《Zebra Effect | Haven’s First Tragedy | Book 1》


 Chapter 1.

    Jason Mauter | Three Dog Night - One


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    "Is this thing working?" The girl spoke sincerely. Her tone expressing that she hopelessly accepted the unfortunate end to her story.


    Adjusting the direction of the camera to stare directly at her. Allowing the lenses to


    capture her bleeding forehead and multiple bruises caused by flying rubble. She wore a


    meek smile, amused at the irony of her situation.


    She once believed she was invincible under their protection. Only having to do a


    mediocre job of treating refugees and securing an item that she thought no one knew about.


    Now, her camp was being raided by one of those she expected to protect her. The


    others won''t be able to respond in time.


    "My name is Selene Everbit, a member of the Roundtable under CHO," She took a seat on an old wooden chair. In the background of the destroyed roof, explosions and gunfire could be seen. But calmly brushed by Selene, who blatantly smiled throughout the chaos.


    "The Roundtable is a criminal organization whose leader is the King of the Damned, the most wanted man for the Confederation. Our main goal is to liberate the Americas from the fascist methods of the Confederation," She explained herself briskly. Aware that she might not have much time left.


    "It is concentrated around Minohwa, a land that used to belong to the Natives. Minohwa was stolen from the Natives, from the Zorian''s Family, by the Confederation. Due to the Natives being the only forces that rivaled them in the Americas."


    An explosion hurdled her off her chair and broke the wall down with ease. The camera


    tipped over and the lenses were dirtied by grime. She weakly got up, this time her legs


    being disabled but by unbelievable willpower, she kept fighting. The explosions being more imminent, she moved briskly to explain the situation.


    Despite her mutilated legs, she lifted the camera back up. Dusting her chair off that


    survived the destruction and sitting back up with the unwavering smile, she got back to


    work.


    "The former Director of the Confederation, Jason Mauter, was the one who carried out


    the Siege of Minohwa, fell from his grace shortly after," An enraged glare manifested on her after mentioning the name. "He became an outcast for his countless atrocious crimes and needed protection. And after a power clash against the Roundtable, who wanted to kill him, he gained their protection."


    "It''s as if Jason always gets what he wants. The King of the Damned wasn''t pleased with this," Selene felt sick to her stomach. The explosions becoming natural to her now. Only wanting to complete her story.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "But, you see, Minohwa is a special land. A land so precious was not meant for these


    horrible conditions," The woman frowned. Flashbacks escalating in her mind. "The walls surrounding half of the land. The fertile ground being poisoned by toxins. The citizens being brainwashed. The miracle waters being covered by clay and sand!"


    "What happens when creatures from a land that is supposed to be paradise, are forced


    into conditions of a pig farm? They become monsters of unimaginable power!" The girl


    cried, recalling the tragedies she has witnessed. That no human would have been able to happen. "Concentrated within the walls, breeding in their hatred for the perils they exist in."


    "The King of the Damned, The Lover of the Nuirs, The Threaded Soul, The Shadow of


    Affection Galore?" The girl cried as she imagined the unbelievable power the individuals possess. What she was unaware of, was the monster lurking up to her. Hiding in the shadows of the rubble, dragging the severed head of someone ever so unfortunate. His electric blue


    eyes pulsing its own light, he stuck out his tongue and showed its grotesque features.


    Black and leathery, with orange fish-like eyes covering it.


    "Please, wherever this video might reach! Save Minohwa from imploding on itself! Save the Americas from what is going to happen. Stop Jason from starting something that he cannot survive, in these sacred lands," The being standing behind her revealed a bloodied machete and held it high. Selene still begged, feeling too much blood living her legs,


    "Save us from Jason."


    "And Tristan, my beloved.... I will always love you."


    A clean slice went through her neck! Springing her head high before any blood could spill out! Shortly after, showers of crimson rained and stained the lenses. The silhouette of the being entering the room could be seen.


    "Who is this bitch anyway? Talking about save us from Jason?" A trace of the man''s


    blonde hair could be seen from unstained parts. "Bitch I own these lands! They''ll be


    mine again."


    "Oooh? Was she making a video to ship off? How unfortunate, if you said so I could


    have waited!" The blonde man cackled, slapping the severed head of Selene, "Was it a plea for help. To save you from moi? How precious."


    "If the King of the Damned couldn''t save you, who will?" The man smirked, showing his handsome but mischievous features as he wiped off the camera. Hugging Selene''s head as if it were a doll.


    "And look who it is too!" He identified the corpse. Holding it to his face with a dazzled


    grin, as if he was looking at a long lost friend. "Sister Everbit? The nun who was going to become the next abbess? Isn¡¯t the current Abbess one of the kids from the Bee Estate!"


    "Ha! The King of the Damned and the Threaded Soul will really want to kill me now! Especially since it was your last year," He played with her brown hair. "How unfortunate that you had to guard that item."


    "How bout I send this video and your.... pretty little head to the King of the Damned?" He asked the head and shook it to make it nod. "Of course you''d agree with me, you all love him!"


    "And what a better way to declare war!"


    He turned around to the camera and placed his hand on button,


    "This world was mine to begin with."

 Chapter 2.

    The words of that man rung in his head. He closed his eyes and imagined the man, shrouded in eeriness as he spoke,


    ¡°A war is coming¡­ I need you to be prepared for it.¡±


    The sounds of the party awoke him again. He looked at the venue, flashing colorful lights, the subtle chatter to the upbeat music and the people who crowded together in pairs or groups. Parties like these are illegal, in a world like theirs. But, they were teenagers, who cared.


    The flash of a ginger girl stomping by caught Able¡¯s eye. A girl that he found so attractive was going to get away again.


    He caught her attention. Putting on his best closed-mouth smile for her, ¡°Where you rushing to? Why don¡¯t you sit with me?¡±


    ¡°And why should I?¡± The red-haired girl asked in confusion. Scoffing and folding her arms. She wore very formal, business like clothing. A dress shirt with a coat over it, and a skirt. In stockings and heels, that made her taller than she already is.


    ¡°Because I¡¯ve been meaning to talk to you, isn¡¯t that good enough?¡± He offered, turning his back to the bar and looking forward. Inviting her to sit beside him on a barstool.


    She sighed and sat down. Resting her chin in her palm and looking at him dearly, ¡°What do you want to say?¡±


    Able looked over to the other end of the party. Another redhead who was sipping on her beer was glaring at him, warning him with her expression not to. Able gulped, he was going to anyway.


    ¡°I am just going to cut to the chase, before a certain person comes beat the shit out of me,¡± Able gestured to the redhead who was glaring at him. The ginger girl identified the redhead to be her best friend, Emilia.


    ¡°You know I¡¯ve always found you attractive,¡± Able said smoothly as he chugged his beer. Feeling it natural to express that.


    ¡°The way you¡¯ve been flirting with me since we were freshmen, who couldn¡¯t tell?¡± She said sarcastically, smiling as she heard it. Normally people avoid talking to her, because of how serious she is.


    ¡°I am done with making these compliments simmer you down,¡± Able turned to her with a powerful stare, his red eyes glowing. His smile became serious, ¡°You¡¯re mine now.¡±


    ¡°Oh? And what do you have to offer to me?¡± Heart leaned forward and kept staring it his eyes, at times at his lips. She was always the strict girl, never having fun. And now with the problems she¡¯s having with her parents, Able was the trouble she wanted.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you¡­ You have to find out,¡± Able held her face with one hand and was going to lean in for a kiss.


    ¡°Able! Heart!¡± The redhead who was at the other end of the party came marching over. The crowd made way as the fierce girl came storming.


    ¡°Damn I should have moved quicker,¡± Able bellowed as Heart turned away, fearing her bestfriend¡¯s wrath.


    At the corner of her eye, Heart saw two kids running around. Playing in such a mature party. She rose a brow, ¡°What are kids doing here?¡±


    ¡°Give me a minute, I will be back,¡± Heart¡¯s rule keeping mode activated, she walked away to go see why kids were at the party.


    Emilia came over and pinched Able repeatedly, ¡°I told you to stay away from Heart! And you don¡¯t listen to me!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t stop true love!¡± Able argued back, the loud party behind them continuing. Two other figures came over and sat at the bar the moment Heart left.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want her to be dragged into this mess,¡± Emilia stated clearly before taking another seat at the bar. She faced the party, so did Able. The other two had their backs turned to it. ¡°She isn¡¯t like us.¡±


    ¡°From what I can tell, she is exactly like us. She just doesn¡¯t know it yet,¡± One of the newcomers said. A man with Asian features and silky black hair, wearing a hoodie over a t-shirt and jeans.


    ¡°It¡¯s better if she doesn¡¯t know, Peaches.¡± Emilia said sternly to him. Staring into the crowd at a certain someone.


    ¡°I understand ignorance is bliss but, is it really the smart decision in this war?¡± The other newcomer asked Emilia, he had the biggest pint of beer while he read a small book. Note, any form of alcohol is illegal in this settlement.


    ¡°Shut up with your wise ass, Tristan,¡± She bellowed at him, becoming annoyed with their arguments. She kept looking at the person in the crowd.


    Able slouched and fell back into his bad mood, the words of that man repeating in his head again. He followed Emilia¡¯s eyes to see who she was looking at.


    The party was being held by Luluwa, one of Able¡¯s friends that he treats like a sister. At her mother¡¯s mansion of course. She had friends all over so, many different schools were invited. Able and the other were from Minohwa¡¯s Prime Institute, the best school outside of Confederation training. A school meant for normal citizens. Luluwa also went there so the majority of the party goers were from there.


    And there were a few guests from Diane¡¯s Excellency, students who were being trained by the Confederation to become Detectives. So, they had privileges and a status that made them the victims of envy, hatred, fear or respect. Luluwa used to attend this school but, decided that wasn¡¯t the path she wanted.


    Who Emilia was staring at was Kayne Mauter, the Head Student of Diane¡¯s Excellency. A freakishly tall man, being 202.5 cm tall. Having electric blue eyes and brown skin, with freckles along his nose pillar and under his eyes. He was incredibly gorgeous, almost looking like he was sculpted perfectly.


    Girls crowded around him and begged for his attention, which Kayne didn¡¯t take well and thought they found him disgusting. Able never understood his thought process but, Kayne was also one of his oldest friends.


    Around Kayne were two other Detectives-In-Training, Martin Davilla and Bryant Bradley. Two prominent Detectives-In-Training who were from powerful parents.


    ¡°You know, there¡¯s no point in just gawking at him,¡± Able mocked Emilia. ¡°You¡¯re the so called ¡®Prettiest Girl in School¡¯, go give him a shot and make sure you don¡¯t take no for an answer.¡±


    ¡°As if I could, you know what he is,¡± Emilia responded with a frown. Remembering the first time she and Kayne interacted, feeling bitter butterflies. She quickly became flustered, ¡°And don¡¯t assume I like him!¡±


    ¡°You clearly do, don¡¯t try to hide it you¡¯re not good at it,¡± Peaches snickered with Able. They were best friends after all.


    ¡°I will wring out that head of hair off your scalp!¡± Emilia threatened him, steadily blushing more.


    ¡°How could you even say that,¡± Peaches held his chest in shock.


    ¡°Either way, being close to Kayne isn¡¯t an option for us,¡± Tristan closed his book and said to them,


    ¡°He¡¯s trained to kill monsters like us.¡±


    They went silent upon hearing those words. Remembering their mission.


    The King of the Damned created their little group, the purpose for it remained strong in their mind. So far, their faction was small. Only having Able, Emilia, Tristan and another member who didn¡¯t want to show her face as she was avoiding someone. Peaches wasn¡¯t apart of their group but, helping them at the request of the King of the Damned.


    Their mission is to kill Jason Mauter, the man who betrayed the Roundtable far too much.


    So, why were they looking for this traitor at some highschool party? It¡¯s because Luluwa is his daughter. And no matter what, Jason will use those close to him to torment society.


    The band, Alkonost, kept playing loud music. Their group being lead by Icarus Bradley, a man who knew songs from the old ages and made his own songs too. Playing music from centuries past bands like Arctic Monkeys, Chase Atlantic or Red Hot Chili Peppers. Free-minded music was illegal in this settlement so, Alkonost was a rebel group. Bryant Bradley looked at them in scorn.


    Suddenly, a set of arms threw around Peaches. Holding him tightly, the girl tried to strangle him, ¡°So you think you could get away from me, punk!¡±


    Peaches turned to the girl with a fearful smile, ¡°Princess¡­ I just stepped away for a moment.¡±


    ¡°You should just get rid of him,¡± A tall pale-blonde haired boy said. He wore a tanktop to show off his muscles, as he was so arrogant.


