for them to murder you. I damn near wanted to when we first.
Heh, Wolfe muttered. Rhett had a point. But suffering fools had never really been Wolfes strong point
Before they could say anything else, the sounds of sirens interrupted their conversation.
Great, the fine boys in blue from the Noimoire PD are here, Wolfe muttered.
Rhett frowned again. Wolfe swore Rhett was gonna have wrinkles before he was forty, and he already had resting stern face.
"Cmon, you cant blame me for being irritated with the Noimoire PD, Wolfe said. Weve got history, them and I.
Most of the men that betrayed their oaths are dead or appealing life sentences, Rhett said. I think you should give the new ones a bit more credityour own girlfriend among them, I might add.
Wolfe rolled his eyes but held his tongue. On the one hand, Rhett was probably right. On the other, Wolfe had a long and contentious relationship with the police, and not even close to all of it had been Wolfes fault. Two of the biggest defining moments of his life had been thanks to utterly corrupt cops.
Wolfe and Rhett waited in companionable silence as the Noimoire police carseight of thempulled into his large parking lot.
Down, down, hands on your head! One shouted as he came out with his gun pointed at Wolfe.
Ive got this, officer! Rhett called out. Youre late. Were fine.
More and more police officers boiled out of the cars and headed for Wolfe. He sighed, and decided to comply with them, despite what Rhett had said. Wolfe went to his knees and laid on his stomach, hands behind his back, as the officers rushed him.
His mind was on Ferns words, however. Between this and what she had said, he already knew this was going to be a whole thing.
***
Six days, fourteen hours, and nineteen minutes, Fern muttered where she sat at the center of the dining table, surrounded by Wolfes allies, a newly purchased laptop in front of her.
Would you stop doing that? Wolfe muttered back.
Shel laughed. Wolfe paused for a moment and appreciated his wonderful, beautiful girlfriend. She was gorgeous, with brilliant red hair, equally intense green eyes, and youthful, tanned skin. But Wolfe had been with beautiful women before.
What really made Shel special was that she was truly kind and supportive of Wolfe, a fundamentally good person. Raphael, a Divine Lord, known as the Archangel of Kindness, had picked her as a chosen deckbearer, and that choice made sense to anyone that spent time with Shel.
Liam and Malviere kept quiet.
Wolfe probably shouldnt be so irritated at Fern. She had obviously had some seriously bad things happen to her. But, it had been a long day, and Fern had brought that day to him.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
Rather than going to serve papers, as he first planned, Wolfe had instead spent hours talking to police officers. With Rhett there, things had gone better than expected, but twelve bodies was still twelve bodies.
Wolfe hadnt told anyone about Fern the whole time. Hed just repeated his story that gangbangers ambushed him outside his residence, and that he, Liam, and their decks had fought them off. Since Fern had been hiding in her car past the fight the whole time, the crime scene bore out his story.
After being handcuffed, Wolfe had been arrested, over Rhetts objection. The Noimoire police officers had been relatively solicitous, but theyd still stuck him in the back of a car and interrogated him. The investigation had taken hourscoroners, detectives, blood-spatter guys.
Only when it was discovered that two of the men had been men arrested at the warehouse where Wolfe had put an end to the human trafficking operation had things gotten better. After that discovery, the police had pretty quickly convinced themselves everything had just been a retaliatory hit against Wolfe.
But finally, the scene had been cleanedmostly, Wolfe was gonna have to hire someone to power wash his parking lotand everyone had gone home. Including Wolfe.
So, youve all heard it, Wolfe said. The question isdo I start murdering people?
Continue murdering people, my alpha, Malviere said in her otherworldly voice.
From under the table, Cereboo whuffed a couple of times from multiple heads. Wolfe swore his dog was laughing at him. Wolfe was never sure how much Cereboo really understood, and most of the time his pooch acted like a normal pooch. But Cereboo could clearly follow complicated commands shouted in English. So he probably understood a lot, actually.
He also gave Malviere the stink-eye. Ever since his card had evolved, sheit?had gained a sense of humor. A dark sense of humor, and she occasionally poked Wolfe, as well. Not least of which by calling him alpha, which always sounded to Wolfe like the title an edgy thirteen-year-old would revel in.
I think you have to, Liam said. The evidence that Fern showed us was pretty convincing. Theyve already paid people to be available to take you out. I mean Its not really even hitting them first at this point. Theyve literally paid multiple assassins to take you out in a few weeks.
Shel, her eyes sad, nodded. And, well, theres Cerberuss message.
Cerberuss message? Malviere asked, intrigued. Liam also perked up in interest.
Wolfe sighed. I was told, when I received this deck, that if I didnt get all six cards, whomever did would pretty much destroy the city, or maybe just make it evil. It was a bit cryptic.
You talked to the gods? Liam asked, wide-eyed.
More like the gods talked at me, Wolfe replied. Although I was hardly handed a list of Cerberuss commandments.
No one said anything.
Thats it, then? Wolfe asked. Shel, you dont have an opinion that we should do things Rhetts way?
Shel shook her head, her face tragic. No. I want to do it the right way. I really, really do. I desperately dont want to risk or lives, freedom, and careers again. But Adam is the third most important politician in Illinois, a multiple time war hero
For the Confederacy, at least the first time, Liam muttered.
Shel nodded as she continued, and hes a billionaire. Theres no way were taking him down fully in a legal manner. And all the crime families have obviously, openly decided to kill youas has Adam himself.
Wolfe was legitimately surprised at how easy Shel was going along with this. That had been his single biggest concern with going on the offensivethat Shel would be upset.
But with her on the side of murdering everyone well, the card had been played.
Alright, then, how do we do this? Wolfe asked.
Fern turned the computer around. It had lists of the living locations of prominent members of all three gangs, places they conducted their illicit activities or kept the profits of same, and had vague schedules and protections for most of the prominent members.
The Singh and Renfeldt families, Wolfe could immediately see, were going to be problems.
But the Weeds, a loose collection of criminals much like the Cobras had been, were going to be less of a problem. It looked like their leader, the aging Chester Ambroise, travelled with few guards.
Wolfe knew the Weed gang. Looks like the petty thievery and fencing guys didnt feel like they would be attacked.
Fern nodded. Theyve picked up a lot of the drug trade that the Grimm family lost, and they have multiple deckbearers. I have learned that its not Chester that has the card youre looking for, its his younger brother, Pierre. Who specifically handles the drug transactions now.
Is he a harder target than his older brother? Wolfe asked.
Fern shook her head. No. At least, not usually. Tonight, after midnight, theyll both be on the Noimoire docks, moving product.
Tonight, you say? Wolfe asked.
Yes.
Do they have the usual agreements to keep the police away in place?
Fern nodded, and Wolfe stroked his chin before putting his hand down.
One last question. Do you know how strong they are?
Fern glanced down. Only kinda. Chesters had his deck for almost forty years, like your boss once did. Its a Nature and Beast deck. His brother just got his Infernal deck in this last drop, gifted of Belphegor, Infernal Lord of Sloth.
Are they good fighters? Wolfe asked.
Fern waggled her hand back and forth with ambiguity, still not meeting Wolfes eyes. Theyre both older, so I doubt theyre personally tough. I also dont know how many levels theyve made. I would bet almost anything that Pierre is a lot lower than you. But Chester could be very high quite easily, higher than you certainly. Hes had twenty times as long to level. Plus, they both made a lot of money over the last two years, both from picking up where the Grimm family failed and from working for Adam. They could have some very strong cards. They have a couple other deckbearers with them as well, although they dont just keep them around as guards.
Wolfe glanced at Shel, who shrugged. Im sure the three of usyou, me, and Liamcan handle them.
Wolfe shook his head. I need to do this alone.
Shel frowned and started to open her mouth.
Wolfe cut her off. Youll be nearby, with Fern, in case something goes wrong. But I need her illusions. This has to be an extremely fast hit, and it has to be unknown who did it.
They might figure out I was behind it, Fern said. I mean, they know I hacked them once.
Wolfe smiled a sharks smile. That sounds like a story. But will Adams people admit to the gangs and mob families that youre gone? Without some extra reason?
Fern smiled, the first time Wolfe has seen her do so. No. No they will most definitely not. Adam hates to admit weakness.
So, were in the clear, Wolfe said, still baring his teeth. I mean, you keep saying Ive got six days. So thats three days per family, with illusions and youre pre-existing access to keep them confused, right?
The hunt will be good, Malviere said. But what about your other packmates? Like Rhett?
Wolfes smile slipped. Rhett will absolutely not be down with this, and we shouldnt let him know anything. Ever. Under any circumstances.
What about the vampire? Malviere asked.
It took Wolfe a moment to get what she was talking about. Miriam?
Malviere nodded, and Shel perked up as well.
You know, she might be helpful somehow Ill give her a call.
Wolfe glanced at everyone, his heart racing with excitement and fear both. And then we hunt.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Five: Here we go Again
Wolfy, is that you? came the sultry voice from the other end of the phone, although Wolfe could hear the semi-hidden sardonic edge to her voice. Miriam always sounded like she was having a subtle laugh at the world.
Wolfe rolled his eyes. Yeah, its me. I want to meet to talk, and Im on extremely tight timeline. Its important.
Well, since its important, Ill have one of my boys drive me over in the limo with the tinted windows, Miriam said. You know how much I hate to have the sun touch my fair skin.
Lets meet somewhere else. It might not be the best for your health if were seen together, before things.
Ooh, you know how to excite a girl, Miriam said, her voice faux breathy. Perhaps we can meet at the local Deckburger?
Wolfe ground his teeth. Recently, Miriam had learned the story of Wolfe and Shels early stops at a Deckburger, and had been bringing it up constantly.
How about we just meet at in front of my old house? Wolfe responded. We both know where that is.
Oh, Wolfe, you tease, Miriam said and laughed. Gonna make me eggs for breakfast again?
Hanging up now, Wolfe replied, and did.
Shel smiled. Always a character, huh?
Wolfe nodded. Alright, lets go let her know whats happening. Fern, you should come with us.
Fern started. Are you sure?
Wolfe nodded. Miriam is an ally. Youll be safe. You told me you had access to the business dealings of the gangs through Adam, I knowbut Miriam launders all their money and might know more, or have access you dont.
Fern nodded, clutching her laptop to her chest.
***
Six days, seven hours, and fourteen minutes, Fern muttered quietly as she stared out the window of the van they were all in.
It was nearly midnight, and the city streets outside the van were dark, both from the fog rolling in off the lake and from the lack of streetlights. All of Noimoire was dangerous, but some parts hid it beneath glitz and glamour. The part they were in now, the poorest parts near the old docks, didnt have the energy left to hide what it was.
Most of the lights werent functioning, most likely because theyd been looted for their copper by the local meth heads. Despite that and the fog, Wolfe could make out a few people on the streets outside. The first were a pair of men sitting fairly far apart that were almost certainly drug dealers. Down the street from them was a woman with a young body that Wolfe would bet had an old face, dressed in a miniskirt that would have left only a tiny bit to the imagination in the daylight. Last, but not least, a thin, nerdy guy in a damned white polo was walking the street, probably looking for drugs for some party.
But no police. Miriam was arranging a few incidents near them, but away from the docks, to distract the police even further away.
Wish that idiot with the polo would leave, Wolfe muttered.
No one responded to that anymore than they had responded to Fern muttering how much time they had before Adam got back. The tension in the van was palpable. They were all staring at the small collection of cars at the far end of the dock, and the boat in the water just past the end of the dock. Multiple people were loading and unloading stuff from the ship.
Wolfes phone buzzed, and he picked it up.
Its as go as I can make it, Miriam said without her usual flirty banter, the tension in her voice notable as well.
Wolfe hung up.
Malviere and Wolfe paused, creepy Obsessive Cultist, with me. Cereboo, stay back a bitIll call you if needed, but youre more recognizable.
Wolfe opened the door to the van and stepped out, and Shel slid into the drivers seat. Good luck my love, Shel said, her voice faux casual.
Wolfe patted the new knife at his belt. Ill make my own luck.
Malviere opened the back door and the Obsessive Cultist and Cereboo both slipped out. The Obsessive Cultist walked close to Wolfe. He frowned as he glanced at her. She appeared to be an eighteen-year-old woman with black hair and pale skin carrying an eldritch tome. But she was creepy in the extremeher eyes never flickered around, she never said anything, and her face rested placidly.
Malviere, in contrast, looked excited.
My first true hunt since I became the real me, she said, her voice reverberating with a darkness, the hint of the howls of damned souls in it.
Yes. But be quiet, Wolfe said. Shes almost as creepy as the Dead-eyed cultist, in her own way. Scarier, really.
Fern leaned out the window and touched her hand to her chest, pulling her deck. Wolfe dismissed the notification, hoping no one was close enough to see it. It wouldnt be a problem for himhis deck contained an evolved Bulgae Chaser, which hid his deck pull from notifying anyone.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
Fern must have gotten her card in the first pull, because she touched a purple card in front of her, and magic settled around Wolfe. He watched as his hair lengthened, became blond, and his skin shifted to a pasty white. His nails lengthened, one cracked, and it appeared as if dirt appeared under them. His clothing appeared older and baggier, dark gray with wine stains on them.
You made me into a hobo.
Itll be good, trust me. The gray will be harder to spot, and maybe people will think this was a drug hit by a crazy person, Fern responded. Now go, please. The five minutes are counting down.
No one is going to think Im a hobo when Im using cards, Wolfe thought. But it didnt matterall that mattered was they wouldnt recognize him. So he just nodded to Fern and took off into a jog, Malviere and the Obsessed Cultist running behind him.
He crossed the street and headed toward the huge parking lot surrounding the docks, shaking his head as he went. I remember being ambushed at this dock by the Cobrasand guarding product shipments on multiple other occasions.
But now it was his turn to ambush people at the dock. Turnabouts fair play.
Wolfe kept low, hoping the night fog would hide him. He made it to the edge of the parking lot, half-hiding behind one of the defunct streetlights. A quick look revealed littlejust vague shapes loading and unloading on the ship.
Wolfe was tempted to sneak up slowly, but he knew his illusion had a time limit. He pulled his deck, reveling in the fact he wouldnt inform anyone. He immediately summoned his second Obsessive Cultistthe one guaranteed to be in his first hand because of his new building card, the Infernal Library Wing of the Hellmouth Institute.
Obsessive Infernal Cultist
Rare, tier-8 Mortal/Infernal Creature [evolved orphan, priest]
1 Infernal Power
Health: 9
Attack: 1
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 4*[Infernal]
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Infernal Portal Summoner [2]: Any Infernal card with the word Portal, Gate, or Summon costs 2 less power of any type to play.
Special: Sacrificial [3]: This card may be sacrificed for three power of any type to be used for one summoning.
This cultist has grown up in an Infernal church, and its every commandment and mystery is dear to her heart.
With two of the Obsessive Infernal Cultists out, Wolfe could now use his Demonic Portal card for two powerand that card summoned five power of Infernal Creatures from a side deck he had established.
Wolfe took a chance, waiting the thirty seconds to get the next summon. Each Demonic Portal card allowed Wolfe to create a side deck of five creature cards, and they all stacked together. Even though Wolfe had only a fifteen-card deck, two of them were Demonic Portal cards now, which let him maintain a ten-creature-card side deck. Wolfe had a lot of interesting options, now, in the creature department.
He had a few extra Demonic Portal cards at home, and when he had five really good cards, and enough leveling pips to up his hand size and deck size at the same time, he was going to expand the deck again.
Wolfe used the Demonic Portal card, and brought forth two creatures from the side deck that having demonic portals allowed him to create.
The first was a Hellhound Puppy, which he left in the greater pack to guard the Obsessive Cultists. Then he summoned a new creature from his side deck, one he was almost positive no one had seen beforeand the costliest card he had in his deck.
Black smoke boiled from the point he had summoned it, spreading over fifty feet in every directionthe insubstantial body of the demon, which quickly engulfed Wolfe and his team of cards, the smoke not quite touching them at any point. Wolfe glanced at the card.
Smoke Demon
Rare Tier-1 Infernal Creature
2 Infernal, 2 Any power
Health: 13
Attack: N/A
Defense: N/A
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 11
Special: Incorporeal: Physical attacks cannot hit.
Special: Choking 50: All enemies that need to breathe suffer -2 to all stats within 50 of the Smoke Demon, and take 1 true damage every 30 seconds.
Special: Sacrifice Obscured [3]: This creature may be sacrificed at any time. If it is, for the minute and a half after, no creature may attack any deckbearer or creature if within 250 of the spot of death, and vision is reduced to 5.
I suppose, where theres smoke, theres fire. Or in these buggers case, where theres hellfire, theres smoke.
Wolfe had added quite a few cards to his side deck, including ones hed gained from Damian, or had bought with all the things he had sold from Damians deck. The Smoke Demon was just one of them, but it had been quite expensive. It had a few situations where it would be extremely useful.
Wolfe ran, inside his own Smoke Demon, as it rolled forward. He hoped that in the dark it would seem only a darker patch of fog. His entire group followed, obscured, Cereboo at the very back of the Smoke Demon.
Wolfe saw the first member of the Weeds gang ahead, a lookout leaning against a car, staring bored out into the darkness. As the smoke roiled forward, the thug straightened a little, fingering his gun.
But he was slow to realize the threat and the smoke rolled across him. Immediately, the thug began to choke and cough, briefly trying to cover his face with his hand.
Wolfe eschewed his usual STI Edge in favor of grabbing his new knifea huge hunting blade. He rushed from the smoke, and the thug opened his mouth to cry out.
Too slow. Wolfe slammed his knife up under the chin of the thug, not quite killing him in a single hit, but utterly incapacitating him. The thug fell down, choking on magical smoke and his own blood both.
Malviere ran up, and grabbed the darkness that swirled around her. She moved her hand toward the thug violently, and the darkness parted. A spectral dog lunged out and bit the thug where he lay, near dead, on the ground.
The spectral dog didnt inflict a physical wound, but the man stilled, his flesh graying, and rot wafted from him.
Wolfe got a no-experience kill notification for the thug.
My first personal kill during a hunt, Malviere said.
Wolfe glanced at the quickly rotting body. Congrats. Do you eat what you kill?
Gross, Malviere said, half-gagging. The most human reaction Wolfe had nearly ever seen from her, outside of her appreciation of rare steak.
Julio? Came a call from outside the smoke, deeper into the fog, toward the ramp onto the boat.
Ah, shit, Wolfe said. He hated it when the low-level thugs were smart about stuff. Lets go!
Wolfe rushed across the parking lot toward the man that had called out.
The man yelled again, louder. Julio? Answer me, man!
Wolfe briefly saw the man at the bottom of the ramp, gun out, staring in confusion and growing horror as the smoke rushed him. Just before it hit, the man raised his gun and fired rapidly and blindly into the smoke.
He missed Wolfe, but a yip and notification of death told him that at least one bullet had found his Lost Hellhound Puppy.
The yells around the boat told him that his surprise had been lost.
Chapter Six: Pulling Weeds
Wolfe pulled his Edge. The thug that had shot the pup barely had time to widen his eyes as Wolfe stepped forward out of the smoke and blasted the thug in the chest with three clustered shots.
The thug somehow managed to stay upright long enough to take two steps backward. That despite massive amounts of blood pouring from the holes in his chest and what had to have been outrageous static shock. He collapsed off the end of the pier in the tiny space between the boat and the docks with a splash.
Furious hacking and coughing came from the edge of the boat as multiple thugs lined up and shot into the semi-darkness around Wolfe. One grazed his arm, doing two damage, and he cussed, firing wildly at his assailants to keep their heads down as he ran up the ramp.
One thug died as a spectral mastiff flew up from the pier and bit the thug, and he got a notification that Malviere had killed him. Wolfe kept shooting as he ran full tilt up the boat and managed to catch one thug in the face, blowing his head off.
However, Wolfes lunatic charge, despite the fog and the smoke demon, put him in the open for crucial seconds. A red-hot pain ripped through him as a bullet tore through the flesh of his side, and Wolfe nearly fell off the ramp, slamming into the railing at the side of boat entrance and falling back down the ramp.
Wolfe let go of his gun and grabbed the ramp to keep from going into the lake, which would have brought his rampage to an endand probably ended him as well. He managed to stabilize and not get shot again long enough to flip his deck and touch a second Demon Portal card. He almost summoned his usual but went for two more of his odd cards again, still hoping to get through this without any stragglers reporting who had really attacked the Weeds.
He summoned a Chain Demon and an Annoying Imp, each of which was in the deck because of an unusual feature it provided.
Chain Demon
Uncommon Tier-1 Infernal Creature
3 Infernal Power
Health: 25
Attack: 6 x3
Magical Attack: 0
Defense: 8
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Forced Confession: If total damage dealt to any target exceeds half that targets Health, the target is rendered immobile. If held immobile, the target must truthfully answer all questions put to him.
The inquisitors of the Infernal Realms have far more tools at their disposal than their mortal counterparts.
The brief puff of red energy that heralded the Chain Demon cleared to reveal a creature that was nearly ten feet tall, wreathed in chains, with a few moving away from the mass of the body like tentacles. It stood over Wolfe protectively as Wolfe clutched the damp and dirty ramp up into the boat while his side bled.
The Annoying Imp was a mere two feet tall, red with slight horns and wings that appeared to small to support its weight in the air. It appeared at the top of the ramp, and its card revealed its two tricks, tricks that Wolfe hoped would save himTaunting and Dodge [3]. The creature forced every other creature to attack it, and it had a seventy-five percent chance to avoid any physical attack.
But instead of a creature appearing, the air around Wolfe grew cold. A snowflake fell onto his arm, and as he stared at the field around him more fell, obscuring things even further.
Wolfes opponent, who he hadnt even seen yet, had played an unexpected cardDemeters Finale.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Demeters Finale
Legendary Tier-3 Nature Persistent
2 Nature Power
This card gives advantage to all cards with the words Unseelie, Winter, Ice, Snow, Blizzard, or Cold in its title or keywords, and everything else is treated as if it had disadvantage against all targets. All other advantages, disadvantages, and resistances are ignored by all cards. (Immunity is unaffected.)
Any card that inflicts damage with the Cold type gains 3 Magical Attack.
The creatures are almost certainly going to be coming, Wolfe thought. But the real problem was that with type disadvantage, every one of Wolfes creatures would inflict half damage against everything they attacked, making it harder to clear the thugs and get to his real targetsChester and Pierre Ambroise.
The dulling but still agonizing pain in his side reminded Wolfe that he was already down to eleven of his thirty-two healtha normal mortal would have died already from the damage sustained.
He hit a second card in his deck, pulling Brimstone, one of his paired set of magical guns, and fired along the boat, keeping the thugs heads down as he lurched back to his feet and onto the ship deck proper, off the ramp.
The Annoying Imp was shot in the first couple seconds as Wolfe made it to the top, but the Chain Demon followed him, and most of the thugs foolishly fired at the Chain Demon.
But two shot at him, and he hit the deck and rolled around the edge of a metal shipping crate to avoid being hit.
On the deck, at the edge of the swirling fog near the front of the boat, two creatures appeared. One was titled Winter Witch and the other was titled Carnage Demonand its card showed a four power cost.
I need to change this dynamic fast, Im already losing.
Mentally, Wolfe summoned Cereboo and Malviere bothhis plays werent working well enough.
Then he detonated his Smoke Demon, triggering the five-foot visibility and creatures cant attack functions.
Immediately, the smoke everywhere thickened. Wolfe managed to stop from coughing. This smoke may not be damaging, per se, but it cant be good for me. Ninety seconds to change things up.
He dismissed the remaining creature cardthe Chain Demonto recover the mana as he kept behind the crate. The rate of fire dropped off, and people calling names, like this was a demented game of Marco Polo, started.
I guess its almost a game of Marco, Polo. Where the losers die.
Wolfe swiped his deck, almost cheering when he saw the card he wantedhis Mantle. If anyone sees this theyll likely put one and two together. I need to end this fast.
He touched his Master of the Hunt mantle card, which settled over him, giving him renewed vitality and increased ability both. As well as speed from Malviere, if her ability would work without line of sight.
Energized, Wolfe ran around the opposite side of the crate. Twenty-one health againless than my starting amount, but more than a normal chump, anyway. And my stats are far higher.
He almost immediately ran into a thug who stared at him wide-eyed. The thug had long, dirty-blonde hair and a pock-marked face. Wolfe punched the druggie-looking obstacle in the sternum before the thug could pull bring his gun up. Wolfe felt bones snap beneath his empowered strike, and the man collapsed, eyes bugging, to briefly claw at his chest, mouth open, before dying.
Wolfe ignored the corpse and kept going. He knew the thug hadnt signed off on killing him, but he worked for the Weedsa criminal organization that had signed off on killing him. The thug had voluntarily joined this life, and had reaped what hed sown.
Fuck around and find out.
He did hit his next cardHellfire. A second infernal gun appeared in his other hand, and his attack went to eighteen, which was an absurd level, doing something like five times the damage a normal chump with a gun would do.
Wolfe rounded the corner of the crate. He couldnt see anything, being effectively blinded from the thick smoke, fog, and snowflakes. He raised Brimstone and Hellfire and dual-fired off a couple rounds into the smoke back in the direction of the docks. He didnt wait, running past and behind the next crate in the line. Wolfes random aggression was rewarded with a yell and a death notification both.
Wolfe continued to run past, headed for the end of the ship. Since he hadnt seen either Chester or Pierre at the loading area, his next best guess was that they were near where the creatures had appearedthe front of the boat.
He dashed through the thick smoke, heading past all the crates and along the side as the boat narrowed.
Wolfe slammed into someone running the other way, no time to slow or change direction as his enemy appeared. The middle-aged man with a salt-and-pepper rock star hairstyle was bowled to the ground as Wolfe hit him, slamming backward hard into the deck on his back, gun out.
Wolfe only needed a third of a second to assess the situationjust a fraction less than the man he hit, who was obviously Pierre Ambroise.
He fired downward with both his Infernal pistols before Pierre managed to fire upward, and blew his targets chest open in a massive splash of blood and bone.
A deck of cards appeared in the cavity of his opponents torso, but before Wolfe could react at all, another man came lunging from the smoke, shirt pulled up across his mouth.
The older man with the gray ponytail reached out and touched Wolfe with one hand while another touched a card.
A blast of ice exploded across Wolfe from the point that Chester Ambroises hand lay on his arm.
Demon Card Enforcer Three, Chapter Seven: Four of Demons
Wolfe grit his teeth, nearly screaming as cold so intense it burned right through him. His Magical Defense was a nine, currently, and the attack did eleven actual damage, dropping him to fourteen Health.
He also dropped Brimstone and stumbled two steps back, and he gained penalties to his stats.
But he didnt drop Hellfire.
As Chester walked forward, a smug smile on his face, pulling his own gun up. Wolfe didnt give him the chance. He swung the butt of his Infernal pistol at his opponent and connected just as Chesters eyes were widening in surprise.
Wolfe had expected it to kill him in a hit with his increased stats, but he forgot about the disadvantage that he carried from Demeters Finale. Rather than doing fifty percent more damage against mortals, he did half damage.
Ice shattered around Chester Ambroises face and the hit sent Chester sprawling sideways into the boat railing to collapse on his side.
Apparently, he also has a mantle.
Neither Wolfe nor Chester hesitated. Chester ignored his gun in favor of touching a card and reaching for Wolfes ankle, scrambling on all fours to reach Wolfe. Wolfe was faster. Propelled by the supernatural speed that Malviere provided, he leapt back and rapid fired into Chesters head, shoulders, and back.
Chester grunted at the first two and then screamed out, Let me live, Ill before the third shot sent him to the ground, whimpering. Wolfes fourth shot stilled him, and Wolfe made nearly a level-and-a-half.
Wow he was higher level than I thought. Shame he didnt die better. That felt slimy.
Wolfe knew damn well Chester was a horrible human being whose legacy was hundreds if not thousands of shattered lives, but shooting a man to death over a long enough period to let him start begging felt ugly.
Wolfe shook it off. Hed seen people suffer far more for far longer. And the sporadic gunfire around the smoke and fog filled night told him the thugs were still hunting him, or perhaps trying to fight Malviere. Either way, he needed to move.
He reached down and grabbed the pile of cards from Chesterit was larger than any pile hed grabbed before. Then he took the pile from the chest cavity of Pierres corpse.
Forty cards stared at Wolfe, a mix of Infernal red, Beast brown, and aquamarine Nature cards.
Wolfe wasnt sure if the two decks together were a better haul than the one hed gotten from Damian, but he bet itd be close either wayand he already had a fourth card from the Gates to the Underworld set.
At least he assumed he did.
Before Wolfe could check to be sure, a notification popped up, telling him that the obscuring effect from the smoke was gone. The fog would limit visibility, but once the physical smoke cleared, it wouldnt limit it enough to stop the thugs from emptying their magazines in Wolfes direction.
And he had seconds left on the disguise as well.
Wolfe carefully tucked every card into his jacket and zipper the interior pocket, took a deep breath, and ran at the front of the boat. He leapt up onto the railing and then hurled himself of the end of the boat, counting on his massively increased stats and Malvieres boost to carry him through.
He hit the water like missile, diving deep, and then swam as hard as he could, powered by his magics, toward the next pier over.
***
Wolfe, soaking and freezing, followed by a newly resummoned Malviere and an unharmed Cereboo, tapped on the back window of the van.
Fern nearly shrieked and started hyperventilating. Shel leaned way over from the drivers seat and opened the back door. She gave Wolfe a fearful-eyed once over before seeing that he was, if not unharmed, at least going to live. She touched her own chest and willed her deck into existence even as she straightened up and then patted Fern on her shoulder. Its alright, its just Wolfe. Youre fine. Youre fine.
Ferns breathing slowed, and she started her routine of naming things.
Wolfe ignored that and stepped into the van leaving wet footprints in the carpet and then sat in the drivers
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Howd it go? Are you okay? Shel asked, giving Wolfe a glance in the rearview mirror as he transferred what was practically half of Lake Wisconsin from his clothing to the beat seat of the van.
Im alive, theyre dead, and Ive got their cards, Wolfe said, patting his jacket with a squelching sound. Plus, Id bet no one identified me. So, wounds aside, Id say it was a damned successful run.
Cereboo leapt into the van and immediately headed to the far back, and Malviere took a seat in the row behind Wolfe.
He had unsummoned the Obsessive Cultist a while ago.
Shel touched a card, and a Veteran EMT card appeared next to Wolfe on the seat. The veteran healed him for eight health. Then two rookie EMTs, both tier-two now, appeared and healed Wolfe for eight each as welldoubling the four a tier-two could heal because a Veteran was on the field.
The twenty-four Health was enough to heal every wound Wolfe had, and he sighed in pleasure despite still being half-frozen from the lake. His arm healed, his side healed, even the graze to his shoulder and various bruises disappeared.
Better than sex, Wolfe muttered.
Shel laughed and arched an eyebrow at him in the mirror. Its not an exclusive service, you know. You can have both.
Wolfe laughed throatily. He admitted to himself that he felt a desperate need for Shel after surviving his fight and having his wounds removed.
