《How To Train Your Monster Girl》


 Chapter 1 – Getting Acquainted

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    Within a massivedome-like structure stood a unique city. The structure resembled a giant greenhouse made of a transparent material that allowed ample light to pass through, illuminating the entire space and showcasing the vast infrastructure of what appeared to be an enormous living facility.


    At the center of the dome was a colossal multi-sports stadium, encompassing various fields and training centers, occupying more than 30% of the city¡¯s interior. Surrounding the stadium, distinct zones were meticulously organized, such as commercial areas, recreational spaces, green parks, and more. Bars, gyms, stores, and markets were neatly situated in their respective zones, collectively taking up just over 40% of the dome¡¯s area.


    Residential zones, including dormitories and other housing complexes, were another well-defined section, covering about 20% of the dome¡¯s expanse. Finally, occupying roughly 10% of the available space were various military-oriented structures, including barracks, military academies, prisons, and warehouses.


    Among these military facilities was one particularly significant and prominent structure¡ªthe largest in this zone. A grand sign on the building¡¯s fa?ade read: ¡°Superintendency of Hunters and Hounds.¡± This massive complex spanned the equivalent of two city blocks, with its main building towering over 70 meters high and connected to several smaller structures by corridors and walkways.


    Inside, on one of the ground-level corridors, a teenage boy stood face-to-face with a towering Lamia woman.


    ¡°I want you to be mine.¡±


    The two had just met, yet the boy¡¯s opening line left the woman stunned and visibly uncomfortable.


    ¡°Excuse me?!¡± she exclaimed, incredulous, as if she had misheard him.


    ¡°I want you as my Hound and my Pact,¡± he repeated calmly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell if you¡¯re incredibly foolish or incredibly brave, kid,¡± she hissed, her voice laced with skepticism. ¡°But judging by that Military Hunter Academy graduate uniform,Hisssit¡¯s clear you¡¯re neither stupid nor insane. Stop spouting nonsense and get out of my way.¡±


    To anyone passing by, the Lamia have appeared extraordinarily beautiful. She had vibrant black hair, piercing blue slit-pupiled eyes, and dark, flawless skin. Her symmetrical face bore no imperfections, and a reptilian tongue occasionally protruded from her mouth so she could taste the air.


    Clad in nothing more than a form-fitting dress with a plunging neckline that accentuated her curves, she stood with arms crossed, further emphasizing her ample chest. Below her waist, her voluptuous hips transitioned into a long, sleek black tail.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. Dead serious,¡± the boy stated, his demeanor unwavering.


    The Lamia leaned in closer, her forked tongue flicking out as she tasted his scent. She detected no fear, only an unusual calmness. Whether it stemmed from youthful naivety or sheer determination, she couldn¡¯t quite tell.


    "Hisssss..."


    She moved even closer, towering over the boy and looking down at him. However, she quickly noticed that his gaze wasn¡¯t fixed on her eyes; instead, he seemed mesmerized by the two prominent mounds on her chest.


    ¡°SSSSSSSSSSSSSS¡± she hissed in irritation. ¡°If you want a little pet to play with, you¡¯d be better off heading to the Superintendency entrance and find a cat in heat or a needy dog ??to deal with your Testonitus level.HisssI won¡¯t be treated as some child¡¯s pet. Especially not by someone who doesn¡¯t even know what it¡¯s like to fight monsters and Fallen.¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    She turned abruptly and began slithering toward the exit.


    ¡°WAIT, please. Wait... Ahem. Forgive my distraction, Miss Rosen. I couldn¡¯t help but...¡± he said, his voice steady yet tinged with urgency as he tried to stop her from leaving.


    But the Lamia ignored his apology and continued her exit, her long tail gliding across the floor.


    ¡°Please, Miss Rosen, stay. I have no intention of degrading or disrespecting you. Just hear me out,¡± he pleaded.


    Nearly running to catch up with her, the boy managed to intercept her path and convinced her to turn back toward him.


    The boy was tall and robust for his age, standing at 1.89 meters, yet he still appeared small compared to the towering 2.26 meters of the Lamia before him. Despite the height difference, he looked at her with a sincerity and intensity that caught her off guard.


    ¡°Stop staring and just say what you want.HissssBesides, I¡¯m certain this is the first time we¡¯ve met, yet you act like you know me. I don¡¯t like that.Hissss,¡± she said, feigning anger as she averted her gaze, embarrassed by his unwavering and warm look. It was perhaps the first time anyone had looked at her that way since her Degeneration.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my intention to make you uncomfortable. It¡¯s just... I first saw you two months ago,¡± he began explaining gently as he stepped closer to her. ¡°I was going through the list of Pact volunteers and came across your profile. This might be the first time you¡¯ve seen me, but I¡¯ve lost count of how many times I¡¯ve looked at you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve also researched you, Miss Rosen. I heard that you are the oldest Parahuman in the Efflium Superintendence and managed to reach the Top 50 of the Class A Hound Rankings. But you were unable to advance in class because you refuse to form Pacts, even temporary ones.¡±


    The Lamia said nothing, but it was clear she was taken aback by how intimately he talked. Distracted by the admiration and curiosity evident in his words, she watched in silence as the boy crouched and gently touched the tip of her tail.


    ¡°But to stay strong and maintain your edge, you¡¯ve increased your training regimen and participated in several temporary hunting partnerships. You¡¯ve earned the respect and admiration of Hunters and many Hounds here.¡±


    He ran his hand delicately along her tail, his curiosity leading him to explore its texture and warmth. Both his hands soon caressed the sleek surface, and...


    "Hissss"


    For the Lamia, the sensation was exquisite. The boy¡¯s touch was precise, stimulating the most sensitive nerve endings in her tail. His hands moved with a finesse that sent shivers up her spine, filling her with waves of pleasure she¡¯d never experienced before.


    Each touch felt like an electric pulse of ecstasy flooding her mind, leaving her in a trance. She closed her eyes, struggling to maintain her composure, her thoughts clouded by the unfamiliar yet addictive sensation.


    She had never allowed anyone to touch her like this¡ªonly she herself had ever ventured to explore such sensitive areas. The boy¡¯s caresses felt like a gentle rain nourishing a barren desert.


    ¡°Sadly, your credit reserves have never been high enough for you to purchase a Priority Seal or buy enough Estronites to Ascend at least once.¡± he remarked softly.


    ¡°SSSSsssssSSSS!You talk too much, boy. Keep prying into other people¡¯s lives, and you¡¯ll lose your head for it.¡±


    Snapping out of her trance, the Lamia pulled away from his touch, her mind racing to escape the meaning behind his words. With a furious hiss, she pounced on him, pinning him to the ground with supernatural strength.


    ¡°I can help you Ascend,¡± he said, unfazed, despite her firm grip on his arms and the looming threat of her venomous fangs.


    ¡°You keep spewing nonsense.Hissss.I could inject just a drop of my venom into your soft little neck, and that would be enough for you to die painfully but quickly enough that no one could save you,¡± she hissed menacingly, her sharp fangs glistening as she brought her face closer to his throat.


    ¡°Strong, resilient, disciplined, focused, persistent; that¡¯s how I¡¯d describe my ideal Hound. And yet, you surpass that ideal,¡± he declared, his voice steady and filled with admiration. ¡°Since the first time I saw you, I knew it had to be you, Miss Rosen. You¡¯re who I want as my first lifelong Pact and my Hound. Not a temporary arrangement or a fleeting partnership¡ªI want to spend every day of the rest of my life with you.¡±


    His words were genuine, and the Lamia could taste his calm determination and passion in the air. It was warm, chaotic, and infectious, each syllable weakening her mental defenses. Reluctantly, she released him and backed away.


    ¡°Leave,¡± she commanded, her voice faltering. ¡°Even if you could help me, I refuse to accept a lifelong Pact with someone so young. I won¡¯t let you waste your potential and resources on a Hound who has long passed her prime. That would make me feel like a worthless scoundrel.¡±

 Chapter 2 – Vigil

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    ¡°So¡­ She rejected you.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it that way, Monique. I think she thought more about me than about herself.¡±


    Amid a forest, the darkness of the night was interrupted by the light of a massive beacon located atop a very tall structure shaped like a watchtower. In the cabin at the top of the tower, an observation room filled with various electronic devices accommodated two people.


    The space was about 15 square meters, with large windows made of the same material as the dome. The same dome could be seen from afar, several kilometers away, along with a series of other watchtowers forming a surveillance perimeter around the entire dome.


    In this particular tower, the same young man who had attempted to gain the lamia¡¯s trust earlier that day now sat in a chair before a control desk laden with computers and other electronic devices.


    He was dressed in full military uniform, and an assault rifle resembling an M16 was slung over the back of his chair. Positioned near one of the windows was a sniper rifle resembling a Barrett M82.


    Beside him, though standing away from the control desk, was a parahuman woman with small, round, fluffy brown ears and thick, fur-covered forearms with large hands and claws.


    Her legs were also extremely thick, particularly her thighs and hips, but fur only covered her lower legs from the knees down. She had very short black hair, matching the fur on her ears, forearms, and legs.


    She too wore a military uniform, but unlike the young man, she carried no weapons or accessories. Instead, she had extra, reinforced armor, clearly designed to protect her in hand-to-hand combat.


    ¡°Are you sad?¡± the woman asked tenderly, as she rose from her chair and moved behind the young man¡¯s seat.