    ¡°Is that really the way to talk to your-!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t finish that,¡± The pale-blonde haired boy said sternly. Glaring at Peaches as the girl released her grip on him.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    A blonde haired girl came beside Tristan and greeted him. Also starring off into the crowd, captivated by Kayne.


    Able was quiet, he found it so confusing. Luluwa was the one who planned and held the party which was unlike her. But, she was no-where in sight? Kayne was looking for her, trying to get past the crowd of girls but unable to do so.


    Able wondered what could she be doing.


    ¡°How long are you in the city for?¡± The shaggy black haired girl, also having Asian features kissed Peaches as he asked.


    ¡°I am doing some business right now so, I will be here for awhile,¡± Peaches saw two cloaked figures suddenly entering the party. Alerting the other three who were with him.


    ¡°And it might not be safe if you stick around me, princess,¡± He said to the girl, who pouted at the response.


    They watched as the clothed figures walked up to Kayne slowly and kept a close distance.


    ¡°Franz¡­ get them out of here as fast as possible,¡± Tristan said to the pale-blonde haired man, sensing something vicious from the cloaked figures.


    ¡°Why the fuck should I listen to you?¡± Franz said sharply at him, with a scornful look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a hard-ass, just trust us,¡± Emilia said sternly, sensing the danger too. They sat up in their seat, preparing to move.


    ¡°Tsk, whatever,¡± Franz grabbed the girls and threw them over his shoulder.


    ¡°Hey! I ain¡¯t some defenseless bitch! I can defend myself!¡± The Asian girl argued and struggled in Franz¡¯s strong hold.


    ¡°Evelyn, please¡­ It¡¯s not safe here,¡± Peaches frowned at her.


    She sighed and slapped Franz on the back, ¡°Giddy-up.¡±


    Franz bolted off, out the mansion fence and bringing the girls to the car. Driving them back home.


    Suddenly, a strange monster bounded off the rooftops! Having lizard like body, covered in green scales and have a long face. It snarled loudly and frightened the people, sending them running! They have never seen a monster like that before, being brainwashed by the Confederation from the truth.


    ¡°Should we kill that thing?¡± Emilia asked. She wasn¡¯t fearful of it, knowing well that she could kill it easily.


    ¡°No need, we can¡¯t expose ourselves to them too,¡± Able referred to the Detectives-In-Training who were calm throughout it. He was pissed and sat back, ¡°They will handle it.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this,¡± Bryant cracked his fingers and smirked.


    ¡°Get out of here, I will handle this,¡± Kayne said in a serious tone. His previous nervousness disappeared the moment work came.


    ¡°Whatever,¡± Martin said and went to the people who were screaming in horror. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to see here! Get out of here!¡±


    Bryant and Martin went to evacuate the remaining citizens. Multiple monsters came jumping off the roof top, all of different looks but remarkable size. There were over 10 of them but, Kayne didn¡¯t care.


    Alkonost wasn¡¯t gone! Their leader found the events interesting. Icarus mumbled, ¡°Is there finally some fun in this sad old city?¡±


    When he was sure they were gone, he got to work.


    ¡°Rouen¡­¡± Kayne said the word quietly and pillars of rocks rose up! Taking form as massive, stone claw, they ripped through all the monsters with ease! As more came, Kayne easily killed them again.


    The four who sat at the bar watched in silence, not being surprised. They always knew that he was a monster but, it was the first time they were seeing it!


    ¡°Able¡­ that¡¯s Yvette and Oliver,¡± Peaches realized, pointing out at the cloaked figures. Able isn¡¯t good at sensing [Pheromones].


    Suddenly, a strong presence was being emitted by Tristan. As he glared at the two who he despised so much.


    ¡°Calm down, we cannot let them see us,¡± Able held onto his shoulder and warned against it. Tristan had the right to be mad, they helped to kill Selene. But, it was not the time.


    ¡°I always knew you were a monster!¡± Oliver took off his cloak and threw a powerful punch at him.


    Kayne didn¡¯t mutter a word to the man, all he saw him as was someone to be killed. He rose a clawed stone arm around him to defend against the attack, only pieces broke off.


    A strange creature curled around Kayne. Glowing brightly yellow, having orange markings and seem to be made out of fire. It looked like a salamander with wings! It charged a breath of flame and sent it at Oliver! Almost injuring badly.


    Yvette threw off her cloak and a black blob like creature with a large mouth exited her body. Swallowing the flames and spewing it back at Kayne, ¡°You can¡¯t defeat a God¡¯s Apostle! The Floods!¡±


    The salamander jumped into the flames and separated it before it touched Kayne. Kayne was far too powerful!


    ¡°Clotaire,¡± Earth wrapped around his arm and became like a large glove. He crashed it onto them, attempting to kill them quickly.


    ¡°I reject!¡± Oliver held onto his hand and shattered the ability. Breaking the stones off his arm instantly.


    ¡°Terah!¡± Yvette¡¯s arms became clawed with dark scales and they cracked with energy. She held them forward and shot a stream of powerful stimulus at him!


    ¡°Clotaire,¡± A harden piece of compact stone appeared on his chest, perfectly nullifying the attack. Kayne found them to be a hassle, he took no damage from them.


    ¡°Rouen¡­¡± Gargoyles rose from the earth and soared around! Grabbing onto Yvette and Oliver, dragging them into the air! As they destroyed a stone gargoyle, another rose up and held them high.


    The fire salamander curled around Kayne and began to charge a beam of fire rapidly. Kayne looked at them with indifference as they were about to die. ¡°Yue¡­ Kill them quickly.¡±


    ¡°Damn¡­ I don¡¯t know why this is working for me,¡± Emilia said in shock. Biting her lips as she looked at him overpower them.


    ¡°What?¡± They all said in unison and looked at her. They were all impressed by Kayne¡¯s power. He was certainly deserving of his title.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything!¡± Emilia blushed, realizing she said it out loud.


    ¡°Beak of the-!¡±


    ¡°Is that really the way to treat your father¡¯s guests?¡± An ominous voice spoke and frightened Kayne.


    The voice caused him to miss! The concentrated beam going right past the two, behind them occurring a massive explosion! He was set on killing them.


    ¡°Jason!!¡± Able screamed! His hatred for the man being pure and strong.


    As Jason walked over to Kayne, he trembled. His stone gargoyles stopped functioning, his salamander was quivering and he faltered to his knees. Such an incredible power was terrified of Jason, they looked at him in disbelief. Emilia frowned, she wanted to save him so badly!


    ¡°Did you miss daddy?¡± Jason stood over the tall man who kneeled on the ground. Looking up at Jason with shaking eyes, he couldn¡¯t say a word. A monster like nothing before was in front of him. ¡°I hoped the Confederation raised you well.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­. Daddy will make you useful for him,¡± Jason took out a strange object. A small hourglass with a pink liquid in one side and green liquid in the other.


    ¡°That¡¯s the-!¡± Tristan exclaimed. Recognizing the object.


    In a second, Able moved. Appearing behind Jason with a sword aimed at his neck. He glared at the cruel man, ¡°Where did you get the Potentia Historie?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Zorian? I didn¡¯t see you there,¡± Jason touched the tip of his sword and it bled lightly. He had a chaotic grin, ¡°I pried it from Selene¡¯s cold dead hands.¡±


    ¡°You watch your mouth!¡± Able yelled at him in rage. Holding his back hand, signaling Tristan to not move off instinct.


    ¡°Or what? You¡¯re going to tell your big brother on me?¡± Jason laughed at him. He felt no fear for anything. After all, he¡¯s the source of true terror!


    He towered over the short blonde man, ¡°This was never your game to win, Zorian.¡±


    ¡°I will fucking murder you here,¡± Able had the worst anger problems out of them all. It took every fiber of his being not to move on his own. Kayne was beginning to faint.


    ¡°Oh will you? When the Confederation is on the way?¡± Jason put the Potentia Historie away. With what was going to happen to Kayne, he couldn¡¯t let it happen. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be running, you sewer rat?¡±


    ¡°Then why aren¡¯t you running?¡± Able couldn¡¯t take his attitude anymore. Making slight slit at his neck. Oliver and Yvette surrounded him and so Able¡¯s teammates got up in response. ¡°Aren¡¯t you as much as a sewer rat as me?¡±


    ¡°Oh me? No¡­. I have gotten myself a new set of friends,¡± Jason sneered sinisterly.


    There was a loud crash within the mansion! And sensing a strong presence, they knew their time ran out.


    ¡°Fuck it! Let¡¯s go!¡± Able dematerialized his sword and told the others. They used their superhuman abilities to get out of there as quick as they could.


    Something strange was happening to Kayne. A dark energy was emitted from his body and swirled chaotically around him. Yvette and Oliver retreated from it, knowing they would be killed by either it or the Confederation.


    Jason stood in the middle of the chaos with a frustrated look. Clawing onto his face and widening his eyes bright, ¡°You fucking Zorians always get in my way.¡±


    Jason was being dragged away by a strange winged being that floated above him. Trying to save him. He stared at Kayne who was unconsciously protecting himself,


    ¡°Soon, my little boy,¡± Jason grinned malevolently! ¡°Your power¡­. Will be mine!¡±


    Icarus Bradley stood on the stage. His band members already gone but he remained. His legs folded up and leaded against his mic stand, ¡°Jason Mauter, huh?¡±


    ¡°This is certainly interesting.¡±


    ¡­.


    Luluwa rested her hand on the pod¡¯s glass. Staring at the unconscious lady that was in it, having a monstrous form forced by Jason. A clear frown on her face, she hated what her life had become.


    She didn¡¯t want to plan that party. Her father forced her to. And because she hated it so much, she hid in the rooms underneath the mansion. Staying close to the woman in the pod.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you stick to her so close¡­ She isn¡¯t even your mother,¡± Jason stepped into the dark room. The only light source being the pod.


    ¡°Well, she raised me like one¡­¡± Luluwa responded lowly, too afraid of her father to disrespect him.


    ¡°Well! If you want her free then you would have done what I said!¡± Jason yelled at her, offended by her tone. She flinched at his voice.


    This is what Jason, her own father, was doing to her. Using her caretaker as captive so that she would do anything he wanted.


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t plan on that to happen!¡± Tears ran down her eyes. Able stepping into save Kayne wasn¡¯t apart of her plan. She knew that Able was a monster but, not one against Jason.


    Her father wanted Kayne. When he first came back into her life, he told her the truth that he was her brother. And worse, he wanted her to lure Kayne to him. Or else he¡¯d never free Xitalli, her real mother or her younger brother that she met not long ago.


    ¡°You what you have to do if you want them to be safe,¡± Jason spat out. Sending a message to Oliver and Yvette.


    His plans were moving well. After raiding the Refugee Camp and getting the Potentia Historie, he set off to conquer Tyr. An underground city that held Minohwa¡¯s original settlers. Jason had labs down there that he needed but, it was under the Roundtable¡¯s jurisdiction. Killing the Roundtable member that ruled it, Osbert July and turning his partner Tera Lexus into a monster for his use.


    Afterwards, he met with his secret partner in Confederation. His double agent that gave him the piece of the Potentia Historie that they owned. And capturing Luluwa¡¯s adoptive mother, Xitalli made his plans better. Xitalli Jaciri is actually the Chairwoman of Minohwa, one of the two highest powers in the city. He was using her money and authority to further his plans.


    After a few responses, a message came back to him. A young man who was the spitting copy of Jason entered. Having the same blonde hair, electric blue eyes and freckles that ran along his nose pillar and beneath his eyes.


    ¡°Did you know that all of my kids have electric blue eyes?¡± Jason smirked at Luluwa, resting his hands on the young man¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Just look for them, you¡¯d be surprised who is actually your sibling.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel¡­¡± Luluwa bawled as she got closer to the young man. Seeing the blood splattered on his arms, Jason was forcing them to do this!


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Luluwa¡­ I do this because Dad is an apostle of a god,¡± Ezekiel spoke with bright, wide eyes. Fully brainwashed by Jason. Luluwa seethed with anger but still feared Jason. ¡°I am doing an apostle¡¯s work.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking monster¡­¡± Luluwa muttered as she looked at Jason.