He glanced at Fern, who was huddled on the front passenger seat, arms around her legs, muttering to herself. Although thats a bit awkward to talk about at this exact moment.
But it was moot, as Wolfe felt another need more pressingly than any mere carnal desire.
He unzipped the inside of his jacket and pulled out the decks he had taken.
Shel turned to stare at them excitedly, and even Fern was pulled from her anxiety enough to turn and stare. Malviere moved to hover over Wolfes shoulder, staring.
He quickly cycled through them, seeing multiple cards that would be fascinating to deal with, both Beast and Infernal.
But finally, he came to the card he wanted.
Conduit of the Infernal Six
Unique Legendary-equivalent, Tier-three equivalent Infernal Enhancer
0 Power
This card will alter its stats to fit the most prevalently mentioned lord of the six that sent these cards to whichever lord is mentioned most by other cards in the deck. If none are present, this card gives +5 Health.
Special: Gate to the Infernal: If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Infernal Building Card or evolve Cereboo. Each card was given to a member of the Noimoire underworld.
Wolfe brought his deck out, looking for which card to replace. He was cognizant that he would almost certainly need to increase his deck size soontoo many of his cards were becoming null cards or were in for very specific things they did to the deck rather than putting a creature on the field.
There simply wasnt room to add anything to his deck.
He had his two companions and his three set cards, which by themselves occupied five of his fifteen card slots. He had the second Obsessive Cultist which was always picked first to drive the cost of his Demonic Portal cards down, of which he had twohis only way to put non-orphan creature cards on the field. He had his Bulgae Chaser evolved orphan which prevented his deck from being detected when he pulled it and was a strong card on its own.
Of the remaining six, three were his mantle and the paired Infernal Guns cards. Then he had the Infernal Library card, which was the other half of his Obsessive Cultist trick, his enhancer card, Caretaker of the Lost, and Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds, his Infernal-Rift-enhanced No Kill Pound, which, in addition to summoning lots of Canine cards gave him some ability to shape the battlefield.
Wolfe had three leveling pips, and was damn close to a fourth. But just to up his deck size, hand size, and add a single enhancer slot he would need six leveling pips.
Wolfe sighed and spent two of his pips to add an enhancer slot, and then, temporarily, removed the second Obsessive Infernal Cultist by switching it for the new set card.
Then he swiped cards till it came back up.
Conduit of the Infernal Six
Unique Legendary-equivalent, Tier-three equivalent Infernal Enhancer
0 Power
This card grants advantage against Infernal to the deckbearer and all creature and companion cards in the deckbearers deck. Additionally, any cards in the deck with the word Hellhound in their title gain +1 to all stats.
Special: Gate to the Infernal: If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Infernal Building Card or evolve Cereboo. Each card was given to a member of the Noimoire underworld.
Wolfe quickly described it for Shel, and she started the van up.
As they drove, she briefly glanced back in the mirror. Are you going to add it to your deck?
Wolfe nodded. I mean, yeah, Id be a fool not to. But I need to get more cards in the deck soonevery card I have is critical to my build, and at a minimum Im going to want three more spots for the set cards and two more Demonic Portals. I need more levels.
Shel nodded. Well, we can always go to that dungeon we learned about when Malviere became an evolved orphan at Tier-ten.
I thought we still hadnt found the actual entrance, Wolfe replied.
Shel shook her head and passed her phone back. Miriams team finally found it, sorry. She called this morning. Its a Volcano Dungeon she said, so I assume elemental. Hopefully a team of us could handle it.
You have to kill the others before Adam returns, Fern said quietly.
Wolfe stared at the phone, then looked at Fern. One is down. We still have six daysmaking three levels so I can up my deck will be fine.
He passed the phone back. Let Miriam know well meet her at the dungeon. But tomorrow. Tonight we need to rest and recuperate.
Well, you do, Shel said, smiling. The rest of us are fine.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter 8 & 9: “Volcano” Dungeon Prep & Interlude with a crazy person
Everyone watched as Wolfe spread the rest of the cards out on the table. Hed gotten a ton of both Infernal and Beast cards from the Ambroise brothers.
The light from the ceiling chandelier was low and slightly reddish tinged, and the table had a complicated etching of a decorated pentagram across it. Wolfe and team had gotten pretty used to the dcor. Liam, Shel, and Malviere simply watched as Wolfe spread the forty cards hed gotten across the table, no one really commenting. Cereboo lay down, one head against Shels leg, the other against Wolfes.
Alright, Im going to put everything thats not great into a sell pile. While were figuring out the good stuff, can you check out the prices on everything else online, Liam?
Liam nodded, his red beard so long is vaguely swayed as he did.
After a few minutes of sorting, Wolfe had made two piles. In one pile was the stuff no one on the team could usewhether it was because it was Nature, or because it wouldnt fit in Wolfes deck well.
Liam was already moving cards from that large pile to a third pile, and making notes on a piece of paper, keeping track of prices.
The second pile had the maybe cards.
Most of the stuff in Chesters deck hadnt fit well, as he had been running a clear Winter theme. But five cards stood out as potentially usefulA Tier-3 Sheltered Den and four Tier-2 Dire Wolves.
Sheltered Den
Uncommon Tier-3 Beast Persistent
1 Beast Power Persistent
Any controlled Beast creature that doesnt attack for 30 seconds gains twice the Defense and Magical Defense until it does attack, and may not be the target of area of effect or environmental effects. Any Beast creature with the Leader, Pack, or Tribal keywords gains +2 defense.
Cover from the elements is the basis of any real good beast den.
Dire Wolf
Uncommon Tier-2 Beast Creature [Primordial, Canine]
2 Beast Power
Health: 12
Attack: 7
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Canine Tribal [1]: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Ice Age: This creature gains resistance to Ice energy attacks and Immunity to Ice energy environmental effects
The famed Dire Wolf of the Ice Age, a pack predator to be feared, back at the will of the gods for your entertainment.
"Those two are interesting, Shel said, glancing at them. More of a true side-deck situation, but in certain situations, that Sheltered Den, especially, could be interesting.
Wolfe nodded, but his gaze was already going to the other cards.
Pierres deck, in addition to the conduit card, had contained multiple other cards that were interesting. Wolfe was pretty sure he wouldnt want to use a few, but he had the strong and interesting ones out anyway.
First were two cards that named Belphegor, the Infernal Lord of Sloth, a companion and a persistent.
Malviere growled as she stared at the cards. Her voice was a mix of girl and beast, with an otherworldly reverberation behind it.
Not a fan? Wolfe asked.
Shel laughed.
Malviere bared her teeth before speaking. The cards of the other Infernal Lords should be destroyed. They represent everything wrong with this world.
Calm down, Cutenstein. Im just looking, Wolfe said. For now.
The first card, the companion, showed a fat child sitting inside an opulent hotel.
Tuvagi
Unique Rare-equivalent, Tier-6 equivalent Mortal/Infernal Companion
0 Power
Health: 22
Attack: 10
Defense: 4
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Apathetic: This card may only take an action every other 30 second period.
Special: Aura of Apathy: -2 to all non-health stats of all cards on the field opposed to Tavagi
Special: Pain of Effort: Any card that that takes an action, and any non-allied deckbearer that uses a card, take one true damage.
This child of Belphegor by a mortal priestess embodies the Sloth he represents. His true strength is its appeal to others.
Belphegors Rest
Rare Tier-1 Immediate
3 Infernal Power (available)
All creature cards, minions, and companions on the field are returned to the deck of their deckbearer, and may not be brought forth again for 5 minutes. This does not work on any card with Loyal, Determined, Passionate, or Obsessed in the title or keywords.
Against Monsters, this causes them to be unable to take actions for 90 seconds.
Whatever the reason, whatever the name, whatever the excuse giving up is the greatest failing of every species on earth, and only a tiny few escape it.Kelricktra, Baron of the Wasting Wastes.
In addition to those cards, Wolfe found two more Infernal cards that were decently interesting.
Both were persistent cards, and seemed to feed into the deck that won while doing nothing that the Belphegor cards Pierre possessed had apparently represented.
Good Intentions
Rare Tier-1 Infernal Persistent
3 Infernal Power
Every non-infernal card used by any non-allied deckbearer on the field costs one extra Any power, and inflicts one damage to the deckbearer using it. The Deckbearer that used Good Intentions gains 1 Infernal power for each card so used.
Sometimes, the Road to Hell is paved with good intentionstoo many demons to count
Unending Decadence
Uncommon Tier-1 Infernal Persistent
1 Infernal, 1 Any Power
Every creature card used by any deckbearer on the field gains a 1 any power (available) upkeep. Failure to pay causes the card to be sacrificed and does 1 true damage to the cards controller.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
It is almost impossible to come back from the descent of a civilization into decadence, without a cleansing that is extraordinarily painful.
I kinda wish we could have seen the Conduit of the Six card before it switched over, Wolfe said. This deck is borderline hilarious in its methodology. I definitely wont use them, so theyre not out, but even the creature cards were basically fat sacks of defense that did light chip damage constantly or punished people for using cards. This whole thing is a troll deck.
Shel and Liam both chuckled perfunctorily.
Shel twisted her finger in her hair. The question is, can you use it?
Wolfe reached out and touched the Sheltered Den card. Maybe. I think that this one will be useful when we go into the volcano dungeon. My gut tells me thatll have a lot of environmental damage.
Shel nodded to his words and continued with her thoughts. What about the Unending Decadence card? Synergized with Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds, you could screw with everyone at no additional cost to yourself. Combined with Good Intentions, youd mess with everyone.
Wolfe frowned and pursed his lip to the side. The question iswould it be worth losing five power to do so? Eight with Cerberus home? I mean, thats considerably more than half my deck. And anything I remove will hurt my current strategy considerably.
There was another pause.
"Well, perhaps you could switch something in for just the Sheltered Den, and we can go make levels in the dungeon? Shel said.
Wolfe pulled his deck out again.
It was insanely tight already, but his gut was telling him hed benefit from having the card.
But only if he had enough creatures on the field.
Im gonna try something a bit different on this one, Wolfe said. Im skeptical at how effective shooting things in a Volcano Dungeon will be. But since I have an immense increase to my creatures at the moment with the new Conduit card, Im going to remove Hellfire and Brimstone and just carry my trusty Edge. The difference in attack is limited for the power cost.
But they give you a power being in the deck, almost like enhancers, Shel responded, her brow furrowed.
I know, Wolfe replied. But the Obsessed Cultist removes two from the Portal Card, or can be sacrificed. Its the better play for the moment.
You just removed that.
Wolfe scratched the back of his head. I know. But given this and the dungeon, Im thinking I need to go a different route.
Shel nodded to his words. Thats it then? None of the other amazing cards?
Wolfe shook his head. Without a serious deck makeover, or just more cards in deck, I cant really benefit. Although that means we have a decently solid deck I havent removed anything from at all, except the set card. We could put some of the weaker creatures back in and give it to someone to use.
Shel laughed. You sure? It seems like this deck would screw you over.
Wolfe glanced back at the cards. Yeah, every one of those is designed to hit nearly everyone including allies and even the deckbearer, except Good Intentions.
Alright, Ill just keep them with me, along with Hellfire and Brimstone, in case I need to substitute some stuff.
You dont want me to add them to the sell list? Liam asked. And do you want me to leave the Infernal cards off?
Just sell everything from that first big pile. How much was it?
The piece of paper slid across the table, propelled by a gentle push from Liam. Wolfe glanced down. Eleven Million. We wont get that much selling them to Gavins, but well probably get seven to eight million, or closer to ten if we do straight trade for cards. Damn.
Most of Chesters cards were either higher tier or higher rarity, Liam said.
Maybe we can look at getting you some better cards as well, Shel? Wolfe asked.
Id like that a lot. But lets look at my perk options when I hit Level Twenty-Five myself, and well see what fits best then, okay?
Sure hun, whatever works. Wolfe yawned.
Can I maybe get a new card as well? Liam asked.
Sure, Wolfe said, yawning a second time.
Shel smiled at him, then yawned herself. She stood and stretched. Well, shall we get to bed? Its going to be a long day tomorrow.
Lead the way.
Chapter Nine:
The Ekron Eternal was vastly less impressive in the daytime. The Neon lights werent lit. The half-naked vampire statues, rather than tantalizing with their flaws hidden by dark light, just appeared as garish, cheap decorations. And there wasnt a line of people waiting to get in, just a slightly stained ramp leading up to the door.
Even Wolfes cards felt that way.
I remember this place being far more impressive, Malviere said in her otherworldly voice.
Fern, Liam, Malviere, Shel, and Wolfe were all staring up at the building from the parking lot across the streetthe one beneath the Eternal was closed.
Wolfe couldnt remember the last time he had been to the Ekron Eternal during the day. Yeah, its pretty obvious that Big Man Grimm wanted to have this thing shine when the moon was up, and gave fuck-all fucks about how it looked during the day.
Shel giggled musically. Fuck-all fucks? Its been a while since youve thrown out a cringe one-liner. Ive missed them.
Har har, Wolfe grumbled as they walked across the street.
Shel leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. Love you.
Wolfes heart warmed, but he couldnt bring himself to utter the words in front of Fern and Liam. It felt private, even if he enjoyed saying it to Shel.
She rolled her eyes at him but smiled at his affectionately. Wolfe couldnt help but notice how healthy Shel appeared. She smiled easily, her skin was tan, and she had lean muscle across her entire body. Wolfe knew shed picked up the second stage of fighting perks as well from her constant training.
There were times Wolfe doubted his choices, despite Cerberus himself letting Wolfe knew he needed to follow his path. But seeing the powerful, happy, confidant woman Shel was now, instead of the weak, pale girl that had almost died but for him, reassured him.
As they approached the door, it opened, held by a tall, muscled, black man dressed in a slick grey suit and carrying a pitchfork. Derek, an ally of Wolfes from his first clashes with the cobras after hed gotten his deck.
Wolfe jutted his chin up at the pitchfork. Shes still got you doing that, huh?
Derek rolled his eyes. Miriam, right?
Wolfe chuckled. For most people, that wouldnt be an answer, but for Miriam, it made total sense.
They crossed the dance floor of the Ekron Eternal. The red lights were off, and white ones were on. The lack of fog and thumping music was also different. Much like the outside, seeing it all in the light made it far less impressive, perhaps even a bit cringe.
But the back booth was as impressive as ever. Big Man Grimm had made a huge leather booth that surrounded a massive dark oak table. The table had been replaced, but was nearly the same as Wolfe remembered.
But the people were different. Big Man Grimm was dead, and his eldest son had left the business, occasionally fighting over inheritance with Miriam. Theodore, the accountant, was dead. And ever single lesser lieutenant was dead except for Piper, who was in jail.
Only Wolfe and Miriam, of the original group that had once sat this table even semi-regularly, remained. Everyone else was new.
Derek took his seat on the side that Miriam occupied, sliding in next to Ahmed. Ahmed always made Wolfe laughhis deck was based almost entirely on cards they had gotten in the Frozen Cairn dungeon, and the cards were vaguely themed like the images the gods had placed in old Egyptian packs, before that realm had interacted extensively with the outside world and joined the general pool of cards.
So Miriam had Ahmed dress up in a pharaohs outfit, including having the open shirt and ridiculous beard, and he carried a staff with an ankh on it.
At her other side was Victor, the one-time information broker. Victor was short for a guy at five-foot-seven, almost painfully thin, and pale white with faint acne scars and brilliant green eyes under greasy, black hair. He was dressed in a suit much like Derek, although a black one. But otherwise, he had no theme yet.
Miriam herself took the cake, however. She was dressed in a diaphanous, black-lace dress that showed off equally black underclothes beneath. She had in her usual red contact lenses, with her usual black makeup around the eyes, to complement her long black hair.
Wolfe did a double take. Wait those arent contact lenses.
What happened to your eyes? Wolfe asked. Surgery?
Miriam, who had been lounging back on the giant leather boothprobably to show off her figureshuddered dramatically. Gods no. I know they can do that, but Im not risking my eyesight on that. No, I got a new enhancer card, and this was the manifestation.
Wolfe slowly nodded. Alrighty then. Did you get it for the powers, or because it gave you red eyes?
A little of column A, a little of column B, Miriam said. She reached over and gracefully picked up a glass of wine, sipping at it with black-lipstick-tainted lips, the licked the rim of the glass while staring into Wolfes eyes.
Shel snorted and giggled.
I wish she wouldnt constantly flirt with me.
So, Shel told me that you finally found the way to get to the dungeon that we located when Malviere evolved. Is that true?
Miriam laughed throatily and leaned back again, wineglass held languidly in one hand. No, I called you over here on that false pretense because I couldnt think of any better way to proposition you again.
Ahmed grimaced and Derek rolled his eyes.
Wolfe snorted. Okay, fine then, tell me how you located it.
Miriam shrugged gloriously and swirled her wine. We had to drill.
From inside the sewers? Wolfe asked.
Yeah, and let me assure you, it was hell to cover up and pay for, Miriam said, a hint of seriousness entering her voice. I only trusted four guys, and theyve all been compensated extremely well for working for over half a year in the sewers, unable to talk to anyone, mostly when wed arranged other projects nearby.
Wolfe nodded. So what is it? Shel said it was a Volcano dungeon.
Miriam gave another exaggerated shrug. Something like that, yeah, although I havent gone and checked it out, and no ones gone in. Its a door, surrounded by falling lava that comes from nowhere and goes nowhere. It gives off heat, but you can pass close to it without burning up. I didnt send anyone in, so I dont know its name or if its really a volcano dungeon.
Maybe I should change my deck back, Wolfe thought. He had made changes on a false assumption. He wasnt sure, but he had the cards in his pocket, so he could do it if he needed.
Screw it. Shall we go then? Wolfe said, starting to scoot out.
In a moment, Miriam said, holding her empty hand up slowly. We still need to talk.
What about? Wolfe asked. We just need to get to the dungeon and run it. I really need a couple levels.
Sure, sure, Miriam said, nodding. But you just killed Chester and Pierre Ambroise, right? Carved the heart out of the Weeds?
Wolfe nodded. Yeah. You helped me do it, remember?
Like it was yesterday, Miriam said airily. Because it was.
Smartass.
Miriam chuckled musically. So is this it, then? Are you planning on slaughtering the remainder of the gangs?
Wolfe glanced at Derek, Ahmed, and Victor.
My men, Miriam said, running one hand over Ahmeds chest provocatively, are loyal.
Its way less cool when you do that, and way more cringe, when were in normal light and the sound of oonce oonce isnt battering my ear, Wolfe said, nodding at Ahmed. But fine. Im aiming to take out both the crime families over the next couple days.
The next five days, twenty-one hours, and twenty-two minutes, Fern muttered.
Miriam glanced over and raised an eyebrow.
You get used to it, Wolfe replied to the unspoken question.
Miriam leaned forward, most of her flirtatious demeanor gone as she stared at Wolfe intensely. All three of the crime families have a ton of their money in my club at the moment, being laundered. I can stop paying it out, but itll cause problems really quickly. In a day or two for the Renfeldt and Singh families and itll be a problem whenever the Weeds end the infighting to see who will inherit. Itll hurt the remaining families a bit, although not immensely. But Ill also start moving on other territories. I have plans, Wolfe But your war is my trigger. So are you committed to the others?
Wolfe glanced again at Shel, who subtly nodded.
He turned back to Miriam. Yeah. Its go. I aim to end all the remaining crime families in Noimoire in a blaze of destruction.
Miriam nodded, leaning back again and smiling, her eyes alight. I cant wait to see the destruction you carve across the landscape, Wolfe.
Then she glanced at Fern, Shel, and Liam in turn. How many are you bringing to the dungeon?
Shel for nowshe needs to make Level Twenty-Five and get her perk.
Miriam nodded. Of course. May I bring one of my boy toys as well?
Derek laughed, and Victor smiled, but Ahmed frowned. Interesting dynamic they have there.
Wolfe was torn. It had been his dungeon, and Miriam already owed him in the dungeon department but she had helped to physically open a path to the dungeon after Wolfe had found it when he had evolved Malviere nearly a year ago.
He made a decision. Very well. But only for the first floor if theres more than one, then we reconsider, fair?
She held her glass out to him in a mock toast. Fair and more than fair, Wolfy.
So, now can we go? Wolfe asked. I have places to be and people to kill.
Shel laughed again. Ooh, two in a day.
Miriam laughed.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Ten: Three Spirits, Part I
The four of themWolfe, Shel, Miriam, and Derekwalked through the tunnel underneath the earth. They were trailed by six companion cardsWolfes three, Sorenia and Liurenia, and Malik, Eater of the Dead, the card Wolfe had gained for Miriam last year when he had killed Tracy, the deckbearer for hire that had been working for the traffickers.
I cant believe you''re coming to a dungeon in a cocktail dress, Wolfe said to Miriam.
The only concession the mafia princess had made to the fact that the dungeon might be dangerous had been switching her stilettos for black tennis shoes and grabbing her golf club. Other than that, she was dressed as she had been in the club two hours before.
I cant believe someone sold you an assault rifle, Miriam replied.
Wolfe hefted the new AR-15 he was carrying. Its not an assault rifle.
Miriam laughed musically and rolled her eyes. And yet, I bet you assault someone with it.
Wolfe widened his eyes and obviously rolled them right back.
Miriam shifted the subject. I doubt the dungeon will let you in with an assault rifle.
Wolfe shrugged. Well see.
He knew she was most likely right. Most dungeons were odd about what could go in, and the older the dungeon, the less it tended to allow modern weapons, especially larger ones. Most dungeons let pistols in, and a few let some pretty heavy ones inthere was a documented case of one allowing someone in with a tripod-mounted, belt-fed machine gunbut there were more that wouldnt even allow pistols than those that let people in with semi-automatic rifles.
The dungeons had always been picky. There was a hilarious story hed heard way back in high school from one of his cool history teachers. Mr. Hammonds, Wolfe thought. It had been about one of the English kings that had tried to take a ballista into a dungeon and been rejected.
Still, after his close call on the boat against the Weeds gang, Wolfe knew he needed to up his game. He was wearing a bullet-proof jacket and carrying both his STI Edge in its holster, and an AR-15 in his hands.
Then Shel busted up laughing. No one sold him an AR-15. Its mine.
Wolfe frowned as the other two chuckled and Miriam said, That makes sense.
Wolfe saw a glow up ahead. Oh look, were here. Shame we cant talk about this anymore.
The group of four walked up to the gate. It was as Miriam had described ita solid door in the side of the rock, metal, with no handle. Around the door was lava coming from nowhere, pouring down past the door on either side, and returning to nowhere. Wolfe immediately started to sweat, but even when he got close, he was never close to getting burned.
Wolfe touched the door of metal.
A notification popped up. No firearms are allowed inside the dungeon.
Wolfe grimaced and turned to the others, placing his AR-15 on the side of the gate. No firearms at all, not even pistols.
Derek and Shel groaned and pulled their pistol holsters off, setting them next to Wolfes semi-automatic rifle.
My club is looking pretty smart right about now, Miriam crowed.
Wolfe patted his new hunting knife even as he set his own STI edge down. Im doing okay in the up close and personal department.
Derek half-heartily hefted his own pitchfork. Im doing not miserably.
Miriam laughed musically and placed her hand on his shoulder. Youll be fine, my little imp.
Wolfe eyed Miriam. I know she told me she hams it up as camouflage, to convince people shes not dangerous, but I think she just loves the games as well.
Miriam pulled her deck, touching her hand to her chest and then splaying it outward. Bone-white and Purple cards, four of them, appeared, as well as a fifth bone-white card off to the side.
Ooh, got it in one, she said, touching a purple card.
The vague outline of an eye appeared, staring at the dungeon entrance. So, this is a Level one to a level thirty-five dungeon, group, with Fire, Elemental, Life, and Mortal types. Its called Loowitlatklas Fall, and has three levels.
Hmm, Wolfe muttered.
Shel pulled her phone out.
Youre getting reception down here? Wolfe asked, bemused.
She laughed. No. I did a bunch of research on dungeons last night, after you fell asleep. I kept the stuff on my phone so we could reference it inside the dungeon, but this also works.
She paused, scolling something on her phone, then spoke again. Most dungeons have a floor per ten levels, and a boss at the end of each floor, with a single sub-boss on each floor as well. She scrolled again. Plus a final boss. But thats just the usual, almost fifty percent of dungeons deviate from that. And group means its designed to challenge three-to-four deckbearers at a time, so were pretty much on spec for this.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
Although way over level for most of it, Wolfe said as he reached over and touched the metal door again.
Without any warning, he found himself sweating in the near-burning heat of a huge cavern. He was standing on a ten-foot-wide ledge around a lake of lava. But at the edge of the lake of lava, impossibly, were small, bright green plants. And the rest of the dungeon was a riot of colors as well. Cereboo, Malviere, and the Obsessed Infernal Cultist had appeared next to him the second he entered.
Wolfe got about twenty seconds to stare before a bat, made of fire, flew at Cereboo.
Least Firebat
Dungeon Monster Fire [Bat] Creature
Health: 3
Attack: N/A
Defense: 1
Magical Attack: 4
Magical Defense: 1
Special: Incorporeal: This creature is not affected by physical attacks
Special: Thorns [Fire 3]: Whenever this creature is attacked in melee or brawl, the attacker takes three true damage as Fire.
I hate elementals.Hoyaneh, Iroquois Deckbearer
Wolfe stepped back against the gate, and Malviere called out, Fall in her otherworldy voice. Black energy shaped like a dog hit the bat even as it hit Cereboo. Cereboo yipped from two of his heads, but the bat disintegrated.
Wolfe removed the 0 xp notificationthe bat had been equivalent level of two, far too low for him to gain experience.
A moment later, Derek appeared, and after that Miriam and Shel stepped in.
Miriam fanned herself with her free hand, beads of sweat forming on her instantly. Maybe I should have been naked.
Please dont, Wolfe responded, and Miriam chuckled.
A few more bats were flying across the lake, but nothing else seemed out of the ordinary. Wolfe did see a single tunnel exit on the far side, however.
Shall we? he asked, pointing.
***
Light beams from Sorenia and Liurenia cleaved the Fire Bear Cub in twain.
Derek called out, Ding!
Shel clapped her hands silently. Congratulations, Derek! Thats two levels, right?
Derek nodded. Yeah. The Frozen Cairn was nice, but aside from two losing arena battles, I havent had any other chances to level, so this has been wonderful. Especially since with you and Wolfe and your insane decks around, this is basically just me being power leveled.
Derek clasped Wolfe on the shoulder. Youve always had my back, man.
Wolfe shrugged out of it. Miriam has your back, not me. I just appreciate a guy that can be relied upon to not be utterly incompetent.
Derek nodded with a half smile.
How much further to the first boss, do you think? Miriam asked. I mean, Im getting some nice experience. But Im also pretty tired of watching Malviere, Sorenia, and Liurenia just burn everything down while the rest of us do jack. Plus, getting no cards is pretty irritating.
Well, that bear cub was level nine, so Id bet were about to find the first boss, Shel replied, her eyes staring at nothing while she checked notifications, Wolfe assumed.
Shel continued. And if were getting no cards now we can expect to get an extra-large reward from the floor boss. Dungeons are usually pretty consistent in output.
The group walked from the tunnel into the next cavern. It was about fifty feet on a side, with a few tiny rivulets of lava throughout it. There was an exit on the far right side, but a gate of stone was across it.
In the center stood a gianta man, twelve feet tall, covered in stone, and carrying a massive stone club.
I dont think my own nine-iron is going to do much, Miriam said with a cute frown. In fact, Im beginning to regret having brought it.
Wolfe stared at the boss card.
Stonecoat Scout Leader
Dungeon Monster Boss, Elemental [Earth, Humanoid] creature
Health: 100
Attack: 10
Defense: 10
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 7
Special: Stone skin: This creature has resistance to all physical attacks
If he survives, hell bring the others.Sachem, Iroquois Chief
Watch the lava, I think thats what makes this fight even slightly dangerous to us, Wolfe said. Hes had a hand of cards out for some time, waiting for the moment to actually fight, as opposed to letting the companion cards handle everything.
He touched his second Obsessed Infernal Cultist, summoning it onto the battlefield.
At the same time, Cereboo raced toward the Stonecoat Scout Leader. Malviere whispered words of power, and the already pumped up Cereboo flew into action. He hit the Dungeon Boss six times, each for a net of two damage, knocking an eighth of the creatures health. But that was mere seconds before he was slammed with the club. He was picked up and carried through the air, taking just over his Health in damage and dissolving into red light.
A tiny Imp poked the Stonecoat, chipping it a tiny bit.
Wolfe glanced over at Derek with a raised eyebrow.
My deck isnt that great, Derek said sheepishly.
You will pay for hurting Big Brother, Malviere intoned, slamming her spirit dog into the creature. At the same time, light beams from the two lantern angels hit it. The damage was more than Cereboos teeth chewing on it. Malvieres Death attack did nothing, the dog dissipating against the creature.
Elemental Type was immune to Death, Wolfe remembered.
By contrast, each Light beam carved significant damage into the creature, inflicting a net of seventeen more damage.
Wolfe tossed his Demonic Portal, going for the maximum creature build. He dropped a Gehennan Kennel Master and the Tier-four Angry Hellhound. The Hellhound was instantly affected by the Kennel Masters Motivation ability, and made an attack that doubled upa net hundred and twenty-one damage physical attack and a net forty-nine point magical attack for another eleven damage.
Liurenia and Sorenia fired again, and Malviere used her own ability to give the Angry Hellhound another attack. The stone on the enemy cracked, and the blood began to leak through the edges.
Miriam screamed, a noise half sound, half mental pressure, but the Elemental ignored her psychic attack as well.
Wolfe was a bit annoyed when the Stonecoat Scout Leader clubbed his hellhound out of existence, but he swiped his cards, got another Demonic Portal, and brought out two Tier-Three Angry Hellhounds and a Lost Hellhound Puppy.
Two vampires began whaling on the boss, as well as a couple more imps.
The boss went down to a hoard of creatures and companions the next round, dropping a pack of cards and a separate single card.
That wasnt that hard, Derek noted.
Wolfe wasnt so sanguine. Maybe. But that was a level ten boss, and weve got someone over thirty and someone almost twenty-five. Our decks arent the best against the Elemental type. Also, Im gonna switch my deck back and put Brimstone and Hellfire back in; this wasnt what I had thought when I originally did all this.
What will I do with what is almost an entire shut-down deck I have now?
Should we stop? Shel asked as she walked over and picked up the pack and card that had dropped from the boss.
Wolfe snorted as he made adjustments to his deck. Definitely notthat was easy, even if it was only because of our level advantage. Lets get you to Level Twenty-Five and get some more cards. Im sure well be fine till at least the next boss.
He put his deck away, and walked over to where Shel was. Speaking of more cards, what did we get this time?
Shel held the card out to him.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Eleven: The Three Spirits part II
The card showed an old lady in slightly furry hide clothing, tending a hearth fire, with injured people in beds behind her.