    ¡°No, quite the opposite. I¡¯m even more motivated.¡± Noticing her movement, the young man leaned back against the chair and relaxed.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Your persistence is one of your most admirable traits. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll soon realize how much you have to offer and how amazing it can be to stay by your side.¡±


    After removing the rifle and placing it on another chair, the woman leaned against the back of the young man¡¯s chair and bent down, lowering her head until it touched his hair. She stayed there, comfortably leaning over the chair while affectionately inhaling the scent of his hair.


    ¡°What¡¯s worrying you?¡± the young man asked, sensing the woman was acting very emotionally.


    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just that the Estronitus level is a little high. After all, it¡¯s been a few days since our last time¡­¡± the woman said, using her hands to caress the young man.


    With enviable delicacy and dexterity, she used her left arm to embrace his neck, stroking his face with her hand while lightly and pleasantly scratching his right cheek with her index claw.


    With her right hand, she intertwined her fingers with his, gripping firmly but not enough to hurt. Even if he wanted to free himself, he couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it when you lie, M. We tell each other everything¡ªthat¡¯s the agreement. Are you trying to break it now?¡±


    To anyone entering the room, this scene might look like a parahuman attacking the young man¡ªa tense and dangerous moment few would dare to savor, especially without a Pact established between the parties.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    But that¡¯s precisely what Monique wanted¡ªto see how much the young man still trusted and depended on her. However, he immediately caught on, and while he didn¡¯t resist or hesitate to let her grasp his neck with her sharp claws, he wasn¡¯t satisfied with her previous answer.


    ¡°Are you going to ignore me?¡± Seeing that the woman was more focused on physical contact and the scent of his hair, the young man raised his voice, questioning her seriously this time.


    This startled the woman, making her open her eyes and pause her actions, showing he wasn¡¯t pleased with her response. But after hesitating and thinking for several seconds, she resumed her actions with even more intensity.


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m a little scared, Greg,¡± she said, closing her eyes as she continued smelling his hair and caressing him, though now more desperately and intensely.


    ¡°Scared of what?¡± the young man asked, genuinely surprised.


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it many times, formulated hypotheses, and mapped out several courses of action. That¡¯s what I do¡ªI¡¯ve been trained for it since I was nine years old, and maybe it¡¯s the only thing I¡¯m good at. But the more I thought, the more my predictions and hypotheses terrified me¡­¡±


    Pausing briefly, the woman suddenly stopped all her actions, motionless as she hesitated to continue.


    ¡°We¡¯re partners, M. What¡¯s bad for you is bad for me too. If it scares you, I¡¯ll help you face it,¡± he said, squeezing her hand intertwined with his and tilting his head back to touch her nose.


    ¡°I know, Greg, I know. But how long will it stay that way?¡± Her voice was melancholic and downcast, and her actions turned cold and passive the more she dwelled on the subject.


    ¡°What?¡± Once again, he was caught off guard, unable to understand where she was going.


    ¡°Technically, we¡¯re nothing more than coworkers. We¡¯re not even officially temporary partners, and you haven¡¯t mentioned any future plans with me, even though you¡¯re so close to graduating. All I can think is that once you secure your Lifetime Pact, you won¡¯t need a Support Hound anymore¡­ You won¡¯t need me anymore¡­¡±


    Emotions surged like a wild river as Monique confessed what had been consuming her mind for days. Her actions mirrored her feelings, starting with melancholy and self-loathing that made her pull away slightly from the young man.


    But soon, an intense revolt overtook her, deepened by sadness at the future she envisioned. Anger and sorrow nearly brought her to tears as she fiercely clung to the young man, grasping his neck with her claws in a subtle but threatening grip.


    ¡°Am I so terrible, Gregory, that you wouldn¡¯t even consider forming a Pact with me? Not even a mere temporary one? It made me think over and over about how I could kill you. Slowly, quickly, painlessly, painfully¡­ So many ways came to mind, Gregory, whenever I thought you¡¯d leave me for¡­ for a weak, stupid A-Class Hound¡­¡± She spat the last words with disgust.


    Her voice was cold, full of remorse and sorrow. She was deeply hurt, not in a simple way, but profoundly. Her claws trembled, her breathing quickened, and her eyes filled with tears.


    Slowly, the sharp claws pressed deeper into the young man¡¯s skin until they reached a certain limit. A little more force, and they would pierce the skin as easily as a knife cuts through a fish.


    But against all logic, the young man seemed even more relaxed than before with a slight smile on his face.


    ¡°Go ahead. You have every reason to do it,¡± he said with a voice calm and serene.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Hearing his words, Monique hesitated briefly before pressing his neck harder. But she stopped as soon as she realized his skin had broken and a drop of blood formed on the tip of her claw.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Go on, pierce my throat quickly¡ªit¡¯s easy.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t move, paralyzed after realizing she had just hurt him.


    ¡°Come on, M. Are you just a coward who can¡¯t assert herself? Not even when I¡¯m about to leave you, you can¡¯t take action?¡±


    ¡°¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°Do it. Press harder,¡± the young man said, using his own hand to guide her claws deeper into his neck.


    ¡°NO!¡± Realizing she was hurting him more, the woman suddenly pulled away and collapsed to the floor.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡± she muttered, crawling away from the chair as despair, fear, pain, and regret consumed her soul.


    ¡°Why, M? Why can¡¯t you?¡± he asked, spinning his chair around, leaning forward, and looking into her eyes.


    ¡°I lost control, Greg¡­ Forgive me. This isn¡¯t me,¡± she said in a desperate outburst, kneeling with her head pressed to the floor as she begged for forgiveness.


    ¡°I¡¯m not like this, Greg. Forgive me, please. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± She continued apologizing, crawling to his feet and desperately clutching them with tenderness and despair.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I would never hurt you, Greg. Forgive me,¡± she pleaded, seeing no reaction from him. Her despair became even more evident as she clung to him and licked the blood running down his neck as if trying to erase what had just happened.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Forgive me¡­ Forgive me¡­ Forgive me¡­¡± she repeated, clutching desperately at his waist as the young man looked down at her with a neutral, emotionless expression.


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 Chapter 3 – Monique

    "Forgive me... Forgive me... Forgive me..."


    The situation dragged on for several minutes. Even without receiving a response and with the young man showing no emotion on his face, the woman desperately clung to him, kneeling and pleading for forgiveness.


    Her tears streamed down her face, soaking the young man''s clothes. Still, she held onto his waist, oblivious that her claws were digging into his clothes, almost tearing through them.


    "Sigh Don''t tear my clothes, Monique. Step back a little so we can clarify things."


    Breaking his silence, the young man spoke with a serious expression, commanding her to retract her claws and move away.


    "!!!"


    She obeyed immediately, wiping her tear-filled eyes as she quickly stood and took two steps back. Standing there awkwardly, she avoided his gaze but remained firm, ready to face the consequences.


    "Do you understand what just happened, Monique?"


    "I lost control, Gregory. I wasn''t aware of my actions and ended up committing a serious offense by threatening your life... But I would never do that¡ª"


    "Just answer what I asked. Understood?"


    "Understood."


    "Good. Now, why is your Estronitus level so high, Monique? I recall giving you a large dose of Testonitus eight days ago. I advised that I would not give you another dose for now and to tell you to take your Neutritus capsules. What happened?"


    "I... I didn''t take the Neutritus capsules."


    "Heh." Hearing her answer, the young man smiled for the first time, but it was a cynical, ironic smile¡ªlike someone amused at being proven right.


    Then, with a sharp look, the young man calmly rose from his chair and took two steps toward her.


    Though tall compared to average, the young man was slightly shorter than the woman. She stood at 206 cm and had a much broader physique than him.


    Her broad, strong shoulders supported a well-defined torso that highlighted the seductive curve of her waist. Her hips were even wider and more prominent, with firm, shapely thighs that combined strength and beauty.


    Despite her imposing build and strength, she shrank under the young man''s piercing gaze.


    "Why am I not surprised, Monique?" he asked, circling her like a cat toying with a mouse.


    "..."


    "Give me an honest explanation," He said, as he walked around and calmly observed her reactions.


    "Since we became partners two years ago, I have never needed Neutritus capsules again. You told me that I would not need to take them as long as our partnership lasted. I think... I believe starting the Neutritus means our partnership will end soon."


    Struggling miserably to suppress her reactions, the woman gave an honest answer as she felt the young man''s piercing gaze.


    "Greg, forgive me. I-"


    "On your knees..." the young man ordered, devoid of any emotion in his voice.


    She didn''t hesitate to obey, dropping to her knees immediately. Despite this, her anxiety and nervousness were evident. The uncertainty about the future tormented her mind, and the fear of everything ending soon caused deep dread within her soul.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Sigh Do you remember what I promised you when we became partners? Remember how I said I would treat you as well as I could? Do you remember that?" Sensing the headache this situation was becoming, he sighed.


    "Sir... I thought¡ª"


    Doubt and nervousness consumed her as she responded, her hands unconsciously scratching at her leg. Luckily, the fabric of her pants was highly reinforced and remained intact.


    The young man noticed this easily¡ªa sign that Monique''s emotions were at their peak due to her elevated Estronitus levels.


    "Do you remember?" He repeated, this time stepping closer and grabbing her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.


    "Yes, sir."


    "And how have I been to you?"


    "The best partner I could have..." she said calmly and sincerely, looking into his eyes.