    ¡°And you¡¯re my kid. What does that make you, worse than me?¡± Jason let go of Ezekiel and marched towards Luluwa. Luluwa retreated each step closer and ended up bumping into the pod. ¡°After all, you¡¯re betraying your own bestfriend and brother. Doesn¡¯t that make you more than a monster?¡±


    Jason laughed as she bawled on the ground. He stooped down to speak in her ear, ¡°Soon the Cult of Jason will rise¡­ I need a new vessel to properly rule this world again.¡±


    ¡°Bring Kayne to me or¡­¡± Jason rested his arm on Ezekiel¡¯s shoulder. Who was oblivious to what was going on. Having a bright smile on his face,


    ¡°They¡¯ll die.¡±

 Chapter 3.

    It was dawn. Slowly, the sun rose over dusted obsidian walls of Minohwa. Bringing light to a desolate society.


    A new pack of lycanthropes came to occupy Minohwa. Their Alpha, Aiden Axion, was an abused child who unlocked his powers upon a near death experience by his father. As his throat was bleeding up, the trauma caused [stimulus] to go rampant in his body. Turning him into a monster that only Tony Bruun could stop.


    ¡°My Alpha, we confirmed that Micheal is there,¡± Carlos, one of Aiden¡¯s most trusted betas, came to him and announced. Putting his hand across his chest and bowing to him.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t have to call me that¡­ We are old friends¡­¡± Aiden awkwardly said to the brown skinned man. They were both from the slums, Aiden turned him into a beta so he could have a better chance of surviving.


    ¡°No, we should address you as an alpha,¡± Headley, another of Aiden¡¯s betas, came towards him and spoke. A tall dark-skinned woman with wild black hair and in a spaghetti string blouse, she looked fierce. ¡°If you don¡¯t keep boundaries around a dog.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll think he¡¯s the one in charge.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s cut the chit-chatter and get to work, Alpha!¡± Mizuchi exclaimed. A young boy with oriental features, he grew up with Aiden and the others. Becoming the youngest Beta, being just 14 years old. ¡°Your father deserves what¡¯s coming to him!¡±


    ¡°Come on kids, I am the only one who can¡¯t sense [stimulus] but I¡¯ve noticed already,¡± Aiden¡¯s uncle, Tony, slowly marched up to him and sighed. Tony is the only one in the pack that isn¡¯t a lycanthrope. His body is special, it resists the transformation.


    ¡°Look up,¡± Tony pointed his finger high up the skyscraper before them, the building known as Hyperborea. At one of the highest floors, the windows were opened wide.


    A dark skinned man with long, flowing black stood at the edge of it. In professional clothes and his tie rustling in the wind. His grin was large and white, the man had two fangs. Confidence exhumed from the man as if he¡¯s the embodiment of it.


    ¡°You guys may have forced me to become a vampire but¡­ I am still the greatest!¡± The man exclaimed. Hyperborea is the headquarters of the Conglomerate, an organization run by Vampires. Controlling many of the business aspects of Minohwa.


    ¡°Who is that man?¡± Mizuchi exclaimed. Witnessing a great power build up in the man before them as he stared down at the lycanthropes.


    Aiden¡¯s nose twitched a little as he recognized that same disgusting scent, ¡°That¡¯s my father.¡±


    ¡°Why does he look so different!?¡± Mizuchi was bewildered by the fact his presence was only rising, not a single break.


    ¡°When he unlocked his [Genius] he must have experienced a big change?¡± Headley said in just as much shock. She was questioning if they could even take him.


    ¡°That¡¯s too much of a big change!¡± Mizuchi transformed! Taking on his [Grotesque], His ears became fluffy like wolf¡¯s, being black with white tips. Around his eyes get black highlights with his eyebrows white. HIs hair becomes blue and gained a blue wolf tail. His teeth fanged.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wait around!¡± Aiden yelled as his three alphas came in front of him and completed their [Grotesques]. He transformed, becoming a large bipedal wolf with a lean and muscular body, with sharp white teeth. His voice sounded like a monstrous echo, ¡°The Wolves! Slaughter them!¡±


    ¡°The Wolves!¡± His betas began to chant. Tony stood at the other side of the street with his back to the wall.


    ¡°The Wolves!¡±


    ¡°The Wolves!¡±


    ¡°The Wolves!¡±


    ¡°Are you going to shut these mutts up or should I?¡± A large man with oriental features and natural blue hair came beside the vampire. Glaring at the lycanthropes as he put on brass knuckle, ¡°You know my time is money.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wasting my money, Axion.¡±


    ¡°Calm down, they are just a waste product of my rise,¡± The vampire said smugly, turning away from the wolves a moment to smile. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of them.¡±


    ¡°No, sit down.¡± A woman spoke. Pale skin with long silver and scarlet eyes spoke. She had a menacing but calm mood to her. ¡°James, Silver, Renfri, would you please?¡±


    ¡°On it boss!¡± Renfri hooped up out of the recliner chair with pep in her step. The gum bubble she was blowing popped as she stretched her legs.


    James didn¡¯t speak but got up and stretched, nodding to signal he was ready.


    ¡°Finally, I was itching for some action,¡± Silver happily jumped up. His hair long and silver, his eyes scarlet and his skin pale.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re itching for some minutes in the sun too,¡± Naohiko, the blue-haired man, spoke as he observed the vampire.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I handle it?¡± The vampire man spoke in offense.


    ¡°Because you¡¯ll destroy the building,¡± The silver-haired woman said with a glare.


    ¡°Yes because I am so powerful,¡± The vampire man took his chance to build his ego, stepping away from the window.


    ¡°You got to sit this one out, old man!¡± Silver laughed at him as he jumped out of the window. The other two, James and Renfri, following behind him.


    ¡°Sailor Universe!¡± Renfri did a cutesy transformation as she free-fell! A light shone around her bare body, concealing her as her clothes vanished and got replaced by a sailor uniform. The sailor uniform being a perfect, ominous black with star patterns.


    ¡°Lover Town!¡± She did some more cutesy actions as special, dark boots appeared on her feet.


    ¡°Dead Kennel! Malicious!¡± Headley yelled. From a bloody ooze at her feet, mutated dogs arose from the ground. Wrapping chains around them and strengthening them, she sent them running while dragging her along! Scaling the building.


    ¡°Venus!" Whips of lined up hearts exited her boots, wrapping around Headley¡¯s mutated dogs. She then crashed her boots into Headley¡¯s chest, making them fall faster!


    ¡°Don¡¯t take me to be so easy!¡± Headley barked in her face. Grabbing Renfri by the hair and dragging her through the skyscrapers glass!


    ¡°Oh you bitch! I just did my hair!¡± Renfri then grabbed her by the hair and smashing her into a window.


    Carlos rushed past. Partially transforming his feet into his lycanthrope form so he could scale the building. Trusting in Headley¡¯s capabilities, he continued without helping her.


    James was rushing towards him, unlike the others he seemed to have the ability to soar. He clasped his fingers together and suddenly a black and white aura enveloped Carlos! Freezing him in place.


    ¡°You won¡¯t stop me from getting my alpha¡¯s revenge!¡± Realizing he is stuck at that point, he transformed his hand into a claw and plunged into his chest. Releasing a grueling howl as he searched his flesh and blood!


    He pulled out a coin and threw it with his remaining strength! His body died and suddenly a new one regenerated around the coin! He was naked but, furred up by his lycanthrope form. Freeing him from the motion freeze and sending him further.


    James smashed a window and clasped his fingers together again, freezing the shattered glass in place within a black and white aura. He clapped his hands and suddenly the shattered glass had a green and purple aura. Rushing towards Carlos, it tore him out due to its sharpness and speed!


    ¡°You!¡± Carlos screamed as he blindly continued climbing! The glass tore through him and he just regenerated! Every time.


    ¡°Won¡¯t!¡± His loyalty was blind and enduring! His tolerance was significant!


    ¡°Stop my!¡± His face and body kept getting pierced up but, he relied on his regeneration despite the intense pain.


    ¡°Me!¡± He screamed with a bloody appearance. James simply floated up to him and slammed him into the glass. Stopping his climb!


    ¡°I guess I have to go through you if I want to reach to him,¡± Mizuchi scoffed as he watched Silver descend slowly. Silver seemed as if he was floating but, they felt like there was more to that.


    ¡°I guess so but, don¡¯t worry I am strong too,¡± Silver taunted him. Not hiding that he was eager for a fight.


    ¡°Tell me, vampire, do you know why you fear the sun?¡± Mizuchi smirked. A being of fire manifested before him, a blindfolded woman holding what to seem to be an orb of flames. ¡°Love Affinity. Asteriae.¡±


    ¡°I know that this skyscrapers was built so that the shadow always cast over but¡­¡± Silver looked down at Mizuchi with a slight agitation, ¡°Do I look fucking terrified?¡±


    ¡°No?¡± Mizuchi responded innocently.


    ¡°Loud Ghost.¡± A sudden weight collided into Mizuchi! Mizuchi¡¯s senses are enhanced due to being a lycanthrope but, he still couldn¡¯t identify the cause!


    He was sent hurdling into several walls by the power.


    ¡°Rave!¡± Aiden finally made his move. Lightning following his feet, he scaled the building easily!


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going!?¡± Silver floated after him at a rapid pace. Renfri and James ignored their opponents as Aiden was climbing up at an alarming speed.


    ¡°Loud Ghost!¡±


    ¡°Mars!¡± Silver, Renfri and James sent attacks after Aiden but he was able to out maneuver them just in time.


    ¡°Low Spirit! Bell Witch!¡± A small, chubby spirit like being with an elephant head appeared moments before Aiden. It quickly swapped positions with Silver. Now the vampire was right before Aiden.


    ¡°I got you now!¡± Silver declared with a childish excitement and eagerness.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± The betas yelled in concern, trying their best to catch up to defend. They could recognized Silver was the strongest of the three facing them.


    Silver became perfectly still as he wide-eyed glared at Aiden charging forward, ¡°Ghost Lor-!¡±


    ¡°Voice of Thunders!¡± Aiden shouted in his obscure, echoed voice. A lightning stroke Silver moments before his attack, the vampire wasn¡¯t fast enough. Seeing that he was stunned, Aiden used his large claw to slam Silver into the glass and walls.


    Aiden was nearing the top! The vampires chased after him desperately and the betas chased after them to stop them.


    All in this suspense, all Tony could do is sigh.


    ¡°My fame¡­ My mind¡­. My power¡­ It¡¯s infinite!¡± The dark-skinned vampire, Aiden¡¯s father, Micheal Axion came to the edge of the window. Piercing his finger with his fang, he held the open cut over the height and allowed a single drop to fall, ¡°Infinite Bloodworks.¡±


    The blood agitated and grew! Spreading apart and multiplying! Building up pressure as it spread out like thorn veins! Becoming such a size it could encompass the whole street as it fell down towards them.


    Aiden looked at it in shock as he climbed. So did the others below him, how could one man wield such a power!?


    Tony rushed up quickly. Jumping from each vampire and lycanthrope¡¯s head, he reached the summit with a chained bear trap in his head. He flung it into blood spires and absorbed it. Taking it such a massive energy till the size of the attack was greatly reduced!


    His bear trap grew to a remarkable size. With his incredible strength, Tony threw it while he caught Aiden and his betas.


    ¡°My old age is catching up to me,¡± Tony muttered as he made sure all of them were safe and secured.


    ¡°Tony! What are you doing! He¡¯s right there!?¡±Aiden asked in a shocked tone, this wasn¡¯t according to their plan!


    ¡°We¡¯re getting out of here! He isn¡¯t something we can handle right now!¡± Tony told him, tugging on the chain and being pulled far out along with the wolves. They got out of there immediately as the bear trap reduced in size.


    ¡°Or ever be able to take on,¡± Micheal scoffed as he walked away from the window. His hands behind him as he proudly moved away.


    ¡°Why did you spare them?¡± The blue-haired man asked Micheal in obvious annoyance.


    ¡°Spare what? We almost got killed in the crossfire,¡± Renfri exclaimed, planning her next hair appointment since the new style was ruined.


    ¡°You are remarkable, please fight me,¡± Silver marched up to Micheal and held his hand dearly.


    ¡°You guys weren¡¯t there for his First Approach but, this man has an remarkable amount of power,¡± The silver-haired woman spoke as she looked at Micheal with a glare. ¡°Why did you spare them, Axion?¡±


    ¡°Out of my sons, Aiden was the only one who had a stroke of my greatness him,¡± Micheal spoke with his regular arrogance as he walked away from Silver. Leaving him disappointed. ¡°I want to see if he can amount to a fraction of what I am.¡±


    ¡°So you choose to let him be your enemy?¡± The blue-haired man scoffed and laughed. ¡°Vampires and Lycanthropes don¡¯t agree.¡±


    ¡°The aggression by the Wolves will not be taken lightly,¡± The silver-haired woman said sharply. Recalling the sight of the alpha lycanthrope.