Loowitlatkla The Fire Tender
Unique Rare Equivalent, Tier-1 equivalent Mortal/Fire [Civic] Creature
1 Mortal or 1 Fire Power, 1 Any power
Health: 11
Attack: N/A
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 3
Special: Tender to the Arch of Fire: While this card is on the field, no enemy deckbearer cards may cancel, control, or auto-kill any Fire type card.
Special: Healer [5]: When this creature enters the field it may fully heal one other creature card or restore 5 Health to a deckbearer
Special: Dungeon Exchange: This card may be exchanged at the end of Loowitlatklas Fall
Loowit was once an old woman of such heart and kindness that the gods granted her eternal life.
Thats a pretty solid card, hun, Shel said. I think this dungeon must be crazy old, since thats an old Amerind spirit according to some other card information Ive seen. A pretty minor one in the grand scheme of the releases.
Old it may be, but its also batshit insane, Wolfe said. Were not even remotely in the right place geographically if its referencing Mt. St. Helens. Lets move forward thoughprizes are prizes, even when handed out by a schizophrenic old dungeon.
Miriam giggled. Deck sets, dungeons, and monsters are released in sets around all people that have a connection. So you get stuff that isnt near where it references. I mean, that one chosen lady that Shel fought in the Rat Arena last year had monsters that were only seen in overland monster form in Iraq, but have been released as cards here in the U.S.
Thanks for the impromptu history lesson, Wolfe muttered.
What about the card pack? Shel asked.
Well open it after the next boss, Wolfe said. Might as well make deck decisions with more than a single pack.
Wolfe moved to the passage forward, which was blocked by a stone gate. As he approached the stone gate, it shattered.
Wolfe raised an eyebrow. Subtle.
Miriam giggled. What gave you the impression anything would be subtle? The lava bats flying at your face, or the twelve-foot-tall stone giant?
Heh, Wolfe offered, his only commentary as he moved forward.
Shel and Derek chuckled as they followed, and Miriam giggled. Wolfe swore she did it as an affectation.
The passage was short, with smooth rock walls. At the end it turned into a beautiful cavern, with glowing mushrooms and rivulets of water going nowhere. It sloped gently upward, and Wolfe followed it, his muscles clenched as his head tracked, waiting for an attack. But none came.
At the top of the beautiful cavern, a door looked out. Wolfe first saw a beautiful, star-filled night sky and crescent moon. He stepped out into a forested mountainside with a single owl hooting. Beneath him on the mountain, he saw a cluster of huts in a large clearing, near a pond. A single fire kept the night at bay.
Wolfe shivered. The night and the cold air. Im sure Ill adjust in a moment, but I still have sweat from the volcano on me.
Shel came out from the cave and glanced around as well. I dont see anything besides the village. Should we search around or just head for it?
Lets just head for it, Wolfe replied. I think, based on the little I know about dungeons, that unless something immediately presents, we should just head for obvious lead.
Miriam emerged from the cave. Yeah, everything Ive read on dungeons supports the idea that they rarely hide the ball. They may have hugely challenging and complicated puzzles, but they rarely have anything that is particularly hard to find. Checking a drawer for a prize is about the limit.
I keep forgetting that under all the crazy youre actually a learned individual. In law school, even, Wolfe said.
Shel laughed.
First in my class in law school, Miriam replied, and touched her finger to her lips, way too coyly for what she had said.
Stolen novel; please report.
Wolfe gave up the conversation with an eyeroll. The only winning moves in conversation with Miriam were not to play.
Instead, he turned down the mountain side and headed to the obvious next location in the dungeon. As he got close, he could see that the village was composed of five longhouses, he assumed of Cedar, matching the trees around. Each was close to the others, making five narrowing paths into the fire in the center, where the single woman worked the fire.
As they approached, the woman glanced up from her fire. She was wearing the exact same outfit that Wolfes card, Loowitlatkla, had worn.
In fact, she looks exactly the same, Wolfe thought.
The old woman spoke in a language that Wolfe didnt know, but the meaning of her words somehow penetrated.
Who comes to the village of the Cowlitz? she asked. I, Loowitlatkla the Hearth Keeper, ask as is my right.
Wolfe stared at her, and a card popped up.
Loowitlatkla The Hearth Keeper
Dungeon NPC
Mortal/Fire [Civic] Creature
Health: 11
Attack: N/A
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 3
Special: Healer [5]: Every thirty seconds, this card will heal one other creature card or restore 5 Health to a deckbearer. It will chose whomever is nearest.
Loowit was once an old woman of such heart and kindness that the gods granted her eternal life.
She really is the same person as the card we just got.
Is this one of those situations where they only have a few responses? Miriam whispered while staring at the old lady. Like that sheriff in the werewolf dungeon?
Dont know, Wolfe said, then waited.
Loowit did nothing.
Wolfe stepped forward. I, Ethan Wolfe, come before you.
A good name, Loowit said. A strong name. You could continue on to the meeting, the safe path.
She paused dramatically. But we have need of you here, Ethan, if youre brave enough.
Wolfe grimacedhis name reminded him of his father, whom he hated.
Will you defend us, Ethan? the woman asked, picking up some sticks and tossing them into the fire.
From? Wolfe asked, crossing his arms.
Will you defend us, Ethan? the woman repeated, again picking up sticks and tossing them into the fire.
From? Miriam asked, laughing. The woman repeated her entire spiel.
Stop that! Wolfe replied. Obviously, shes gonna loop till we say yes or
A notification appeared. You have begun a special level twenty-four group encounter. Defeating this encounter will grant the reward for the second floor, as well as an extra award.
Son of a Wolfe trailed off as Miriam giggled maniacally.
Loowit turned and smiled at him. Im glad youll defend us, Ethen, because the Stonecoats are almost upon us. If you can hold, Chief Tyee Sahale comes here to gift me. He can defeat them. We just have to hold here.
Well, that Wolfe began.
But Loowit wasnt finished. The braves at this village will help defend us, but we must survive. If you are strong and powerful enough to keep us all alive, Ill have a great reward for you as well as what youll get from the chief.
Tower Defense, Shel said, and Miriam nodded.
Wolfe had looked up enough dungeons to know what they were talking about. Before he could say anything, two men, dressed thickly in hide and carrying a stone hatchet, came out of each of the five huts and took up a position in the spaces.
Five ways in, and two braves in each.
Wolfe stared at them.
Tyee Sahale Brave
Dungeon NPC
Mortal [Civic] Creature
Health: 20
Attack: 6(9)
Defense: 6(9)
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 5(8)
Special: Ally of All: This card, so long as its within 250 of another card, counts as on the field, allied, and in the deck for purposes of gaining any beneficial effect from a deckbearer or their cards.
A brave that served the legendary first chief of the Cowlitz.
Snapping sounded, and Wolfe glanced up from his examination. Multiple Stonecoats were coming through the woods. Each appeared the same as the Stonecoat scout, although their Health was lower. But there were a lot of them.
The braves are getting the bonuses from Sorenia and Liurenia, Shel reported. Theyve got nines in most of their stats now.
Good, because we get a bonus prize if we keep them alive, Wolfe replied. Id really like to do that, since I doubt well get another chance at this. And itll still only take two hits for the Stonecoats to kill one. Thats way better than the one it would have taken before, but
Wolfe examined the field again. Lets try and fight forward against what we can. Shel, do you still have the Guiding Light card?
She nodded.
Try and get that out, to give the braves a third buff, and then keep healing them if you can.
Three Stone Coats moved up, crashing their way out of the forest. Each was a twelve-foot-tall stone man.
Wolfe moved out into the space between the buildings where they were headed. He brought forth Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds along the forest edge, to give him a constant supply of monsters to block and empower.
Cereboo went on the attack, barking madly from all three heads and charging past Wolfe on the right. He sped up dramatically as Malviere boosted him, biting madly only slightly effectually at the Stone Coat. The angels fired light beams. Shel played Guiding Lightit had apparently come up for her in the first draw. Miriam dropped a vampire Wolfe hadnt seen before, and Derek put his mantle over himselfthe same Imp Lord mantle that Wolfe had gotten him two years agothe one that empowered imps.
Wolfe pulled Brimstone and started plugging away as the fight went on. His pistol ignoring type advantage gave him a significant advantage as he fired away.
The fight last for a good two minutestwo exhausting minutes. The Braves, now at an eleven attack, joined the fight as well. They occasionally got hit, but Shel just healed them up. Cereboo was slain, but Wolfe got his second Obsessive Infernal Cultist out and brought forth two Angry Hellhounds and a spare Lost Hellhound Pup. Imps and vampires appeared, did chip damage, and were slain.
But they kept both braves alive without taking any damage to the actual deckbearers on their team.
Wolfe was glancing around as the last Stone Coat went down.
A notification popped up. Combined level of encounter is twenty, more than ten below current level. No experience gained.
Wolfe frowned, but before he could get really angry, he was interrupted by Shels whoop of joy.
I made Level Twenty-Five off the three kills, Shel reported.
Nice! Wolfe said, glancing around. He felt brief elation, an emotion that didnt come to him all that often, that they had emerged victorious. That wasnt that hard for a team of four. Although we are quite over level since I think this is the start of the second floor. Well, me and Shel at least.
What options did you get? Wolfe asked.
Shel was staring off into space. I only got Five. I got
Three more Stonecoats came crashing through the undergrowth in front of them, interrupting Shel. At the same time, Wolfe heard another set of crashes one land between the Ceder longhouses over to the side.
Shit, Wolfe said, just staring for a second. Thats what I get for thinking something might be easy.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Twelve, The Three Spirits part III
Wolfe dodged to the side and the club smashed into the ground. He fired Brimstone into the side of the Stonecoat, doing significant damage, but the giant kicked out before Wolfe could move. Wolfe was sent rolling into the side of one of the Cedar longhouses, hitting hard and slumping onto his side. The hit had inflicted ten damage, and would have knocked a normal human to the very edge of death.
He righted himself and fired another round of shots into the stonecoat from the sitting position. The stone giant, chewed, beamed, and shot, finally slumped to the ground. Six down of the nine from this third round, Wolfe thought. Cereboo was gone, and even Malviere had been slain. Only the continuous pump of creatures from both the Police Academy and Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds had allowed Wolfe and Shel to fight that many.
But it wasnt over yet.
Wolfe leapt to his feet with a wince. His group was down, but he wasnt sure how Miriam and Derek were doinghe didnt want to lose the special reward, whatever it was.
Shel yelled, Liurenia, Sorenia, jump the building and keep the stonecoats off the braves!
The two angels obeyed, leaping into the air and flying across the Cedar longhouse.
Wolfe didnt wait to see how it turned out. He ran into the center of the tiny village, headed for Loowit for a quick heal before he went to fight the last couple.
He saw that Miriam was there, her teeth elongated and her eyes redshe had her vampire mantle on. But at the same time, blood covered half her body and her arm was mangled.
Wolfe stared for a second.
She tried to grin at him, but her face was a rictus of pain. Dont worry about me. I zigged when I should have zagged, but Ill live. Derek needs help!
The fight? Wolfe asked as he ran past the healer, letting Miriam take the benefit despite his own wounds.
Were losing it, but no braves are down yetbut I dont think Derek is going to last long.
Loowit dropped some herbs into the fire, which turned blue and wafted smoke across Miriam. Her arm straightened a bit, and she reached out with her other to touch a cardone of her weak Sexy Vampires, the shirtless male one that looked like he was trying for a combination of cocaine chic and a six-pack.
Wolfe rushed around the side. Derek was on the ground, trying to crawl away from the fight. Fortunately, the angels were taking the beatings from the two remaining stonecoats, and neither was attacking Derek any further.
A Rookie Riot Police and a Lost Hellhound Puppy came running around the corner as well. Neither did much damage, but Shel leapt around the corner after. A flash of light left her hand and hit one of the stonecoats, in the head, dropping it.
She was wearing her Martyr mantle, with blood dripping from all of her eyes, including her new third eye. But her wounds were healing.
At the same time, she reached out, touched a card, and a Rookie EMT appeared. It healed Wolfe almost entirely, thanks to the synergy bonus with Police Academy.
Damn that girls become amazing, Wolfe thought, remembering briefly back to when shed needed saving in nearly every fight.
But he didnt let his fond thoughts distract him. He put his own magical gun to work shooting the other. Liurenia was broken by another club strike, but after that, the last stonecoat went down to collection of angels, dogs, imps, and one implausibly hot vampire boy all wailing on it.
Derek was healed by Shel at the same time. He rolled to his side, glancing up at the sky.
Get up, Wolfe said.
Derek didnt move. He just continued to stare at the star-filled faux sky the dungeon was projecting. Im sorry, Wolfe, but Im gonna lay here for another minute, thanks.
A notification appeared, telling Wolfe that this had been an equivalent of a level twenty-eight fight. He got a solid amount of experience, jumping to scrape into Level Thirty-Three from the Level Thirty-Two he had just made from wave two. Then another notification popped up.
For clearing the second floor via challenge, you gain an additional 100% of your current level.
Wolfe dinged to low thirty-four.
Wow, Shel said. Thats level Twenty-Eight for me.
Yeah, shes a hell of a badass now, Wolfe thought, smiling at Shel. He never wanted to lose her, and he never wanted to be apart from her.
Yeah, this was incredibly lucrative, even if rather painful, Miriam said. No pain, no gain, right? Point is, Im into my low twenties.
Then she followed Wolfes gaze, and laughed. And youre just here mooning over Shel, huh? Not even thinking about your levels?
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Wolfe flushed. I just happened to be looking in that direction.
Miriam giggled again. Why dont you marry her?
Wolfe stopped, floored. Somehow, that hadnt really ever entered his thoughts, but Why dont I marry her? I mean, most other women barely even interest me anymore, and shes perfect. Shes kind and supportive, but also smart and at least kinda badass.
Shel was flushed as she looked back at Wolfe.
Im nearly one-hundred-percent positive shed say yes. Nearly.
Just then a rustle shook the trees again, and Wolfe glanced over. More stonecoats were walking out from the foresttwelve this time.
Are you shitting me? Wolfe asked. He, and his team, might be a touch higher level, but no one had picked leveling benefits or changed cardsor even looked at the pack they had gotten. Nine Stonecoats had been enough to nearly kill Miriam and Derek.
I dont think we can handle that many. Wolfe hated to give up, but he hated the idea of watching Big Man Grimms daughter die even more.
Wolfe was prepared to voice the decision to leave, but Derek pipped up with, How is this fair? I thought we just got a completed message and bonus experience!
Wolfe stare for a moment. Wait, it did say we won!
Before Wolfe could respond, an arrow slammed into the eye of one of the stonecoats. Men of obvious Amerind heritage, wearing goatskin clothes, came flying out of the woods. Some shot bows, and others used axes. But all moved with supernatural speed.
One of the new men hit a stonecoat with a swing of a stone-headed axe, and the stonecoat disintegrated, exploding into a spray of blood and particulate matter across the trees.
Alright, supernatural strength as well.
More of the men poured from the woods. Wolfe could see that they all appeared powerful and healthytall, without blemish, and with lean runners muscles throughout their body.
But even among these men, three stood out. One was older, perhaps in his late thirties. Two were younger, one a bit taller, the other a bit more sturdy, but both bore a resemblance to the older one.
The older one threw and axe, and it hit one in the chest, exploded through it, and slew another on the far side.
Wolfe grimaced. Okay, dungeon, I get it, these are important and powerful dudes.
Miriam giggled again. Ah, does Wolfy not feel like the wee little alpha anymore?
Shel came up and put her hand on Wolfes shoulder as the last of the stonecoats were vanquished with ease, and Wolfe let go of the retort he had planned. The corner of Shels mouth was twitching, and Wolfe reminded himself, again, that the only way to win the game of repartee with Miriam was not to play.
The battle ended after a mere thirty seconds with the complete and utter victory of the Braves. The three most impressive of them, obviously the chief and his two sons, came walking toward Wolfe. At the same time, Loowit stepped out from her fire, moving toward them. The three uber-men and the old lady all met where Wolfe was at the same time.
The older man spoke. I came to reward you, Loowitlatkla, for your true kindness and selflessness to the tribe, but I see that enemies sought to lay you low. Have my braves defended you, then?
Ooh, stilted conversation time, Miriam sang out. I cant wait!
Yes, Chief Tyee Sahale, Loowit replied. But they were led, and protected, by these great heroes that you see before you, braves even stronger than the ones you left here.
Wolfe stared at Chief Tyee, trying to see his card.
Chief Tyee Sahale, Level 194 equivalent
???
Wolfe grimaced. Oh, fuck off, gods.
Well, I, and my sons Pahto, Chief Tyee clapped the taller one on the shoulder, and Wyeastthe stouter onethank you for your service, heroes.
Then the chieftain turned back to Loowit. Well, I came here to reward you for your good deeds, kindness, and selfless service. You have tended the Stone Arch Fire for almost a hundred years, and I would that you were able to do so for another thousand. So, as my reward to you, I will give you eternal life.
Ah, gotta love the exposition, Miriam said.
Chief Tyee held his hand out and touched Loowits head. Wolfe could feel a pulse of magic flow through the pair, but nothing visibly changed.
Chief Tyee stepped back, smiling indulgently.
But Loowit awkwardly bowed her head, her hand on her back. My chief, I am truly thankful for your gift. But, I would ask to not be an old woman for eternity. Please, return to me my youth.
Chief Tyee nodded again, and he went over and placed his head on the old woman a second time. The same energy passed between them, but this time, Loowit changed. Her back straightened, her hair became lustrous, her skin smoothed, and her figure became fuller. In mere seconds, she appeared to be a young woman of about Shels age.
An utterly gorgeous young woman, and Wolfe had to tear his eyes away from her. When he did, he could see that Derek, Miriam, and the chiefs too sons were also all staring.
But Shel was looking at Wolfe, smiling. Wolfe grinned sheepishly, and Shel smiled back.
But, apparently, Loowit wasnt done. She turned to face Wolfe and his team. My chief, I would ask a second boon. These people kept every single one of your braves alive when we were attacked by the evil stonecoats. Perhaps, chief, we could entrust the care of the Stone Arch Fire to them, and I could live a life, marry, and have children?
Yes, you should marry a chieftains son, Pahto said.
At the same time, his brother said, Our children would be beautiful.
The chief ignored his sons and turned to face Wolfe, his eyes piercing and shrewd. I suppose, given the bravery and success they showed, that we can indeed do so.
He stepped forward, and held his hand out. In it was a card.
When no one stepped forward, Wolfe stepped forward and took the card.
Thank you, wandering braves, Chief Tyee said. Well be going, but Ill instruct my own companions to leave a feast for you, as you have triumphed greatly over adversity, and that should be rewarded. Take care of the archit was the heart of our civic life, and it represented life for hundreds of tribes. It is a great honor you have earned, but it is burden as well. But for now, I bid thee farewell.
The chieftain stepped back, waved, and turned. Everyone started to walk off, and the entire scene faded, every person disappearing as they walked away, and the buildings fading as well. What was left was a fire, and next to that, a huge stone slab filled with berries, cooked meats, and clay pots of water.
And another card where Loowit had disappeared.
Beside the stone slab lay four hide blankets.
Before anyone could say anything else, three packs of cards dropped.
Wolfe stepped over and picked them up, pulling his previous card pack and then pointing to the stone slab. Shall we eat, see what we got, and level?
Hell yeah, Derek said, and they all moved toward the smell of barbeque.
The trees rustled again, and Wolfe braced himself. But what came out was not another stonecoatinstead, a man of obvious Amerind complexion, shorter but with broad shoulders, traipsed out from between the trees. He was carrying a huge sack made of hide over his shoulder.
He glanced around. Is this the camp of the heroes? I was waiting where it was safe, but word of your bravery and victory spread, and so Ive come to trade if you so desire.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Thirteen: The Three Spirits, Part IV
Im going to set up shop over here, heroes, the trader said, and moved to the side of the clearing. A tent magically appeared, and the trader began setting up a stone table near it.
Wolfe resummoned Cereboo and Malviere, then sat cross-legged at the stone tablet, reaching over and tentatively grabbing a hunk of cooked meat. He gave it a sniff, then bit into it. It tasted a bit gamey to him, but not that different than beef.
But as he ate it, he got a notification that he had received healing.
Shel had kneeled down on Wolfes right and glanced at the card before grabbing some of the meat herself. She munched on it with one hand while she looked at the card.
Then she glanced over at Wolfe, her eyes shining. Glad you pulled us through thatthis card is insane.
Miriam lowered herself to the ground in an almost perfect match for Shel, but on his left side.
This could be some kind of male erotica novel, she said, smiling at Wolfe and licking her lips. Two beautiful girls, each kneeling to one side of you
Wolfe snorted but ignored herusually the best way to deal with Miriam.
Derek rolled his eyes and tore at the meat he had grabbed.
Malviere, Cereboo, Sorenia, and Liurenia all took seats along the opposite side of the slab, and Cereboo started wolfing down the meat with all three heads. Wolfe noted that somehow, the level of meat never really went down.
He held his hand out. Mind if I take a gander at the card?
Gander? Miriam asked, giggling.
Wolfe flushed. My dad used to say it.
I think its a great word, Shel said, smiling at Wolfe and staring in his eyes before passing the card over.
The card showed a large fire with leaf-green energy around the outside, near a confluence of rivers and pathways. It was tended to by numerous youthful Amerind women, led by an older woman that resembled Loowit, although it was hard to see the detail on the small picture to be sure.
Stone Arch Fire
Unique Mythic equivalent Tier-1 equivalent Life [Civic] Building
0 power
This creates the Stone Arch Fire. It adds +1 Fire power to the deckbearer, and doubles the effect of any other Civic Building in the deckbearers deck.
This building card is not a null card. In addition to being placed as a building, it may be played as a persistent for 1 Life, 1 Fire, and 1 any power
Special: All Healer [5]: All allied deckbearers and cards heal 5 every single round
Special: Civic Leader [1]: All of the deckbearers [civic] subtype creature cards gain +1 to all non-health stats
Special: Death Ward: The deckbearers creatures may not be killed by automatic removal effects while this card is in play
Special: Fungible [Life, Fire]: Life and Fire power may be spent as if they were the other
Heat is life, cold is death. Never let anyone tell you fire is only for burning.
Miriam let out a long, low whistle. Wow arent you a fire deckbearer as well, Wolfe?
What? Wolfe asked, briefly confused. Yeah, I am technically. But Ive not really worked that angle of my deckbearer abilities at all. This card is bascailly just one bonus power.
Miriam smiled at him. Well, you dont have to ignore your Fire energy anymore. You could take one Life power and then put the Stone Arch Fire in your deck. You could heal yourself every round, and protect your creatures from death effects.
Thats silly, Wolfe said. I mean, Shel is the one focused on police and other civic things.
But the Hellsmouth Institute benefits from other building cards, Shel said. If you had this, it would probably give a huge bonus to any future orphans you get.
Warmth spread through Wolfe at Shels words, a sort of spiritual match to the fire they were sitting next to. She always tries to support me. This card could obviously benefit her deck, but her first move was to try and make me stronger. I really dont deserve a girl like her.
A tiny piece of Wolfe was tempted to take the Stone Arch Fire, because it would benefit him. It would benefit him far less than it would benefit Shel, but it was still their first Mythic card. His old loner instincts wrestled his new instincts, but were thrown to the ground.
Thats old me talking. The guy who only trusted himself and Big Man Grimm. If I really do want to marry Shel, then her strength is my strength, and it benefits me more in her deck.
Wolfe shook his head. This is wrong for me, or at least a lot better for you, Shel. I cant easily move into a deck that benefits from or focuses on Civic cards, and this plays heavily into that paradigm.
Itll make you stronger, Shel said.
It would make you far stronger than me. Sure, I could use it, and it might make me a bit better. But I need to either give up the Occult Library building or spend ten leveling pips, then get enough Fire type cards to benefit. Like I said earlierI gave that path up when I picked my level twenty-five perk. This should go to you, Shel, assuming no one else objects.
Miriam patted Wolfe on his forearm. Im not taking cards from this dungeon, Wolfe. I mean, unless you give them to me, obviously. But I owe you, remember? Even without taking cards youre just power leveling me and Derek here anyway. Also, even outside the moral considerations, its unlikely that these cards would benefit us much, given our typings.
I dont know Shel said.
Wolfe was surprised it was this hard to get her to just take the card, but she had always played second to him. Which in some cases made sense, but not in this case.
He thought about his intentions to Shel for a moment, then continued. Look we look like we might be together a long time, right? If youre stronger, Im stronger.
For the Pack, Malviere said, her occult voice echoing with mystic portent.
Love, honor, and community are the strengths that Raphael bequeathed to mortals, I think you meant to say, Liurenia replied tartly, fluttering here dove wings.
The dark energy around Malviere pulsed. Wolfes companion narrowed her eyes and glared at Liurenia, then opened her mouth to retort.
But Wolfe beat her to it. Lets just see what we have for other cards, well come back to this.
Miriam clapped her hands once. Yeah, I want to see the other ones. What was the card that Loo lady dropped?
Wolfe held it out and the four humans gathered around. It showed a beautiful lady, young, with Amerind featuresthe person they had just seen.
Loowitlatkla, Whose Face Launched A Thousand Braves
Unique Rare Equivalent, Tier-1 equivalent Mortal/Fire [Civic] Creature
2 Mortal or 2 Fire Power, 2 Any power
Health: 23
Attack: 3
Defense: 6
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 6
Special: Maddening Beauty: When this card enters the field, half (randomly chosen) of one enemy deckbearers creatures on field will switch sides, except for Golem, Elemental, and Undead ones. They remain on the side of the Deckbearer till this card leaves the field. The power of the cards that switched sides is returned to their deckbearer.
Special: Healer [5]: When this creature enters the field it may fully heal one other creature card or restore 5 Health to a deckbearer
Special: Dungeon Exchange: This card may be exchanged at the end of Loowitlatklas Fall
Loowit was once an old woman of such heart and kindness that the gods granted her eternal life. But she requested beauty to go along with it, and that was a different story.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
I aspire to be this spirit, Miriam said, then stood. She struck a pose in the middle of the clearing they were in, her arms akimbo, black-dress-hugged body on display. Think I could make two of you fight over me?
Wolfe rolled his eyes, and Derek snorted. Shel just ignored her.
Anyway, its pretty interesting, Miriam said with a drawl as she sat back down and grabbed some of the berries from the stone slab filled with food. The card is potentially very powerful, but it costs a lot of power and it can be undone moderately easily. Not as good as the Arch, certainly.
Well, thats because its a rare and youre comparing it to a mythic, Wolfe said.
Miriam shrugged and aped his voice for her first word. Well, Im still a tad underwhelmed. But who cares. lets just skip to the fun part and see what drops from the packs.
Wolfe pulled out the card packs they had gotten.
Each of the card packs had stylized picture of a fish and a bird of prey, each composed of black-and-white lines and shapes rather than being a composite whole. It was vaguely Aztec, but Wolfe wouldnt have bet anything he cared to lose on the images cultural origins.
Written across each pack in English were the words Cycle of the Fifth Sun, Twilight. Two were labeled common, one uncommon, and one rare.
Wow, Shel said, pulling her phone out and typing at it.
Pretty sure this is a zero-bars location, Wolfe said. The gods dont provide wi-fi passwords.
I downloaded a lot of information into my phone, including set releases and known cards, Shel said absently as she scrolled, through a document and not the internet, apparently.
Here it isThe Cycle of the Fifth Sun, Twilight. Released in 1510. The second to last time a new world set was released exclusively in Central and North America. It was known as a set with a much higher rate of enhancers as specialty cards, and had a large number of unique creatures granted in dungeons and from roaming monsters.
Well, lets see what we get, Wolfe said. He passed the card packs over to Shel.
Why me? Shel asked, taking them.
Your perk for opening better packs, Wolfe replied.
It only works for Mortal and Divine packs, basically, Shel said, then held them back. You open them. You have the Caretaker of the Lost card, remember? You might get an orphan out of it.
Does that mean the gods would make new cards? Miriam asked suddenly, leaning forward. I mean there werent even orphan cards that far back.
Maybe theyll just give us one from the current set? Wolfe asked.
I hope this means new cards, Miriam said. That would be so cool. Even if its just a common, its also kinda a unique.
Yeah, Shel responded.
Wolfe took the card packs and opened them. The common packs produced eleven commons and an uncommon, the uncommon two uncommon cards and four commons, and the rare pack gave two commons, two uncommon cards, and two rare cards.
But no orphans. He snorted after going through them all, and Miriam giggled, probably guessing what he was snorting at.
He then sorted them into pilesMortal, Beast, Undead, Infernal, Divine, Light, and then one big pile for everything else, to match their types.
No Psychic cards at all, huh? Miriam asked.
Wolfe shook his head no. No Meta either, although no one here uses those.
Then he held out the Mortal cards. There were a couple common mortal Creatures, one of which was a tribal pathfinder that was incredibly weak but allowed pulling any other civic card from the deck and immediately playing it for its normal cost.
Shel briefly gave thought to it but passed.
Then there was an uncommon mortal and Nature enhancer that showed a man on an alter, his chest open, blood pouring down into plants around the alter. It gave Nature cards a boost but required a mortal card to be turned into a null card.
So, no mortal cards that are useful to me at all, really, Shel said.
Sorry, Wolfe said.
He glanced at the Beast cards as well, of which there were four. Two were cautious deer which were very weak but ignored the first attack against them and could be sacrificed for health. The third was a Fish filled River persistent that cost only one Beast power and made all Mortal cards cost one less power if their cost started between two and four. Wolfe didnt care about any of those. But the last one was quite interesting to him.
It showed a hairless dog that vaguely reminded Wolfe of a whippet, staring with glowing eyes.
Xolo Spirit-Warder
Uncommon Tier-1 Beast [Canine] Creature
2 Beast Power
Health: 7
Attack: 2
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 3
Special: Delicacy: Sacrifice this card to heal a deckbearer for ten health. This power may only be triggered once per day.
Special: Protection from Undead: All other allied creatures gain +100% Defense and Magical Defense against undead.
Special: Death, Undead Immunity: This creature is immune to all undead and death damage.
The Xolo Spirit-Warder is a dog that protects mortals from the many undead terrors. Its also a delicacy served at funerals.
Thats pretty weak, and a lot of the time you wont be able to sacrifice it, because of Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds, Shel said.
Wolfe nodded. For sure. But as a side-deck creature card, there are situations where it could be really useful, and a solid portion of my deck empowers it. I mean, its a specific deck counter dog. I couldnt ask for a better uncommon.
Your pack grows, Malviere muttered, giving Liurenia the side-eye.
Well, I, for one, think this dogs anti-undead bias is reprehensible, Miriam said with a pompous air and swirl of an imaginary wineglass. Then she giggled.
Wolfe rolled his own eyes, but he was smiling. He was happy to see Miriam happy, and excited that a card was finally for him.
But he was more excited to see what else there was on offer.
There were two undead cardsa common card called a Camazotz Bat that was a one power Undead and Beast creature that was a vampire as well.
The second was the rare card. It was called Last Messenger of Camazotz, and was a medium-weak four power vampire creature card that, when it entered, allowed an immediate play, at zero power, of a second vampire card of three power or less.