    "Very good, good girl... Now, take off your clothes," he said, releasing her chin and stepping back.


    "!!???"


    Her expression changed entirely at those words, lighting up with joy like a child receiving a Christmas gift.


    She immediately lifted her head and looked at him, as if seeking confirmation that she''d heard correctly.


    Seeing his nod, it was as if all the melancholy and fear had vanished from her mind, leaving only that command.


    She began removing her protective gear, placing it neatly on the ground beside her: knee pads, shoulder guards, tactical vest, gloves, belt, gun holsters, and knife sheaths¡ªincluding two sheathed wakizashis that hung horizontally at his waist.


    In her haste, the protective gear piled up quickly. She then started taking off her military uniform: first her jacket with its extra layer of rigid protection, then her pants with similar reinforcement, boots, socks, and badge.


    "Beautiful as always, M. I never tire of this. Keep going," he encouraged, praising her.


    The woman became even more frantic in her movements, removing the last layers of clothing¡ªthin cotton pants and a tank top.


    All that remained were her undergarments, which she was about to remove when¡ª


    "Stop, M. That''s enough for now... On your knees." Before she could begin removing her underwear, the young man stopped her and again ordered her to kneel.


    He then began to admire her body with even greater intensity than before, like a predator hungrily watching its prey.


    He observed her smooth, tanned skin, her alluring neck, and her breasts, partially concealed by a black sports bra with a modest neckline.


    Her toned, slim and defined abdomen showcased prominent abdominal muscles. Her wide, seductive hips, well-trained yet soft enough to serve as a pillow, were mesmerizing.


    Each thick, strong thigh had a circumference exceeding 90 cm but fit perfectly with her impressive height of 206 cm.


    "What did I tell you yesterday?"


    As he said this, the young man slowly approached her and began caressing her ears, which twitched with every touch and squeeze.


    "You said that you already had someone for your Lifelong Pact, Sir."


    "And?"He asked as he firmly grasped her silky short hair, forcing her to bend her neck and look up into his eyes. Leaning closer, he inhaled deeply at her neck, savoring the sweet, enticing scent she exuded.


    "And... Sniff-Hoooff you said you had... other plans for our partnership. Sniff-Hoooff" At the same time, the woman began to inhale his scent deeply.


    Her highly sensitive sense of smell overwhelmed her mind with the aroma she so craved, leaving her nearly in a trance.


    "Those plans, M, were to request permission from the Academy for you to sign a Temporary Pact with me after securing my Lifelong Pact... But for that, you needed to pass the autonomy and self-control tests. But i see, clearly, you''re not ready for that."


    "Sir, forgive me... I didn''t know. I thought you would end our partnership and send me back to the Training Center. I''ve seen it happen before with other Hounds¡ªcountless times, we''re replaced by younger Hounds with more potential."


    "Sshhh... I know, M, I understand... But how many times have I told you that you''re an excellent partner? Was it not enough to dispel your doubts about our partnership? Am I not trustworthy?"


    From the beginning of their conversation, he understood the misunderstanding she had, but that didn¡¯t make it any easier to handle. There was no reason for her to worry, but he had left gaps for her to interpret it that way.


    The truth was, he needed her to stop receiving Testonitus to clear her system and undergo the clinical exams required for the autonomy and self-control tests mandated by the Academy to grant licenses to Training Hounds.


    He had planned this months ago, ever since Monique started personally preparing for his graduation. It was her gift to him, as they had been together for two years and shared a deep connection.


    He was certain she would be thrilled and share the news with all her colleagues. For this reason, he hadn¡¯t told her his plans; he needed her to stay "clean." If she experienced extreme joy, her Estronitus levels would spike, leading to situations like this one.


    Now he found himself intervening and using his own Testonitus to resolve the situation. This was about to happen. The alternative was administering a high dose of Neutritus, which would have even worse side effects.


    In short, she couldn¡¯t undergo the Academy tests if she experienced any emotional spikes... a cycle he had hoped to avoid by keeping his plans from her and acting normally. Yet, here they were.


    "You were supposed to control yourself better, M. What kind of S-Class Hound are you if you can''t even manage your own emotions? Luckily, we would have had to postpone your tests anyway since I was rejected..."

 Chapter 4 – Punishment (1)

    "What¡¯s your Estronitus level, Monique?"


    Stepping back slightly, the young man looked at the woman with a resigned expression. He knew what needed to be done to resolve the situation. But he couldn''t forget his duties as a Hunter, a rookie mistake was made¡ªby an S-Class Hound no less¡ªand he needs to take appropriate action.


    "A little over 3000." Ashamed of her error, the woman lowered her head and replied softly.


    "Exactly how much?" The young man asked in a more serious tone.


    "3610, the last time I measured¡­" She answered, still with her head down.


    "And when was that?"


    "Today¡­ at 3 PM."


    "Sigh¡­ You know I¡¯m going to punish you, don¡¯t you?"


    The young man said after walking over to one of the computers and pressing a button to turn off the lights in the room.


    "¡­" She didn¡¯t answer, merely nodded affirmatively.


    "You, M, acted like a mistreated B-Class Hound with advanced signs of Degeneration. What will people think of me when they see the footage from the cameras? What will they do to you?" He asked as he returned to her side, staring at her sternly.


    "I made a mistake, Greg¡­ But if necessary, I will take full responsibility. I will do everything possible to ensure your reputation isn¡¯t affected. I just ask¡­ I just ask you to forgive me, Greg. Please don¡¯t abandon me¡­"


    Even in the dim light, he could see her guilt-ridden expression. She nearly threw herself to the ground as she spoke, her voice melancholy and regretful.


    "Sigh I have two pieces of good news for you, M... First, nothing will happen to us. I¡¯ll ask Fried for a favor and erase the footage."


    Screeeech


    As he spoke, the young man walked to the corner of the room where a 1m by 2m metal table stood. Though relatively small, its material caused a screeching noise as it was pushed to the center of the room.


    "Second, M, today, for the first time since we met, you showed your extremely possessive and emotional side. And honestly¡­ I LOVED IT." The young man savored every word, observing the woman intently.


    "?!!??" She didn¡¯t understand his words and wore a surprised and confused expression as she looked at the smiling young man.


    "Always so proper, always so correct, always so controlled. Even when you were a little more emotional, there was always a limit. Even during sex, you hold back, preferring the basics. Or when you''re being punished, you show no emotion. Honestly, you¡¯ve been a good friend¡ªmaybe the best I could have, M. But for a candidate to form a Pact, To me you wouldn''t even qualify for a temporary Pact.¡­ You lacked essence."


    Clack Clack Rrrrsshh Thump-thump


    Even as he spoke, the young man rummaged through the drawers of the control desk and opened the cabinets. Fortunately, his search ended quickly, and he returned to the table in the center of the room with two steel handcuffs, two thick ropes, and a small whip.


    "Heh, lucky this is still here," he said, holding the whip.


    "Greg?"


    "And that¡¯s what I doubted, M. I always thought you¡¯d never give me your all..."


    "No, no, no... You¡¯re special to me, Greg. You treat me as an equal, understand my needs, care for my well-being, provide extravagant luxuries, fulfill all my emotional and physiological needs, and more..." You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "Yes, but that''s the basics, I didn''t think our relationship would evolve just because of that. Anyway, as I was saying, M, until today, I saw you more as a good friend than a potential partner."


    "You¡¯re the partner I¡¯ve always dreamed of, Greg,  i didn¡¯t want to be replaced... After everything we¡¯ve been through together, I would do anything for you. ANYTHING..."


    "Anything?"


    "Just ask, Greg¡­" Saying this, she used her claws to grip her own neck, pressing hard enough for her claws to pierce the skin.


    "Don¡¯t worry about that. You¡¯ve already proven what you needed to prove." The young man said as he approached the woman, taking her hand from her neck.


    He then intertwined his fingers with hers, grabbed her chin, and slowly leaned his face closer to hers¡­


    "Today, you proved me wrong. You¡¯re brave, jealous, possessive. What would happen if we formed a lifelong Pact? How long until you ascended? How many times? The possibilities are endless now. Hahaha..."


    Approaching slowly, staring deeply into her eyes, the young man seemed hypnotized, and the woman appeared to be as well.


    First, their noses touched, then their lips met softly.


    The woman closed her eyes and took the initiative, kissing the young man passionately. She claimed his lips skillfully, eager to explore every corner of his mouth and coat every part of his lips with hers.


    The young man, for his part, let the woman take control and followed her lead, reciprocating the kiss while savoring the sweet taste of her mouth. Occasionally, he felt his lips being sucked forcefully, which he also eagerly returned.


    However, he remained lucid, noticing every detail of her body. The intense goosebumps, her rising body temperature, her skyrocketing heart rate.


    Her hand tightened its grip on his, while her other hand began fumbling with the belt of his pants. The kiss grew more intense, with her tongue exploring every inch of his mouth.


    She left him no room to breathe; every second was spent sucking his lips and drinking the dew she eagerly took with her skilled tongue.


    It was as if she were desperate¡ªshe wanted him immediately...


    "Enough¡­" He said as he realized she had managed to remove his belt.


    "¡­? Huh? Nooo. A little more, Please." Disoriented, the woman was still in a trance when she noticed her source of joy had been taken away...


    "We¡¯ll continue this later, M, I promise. But for now, answer me: Do you accept your punishment?" Moving away from her and approaching the table, he turned with one of the handcuffs in his hand and asked.