    "Your judgment is not ours.¡±

 Chapter 4.

    Able sat atop his barstool by his kitchen counter, resting his chin in his hands. He stared off with no trajectory, lost in thought as once again drama was appearing. His mind wondered off to his big brother, who sent him on this mission.


    He was in a small apartment that he lives in rent-free. It was given to him by his big brother. He hardly stays there, only when he is in Minohwa. Otherwise, he is in the City of Angels.


    As the scent of monsters grew stronger, his minds kept flashing back to those words. Words that set off a new period in his life for him.


    As a leader¡­.


    ¡°A war is coming¡­ I need you to be prepared for it.¡± The voice spoke from a computer screen.


    Able sat in his apartment, attending the meeting with the King of the Damned. At the time, he was in Minohwa to watch over Luluwa and Kayne. Being summoned so suddenly piqued his interest, as there was hardly any chaos inside and out of Minohwa.


    The King of the Damned has a strange habit recently, which begun little before Kisscensiata. To hide his face, he would mostly call them if he wished to address them. And the only thing you would see is a red, vertical eye drawing on a black background.


    Which moved and became brighter with the tone of his voice.


    ¡°A war? Are we finally taking back Minohwa?¡± Able got up with a slight excitement. Did it mean they could finally have their revenge?


    ¡°Don¡¯t jump the gun so quickly, Able,¡± The King of the Damned spoke in a soothing but, playful voice. ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee you anything but, soon our enemies will move.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s the special occasion? Why are you calling me alone?¡± Able asked with obvious confusion. What about the other members of the Roundtable, shouldn¡¯t they be aware of a coming war too?


    ¡°Because there¡¯s something that only you can do for me,¡± The King of the Damned stated, the red eye glowing bright red for a moment.


    ¡°That is?¡± Able asked. If it was research or killing, he was ready for it.


    ¡°I want you to form a team¡­ A small one, your own faction.¡± The King of the Damned told him his directive.


    ¡°Why does my faction have to be small?¡± Able asked in agitation, taking slight offense.


    ¡°All the other factions have hundreds of members, with so much they cannot be trained to be powerful individually," The King of the Damned begun his explanation.


    ¡°With such, despite the executives, all of them are weak. Pawns for intimidation and labor,¡± The red eye shone an angered red for a moment. ¡°I have enough pawns now.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re able to kill one pawn with a single attack, you¡¯re able to kill two a little more effort. If you¡¯re able to kill four pawns with a single attack, you¡¯re able to slaughter the army by yourself,¡± The King of the Damned spoke to him in a serious manner. ¡°Do you understand what I am saying?¡±


    Able responded, becoming quite aware and intimidated in his presence.


    ¡°I need your team to be small so it can be strong individually. A faction that is able to kill a nation by itself!¡± The King of the Damned spoke with excitement. ¡°Flame Deity!¡±


    The King of the Damned used his power and a small flame opened before Able. Able was shock, the King of the Damned was so far yet he was able to use his power so precisely! He was too powerful, Able was proud.


    ¡°Pyro Images!¡± The King of the Damned displayed images of powerful warriors. All having faces that Able could recognize, did the King of the Damned see in the future?


    ¡°A sword to call upon in my need!¡± The King of the Damned stated strongly.


    ¡°Zebra Effect.¡±


    ¡°Well, sir, I fucking love the idea,¡± Able slapped his knee with excitement despite trying to hide it. ¡°But, how do you suppose I make a team in this world of backstabbing monsters?¡±


    ¡°Emilia Kay, Brita¡¯s daughter and Tristan Cambridge, Stephane¡¯s little brother will be the first two members of your team,¡± The King of the Damned stated, already talking to their guardians.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Able rolled his eyes, he should have predicted it.


    ¡°The others, you will have to find on your own.¡±


    Able sighed and checked his phone, Luluwa sent a message about keeping a party. He flipped his phone back over and turned to the screen. The faster the war happens the sooner he can save Luluwa and Kayne.


    ¡°So what¡¯s my first mission, big brother?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know in due time but, first look out for your potential teammates.¡± The King of the Damned was pleased with his eagerness.


    ¡°They are in high and low places.¡±


    ~~~


    Bryant sat slouched back in his sofa, bare naked as the woman before him went to town. Doing her best to tighten her hold on him, trying to gulp down his bareness. Whatever it took to please him, the woman tried it.


    Yet, Bryant was still so bored. His libido was defiant and this woman couldn¡¯t help it in any amount. He would orgasm on and on but, his body would still crave for more. And as the woman struggled desperately to satisfy him, he felt more guilty and nowhere close to pleasure.


    His [Grotesque] is what curses him with such lust.


    His mind traveled to that certain woman. The love of his life, the only person who was ever able to satisfy his lust. Despite such a gorgeous woman before him trying to please him, he still thought about that woman.


    Bryant¡¯s mind yearned for her. His body yearned for her. Where could she be?


    Ever since that party that he attended with Kayne and Martin, she has been missing. She was still doing tasks at Confederation, even allowing some outrageous demands from the Cult of Jason. Yet she couldn¡¯t contact him? Who she claims is the love of her life?


    ¡°Xitalli¡­.¡± Bryant muttered mistakenly, while experiencing another orgasm.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying another woman¡¯s name while I was trying so hard to please you?¡± The woman released her suction and spoke in offense.


    Bryant met her at the party Luluwa hosted. Women naturally flock to him, whether by his looks or by the compelling [Pheromones] that he emits unconsciously. So, with just a short talk, and their phone number is in his possession to call when his libido gets too high.


    Ever since he had been seeing Xitalli, he cut this routine. But, at a night like this when his libido is far too high, he was desperate.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­ With this,¡± She turned her bare behind to him and curved. Preparing to take in his bareness with a confident smile, ¡°You¡¯ll finally be satisfied.¡±


    She pressed down into his lap and released a loud moan. Certainly, Bryant did feel a bit of pleasure but it wasn¡¯t enough. The woman relentlessly bounced up and down, enjoying herself to a great extent yet Bryant¡¯s guilt grew worse.


    Since she was looking away from him, he took the opportunity to look at his call logs. Still no calls from her, just from the other women that he keeps ignoring. He looked at his outgoing calls, 378 calls to Xitalli in the past 5 days and no answer.


    What could be happening?


    ¡°Bryant¡­ Baby?¡± The woman began to speak past her intense moans. Bryant quickly flipped over his phone so she couldn¡¯t see that he was distracted. She felt proud because she sense that he fired off a load inside her, ¡°Are you feeling good now?¡±


    The woman¡¯s face was bright red, with an animalistic joy as she still went up and down. She stared into his eyes in a lustrous desperateness, ¡°Because I am feeling amazing.¡±


    Bryant pushed her off and sat her beside of him. His bareness still erect and stiff. He couldn¡¯t bear the guilt no longer, ¡°Am sorry but, this isn¡¯t going to work out?¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ what?¡± The woman asked in disbelief. She didn¡¯t want to believe his words, holding her body in shame.


    ¡°This¡­ this was a mistake,¡± Bryant gruelingly said.


    ¡°A¡­ mistake!?¡± She filled with rage and embarrassment, ¡°So, I left my 9-5 early to come to your place and you¡¯re saying it¡¯s a mistake!?¡±


    She kept punching him on his arm but, he felt nothing. Bryant kept on feeling nothing! ¡°I came here because I thought you needed me! I thought you were feeling good! And I am fucking embarrassed because I felt good!¡±


    She bawled, her face turning darker red and tears running profusely, ¡°Say something!¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I am sorry,¡± That¡¯s all Bryant could think of saying. He couldn¡¯t even make eye contact with her.


    ¡°You asshole!¡± She wrapped a towel around her waist and stormed into his bathroom. Locking it and the toilet seat was heard slamming down. After water was rushing, Bryant could hear her sobbing greatly. Yet he did nothing.


    The walls in his house were thin. They heard everything, yet they wouldn¡¯t take back.


    And in all this drama, he could only think of Xitalli. He knew a lot about Xitalli, of her ties to the Roundtable and how she is a representative. It took months of him chasing Xitalli to get her, so Bryant didn¡¯t even care if she was one of her father¡¯s greatest enemies.


    He wanted her. He needed her. And without her, he was in a desperate cycle of using women to attempt satisfying his libido.


    Xitalli always said if anything ever happened to her, he should look out for her daughter Luluwa. And from what Bryant understood from the Confederation, Jason Mauter is her father.


    Suddenly, a pop up message came to his phone about a carnival being held by the Cult of Jason.


    He clicked his tongue. If anyone should have done something to Xitalli, it must have been him.


    And if no one else will find answers, he will.


    Suddenly, the sobbing from the bathroom stopped for a moment. The doors opened and the woman walked out slowly.


    The same lustrous desperateness were in her eyes. Her [Pheromones] told of how much she wanted it. It made Bryant regretful yet, he didn¡¯t express that on his face.


    She dropped to her knees and started to stroke his bareness. Doing with much effort as she could muster, ¡°I know, I know¡­ You don¡¯t need me¡­ But I need this, I really do.¡±


    She placed her mouth on it and begun the trial of pleasing him again, ¡°So please give it to me¡­¡±


    In the depths of his mind, as she was swallowing his bareness, he could hear a voice laughing. It was the sicko whose [Genius] that Bryant followed, ¡°You must be enjoying this¡­.. Asmodeus¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you call another woman¡¯s name,¡± She gave up on sucking him off and sat on his bareness again. Taking in it again with a euphoria that could never be naturally obtained, ¡°Just use me as you like.¡±


    ¡°I just want you to use me.¡±

 Chapter 5.

    ¡°Do you have any fucking idea how much trouble you guys are putting yourself through?¡± The Counsellor of Minohwa¡¯s Prime Institute reprimanded them.


    It was early that day, they were called into the school regarding what took place at Luluwa¡¯s party. Of course, Luluwa wasn¡¯t called in because she has family in the Confederation.


    Meanwhile, Able, Emilia and Tristan was called in. Peaches tagged along because he had nothing better to do.


    ¡°What the fuck am I going to tell them if four kids keep resisting the brainwashing?¡± The Counsellor rubbed his eyebrows in stress, hoping that the Confederation would take the excuse he gave them.


    The Confederation wants perfect, obedient citizens. Anything that causes strong emotion will turn a living thing into a monster so, they brainwash them to keep them as perfect obedient citizens.


    ¡°You always come up with something,¡± Able smirked arrogantly, slouching in the chair as he took the words. It¡¯s not the first time they were called in for something like this, he had grown used to it.


    Peaches was told to just stay quiet and witness it. Not to let the Counsellor¡¯s frustration sink too deep.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a good mindset, Able.¡± The Counsellor groaned at him. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room grew thicker. ¡°You guys have no one in the Confederation to protect you anymore.¡±


    ¡°The Cult of Jason took Xitalli.¡±


    A surge of destructive presences bubbled in the room. The words felt unbelievable, who would have the audacity to do such a thing. Swelling stronger, they didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°Kids! Calm down! Minohwa¡¯s situation is bad already don¡¯t let them notice that there are monsters in this school,¡± The Counsellor called them back to reality and they calmed down quickly.


    ¡°First Selene¡­¡± Tristan spoke in a strange calm manner, as he counted out the victims of the sudden attacks. He was always good at masking his emotions, are rather he was unable to properly identify or respond to them.


    But they could recognize his rage by the black veins surging in his arms.


    ¡°It¡¯s just another aspect of war¡­ Something has to be sacrificed or loss,¡± The Counsellor responded to Tristan the best he could. ¡°I do apologize for it but, it¡¯s hard to change things like it.¡±


    ¡°We wouldn¡¯t have to deal with any aspect of war if the Confederation wasn¡¯t here.¡± Emilia scoffed and spat out. She thought about those who she loves, that were victims of the Confederation. She thought about those who she wants to love, who are being manipulated by them.


    ¡°So what? Do you plan to oppose them?¡± The Counsellor smirked at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know? Counsellor?¡± Able arrogantly smirked at him. ¡°A war is brewing.¡±


    ¡°Ugh am well aware,¡± The Counsellor was already quite stressed by the reappearance of Jason Mauter. ¡°Kids, please listen.¡±


    The Counsellor wasn¡¯t a part of the Roundtable. He was a vampire and most vampires belong to the Conglomerate. Which is a group that controls most business in Minohwa, and of course Minohwa¡¯s Prime Institute.