Wolfe sighed, and handed it over to Miriam, who clapped her hands and took it. Can I also get the cute bat please?
Wolfe handed that over as well, wondering if the books between him and Miriam would ever balance. Although helping the last living child of the man who had saved him, and whom Wolfe had failed to save, was a worthwhile goal in itself. He let it go.
There was only one Infernal card, although it was also an uncommon and a Beast card. For a brief moment, Wolfe was excited.
Tezcatlipocan Smoke Jaquar
Uncommon Tier-1 Infernal/Beast [Feline] Creature
1 Infernal, 1 Beast, 3 Any Power
Health: 25
Attack: 6 x3
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: 4[Death]
Magical Defense: 4
Special: Incorporeal: This creature does not take damage from non-energy sources.
Special: Dual Attack: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack on the same target.
Special: Tribal [Feline]: +1 Attack for every [Feline] card on the battlefield
Offspring of the a normal Jaquar and the mighty beasts that Tezcatlipoca sent to slay the beings that once lived under the first sun.
Thats like one of your angry hellhounds on steroids, Shel said. I mean, for five power, its stats are grossly weak, but it makes six attacks on a single target every time it attacks. A few buffs and that thing would be insane.
Yeah, but unless Im gonna switch over to a cat deck Cereboo whined which Im not, its barely better than one of the Angry Hellhounds and takes five power. Not really helpful to me.
Shel nodded. True.
There was a single Divine cardwhich was also a Light card.
Couatl of the Second Sun
Uncommon Tier-1 Divine / Light [Couatl, Civic, Sun, Ascendent] Creature
1 Divine, 1 Light, 2 Any Power
Health: 20
Attack: 3
Defense: 8
Magical Attack: 10[Light]
Magical Defense: 10
Special: Guardian of Propriety: Control of any other Mortal or Divine card may not be taken from the deckbearer while they control this card on the field
Special: Ascendent Metropolis [1]: For every [Civic], Divine, or Light Building keyword in the deck, and every [Civic], Divine, or Light persistent card keyword on the field, this card gains +1 to its Defense and Magical Defense.
The Second Sun was an age of prosperity, guided by Quetzalcoatl, until mortals drifted from religious propriety.
Wow, Shel said. That synergizes really well with my deck. Like really well. I didnt even know this card was a thing, from my prior research.
Well, it was a card from a geographically exclusive set from over five hundred years ago, Wolfe said as he handed it over to her.
They moved on to the next cards.
Light had done well in generalit had two more commons and the other rare as well.
Hint of the Sixth Sun
Rare Tier-1 Light [Sun, Ruin] Persistent
2 Light Power
Sixty seconds after this card enters, every non-undead creature on the field that belongs to a deckbearer is reduced to zero health.
Thereafter, the Deckbearer controlling this card can play creatures at 1 less of any type of power cost. If a card would go to zero power, it instead costs 1 (available) any power.
What will come in the age of the Sixth Sun is anyones guess.
Wow, if there was anyone with a powerful mixed Light and Undead deck, this card would be insanely amazing, Miriam muttered. Im almost tempted.
You play vampires, Shel said with a laugh. Really doubt youll find more than five cards in all of existence that have a useful synergy with both types.
Miriam rolled her eyes.
It was just a thought.
There was only one other divine carda Baby Couatl, which was a one power creature that could be sacrificed to bring out any other card, up to four power, with Couatl in the keywords.
Shel hemmed and hawed, but decided that she didnt have enough Couatls to justify it.
There were three Fire cards. One was a common low-damage immediate that Wolfe ignored, but the last two were also interesting.
Burned Sacrifice
Uncommon Tier-1 Fire Immediate
1 Fire Power
Sacrifice any Mortal or Beast card. Immediately play from deck or sidedecks any one Infernal or Divine creature or persistent of four power or less.
Many gods answer to the fire that burns in the chest cavity.anonymous Aztec Deckbearer
Wow, Wolfe said. That card is dark. But it could be hugely useful for me.
If I do put the Stone Arch Fire in my deck, it could also be extremely useful for me, Shel said.
As would this one, Wolfe said, holding it out.
Friendly Campfire
Common Tier-1 Fire/Life [Civic] Persistent
1 Fire or 1 Life power
While this card is in play, Fire type immediate or Persistent cards that do damage may be used to heal [as true healing] any target instead. This cannot affect any deckbearer more than once per twenty-four hours. All Food or Delicacy special effects are doubled.
They all stared at the cards. Wolfe had his Xolo Spirit-Warder in front of him, Miriam had her Camazotz Bat and Last Messenger of Camazotz cards, and Shel had the Mythic Stone Arch Fire, the Couatl of the Second Sun, the Burned Sacrifice, and the Friendly Campfire.
What do we get if we trade in the Loowit cards? Miriam asked.
Didnt it say we had to wait to the end of the dungeon? Derek asked.
Shel nodded to the trader, who had finished setting up. Pretty sure that this guy can trade now, because we won the special contest.
Then I can pick my perks? Shel asked.
Wolfe nodded. Yeah, well get you sorted out for sure, sorry. This is like when I picked minelets see our cards, then check your perks, then get your final form, so to speak, worked out.
Shel stood from the stone slab, wiping meat grease on her pants. Alright, lets go see what he has to offer.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Fourteen: The Three Spirits, Part V
Wolfe wiped his hands on the grass and then stood as well. He was fully healed from the meal, and felt rested and pleasantly full both. The evening air was cool and pleasant around him.
He walked over to the trader, followed by most of his team. The trader was patiently sitting cross-legged with a nice wooden board in front of him. On the board were multiple cards, but when Wolfe tried to look at them, the images swam in his vision.
Wolfe frowned. Cute trick, gods.
So, what can we trade you? Wolfe asked.
The trader smiled amiably. If you have any Loowitlatkla, Pahto, or Wyeast cards, I can exchange them here.
Just four cards? Wolfe asked, assuming that the chieftains sons would only have a card each, unlike Loowitlatkla.
If you have any Loowitlatkla, Pahto, or Wyeast cards, I can exchange them here, the trader said, his smile unchanging.
Joy, Wolfe muttered, then tried something else. What cards do we get for trading?
Barely more than an animatronic doll, the trader repeated, If you have any Loowitlatkla, Pahto, or Wyeast cards, I can exchange them here.
Now whos making the NPCs repeat themselves? Miriam asked with a laugh.
Wolfe growled out, I thought that might get an actual answer, but apparently we need to trade and just see.
Trade the Face who launched version, Shel said suddenly. I dont think it synergizes that well.
Wolfe held the card out, and the trader reached out. The second he touched the card, it shifted, and he pulled his hand back again with nothing in it.
Thank you, hero! the trader said in a cheery voice.
Shel, Miriam, and Derek all crowded around the new card.
Spirit of Mount St. Helens
Unique Legendary equivalent Tier-1 equivalent Fire/Life Enhancer
0 Power
This card adds 1 Fire power to the deckbearer. This person will have their weight doubled for purposes of resisting being moved. +20% lifespan.
If the Spirit of Mount Hood and the Spirit of Mount Adams are also both in the deck, it adds an additional +5 Health, +2 Defense, and an additional +40% lifespan.
After the destruction, Chief Tyee changed all three participants into mountains. Loowitlatkla became Mount St. Helens, her life-giving fire with her always.
Thats solid, Miriam said. Very solid. A Fire power, which would make it way easier to use the Arch or other cards. And I need to get some lifespan cards myself for sure. Shit, thatll probably be worth an extra seventy years, given how old you are, Shel.
Shel twirled her finger in her hair. Its only truly amazing if I also get a point of Life power, really. Or rely on the friendly campfire. I mean, I need ten leveling pips to be able to put Artenia in my deck, so that makes it a bit of a challenge to get all the things were looking at in place.
Imagine if you did, though, Miriam said excitedly, putting her arms over Shels shoulders and then lightly stroking Shels red hair. Youd have five power types, which all synergize at least a bitMortal, Divine, Light, Life, and Fire. You could get some crazy cards with those combinations, rare shit that would be way less expensive since it required such specific things. Miriam leaned in closer, her mouth inches from Shels ear. Youd become one of the greatest deckbearers ever.
Shel shrugged her off, slightly red in the face.
Miriam giggled again. Do you think the other two spirits are the brothers? And that we can get them at the end of the dungeon? I bet they are.
Probably, Wolfe said. I dont think we would have seen them if this was a multi-dungeon quest.
I really want to get those cards. The spirit mountains, I mean, Shel said. Also to see what other cards we could get. This dungeon has been insanely valuable to us. Like insanely.
Its been pretty good to me, Miram said. But not insanely good.
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Wolfe nodded. Yeah, its been good to us all. Although a lot of that came from being over-level and beating the special. We arent going to be able to just waltz through the next floor like we did this one.
Shel laughed. I saw you get kicked into a wall.
Derek interrupted with a shudder. And I nearly died.
Shel continued. It was hardly a waltz.
Do you want me to trade the last one in? Wolfe asked, moving on from the argument he was pretty sure he would lose.
Shel focused inward for a moment, biting her lip in thought. Then she nodded. Yeah, I dont think the abilities will be enough to justify keeping it, especially since I wont use many fire cards that need to worry about losing control of regardless.
Wolfe handed it over and went through the ritual again.
He got back a new carda mantle.
Stone Circle Fire Tender
Rare Tier-1 Fire/Life [Civic] Mantle
1 Fire or 1 Life power
All other Civic Cards gain +2 to all non-health stats.
If the Stone Arch Fire is in the deck, all healing powers are doubled and may target any entity.
Those that tended the Stone Arch Fire were the heart of the numerous Cowlitz tribes.
Is that better than the Resilient Martyr? Wolfe asked, staring at it.
Maybe? Shel said. I mean its very different. No stats, and no self-healing. But it adds stats to my various civic cards, like the Rookie SWAT, and then that will double some day from all the angels and stuff. I could go for it, especially if I do decide on the Stone Arch Fire build.
Wolfe nodded, then put all the cards down. Well, we know what cards we have, for the moment and have some idea of what well get going forward in the dungeon. I think you should pick your perks now.
Shel nodded.
But first, can we see your deckbearer stats?
Shel nodded and pulled up her stats on her phone, showing them to Wolfe and Miriam.
Rachel Lyons Status:
Level 28 Deckbearer (14 Levels pending)
Deckbearer Perks:
Lost and Lonely God-gifted Start: +1 Companion card
Deckbearer Perk 1: Divine Favor: When pulling from a Mortal or Divine pack, one random card will be a rarity higher. If pulling from a mixed deck, at least one card will be either Mortal or Divine.
Deckbearer Perk 2: Guiding Light of the Divine: Gain 1 Light Power. May have one extra card in play so long as its a Mortal (Any EMT, Police, or card with the Civic subtype).
Deckbearer Flaw: Pacifist: May not gain attack from mantles
Deckbearer Stats:
Cards in Deck: 15 (1 pip)
Cards in Hand: 4 (1 pip)
Cards in Play: 3 (1 pip)
Length of Play: 5 minutes
Specialty Cards: Companion: 2 (5 pips)
Minion: 1 (1 pip)
Enhancer: 1 (1 pip)
Type 1 and Power: 1 Divine
Type 2 and Power: 3 Mortal (3 pips)
Energy 1 and Power: 1 Light
Personal Perks:
Inborn Perk 1: Small: -1 Attack
Acquired Perk 1: Police Training: +1 Attack and Defense. Does not stack with other training.
Acquired Perk 2: Expert Shooter: +3 Attack and Defense only when using firearms. Does not stack with other training.
Personal Stats:
Health: 20
Attack: 5(7)
Magical Attack [None]: 0
Defense: 6(8)
Magical Defense [None]: 5
Wolfe stared for a moment. So, no matter what, you could either add a companion slot for Artenia, or you could add a Life power if you need.
Shel smiled up at him. And I already have the enhancer slot for the mountain, but itll take five more leveling pips to add slots for the next two if weIgo down that route. And a building slot would cost five more pips. Its a challenge to do everything, regardless of what specific path I choose first.
Her eyes fussed out for a moment, and then she started reading out loud. Wolfe did his best to focus, and for once, everyone else did as welleven Miriam wasnt quipping.
Civic Pride: The deckbearer counts as a [Civic] sub-type and [Police] and [City-Guard] keywords herself and gains the legendary Agent Geared card, which will create a side deck for civic equipment cards that can be summoned and distributed below power cost. Gain 1 Legendary mortal equipment card pack.
Precious Martyr: The deckbearer gains +10 Health. Every time this person is wounded, all allied cards gain +50% to all non-health stats for the round.
Divine Entourage: Gain one companion slot, and Divine companions dont count against cards on field.
Master of the Lost and the Lonely: Orphans gain +1 Tier when they switch over, and any card packs or non-orphan cards gained from orphan advancement are gained twice. Any one [evolved orphan] card of no more than 2 power may be treated as if it were a free-slot companion card with a 0-power cost.
Nurse of the Chosen: Gain 1 Life Power, and the first time per week any entity is healed by this deckbearer, they lose 1 injury level as well. Gain 2 Legendary Life packs from any set that is represented in the deckbearers deck.
Those are some impressive perks, Wolfe said.
Shel blinked her eyes and then looked at him. Yeah, some of those are amazing. I cant believe I got offered the Master of the Lost and the Lonely as well.
Probably shouldnt take it, Wolfe said. I mean, I can already work on making sure that the orphans are being raised up when we get them.
Shel slowly nodded. I can see builds around all of this I mean, I was hoping Id get the companion option. That will save me a good fifteen leveling pips, which is huge.
Yeah, Wolfe said, then reached over and grabbed another cut of cooked goat from the slab. Derek had finished eating, and sat back with a sigh.
Shel was still talking. But being able to heal injuries is also huge. And since we just got a lot of cards that could benefit from me having Life power, including a mythic, well, that power is also kinda a big deal. And two Legendary packs is huge Id instantly be a powerful Life deckbearer as well.
Wolfe nodded, his own mind mulling over all the possibilities.
No, you want power, Miriam said with certainty, and without her usual banter. The Civic one gives you that. Plus two, modified by your other stats, and then nearly doubled, is insane.
You want that, Shel said. Ive got Wolfe, so nothing bad will happen to me. I can afford to be a healer, or have my angels.
Wolfe might not be around to protect you some day, Miriam said. And those are some permanent upgrades, even if minor, you cant normally get. Combined with the new mantle, your civic cards could do insane damage.
Shel was biting her lip. Maybe
Then she turned to Wolfe. What do you think I should take?
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Fifteen: Become the Ringbearer
I think you shouldnt worry about me or Miriam, Wolfe said. Do what your soul calls you to do.
In my soul, I want to be the light to your dark, Shel said. You once told me that it was my job to save people. I guess I like our roles. You slay those that would break people, keep me safe and I heal the broken ones. Maybe its not the strongest path, or the smartest. It probably isnt. But its the one that calls to me the most.
Then why did you become a police officer? Miriam asked, sounding more curious than judgmental.
I could do so right away, or near enough, Shel said. Being a nurse, or more so, a doctor, takes a long time. Plus, officers still save people, and can respond to emergencies as well. Plus, I dont want to be hopelessly weak, I just dont want to make my entire focus around fighting people.
So, are you going to alter your deck, then? Wolfe asked.
Let me think about it a bit, Shel said. I mean, I want to, but I want to think about the leveling specifics a bit more. I think we should see how the rest of this dungeon turns out before I pick leveling perks and finalize my cards for a while.
Im gonna add the Xolo Spirit-Warder into my subdeck, in place of the Chain Demon, Wolfe said.
For me, Im just gonna add the Camazotz to my deck now. I think it already fits, and requires no leveling pips, Miriam said.
Alright, well, with those less-than massive changes, I think we should take a break, Wolfe said.
Boo! Miriam called out excitedly. Were kicking ass. We just handled a Level Twenty-Eight encounter! We could go all the way!
"Thats what she said? Shel asked with a chuckle.
Miriam paused. By the gods, I cant believe I didnt do that intentionally. Im losing game.
Wolfe cut in. Look, I want to switch in Liam for Derekapologies, man, but I need him to get some levels too.
Yeah, no, dont even worry about it, Derek said, smiling at Wolfe with perfect white teeth. You told me one floor and gave me two and I made over ten levels. Im crazy excited, thank you. Heck, Ill probably be picking my own level twenty-five perks soon at this rate.
Boo! Miriam called again, but she was half-laughing. We can do it!
Hey, fairs fair, Wolfe said, as casually as he could. You got some great cards. Speaking of which, I have some chores I want to do. Can you take Shel home with you?
Home with Miriam? Shel asked, baffled. What chores do you have?
Just some stuff I need to take care of, Wolfe said nonchalantly, rubbing his hand through his short hair.
Why didnt you tell me before we left? Shel asked.
Look, I dont do this often, can I just take the truck and have Miriam take you home? Wolfe asked.
I mean, yeah, thats totally fine, Shel said. Sorry, I wasnt trying to nag, just confused.
Thanks, Wolfe said. I appreciate it. Also, please, keep Fern with you. I owe you one.
Nah, I think some girl time together could be great, Shel said, smiling at Miriam.
Ah yeah, Miriam said. Well hit all the clubs.
Or we could talk in your club, Shel said.
Fine, fine, ya killjoy. Well just hang at my club.
Well, you two work it out. Im sure between you, you can have fun without breaking something serious. But lets get out of here, I have something I need to do.
Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!
Something I have no idea how to do.
***
Mrs Timo! Wolfe shouted as he banged the giant front door of the Hellmouth Institute open. Mrs. Timo!
Im in here, Wolfe. No need to shout, Mrs. Timo said from the room she used to receive the ten or so non-government clients theyd had since they opened their P.I. business.
Wolfe walked in. She was behind the computer again, leaned back, moving the mouse slowly and occasionally clicking something. A glass of water was beading on the infernal-themed desk the computer was on. It looked like she had barely sipped at it.
Wolfe frowned. Shes playing solitaire again. On the other hand, I havent given her any work, and the girls arent home from school yet, so
He shook his head. It didnt matter, and he had other things to ask.
You were married once, right? Wolfe asked.
Mrs. Timo looked up from the computer. Normally, her sun-dried skin looked like it was set in permanent laugh lines, and she smiled easily. But at the moment, one eyebrow was up.
She lowered her glasses and stared over the rim at him. So, what brought this up.
Never mind that, Wolfe said, waving off the question. Just, were you married?
Yes, of course, she said. We didnt do the whole out-of-wedlock thing in my time.
Wolfe laughed mirthlessly. Im pretty sure your time was still after the sixties, and they certainly did that then. But again, never mind. Just tell me this: how did your husband propose to you?
Ol Jack? she smiled in reminiscence, settling back in her chair again but still staring at Wolfe over the rim of her glasses. Well, it was very romantic. He took me out on his boat, you know. I thought he was going to spend some time fishing with me, but instead, when he opened up his tackle box, there was a ring. He got down on his knees right there and held it out to me.
It was romantic when the ring was in the bait with his fish? Wolfe asked.
Well, we were both in the fish business, way back in the day. Thats how we met, in fact, you jumped up hooligan, Mrs. Timo said.
Wolfe frowned. You dont use the word Hooligan, normally. Youre just playing around. I really need to know.
Mrs. Timo rolled her eyes again. I was telling the truth. I was trying to say that it was romantic to me, or at least special in that it referenced how wed first met. I guess thats whats importantit needs to be romantic or special to Shel.
I didnt say anything about Shel, Wolfe replied.
Sure, hon, whatever you say. I wont tell Shel, dont worry.
Wolfe glanced around in panic. Shh! Stop saying it out loud, you old bat.
Mrs. Timo laughed. Good thing you pay me to play solitaire with a mouth like that. Most people would take offense.
Wolfe felt his frustration risinghe hated being in situations where being able to punch someone didnt establish who was polite to who.
But he triedMrs. Timo was a nice old bat. Even if she was one. Sorry. Ill keep it together better. But if were talking about this, um, theoretical situation, then Id like to ask, theoretically, what you think Shel would like.
Mrs. Timo picked up her glass of water, frowned at it, and then gave it a wipe with a handkerchief she pulled from a pocket. Who still uses handkerchiefs?
Well, where did you meet? Maybe you could propose to her there, Mrs. Timo said, taking a sip of her water.
Wolfes mind briefly jumped to the Snakebite club where he had killed the Cobra lieutenant Frankie.
I, um, kinda burned it to the ground, Wolfe replied.
Mrs. Timo laughed, sucked water into some part it didnt belong, coughed, and sprayed water across the computer screen in a fine mist. She kept coughing and laughing, half-choking, while trying to dab the water away from the screen with her already damp handkerchief. Wolfe ran over and pounded her back, not knowing what else to do.
Stop, Mrs. Timo coughed again and waved her arms at Wolfe. Stop hitting me. Hurts worse than the water in my lungs. Im a frail old bat, dammit, remember?
Wolfe took a step back. Yeah, sorry, I was trying to help.
Mrs. Timo ignored him. Also, I cant help but sayof course you burned it to the ground.
Haha, Wolfe said deadpan. But seriously, what other advice do you have?
The same advice. Just find something special to both of you, and build your proposal around that. I mean, youre over six feet, you have way more than six figures, and Im sure youre
She pointed vaguely at his groin.
Im not talking about that with someones grandma, Wolfe ground out.
Whatever. You arent the worst looking, either. Im sure if you just manage not to completely muck it up Shel will be happy to marry you. Just go get a great ring and do it halfway right.
I dont want to do it halfway right. Maybe youre onto something, but Shel deserves more than my usual stupid-ass way of doing these things. I need a better proposal than anything Ive thought of so far.
Okay, how did you meet?
We havent told you that story in the whole year youve been here? Wolfe asked, scratching his head. Well, um, I saved her from getting a different kind of sixsix feet under.
Always with the cringy one-liner, Mrs. Time said. Then it was her turn to scratch her head. Well, I doubt saving her life is a reasonably duplicatable situation, so I guess itll need to be something else.
Wolfe frowned. Well, what about the ring?
I know how much you have in the bank, Mrs. Timo said. More importantly, Shel knows how much you have. Big ol rock.
Right, right. Where can I get a good ring?
Mrs. Timo rolled her eyes at him. For that, you have the internets.
Some secretary you are.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Sixteen: Becoming the Ringbearer, Part II
Wolfe was back in his old stomping groundwell, really, he was back in Big Man Grimms old stomping ground. His old stomping ground had been a lot poorer, but he had spent a day or two every week in the ritzy, high-priced district where The Ekron Eternal was located.
Which was apparently where all the other high-end pastimes and shopping were located as well.
He eyed the Gavins Card sign above him againit was the same billboard, and the same company, that had been advertising by the back entrance to the Ekron Eternal two years ago when Wolfe had first gotten his deck on drop night. The actual sign had changed, and now showed an evolved orphan Mortal/Angel fighting an Imp Lord, the deckbearer in the background. Not quite as understated as most ads for the card auction company, but still well done.
But Wolfe wasnt here for cards or for the Ekron Eternal, although he thought it ironic that he was a mere couple blocks from Shel. He had been tempted to park in the Ekron Eternal garage, but didnt want to chance alerting her to what he was about.
So, he found himself in the parking lot of Michelles, the most famous high end jewelry store in Noimoire, if the internet had any idea what it was talking about. It occupied a fairly small storefront, maybe seventy or so feetwhich would be big for some places, but felt small for a most famous in type of place.
A low, mournful warble came from the bed of his truck behind him, and Wolfe turned to Cereboo. Ill be back, buddy. Just give me a few minutes to get this ringhang out with Malviere, okay?
Cereboo warbled again, but settled into the bed as Wolfe walked toward the jewelry store.
There was a man in a suit waiting out front, however, and Wolfes eyes automatically tracked to the slight bulge that was likely a gun in a chest holster under the suit. The mans eyes tracked over Wolfe for a second as Wolfe walked up, but then slid away with disinterest.
Wolfe snorted. Given a choice, he dressed casual, ate casual, and pretty much tried to do everything in a fairly pedestrian manner. He associated upscale things with either his father, whom he still had dark memories of, or Big Man Grimm, who he had once deeply respected but who represented a lifestyle he was trying to leave.
But Wolfe knew what he needed to look like to blend in with the crowd. He had put a suit on, shaved down to the slightest hint of stubble, combed his hair, and put a nice watch on, even though everyone used their phones and the watch was a blatant affectation.
But it was expected, and a nice suit was camouflage. No one suspected the guy in the suit was a criminal, ever, and men like the fancy security guard at the door might as well be blind for all they could see past a mans clothes.
Wolfes sardonic musings were cut short as the man in the suit reached over, grabbed the door, and opened it. Welcome to Michelles, sir. I hope you find what your heart desires.
Wolfe laughed, running the jingle he had just heard on their website through his head. Michelles where you find her hearts desire.
Spoken in a husky female voice, of course.
As Wolfe walked into the store, he was confronted by a veritable piece of art, or perhaps the display room of the treasury of a particularly vain deckbearer champion from the medieval era.
The store had almost fifteen-foot-tall ceilings from which hung numerous complex crystal chandeliers. The windows on two of the walls were clear glass, almost floor-to-ceiling but not quite. They had a rounded top and were sub-divided into smaller windows, looking like the stained-glass story windows of a church of Uriel he had once been to, except they were made of clear glass.
But the ceiling and walls paled in comparison to the contents of the floor. Multiple display cases, each layered with ever smaller circles, like a wedding cake, decorated the floor in a honeycomb pattern. And on each of the ostentatious display tables were hundreds of pieces of jewelry, whose prices tags, on the bottom most rung of each display case, started somewhere around this months mortgage, cruised through or you could have a car, and ended on the very top somewhere around would you prefer a legendary card?
Most of it was diamond jewelry, but by no means all of it.
Along the walls were a group of huge, brooding guards, and wandering the floor were a group of young, beautiful women and a few distinguished looking men. A couple of them were guiding a few old couples, and one douche-bag looking man in his thirties, around the display cases, but most were just waiting.
As Wolfe stared at the insane display of decadence around him, one of the waiting women, who was even more alluring than the jewelry, walked up to him. She had long blonde hair, a lithe, youthful body, and a black dress that was nearly spraypainted on, revealing nothing but hinting strongly at everything all the same.
May I help you find something, sir? she asked, her voice more upbeat and perky than Cereboo after the time he had drunk an entire can of Redbull.
Wolfe was a hundred percent into Shel, and had also seen a ton of pretty girls in his life, clothed or otherwise. It still legit took him half a second to tear his gaze from the woman and stare into her faceit took an insane amount of money to look that sexy and not cheap, but she had pulled it off.
But Michelles could afford the best. It was well known, whether in Wolfes old line of work or the absolute upper ends of the jet set, that a beautiful women moved product fast.
I, um, Im looking for an engagement ring, Wolfe said.
Excellent, sir! the woman said, giving him a hundred-watt smile. What is your price range?
Just show me some good rings, Wolfe growled, irritated with the question.
Of course, sir, right this way, the woman said without missing a beat or allowing her smile to falter.
She put her hand on his arm, which Wolfe pulled away from her, and then, again without missing a beat, led him over to the first display table.
This lady is as good at her job as I am at mine, Wolfe thought, tempted to leave for a more accessible store with someone a bit less over-matched against him in selling skills.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
But he didnt leave. He wanted the best for Shel, and this was apparently where that was found.
He stared briefly at a two-million-dollar necklace. The reasonable best. Pretty sure shed be mad if I spent that much on a ring anyway.
Here are our most popular diamond engagement rings, the girl said, motioning vaguely to the table. More affordable ones are on the bottom, and the more expensive ones near the top.
Uh-huh, Wolfe said non-committedly.
She just kept going, now pointing to specific pieces. Youll find collections from the Summer Flower set, work from Alvond, and even some from Michelles very own artists here, on these shelves. Over here we have
Wolfe tuned her out, letting her perky voice become little more than elevator music.
He didnt want a ring because it was brand name or had a famous designer, and didnt think that would matter to Shel either. Instead, he looked at the rings, trying to feel for one that would be special.
How do you capture the essence of a wonderful, amazing woman whose life you saved, but who in turn gave you a reason to live and grow? Wolfe couldnt help but wonder. What the hell kind of diamond symbolizes all that?
Each of them had been a pivotal point in the others growth, and each had moved on to a near completely new life after finding the other. Not just a new life together, but new ways of doing things, new goals for themselves. Everything had been different.
For both of them, that difference had been pivotal to a better life.
The diamonds, meanwhile, all looked the same to Wolfe. Not literally the samesome were shaped like hearts, some had a huge central stone, some were clusters of smaller ones, and many were surrounded by other stones. The bands were different metals, and different thicknesses.
But it still seemed utterly banal to Wolfe. There was still a sameness. They looked like every stone some enforcers girl had shoved under Wolfes nose, the same as every commercial Wolfe had ever seen for an engagement ring.
They didnt match Shel, either in personality or, for that matter, against her colorationher fiery red hair, her brilliant green eyes.
The lady touched his arm, and Wolfe started, realizing he hadnt heard her talking for a few seconds. As he tried to run her prattle back through his head, he realized she had asked him a question, from the tone of her last words.
What? he asked, wincing.
Im sorry, I was asking if these stones are not to your satisfaction, she asked. Youve been frowning at the display the whole time. Perhaps you could give me a bit of guidance into what youre looking for?
Something different, Wolfe said, aware of how inadequate that sounded. He tried to clarify. Different from normal, I mean. Not just different than these stones here.
She smiled again. Well, although diamonds are the most preferred main stones for an engagement ring, they are certainly not the only option. A few people prefer other gems. We have small selection of emerald engagement rings, if youd like to peruse that.
Wolfe thought back to his earlier musings. At least theyll match Shels eyes.
Yeah, lets see those.
The lady hesitated. I must warn you, sir, that the emerald engagement rings tend to be a bit pricier, and we have none of the cheapest tier.
Did I ask, girl? Wolfe growled out, immediately irritated at the subtle assertion he might not belong here. Just take me to the emeralds.
Again without the tiniest crack in her smile, or the tiniest hesitation, the woman walked smoothly across the floor. Of course, sir, right this way.
Wolfe was led past a couple where the wife was oohing and aahing over various pieces of jewelry, and whose husband was typing away on a Blackberry, to one of the massive display tables on the outer edge of the floor. It seemed to be an odds and ends table, with multiple smaller collections of jewelry.
Here is our collection of emerald engagement rings, sir. I hope you find one to your liking.
Wolfe stared at them. They did feel more right to him, but at first, none truly called to him. But as he looked around, he saw one that had the least complex of Raphaels symbols on ita heart with dove wings, in this case, all made from tiny emeralds, with a large one set in the center.
May I see that one, please? Wolfe asked, pointing.
An excellent suggestion, sir, the lady said. Since Raphael is one of the archangels that is considered a patron of marriage, in its capacity to bring people together and create joy, along with
The ring, please, Wolfe said, motioning to her.
She took a key from her dressWolfe had no idea it could store anything at all, and wasnt a hundred percent sure where it had come fromand unlocked the case. Then she gently lifted the ring out, like it might get hurt, and handed it to Wolfe.