    "Yes, of course¡­ You¡¯ll forgive me, won¡¯t you, Greg?"She immediately responded but seemed hesitant as she posed her own question.


    "I don¡¯t blame you for your emotional outburst, M, don¡¯t worry. Actually, I¡¯m only punishing you because you disobeyed my orders and made a rookie mistake. Understood?"


    "Yes¡­"


    "Very well, let¡¯s begin¡­"


    ___________


    Monique, a Parahuman of the physical type, was renowned for her resilience and durability. She was an ideal tank in a well-organized team of Hounds. With the support buff of another Parahuman, she could easily handle a horde of 15 Level 3 or 2 Level 4 physical Mutanoids.


    As a Hound of the Academy, Monique was required to remain in peak condition. Her daily routine included two hours of rigorous training, often exceeding the limits of even other Parahumans. Edgar, her trainer, ensured she adhered to a demanding regimen of exercises and a tailored diet. Thanks to his guidance, she had set personal records: a 585-kilogram bench press and a 935-kilogram squat.


    Even among other Hounds, Monique was relatively strong and physically resilient. Her tolerance for pain was exceptional¡ªshe could sustain deep cuts and remain in battle. Her flawless skin was a testament to her body¡¯s advanced healing factor.


    She was a combat machine¡­ Yet, at this moment, that same formidable woman was in a deeply vulnerable and compromising position.


    Bent over the metal table, Monique, dressed only in her black undergarments, found herself restrained.


    Each of her hands was cuffed to opposite corners of the table, forcing her arms to stretch and leaving her unable to make any sudden movements.


    Due to the table¡¯s compact size, only her upper body rested on its surface. Her lower body remained exposed, her toned hips supported by her legs, which were tied securely to the table¡¯s legs with thick ropes.


    The position left her legs slightly apart, a posture deliberately humiliating. Her shapely, muscular figure¡ªso admired for its strength¡ªwas now accentuated in an entirely different way.


    Gulp.


    The young man, who had orchestrated her restraint, swallowed hard as he took in the sight. He fought the almost overwhelming urge to give in to temptation, his instincts urging him to close the distance between them.


    But he was a man of focus, and his resolve held firm.


    "As an Ursinus, you should have a stronger will against submission, Monique. Don¡¯t you feel any shame? An S-Class Hound from the Academy with nearly a decade of experience, submitting to a mere young Hunter¡­ Tsk-Tsk-Tsk."


    His words carried a teasing edge as he circled the table, observing her from every angle. His mind was already spinning with thoughts of how he intended to "correct" her later.


    Monique¡¯s breathing was steady, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her emotions. Though outwardly composed, she was anything but indifferent to his gaze or his words.


    "I know what you¡¯re feeling, Monique, the thought that you might leave me and find another guy infuriates me... Besides, you showed me something I really liked, so I won''t punish you too severely."

 Chapter 6 – Freud Hikkens

    <div>


    ¡°So, you want me to erase last night''s surveillance footage from Tower 38''s security cameras.¡±


    In an office with a panoramic view at the top of a 30-story building, a man in a black suit sat in a large, ergonomic, and comfortable chair. In front of him was a massive desk that doubled as a giant touchpad for operations.


    The man was currently using the touchpad as a keyboard connected to a vertical screen also integrated with the desk. While typing on the screen, he had several digital documents open on the desk''s surface.


    Behind him, the view wasn¡¯t as spectacular but still revealed a good portion of the military district and part of the stadium. One of the office walls was dominated by a massive display covering more than half of its surface.


    This display was divided into thousands of smaller screens, showing real-time footage of nearly every street in and around the city. Each screen had a location code corresponding to its respective camera.


    This was the office of Freud Hikkens, Administrative Director of the Image Management Bureau, responsible for overseeing the team managing the operation and maintenance of surveillance footage captured by all security cameras within and around Fortress City 4115, better known as Efflium.


    ¡°Yes, sir...¡± Standing before the man, Gregory was dressed in a dark blue military uniform, black boots, and black gloves.


    He looked attentively at the man, waiting patiently while listening to the clicking of the keys. The man, on the other hand, said nothing for a long while, focusing solely on finishing his report and sending it to a secure email.


    ¡°Sigh. Cadet Gunn, do you have any idea what you¡¯re asking for? Altering or omitting footage from any public camera without proper authorization from higher authorities is a crime punishable by exile, imprisonment or heavy fines,¡± the man said, still typing.


    But as soon as he finished speaking, the man paused, rested his elbows on the desk, interlaced his fingers, and looked seriously at Gregory.


    ¡°Just mentioning such an idea is more than enough to have you detained for sabotage or espionage,¡± he added.


    This entire building housed the headquarters of the Image Management Bureau, located in the city¡¯s military operations complex¡ªhome to key military bodies such as the Foreign Operations Command Center, the Public Security Bureau, and the Logistics Center, among others.


    The Image Management Bureau was an important entity but also answered to two superior authorities: the Defense Command Center and the Public Security Bureau.


    ¡°I understand perfectly, sir. But the footage from that camera could ruin more than just my record and future as a Hunter... It could ruin my life and my partner¡¯s. I know it¡¯s a crime, but I have no choice. I¡¯m simply asking for your help in granting me access to the correct sector¡¯s server.¡±


    ¡°That would be very easy for me. In fact, I could solve your problem myself in under 10 minutes. But my question is: is it the right thing to do?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Come with me.¡±


    With that, the man momentarily interrupted his speech to rise from his chair. He grabbed a small transparent tablet and approached the wall with the large display. Gregory followed, standing beside him as the man searched for something on his tablet.


    ¡°Here, these are the images.¡±


    With a few taps and gestures, the man brought up the footage. The giant wall display cleared, and a single video filled the entire space. The footage was sped up to 5x and showed Tower 38¡¯s surveillance from the previous night.


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    At first, everything seemed normal, showing the routine of a pair of night guards. But then...


    Click.


    With a single tap, the footage froze. The screen displayed the exact moment Monique was holding Gregory by the neck.


    Gregory watched the footage intently, a mix of emotions visible on his face. He couldn¡¯t allow this footage to reach the Public Security Bureau.


    ¡°Cadet Gunn, from what I see, your Hound partner appears unstable and a potential threat to you and public safety. In fact, many would say she¡¯s a genuine danger,¡± the man said, cautiously observing the frozen frame.


    ¡°I am aware of the facts, sir. I fully understand your judgment. I would think the same if I were in your position. But the truth is, Monique didn¡¯t attack me. She would never harm me. Just watch the rest of the footage to understand.¡±


    Click.


    With that, the two continued watching the entire scene in the watchtower. This time, the video played at normal speed, complete with audio capturing everything said.


    From the moment Monique released Gregory¡¯s neck to the end of the punishment, every word spoken and detail revealed was displayed.


    Click.


    With another tap, the screen went dark, and silence filled the room. The two individuals who had been watching wore very different and telling expressions.


    Most evident was the genuine surprise on the suited man¡¯s face as he glanced at Gregory. What he had just witnessed was entirely unexpected.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors about your unusual tendencies regarding your Hound, but I didn¡¯t know you had this kind of... preference,¡± the man remarked.


    ¡°...¡± Gregory didn¡¯t know how to respond in this situation, so he simply smiled with an air of pride.


    ¡°Ahem... Care to explain what happened? From what I saw and heard, you two seemed more like a couple having an argument than a Hunter and their Hound,¡± the man said, coughing awkwardly as he returned to his desk and sat down.


    Gregory resumed his position in front of the desk and replied:


    ¡°Last night, Monique¡¯s Estronitus levels exceeded 4000. She was on the verge of a degenerative collapse. Fortunately¡ª¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment. What do you mean they exceeded 4000? Estronitus levels above 4500 are strictly forbidden. Any Hound in that situation must be executed immediately, and you allowed your Hound to approach that limit?¡± the man interrupted.


    ¡°That was my oversight, sir. Fortunately, I focused on training Monique¡¯s resistance and tolerance to Estronitus, which prevented her from degenerating and becoming a Fallen. However, her emotions were slightly amplified and distorted, leading to this event.¡±


    ¡°A rookie mistake, Cadet Gunn. A mistake that cannot be made by a prospective Hunter. Moreover, it¡¯s a mistake that could have been avoided with Neutritus Capsules. Why wasn¡¯t this prevented?¡±


    ¡°Our relationship is... a bit complicated. To summarize, she developed an emotional dependency. Because I didn¡¯t properly explain the situation, she thought I was going to terminate our partnership. That¡¯s why she avoided taking the Neutritus Capsules and remained silent until last night.¡±


    Once his explanation was over, silence again settled over the room.


    ¡°Sigh. At ease, Gregory. Let¡¯s drop the formalities for now,¡± the man said, leaning back in his chair with a sigh.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Gregory replied, removing his beret and sitting in one of the guest chairs across from the desk.


    ¡°So, how many times have I told you that Hounds and Hunters must maintain strictly professional relationships? Do you have an addiction to getting involved with mentally unstable and potentially dangerous Para-humans? Is that it, Gregory?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it that way, Freud.¡±


    ¡°I need to remind you that unless you form a pact, you should never expose yourself emotionally or allow your Hound to become emotionally dependent on you? It¡¯s in the manual¡ªno emotional attachments. Why take such risks, Gregory?¡±


    ¡°I understand the rules, but that doesn¡¯t mean I shouldn¡¯t learn more about her. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to her or to me,¡± Gregory said, speaking calmly, as if he had no issue bending the rules.