    ¡°My loyalty is to the Conglomerate, and I apologize for that,¡± The Counsellor admitted. ¡°I had great respect for the King of the Damned that¡¯s why I helped to look out for you.¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°But now, worse times are coming. The leaders of this war will be forced to make a decision or die.¡±


    ¡°This may be the last moment that we meet but, seeing that you kids are very important to this war¡­¡±


    ¡°I wish you make the right decision,¡± The Counsellor smirked meekly. ¡°And not die a fool¡¯s death.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    They stepped outside the office in silence. The words of the Counsellor sunk deep. The bonds that were created by hardship could easily be separated by war. And now, it was beginning.


    There was no looking back, is this for the better?


    Suddenly, all of their phone chimed in unison. Already knowing who was messaging them since they all got it. They took out their phones to see a vertical red eye with a black background.


    The red eye winked and the screen slid over to a flyer. It was sent out by Jason Mauter. Telling of a great festival being held, to introduce their new ¡®religion¡¯ called The Cult of Jason. With the key addition that it was authorized by the Confederation.


    Able clicked his tongue. The people of Minohwa do not know what religion is because questioning it can lead to strong emotions. Which lead to the birth of monsters.


    The only religious group they are aware of is Children¡¯s Hope Orphange, CHO. Yet, the group is very reclusive and only accepts young women from an early age. The citizens respect their boundaries and never approach it.


    But, the idea of an open religion? People are curious and bound to come.


    ¡°You son of a bitch¡­¡± Able muttered.


    The screen then showed a red text with a black background.


    ¡°You know the rules¡­¡±


    ¡°And so do I¡­¡±


    ¡°Take his life¡­.¡±


    ¡°What are you guys looking at?¡± A cutesy voice awoke them from thought. It was Luluwa, immediately they put away their phones. Although they were good friends, they couldn¡¯t risk it.


    She was Jason¡¯s daughter after all.


    ¡°It¡¯s just the Counsellor telling us to stay out of trouble,¡± Able tried to turn away the topic quickly.


    ¡°Lies! The Counsellor hates all of us he wouldn¡¯t keep your numbers,¡± Luluwa placed her hands on their waist and spoke sternly at them. ¡°In fact, he calls our parents on a blocked number!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me,¡± Luluwa put her hand on her chest dramatically, ¡°You guys made a group-chat without me.¡±


    ¡°As if we could leave out your special sense of humor, babygirl,¡± Emilia also help to sway her attention away. ¡°What you need to tell me is why you weren¡¯t at your own party.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Luluwa looked at her feet and tried to come up with an excuse. ¡°Had to leave with a friend to use her ID and get more alcohol-!¡±


    She accidentally bumped into Tristan, she looked up to see him glaring bullets into her.


    ¡°Hello to you too, Mr. Life-of-the-Party,¡± She looked up at him, she interacted with him a lot. In fact they are good friends but recently, he seemed wary of her. It made her guilty and uncomfortable. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you too.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t seen you lately¡­ Mauter,¡± Tristan poked at something.


    Luluwa felt her heart jump. She quickly decided to change the focus, turning to the figure who had been quiet for such a long time.


    ¡°And why are you so quiet?¡± Luluwa turned to Peaches and looked at him carefully. Peaches was just as much of a monster as Able.


    ¡°Oh, I was just observing since I am pretty new here.¡± Peaches stretched and yawned. ¡°Am surprised you remember me.¡±


    ¡°Of course, who wouldn¡¯t remember the Asian guy who has a really girly name,¡± Luluwa teased him playfully. That was her personality, a troublemaker since her first day of school.


    ¡°Nuh uh, Peaches is a name fit for a king,¡± He confidently responded back to her.


    ¡°Did your mom tell you that?¡± Luluwa giggled and stared into his eyes.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Peaches returned the deep stare.


    ¡°We have business,¡± Tristan clicked his tongue and pushed past them. Signaling that his patience was used up.


    ¡°What business? Are you guys really not gonna tell me what¡¯s happening!¡± Luluwa threw her hands in the air as they begun to walk away. ¡°I thought we were day ones!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, don¡¯t blow it out of proportions,¡± Able patted her on the head and walked away backwards with them. ¡°The Counsellor said we should take the day off cause of the incident.¡±


    ¡°Go to class, you¡¯ll see us later,¡± Emilia blew her a kiss as she walked away, ¡°If you need someone to cuddle with tonight, just gimme a call.¡±


    ¡°Midget,¡± Peaches walked by and said.


    ¡°Dickhead,¡± Luluwa muttered, frustrated that she couldn¡¯t get into the circle quickly.


    She gripped her fist and stared at them as they exited the school. Her determination fighting with the fear of losing them too. Her fingers began to bleed from her strength,


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­ Mom¡­. Eze¡­.¡±


    ¡°I will save you.¡±

 Chapter 6.

    ¡°Make my head pirouette!¡± The band played loudly at the festival! The cold night air rained down on the crowd and wrapped them in aura of restlessness. Curious of what the night would hold.


    They had excitement in their hearts, and fear of course. Many mobile businesses took the opportunity to come and sell treats to the curious visitors. Many monsters came to witness what could only be a declaration of war.


    Alkonost, the famous rebel band, offered their service to the Cult of Jason to provide entertainment. For what reason, who knows why! Icarus Bradley always had a strange way of doing things and, Jason Mauter seemed very entertaining to him right now. So of course he joined the Cult¡¯s side.


    They seized and relished the opportunity to play thought-provoking music for such a huge audience. And they were getting away with it too. It was a Confederation authorized event after-all.


    Suddenly, lights began to shine bright. Grabbing the attention of the crowd, they turned their heads to the big stage. Rising platforms brought Jason above ground, with Yvette and Oliver to the sides.


    He marched to the standing mic with a dazzling smile, his confidence and smoothness captured the audience in suspense.


    He tapped the mic two times to make sure it was working. It wasn¡¯t so he turned to the equipment guys and cursed at them but, he was too far away for anyone to hear.


    ¡°If you keep messing up like that I¡¯ll-!¡± Jason stopped himself before he said the most egregious thing the world has ever heard. ¡°Ladies! Gentlemen!¡±


    ¡°The Curious and the Fearful! I welcome you to the first open religion of the Confederation!¡± Jason quickly controlled the flow of acknowledgment with his charisma. ¡°The Cult of Jason!¡±


    ¡°I have a question for you all, who live in the blind ¡®comfort¡¯ of the Confederation,¡± Jason looked at the many monsters in the crowd. All having a strong hatred for him. ¡°Have you ever heard of ¡®God¡¯.¡±


    Confused murmurs erupted amongst them. They never heard that word before. The monsters in the crowd sure have. It was one of the topics that easily turns one into a monster.


    ¡°Have you never wondered how you were created? How we all came into to being?¡± Jason continued to poke at what he shouldn¡¯t. ¡°No! No, you haven¡¯t because the Confederation brainwashes you into thinking what they want!¡±


    ¡°You never needed to question how things started because you had something else to fear,¡± He smirked at the Detectives that he saw in the crowd. ¡°And that is the Confederation.¡±


    ¡°So, I ask you, what created all of this?¡± Jason looked around the audience for a gullible idiot to put pressure on. ¡°What made you come into existence?¡±


    ¡°G- God?¡± The poor fool responded.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! And I am God¡¯s Deliverer! Messenger! Your savior!¡± Jason was successful in manipulating them. ¡°Why was I the only one amongst our large population to question our existence?¡±


    ¡°Because I am the savior he sent, to awake you from the brainwashing!¡± Jason then casted off his presence over the people. He didn¡¯t have as much power as he did before but, it was enough to intimidate the average citizen!


    ¡°We are God¡¯s people! The pagan group called CHO stole our sign for the sake of security!¡± He already knew his enemies, so he chose to provoke them. Looking at the enraged nuns in the crowd. ¡°They told you nothing about the existence of God but still chose to call themselves a religion!¡±


    A large black curtain dropped behind him. Revealing the emblem of a cross with many thorns. CHO¡¯s symbol is a white, normal cross. ¡°We are God¡¯s people! And this is the true symbol of him, in his image!¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°If you want to find solace in the afterlife, I urge you!¡± Jason smirked in victory. The people¡¯s pheromones told of trust and curiosity, with a bit of fear. He won them over!


    An eruption of cheers occurred. People wanted to know more, slowly making their way to the stage.


    ¡°Join the Cult of Jason.¡±


    ~//~


    Kayne trembled as he looked at the man. Standing powerful and dangerous on that stage, his trauma reflected a thousand times. In that man¡¯s almost safe looks was cause of fear that Kayne could not describe.


    All Detectives and Detectives-In-Training were present at the event. For two reasons, Xitalli the Chairwoman of Minohwa ordered for them to be on stand-by. And the other that Nolan the Representative of Minohwa ordered them to look out for anything strange, since it was strange for Xitalli to allow such an event.


    ¡°A- Are you okay?¡± Lauri suddenly grabbed Kayne¡¯s hand and comforted him. She nervously took a big step into helping him.


    Kayne separated from his mentor and the Detectives-In-Training since he was too hesitant of going closer. But Lauri and Emilia never left his side.


    Lauri is Evelyn¡¯s step-sister, they grow up like twins. She is the more nervous and quieter one of the two. So, Kayne wondered why she was being so comfortable with him. When he¡¯s so disgusting.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ It must have been the night¡¯s cold getting to me,¡± Kayne tried to play it off. He was thankful that she woke him up, ¡°You¡¯ve been a huge help to me all night.¡±


    ¡°Are you guys really going to get lovey-dovey in front of me?¡± Emilia scoffed and looked away. Hiding her rage, she didn¡¯t want them to know she¡¯s jealous.


    Normally, she wouldn¡¯t even approach Kayne, especially on a mission. Seeing Lauri getting so close to him was unbearable. That¡¯s how she ended up there.


    ¡°I am not being lovey-dovey¡­ yet¡­¡± Lauri always had a huge attraction to Kayne and now, she was ready to approach it. Despite how nervous she was.


    She held his hand with both of hers. His single palm was so much large than hers. ¡°A strong guy like Kayne needs some company some time.¡±


    ¡°Maybe a strong guy like Kayne should learn to like his own company,¡± Emilia said, trying her best to stop whatever was brewing between them. Being too flustered to approach her own feelings.


    ¡°I am far from a strong guy,¡± Kayne then held both of her hands. He felt honored but didn¡¯t think such a repulsive guy like him deserved her attention. ¡°I wish I could live up to whatever thought you have of me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re perfect in my mind,¡± Lauri slowly tipped towards him. Kayne of course being confused of what¡¯s going on.


    ¡°Alright maybe we should focus on the event,¡± Emilia quickly pushed between them and turned their attentions away.


    ¡°Why? Are you afraid of something happening?¡± Lauri probed Emilia, a bit annoyed that she kept coming between them.


    ¡°Yes, in fact, I very much am,¡± Emilia pushed back, her feistiness will never be overclocked by her hesitation.


    Suddenly, Kayne¡¯s phone begun to ring and he answered it. Causing the two girls to become silent as they listen to the call.


    ¡°Luluwa?¡± And instantly, they became alert. Luluwa was their biggest obstacle since she was closest to him.


    ¡°Kayne¡­ Please come save me¡­¡± They could hear her nervous and scared voice from the phone. Emilia rose a brow, how did this girl keep getting in trouble.


    ¡°What? Where are you!?¡± Suddenly, Kayne had passion in his voice. He hardly knew how to take control of a situation but for Luluwa, he was capable?


    ¡°I am at home¡­.. I am so afraid of this place¡­¡± They could hear sobbing intensely over the phone. Emilia wondered if it was crocodile tears. ¡°Please save me.¡±


    The phone abruptly hung up. Without no acknowledgements to them, Kayne started walking to the parking lot.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Emilia caught up to him and asked. He was a tall man, so he walked very fast.


    ¡°To Luluwa¡¯s house.¡± He responded sternly and with no hesitation.


    ¡°Our night isn¡¯t done yet¡­ Let me come with you.¡± Lauri refused to let a new day come and he isn¡¯t hers.


    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t safe,¡± Kayne said, not even looking at them. He just wanted to get to his car and speed there.


    ¡°Then you can protect me, I trust you can,¡± Lauri kept pushing, she wasn¡¯t going to give up that easily. She already got that far.


    ¡°Why are you so desperate to stay close to him,¡± Emilia hissed at her. ¡°Why don¡¯t you give the guy a rest and go back to your sister.¡±


    ¡°The reason is obvious, so,¡± Lauri ignored her and turned to Kayne. ¡°Are you really going to let my efforts go to waste?¡±


    ¡°Ugh.. Come on,¡± Kayne said. He had difficulties with telling people no. He figured that he would leave her in the car to stop her from seeing anything. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best to make sure you¡¯re safe.¡±


    ¡°I know you will,¡± Lauri followed behind him with a content grin.