The band was gold, and the emeralds a brilliant green, not that different from Shels eyes.
He looked at the price sticker. Ten thousand dollars, which was half a damned car, but still pretty low for a place like this. He was pretty sure that Shel wouldnt want to him to actually spend ridiculous amounts of money on a ring anyway.
Although in his soul, he considered even this to be ridiculous for jewelry. But he wanted to do right by Shel.
Emeralds symbolize hope, loyalty, new beginnings, and transformation, like transforming a single life"
They symbolize transformation and new beginnings, specifically? Wolfe asked. Seriously?
She nodded.
Who decides this stuff? Wolfe asked.
I I dont know, the lady said, finally caught a touch flat-footed. Then she rallied. But its been the same associations all three years Ive worked here, and Michelles doesnt make errors in these matters, sir.
Good enough.
Ill take it, Wolfe said, fishing in his pants and pulling his wallet out, then taking his debit card from its sleeve and handing it to the bemused lady.
She didnt take it, just motioning to a counter in the back. Right this way, sir, and I know youll be satisfied with your purchase.
Wolfe gave her one skeptical eyebrow raise. How could you know that? But he followed her through a veritable dragons hoard of jewelry to the back.
She stepped to the counter and pointed to a slightly older but still gorgeous woman with hair almost the same red as Shels that was working the back counter. Taylor will take care of you for this last part. Thank you for allowing me to help you in your search for the perfect ring for your fiance to be.
Uh-huh, Wolfe said as Taylor wrote something down. After a few more seconds, the first lady left.
Wolfe didnt talk for a bit, hoping this was good enough for Shel. It felt right, but this whole experience had been way outside Wolfes wheelhouse.
Would you like to donate to the Chosen orphans home? the lady asked.
What? Wolfe replied. Donate? Like to charity?
Yes, the lady replied. An orphans home.
People are donating to orphans? Wolfe asked.
Taylor nodded. Its been the latest thing in charity, what with the new cards and all from the drop night. A lot of the well-to-do are making that their charity of choice.
Wolfe had never been much for charity. If he wanted to help someone, he would damn well help someone. He wouldnt give the money to some bureaucrat who would take most of it on the way to someone else.
Hells, he was paying to raise two near-orphans himself, right now, Shels sister Lucy and Mrs. Timos granddaughter Shannon. Neither were actually orphans, but since Wolfe housed them, fed them, paid for their schooling, and paid Liam to drive them around, he thought it was good enough for government work.
But He thought it would be an extra nice gesture for Shel.
If I pay enough, like another ten thousand, can I get a certificate or something, proof of the money going to help orphans, and put it in my future fiances name?
Taylor looked taken aback by the request, but she also rallied almost immediately. Decadent or not, Wolfe had to admit this place hired and trained well.
Im sure we can make something that will work, sir. And be beautiful to boot.
***
About twenty minutes later, with the ring in his coat pocket and a certificate in a beautiful filigreed case in his other coat pocket, against his chest, Wolfe walked out of the store, heading for his car.
His phone buzzed, and Wolfe pulled it out.
Shel was calling.
He answered, and his blood went immediately cold. He heard screams and gunshots.
Shel!? Whats happening? Wolfe yelled into the phone.
Theyre trying to kill us! Shel yelled back. At the Ekron Eternal, theyre trying to kill us all!
Wolfe burst into speed, running for his car. Its only three blocks to the Ekron Eternal!
Whos trying to kill you? Wolfe asked as he ran.
Everyone! Shel answered.
Demon Card Enforcer Three, Chapter Seventeen: Reburn
Wolfe squealed out of the parking lot of the Michelles jeweler, the box with the certificate a lump on his chest and his heart a hammering lump in his chest. Even though it was only three long blocks to the Ekron Eternal, Wolfe floored his f150. Given his modifications, making his truck considerably heavier than the model normally was, it took over six seconds to hit sixty miles per hour. Every moment Wolfe spent pressed back in his chair as he waited ate at his sanity, his fear for Shel nearly overwhelming him.
If shes dead, Ill leave a trial of corpses through this city like its never seen before.
Cereboo was in the bed of the truck, one foot on the hood, barking madly from all three heads. Wolfe could, at this point, here the differences in his barks. Even when fighting, Cereboos calls usually sounded like he was having fun. But now, his voice aligned with his deckbearers dark thoughts, and Cereboo called a different emotion to the world.
Rage.
Malviere sat beside him in the truck, her eyes intent as she leaned forward, her own tiny fists clenched. Wolfes first Obsessive Cultist, the one that functioned like a companion, sat in the cab behind him, completely passive as usual. Both stared out at the glitzy lights of the city as the f150 flew down the street like a bat out of the Infernal.
Wolfe blew past cars that were going around forty-five, swerving into the other lane for a slight stretch, blowing his horn like a madman. Fortunately, it wasnt yet late enough that the upscale club and shopping district was very busy, and he wasnt as hampered by the traffic that wouldnt fully manifest for a few more hours.
Wolfe let out a dark bark of a laugh. Plus, if I get police following me, itll probably help. Still weird to think that, even after two years.
But no police were anywhere in sight, and Wolfe heard no sirens.
Wolfe opened his glove compartment and took his trusty STI Edge from its container as he drove, and touched his hand to his chest, pulling his cards.
Wolfe frowned. He hadnt gotten his mantle firstof coursebut his Obsessive Cultist was once again there. Wolfe summoned it into the back seat, next to the first one.
Ive got my perfect portal set-up, at least, and this time I had the sense to keep the Cultist with me.
A few seconds later, The Ekron Eternal was in front of him. Wolfe slammed on the breaks and turned incredibly sharply into the parking lot, the wheels on one side of the truck briefly losing traction. Malviere grabbed the oh shit bar next to the window and hung on, and the two Obsessive Cultists slammed into the inside wall of the truck behind Wolfe.
A brief, shocked bark sounded and Cereboo was launched from the back of the truck, rolling down the sidewalk in front of the Ekron Eternal and landing in some manicured bushes in front of the entrance. Fuck, didnt think that through.
Sorry! Wolfe screamed out of his window.
Wolfe got a notification that his pooch had lost half his life, and he unsummoned him. Wolfe would need him later, he was almost positive. Later and intact.
His mind was wrenched from any further consideration by what he saw. Three men were in front of him, all dressed in leathers with the weeds gang symbol on the back, each one slightly hunched as they watched the front entrance. But they whirled around as Wolfe came screeching into the parking lot, bringing up gods-damned submachine guns and pointing them at Wolfe.
And they didnt hesitate for a second. Wolfes windshield was suddenly a mass of spiderweb cracks.
But Wolfe neither so much as flinched nor hesitated himself. Despite having almost no visibility, he gunned it, and followed the vague shapes he could see through his busted front window. One of the thugs, dumber than your average turtle, actually tried standing in place and just shooting. He met the bumper of the modified f150 and disappeared without a fuss.
Of the remaining two, one of the Weeds ran toward to Wolfes left, for the decorative vampire statues and bushes, and the other thug leapt over the metal railing onto the ramp that normally kept the lines of people waiting to get into the Ekron Eternal.
Wolfe didnt want to bet his truck against the metal railing, so he turned and slammed into the other, who joined his idiot companion as bumper jelly. Wolfe dismissed the no experience notification as he came screeching to a halt.
He stepped out of his truck of the driver side, his truck between him and the last thug. Wolfe kept his head down as the thug on the ramp emptied his magazine into the side of Wolfes vehicle. In that moment, when the thug ran out of bullets, Wolfe leaned over the hood and shot the miscreant with his STI Edge in a tight cluster of hits to the chest.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Wolfe rushed around the front of the truck, noting the spaltter of blood but utter lack of dent on the hood. He called out, Malviere, Cultists, with me!
The he rushed to the bar on the ramp into the club, placed his hand on it, and jumped over. He heard the doors to his truck opening, but barely paid attention. He needed to hurry, and while he hoped the support kept up, he wasnt betting Shels life against their speed.
Wolfe looked down at the thug he shot, and hesitated for half a second before grabbing the submachine gun and a spare magazine. He didnt know the weapon as well as his own pistolor pistols in general, for that matterbut figured some heavier firepower might come in useful at some point.
Although the weapon raised a ton of questions. Where are street level thugs like the Weeds getting heavier weapons? Its like the Cobras, before, with the damned rocket launcher they almost blinded me with in this very building? Can I get weapons like this?
He decided not to bring forth a card or creature from his deck in the second draw period. He wanted to wait for the Demonic Portal cards or his mantle to show up. Hopefully in the next draw.
Instead, he hit put the submachine gun over his shoulder so he could carry it with the strap, grasped his STI Edge firmly, and went around the corner into the interior of the club, slamming the glass door open with his shoulder, his pistol held forward.
It was still day time, so there was no smoke or innocents to confuse him like the last time he had been in a fire fight in the Ekron Eternal. Merely a few statues. The whole place was tacky without the smoke, lights, and thumping club music. But it had one major advantageeverything was easily visible. Wolfe saw four men covering nearly the entire open area, but they were faced away from Wolfe, covering exits from stairs and the elevator.
With a completely clear dance floor, it was easy. Wolfe shot one in the back twice, shifting targets right after. But his enemies all moved fast again, whirling to face him. Wolfe dived behind a statue of two near-naked vampires making out as he discovered the drawback to the open floorit was great for him, but it also made it easy for them, as well.
A brief, intense stream of gunfire erupted from the three remaining thugs, all vaguely in Wolfes direction.
As the statue slowly disintegrated from machine gun fire, and the far wall filled with holes, Wolfe swiped the cards in front of him.
Two Demonic Portal cards, but still no mantle.
Of course.
A brief silence filled the club, more pronounced for the racket of a second earlier, and Wolfe knew his enemies had made a huge tactical error.
They had all hit empty at the same time.
Wolfe touched one of his Demonic Portal cards, hurling his most common playTwo Angry Hellhounds and a Lost Hellhound Puppyinto the field for a mere two power.
A chorus of barks and screams came, and Wolfe figured he had his moment. He went around the side, his own STI Edge up. One of the men went down as Malviere stepped into the club through the front door, her face covered by black hair. Her visage and aura of black energy make her the scariest thing in the room. Three quick, easy, measured steps forward were all she needed, and she reached her hand into the aura and flung it forward. The spirit of a massive Doberman peeled from her and sailed into one of the thugs, biting the screaming man, who died as his heart stopped and his flesh went pale.
The other two thugs fared no better. One was hit by two Angry Hellhounds and went down in a welter of blood and screams. The last seemed fine for a moment as the adorable Lost Hellhound Puppy bit the last thug on the leg, growling and worrying at it. The thug screamed and tried to beat the card to death with his Sub-machine gun, but he seemed mostly okay.
Until Wolfe put a stop to all that with another well-placed cluster of shots from his Edge to the distracted thugs chest.
A quick glance around showed Wolfe no other threats.
Keeping his gun out, Wolfe ran over to the booth that he normally met Miriam in. There was some blood, and a few bullet holes, but the only corpse Wolfe found, fortunately or unfortunately, was Victor. He had a bullet hole to his temple, just off dead center.
Wolfe was normally a pretty simple man, with his emotions ranging between content and enraged, but he felt another as he glared at Victors corpse, as if his rage could bring back his old compatriot: Sadness.
Fuck.
Wolfe went way back with the information broker. He had saved Victors daughter, Janelle, from a bad situation once, and theyd been a lot closeralthough not close, per sesince the event. But even before that, Wolfe had known Victor almost as long as theyd been in the business. And Victor had helped Wolfe out more than once, and had been one of the few remaining people from the old life that Wolfe had liked.
But Wolfe had seen guys he liked die before. He shook it off.
Where in the Infernal realms is Shel? Wolfe glanced around.
He had a sudden thought, and ripped his phone from his pocket. He had a missed call from Shel a minute ago, and a text that said, We retreated to the suites above, third floor.
With a last regretful glance at Victors corpse, Wolfe rushed out of the booth for the elevators.
He reached them, slammed the up button, and waited. He slapped his pistol against his thigh in a rapid-fire pattern, anxious and edgy from even this tiny delay.
After a moment, the elevator chimed and the door slid open. Wolfe walked in, with Malviere and the two Obsessive Cultists following him. Wolfe hit the third-floor button, and waited.
The elevator quickly reached the third floor, and Wolfe walked forward even as it was chiming. At the same time, he flipped his deck, and four new cards appeared, as well as Cereboo.
As the door slid open, Wolfe was faced with a black-haired man, one eye missing, the other so empty of giving-a-shit it might as well have been a rock. The man was holding a massive desert Eagle 44 Magnum, aimed right at Wolfes chest. A massive Chinese-style dragon with a skull instead of a head was curled in the hall behind him.
Goodbye, the man said, pulling the trigger.
The bang was the loudest thing Wolfe had ever heard.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Eighteen: Reburn, Part II
The bullet slammed into Wolfes chest with a metallic bang even as Wolfe was staking a step forward. He was pitched backward, slamming into the elevator floor on his back. He hurtquite a bitbut he was still moving somehow.
Surprised to be alive, but not about to look a gift horse in the mouth, Wolfe shot his hand out and touched his mantle before the enemy deckbearer could finish him off.
The man also didnt hesitate and shot Wolfe three more times in quick succession, once in the head and twice in the chest. Wolfes noggin rang, and he got a notice of being stunned. But with the mantle, Wolfe was still tough enough to survive the experience of being repetitively shot. Although even with his mantle he lost eighteen health.
Half-blind and stunned, Wolfe still ripped his own Edge from the holster, but the man leapt on Wolfe and pinned the gun away at the same time. He tried to bring his own gun around but Wolfe caught that.
As Wolfe fought the man, wrestling for control of each others gun, Malviere hurled a spirit dog out the door at the dragon, accomplishing nothing.
The dragon, however, slammed its way inside, its bulk occupying the front of the elevator. Skeletal claws raked out, killing each of the Obsessive Cultists with a single blow.
The deckbearer, Malviere! Kill the deckbearer, Wolfe shouted. It all ends if you accomplish that!
I cannot, my alpha, Malviere said, her spooky voice filled with regret.
Right, even if shes basically a person now, she has to obey the rules of the Great Game and attack cards first. I have to solve this.
Wolfes head cleared and the stunned notification went away.
Wolfe jerked both hands to the side, causing his opponents face to fall toward him. At the same time, he slammed his own head up into his opponent, and the man reeled back, his nose absolutely pulverized, his face split, and his eyes crossed. With Malviere still outhowever brieflyand his own mantle and modifiers, Wolfe was deadly at any range. As the man fell back, Wolfe ripped his hand from his enemies and tried to bring his gun around.
He managed to get most way, but the man got lucky in his scrabbling and managed to push it away just a bit before Wolfe pulled the trigger. Wolfes enemy still screamed as the bullet ripped through his side. He dropped his own gun to poke a card now revealed by them briefly separating, and a black mantle settled over man, turning his flesh pale and giving him red eyes.
Wolfe slapped his own card, betting everything that the man had become Undead type, before the man fell back to being chest to chest with Wolfe.
He summoned the Xolo Spirit-Ward.
When the man attacked next, his blows slowed right before they hit Wolfe. Malviere was cut from the attacks by the dragon, but they didnt finish herand she triggered her power, speeding Wolfe up.
The total difference in the capabilities between Wolfe and his opponent was now ridiculous. Wolfe yanked and twisted, snapping the mans wrist with his total freakish power. Wolfes enemy screamed, but still tried to get the purchase to punch Wolfe back. Wolfe brought his knee up into the side of the man, a blow that would, under normal circumstances, be weak from lack of leverage and distance. But with his current attack score, magic stacked upon magic, it audibly cracked the mans ribs.
His opponent never stopped, and his one eye never even became fearful, not so much as a widening of the pupil as they fought on the once-pristine floor of the elevator, both of them spilling blood across it. Wolfe slammed the heel of his palm into the mans face, once, twice, three times before the skull finally collapsed under the magically empowered strikes.
Then he fired repetitively into the dragon before it could finish Malviere offit dissipated into nothing.
Wolfe pushed the twitching near-corpse from him and dragged himself back against the wall of the elevator.
Are you okay, my alpha? Malviere asked.
Wolfe cocked one eye up at her. Blood was running into the other eye from the shot to his head, which has scored along his bone, if his quick check with his fingers was anything like accurate.
Do I look fine? Wolfe asked.
Malvieres lips twitched. No, my alpha, you most emphatically do not. You look like you ought to be dead.
At that moment, the man next to him gave one final spasm and completed his transformation to corpse. A shit stink filled the tiny elevator, and Wolfe gagged.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Dammit, this guy was holding a whole damn loaf in for some reason. What a lovely addition to the day. I think this might be the most squalid thing that has ever happened in the Ekron Eternal, and we had some really bad ones in my time.
Malviere nodded to his words.
Wolfe dragged himself standing, grabbed the cards that had appeared on the corpse of no-face, and glanced into the elevator mirror. He was busted up, with wounds all over the place, mostly the massive shot to his head. He looked like an extra in a zombie movie.
But he had very limited chest damage.
He opened his coat and pulled out the filigreed metal box with the certificate for Shel. The lid was shot through, but the bottom was merely heavily indented, and Wolfe had only a bruise where it had been.
For only ten-thousand dollars a day, you could save the life of an ex-enforcer, Wolfe said, his voice whimsically sappy.
Malviere giggled, a sound more like creepy horror-movie child than happy, but Wolfe knew it was legitimately a noise of enjoyment for his card.
Wolfe put the shattered case back in his pocketnow it was charity for Shel and a great story, he figuredand exited into the hall, carefully.
Now that he wasnt fighting in an enclosed elevator, he heard banging, yelling, gunshots, growling, and other indistinguishable noises from way down the hall. A hall he remembered well, with not-yet-changed-out symbols of Baalzebub, plush red carpets, and painting of the Infernal Realms on the walls.
Wolfe knew he had to go have a whole additional fight, but was in agonyhe would have been worried about how much he could help Shel under normal circumstances, even though he would have tried, of course.
Finally, however, he had a partial solution to being wounded that didnt require Shel already be by his side. He sacrificed his Xolo, and felt the familiar warmth of healing flow through him, restoring him to okay, with twelve total damage of his thirty health, and no injury penalties.
He rushed quietly down the hall, resummoning Cereboo and then swiping his cards as he did.
He reached the end of the hallway. Three men were there, all with decks floating around them. One was hauling a body back from a door that led into a stairway going up, a body that Wolfe didnt recognize, fortunately.
The scene put Wolfe out of sorts for multiple reasons. He had no idea there was a fourth floor to the Ekron Eternal, for one, and for the other, one of the three men was Ahmed, one of Miriams menand fuckboys.
Somehow, no one seemed to have heard Wolfe run up, probably because a hail of gunfire was coming down the stairs.
Send more cards! Ahmed snarled.
We need another way onto the roof, one of the other two men said. Itll take two long for the three of us to overwhelm them with sheer card numbers. Your incompetence infuriates me.
The man was tall and muscled, and held himself with the deadly grace of a killer. But he also had red scales across his arms and claws on his hands, and his back had wings sprouting from them.
You told me the police arent coming, Nathan, Ahmad snarled.
Thats Mr. Leopold, fool. The police cant pretend they were far away forever, especially since this is a fire-fight thats now on a roof, the man said, then held one had up. Never mind. Ill just go out the window and fly up, and handle this myself. If youd done your damn job instead of thinking with your dick, none of it would have come to this.
Wolfe had heard enough. He knew that Ahmad wasnt very dangerous, since he had been there when they got the cards that made up most of Ahmads deck in the Frozen Cairn dungeon.
He also sensed that this Nathan Leopold character was incredibly dangerous.
But his mantle was on.
All of it flashed through Wolfes mind in a fraction of a second as he shot the third man in the head, blowing his entire skull apart with his still-enhanced stats. Ahmed whirled, running into a door and bouncing off to try and escape, but the dragon-winged man leapt hard into the wall next to him and blew through it.
Ahmed touched one of his cards, and a massive crocodile with ice rime across its body appeared.
Wolfe casually blew Ahmeds chest apart with three easy shots at less than twenty feet.
The wall next to Wolfe exploded outward. Wolfe was blown through the wall on the other side and into the next room, a nice suite with chairs, bed, and a desk that was also blown apart, leaving shattered chunks of wood across the ground. He took twelve more damage.
Malviere and Cereboo both disappeared in a brief flash of blood before becoming particles that flowed back to Wolfe.
Wolfe picked himself up off the floor even as Nathan flew through the door. He grabbed Wolfe by the wrist and yanked him toward him. Wolfe swung a punch with his other hand, and Nathan blocked, wincing as his arm cracked.
You have a powerful mantle, criminal. It wont be enough.
Go fuck yourself.
Nathan dodged the next blow without letting go of Wolfes arm and then claw-punched Wolfe in the side, doing another two damage. As Wolfe stepped back, he kicked Wolfe low, tripping him back onto the ground.
Somehow, Wolfe knew where the next blow would come, and blocked the stomp-kick to his head with his own arm, hissing in pain. At the same time, he scrabbled through the shards on the ground, grabbed one, and stuck it in Nathans leg. The man grunted in agony and stepped back.
Wolfe tried to stand, but in an insane display of ignoring pain, Nathan caught him on the way up with a kick from his own wounded leg, and Wolfe was flung back a couple feet, hitting the ground on his back again.
It doesnt have to be this way, Nathan said, his dragon wings fluttering to give him balance as he yanked the piece of wood from his leg with a hiss.
He tossed it onto the ground. Just give me Fern, and you and whomever thats left here can live out their pathetic lives, at least until we come for all the criminal scum like you.
What a day to try and get engaged.
Answers the same, numbnuts. Go fuck yourself, Wolfe ground out, leaping up and back ward, slamming his back into the outside wall of the suite, next to a grand viewing window covered in curtains.
Nathan snarled, So be it, and rushed forward.
Wolfe reached up, yanked the curtains down onto Nathan as he came in. Nathan still hit him shoulder first, and something within Wolfe cracked. Wolfe punched Nathan twice, trying to use his opponents temporary blindness as an advantage. But at this close range, it was way less of an advantage than Wolfe had hoped for.
Nathan grabbed him and lifted him a few inches from the floor, which deprived Wolfe of any leverage.
Then Nathan spun in a half-circle, building a tiny bit of momentum, and threw Wolfe through the third story window, into the late afternoon sun, in an explosion of glass.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Nineteen: A Heroes Reward
Wolfe sailed out into the open air, a trail of glass following him. His arch terminated, and he came back down to Earth, a fall of around forty feet, trying his best not to tense and make the inevitable collision with the ground worse. He prayed his mantle would somehow let him survive.
He slammed into the roof of a parked Lamborghini, smashing it half apart, the glass from the third story window tinkling around him even as the glass from the cars windows blasted away from him.
With a cinematic sweep of his dragon wings, Nathan came leaping out of the window after Wolfe. He fell down, arresting his speed and guiding himself somewhat with his wings, his foot aimed for Wolfes chest.
Wolfe was badly injured, and was pretty sure another blow would send him onward to the gods. He wasnt about to go down without a fight, however and Nathan hadnt pulled a creature, for some reason. A potentially fatal mistake.
Wolfe reached out and touched his Infernal Rift card, banishing Nathan for ninety seconds to a faux Infernal realm.
Ninety seconds I hope its enough.
Wolfe was nearly dead. He rolled off the car, onto the sidewalk. An older lady, plump but not fat and in a nice skirt-and-bouse combo that matched her wide eyes, asked, Are you okay? as Wolfe landed on the sidewalk with a groan.
Never been fucking better, Wolfe answered as he tried to hobble back toward the entrance to the Ekron Eternal.
It wasnt busy, per se, but four cars were stopped, and their driversand one twelve-year-old or so boy in a passenger seatwere looking at him. A couple pedestrians across the street were as well. It was bright and sunny out, even in the late evening, completely at odds with how Wolfe felt a day like the hell he was now going through ought to look. It should at least be night.
A clump of people was at the end of the street, where Wolfe had entered the Ekron Eternal, guns and car bumper blazing.
Ive still got to save Shel.
Maybe she figured out whats happening and got away? Shed have let me know, right?
Wolfe pulled his phone out, but it was broken in half. Fuck.
He swiped the deck and then summoned the Obsessive Infernal Cultist that had reappeared, the one that acted as a companion card.
Now I just need a portal, but Ive got only a hot minute left before Nathan comes back.
Wolfe was very genuinely concerned about that. He had bought himself a tiny chance to recover and win the fight. But Nathan fought like Wolfe, instinctually like he was born to it. Problem was, Nathan seemed even more trained and deadly, something Wolfe had never actually encountered before.
And Wolfe was hanging onto his life by a few measly Health points.
I need more of an advantage, Wolfe thought as he stumbled down the street, moving as fast as he could to get back into the Ekron Eternal, and hopefully find some tactical advantage, before Nathan came back.
It quickly became apparent he wasnt going to make it. I need surprise and power, somehow, without getting hit myself.
Wolfe summoned his Bulgae Moon Chaser, with its speedy trait that let him use it without an action. Then, in the same summon, brought forth Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds, blocking half the street with it. He quickly positioned himself behind the kennel stones, as he had done quite a few times before.
Then he swiped his cards again. Thirty seconds left.
Nathan appeared, dropping to the car rood with a resounding crash, right where Wolfes chest would have been.
A few people screamed as a half-dragon appeared, and began moving away from the scene, although a couple were filming with phones.
At the same time, Wolfe brought forth Malviere. He prayed that it would all be enough, as he wasnt sure hed be able to get a Demonic Portal out without a second Obsessive Cultist.
Nathan stood, shuddering briefly, and touched one of the cards in front of his chest. A massive Red Dragon appeared next to him.
Wolfe leaned out from and cut lose with the submachine gun, unloading it at Nathan in a sustained burst. Even with his strength, it was a bit hard to control, and only a few bullets hit. At the same time, his entire pack of cards, including now two of the Lost Hellhound Puppies, charged the dragon.
Nathan dropped back behind the car and crouched till Wolfe hit empty, then stepped out. He looked at Wolfe, then up at the roof of the Ekron Eternal.
I dont have to beat you, he said. just her. He crouched and prepared to jump, his wings snapping out.
Oh fuck!
For some reason, Wolfe hadnt seen the move coming. He lurched forward, just as Nathan leapt.
His mantle disappeared, and Nathan executed an impressive five-foot vertical jump, but nothing else.
Wolfe almost swooned with reliefand blood loss, probably. Then, he bared his teeth in a savage, feral grin.
Nathan looked irritated, but little more. He touched his deck again and another dragon appeared.
Wolfe brought forth the second Obsessive Cultist. The next hand will have two Demonic Portals, almost certainly.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Nathan looked around the street, then shrugged. He ran across to one of the stalled cars on the road, an old Volvo. He punched through the window, and grabbed the old man driving.
No! Wolfe yelled, trying to sprint forward, but his own mantle faded, and the pain came crashing in. Wolfe collapsed to the ground.
Another time, Nathan said with a tight smile, then pitched the old man he was holding out of the car and to the hard asphalt of the street as his dragons fended off Wolfes dogs.
Wolfe growled in frustration as Nathan expertly backed the car around and drove off, easily dodging one brave driver that tried to crash his car into him. The dragons simply disappeared after that, not having actually been killed.
With a sigh of pain and frustration, Wolfe rolled over and sat back against one of the Cerberus Home cages. He glanced over at Malviere. Today started out so well. A dungeon run, a trip to the jewelry store where I actually found something I liked. What happened?
Id ask if youre okay again, Malviere said, ignoring Wolfes mostly rhetorical question. But the answer is obvious. What can I do to help?
Wolfe held his hand up, and Malviere reached down and took it. He pulled himself to his feet with her help, conscious of all the eyes watching him.
We need to get to Shel, Wolfe said. This could easily be a trick. He can probably get his mantle back in a few minutes and then fly back to attack her.
Wolfe dismissed Cerberus Home, but kept the Bulgae Chaser out. Then he summoned Cereboo.
He had his entire core team with himCereboo, Malviere, and the two Obsessive Cultists.
Lets go. Wolfe hobbled down the street, still ignoring the stares of the crowd. He was worried someone might try and arrest him, so he dug out his investigators badge and flashed it around, hoping no one would pay too close attention, or be too concerned with his obvious Infernal deck.
No one bothered him as Wolfe made his way down the street toward the front of the Ekron Eternal, still pushing himself despite his agony, blood weeping from his injuries. He had to get to Shel.
At that very moment, as if by providence, Shel came around the corner, through the small crowed of people gathered there. She was followed by Miriam, Fern, and Derek. She flashed her police badge in unknowing mimicry of Wolfe as she did.
Wolf felt his heart ease as Shel appeared. She was a vision, one he had been desperately afraid he would never see again. Her brilliant red hair, intense green eyes, and muscled but still willowy frame were the sight he longed for the most.
She halted abruptly, her breath catching as her gaze fell upon him. Her eyes widened, flickering up and down the length of his battered frame, each glance betraying her shock at the sight before her.
Shel, Fern, Miriam, and Derek stood nearby, their clothes torn and smeared with blood, but strangely, not even one of them bore the marks of pain or injury. They were ragged and disheveled, yet untouched by whatever violence had left its mark on him alone.
You should see the other guy, Wolfe quipped.
We did, Miriam replied, her usually boisterous voice quiet. All three of them. Two without heads and one without a face.
Shel stepped forward. You saved me again. I dont think we would have made it against Nathan, not him and his team and his gunman.
Who is Nathan? Wolfe asked as he forced himself to stand a little straighter. He was asking for Fern.
Fern simply hugged herself, staring at her feet. Nathan Leopold is Adams right hand. An ex-Navy Seal, and a true fanatic of Adams beliefs. He is almost level Fifty, and he has been awarded nearly every medal the military offers. He wasnt supposed to be back.
Lovely, Wolfe muttered.
Shel touched her chest, pulled her deck, and summoned a rookie EMT. Wolfe felt a huge portion of his health restored, and breathed a deep sigh of relief.
Thanks, Shel, truly. I cannot tell you how bad that guy threw me a beating.
You saved me again, Wolfe, Shel repeated, her eyes staring at him as if no else around mattered. You killed the three deckbearers trying to murder me, took an explosion for me, did enough to save our lives.
Yeah, I still got my ass kicked, Wolfe said. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
But you saved me, which is what you set out to do, Shel repeated again. You always save me. Always.
I guess I did accomplish my goal, and senior officer jackass didnt, Wolfe responded. That is what matters, in the end. Although I need to be stronger for the next time we meet. Now lets
Shel reached out and took Wolfes hands, startling him briefly into silence. She was still staring into his eyes. Wolfe, I love you.
He held his breath, my chest tight. He couldnt look away from her, but for some reason, words were difficult.
I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Shel whispered.
Im probably going to die before you, was all Wolfe managed to saytoo much a realistic to avoid pointing out the truth, too sarcastic to avoid the quip.
If you go before me, Ill wait patiently until were reunited again at the gates of the afterlife. WolfeI love you. More than anyone. More than anything.