    Freud, seeing that Gregory had no intention of admitting fault for his behavior, began to grow increasingly frustrated.


    ¡°Yes, sure, but as I understand it, you¡¯re responsible for her training, diet, hygiene, medical care, grooming, clothing, and housing. Practically everything in her life is under your control. That¡¯s absurd, Gregory,¡± Freud said, his voice rising with indignation.


    ¡°Those are exaggerations. She has her own opinions, and if she¡¯s dissatisfied with something, she tells me. Besides, it¡¯s the least I can do in return for all the effort she puts in. She gives me the best results at the academy, trains hard, follows the routine without complaint, supports my decisions, and respects my opinions... The only complaint I have is that she has terrible taste in clothes and doesn¡¯t like taking care of her appearance. Which is a shame, but I respect her choices. Plus, she looks great in a more casual style. I...¡±


    Gregory responded and continued speaking cheerfully for several minutes about his relationship with Monique¡ªthe good and the bad. As he spoke, he wore a smile and gazed vaguely at the view outside the office window.


    <div>

 Chapter 7 – Mission

    "On top of all that, I¡¯m the Top 1 aspirant in the ranking because of her. She sacrificed so much to put me on top. So, Fried, everything I do for her is the least I can do to thank her."


    After several minutes of an extensive monologue, Gregory finally paused for a moment. His gaze shifted back to Fried, no longer wandering across the city view, but the smile on his face remained.


    "Finished?" On the other hand, Fried had been counting down every second on the wall clock.


    "Yes..." Gregory replied, somewhat uncertainly.


    "First of all, let me clarify that you''re Top 1 because of your exceptional grades and your talents in leadership and strategy. That¡¯s the only reason. Hound Monique isn¡¯t even in the Top 10 of the best-ranked Hounds at the Academy. She¡¯s merely a mid-to-good S-Class Hound."


    "But¡ª" Gregory tried to interrupt Fried, but it didn¡¯t work.


    "If you had chosen Soraya, a Magic-Type Hound specializing in single-target damage, or Mylena, a Magic-Type Hound specializing in area damage, you would¡¯ve already earned your official Hunter license six months ago. And to finish..."


    After enduring several tedious minutes of monologue, Fried seemed to be venting his frustration as he continued to speak. By bringing up the facts, he began pointing out Gregory''s obvious inconsistencies.


    Moreover, Fried was annoyed by Gregory¡¯s shamelessness in naturally admitting he took care of Monique as if she were a child. This shouldn¡¯t happen¡ªit¡¯s dangerous and against the rules, especially in Gregory''s case.


    "This is her job, Gregory. What will happen when you graduate next month? Are you going to leave her there with a hole in her heart that won¡¯t heal?"


    While speaking, Fried stood and walked over to Gregory with calm steps. His voice was gentle and solemn, typical of someone questioning another''s morals and ethics.


    Then, as he approached, Fried leaned down, stared deeply into Gregory¡¯s eyes, and spoke in a much more serious tone:


    "Don¡¯t you feel remorse realizing it¡¯s your responsibility if a woman degenerates and becomes a Decayed?"


    "..." Gregory¡¯s expression turned pale.


    A thousand things ran through his mind, but what took up the most space was the memory of Monique saying, ¡°Don¡¯t abandon me... Please don¡¯t leave me...¡±


    A tightness in his chest made him groan, as if something were corroding his heart from the inside out. For the first time since entering the room, he wore a tense, worried expression. He was afraid.


    "Rules don¡¯t exist to deprive people of their choices. Rules exist to prevent people from making terrible mistakes."


    Backing away, Fried noticed he had landed a critical blow on Gregory, so he decided to give him some space. To do so, Fried turned and slowly walked to the panoramic window while speaking:


    "If you want to make a mistake, fine, but that doesn¡¯t mean you should involve others in it. Pros and cons¡ªisn¡¯t that what you learned to deal with at the Academy? Is it worth letting your partner decay just because you want to feel more useful and capable?"


    "Fried..." Rising quickly from his chair, Gregory hurried over to where Fried stood and then¡ª


    Thud


    Abruptly, Gregory dropped to his knees, bowing his head to the floor.


    "What?" Surprised by the gesture, Fried was momentarily speechless.


    "Thank you. I¡¯ve been enlightened again, Fried. I was selfish¡ªa fool who chose the path of roses to hell over the steep climb to paradise. I thought I was doing good, but it seems my eyes were closed."


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    "There¡¯s no need for this. Get up..." Reacting to Gregory¡¯s sincere apology, Fried quickly extended a hand to help him up.


    "Fried, I think I got at least one thing right." Accepting the outstretched hand, Gregory spoke as he stood.


    "And what would that be?" Fried asked as he adjusted parts of Gregory¡¯s uniform that had gotten disheveled.


    "I¡¯m going to form a pact with Monique. I won¡¯t abandon her. I¡¯ll protect her in every way I can. I won¡¯t leave her behind... So, Fried, I¡¯m asking for your help¡ªfor the sake of our friendship."


    "Sigh Fine. Fine... But it won¡¯t be free."


    "Just name the price."


    _______________________________


    Of the three specific areas within the Domed City of Efflium, the residential area is the greenest and most colorful. Parks, plazas, and green spaces can be found in almost every small block.


    To save space, there are no standalone houses or individual buildings in large numbers¡ªonly a few affluent and powerful individuals can own a single-story house. Moreover, all single-story homes are located in a single gated community.


    The rest of the ordinary citizens live in enormous residential complexes across different condominiums¡ªsome more luxurious, others simpler, and many in between. There are various housing options to fit different income brackets.


    Of course, there are numerous other criteria that each residential building requires of its residents. For instance, some are exclusive to Parahumans, others to students, others to military personnel, and still others to human women.


    Additionally, some buildings are government-subsidized and exclusively for pregnant women or mothers with children up to 5 years old. These are called Nursery Buildings.


    Typically, students at the Hunters¡¯ Military Academy reside in dormitories within the Academy''s premises. This is the case for 99% of students; however, some prefer to live in their own homes.


    Despite the travel time, they don¡¯t trade the comfort of their private residence for the practicality of dorm life. This is the case for Gregory, who owns a mid-class apartment in a neutral-policy residential building.


    With two bedrooms, two suites, a large living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a service area, it¡¯s a comfortable space for a family of up to seven people. Yet, only two suites are occupied¡ªone by Gregory and the other by Monique. Speaking practically, however, only one is truly used, as Monique has slept with Gregory every night for the past 18 months.


    At this very moment, a few hours after Gregory''s meeting with Fried, the two occupants of the house are holding a small meeting at the dining table.


    "Are you serious???"


    "Fried doesn¡¯t joke, M. You know that very well."


    At a wooden table with eight seats, two of the cozy chairs are occupied¡ªGregory at the head of the table and Monique to his right.


    "I know, Greg, but him asking us to hunt two Decayed Rank A is outrageous..." Monique said, her voice filled with clear indignation.


    This was her reaction upon hearing Fried¡¯s terms for erasing the footage¡ªa covert hunt for two Parahumans critical to the city¡¯s defense forces who, for some reason, had Decayed without any clear explanation or apparent reason, the two were field research agents sent together on a minor reconnaissance mission to investigate an area with elevated levels of Hormonal Mutation Neurotropic Agents.


    Since it was a relatively nearby area, about 10 kilometers from the city''s outer perimeter, it wasn¡¯t deemed necessary to deploy Hunters. Instead, two S-Class Hounds were dispatched due to the low-risk assessment.


    Fortunately, their trackers were still active and transmitting their locations. The downside was that they weren¡¯t responding to their communicators¡ªonly growls and snarls could be heard, which was always a dire sign.


    The hypotheses were grim: either some unknown creature ambushed and consumed them, or, for reasons yet unknown, they had Decayed into irrational beasts. Neither hypothesis had been confirmed thus far, which was why Fried called it a "hunt" rather than a "rescue."


    Monique and Gregory were tasked with locating their whereabouts to determine the truth. If the first hypothesis proved correct, they were to eliminate the threat if possible or return and request backup.


    If the second hypothesis was confirmed¡ªthat the two Hounds had indeed Decayed, degenerating into feral, irrational creatures¡ªthey were to be subdued and transported back to the city. There, the Hounds would undergo a series of studies and tests to uncover the cause of their degeneration, followed by their transfer to the Parahuman Control and Rehabilitation Center.


    "Here are their files. Based on the timestamps and other data, neither of them has gone more than seven days without a dose of Neutritus. Pre-mission tests show no elevated Estronitus levels, and their degeneration rates were under 20%," Gregory said, flipping through one of the Hounds¡¯ profiles.


    On the table, stacks of papers were scattered haphazardly. Among them were the Hounds¡¯ profiles, details of their previous missions, specifics of their current assignment, and a report on the possible causes of the high levels of Hormonal Mutation Neurotropic Agents (Mutagenic Agents) in the area.


    Additionally, at Gregory''s insistence, Fried had provided a detailed list of the monsters and threats cataloged in the region thus far.