    ¡°Goodnight¡­ Kay,¡± Kayne said to Emilia. He always thought Emilia found him repulsive. That¡¯s why she would shout at him, insult him or bully him. Ever since Able introduced them it was like that.


    He couldn¡¯t blame her after all. A man clouded by his insecurities.


    Emilia couldn¡¯t tag along due to her mission, despite her heart aching to do so. She watched as Kayne opened the passenger¡¯s seat for her and let her in. And then his red GTR speeding out onto the highway.


    She bit her nail and groaned, ¡°I am a second-rate bitch huh!?¡±

 Chapter 7.

    Kayne had always been close to Luluwa. His earliest happy memory is of her asking what¡¯s his name. He met her in kindergarten and always helped her in her silly antics.


    As their paths strayed apart. So did they.


    No matter what happened, no matter how much their paths diverged, Kayne would protect her no matter what. He would be there for her. Since his adoptive parents abandoned him in Minohwa. She was the only family he had.


    ¡°So¡­. What are you and Luluwa?¡± Lauri awakened the atmosphere, despite being so nervous too.


    She took in the detail of his car. It was red and gorgeous. The insides were modern and stylish, with red LED lights. He took great care of the vehicle, a GTR-RWD. The only one in Minohwa. Black rims to compliment the sharp scarle.t Kayne was speeding reckless, making sharp turns as he desperately tried to reach Luluwa in time.


    All that made Lauri more nervous, he was driving more reckless than the mercenaries her father had.


    ¡°She¡¯s¡­ my longest friend,¡± Kayne wanted to tell her the truth but, it wasn¡¯t the time for that. The world wasn¡¯t prepared to hear the truth. ¡°And I promised I would always be there for her.¡±


    Lauri celebrated internally, happy to hear him just call her a friend.


    She leaned against her seat and held Kayne¡¯s free hand tightly, he only used one hand to drive. She said in the most comforting way possible, ¡°That¡¯s sweet, friendships like that are valuable.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ you have to know she isn¡¯t the only one who¡¯s here for you,¡± Lauri hoped her words reached him.


    It did but, Kayne didn¡¯t want to confront the feelings they provoked. He had too much on his mind, his focus on saving Luluwa. He pulled into the parking lot of the mansion and unbuckled his seatbelt.


    ¡°You should stay here¡­¡± Kayne said in a hesitant manner, wondering why he brought her in the first place. ¡°I will be back soon.¡±


    ¡°Nope, I want to come too,¡± Lauri was trying her best to stay assertive. That day was the most she had ever pushed herself to be.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be safer here¡­¡± Kayne then remembered why he brought her. He had difficulties in telling people ¡®no¡¯.


    ¡°What if something happens while I¡¯m in the car?¡± Lauri just wanted to confirm what Kayne and Luluwa really were. ¡°I am a valuable girl¡­ I am Nishizawa princess.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Kayne sat in silence for a moment and thought about it. He sighed, ¡°You¡¯re right, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Am glad you understood!¡± Lauri hopped out of the car with him, holding his hand as they entered the mansion.


    Kayne became flustered by the hand holding. He wondered why such a gorgeous girl was approaching him. When he¡¯s such an abhorrent being.


    As they went deeper into the mansion, they could sense something is wrong. Could feel it even, as if there was strange scent in the air.


    ¡°Luluwa! Where are you!¡± Kayne¡¯s voice boomed around the mansion. His voice was clearly desperate. Lauri hung onto to him tightly but, it was as if she wasn¡¯t there to him. She grimaced a bit, just how important is this girl to him?


    ¡°Luluwa! Stop playing around!¡± He was so frustrated that tears were beginning to swell in his eyes. Lauri frowned deeply; despite that rage he was still a gentle giant. He mumbled, ¡°I am here for you¡­¡±


    A sudden snarl awoke them from misery! Telling that this was no place for human emotion! Lauri didn¡¯t sense it; all she knew was that the strange scent was stronger. And in seconds, huge teeth popped open before her ready to tear her face off! Kayne grabbed the beast by its head and crushed it. He looked like a machine in that moment, with the only objective to kill.


    Lauri began sobbing horribly, dropping to her knees. Kayne kept her behind him as more of the monsters began to swirl around them.


    ¡°I am sorry, it¡¯s my fault for bringing you here,¡± Kayne watched carefully. Walking on four legs with yellow hides and large mouths, with tiny eyes.


    ¡°Maybe the Confederation can wipe your memory and¡­.¡± Kayne gathered earth around her and sealed her away. There was a small gap for her to get fresh air but, it was enough for her to see what was happening. Fear inflicted her heart deeply. ¡°Make this right.¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Rouen.¡±


    Immediately! Pillars of stone drove into the many monsters, cutting their numbers under second. A few managed to retreat out of the way before they were staked like devils


    Lauri had her eyes open wide. She was always told by her father that Detectives aren¡¯t typical monsters but, the viciousness that Kayne wielded was new to him! He made a full 180 from a gentle, controllable giant to an animal who only knew to eradicate. What were they teaching him? What is he truly? Why does such a simple wield such a power?


    ¡°Rezeveure.¡±


    Gargoyles of stone left from his earth pillars. Grabbing the remaining monsters as they found it difficult to destroy these golems, the gargoyles took them into the air as they struggled!


    ¡°Rouen.¡±


    And for the remaining number of monsters, he drove bigger pillars into them. He stood in the place as a rain of blood dressed him as the disaster he truly was. He only knew how to cause death in the worse ways, behind him was the trophy of his battle. Monsters on displays of stakes.


    Lauri vomited in the earth shell. She had so much fear for him yet, she was still so drawn. Some form of energy was surging with her, she could feel her heart racing as if it were multiplying.


    ¡°Kayne¡­¡± She called for him desperately but, he didn¡¯t hear. He was set on the mission, his personality changed at the sight of monsters.


    ¡°Luluwa! Where are you!?¡± Kayne called out again, overshadowing the girl he brought along. He was responded with silence, just as before. Soon, a bigger monster came trudging out followed by the previous monsters. It was similar as the ones before but more muscular and twice the size. Having a fluffy white mane and large orange eyes. It released a shattering roar, which almost made Lauri faint!


    ¡°You¡­¡± Kayne began to swell in rage. The monster continued to growl at him. Kayne noticed its bloody mouth, ¡°Why do you smell like Luluwa!?¡±


    A strange creature wrapped around Kayne¡¯s arm. It looked like a flame salamander, glowing bright orange with red markings and have wisps of fire leaving it. It chirped happily since Kayne called. The monster realized what was happening, sensing the sudden increase in power! It charged at Kayne, a strange toxin bubbling at his mouth.


    ¡°Beak of the Heat!¡± A gigantic wave of fire was sent forward! Taking down walls and revealing strange equipment that Kayne was too enraged to notice. Lauri couldn¡¯t fathom the size of the fire that he released with no preparation!


    Somehow, the monsters were saved. Another monster appeared, using its tail to drag the larger monster out of the way and then it went into a spectral form to avoid the flames. Entering the ground, the floor began to glow with a peculiar power.


    ¡°Clotaire.¡± Kayne reinforced the earth shell around Lauri and below his feet. It seemed that the monster forced its presence into the ground it couldn¡¯t handle it, causing it to explode!


    Kayne and Lauri survived the explosion, thanks to Kayne¡¯s efforts. The monster was forced out as its vessel was destroyed and tried to pounce at Kayne. Kayne grabbed it by its neck and slammed it into the shattered floor, encasing his other arm in earth and fire preparing to kill the beast.


    ¡°Father wouldn¡¯t like that,¡± A sword interrupted the hit and nullifying it. Kayne moved to attack the voice as it smelled like an unfamiliar monster.


    ¡°Beak of the-!¡± His eyes widened. The flame disappeared and he dropped to his knees. Lauri was shocked, he never saw the foe move. How was Kayne already on his knees?


    Kayne was terrified of the resemblance the boy had to that man. Blonde short hair, light skin and electric blue eyes. The boy was just younger and had freckles along his nose pillar, just like Kayne did.


    ¡°Father says you are special.¡± The boy spoke to Kayne as she sheathed away his sword. ¡°That you are valuable and must not be killed.¡±


    ¡°Even if you associate yourself with those demons.¡± He spat out with disgust.


    The monster hid behind the boy for protection. Tears swell in Kayne¡¯s eyes, of rage and sadness as things grew more complicated.


    ¡°I can forgive Luluwa but, you? You¡¯ll need to show you deserve my forgiveness,¡± Wings exited the boy¡¯s back, three pairs and of enormous size. He slowly ascended with the monsters already retreating.


    ¡°Luluwa isn¡¯t here¡­¡± The boy delivered the message and left. ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    Minutes past and Kayne was still immobilized in fear. Lauri desperately tried to break from the earth shell, wanting to be comforted for her fear but Kayne couldn¡¯t hear her. A strange energy built up in her hands with a desperate push, she broke down the reinforced earth wall. Not noticing the scales growing on her face.


    She quickly went over and embraced Kayne, who slowly returned it. Emotionally damaged from the situation.


    ¡°Who¡­ Who was that?¡± Lauri asked, still sobbing profusely. She didn¡¯t notice the fangs appearing in her mouth. The strange energy continued to rise.


    ¡°My¡­¡± Kayne was still coming to terms with what happened. It was the first he was meeting that child and, he knew immediately. His heart was racing but, knowing that Luluwa is safe, he just felt awful for Lauri witnessing that.


    And what he will have to do to her. Just so she forgets.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­ Don¡¯t cry, I¡¯ll try my best to protect you,¡± Kayne didn¡¯t feel like what he was about to do was right but, it was a part of his Detective Training. His destination was the Confederation Quarters. He lied to her, ¡°I will take you home¡­¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± She gripped onto Kayne¡¯s collar and bawled into his chest. Looking up at him with red teary eyes, ¡°I am too afraid¡­¡±


    ¡°Just please¡­¡± She pummeled his chest in frustration. Kayne was confused, when did she get so strong?


    ¡°Let me spend my time with you,¡± She requested, feeling as if only he could solve her distress.


    Kayne frowned, was that right? Would it be right to carry her to the Confederation where they would either brainwash her or throw her off the walls? Or carry her somewhere private and hope his words could do?


    He knew what he wanted to do, after witnessing the Confederation¡¯s methods. It¡¯s the least he could do,


    ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯ll take you to my home.¡± Kayne picked her up and began walk out of the mansion. Seared by his intense flames and leaving monsters on stakes for others to see.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best in protecting you.¡±

 Chapter 8.

    They waited for the devil himself to come off stage. Taking deep breaths and lessening their presences to the best of their capabilities, they followed the blonde man behind stage.


    ¡°Look¡­ We need to get as much information as possible,¡± Able gave orders to his teammates as they hid behind large crates, away from Jason¡¯s line of sight. ¡°If the chance is there, kill him.¡±


    ¡°Even if I¡¯d like to kill him myself.¡±


    Jason checked his surrounding before entering a large, secluded white tent. Nodding to his teammates, they quickly followed in. Entering the dark space with multiple cages and crates. Upon entering, without a moment¡¯s breath, they were attacked. Muscular creatures wearing missionary clothing with a cloth over their face hurdled their huge fists.


    Able sent his own fist forward, not startled a bit by the monster. His eyes shifted in appearance as the counter happened. His own fist broke through the monster and tore through its torso. The monster that attempted to kill Peaches immediately died of frostbite.


    ¡°Subservient!¡± A strange black wind followed by raven feathers enveloped Emilia¡¯s foot. She crushed the winds into the monster¡¯s head and killed it.


    Tristan gracefully avoided the monster¡¯s attacks and plunged his ridiculously long fingernails into it. Handicapping it, it couldn¡¯t move.


    ¡°These monsters are all clones of each other, made from [Generation],¡± Tristan said after analyzing its DNA. Suggesting there could be much more of these monsters.