Shels lip quavered, and a happy tear rolled down her cheek as she continued speak. I admire you more than I could have imagined admiring any man three years ago. I want that forever, Wolfe. I feel more cared for, safer, and even more inspired with you than with anyone I have ever been around.
Wolfe glanced around at the people around him, who were all looking at them. One or two had phones out.
He felt his heart warm, but also his cheeks. I love you, too, Shel, but maybe we should head inside or
No, Shel replied intensely. She wiped the tear away and steadied herself. Im tired of waiting. I should have done this a year ago.
Shel dropped to one knee, shocking Wolfe into silence. Then she reached into her damaged police-issued workout sweats, and pulled forth a small case, holding it out to Wolfe. She opened it up, and Wolfe saw that there was a wide golden band inside with writing carved into the interior.
Wolfes throat tightened. His gaze was locked on hers, his thoughts solely on this one moment.
Ethan William Wolfe, would you do me the honor of marrying me?
Cereboo barked happily and Miriam golf-clapped.
Even random people in the gathered crowds dawwed and cheered, despite not knowing anyone involved.
The irony of the situation wasnt lost on Wolfe, but his chest was filled with knots, and his face hot. It was still difficult to find the right words. Obviously, the correct word was yes, but It wasnt enough. Yes didnt fully capture his feelings.
How could a simple three letter word embody the essence of love so eternal that Shel wanted to be together even in the afterlife?
After a ragged breath, Wolfe reached into his own pocket and withdrew a similar looking case. Shels eyes went wide, her eyebrows knitted in confusion, and then in realization.
You got me a ring? Shel blinked, her eyes glazing with even more tears.
Wolfe opened the case. I wanted everything to be perfect Then he sardonically glanced around at the dreary street, the random crowds, and the blood splatters that marred almost everything. This wasnt how he imagined his proposal going, but he had to admitthe setting was more representative of their time together.
With a trembling hand, Shel plucked the emerald ring from the case and slipped it onto her elegant finger.
Sorry this took so long, Wolfe whispered. Youre right. We shouldve done this sooner. I shouldve
Shel interrupted him again, leaping up and flinging her arms around him, hugging him as tightly as she could. I love you, Wolfe. I love you so, so much.
As if it was a signal, everyone on the street started clapping and cheering, even Malviere. Cereboo let out a happy series of barks, and Wolfe clung to Shel.
Maybe it hadnt been such a bad day after all, Wolfe thought, holding back a laugh. He couldnt remember the last time he felt so
Right.
Maybe that wasnt the right word, but that was how he felt.
I got you something else, too, but it kinda got shot up in the fight Wolfe started, but Shel just clung to him, tears of happiness streaming from her eyes, and Wolfe decided to leave everything else for later.
This was a moment for joy.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Twenty: Return of the Righteous
Fortunatelysince Wolfes car had to be towed awayMiriam wanted to continue to hang with Wolfe, and she was prepared to lend them her skull-motif limousine to do it.
In fact, she seemed downright determined to continue to be around him. She said she felt safer with him. While Miriam wasnt nearly to Ferns level, the situation clearly seemed to have taken a toll on her as well. She was sitting with her arms wrapped around herself in the back of the limousine, with Derek next to her, across from Wolfe and Shel, who were arm in arm, with Shel laying her head across his chest.
Fern sat in the far back, breathing oddly and talking to herself while typing away rapidly at a keyboard. Malviere was against the window dividing the occupants from the driver. Cereboo lay on the floor.
The whole place smelled faintly of blood and fear-sweat, no doubt from the clothing even though Shel had utterly healed everyone with her impressive new Nurse of the Chosen powers.
So Wolfe said, breaking the awkward silence of the last few minutes as the limousine headed toward the Hellmouth Institute.
No one answered.
Look, I get that the situation was scary, but I need answers, Wolfe tried again. What happened? Why were you attacked, and how did they know to come after Fern in the first place, or even where she was?
They were after Fern? Miriam said, looking up at Wolfe, her eyes strangely happy. Why do you think they were after Fern?
Because some dude that threw me from a third story window asked for her? Wolfe said, half a statement, half a question.
Nathan? Fern asked, glancing up from her laptop. Nathan said he wanted me?
Yeah, that douche-canoe. The right hand man, or whatever. I mean, why would he have even been there if they werent after you, Fern?
Miriam leaned back, slowly recovering her aplomb. Well, Ahmad said that Dustin was offering a reward for my death since I stole a bunch of money from the Weeds.
Who in the Infernal realms is Dustin?
Newly promoted head of the Weeds, once third in command, Miriam said, smiling at Wolfe. He was the one whose head you removed from behind instead of the front.
Wolfe grunted at that.
She glanced over at the man nest to her. Derek, would you be a dear and fix me a martini, please? Beaten, not stirred.
You get over shit fast, Wolfe said.
Derek just rolled his eyes and reached for a glass in the corner of the limousine.
Given my family, I credit a genetic predisposition to being able to deal with darkness, Miriam said. But also, I thought this was my fault. I thought my decisions led to Victorsand a couple more of my peoples, for that matterdeath. But without Nathan being there, Me, Derek, and Shel could have beaten everyone, and now that youre saying that, I can see the whole thing.
The whole thing? Wolfe asked.
Of course, Miriam said. I mean, think about it. How would Nathan get a strike team together, and hide his involvement? He could only do it because the Weeds had an excuse to go after me! He was just using that to get Fern.
So, then, wouldnt it kinda still be your fault? Wolfe asked.
Miriam stopped, frowning.
Shel pretend-slapped the back of Wolfes head, then snuggled back against him even harder.
Wolfe frowned, and gently rubbed the top of Shels head for a moment as he digested everything.
Then he looked back at Miram again. Why was Ahmed working for the bad guys?
The bad guys, huh? Miriam asked. What are we?
The less bad, bad guys. Just answer the question.
After we got back from the dungeon, Ahmed proposed to me, Miriam said. The bastard claimed he wanted to be exclusive with me. When I said no, he became angry and stormed off. I assume that was when he decided to sell me out, although he claimed it was to the Weeds.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Fern turned her computer around, showing an almost incomprehensible series of bank transfers, her head down, her breathing still odd. It wasnt for thatit was for me. This here is a record of a two-million-dollar transfer from one of Adams bank accounts to Ahmeds account.
Wolfe stared at it. That looks way more complex than a bank transfer.
Fern nodded once. It is. But its three dummy accounts and a walking transfer.
Walking transfer? Wolfe asked. He had thought he was part of the underworld, but this was new to him.
Someone clearly took it out at one bank, and put it into an account at another. To break the trace, Fern replied matter-of-factly.
Then how do you know? Wolfe asked, fascinated despite himself.
We have both ends. Anyone tracking the account would just see a withdrawal. But we see the exact same amount of money enter a person-of-interest''s account thirty minutes later.
Wolfe decided to drop itFern was really good at what she did, he guessed, and hed trust her.
So theyre still after you, in other words?
Fern nodded, and her breathing went ragged. The computer in my lap, the seat Im on, Cereboo licking my foot.
Wolfe looked downCereboos left head was indeed licking Ferns sandaled foot. Knock that off.
I dont mind, Fern said. It tickles. It helps keep me grounded.
Continue, Wolfe said, and his dog let out a series of huffs that sounded suspiciously like laughter to Wolfe.
So, Ahmed shot Victor, then? Wolfe asked.
Yeah, Derek replied, then rubbed his chest. He shot me first, but apparently, I wasnt dead before your wonderful fiance managed to bring me back with her incredible healing. Im still busted up inside, despite her healing removing some injury levels. I feel like I snuggled up to death before getting brought back.
Miriam leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Well, youre alive now.
But Victor got shot?
Yeah, while I was pulling my deck, Ahmed got another shot off and hit Victor in the head, Miriam said, angrily wiping at one of her eyes as she talked. After that, he managed to retreat, and we couldnt go after him since the thugs were attacking us.
Miriam shuddered, then accepted the glass Derek gave her and took a long sip. I nearly died of gunshots multiple times, but Shel saved me.
Well, you and Derek kept the thugs off me while I did, Shel said.
As the limousine turned into the parking lot of the Hellmouth Institute, Wolfe slashed his hand through the air. Wait, none of that matters. Are we sure that they were after Fern, ultimately?
They were, Fern said. Although theyre after you now, as well.
Right, Wolfe said. Okay, heres what were going to do. Were going to find a safe place for Fern to stay. Genuinely safe, with someone I can trust no matter what.
Whos that? Shel asked again.
Wolfe sighed. My favorite person in the whole world.
***
Wolfe rapped on the white door in front of him. It was older, slightly cracked around the edges, as was the concrete walkway leading from the driveway to the front door. But the yard was recently mowed and trimmed, and the flowers all looked healthy.
The driveway was even swept.
The door opened, and Rhett Walker stared out at Wolfe. What the hell are you doing at my house at nine at night, William?
Rhett was dressed in workout shorts and a white t-shirt, and Miriam whistled. Wolfe grimacedRhett was the same height as Wolfe, but a touch younger and even broader of shoulder and more pronounced of pec.
Wolfe was never sure why, but Rhetts looks had always irritated him. Probably because Wolfe knew that Rhett had once had a thing for Shel, even if hed helped Wolfe rather than getting him out of the picture.
Just use my nickname, ''Wolfe,'' Wolfe responded to Rhetts use of his fake name William.
Rhett scowled. Who are these people with you?
Wolfe motioned to Miriam. This is Miriam Grimm Rhetts eyes widened at that name before Wolfe motioned over to Fern. and this is Fern, um
Wachowski, Fern said.
Right, Wolfe said, then faced the lieutenant again. I actually need to ask you a huge favor, Rhett. I can pay.
Whats the favor? Rhett asked, his face suspicious.
The mob is after Fern, Wolfe said, keeping it simple if slightly inaccurate. They tried to kill her at the Ekron Eternal today
Oh my gods, Rhett said, pinching the bridge of his nose. Was that you? Of course that was you.
He saved my life, Fern whispered.
And mine, Miriam said.
They found fifteen bodies, Rhett replied.
Wolfe did a count in his head. I think I was only responsible for a bit more than half that.
You crack me up, Rhett said, but his voice was legitimately angry. I thought you were going straight. It sounds like, in the last forty-eight hours, youve been responsible for more than twenty deaths.
Wolfe grimaced. Every one of those came looking to die.
He carefully didnt mention the fight with the Weeds on the boat.
Should I arrest you? Rhett asked.
Wolfe tensed. Rhett was a good guy, but his position always made things a tiny bit dicey between them.
Wolfe motioned to Fern. Look, shell explain everything to you. If you want to arrest me after that, I wont resist. But please at least look at what she has, and youll understand what Im up against, and what she is up against as well. Just listen to her, okay?
Rhett stared at the mousey girl in front of him, breathing carefully and clutching her laptop close. His face softened as he watched, some combination of pity and tenderness.
Wolfe would have bet anything that Rhett recognized the signs of abuse.
He turned back to Wolfe. Alright. Tell me everything you talked about was hypothetical.
Wolfe almost laughedit was a throwback to another conversation. It was all hypothetical.
Miriam stared between them and then burst into laughter. Wolfe was reminded that she was now a law student, nearly graduated, and still first in her class. She obviously got what Rhett was doing.
So, where are you guys off to now? Rhett asked. Or do I want to know?
Actually, nothing nefarious. Were gonna run a dungeon I found, outside your jurisdiction, Wolfe said.
Rhett glanced up. Wait, really?
Wolfe nodded.
Actually, can I ask that you repay the favor by taking me on the run? I could use some levels, badly.
Fern glanced up and tentatively raised her hand. Actually could I get in on that as well?
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Twenty-One: Return to Loowitlatkla’s Fall
Son of an Infernal, Wolfe cussed as he stared at the notification.
The Dungeon of Loowitlatklas Fall allows a maximum of four people inside at a time.
Wolfe waited for a moment, and everyone stepped back out of the dungeon entrance, into the tunnel that had been dug.
Wolfe, Shel, Miriam, Rhett, and Fern was everyone. Derek was here, but he was already sitting on the ground against the tunnel wall. Given his injury, he had begged off being a part of the dungeon.
We have one too many, Wolfe stated.
Obviously, Miriam said. Then she went over and sat down against the wall next to Derek, and leaned her head on his shoulder. Her dress was completely raggedit was the same one she had met them in nearly twelve hours ago, and it had tears from the adventure, and a few bullet holes. Wolfe was honestly surprised she hadnt become an involuntary nudist at this point.
Although in Miriams case, would it really be involuntary? I mean, she has been running the dungeon is a diaphanous cocktail dress
You guys go, Miriam said, waving at them. Wolfe has already done insanely right by me and Derek, and Ill be honestafter a dungeon run and then getting shot neat to death more than once and only saved by Shel, Im a bit Shell shocked.
Miriam chuckled tiredly at her own joke, the frowned when no one else joined in. Okay, so that wasnt my best joke. A bit weak, even. The point is, Im exhausted by the events of this day. Im tired in my bones. The Level Twenty-Five perk would have been nice, but Ill sit this one out.
Wolfe nodded. He was deeply tired as well.
But tired was for chumps.
He couldnt stop. Nathan had taught Wolfe that he wasnt strong enough, and someday, Wolfe would have to face him again. He had to work to make himself ready for that day.
Plus, from other things Fern had said, Wolfe new that Nathan had nothing on Adam himself. So even Nathan wasnt the goal. He was just a stop along the way.
Youre sure you want to do this, Fern? Wolfe asked. I mean, you are Level One, right? You know thisll probably start around Twenty-Three and go to around Thirty-Five.
She nodded firmly without answering, her breathing still ragged.
Wolfe was half convinced he was going to regret it, but he wasnt one who would stop someone from pulling themselves up by their bootstraps, no matter how likely they were to kill themselves.
Wolfe had been helpless more than once, when he was much younger. Even being a mob enforcer, risking arrest or getting shot, had been far preferable to that feeling of utter weakness. He wouldnt wish that helplessness on anyone, not even his worst enemy.
If someone deserved to live at the mercy of someone else, Wolfe would as soon shoot them and be done with it.
My love? Shel asked, putting her hand on his shoulder.
Wolfe shook the brief black mood from himself. Sorry, stray thought. Lets just do this. Maybe I really am a bit tired.
Wolfe stepped forward, into the gate for the third time. The heat was the same, and he reemerged in the same cavern from beforenear a pool of lava, and also sweltering.
At least this time no fire bat attacked him.
Theyre gonna make us walk all the way back, huh? Wolfe asked as Shel appeared next to him. The dungeons dont have some kind of transport system?
None that Ive ever read about, my love. Sorry.
Shel stepped forward from the gate and first Rhett, then Fern appeared through it after a moment.
So where are the monsters? Rhett asked as he glanced around at the cavern, which was lit by the glow of the lava. Ive never been in a dungeon, but this seems empty.
We have a bit of a walk, Wolfe responded. Through a long, hot tunnel and then down a long slope.
Do you try and make everything sound sexual around me on purpose? Rhett asked, rolling his eyes.
Eh, just comes natural, I guess.
Rhett motioned with his hands. Well, lead the way, then.
Wolfe pulled his deck. Just in case, before we go, lets everyone play all of our companions.
Wolfe played Malviere and Cereboo and his mindless Obsessive Cultist. Shel brought out Sorenia and Liurenia.
Fern played Brain Bot to the rocky ground. It rolled in a half-circle, then, on its front in eight-bit drew a little heart and printed out Brain Bot is in august company.
Rhett touched a card, and a near seven-foot-tall human in battle armor with vague police accents appeared, a badge on his chest. He looked like a body-builder that had cybernetics strapped to him, along with a police stache.
Butch Cyber
Rare Equivalent, Tier-5 equivalent Mortal/Golem [Civic, Cyber, Veteran] Companion
0 Power
Health: 25
Attack: 5
Defense: 10
Magical Attack: 0
Magical Defense: 5
Special: Civic Leader [1]: Grants +1 to all non-Health stats of all other allied civic cards on the field
Special: Bulwark: This card must be attacked before any other cards of the deckbearer, or the deckbearer, may be attacked.
Im a test program for the efficacy of enhanced protectors of the citizen body
You got a new companion card? Wolfe asked, raising an eyebrow.
Yeah, a much weaker one
Im not weak, Butch said, his voice a deep, pseudo-electronic baritone.
Rhett rolled his eyes. Sorry. I meant to say a lower rarity, lower tier one. It took selling almost every card we got in our little scuffle in the warehouse, but hes worth it. My deck tends to set up slow and he buys time.
Wolfe laughed. Fair.
Wolfe took in everyone. We all ready?
A chorus of yeses, three woofs, one blank stare, and an eight-bit Brain Bot is ready! answered him.
Wolfe nodded to everyone assembled, then turned and set out at a brisk pace, following the path back. He was feeling good about their chances. This dungeon had been made five hundred years ago if Shels earlier information had been accurateand Wolfe expected it was. Wolfe knew that there had been a bit of power creep since then, most of it with the introduction this set of Companion cards and the free companion slot. Wolfe was fairly sure that they were all stronger for their level than the dungeon would have been prepared for.
Although the dungeon was going to reach Level Thirty-Five, which would be interesting with a Level One in the party.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
It wasnt that long before he reached the campfire and the stone slab. From there it was easy to find the routewhenever one of them wandered off the path, the tress and undergrowth became rapidly impassable, but everything was an easy forest path in the correct direction.
As they were walking the forest path, a series of arrows suddenly shot from the forest, high into the sky, and then rained down. Wolfe briefly saw a notification that it was a 4 strength aoe attack.
Everyone down! Wolfe yelled, hitting the ground.
Everyone else tried to dodge, but arrows managedmagically, Wolfe suspectedto hit everyone except Rhett. Yells, shouts, and growls met the attack.
We need to move forward! Wolfe cried out, yanking an arrow from the meat of his upper arm.
Fern was huddled on the ground, an arrow sticking out of her shoulder. Wolfe grabbed her, yanking her along.
Shel started to reach for one of her cards and Wolfe yelled Get Fern as they ran.
The Rookie EMT that appeared healed Fern, the arrow popping from her shoulder as it healed.
Wolfe ran into the forest, looking for enemies. He quickly found them when he broke through the treeline into a burning village. This was a full village, not the tiny thing they had defended before. Hundreds of huts, and raging through them were almost a hundred enemiesbut they were also fighting each other, two groups of fifty or so, with civilians running around, screaming and occasionally dying.
Wolfe glanced at the figures. There were cards named Pahto something and Wyeast something that were functionally the same, plus civilian cards.
Pahto Elite Brave
Dungeon NPC
Mortal [Soldier] Creature
Health: 30
Attack: 9
Defense: 9
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 9
Special: Feeder: Whenever this creature kills a Beast, Plant, or Nature creature it heals fully.
A brave that served as the personal guard of the first son of the legendary first chief of the Cowlitz.
Pahto Elite Hunter
Dungeon NPC
Mortal [Soldier, Archer] Creature
Health: 20
Attack: 9
Defense: 6
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 6
Special: Incoming Ambush [4]: So long as at least one card matching this creature is on the field, every incoming enemy, including deckbearers, takes a 4-strength physical attack. Does not replicate additional similar abilities if one has already triggered in the 30 seconds.
One of the greatest hunters in the legendary first tribe of the Cowlitz, now allied with the chiefs eldest son.
Cowlitz Tribesman
Dungeon NPC
Mortal [Civilian, Civic] Creature
Health: 20
Attack: 3
Defense: 5
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 5
A citizen of the Cowlitz Nation.
In the center, near a fire, Wolfe could see the young, beautiful version of Loowitlatkla, sitting on the ground and weeping.
A civilian woman ran up even as Wolfe was taking in the fighting. She was a young Amerind with paler skin and black hair, covered almost head to toe in goatskin clothing.
Help us! Each of the sons of Chief Tyee has a camp on the outskirts of the city! If you can defeat them, youll save us! The more of us you save, and the more of our buildings you prevent from burning to the ground, the greater your prize will be!
Wolfe hadnt even considered the buildings, and glanced at one.
Burning Cowlitz Long House
Dungeon Structure
This building will burn to the ground in seven minutes. Any Elemental [Water] card played in the village will add two minutes to the timer. Any Ice or Elemental [Water] attack against the building will add 5 minutes to the time. A civic creature solely dedicated to keeping the building from collapsing will delay the rate of time loss by 50%.
War, what is it good for?
Wolfe counted ten burning buildings. Son of a
Shel, Rhett, Fernhandle everything here! Set up near Loowit in case shes still healing. Keep the civilians alive with healing and cut down the soldier cards as fast as possible. Your decks synergize well, two of them and I think you can save most of this. Watch for the buildings when you have the chance!
Neither one nay-said Wolfe as they started moving, but Shel called out, What are you going to do?
Hunt, Wolfe said, and Cereboo let out a braying yell. Wolfe brought forth his second Obsessive Cultist.
I have a few moments to set up, I bet.
Part of Wolfe was tempted to try and empower himself significantly, but he had his mantle in this pull, and no Demonic Portals. That meant that he could add the mantle, which would empower his cards, and then likely put six creatures on the field with his remaining power and cards on field, so long as he sacrificed an Obsessive Cultist on the last play.
Puppy Pack time, Wolfe thought sardonically, using the name that Malviere had given his deck.
He raced down an obvious path on the left-hand side of the village. He immediately played his mantle. He had already spent one of his eight power, and this further reduced him by two more. But it let him put any number of cards on the field so long as they were canine, and empowered them.
Master of the Infernal Hunt
Unique Tier-5 equivalent Infernal Persistent [Mantle]
2 Infernal Power
+10 Health, +3 to all remaining stats.
Special: Cerberuss Champion: All other [Canine] Cards gain +5 Health and +1 to all other stats, and all [canine] cards gain advantage against Infernal cards.
Special: Versatile [Infernal]: This card alters to fit its wearer so long as they have at least 2 Infernal Power
Special: Grand Pack [Canine]: [Canine] cards do not count against cards on the field
Special: Favorable Fa?ade [Canine]: Count as a Beast [Canine] card for all purposes except type match penalties.
Special: One of the Gate to the Underworld cards. If all 6 are possessed in the same deck, the bearer will gain 7 Legendary Infernal or Beast card pulls. Additionally, the deckbearer may either gain the Mythic Gate to the Underworld Building Card or evolve Cereboo. One card is held by each of the crime families of Noimoire, and the sixth is held within the city by another.
Sometimes, the demons call a hunt on other demons, and a hunt master is always chosen to lead the chase.
Wolfe ran along the path, but it took more than thirty seconds to reach his destination. He tossed down a Demonic Portal card, drawing forth five power worth of creatureshe picked his Gehenna Kennel Master and an Angry Hellhound, tier-4. The portal cost two power, reducing his power to three and his cards on field to zero.
Wolfe reached a small clearing. Inside, he saw Chief Pahto, an elite brave, and a named shaman. The Chief had two hundred life and strong stats in the mid teens, and the Shaman had fifty health, stats in the low teens, and a powerful healing ability.
Wolfe played his second Demonic Portal while sacrificing his Obsessive Cultist. It raised the cost to four, but the cultist gave three power, and so Wolfe was left with two power. He used the power to summon two Angry Hellhounds and a Lost Hellhound Puppy.
He glanced at his Angry Hellhounds, now that they had what was nearly the maximum possible buffs Wolfe could give.
Angry Hellhound
Common Tier-4 Beast/Infernal (Canine) Creature
Two Beast or Infernal Power
Health: 14(19)
Attack: 9(20)
Defense: 5(7)
Magical Attack: 5 [Fire or Infernal](16)
Magical Defense: 5(7)
Special: Dual Attacker: When this creature makes a physical attack, it also makes a Magical Attack on the same target.
Special: Empty Mind: Immune to all mind-affecting debuffs.
Special: Canine Tribal [1]: +1 to all attacks for every other canine on the field.
Special: Hunter [Escaped Damned 1]: Gains +1 Attack for every Escaped Damned on the field.
Special: Reformed Doggo: This card gains type advantage, and loses type disadvantage, against any Infernal, Undead, or Elder card, and any card with the word criminal or villain in its title or type.
It could be argued that most things in the Infernal realms are angry, but these hellhounds take it to an entirely new leveland this one has torn many a spirit to the point it needs to reform on many an occasion.
Malviere trigged one Hellhound with her fast-attacking ability, and it hit the Shaman, slaying it in a single grab of the neck and violent shake that ripped the Shamans throat out entirely. It did four-hundred damage, netting zero for combined type, and then second attacked as an Infernal Magic attack for three-hundred and eight-four base magical damage. The shaman was obliterated by the single strike, taking almost eighty damage net.
Wolfe ran over and slew the brave, just to get his pack and their insane stats focused on the bad guy.
Each of the three Angry Hellhounds hit the Chief. They ripped into his legs and arm, each doing the same base damage. Chief Pahto took less damage thanks to his higher stats, and each did only did about fifty net each.
But Cereboo hit as well, biting into the chiefs stomach and back, and he did another twenty-five damage. Malviere managed another Twenty or so with her Death attack.
Wolfe couldnt help but feeling smug. At full synergy, with a couple perfect rounds of set-up, his deck was insane.
The Chief slammed his warclub down on an Angry Hellhound, killing it, but Wolfe summoned the Bulgar Chaser with his last power, keeping the other ones at full power.
The next round, the chief died to the first attack power of Malviere. Wolfe received a notification that it had been a Level Thirty-Five encounter, and he gained another level.
A card dropped from the dead boss, and Wolfe grabbed it. It was a decently strong rendition of Chief Pahto, a mortal subtyped for a couple things that didnt subtype to anything their team used.
Based on his summoning and such, Wolfe was pretty sure only two and a half minutes had passed.
He turned and sprinted toward the other chiefs base, back along the path. He started dismissing his demonic Portal summons and trying to reset. It would take a minute to return to the village, so if he could somehow resummon everything in the same order, and presumably win in the same time, he might be able to end this before any buildings burned down.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Twenty-Two: Leveling One More Time
Wolfe returned to the center of the mock Cowlitz village, which had ascended to a new and improved state: not being on fire. He had finished the second fight under the seven-minute mark, but it had been close, as the cards hadnt quite cooperated the second time for his uber-dog strat. Despite that, he saw that two of the cedar longhouses appeared to have burnt down, and a couple civilians were dead in the streetsnot dissipated into energy like most monsters or cards did when defeated.
He could hear mothers weeping, and the air smelled of burnt wood, with an undertone of burnt flesh and a coppery blood smell mixed in for maximum pathos. Way to rub it in, gods.
Loowit was still at the base of the fire, weeping as well.
What happened? Wolfe asked, motioning to the two houses.
Arsonists, Rhett said. Some of the archers apparently had extra fire arrows, and ticked down the timers. We hit them specifically and hard after that, but they still got two. Sorry.
Its fine, Wolfe said. Nothing can be done by bitching now.
Wolfe was distracted by three people walking into town. One was Chief Tyee. The other two were his sons, still covered in dog bites but newly restored tofunctionality, Wolfe supposed.
They both appeared downcast.
Tyee marched up to Loowit, his sons slouching after him. He took her chin in his hand and faced her up at him.
I am disappointed in you, Loowitlatkla, he said, then turned and glowered at his sons before returning his gaze to her. Not as disappointed as I am in my own sons, but I am still displeased. Why would you not choose one? If you had merely chosen, this feud could have ended.
She spoke, fresh tears running from her eyes. I am sorry, my chief, but they were both so strong, and so wonderful, that I could not choose.
And now their selfishness and pride, and your indecision, has burned many of the villages of the Cowlitz. But for these heroes here he motioned his other arms to vaguely take in Wolfe, Rhett, Fern, and Shel in turn the very heart of our people would have burned. I cannot allow this to stand.
What will you do with us? Loowit asked.
I love you all, and honor the good even though I punish the bad. I shall make each of you a spirit of one of the mountains that look at the heart of our people, and yours shall burn forever with the fire you once tended, that brought us all life.
Loowit bowed her head, still weeping, and Chief Tyee waved his hand. His two sons and Loowit all disappeared, and in the distance, three mountains rose, one smoking.
Chief Tyee turned to Rhett, who was nearest him. Thank you, heroes, for your timely aidyou saved most, but not all, of my peoples heart. I will give you these in turn.
He handed two packs and a card to Rhett, then turned, walking off. As he went, he faded from view. At the same time, the fire in town cleared, and a portal appeared in the place the fire had stood.
A moment later, the trader came back, walking into the devastated town like nothing was amiss. He began setting up his stand near the city center, across from the portal.
Wolfe already knew he was going to trade the two cards they had gotten. He headed over to the trader, offering the chiefs sons creature cards in order to get the two enhancer mountain cardsThe spirits of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
He walked back to the group, where they were staring at the card that Chief Tyee had handed to them.
The picture on the card showed Chief Tyee banishing the three to become mountains.
Displeasure of the Divine
Legendary Divine Persistent
2 Divine, 6 Any power
This card banishes for 30 minutes any three cards that are in play. While banished, these cards do not return their power to their deckbearer, nor do they return to the deck. If this card leaves play, the other three cards return to the field as if just summoned.
The First Chiefs were so powerful that they can turn those that displease them into geographical features.
Thats quite impressive, especially for someone that has companions on the field that can fight for them, Rhett said.
I dont have eight power, even with all the enhancers and such, Shel said. And it doesnt really fit my style. I think, if it were up to me, I just sell it and try and get something else.
Wolfe held the two cards he had gotten out. Well, if you want, you can take enough enhancer slots, and the building slot, to be able to add the three spirits of the mountain and the Stone Arch Fire building into your deck.
Shel nodded. I still cant believe that two years ago I was just some stupid jumped up kid, and now Im a card officer with a deck that has legendary and mythic cards in it.
She turned to Wolfe. In case my proposal earlier didnt clue you in, I love you so, so much. For everything.
Wolfe looked away. Sure. I love you too. But lets open the packs and see what we get, this has been the longest day ever, and I want to get some sleep. We have a lot to do.
Shel tool the two packs from Rhetts hand and then handed them, along with her two legendary Life packs, to Wolfe. I want you to open them. Four more chances to get an orphan that doesnt even exist yet, based on your perk.
Wolfe still wasnt sure if taking the ancient packs had been the best idea, as merges would be terribly hard to come by. But he had to admit, the cards they had gotten had synergized with Shel a lot. Maybe they would again.
He opened the first Life pack, which was listed as a Cycle of the Fifth Sun, Twilight, Legendary Life and had a picture of a river filled with fish coursing across the packaging, still in the ubiquitous pseudo-Aztec line drawing style.
Four uncommon cards, a rare, and a legendary card, all Life cards, fell into his hand. Wolfe passed them to Shel immediately.
No orphans, but there were immediate heals, and two persistent cards for the rare and the legendaryboth of which felt like they had almost been made for Shel.
The first showed a Couatl with hands holding a glowing sun over and Aztec style village.