 Chapter 8 – Stress

    ¡°This mission is relatively simple, M, if it really is a mutant monster. It would only get a little more complicated if they really became Fallen. Even so, we still have obvious advantages, since they must not have gotten used to the changes and new powers yet, and their mental state must also be in a primitive state.¡±


    After finishing flipping through the file, Gregory gave his opinion on the mission. But when he looked at Monique, he realized that she was not at all interested in this mission. She had not even picked up a file to flip through and continued to look at him with uncertainty and discouragement.


    ¡°This is not a good idea, Greg¡­ Fighting monsters is easy, because they attack everything that has a high concentration of Mutagenic Agents without distinguishing between Neutrites, Estronitus or Testonitus¡­ They will attack the first one that shows itself and the closest one. Simple¡­¡±


    She then stood up and took a blank sheet of paper and a pen. After cleaning the table and moving all those sheets of paper, she began to draw on the blank sheet.


    On the sheet, she drew in a crude and peculiar way some small human figures. First a pair of people, then two more people below. Then she showed the drawing to Gregory and said:


    ¡°There is no chance in hell of us hunting Fallen. They seek Testonitus in an unstoppable frenzy, Greg, you know that. The first thing they will do as soon as they notice our presence more than 2 kilometers away is to run towards you.¡±


    She said, clearly exposing her dissatisfaction and fears. As she connected the two figures above with an arrow to one of the figures below.


    "It doesn¡¯t matter if I¡¯m there, they will attack you as soon as they find you.¡± She said, as she circled the other figure below and then drew an x ??over it.


    ¡°I know, M, but we are not amateurs. Even if we have not hunted Fallen before, your combat experience is broad enough for this task.¡± Gregory replied calmly as he crossed his fingers.


    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s completely different. I can¡¯t fight while protecting you, and besides, we¡¯re talking about Rank A Fallen, they shouldn¡¯t be underestimated. If I make a mistake, you¡¯ll die, Greg. Got it? They¡¯re not monsters, they¡¯re Fallen. I refuse to accept this mission, I won¡¯t put you at risk.¡±


    ¡°You underestimate yourself too much. Even though they¡¯ve gained strength equivalent to an S-Class Parahuman, that doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re as intelligent as before.¡±


    ¡°Even so, I won¡¯t take any risks. If you want to accept this mission, know that I¡¯ll go alone. You¡¯ll stay here safely.¡±


    ¡°¡­ That¡¯s nonsense. I¡¯ll go with you, I know how to defend myself very well. Besides, I¡¯m the one responsible for analyzing the Hounds¡¯ situation.¡±


    ¡°No. You¡¯re not going.¡±


    The situation reached an impasse, where Monique didn¡¯t want Gregory to take so many risks and he wanted to go to ensure the success of the mission with his precise analysis.


    Although Monique almost always complied with Gregory''s requests and orders, she had a strong stubbornness when it came to putting him in risky situations. The last time he went with her on a field mission was 3 months after they started their partnership.


    Because of the incident that day, Monique created a resistance against Gregory''s exposure to risks that became stronger and more ingrained in their partnership. Since then, he only participates in hunting and combat missions through communicators and images transmitted by spy drones.


    "This is not a choice, M, it''s the mission that demands it."


    However, this mission was very different from normal. Both because of the target and because of the clear instructions given by Fried. The instructions said that Gregory should personally go check on the Hounds'' situation and give Fried a detailed report on the situation.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "No. No. No..." Feeling wronged, Monique felt lost about what to do.


    While crossing her arms and lightly tapping her foot on the ground, she began to look indignantly at Gregory, as if she were waiting for him to change his mind.


    But that didn¡¯t happen¡­


    ¡°Sigh This time we have no choice, M, I¡¯m sorry.¡± All Gregory could do was let out a big sigh as he apologized sincerely to Monique.


    But perhaps out of frustration or anger at her own helplessness, Monique¡¯s expression turned fierce. She then turned her back and walked into the living room, where she began to punch a large, heavy punching bag that was floating.


    Thump Thump Thump Thump


    This was a professional training device that used electromagnetic fields to keep the punching bag floating on a fixed base. Even so, with each punch, the punching bag threatened to escape the area of ??effect of the device and fall far away.


    A relatively impressive feat of physical strength, as this bag was made of a solid metal alloy and weighed over 600 kilos. Fortunately, the lining was made of an ultra-resistant fabric that prevented direct contact between Monique''s skin and the cold metal.


    Thump Thump Thump Thump


    ¡°Grrah¡­¡± Anger and frustration were quite evident as she frowned and growled with each punch.


    Behind her, sitting on the couch a few feet away from where Monique was fiercely and mercilessly punching the punching bag, Gregory was calmly observing the situation. Something normal for him, as Monique had the strange habit of punching something whenever she was frustrated.


    Thump Thump Thump Thump


    He waited patiently for almost 15 minutes while the blows continued incessantly. By this time, he had already lain down on the couch while reading a book to distract himself.


    ¡°huff ¨C puff huff ¨C puff¡± At this point the knocking stopped and Monique began to breathe in and out slowly to calm herself down.


    ¡°¡­ Do you want to talk now?¡± Gregory asked, after sitting back down on the couch.


    ¡°I want double the reward. No, I want triple...¡± Sweating a little, Monique had a stern expression on her face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if Fried will accept...¡± Gregory replied, thinking about how to meet her demand.


    But while he was thinking, Monique came to him and knelt down.


    ¡°It¡¯s not from him that I want the reward. It¡¯s from you...¡± With a seductive expression and an amused smile on her face, Monique spread Gregory¡¯s legs and began to quickly take off his pants.


    ¡°Haha¡­ I understand, but the reward is only after the mission, M...¡± Understanding what she meant, Gregory had a wicked smile on his face as he slowly stroked Monique¡¯s round and cute ears.


    ¡°Mine will be in advance. Gulp¡±


    After taking off her pants, Monique was about to free the cock from Gregory¡¯s underwear. She salivated in anticipation and at the smell of her reward.


    But before she could do so, Gregory pulled her hair and pulled her nose away from his friend. He looked into her eyes and slowly approached her, to the point where they could feel each other¡¯s breath and asked:


    ¡°Whose are you?¡± he asked, while using his other hand to roughly caress Monique¡¯s face.


    Monique¡¯s panting became more explicit and her temperature rose rapidly.


    ¡°I¡¯m yours¡­¡± She said sincerely and without hesitation, but struggling to control her desire to take Gregory¡¯s lips with hers.


    Her claws tightened around his thighs, but she had good enough control not to hurt him. However, her legs were constantly moving and rubbing against each other.


    ¡°Good girl¡­ Keep going.¡± After hearing what he wanted, Gregory gave Monique permission to continue and let go of her hair.


    In turn, Monique advanced on him and took those lips that she finds so tasty and seductive. Eagerly, she hugged him and made him lean against the couch while she climbed onto his lap.


    smack squish slurp smuack


    She kissed him intensely, sucking on his lips and thrusting her tongue into his mouth voraciously.At this moment, all that matters to her is satisfying her own needs.


    smack squish


    Without restraint, she explored Gregory''s mouth and took every drop of saliva she could steal while feeding him with her own. Only stopping momentarily to take off his clothes.


    Her hands were frantic and skillful enough to take off almost all of Gregory''s clothes and her own clothes quickly. In a matter of 2 minutes she was already half-naked, just like Gregory.


    It was at this moment that she stopped her kiss, leaving a bridge of saliva connecting their mouths. Gregory was sad to lose that good feeling, but he had time to breathe before another good feeling hit him like lightning¡­


    sllluurrrp


    ¡°Ughh¡± Surprised as he caught his breath, Gregory let out a moan of pleasure when he felt a strong suction sensation on his penis.


    He didn¡¯t even need to look down to know what it was, in fact, he had to look at the ceiling as he tried to concentrate and not give in to the pleasure.


    sllluurrrp slrreeep lissh slurp


    With well-trained skills, Monique holds delicately and looks at that hard 20cm piece of meat like a hungry person looks at a feast. She also didn¡¯t hesitate to lick and lubricate Gregory¡¯s penis generously.

 Chapter 10 – Piloting

    Practicality and efficiency, the entire basic idea for the construction of Efflium, and most of the Fortress Cities, has these two characteristics as essential pillars.


    Due to its limited space, all space must be used in a way that provides high-level efficiency. Whether through better division of spaces, large-scale use of vertical architecture, elimination of waste, compaction of structures and buildings, among others.


    That is why it is common to see narrow connecting streets, narrow internal corridors, houses with small and compact rooms, few wide streets, few squares and few useless spaces.


    But each building is planned to avoid inconvenience to citizens and provide agility in any movement they make.


    A very obvious example is the fact that the entire city is cut through by 3 wide streets that form circles around the Efflium Multisport Stadium. The largest road, which is the largest circle, is closest to the edge of the city, the smallest road is closest to the stadium, and the last road is the one between the smallest and largest.


    All residents use these main roads to travel between the different Zones of the city. However, the road to enter the military zone, as well as this entire zone, is isolated from the rest of the city.


    A high wall, about 7 meters high, and several watchtowers protect the entire perimeter. No one enters without authorization or a sensible reason. Furthermore, to enter the military zone of the city, you must pass through checkpoints and receive a tracking bracelet.


    Of course, for those who work, live or study in this zone, there is no need for formalities. They have a different identification card from the rest of the ordinary citizens.


    ¡°Mr. Gunn, I heard that you were rejected by Miss Rosen. I was shocked when Robert told me.¡±


    ¡°I see that news spreads like wildfire. Hahaha, but unfortunately it''s true.¡±


    At that moment, at one of the checkpoints between the residential sector and the military sector, Gregory accompanied by Monique was passing by talking to the officer responsible for checking in their IDs.