    ¡°Bingo~!¡± The blonde man stepped out of the shadows, stretching out his words. You would think that by his appearance and his clothing that he was a good man but, his grin told otherwise. ¡°Haven¡¯t your mothers told you trespassing is bad?¡±


    ¡°We came here with an aim,¡± A rage was building within Able¡¯s chest as he mustered up a smile, ¡°To have your blood on our hands.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a nice line but¡­¡± Jason bravely walked closer to them. Standing in the middle of the four monsters with a playful and sinister atmosphere. ¡°Do you really think you can get far after killing me?¡±


    ¡°My monsters¡­ Not to mention that now I have the Confederation wrapped around my thumb,¡± Jason got uncomfortably close to Able with a threatening presence that made him freeze. ¡°You simply entered a game that you couldn¡¯t win.¡±


    ¡°The King of the Damned will always be your greatest obstacle,¡± Able said in a humored tone. He knew no matter what, Jason would fear that man. Just in case Jason made any sudden moves, he materialized the handle of his sword.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t start culling his bloodline then?¡± Jason was frustrated upon hearing that name beyond his own mouth. ¡°Starting with you.¡±


    ¡°You stand in the presence of a King,¡± Peaches broke the control Jason had over the conversation with his presence. ¡°You need to understand who right here has a risk of dying.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my apologies, I didn¡¯t know the Emperor was here,¡± Jason mustered a plastic smile. His face was porcelain, so much that it was eerie. ¡°You sure you¡¯d like to choose their side over mine?¡±


    ¡°Am sorry, Mauter. A promise is the most important thing to me¡­ Breaking them will ruin everything I¡¯ve fought for so far,¡± Peaches shrugged. Getting his cold atmosphere ready, waiting for the signal from Able to kill. ¡°And one of those promises is getting rid of you.¡±


    ¡°And here I thought you were smarter than the Emperors before you,¡± Jason shrugged and slyly got out of immediate cold¡¯s range. ¡°Oh well¡­¡±


    ¡°Something in here stinks¡­¡± Jason¡¯s nose cringed at the whiff of pheromones. Glaring at Tristan and Emilia, ¡°I hate the scent of demons just as much as I hate the Zorians¡­¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth before I drag it along the floor,¡± Emilia barked at him, being feisty as usual. ¡°If I get the order to kill. You¡¯re done for.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really the man that Everbit lost to¡­¡± Tristan said in his common nonchalant tone. Observing the devil up close.


    ¡°Oh? You know the brat from the Bee Estate?¡± Jason grinned the moment he got an interesting topic. He was actually stalling as much as he could, waiting for one of his comrades to save him.


    Lucky for him, Able wanted to milk as much information as possible.


    ¡°You know on her dying breath she was muttering some shit like ¡®Tristan my beloved, I will always love you¡¯,¡± Jason recalled the heartfelt words moments before he decapitated her. He chuckled abruptly, ¡°Who knew that an Angel was in love with a Devil!¡±


    Black veins were beginning to swell in Tristan¡¯s hands. Able whispered him to not lose sight of the mission. Tristan didn¡¯t understand what was happening to him, he never could label his emotions.


    ¡°I found it so hilarious that I wanted to deliver her still beating heart to your address after I sent her head to the King of the Damned but¡­.¡± Jason took out a keychain of a shriveled-up heart tissue, ¡°It got dead and cold right after I fucking mangled her corpse up!¡±


    The black blood burst from his veins and swirled around his arms. Demonic wings exited his back, and he slowly levitated.


    ¡°You certainly are an interesting man¡­¡± The black blood grew more powerful around his hand. Tristan still seemed emotionless, ¡°You will make an excellent familiar.¡±


    ¡°Oh? A Solomon [Genius]?¡± Jason¡¯s nose cringed once again at the power before him. He wasn¡¯t the slightest bit intimidated. ¡°And you girl, is that the she-devil in you.¡±


    ¡°Some of the most powerful demons¡­.¡± Jason clenched his jaw at the thought of it. ¡°How fucking disgusting.¡±


    He looked over to a large assortment of crates, ¡°And there¡¯s another notable demon in here¡­.¡±


    Able stepped between Tristan and Jason, he needed more information before they could kill him.


    ¡°What did you do to Xitalli?¡± Able asked in serious tone. Withstanding the raging black blood as Emilia tried to calm Tristan down.


    Bryant had followed them into the tent. Wanting answers to what happened to his woman, he guessed that it had something to involve them. He always recognized their scent as monsters but, Kayne put in good word for them amongst other Detectives-In-Training. Upon hearing her true name, he knew that they were on her side. He wasn¡¯t on their side just yet. He needed to wait it out before he could make a move and get answers to saving her.


    Bryant was startled when Jason recognized he was hiding behind the crates. He thought he was hiding his presence well.


    ¡°I can do whatever I want to her, she¡¯s my wife,¡± Jason grinned at him. Wondering what his next move should be. He shrugged, deciding to have some fun. What could they even do to him? He played his cards right; the moment was his!


    ¡°You know damn well that was something arranged by the King of the Damned so that Luluwa could be protected!¡± Able called what that certain man explained to him. ¡°And you took that too far!¡±


    ¡°What did you do to Xitalli!?¡± Able demanded from him.


    ¡°I had my way with her, what else?¡± Jason blatantly said, feeling as if nothing was wrong with it. ¡°She was defiant though.¡±


    He looked as his nails as recalled the event, ¡°I gotta give it to Native American women, they are strong. Seems like a trend amongst them.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°So, when she kept killing what I sent at her, I decided to take matters into my own hands,¡± Jason took out a small, strange hourglass from his pocket. With one segment having a pink solution and the other having a green solution. ¡°With this, of course.¡±


    ¡°The Potentia Historie¡­¡± Tristan muttered at the sight of it, recalling it from his extensive research.


    ¡°Bingo again! Looks like that demon bastard¡¯s wisdom is helping you,¡± Jason put it away before they got any bright ideas. ¡°I used it on her to make her obedient. Submissive. Making her do exactly what I want, how I want, when I want and where I want!¡±


    ¡°You piece of shit!¡± A strange amalgamation of flesh and fingernails built up on Able¡¯s hand like a claw!


    ¡°You watch your mouth! Or else I¡¯ll use it on your precious Luluwa too!¡± Jason laughed manically; he was having far much doing this. Knowing well they couldn¡¯t kill him in that moment, ¡°Don¡¯t you understand!?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t possibly win this! I have all the cards; I am rolling the dice!¡± Jason declared and his piercing electric blue eyes glowed. ¡°Why don¡¯t I reward myself with Xitalli when I get home too.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you talk about Xitalli like that!¡± Bryant snapped. He couldn¡¯t take it anymore; he endured his ramblings before but that was it. Shifting to his [Grotesque], he soared after Jason and collided into him. Dragging him through the crates.


    ¡°Shit! That¡¯s the Representative¡¯s son,¡± Emilia recognized him from the information her uncle gave her. ¡°We need to bounce, other detectives gotta be on theway!¡±


    ¡°No, we don¡¯t need to move just yet,¡± Able said and got a confused look from Emilia. Tristan and Peaches were already in agreement with him, catching onto the clue too.


    ¡°What? Am I missing something?¡± Emilia looked at her phone to check if she missed any important info.


    ¡°He mentioned her real name,¡± Peaches explained to her. Leaning against a crate and seeing what would happen next, ¡°There¡¯s more that meets the eye.¡±


    ¡°We just have to wait and see,¡± Able stated.


    ¡°You know¡­ I heard rumors that the Chairwoman was seeing the Representative¡¯s son but¡­¡± Jason muttered as his skin got torn off as he bumped into crate into crate. His bones shattering too. ¡°I wanted to see the proof for my eyes!¡±


    ¡°What you are saying, kid?! You into miffs? She¡¯s decades older than you!¡± Jason mocked him despite being held in the air by Bryant. His scoffed collar dragging on his nose ignored by his rampant taunts.


    ¡°Watch your mouth!¡± He flung Jason into the earth, creating a minor crater. A stream of excited pink fumes charged between his demonic horns. ¡°Destrio!¡±


    ¡°I reject!¡± Oliver and Yvette came in time and blocked the bolt of pink fumes. Oliver stretched his black arm forward and deflected it. While Yvette stayed close to Jason and bodyguard him as he regenerated.


    An imminent presence entered the tent. A large man with dark skin and a curly moustache. Wearing a white shirt with black suspenders and pants. He looked like a gentleman but, his character was far worse. A scowl of high-classed wickedness, with his hand folded behind his back as he walked further into the room.


    Able, Peaches, Emilia and Tristan jumped up. Sensing that the large man was hostile to them, they prepared for anything. THEy recognized this was no regular man. That even Peaches and Able together would have difficulty against him.


    Suddenly, Bryant stopped his onslaught on Jason to stand between the man and them. He nodded to Able, signally him to escape and so they did. Going the opposite way and making their exit through the tent themselves. Peaches was annoyed that he had to ''run away'' but, Able persuaded him by calling it a tactical retreat.


    Count Earl clicked his tongue as they got away, folding his fists tight, ¡°Why are you defending the enemy?¡±


    Bryant scoffed. The man was standing tall before him, Bryant still didn''t back down, ¡°Why are you defending someone who disrespected the Confederation.¡±


    ¡°Know your place, boy,¡± Count Earl smacked Bryant several times before pushing past him. Winds blasted around as each hit collided, Bryant endred, ¡°You¡¯ll never be as great as your father.¡±


    Bryant bit his lip and stared at his feet. He was unable to save Xitalli. He came here and failed. His own lover was unsafe, and he could do nothing.


    ¡°Leave before I eliminate you,¡± Count Earl glared and gave off his presence. It was a mixture of opposite energies, this man was abnormal.


    Bryant was grudgeful. He marched out the tent with animosity in his heart, his face bent from the emotion, ¡°I am going to save Xitalli, Mauter!¡±


    ¡°Come! I¡¯ll have her prepped and waiting for you!¡± Jason laughed it up as the young man left the tent, ¡°You can have my leftovers.¡±


    ~`


    ¡°I am so sorry that you had to witness all of that,¡± Kayne sat with Lauri on his bed. Conflicted on what to do, he brought her to his house. It was either him talking her out of terror or brainwashing her. They sat on his bed, a flat mattress on the ground with multiple-colored pillows on the bed. Over 10, the large man liked his comfort. There was also a box of records near-by, with an album player.


    And his heart was too weak to put her through brainwashing.


    ¡°It¡¯s- It¡¯s okay,¡± Lauri stuttered, still shaken up about it. The flashing images of the snarling monsters kept replaying in her mind. The scent of blood, the impulse of death. It was still so new to her. Kayne being such a murderous creature stained her, something she will never forget.


    They sat on the edge of Kayne¡¯s bed; it was a very well-made floor bed inside his mansion. Kayne carried her in since she was too terrified to move. She rested her head on his chest and held his hand to feel secured, her heart still beating.


    ¡°Do you always do that type of work?¡± Lauri looked up into his eyes and asked. She remembered vividly how he killed those dangerous animals. How he controlled the earth, how he emitted flames. How his personality completely switched when the monsters appeared.


    Kayne bit his lip and thought of what to say. Would be right to give her this information now,¡± Yes... This is what Detectives do¡­¡±


    ¡°I always had that idea from what my dad told me,¡± Lauri looked at her hands and wondered if she could ever handle work like that. She was still trembling; she was terrified of that line of work. ¡°Do you enjoy it?"


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kayne never asked himself that question. No one ever asked him that. In his entire life, he never questioned it. All he knew is that he was supposed to be a detective.


    ¡°Are you really okay with putting your life on the line for this?¡± Lauri continued to ask. Her eyes becoming glossy, realizing that Kayne knew nothing better.


    ¡°Someone has to do it¡­¡± Kayne affirmed what he has done so far. All that he killed in order to become a detective. A single tear escaped his eye, ¡°My life isn¡¯t mine¡­ I am meant to protect people¡­ Until I can¡¯t anymore.¡±


    ¡°So, when you ¡®can¡¯t anymore¡¯ is when you¡¯re dead!?¡± Lauri couldn¡¯t label what she was feeling but, she was uncomfortable in her skin. She didn¡¯t know why, there was also a obscure energy building in her chest. She didn¡¯t notice the scales growing on the back of her hand, disappearing and reappearing.


    But her emotions for Kayne were excessively strong at that moment, ¡°Kayne, I am terrified! I feel so unsafe, more than I have in my whole life!¡±


    ¡°People need you!¡± She let her words go and it struck Kayne deeply. He looked away but still held her up. ¡°They don¡¯t just need someone who will protect them from monsters.¡±


    She held his hair and kissed him. Kayne was surprised. She didn¡¯t know why she did it, her emotions were too strong. ¡°I need you.¡±


    ¡°So please,¡± She began undressing him and took off her clothes too. Doing what felt right to her in the moment. Kayne didn¡¯t resist, he felt overwhelmed. Wondering what was right or wrong. Wondering why her skin looked so fair. Wondering if it was right to do this when her expression told only of fear.


    Angles, curves blessed graciously to this woman in front of him. Giving herself to him but, how they got this point is what conflicted Kayne. Clear skin, that blonde hair. Was this right?