Quetzalcoatl''s Blessing of Promise
Legendary tier-1 Divine/Life [Vitality, Civic] Persistent
2 Life or Divine Power, 2 Mortal Power
Target [Civic] Card you control with power cost 3 or less. This card becomes a token copy of it. While this card is on the field, [Civic] cards you own cost 1 less of any power to play and you may have 2 extra cards on field so long as they are [Civic]. Cards reduced below 1 power becomes cost 1 Any Power (available) and gain Speedy.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
"Times are changing and a new age is arriving. I cannot promise that it will be better and already there are omens that it will be a dark age for your people, but I promise you, I will care for you and watch over you, so that you may find comfort and rest after your last days.Quetzalcoatl
The second card showed a rainbow sun glowing over an even more complete Aztec metropolis.
Shard of the Second Sun
Rare tier-1 Fire/Light/Life/Divine [Sun, Civic, Ascendent, Vitality] Persistent
2 Power of either Light, Life, Fire, or Divine
Special: Gift of Quetzalcoatl: While this card is in play each allied creature gains +1 to each non-health stat for each power type and each subtype it shares with this card.
Special: Ire of Quetzalcoatl: while this card is in play all creatures that dont share a power type or a subtype with this card suffers -1 to all non-health stats.
A fragment of Quetzalcoatls grand Sun Stone, it carries within it the light and fire that nurtures life and protects civilizations.
Well, no orphans, but those are some good cards for your deck, Wolfe said.
Shels eyes were wide as she stared at the Blessing of Promise. With this card and Stone Arch Fire on the field, Id heal everything for twenty a round, and remove a step of injury penalty the first time it occurs. More than that with the Fire Tender Mantle.
Well, at a certain point its overkill, Wolfe replied.
Shel nodded, but she had a far away look in her eyes.
Wolfe opened the second pack. A few more cards spilled out. The Legendary card was actually not very useful at allit was a Life spirit that healed and increased healing dramatically, but given Shels capabilities, it really was pure overkill. Wolfe and Shel quickly decided they would sell it.
But three of the uncommon ones caught Wolfes eyes. The first was a Couatl that cost one Life power, but two rounds after it entered, could be sacrificed to bring forth any other couatl at no power cost. It was called a Growing Couatl.
The second was an uncommon building called Civic Irrigation. It showed canals and a few wells around an Aztec-style town.
Civic Irrigation
Uncommon Tier-1 equivalent Life [Civic] Building
1 Life Power
This card expands to grow one hundred feet around every building that was placed next to it. It adds 25% to the effect of all buildings owned by other deckbearers that it touches. All effects round to the nearest whole number of the effect. This building may not modify another Civic Irrigation building regardless of who owns it.
Rivers are fine, but they must be directed to grow life. An expert guiding the irrigation can bring teeming life where before there was nearly nothing, and cities will follow.
Wow Shel said, grabbing Wolfes arm again. That would be amazing. I mean, can you imagine? If I had that, the Stone Arch fire would double its effect!
So? Wolfe asked, trying to think through why she was so excited.
It would make it the bonus fifty percent! And then every single plus one would become a plus two on any buildings that anyone had! Can you imagine? Youd add more to growth of orphans, you would add even more to their tier, you would pick two cards to start your hand with
Wolfe eyed her. You seem to be sacrificing a lot for other people. Dont you want to increase your own deck?
She laughed. No. I want to heal the world, to save those that deserve saving, like you told me more than a year ago. And now, maybe Liam, or Miriam, or even Rhett here could place buildings and get a greater effect as well.
Wolfe nodded slowly. It made sense, he supposed. She was the light to his darkness, no doubt about it. But
Either way, you need fifteen leveling pips to put two buildings in your deck, and you need twenty-five leveling pips to put the remaining Lantern angels in. Youre going to have some hard decisions.
Shels excitement faded. Thats true.
Then they glanced at the last card together. It showed a baby Couatl, more of an iridescent green than the rainbow of most of the couatl cards they had seen, crawling from the remains of a shell.
It was an orphan card, which meant that even if it was officially not a unique card, there would only be one in the world most likely.
Couatl Hatchling of the Sixth Sun
Uncommon Tier-1 Life Minion [Orphan]
0 Power
Health: 7
Attack: N/A
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 8
Special: Will fetch normal objects and such with a decent degree of precision and help carry up to five pounds.
Special: Orphan Evolution [Unique]: If kept alive for five straight years, will turn into a Rare equivalent, Tier-4 equivalent creature card, gaining notable power. They deckbearer will also gain a common Life pack from the same set as the orphan. If ever killed, the timer resets.
Well, that is nearly everything, Wolfe said. Are you going to do your final build now?
Shel nodded. Im going to take the entire collection of Mountain Spirit cards, which will need five more pips of enhancers.
Wolfe held them out, and Shel took them.
Spirit of Mount St. Hoods
Unique Rare equivalent Tier-1 equivalent Elemental / Life [Earth] Enhancer
0 Power
This card adds +1 defense, +1 Magical Defense, and +3 Health. This person will have their weight doubled for purposes of resisting being moved. +20% lifespan. They restore an injury level per day.
After the destruction, Chief Tyee changed all three participants into mountains. Pahto became Mount St. Hood, who watched over the Cowlitz.
Spirit of Mount St. Adams
Unique Rare equivalent Tier-1 equivalent Elemental / Life [Earth] Enhancer
0 Power
This card adds +2 defense and +5 Health. This person will have their weight doubled for purposes of resisting being moved. +20% lifespan.
After the destruction, Chief Tyee changed all three participants into mountains. Wyeast became Mount St. Adams, who sheltered the Cowlitz.
Shel continued. Then Im going to take a building slot for the Stone Arch Fire card. That will leave me with seven pips, and I can decide what I want to do after I make three more levels.
And your cards? Wolfe asked.
Shel was typing out on her phone, and she passed it over. Wolfe scrolled down, seeing where she was at.
Rachel Lyons Status:
Level 31 Deckbearer (7 Levels pending)
Deckbearer Perks:
Lost and Lonely God-gifted Start: +1 Companion card
Deckbearer Perk 1: Divine Favor: When pulling from a Mortal or Divine pack, one random card will be a rarity higher. If pulling from a mixed deck, at least one card will be either Mortal or Divine.
Deckbearer Perk 2: Guiding Light of the Divine: Gain 1 Light Power. May have one extra card in play so long as its a Mortal (Any EMT, Police, or card with the Civic subtype).
Level 25 Perk: Nurse of the Chosen: Gain 1 Life Power, and the first time per week any entity is healed by this deckbearer, they lose 1 injury level as well. Gain 2 Legendary Life packs from any set that is represented in the deckbearers deck.
Deckbearer Flaw: Pacifist: May not gain attack from mantles
Deckbearer Stats:
Cards in Deck: 15 (1 pip)
Cards in Hand: 4 (1 pip)
Cards in Play: 3 (1 pip)
Length of Play: 5 minutes
Specialty Cards: Building: 1 (5 pips)
Companion: 2 (5 pips)
Minion: 1 (1 pip)
Enhancer: 3 (6 pips)
Type 1 and Power: 1 Divine
Type 2 and Power: 3 Mortal (3 pips)
Energy 1 and Power: 1 Light
Energy 2 and Power: 2 Life (From Perk, Stone Arch Fire)
Energy 3 and Power: 1 Fire (From Spirit of Mt. St. Helens)
Personal Perks:
Inborn Perk 1: Small: -1 Attack(nullified with all three Spirit of the Mountain enhancer cards)
Acquired Perk 1: Police Training: +1 Attack and Defense. Does not stack with other training.
Acquired Perl 2: Expert Shooter: +3 Attack and Defense only when using firearms. Does not stack with other training.
Personal Stats:
Health: 35
Attack: 6(8)
Magical Attack [None]: 0
Defense: 11(13)
Magical Defense [None]: 6
Card List:
Companion
Sorenia
Liurenia
Building
Stone Arch Fire
Enhancer
Spirit of Mt. St. Helens
Spirit of Mt. Hood
Spirit of Mt. Adams
Mantle
Fire Tender
Persistent
Quetzalcoatls Blessing of Promise
Police Academy
Guiding Light
Immediate
Barter the Soul
Burned Sacrifice
Creature
Couatl of the Second Sun
Rookie EMT x2
Ill keep some cards, and I will probably need to move to twenty cards soon. But there are some seriously strong plays in that deck at the moment. But I would benefit from a few powerful Mortal cards with the subtype civic if we can find them.
Wolfe nodded. Still, your deck is coming along very nicely.
As are you, Shel, Rhett cut in. Im impressed. And your salary will be huge now that youre past level thirty.
Shel nodded to his words.
However, what would you say to us opening the next packs? Rhett asked. The ones we can all use.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Twenty-Three: The Last Prizes of the Dungeon
Wolfe took one of the general rare packs, then tore it open and dumped it into his hand.
Most of the cards werent that interesting. Wolfe did get a second Xolo Spirit-Warder, and the rare was a Shattered Mayan Calendar that was a 1 Golem or 1 Meta power persistent that stopped all creatures and persistent from advancing any timed effect so long as it was in play. It felt highly situational to Wolfe, but Rhett took it for his deck with everyones consent.
Wolfe opened the final pack of cards, also a rare one. He had been underwhelmed with the number of cards he had gotten for his deck from this entire run. Although Shel was building toward and insane mixed civic and healing deck, which Wolfe was extremely pleased with.
Two common cards, two uncommon ones, and two that were rarefor a second time in this dungeon, an uncommon had upgraded to a rare card.
One of the uncommon cards was finally psychica card called vision quest that took 2 psychic power and stopped the deckbearer from playing cards the next 30 seconds, but afterwards restored all power to the deckbearer even if cards were already on the field. Effectively, all the cards of the deckbearer that were on field already had their power cost reduced to zero. It seemed risky to Wolfe, but Fern wanted it, and he passed it over after a nod from Shel.
But both the rare cards were, somehow, canine subtype although neither fit perfectly with Wolfes deck as both lacked Infernal. Excitement bubbled in his chest regardless.
The first showed a ruined, dead city jutting out of the ground, filled with spirit dogs.
Fragment of Itzcuintlan
Rare Tier-1 Undead/Beast [Spirit, Ruin, Canine] Building
0 Power
The Fragment of Itzcuitlan creates a 250,000 sq. feet ruin park, with fragments of buildings and a permanent fog within it. Within 10 miles of this location, all dogs have 30% increased lifespan and do not get sick. Within the location, and in all adjacent contiguous buildings, all undead cards except Itzcuintlan Spirit Dogs have their Attack and Magical Attack set to N/A.
So long as this card is in the deck, whenever a [Canine] of the deckbearer is reduced to zero health, there is a 50% chance that an Itzcuintlan Spirit Dog token card will be called into play.
In the event that the deckbearer has more than one fragment of Itzcuitlan, each additional one past the first adds +1 to all non-health stats of all [Spirit] and/or [Canine] cards rather than increasing summoning chance.
The first realm of the underworld is sometimes known as Itzcuitlan, the land of dogs, because the spirits of dogs guide their kind owners onward in their journey to their final resting place.
Itzcuintlan Spirit Dog
Undead / Beast [Spirit, Canine] Creature
Token, 1 power equivalent
Health: 6
Attack: N/A
Defense: 10
Magical Attack: 4[Death]
Magical Defense: 2
The ethereal nature of the Spirit Dog makes it extremely hard to seriously injure with normal weapons.
Okay, so, Im extra glad I didnt take the Stone Arch Fire and left it to you, Wolfe said, staring at the card. I mean, I barely have any leveling pips, but this has a great deal of potential for my deck. A huge amount of potential, really.
Shel nodded. Yeah. Except that by not being an Infernal card it limits the benefit of Hellmouth.
Wolfe winced. Oh, yeah. My bad.
Then he paused. Although, technically, the Conduit of the Infernal can make a card act as if its Infernal.
Shel nodded, but held a hand up. Dont forget, even with that, it still requires ten leveling pips, so
Wolfe frowned. Well, lets keep it as a possible. It would be pretty amazing in my deck if I can afford it.
Shel didnt say anything else, she just leaned up on tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Wolfe glanced at the second cardanother orphan from the modifier provided by his Caretaker of the Lost and Lonely enhancer. This one showed a skeleton. But the creature wasnt just normal remains. The bones of the body were clearly human, but the skull was canine. The creature card showed Aztec markings all over the bones.
Xolotls Get
Rare Undead / Beast [Skeleton, Canine, Demi-God, Orphan] Minion
0 Power
Health: 20
Attack: N/A
Defense: 3
Magical Attack: N/A
Magical Defense: 3
Special: Orphan Evolution [Unique]: If kept alive for ten straight years, will turn into a unique Legendary equivalent, Tier-1 equivalent, five power creature card. The deckbearer will also gain a common Undead or Fire (choose one) Building card from the same set as the orphan. If ever killed, the timer resets.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
The non-unique card turns into a unique one? Shel asked.
Guess so, Wolfe replied. I just hope it stays canine. This might be the best pack Ive ever drawn from, even if I never really saw myself going with any Undead cards.
So, what are you doing for level? Miriam asked.
Well I already added in the enhancer, and upped my cards on field and in hand. I think, given my build, that my next best bet is to simply save pips for a building card slot. That Fragment of Itzcuintlan is insanely good for my deck.
Especially if I can work up to the Civic Irrigation card, Shel said. Three in four times a dog card died, it would spawn a replacement that could stop other cards from attacking you while you set something up.
Yeah.
So, what are you looking like at the moment?
Wolfe pulled his status chart, and recited it. Rhett and Fern paid attention. Wolfe was a touched worried, but not muchRhett was a damned boy scout, and Fern already had enough to bury him if she wanted.
So any changes to your deck? Shel asked.
Wolfe nodded. Yeah. After everything, Im adding our spare two Demonic Portal cards, the orphan, and
Ethan Madison Wolfe Status:
Level 36 Mortal [3 pips remaining]
Deckbearer Perks:
Lost and Lonely God-gifted Start: +1 Companion card
Deckbearer Perk 1: In the Thick of it: +50% to all numerical benefits gained from mantles
Deckbearer Perk 2: Mans Best Friends Best Friend: Gain 1 Beast Power. May have one extra card in play so long as its a Beast (Canine or Hybrid Canine).
Level 25 perk: Master of the Lost and the Lonely: Orphans gain +1 Tier when they evolve, and any card packs or non-orphan cards gained from orphan advancement are gained twice. Any one [evolved orphan] card of no more than 2 power may be treated as if it were a free-slot companion card with a 0-power cost.
Deckbearer Flaw: Fallen: May not gain Divine Power, nor use Divine cards unless they are also Infernal or Corrupted.
Deckbearer Stats:
Cards in Deck: 20 (3 pips)
Cards in Hand: 5 (3 pips)
Cards in Play: 4 (1 pips)
Length of Play: 5 minutes
Specialty Cards: Companion: 3 (three free from perks and cards, 1 must be an evolved orphan acting as a companion)
Building: 2 (5 pips, one free from cards)
Minion: 3 (3 pips, 1 free from cards)
Enhancer: 2 (3 pips)
Total Power: (upgraded 5 times): 8 -1 (Infernal Rift) +1 (Infernal Gun set) = 8. (Total pips 15)
Type 1 and Power: 5 Infernal (5 -1(Infernal Rift) +1 (Infernal Guns))
Type 2 and Power: 2 Beast
Energy 1 and Power: 1 Fire
Personal Perks:
Inborn Perk 1: Vicious Killer: +25% to all Attack and Defense, check twice for Attack modifier and take the best
Inborn Perk 2: Tough as Nails: +10 Health
Acquired Perk 1: Crafty Street Fighter: +3 Attack and Defense
Personal Stats:
Health: 30/30
Attack: 10
Magical Attack [None]: 0
Defense: 10
Magical Defense [None]: 5
Deck: (20 cards, 3 companions, 2 Buildings, 3 Minions, 2 Enhancers)
Specialty:
Companion:
1x Cereboo (Gate to Hell set card 1)
1x Malviere
*1x Obsessive Infernal Cultist
Building:
1x Hellmouth Institute
1x Infernal Library (Library Wing of the Hellmouth Institute) (locks Obsessive Infernal Cultist to the first pull)
Minion:
1x Get of Xolotl
Enhancer:
1x Caretaker of the Lost
1x Conduit of the Infernal Six (Enhancer, Gate to Hell set card 4)
Standard:
Mantle:
1x Master of the Infernal Hunt (Mantle, Gate to Hell set card 3)
Persistent:
4x Demonic Portal (each adds a side deck of 5 Infernal creatures, 10 creature total side deck)
1x Cerberus Home for Wayward Hellhounds
Immediate:
1x Infernal Rift (Gate to Hell set card 2, adds 1 minion and 1 building card)
Creature
1x Obsessive Infernal Cultist
1x Bulgae Moon Chaser
Equipment
1x Hellfire (Infernal Gun set card 1)
1x Brimstone (Infernal Gun set card 2)
Side Deck: (20 Infernal Creatures)
1x Gehenna Kennel Master
2x Tier-4 Angry Hellhound
2x Tier-3 Angry Hellhound
2x Tier-2 Lost Hellhound Puppy
1x Fireborn Hellhound
1x Smoke Demon
1x Chain Demon
2x Xolo Spirit-Warder
Wolfe finished his recitation with, And Ive got room for one more card in deck, and up to eight more creatures in the side deck for the combined Demonic Portals.
Rhett nodded. Its a very strong deck, Wolfe. But we should head back now.
At Rhetts words, Wolfe felt his exhaustion seeping up from his very bones. The amount he had done today was impossible to overstate. Two levels of a dungeon, followed by ring shopping, followed by a fight to save Shel that had nearly killed him, followed in turn by a third dungeon level.
Wolfe nodded, his agreement more heartfelt that usual. Yeah. Im done as well. Lets go.
***
Wolfe leaned against the door frame with his forehead as he banged on the door to Mrs. Timos bedroom. Every single bedroom in the entire Hellmouth Institute was the exact same size, and came with the same furniture. You could move furniture around the Institute, but if you moved it back, it would regenerate inside the place again.
But the bas relief demon faces that made up the doors had a central nose you could hang things from, and each of them hung with an art project from one of the girlsa stylized name. This one had been done by Shannon, and showed a poorly drawn series of waterslides and fish around a pond with the words Mrs. Timos room drawn on it.
The sign was garish and childish and clashed horribly with the dcor, but it did mute itit was far less sinister.
Of course, the place also smelled just the tiniest bit. Not of brimstone or smoke, as you might suspect, but rather the faintest hint of disinfectant in a slightly-too-chilly-but-not-cold building just enough to be creepy.
But the sign helped a little.
Wolfe raised his fist, about to bang again, when the door opened. Mrs. Timo stared out at him, her gray hair frizzy and her eyes blurry behind her glasses. She was dressed in a thick woolen nightgown and a pair of ratty once-pink bunny slippers.
She stared at him owlishly for a moment. Wolfe? What in the Infernal do you want at this hour? I swear you acted like a mutt before you got your deck.
Wolfe dropped his fist, pulled his head back from the door frame, and reached into his pocket. He took out ten cards and a scrap of paper.
He held it out to her. Here, you old bat.
She took the cards and stared down at them, her eyes wide. Whats this?
Well, if things go badly, it might be severance pay, Wolfe quipped.
What? Mrs. Timo asked, still not raising her eyes. Ive only worked for you for a bit over a year.
Look, the situation is too long to explain, and Im way too tired to relieve the shitshow that today has been, Wolfe replied. But the long and the short of it is, I need you to take Liam, as well as Lucy and Shannon and our useless Cavapoos, and get out. I got you some tickets to Tahiti.
And the deck? Mrs. Timo asked. Why the deck?
Wolfe sighed. In case stuff goes bad. That deck is designed to win by doing nothing, and its got some rather nasty cards for it. I mean, I know a stiff breeze will kill you, but hopefully it wont come down to you actually fighting. Work it out with Liam, Im not sure. But Id rather not have to worry about my people under attack.
What made you think of this?
I told you, Wolfe began, then hesitated and scratched his head. No, never mind. I guess I didnt. They found Fern and attacked her, and on the way home tonight, I had the sudden thought it could happen to my people next, since a badass deckbearer named Nathan saw me. So I need you to get out before he does anything insane.
Mrs. Timo nodded. When do I leave?
Four hours from Noimore International, Wolfe said.
Mrs. Timo nodded a second time, a single sharp nod. Ill get changed and get moving then.
Wolfe nodded and turned away even as Mrs. Timo began to shut the door.
But after a few steps, Mrs. Timo called out, Wolfe?
He turned, to see one of her eyes staring out from the mostly closed door. Yeah?
Did she say yes?
Although beyond tired, Wolfes face lit up. Asked me, technically. Ill tell you all about it when this is all over.
Mrs. Timo gave another half nod and finished closing the door.
Demon Card Enforcer 3, Chapter Twenty-Four: Last Idyllic Morning
Wolfe rolled over to see Shel, still asleep underneath the blankets except for her head. Her face was at peace, with wispy strands of her red hair across her face. She breathed easily, just noticeable enough to show she was alive. Wolfe marveled at her beauty in the soft, slightly red-tinted light of the late morning sun coming in through the windows of the Hellmouth Institute.
Shel twitched suddenly, her face creasing with worry even though her eyes were closed. Wolfe reached across the blanket and gently stroked her hair.
She gave another violent twitch and then snorted, sitting up in bed, staring around groggily. One of Wolfes t-shirts was draped around her frame. Wolfe himself slept in the buff, but Shel had lived in a tiny trailer with multiple siblings, and she was rarely comfortable naked, unless the two of them were specifically engaged in sexy activities.
Speaking of engaged Good morning, my badass fiance.
Shel blinked her eyes, and she held her hand up, staring at the emerald ring she hadnt taken off even to sleep. Wolfe appreciated that she liked it, but leaving it on overnight struck him as crazy.
So, it really means new beginnings? Shel asked as she stared at the ring. The emerald, I mean.
Thats what the lady said at Michelles, and she seemed pretty sure. She said her fancy story didnt make mistakes about that stuff.
Shels eyes lit up and she threw her arms around him, hugging him hard and kissing his neck. I love the sound of that. I love the ring, and I love you too, most of all. Thank you. For everything. That sounds about right.
Wolfe couldnt stop the smile that split his face, his heart warmed to hear it all. But he gently disengaged, pulling back from her. When were done with this whole thing, we need to get married, and then go on an amazing honeymoon.
She smiled again. Where would you go?
Wolfe hadnt given it much thoughthe had been focused more on thoughts of safe, worry-free nights with Shel then where they spent the days.
But he did his best to give it some honest thought as he stared into her eyes. Maybe Rome? We could maybe compete in the Coliseum Arena, then visit the Temple of Mercy, perhaps. Maybe some of the Chosen of Raphael will have advice for you.
She smiled. Its a date.
Wolfe nodded, but his own face went serious. Right now, though, we have work to do. We need to get ready, and then were going shoppingone way or another.
Shel tilted her head at him, mimicking Cereboos questioning head tilt. Why did shopping need a dark threat appended to it?
Ill talk about it later, for now, lets get ready.
How do we do that? Shel asked.
Wolfe stood, casting aside the blankets and rooting around for a pair of workout shorts. The same way we do every morningeat some fluffy scrambled eggs, and follow that up with a quick workout.
And then shopping?
Wolfe nodded.
Shel got out of bed, walked silently over to her dresser, and took a pair of workout shorts and a smaller t-shirt out before heading out into the hall, presumably for the bathroom.
One of the few things that Wolfe didnt like about his new living situationbesides the omnipresent demonic dcorwas the fact there was no master bedroom. So he had to go outside to get to a shower.
On the other hand, this floor alone had ten bathrooms, each with its own shower. Which wasnt the worst. So Wolfe grabbed a towel and headed for his own date with a hygiene ritual.
***
So, are we hunting today, my alpha? Malviere asked from the back seat of the truck.
Wolfe stared out the crack-free windshield of his spare modified black Ford f150 as he drove down Ninth street, through the heart of one of Noimoires main commercial districts. After the last couple years, Wolfe had learned that for him, been prepared meant assuming he would have a car filled with lead at some point. He wasnt going to let that slow him down this time.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
No, Malviere, we arent going to hunt, at least not right now. Were going to shop"
Booo. Malviere interjected
for hunting tools, Wolfe finished.
What? Malviere asked, excitement returning to her voice. She leaned forward over the seat, her head appearing between Wolfe and Shel.
Shel chuckled from the front passenger seat where she sat staring out the window, next to Wolfe. She was now dressed in tight faded jeans and a pink blouse that exposed her belly button, under a large jacket left hanging open. Wolfe knew she kept her own police Glock-17 in a holster hidden by the jacket.
Wolfe answered Malviere. I need to get better gear. I nearly got myself killed when I went after the Weeds, because I did things like I always doI relied on my natural talent and my Edge, and now, my cards. But I almost got killed doing it. I dont want to do that again, and I really dont want to subject Shel to that. So, instead, Im going to get what we need.
What do we need? Malviere asked, the normal-to-the-point-of-banality conversation made more interesting by her voice.
Youll see, Wolfe replied smugly.
You do know that I cant use anything that will alter my stats unless its a part of the Great Game, right? Malviere asked.
Ive always wondered about that what happens if I put a bullet-proof jacket on you, for example?
It wont work, Malviere said with certainty in her creepy, echoing voice.
Well, I wanna try, Wolfe said, suddenly feeling mischievous and like he was thirteen years old again for no reason he could discern. For science.
To see what happens and laugh your ass off? Shel asked with laughter in her voice.
Wolfe solemnly nodded.
Shel changed the topic. I dont know exactly what youre trying to get, but I doubt if you can actually get better weaponsor any weapons, quickly. This is Illinois twenty-twenty-six. Getting guns is very hard, even for an investigator working with the police. Getting serious hardware will be nearly impossible.
Wolfe smiled a sharks smile. Well, if it comes to that, I have some ideas about how we might get some upgraded weapons as well.
It makes me happy when you smile like that, Malviere said as she hung over the back of the seat and stared at him. It means that some bad guy, somewhere, is definitely going to go see Cerberus soon.
Or at least have a very bad day, Shel said, smiling at the comment.
Wolfe saw his target and turned into the parking lot. It was a massive Jacks Sporting Goods store. A bit of online research had showed him that with the ever-increasing crime rates in Noimoire, Jacks had started carrying most of the things that Wolfe would need.
He parked his spare truck a ways back from the front, deep into the parking lot where his vehicle wasnt near anyone else. Once he turned the truck off, he exited onto the pavement. There was a slight chill in the early afternoon air, despite the sun shining down on them.
Shel and Malviere followed him out, and Cereboo jumped down from the cab. Each fell in around him, almost automatically from all their time together. With Wolfe just a hint in the lead, the four of them walked toward Jacks. A few people followed him with their eyesCereboo and Malviere cut a distinct picture, and while deckbearers were relatively common, seeing someone with cards out wasnt. Most deckbearers, Wolfe included, preferred to keep a slightly lower profile, but since Adam and his cronies clearly had a bead on Wolfe, he preffered his companions out and ready. In fact
Shel, just in case things go south, can you bring Sorenia and Liurenia out?
Shel touched her chest in the ubiquitous fingers-splayed pattern and pulled her cards. She had six in front of herfour in the main set and two off to the side.
She touched the first one, and Sorenia appeared.
She briefly sent Malviere an irritated glance before giving a slight bow to Shel. Thank you for bringing me forth, deckbearer.
Cereboo woofed happily and ran up to Sorenia, jumping up and licking her. As always, the three-tongues-to-one-defending-hand contest went in Cereboos favor.
A moment later, Liurenia appeared as well.
The whispers and stares intensified, and a few children were pointing at them.
But Wolfe wasnt worried about it. He had already been discovered by his enemies, at some level. Although the Weeds honestly might not know he had been involved in the assault on them. Regardless, it was best to be protected physically if anonymity couldnt shield him any longer, and four companion cards would make it hard for anything but a sniper shot or massive bomb to finish him off.
Wolfe walked to the front of the store. People moved away from his entourage, giving them a free path into the store, and Wolfe took it. He pushed through the large glass doors into the interior, where he found himself surrounded by a bevy of mannequins covered in team jerseys, boxes of tennis shoes, hats with logos, and the like. He could easily see more practical gear surrounding the central partfishing poles on one wall, baseball clothing and accessories in another. But he wanted something a bit more specific.
A young lady, not nearly as polished as the one from Michelles, but still looking at him with respect, stepped to his side. May I help you, sir?
Wolfe had been in many stores in his lifetime, and stores of this caliber didnt normally have sales staff approach customers. I could get used to the deckbearer treatment.
He nodded to her. Im looking for the clothing sectionspecifically, the line of armored clothing that the internet says you carry here.
The internet? Shel mouthed, silently laughing.
But the lady just nodded like it was the most reasonable thing shed ever heard. Of course, sir. Right this way.
Demon Card Enforcer 3: Chapter Twenty-Five: Gearing up
Wolfe shrugged the jacket on. It was far heavier than most jackets, but not a huge strain on him. Although it had a similar feel to running with light weights on.
Wolfe pulled his stat sheet up, but his Defense stat remained the same.
How much does this protect someone? Wolfe asked the lady helping him.
Shel was the one who answered. Most of the tests that have been runand yes, some of them were as horrible as that soundsindicate that a decent set of armored clothing is worth a plus one to defense, for people that can easily handle the extra weight.
Then why doesnt it show up in the stats? Wolfe asked.
Items and gear not in the Great Game do show up, but only on the actual combat notifications, not in base stats. Like, just because youre carrying your Edge, it doesnt say you have three higher Attack, right?
Whats an Edge? the lady helping them asked.
My pistol, Wolfe replied absently.
The lady gasped, her hand going to her throat. Sir, if you have a gun, you have to leave or were calling the police.
Wolfe stared at her, irritated. Its in my glove compartment in a locking case right now. You can untwist your panties. Also, Im a private investigator that works with the Joliet and Noimoire police forces.
The woman nodded quickly. Okay, well"
But Wolfe wasnt done. Also, I have here Wolfe pointed at Malviere a card that can throw Death energy from her shadow, hitting harder than a normal gun would most times. Why would me having a pistol make me any scarier?
Boo! Malviere said while making a comical face at the saleswoman, who flinched slightly.
The lady stuttered, but Shel came to her rescue. Its fine, its a rhetorical question. Wolfe doesnt have his gun with him, so we can all move on.
Then she put her hand on Wolfes arm, leaned up, and kissed him on the cheek. She also whispered, Play nice.
He rolled his eyes but made no further comment about the pistol. Instead, he held the jacket up. How much for two sets of this in my size and two in Shels?
Uhh the ladys eyes phased out and Wolfe could see her mouth moving. That would be nine-hundred and sixty plus tax.
Lets do it, Wolfe replied. Then he turned to Malviere.
She spoke before he could say anything. It wont work.
With her echoing voice, the statement sounded like a pronouncement of doom.
But Wolfe was feeling onery. I mean, you can hide behind a car, Wolfe said. Why cant a put a jacket on you?
Malviere just stared at him.
Wolfe shrugged out of his jacket.
Um, deckbearer, sir, are you sure you should be naysaying the gods? It doesnt feel like a good the saleslady began, nervously, holding a finger up.