    ¡°For God''s sake, Mr. Gunn, if she rejected someone like you, who does she think would want to form a pact with a Parahuman like her?¡±


    While scanning the IDs and confirming their authenticity, the officer talked enthusiastically to Gregory.


    ¡°I didn''t give up, Robert. Yesterday was the first attempt, she''ll give in sooner or later.¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha, that''s how you say it, Mr. Gunn. She may have her flaws, but her strength is top-notch, I''m sure you''ll get brilliant results. Here it is, all right.¡±


    After completing the procedure, the officer returned the two IDs to Gregory.


    ¡°Nobody''s perfect, but I believe that too, Robert. Thank you.¡±


    Taking the IDs and putting them in his wallet, Gregory saluted the officer. The officer saluted back, and then glanced at Monique, who was leaning against the wall a few meters away, then spoke in a low voice to Gregory:


    ¡°But I think it¡¯s hard for her to surpass Monique as your partner, Mr. Gunn. Let¡¯s agree that the competition is unfair, wouldn¡¯t it be better to find a way to buy her license from the Academy?¡±


    ¡°I thought about it, but the resources are lacking to buy a license for an S-Class Hound from the Academy. With Miss Rosen¡¯s help, I¡¯ll be able to accumulate resources to make that happen in the future, so I have to stand firm even if I¡¯m rejected 10 or 15 times. It¡¯s for me and for them¡­¡±


    "Have I told you that I admire you a lot?¡±


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    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Be it or not, know that I admire you a lot."


    ¡°Hahaha, Have a good day, Robert.¡± Smiling, Gregory said goodbye to the officer, before turning and walking towards Monique.


    ¡°Have a good day, Mr. Gunn, and I hope you succeed as soon as possible before the State Tournament. It¡¯s 3 months away.¡± The officer replied, before returning to his post while waiting for the next person to check in.


    With access cleared, Gregory walked towards Monique so they could pass through the access passage together. However, while Gregory was cheerful and energetic, Monique was leaning against the wall the whole time.


    She had her arms crossed and looked at the ground in dismay, every now and then a yawn would come out of her mouth. Her tired expression showed that she wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with boring things.


    ¡°Here. Let¡¯s go.¡± Reaching her, Gregory handed her her ID and started walking towards a short tunnel that led to the other side of the wall.


    ¡°I want to go home, Greg¡­ I want to sleep¡­¡± Mumbling and walking with heavy steps, Monique followed him, discouraged and dissatisfied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, M. Whenever you take 2 doses of Testonitus, you pass out for almost 2 hours. What do you think would happen with 3 doses? You¡¯ve been out for 5 hours, M. It¡¯s almost 5 p.m., the Superintendence is almost closing.¡±


    Ignoring his partner¡¯s situation, Gregory continued walking quickly to where a parking lot was located.


    ¡°You could have come without me¡­ I¡¯m sleepy, Greg, I want to lie down and sleep.¡±


    In front of the parking lot, Gregory took out his ID again and passed it through a digital identifier. It scanned the ID and also Gregory¡¯s retina and then authorized his access to the building.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. You got your reward, now it¡¯s time to work.¡±


    After entering the building, the two entered a small elevator near the entrance and went up to the 5th floor, where they wandered through the countless vehicles that were parked. Until they found a black Agusta Brutale 1000 RR with two black helmets attached.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we take the GT-R?¡± Monique asked, noticing Gregory¡¯s choice of vehicles.


    But ignoring the comment, he went to the motorcycle and took off the helmets, giving one to Monique and putting the other on. Soon after, he bent down and took the key from the small compartment of the motorcycle.


    ¡°Here¡­ You have 5 minutes to get there¡­¡± Handing the key to Monique, Gregory spoke in a serious tone.


    ¡°Greg, I-¡±


    ¡°Hurry up, M.¡±


    Monique wasn¡¯t confident in the situation. It was normal for her to ride the motorcycle, but she didn¡¯t want to ride while she was in a daze. It would be dangerous for Gregory. Falling and getting hurt from a motorcycle fall is serious and could even kill depending on the speed and type of accident.


    However, Gregory interrupted her and her expression darkened, making it clear that he wouldn¡¯t accept excuses. This was also a way to force Monique to be responsible and better control her own mental and physical condition.


    If she didn''t want them to crash, she had to use her senses and drive carefully¡­


    Click


    Having no other alternative, Monique got on the bike and put the key in the ignition before putting on her helmet.


    Vrrruummmmm


    As soon as she started the bike, the powerful roar sounded, the sound of the engine was addictive at a low volume, but the echo in the parking lot made the noise spread like a trumpet in the middle of a gallery.


    Vrrruumm Vrrruumm Vrrruummmmm


    Accelerating to warm up the engine, Monique waited until Gregory was comfortable in his seat to accelerate up the parking ramps and out of the building.


    As soon as they got out, Monique accelerated quickly on the flat and slightly curved track, quickly reaching 250km/h and accelerating even further.


    Gregory, who was already used to the speed and trusted Monique''s expertise, didn''t hesitate to hold onto Monique''s waist as he felt the speed slowly increase. Meanwhile, he counted the seconds until they reached their destination.


    Vrrruummmmmm


    At high speed, Monique''s driving expertise became even more evident as she overtook cars, vans, trucks and even other motorcycles that were also going relatively fast.


    Monique''s overtaking was as smooth as sliding on ice, there was no hesitation or sudden movements. She also controlled the speed to stay at the engine''s limit for as long as possible, letting the engine show all its power.


    She only slowed down when she was reaching the intersection she needed to take to go towards the Hunters and Hounds Superintendence. She then turned right and accelerated for a brief period before finally reaching her destination.


    Vrunnnm Click


    Already in the parking lot inside the Superintendence complex, Monique stopped and turned off the motorcycle. Getting off the back of the motorcycle, Gregory took off his helmet and looked at the watch on his wrist.


    ¡°4 minutes and 12 seconds. Very good, M.¡± He said with a smile and looking at Monique who had already taken off her helmet.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± She replied with a slight embarrassment, then took the helmets and attached them to the motorcycle and put the key away.


    ¡°When we get back, I promise you can sleep at ease. I¡¯ll take care of the preparations for the mission...¡±


    Monique just nodded happily before the two of them left the parking lot and headed towards the main building. On the way, they passed by the same place where Gregory was rejected. In addition, they greeted several familiar Hounds and Hunters and other Academy Aspirants like Gregory.

 Chapter 11 – SHH

    The Superintendence of Hunters and Hounds (SHH) is a universal organization created through an initiative aimed at managing relationships among Parahumans, Hunters, Hounds, military students, scientists, researchers, soldiers, and various other groups interested in fostering mutually beneficial relationships.


    In short, the SHH is a global-scale Human Resources department. Every city, without exception, is required to have an SHH in its Military Zone, whether it is a small Level 1 Fortress City like Efflium or a Level 5 Fortress City like Arvellium.


    This is one of the Seven Universal Laws established under the Eryndor Treaty, in the 13th year After the Great Degeneration. The law adheres to the principle that knowledge is the most valuable asset and the strongest weapon against enemies.


    As the ancient philosopher once said: "Know yourself and your enemy, and you will fear no result in a hundred battles."


    Every SHH must create, manage, and continuously update a database of its Parahumans and Hunters, from the weakest to the strongest. With this information, the military, research and development organizations, and even Hunters themselves can find exactly what they are looking for.


    A clear example of this is when a battalion captain is preparing for field operations to maintain perimeter security. The captain can request the services of a Hunter specialized in information gathering through the SHH. The SHH assigns a Risk Ranking to the mission and publishes the request on its mission list, enabling the suitable Hunter to find it easily.


    In other cases, when time is of the essence or the situation is urgent, the SHH can directly contact Hunters who fit the mission profile. If the Hunter has a valid reason, they can decline the mission; otherwise, they are obligated to accept it or face an appropriate penalty.


    The relationships are complex, but the SHH follows independent rules updated only when the global SHH leaders convene and reach a consensus on amendments to the regulations. Furthermore, any alterations or interventions in SHH regulations by other organizations or governments are strictly prohibited.


    A clear example of this rigidity is the structural layout of SHH facilities. The infrastructure adheres to a strict standard: a large main building surrounded by six independent structures. The size varies widely, ranging from a 30-story building to one with 100 stories, with relative dimensions for width and height.


    The main building is separated from the structures by a moat, through which the training areas below are visible. In fact, the entire visible structural complex is merely the ground level of the facility, constructed above two or more subterranean levels that span the entire perimeter of the SHH.


    The level immediately below ground is dedicated to providing free physical activities and training for Parahumans and at a small fee for Hunters. For this reason, each structure connects to the main building and to its nearest structure via suspended corridors.


    The parking structure is one of these six, also serving as one of the three SHH entrances. The other entrances are through the Main hall, the structure closest to the parking lot, and the SHH HR department, located at the far corner from the parking lot.


    "Why are we here, Greg?"


    "We¡¯re looking for help."


    "Help? What kind of help?"


    "..."


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    Exiting the parking structure and walking down the corridor to the Main Hall, Monique followed Gregory a step behind. She had no idea what prompted Gregory''s urgency to visit the SHH. Gregory, on the other hand, walked comfortably down the corridor, occasionally greeting acquaintances from the Academy. He was also notably intrigued by the Parahumans passing by.