    Carrying him up on the bed and examining his many scars traced along his back. He was a beast of labor, it was becoming more evident to her by the second. Worked so hard, she wanted to hold him close. She touched him and guided his hand where she wanted, ¡°Just for tonight.¡±


    ¡°Be mine.¡±


    ~`


    Bryant stepped out of the tent; his fists folded. In all his life, he never felt nothing but lust. Thanks to his [Genius] that is. Xitalli was the first to make him feel love. And he¡¯s unable to protect her? To save her? He felt useless, pathetic and weak.


    He gripped his fists tighter as his rage grew, what kind of protector is he? If he can¡¯t save the woman he loves? His palms were becoming blistered from his own strength.


    ¡°Why you looking so down?¡± A voice awoke Bryant. He looked forward to seeing a short young man with blonde hair. Three other persons standing behind the young man. As the night continued to rain down on Jason''s parade.


    ¡°You have no idea how many questions I got for you,¡± Bryant smirked and responded. Folding his arms and looking at them. He always knew Able and the others were special. Just by their scent. Now they were so brazen about it.


    ¡°Great but, I can¡¯t answer them here,¡± Able said to him and beckoned for him to follow. They were still in the open, the Confederation dogs were snooping around. ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°Where to?¡± Bryant asked, wanting to know he wasn¡¯t going anywhere too shady. After all, he was trained to be a Detective. And they were monsters, the criminals he''s supposed to kill.


    ¡°The Gangsta¡¯s Paradise.¡± Able responded briefly.


    Bryant smirked; he heard about the place before. He followed, ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    Suddenly, there was a revving of an engine. Emilia recognizing the car, she turned and identified the scarlet vehicle, ¡°You guys go ahead, I¡¯ll catch up.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, just don¡¯t get your ass in trouble,¡± Able shrugged and walked away. The others following behind since he was alright with it. After they were bit out of sight, they used their abilities to travel as fast as they could.


    She stood by the parking lot gate. Hands on the fence and she identified the scarlet Nissan GTR. Spotting the tall oaf and her recent rival. They exited the car without Luluwa. She wasn¡¯t there. In fact, Lauri was wearing Kayne¡¯s varsity jacket. That fueled a fire intense in her, she always wanted to wear that jacket.


    Emilia watched as Kayne got out and then helped Lauri out of her seat. Exchanging some words, Lauri tipped and kissed Kayne on the lips before running off. Kayne stood there frozen, lost in confusion.


    Emilia gripped her fists. She held her head on the fence and then released a muffled scream. Turning around and kicking the dirt, she shoved her hands in her pockets, "Fuck that! Fuck him! And fuck her!"


    Going to where she knew as home, The Gangsta¡¯s Paradise.

 Chapter 9.

    Icarus slouched against the loud boom-box and found despair in his boredom. He came to this event thinking it would be fun, even offering music for it. It was fun while Jason was giving his speech but, he sneaked off stage and Icarus was lost to his boredom again.


    He decided to stop singing and allowed his lead female singer, Erica Blanka, to go up there. She specialized in songs with strong, incredible vocals like Snake Eater.


    Wondering what he could do to stir up, two interesting scents caught his nose. One of a vampire and the other of a lycanthrope. Immediately, he knew exactly what to do for his entertainment.


    Recently there has been a fight amongst the vampires and the lycanthropes. Big enough for other groups to notice it. He knew that tensions were thick, especially in a crowd like this.


    He identified a strong lycanthrope, guessing that she may had been a beta. He identified Silver Turner nearby. Most monsters in Minohwa knew Silver from the Conglomerate. A murderous vampire that loves to fight, his power wasn¡¯t supposed to be taken lightly.


    Going up to his boys and grabbing two glasses of champagne, Icarus waltzed over to them with a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Hello beautiful, I haven¡¯t seen you around,¡± Icarus approached the lycanthrope woman with a charismatic smirk. The crowd instinctively moved out of the way for him.


    ¡°An animal like you should be trained,¡± The lycanthrope woman said to him with a glare. She was fierce, with very curly brown hair, brown skin and natural beauty. She didn¡¯t take the glass of wine from him, ¡°I know who you are, Icarus.¡±


    ¡°And I am trying to get to know who you are,¡± He smoothly wrapped an arm around her and offered the wine glass. ¡°All my attention is on you if you return it.¡±


    ¡°They say spoilt dogs know how to get love¡­ You¡¯re just the same rich boy,¡± She rolled her eyes and took the wine glass. Taking a sip, she didn¡¯t fear poison, ¡°My name is Headley. Maybe I should tame you.¡±


    ¡°You can surely try,¡± Icarus said, masking his intentions well so he could lead her astray. ¡°Why don¡¯t we take this date on a walk.¡±


    Icarus chatted it up with her as they strolled down the event. Identifying his target, he turned their direction casually and approached the silver-haired vampire. He kept Headley in wraps with flirts and small talk, which she did enjoy.


    What Icarus found annoying is that no matter what, she would not talk about her wolves. Not the slightest detail about them or what they are doing. He didn¡¯t care; she was just being used anyway.


    Icarus thought she was getting what was coming to her.


    ¡°Silver! Is that you?¡± Icarus exclaimed upon getting closer, throwing his hand in the air after seeing a long time ¡®friend¡¯. Much to Headley¡¯s dislike, she took a step back.


    ¡°Icarus? You bitch, what are you doing here!?¡± Silver said happily. Seeing the lycanthrope beside him slightly pissed him off but, he ignored it. ¡°You¡¯re right on time, I am bored. Let¡¯s fight!¡±


    ¡°No can do, I can¡¯t have my daddy mad at the moment,¡± Icarus wanted to build up some small talk so he could easily control the battle junkie vampire. ¡°Where you been? It¡¯s like you vanished after Kisscensiata.¡±


    ¡°Yup, sadly my sister didn¡¯t like my antics during it,¡± Silver rolled his eyes. Remembering how he was locked in the correctional facility for years. He¡¯s only back because of the recent violence in the settlement.


    Silver and Headley made short eye contact and tensions rose. Headley lowly growled at him and Silver hissed, showing their fangs.


    ¡°I am sorry, do you two know each other?¡± Icarus acted like he was oblivious and asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Silver smirked at the woman, realizing this is his chance to fight. ¡°Do you know her?¡±


    ¡°I met her a while ago and she¡¯s my date for the night!¡± Icarus proudly declared and took her by the hand. Allowing her to slowly come forward.


    ¡°Wait, I heard that there was a scuffle between the vamps and wolves but¡­¡± Icarus dramatically covered his mouth. Acting shocked, ¡°I thought those were rumors.¡±Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°You don¡¯t gotta worry about that,¡± Silver¡¯s grin grew more sinister. ¡°I am sure they learnt their lesson.¡±


    ¡°The fuck you mean by learn our lesson? You animals need to be defanged,¡± Headley barked sharply at him. Her hair began to move in a strange manner, ¡°You only won that fight because he was on your side!¡±


    ¡°Even without him, I could easily take you all on!¡± Silver returned the enthusiasm and released his pressure slightly. The scene they were causing made people disperse.


    ¡°I would like to see you try!¡± A black gunk released from Headley¡¯s shadow; she wasn¡¯t going to take insults from an animal.


    Icarus was shocked by how fast the fight started. He didn¡¯t even have to do much. He chuckled as he backed away to witness it, the fight would have started without his inference.


    ¡°Is that an invitation!?¡± An invisible power pounded on the ground around Silver, as if it was a drum calling for battle. He slowly ascended. ¡°Because I¡¯ll gladly take it.¡±


    ¡°An untamed animal will always strike first,¡± Headley said, she wasn¡¯t going to attack first. Her Alpha told her to never start fights without his order.


    ¡°Your blood will taste so good!¡± Silver charged after her and released his devastating attack. Dragging her through the earth a little, she got back up and sent animated, corpse dogs biting into his body.


    Suddenly, Silver became still and charged an incredible power. An invisible power flung the dogs off and he remained stationary.


    ¡°Ghost Lor-!¡±


    An incredible power surged from Silver but, it was stopped. A man with incredible long claws stood on some sort of invisible structure.


    Headley and Silver checked their surroundings, just to see that a barrier was erected around them. Just so that the citizens wouldn¡¯t have to witness anymore, and their attacks won¡¯t cause casualties.


    ¡°An invisible¡­ What the fuck is this? A tentacle?¡± The clawed man said as he poked the invisible structure.


    ¡°You managed to cut¡­ My Loud Ghost?¡± Silver said with bright eyes. That soon was followed by a broad smile. ¡°You¡¯re interesting, have I met you before?¡±


    ¡°No but I read your file, Turner,¡± The man sharpened his claws with a serious tone. ¡°I thought the Conglomerate knew better than causing a scene.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re a Detective?¡± Silver bit his lip and squinted at the man. ¡°Should I really risk fighting one? It would be so fun¡­¡±


    Headley tried to escape, going full force into the barrier with her corpse dogs. It wasn¡¯t enough, the recoil pushed her back!


    ¡°Stop talking to the monsters, Detective Clawer,¡± The woman who erected the barrier appeared. Putting on special gloves as she came closer to Headley. Icarus was already outside the barrier but, he could see through it easily. ¡°You already got a strike on your record.¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah, I know but it was just small talk,¡± Detective Clawer scratched his claws together till they sparked. He looked excited, ¡°Detective Screen, looks like we¡¯re ostracizing a vampire and a lycanthrope tonight!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you will be¡­¡± Suddenly, a very pale woman with silver hair and red eyes appeared. She looked elegant, a level of gorgeousness that isn¡¯t humanely attainable. Despite it being night and no rain occurring, she still had a maid following her with umbrella overhead. ¡°At least for the vampire that is¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, Mercy Turner? What do I owe the pleasure?¡± Detective Clawer asked, knowing he couldn¡¯t easily arrest or even defeat this woman. Detective Screen pinched him but understood his reasons.


    ¡°You know well of the Conglomerate¡¯s contribution to the settlement¡­ This boy here is a possible heir,¡± Mercy pointed at Silver, who haughtily grinned and stretched. ¡°I ask that you forgive him, and we walk out of here like nothing happened.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Big Sis,¡± Like a spoilt child, Silver marched over and stood behind her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t address me as that, it is Boss to you,¡± Mercy hissed at him. Her glare was enough to terrify him. ¡°You will be punished when we return.¡±


    ¡°I cannot just beat around my job like that, Turner,¡± Detective Clawer said sternly towards her. ¡°What would my record look like if I release another monster from Ostracization?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t be returning empty-handed, you still have the lycanthrope,¡± Mercy referred to Headley, who was quiet and waiting for her chance to escape. She knew there was no pleading for her kind, lycanthropes have a history of warring motives since the start of the settlement.


    ¡°Here, this is 13 Million Credits,¡± The maid took out a hefty briefcase and tossed it to Detective Clawer. ¡°I hope this will settle our matters.¡±


    ¡°I have plenty funds, Turner,¡± Detective Clawer growled. Feeling offended that she tried to bribe him.


    ¡°This settlement would certainly not like it if the Conglomerate rebels,¡± Mercy gave him a sharp glare, to the point her red eyes glowed. Showing she wasn¡¯t playing around. ¡°I hope that gets my point across.¡±


    Detective Clawer clicked his tongue and turned to the lycanthrope, ¡°I guess you will do.¡±


    ¡°Not so easily, buddy,¡± A bear trap suddenly plunged into the barrier and absorbed it. Becoming larger due to the absorbed energy, it sent the power into the ground to reduce the size. Aiden, Tony and the Betas stood boldly, ¡°Looks like we are forcibly taking her away.¡±


    ¡°You wolves really don¡¯t know fear?¡± Detective Clawer took a battle stance. ¡°This will make your new little pack vulnerable; will you try us Detectives?¡±


    ¡°Rave!¡± Suddenly, Aiden partially shifted into his [Grotesque]. Charging up to Detective Clawer and colliding claw with him, catching him off guard. ¡°The Wolves never die! The Wolves!¡±


    ¡°The Wolves!¡±


    ¡°The Wolves!¡±


    ¡°The Wolves!¡±


    Other lycanthropes in the crowd cheered at the voice of their Alpha. Tony and the others quickly took the chance to grab Headley and run. Aiden easily got out of Detective Clawer and Detective Screen¡¯s attacks as he was faster.


    ¡°Tony¡­ You are siding with the wrong people,¡± Mercy muttered as she saw her old friend escaping.


    Tony turned around with a hearty grin as he kept running, ¡°Mercy! Please, I have been on the wrong side since¡­¡±


    ¡°Kisscensiata.¡±