Wolfe threw the jacket around Malvieres shoulders. Shel stepped back and the saleslady cringed.
Malviere just shimmered, and the jacket fell through her, landing anticlimactically on the floor.
The saleslady heaved a huge sigh of relief. Thank Michael.
What a crock of Wolfe muttered.
The saleslady lady stepped up. Well, um, Deckbearer, it looks youre your companion was right. Is there, um, anything else I can help you with?
Her voice was patently insincere on the last question, and Wolfe could easily tell he didnt fit this ladys taste. but he still had some things he needed.
Take me to your drones, worker drone, Wolfe said.
Our drones? the lady asked at the same Shel half swatted Wolfes arm.
He sighed. Sorry, I wanted to see your aerial dronesthe ones you can drive around, that have a camera on them. They usually have four fans on them to help them fly?Stolen story; please report.
Oh, right, this way, the lady said, hurrying off down the isle.
***
You didnt seem to like the saleslady, alpha. How come?
Wolfe gripped the wheel as he headed toward his next destination, in a slightly poorer part of town. Not seedyor not seedier than most of Noimoirebut older and in need of a paintjob and some pothole filling.
He sighed. Eh, pearl-clutching types have always irritated me. I mean, if I was gonna cause trouble, I wouldve fucked someone up long before she heard I owned a gun. It feels like overdramatic shit for no reason, or just a programmed response.
Where are we going? Shel asked.
I read about this storeit sells guns and ammo. I mean, normally we had other ways, back in the day, of getting a piece. But Im assuming we should at least start legal.
Start? Shel asked.
Wolfe shrugged but didnt say anything.
You know, if we need bigger guns, we can always use the AR-15s that
Wolfe laughed. Yeah, Ill just take your AR-15, the one you bought now that youre a police officer, all official and whatnot. As in, its in the records. I bet it doesnt take them any time at all to arrest you.
Well, if you buy stuff like that here, theyll arrest you, Shel said.
Wolfe shrugged again. I dont think theyre going to sell me what I want here. But maybe. Im just exploring options. And I might want ammo.
Shel turned. Wolfe, whats this all about? Really, I mean?
Wolfe gripped the wheel, swallowing his first, angry response. Thats old Wolfe. Shel loves you.
He took a deep breath and tried to explain, his voice tired from the last couple days, his mischievousness spent. Ive messed up, Shel. A lot.
You saved me, and we cleared the dungeon.
Wolfe stared ahead, seeing almost nothing as he talked. In the last forty-eight hours Ive nearly died three times to jumped-up thugs and almost let you get killed once, all because I didnt plan and didnt prepare. Ive got a lot to live for, now. A wonderful fiance. Friends and family I want to take care of.
You are taking care of us, wonderfully, Shel inserted as Wolfe turned down another street.
Wolfe just kept talking. Im used to being the baddest guy in the room. That was good enough against the Cobras, and against Damians dumb ass. And, I guess, it was good enough against the Weeds, with help from Fern. But even then, it was barely good enough. And Nathan he threw me from a third story window. Luck of the gods I didnt die, and I have to be out of luck at this point. I need to be better.
Shel laid her hand gently on his shoulder. Nathan is an ex-Navy Seal, Wolfe.
"Yeah, well, I was stupid even before that. I took the elevator up, and just chilled before I opened the door. Some deckbearer thug shot me in the chest. Not sure if I would have died without the surprise body armor, but its very possible. And then they would have killed you.
You were tired.
Wolfe frowned. Stop making excuses for me, Shel. I need to be better.
Shel sat back, silent for a moment as Wolfe turned his car into a tiny parking lot fronting a row of small, dirty-looking businesses. One of them had a James Guns and Ammo sign.
Wolfe turned the car off, but before he could get out, Shel put her hand on his arm again.
Wolfe, wait, please, Shel said, her hand laying lightly, not restraining him.
Wolfe sat back.
Okay, yeah, not at least moving to the side of the elevator was dumb. But you were tired. The problem is, youre not a paramilitary guy, or even a cop. Your training is thug, and even if you were the best thug ever, its not exactly an uncommon or high tier course, you know?
Get to the point, love.
You need training, Wolfe. I wasnt lying about you being tired. You made the mistake because you were exhausted, and freaking out about mewhich I love. But you werent thinking.
Tell me how you really feel, Wolfe growled out sardonically.
Shel just kept going. Training takes care of that, because your unconscious mind, or maybe muscle memory, knows what to do. How many times have you trained going after people from inside an elevator?
Never, Wolfe admitted.
Exactly. What youre about to do, going into a gun store and buying a bunch of heavier guns its not going to work. Or if it does, youll just end up on cameras and in ledgers and files. We need another plan.
Wolfe hesitated, but he knew Shel was right.
Still Im not sure I can beat Nathan right now. I have to have an edge on him. Ive never gone up against someone that can fight like me, or, probably, even better. Even Charleston was just relying on power and cards and sheer viciousness. Nathan fights different.
So, get the training yourself, Shel replied.
Wolfe stared at the ceiling of the car. Were supposed to be fighting two more gangs and part of Adams crew over the next four and a half days, Shel. I dont have time for training.
Shel acknowledged that with a single nod. Then whats your other plan? I mean, you keep hinting you have some other plan on how to get enough gear to make up the difference, right?
Before Wolfe could answer, Shel laughed. She nodded to the back, where Malviere sat. Piles of boxes were in nearly every space Malviere didnt occupy. I mean, you already have a giant collection of armored clothing and drones. I assume that counts for something in the gear department. But what was the plan for the rest of it?
Wolfe stared at the store in front of him for a moment, but then nodded. Well, it would require an entire other mission, probably dangerous itself. But I did have another plan. It occurs to me that once upon a time, the Cobras had heavy weapons, including a damn rocket launcher. I never got an explanation of how that happened. Now, I saw that the remnants of the Weeds have heavy weaponsor, at least, heavier weapons.
Wolfe paused, and Shel motioned at him to keep going.
So, it stands to reason that if this Adam character has been behind a lot of this, he might be the reason theyre able to get the weapons like that. He might have a source... but he also might have a stash. If I use his weapons in these attacks, itll most likely lead back to him. And maybe with all the right gear, I can even the playing field against the Singh and Renfeldt families and against Nathan.
How would you know or find out, or do anything about it? Shel asked.
Fern. She knows all about Adams operations, and from what she told me about her ex-boss, the one thing he might not be prepared for at all is for me to go on the offensive against him.
Demon Card Enforcer 3: Chapter Twenty-Six: A New Method, an Old Method
Wolfe was a having a bit of Dj vu as he stared out the window at the warehouse on the river front in Noimoire. Between the people he had dropped to feed the river crabs, and the time he and Rhett had almost died themselves here, Wolfe would have been happier to never return.
But that wasnt the main reason he was having Dj vu. The main reason was Fern sitting in the back of his truck, helping him to prepare for another hit type of mission.
Wolfe had called her to ask where Adam kept the good stuff. An hour later, she had called back with a location. But she hadnt stopped there. Instead, she had asked him to get an entirely different drone than the ones Wolfe had gotten earlier. It was a mini-drone that still had a camera but couldnt be heard over ambient city noises when it was over a hundred feet away, apparently.
She had made a few modifications to it, then asked Wolfe to get multiple silencers, which he had stopped by Miriam for, and various head-sets and blue tooth communicators and some odds and ends. Wolfe had gotten them as well, and Fern had modified those next. Something to do with frequencies that Wolfe hadnt 100% understood, although he got the basic idea she was trying to keep anyone from listening in.
Wolfe stared back at Fern. She was hunched over, breathing in the weird way she did to lower anxiety. But Wolfe couldnt help but think how dangerous she really was, despite the least threatening exterior he had ever seen. Barely twelve hours after he had called her, she was sitting in the back of his truck with two laptops and a drone controller around her. One laptop was running some kind of hacking program, and the other was monitoring a newly mounted, highly complex camara on the mini-drone. And she was flying the thing despite her odd breathing.
Wolfe adjusted a blue-tooth communicator in his ear, that matched the headset that Fern wore. He felt more like a deadly soldier, and less like a warrior or thug, than he had ever felt.
I have a guy in the chair, Wolfe thought, bemused. A badass guy in the chair even if she looks like shed lose to a stiff breeze or stray bad thought.
There are three guards, Fern said, her voice monotonous from where she was hunched in the back, surrounded by her computers. Almost like she was a computer herself. Theyre operating independently, so you can murder one without another nearby to hear or see. Two are walking the exterior of the complex, and if you hit one the other will find it about ten minutes later. But one is on the railing walkway around the top, and might see anything.
What kind of warehouse has a walkway around the top? Wolfe asked exasperatedly.
Apparently the kind where high-level villains store illegal weaponry, Shel said, smiling at him slightly.
Fern ignored the byplay. If you walk up the river side, there is a bush you could hide behind until the perfect moment. I already gave you the preferred pattern for the attackWolfe up close, Shel with the AR-15 from the bushes.
Shel nodded, but she was biting her lower lip.
And you have the laptop? Fern asked.
Wolfe patted the device laying against his side.
You should go, Fern whispered. Ill be with you so long as youre outside, and will warn you on anyone incoming once youre inside.
You think thisll work? Shel asked Fern.
Probably, Fern responded. And if it does, itll give you at least improvement in oyur chances against Nathan, and ultimately Adam. But things can always go wrong.
Her voice dropped even lower, and Wolfe could barely hear it. We all know that things can go wrong. We know it intimately. But that can happen whether we try or not.
Wolfe nodded and stepped from his truck into the cool night air of Noimoire, carrying the laptop. Shel followed him out, carrying the AR-15, now with a tripod stand and a silencer.
The two of them left the road they were on, heading over the lawn of the warehouse they were at and to the rivers edge.
Wolfes earpiece crackled to life. No one should have a visual on you, move now.
Wolfe motioned to Shel and started running down the tiny riverfront, a few feet above the river itself. Soon, he saw the bush they had identified. He ran up to it and crouched down behind it, and Shel landed next to him a couple seconds later.
Okay, just sit tight for a moment. You can probably pull Malviere out as well, but do it fast and put the deck away againthe glowing cards might give you away through the bush once they show up.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Wolfe nodded, touched his chest with splayed hand, and then pushed it forward. He immediately hit Malviere, who swirled into existence laying down next to him. Wolfe dismissed his deck.
Were hunting, alpha? Malviere asked.
Wolfe nodded and pointed up ahead, toward the corner of the building, where a bored-looking man, a bit overweight, was walking around in an obvious perimeter. He had a gun holstered at his side, but nothing else.
Wolfe knew the guy working the top had a semi-automatic rifle, however.
Alright, set up, Wolfe said. He got ready to run himself.
Shel started to set up the tripod, but her hands were shaking slightly. Wolfe watched as she managed to get it set up and took aim at railing where the upper guard would come around the side.
Her eyes were watering, and a single tear slid down her face.
Shel? Wolfe asked, thrown back on his metaphorical heels as he squatted on his physical ones, staring at his fiance.
She wiped her face. Im okay, Wolfe. It needs to happen. Just do what you have to so.
Wolfe stared at her for a moment. You dont want to kill him?
Shel shrugged. I hate hurting people. In defense of you, or others, Ive done it, sure. But Ive never just shot someone like this before, okay? Its a new experience.
Hes a bad man, Wolfe replied in a whisper. I mean, this isnt a random security guard. This is one of Adams peopleI mean, hes carrying an illegal weapon, he has to know hes not on the side of right at some level.
Shel shrugged, then replied at the same volumn, her voice monotone. I said Ill handle it.
Wolfe was torn as he watched. He tried thinking back to their time together. Shel had never been the one to pull the trigger in any situation close to this. She had lured the head of the Cobras back, and she had fought with them in a warehouse, but she had never just killed someone.
Wolfe sighed. He felt like he was being an idiot, but he also knew he didnt want his fiance to experience this. It was his job to shield her from whatever tiny darkness was leftor, even if it wasnt his job, it was what he wanted to do.
He reached down and picked up the rifle, then whispered, Ill handle this.
Shel started to sit up, but Wolfe put his hand out and shook his head no. Shh. Wait till people are gone.
Shel subsided, and the guards completed their track, giving them a brief moment.
I can handle it, Shel repeated.
Wolfe shook his head. Im sure you can, but youve never assassinated anyone. This feels like a huge step we probably shouldnt have you take, for multiple reasons, now that I think about it. No matter the plan Fern had. Let me handle this partyou be here to keep me alive.
Hope I dont regret this, but I do think this part is well within my usual capability, even if there is a certain irony to abandoning the plan and relying on raw skill.
Before she could argue, Wolfe hurled himself around the bush, running for the wall of the warehouse they were aiming for. As he did, he pulled his deck, praying to Cerberus for luck for once.
And he got it. His mantle was available in his first draw, and he slapped it, a feral glee filling him.
The red light settled around him and he picked up speed, feeling the power of his cad coursing through him. He ran to the wall and leaned back against it.
That was idiotic, Ferns voice came through the com. But your white knighting aside, the guard will be there in ten seconds, give or take a second or two.
He took breaths as quietly as he could for the remaining few seconds, and as soon as the guard stepped around the corner, Wolfe punched him in the head so hard that the thugs head caved in. Wolfe grabbed him before he fell, his movements supernaturally quick. He lay him against the inner wall.
Ferns voice crackled to life. Youve got five minutes before the second ground guard reaches the spot. Around the corner, about twenty feet along the wall, is a ladder you can reach to get to the top. Upper guard is going to pass it in about twenty seconds, along the railing directly above you. If he looks down, hell spot you. If he doesnt, you can probably go around the corner and climb the ladder a mere twenty seconds after that without him hearing. If youre careful.
Wolfe nodded, even though Fern couldnt see himor not enough to see him nod, she could probably see him through her eye in the sky. Then he counted the time to himself, staring up at the railing surrounding the upper level of the warehouse. The soft metallic clink of the guard walking across it came around the corner, and Wolfe silently pointed his STI Edge up, holding his breath as the guard walked.
Every nerve was on firethis had been what the AR-15 had been for, to silence this guard before he could see what Wolfe had done. Wolfe didnt breath as the footsteps went past him, the guards gait slow and steady.
After a moment, when the guard was barely past him, Wolfe stepped around the corner, then exhaled.
Thirty seconds later, he ran at the wall, leapt up, and grabbed the ladder. A boost of power from Malviere gave him extra impetus, and he pulled himself up, his new phenomenal combat power translating somewhat to raw strength. The pulled himself up and over the railing in a move that would normally have required one of the upper percentage points of human physiques, but that he could manage with his mantle.
Then he willed Malviere gone. After a moment, her red and brown lights swirled into his deck. Wolfe re-pulled the deck and re-summoned her.
Alright, just lean around the corner and finish that man for me. As quiet as you can. I dont want to chase him over metal railing.
Malviere nodded and leaned around the side.
Wolfe held his gun, ready to go around the side if things didnt work.
Malviere threw her shadow at the target. A ghost dog formed as it raced where Wolfe couldnt see it.
But a notification popped up, telling him that the target was dead.
Wolfe breathed easily.
Then he leaned over the side of the railing and waited. A moment later, he pulled his trigger once, the silenced shot turning the last guards head into mist thanks to the extra power of Wolfes mantle. Fair fights are for suckers.
Alright, all three guards are down, Wolfe said. Shel, care to bring me the computer, and we can head in?
He leapt off the railing, enjoying his power as he landed on the ground outside the warehouse.
I wonder what theyll have for me?
Book 3: Chapter Twenty-Seven: Loot Box
The door to the warehouse was locked with an old-fashioned padlock, which surprised Wolfe. Fortunately, the nearby dead guardthe one who had died without messwas in possession of the key on a small keyring with a few others.
Adams salaries dont account for any more personnel here at night, Fern was saying through the headset, her awkward breathing also audible. But please be cautious, Wolfe. I would be at least a bit surprised if there wasnt something as a backup to the guards. Also, until you hook up the laptop I gave you, I wont be able to advise or help you, except to tell you if someone is coming.
Got it, Wolfe muttered as he placed the key in the lock and turned, half-expecting a trap right here after Ferns little speech.
But the padlock came open, and Wolfe pulled it from the door. There was a second lock, easily defeated by a different key, but nothing else happened. Wolfe entered the side of the warehouse. Next to him was a light switch, and he flicked it on.
A series of hanging flood lights lit up the warehouse. It was almost empty, most of the space unused. The center had a few crates and wooden pallets, however. Wolfe whistled low as he saw the contentsmuch of it was boxes of weapons. Wolfes eyes widened, and he smiled. Perhaps it wasnt much to occupy a warehouse, and it was almost certainly nothing for a company of soldiers, but there were a lot of weapons from the standpoint of Wolfe and Shel and their team, such as it was.
Wolfe started to walk toward them, but Shel grabbed his arm and help the laptop up. We should find any computer system they have and plug this in, so Fern can do whatever she does.
With a quiet chuckle, Wolfe abandoned his beeline for the weapons and glanced around. There were stairs leading up to a small office overlooking the warehouse, as well as the door to the outside railing that ringed the building.
Wolfe pointed, still slightly in quiet mode from earlier, and the two of them walked the narrow stairs to the tiny landing outside the office.
Wolfe glanced in, finding a desk, chair, fan, and computer set-up in the otherwise empty room.
Wolfe pulled the keys out, but Shel put her hand on his arm. I dont think the guards would have a key to the inner office.
Will it hurt to check? Wolfe asked.
Shel shrugged, and Wolfe went through the keys quickly, confirming Shels suspicions. But he was wearing his new armored clothing, so he simply turned and smashed his elbow into the glass, hard. It broke ugly, large shards coming down, but he was able to reach in and unlock the door.
Shel, despite being in steel-toed boots, walked gingerly across the glass-strewn floor. She put the laptop on the table, turned it on, and then plugged it into the usb port.
Got it? she asked into her headset.
Ive got a connection, working on getting in. It has a very Fern stopped and let out a dark chuckle, the first time Wolfe could remember hearing mirth from her. and were in, the password was Gabriel, one of the preloaded ones I made for my system to try first, right after password. Alright, Im looking around, you guys go check out the goods.
Alright, everything seems to be going well, please gods, dont fuck me now.
Wolfe headed downstairs, taking them normally rather than jumping off the edge like he had for the outside railing, as his mantle had faded. He reached the bottom and walked over to the pile of weapons.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
He whistled again as he got close. He could see a bunch of military infantry weapons, including a bunch labeled xm7.
At that, Shel whistled. Raphael reborn thats the rifle that is supposed to replace the m4 in the U.S. military. Looks like Adam got his hands on some early versions, somehow. This guy is even more connected than we thought.
Then you thought, Fern muttered darkly into the headset.
But Wolfe ignored had eyes for something else. He had multiple rocket launchers here, and a solid amount of ammo.
And a bunch of grenades, Shel said, pointing to another box.
And heads up displays, body armor, c4, mines Wolfe said as he slowly pointed from box to box. This is illegal as shit, and way more paramilitary than anything we had when I worked for Big Man Grimm. Overwhelming firepower isnt really a mob tactic ninety-five percent of the time.
Wolfe clenched his fist. But Damian had it, right out the door. Second evening after Drop Night he hit us with a damned bazooka, remember.
Like I was right there, because, spoiler alert, I was. I recall healing your eyes.
Wolfe shuddered. Of all the things that had happened to him, the time glass had exploded across both eyes was top five of injuries that got to him the most.
Right Im just curious, do you think Adam has been bankrolling the gangs all along?
Shel shrugged. I have no idea, but why does it matter?
Ferns voice crackled into their ears. Stop doing hypotheticals. I found the sequence that would have alerted Adamor his team at least. If the light switch was flicked and a code wasnt entered with ten minutes, which Ive done now.
This might actually work without issue? Wolfe thought with no small surprise.
I also shut down and erased the cameras, which were conveniently digital. So Ill bring the truck around. I think we can safely take eight of the crates without being seen, what with the bed of the F150. But the longer we stay, the more chance for something to go epically wrong. Which, with Adam, is always a real possibility. So, pick what you want quick and then well get out of here.
Wolfe nodded before realizing she couldnt see. Alright, well do it.
Wolfe smiled again as he looked around. This is better than an Overland Monster or Puzzle Room drop.
What should me take? Shel asked.
A little bit of everything, Wolfe replied, and his smile went shark. With a slightly higher focus on the explosivesrockets, c4, and grenades all. Nathan blew a wall up next to me last time we met. I want to return the favor the next time we do. But we should just move stuff until we can consolidate eight boxes we can at least get out of the warehouse and into the truck
Shel smiled, then bit her lip. Wolfe was worried she was getting sad or scared again, but she shook her head and stared up at him. Im going to summon the angels now that the light wont give us away. You get Malviere out and then put on your mantle. Lets do it.
Wolfe, Shel, and their companion cards spent the next fifteen minutes in a blur of activity. About five minutes in, Fern joined them, although she was almost useless at carrying things. But they managed to get eight crates of military gear loaded into Wolfes backup truck.
Afterwards, Wolfe dragged the bodies inside the building, right to the center.
Then he broke open the remaining crates, and carefully opened up some of the ammo containers and spread them around. Wolfe then dumped nearly everything out that might be flammable, cut pieces of body armor off, broke the crates for kindling, and piled up a bunch of packing material.
Then he pulled some matches from his pocket and held them aloft.
He grinned at Shel. Kinda romantic for us, right?
She shook her head, grinning a tiny bit, but it faded quickly. Wolfe could see the worry in her eyes.
He shrugged. Well, never mind. You guys should go get in the car, and Ill set this all off.
Shel nodded, and she and Fern fled.
Wolfe waited till he heard a second door close outside, then lit the match on the floor. He tossed it into the pile of material he had assembled.
He watched just long enough to see it catch, then ran from the building and leapt into the car. He shut the drivers side door and pulled outquickly, but not enough to squeal the tires.
Think we got away with it? Wolfe asked as they drove away.
For now, yes, Fern said, and he breathing was a touch steadier than before. But I think itll become apparent to Adam what happened at some point. Im terrified, truthfully. But it changes nothing about how Adam will respond. This gives us a tiny bit better edge to fight back, is all.
Her voice went ragged again. Because he was always going to come for us.
Demon Card Enforcer 3: Chapter Twenty-Eight: Odds and Ends
Wolfe walked into the kitchen in his workout shorts and a tank top, yawning so hard his eyes were closed for a moment. It had been that kind of couple dayshis soul was tired.
He immediately noticed the smell of coffee and bacon, and opened his eyes to be greeted by a sight that felt like it should have been out of a harem novel, although a slightly weird one. Shel was cooking in the kitchen in just one of Wolfes shirts, and her two lantern angels were working beside her. Each still couldnt put down the lantern in their off hand, so they werent making as much progress as they could, but surprisingly to Wolfe, they seemed to know what they were doing.
He supposed Raphael was the Divine Lord of Kindness, and maybe cooking a nice meal was under that rubric. But it still wasnt something he would have guessed the lantern angels knew how to do.
He walked up behind Shel, who gave him a glowing smile over her shoulder before turning back to cooking. Wolfe wrapped one arm around her and then lightly goosed her. She pushed into him a bit and giggled.
No shorts, Wolfe thought, a slight stirring of his younger self coming through. Shel was gorgeous, and at the moment, she was downright sexy as well.
You werent at all interested last night, what changed? Shel asked while snuggling back against him and continuing to cook.
Eight hours of shut-eye, Wolfe said honestly.
Shel and even Sorenia laughed at that, which also surprised WolfeA sense of humor was up there with cooking skills in things he wouldnt normally assign the lantern angels.
So what got you guys cooking? Wolfe asked.
Well, you were sleeping in, as you mentioned, so I thought I could make breakfast, Shel said. Its hardly a thing, especially since you usually do it anyway. I got Sorenia and Liurenia helping me, and for a while Malviere was helping as well, but she, well
Cant cook to save heror anyone elseslife, Liurenia finished with a laugh. I dont think that small, pleasant things are really the forte of the Infernal faction.
Then she held up her lantern. Although this makes it a bit of a chore as well, Ill not deny.
Sorenia nodded hard at that.
Well, I appreciate it, truly. Wheres Cereboo?
We gave your mutt a double helping and sent him on his way, Liurenia said, very primly.
Hey, you cant call him a mutt, Wolfe replied with a laugh. I mean, his parentage is extremely prestigious.
Whos his mother? Liurenia asked with a smirk.
Wolfe stopped at that, briefly stunned by the question. You know, Im almost fifty percent sure youre just giving me snark over my Infernal companion, but that is a honestly question Id like to know the answer to. Somehow, Ive never thought about it.
All three of the womenone beautiful mortal and two cardsslowed at that, as if none of them had ever considered it either. After a moment, Liurenia shrugged and they picked the pace up again.
Speaking of, do any of you know your parents? Wolfe asked.
We were born at the beginning of time as true angels, Liurenia said.
Do you remember it? Wolfe asked.
Liurenia and Sorenia had troubled expressions.
It was Sorenia that spoke, and her voice was hesitant. No I cant remember most of my life from before I came to this realm as a card. I remember a few things, and I can hear Raphaels voice instructing me, but I cant remember anything else about him. And only a few battles and moments other than that. I assume that there are things that I wasnt meant to be able to convey to mortals.
Wolfe could tell it bothered her, and he wasnt that interested in all the theological connotations anyway. Well, how about we eat this food youve so kindly prepared for us, then call Rhett and Fern over.
Rhett? Shel asked nervously.
Wolfe tightened his arms around her. Yeah Fern has been talking to him. Hes going to do what hes going to do, but he knows too much to just leave out now. At the very minimum, I need him to not be after me.
Stolen story; please report.
Alright, Ill call them, Shel said, turning around in Wolfes arms awkwardly before stepping back and holding a plate heaped high with breakfast food out in front of her.
***
Rhett sat at the table, slumped over for the first time that Wolfe could ever remember seeing him. His head was in his hands, and his elbows were on the table as he stared at Wolfe.
Everyone still on their extended team except Miriam and her remaining people were there as wellShel, Fern, and the cards of all four of them. All stared at Rhett.
After a moment, Rhett spoke. Fern tells me that you didnt choose any of thisthat it was triggered because of things that they are doing to you, and to other good and innocent citizens. Is that true, Wolfe? Tell me straight.
Wolfe put his hand over his heart. It is, I promise. I was planning on facing down he remaining Noimoire gangs, but I was planning to do it right this timeyour way. I swear to you by my patron Cerberus.
Ive never heard you swear by a god before, Shel said.
Im trying to tell Rhett how much I mean it. Adam and his people brought this war to me, not the other way around. But he may have started itIm gonna finish it.
And theres the cheesy one-liner, Shel said sotto voice.
Half the table had a chuckle, but Rhett remained dead serious.
What are you going to do? he asked, his finger tracing the outline of the demonic face on the table but his eyes boring into Wolfes
We have four days, nine hours, and twenty-one minutes till Adam gets back, Fern cut in, her voice barely above a whisper. Although he already sent Nathan, which I didnt expect. So my other predictions might be wrong as well.
That doesnt answer my question, Rhett said, his eyes never leaving Wolfes. What. Are. You. Going. To do?
You know the answer, Rhett, Wolfe said, his voice heavy. Do you want me to spell it out? Are we not doing the hypothetical thing anymore?
How many? Rhett asked.
Wolfe knew he was asking about bodies.
Three, if I get a perfect run. But reality, or the gods, have never been that nice to me. Good money is, the number will be far higher.
Is it worth it?
Wolfe hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. I know it is, like the gods themselves told me, because one did.
What? Rhett barked out, leaning back.
I saw a vision, Rhett, Wolfe said, his voice heavy as he remembered the night he got his cards. A vision of Noimoire, a Noirmore that was in chaos, pain, and suffering, with death everywhere, if I didnt take out the other family heads. Now, as a maybe separate thing, Adam wants to make the law tyrannical and use criminals, even people with baby crimes, for parts or, I dont know, sex toys or something.
Rhett stared at Wolfe as he talked. How do I know youre telling me the truth?
Wolfe shrugged. Cmon, would I make some bullshit like this up?
Shel laughed at that.
Rhett still didnt so much as crack a grin, but he nodded. Youve never been a big yarn spinner, thats true. You just clam up and lie by omission, most of the time. I suppose youre probably telling me the truth.
Then I can count on you? Wolfe asked.
Rhett hesitated, but then shook his head no. I cant be a part of this. Maybe that makes me a coward, but turning away, for no profit for myself, after all the deep evidence of corruption that Fern showed me maybe I can still hold my head high when Im judged. But joining you on a rampage? It betrays everything I stand for. Ill watch after Fern when needed, and I wont stop you. But thats all I can do, Wolfe. I get itwhen the law itself is unjust, revolution is justified. But this is still a borderline case. Its one individual is inside the system, poisoning it.
So help me remove it, Wolfe said. Then the system you love so much will work, right?
Rhett didnt answer directly. I hate myself for even going this far, Wolfe. For letting you go, knowing what you plan. Its as far as I fall his voice went softer. For now, at least.
It didnt make sense to Wolfe, but he had never been a follower of the rules. He turned to Shel.
She nodded, which Wolfe took to mean that she understood Rhett and wanted him to drop it. Although Wolfe wasnt completely sure that was what Shel meant.
Wolfe turned back to Rhett. Okay, well, I appreciate that.
Rhett nodded. Im going to head back homeI really dont want to be present for anything else. If you need a place of safety Ill provide it. Well, unless you go completely insane in your fight and innocents get hurt. I wont forgive that. But providing that protection is the most I can do.
He stood up. Ill see myself out. I really hope you know what youre doing, Wolfe.
Well know soon enough, Wolfe replied.
Rhett gave one more tight nod of his head, and then turned and exited the room, his footfalls slow and heavy on the marble floor.
After a few moments, Shel let her breath out. Whew. I was really worried about Rhett turning you in. What were doing is kinda crazy. Way off meta.
Sorenia chimed in. I worry that were corrupting him, although he could stand to be a bit more supportive of those trying to recover from having fallen.
Wolfe ignored that, instead turning to Fern. So, next mission?
Its going to be a lot harder, but we need to take out the Singh next. Theyve got multiple deckbearers, and, more importantly, way more gunmen. Of the two, theyre the bigger threat than the Renfeldt. And, thanks to your humiliation of Gopal at the arena last year, they already dislike you. Hes gunning for you himself.
Wolfe shrugged. Hes a chump among chumps.
Fern closed her eyes. The chair Im sitting on, the demonic carving under my fingers, my frustration held in check, Fern said, then opened them and stared at Wolfe. You told me you were worried because Nathan almost took you out, because you didnt have the training, and ran in half-cocked. Dont make the mistake again, please. For my sake. Take the Singh seriously.
Wolfe rolled his eyes, but nodded. I will, I promise. Sorry, they werent ever the biggest threat back in my enforcer days.
Theyve gotten stronger, both from picking up a lot of the pieces you left after your rampages, and now through Adams patronage. Theyre stronger than the Grimm family was at its height, now.
Wolfe held his hands up. I said Id take them seriously. What do we need to do?
Fern turned her laptop around and leaned over. So, heres the plan