    Many had human appearances with some animal-like features, much like Monique. These were the Animan Parahumans, who had less than 30% of their bodies degenerated¡ªthe most common subgroup among Parahumans.


    Gregory calmly observed rabbit, fox, bear, cat, tiger, lynx, and wolf ears, among others, along with a variety of horns¡ªlarge, small, curved, broken, and even multiple pairs. The variety was mesmerizing...


    However, he was in a hurry and could not afford distractions. He quickly made his way to his destination.


    "..." Monique was not pleased.


    She felt ignored, and Gregory was far too preoccupied with the passing women to notice, souring her mood further. It only worsened when they reached their destination: the Main Hall.


    Essentially, the Main Hall was a massive room serving as the main entrance and public reception area for the Superintendence.


    Ding-dong Trin-tin Clack-clack Swish Bzzzt


    As Gregory pushed open one of the wide glass doors, a cold draft swept past them, mingling with an array of soft yet irritating sounds. The ringing of bells, the hum of fans, the noise of printers or copiers at work. Telephones ringing and glass doors sliding open.


    Click-click Tap-tap Plink


    Once inside, additional sounds merged into a strange background noise¡ªneither irritating nor pleasant. Mouse clicks, light footsteps in the corridors, the sound of a cup being filled, or the murmurs of low conversations¡ªall contributed to an instinctively unsettling ambiance.


    "I love coming here..."


    Despite the noise, the visual spectacle before Gregory was nothing short of amazing. A wide grin spread across his face as he admired the vibrant mix of people in the Hall.


    The place was bustling with Parahumans and ordinary humans, far outnumbering those in the corridors. Groups of Parahumans sat in waiting benches near the entrance; some accompanied while entering or exiting, others alone, heading straight to reception desks before disappearing into a corridor leading to the main building.


    A few lone humans, mostly young like Gregory, stood out among the crowd, drawing curious glances from all around. Even Gregory felt the attention as he entered, though he categorically ignored it. Fortunately, the stares dissipated quickly once they noticed Monique, her sour expression worsening upon realizing the attention directed at Gregory.


    "Let¡¯s finish what we need here so we can head home, Greg. I don¡¯t like all these stares at you." She moved closer to Gregory, almost brushing against him, her eyes scanning for the sources of the attention.


    "That¡¯s nonsense, M. Let them look; staring won¡¯t hurt me," Gregory replied, giving her a few comforting pats on the back.


    "Humph. We¡¯ll deal with this at home..." Monique decided to save her complaints for when they were no longer in public.


    Efficiency and practicality were clearly on display at the SHH. The Main Hall was spacious yet meticulously designed to maximize space.


    The main fa?ade was constructed from the same transparent and extremely durable material as the city''s protective dome. The naturally lit space featured numerous waiting benches and sofas arranged around compact center tables stocked with treats.


    Amidst these waiting areas, a long carpet guided visitors to several reception counters. Located on both sides of the hall, these counters formed a path to the final desk at the far end.


    Each of the three desks served distinct purposes: mission management, public reception, and the last is exclusive for recruitment/management of Parahuman.


    "Miss Juliette, It seems like ages since I''ve seen your beautiful face. How have you been this past month? Busy?"


    Walking through the crowd at the first two desks, Gregory and Monique approached the final desk. There, six human women were seated in comfortable chairs. Two were cheerfully attending to Parahumans¡ªor gossiping, depending on how one viewed it.


    The remaining four were busy with their phones and computers until Gregory approached.


    "Ooooh, if it isn¡¯t Efflium¡¯s infamous Casanova. What brings you here? Searching for our dear, innocent Nancy?" Juliette, the receptionist Gregory stopped at, greeted him.


    She was an older woman, yet radiated enviable vitality. Her black hair was tied into a long, voluminous ponytail, framing her round face and accentuating her bright red lipstick.


    Her green eyes were striking, but her plunging neckline drew even more attention to her ample chest. And as if that wasn¡¯t enough¡­


    "Why don¡¯t you ever wear something more modest?"


    Juliette adored wearing tight outfits with no bra...

 Chapter 12 – Juliette

    ¡°This is a proper outfit.¡± Lifting her breasts in a very suggestive manner, Juliette had a wry smile as she glanced sideways at Monique.


    ¡°Haha, come on, Julie, I feel like if you take a little jump or walk too fast, they¡¯ll pop out.¡± Complaining, Gregory covered his eyes so as not to look directly at the obvious trap.


    ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯ve never seen breasts before, boy. Isn¡¯t Monique over there taking care of you properly? I can help you with that from time to time¡­¡± With a coquettish voice, Juliette leaned forward and teased the pair even more.


    ¡°Ohh, really? What if I tell you that I really need help¡­ The kind of help that only you can give¡­¡± Joining in the joke, Gregory also leaned forward and began to speak softly to Juliette.


    ¡°A boy as young as you shouldn¡¯t be going through such needs, Gregory. Tell your big sister what you need.¡± She then began to caress Gregory, starting with his arm and moving up to his shoulder soon after.


    Ela ent?o come?ou a acariciar Gregory, come?ando pelo bra?o e subindo para o ombro logo depois. The two seemed to be in their own world, as Gregory also began to caress her in the same way. Seeing this interaction between the two, the other receptionists stopped and began to observe curiously. Even the Parahumans who were nearby had surprised expressions, one of them even drooling¡­


    Vendo essa intera??o entre os dois, os outros recepcionistas pararam e come?aram a observar curiosamente. At¨¦ os Parahumanos que estavam por perto tinham express?es de surpresa, um deles at¨¦ babando¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Julie, there are a lot of people watching¡­¡± Looking sideways, Gregory spoke with feigned embarrassment.


    ¡°Ohh, don¡¯t worry, They''re just excited to see a handsome young boy so at ease among so many ravenous predators. Even I feel like taking you home and locking you in my room. Don¡¯t mind them.¡± Juliette replied, patting him on the shoulder in comfort.


    ¡°And why do they want to lock me up, Julie? What would they do to me?¡±


    ¡°Ohoho, I don¡¯t know if they would, dear¡­ But I can show you what I would do. I promise I won¡¯t let you down.¡±


    The interaction between the two began to get more and more heated. The two were talking very close, almost kissing, and their gazes were tender and passionate. Anyone who passed by would say that the two were a couple.


    The poor secretaries tried to hide their curiosity, but they were always caught by Gregory¡¯s perceptive gazes. Despite being excellent professionals, they didn¡¯t have enough experience to deal with situations like these.


    Every time they were caught watching, their embarrassment and excitement were so great that they blushed and shrank like young teenagers.


    The other Parahumans who made their way to the counter were also in a similar situation. They all had much more developed senses, so they could smell the pheromones being expelled into the air.


    Some of them stared indiscreetly and perplexedly, but others were more embarrassed and glanced. However, they all seemed extremely curious about Gregory¡­


    Thud


    ¡°I thought we were in a hurry, Gregory.¡±


    Monique tried to contain her reactions as much as possible, but when Julie looked at her and provoked her, Monique finally reached her limit and stomped her foot on the floor hard and pulled Gregory''s shoulder to pull him away from the secretary.


    Perhaps the only person in the situation who wasn''t happy to see Gregory and Juliette being so intimate was Monique. Despite trying to be professional, she didn''t like Gregory drawing so much attention and being so lewd in public...


    For her, with such a sensitive nose, it was possible to clearly smell the lewdness being expelled by the women who were wetting their panties as they watched the scene.


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    "And you, Miss Cohan, be careful how you use that mouth of yours."


    Monique said, taking Gregory''s place, leaning over the counter and looking deep into Juliette''s eyes. Her gaze was cold and her tone was serious and threatening...


    Monique''s reaction affected everyone around, leaving the Parahumans with serious expressions and ready to act in defense of the secretary. The other secretaries, on the other hand, immediately stepped back and had their hands ready to press the alarm buttons.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you being overly cautious, Miss Daryan? Gregory, as I recall, is nothing more than your co-worker. You know what¡¯s going to happen when he gets his officer¡¯s license, don¡¯t you?¡±


    But unlike everyone else, Juliette didn¡¯t have the slightest tension on her face. She looked back at Monique and began to speak naturally in a calm voice¡­ Provoking and rekindling the fears that still haunted Monique¡¯s inner self.


    ¡°At some point he¡¯s going to have to return you to your owners, my dear¡­ He¡¯s going to return you to the dirty room at the Academy where you came from, just like the others you spread your legs for¡­ You¡¯re not special, Miss Daryan, look up there, those girls are special.¡±


    Juliette discreetly pointed to the ceiling of the Hall, where a square made of thin screens that displayed high-quality images was located. But all the screens were showing a variety of images of Parahuman women with the title Hounds Ranking. They were being displayed in an sequence starting from number 50 in the Ranking until reaching number 1.


    ¡°They are the special ones, dear. The most desired, the most important, the best and the strongest. They are the dream of absolutely every Hunter in Efflium¡­ Compared to them, you are just a small and weak Parahuman, Miss Daryan¡­ Nothing more than someone a little above average¡­¡±


    On the screen, each image showed the complete file of the women one by one. They had their numbers and essential information, special care, skills and mainly their combat power evaluated in practical tests and training.


    ¡°Grrhh¡­ You¡­¡± But Monique didn¡¯t even look where Juliette was pointing¡­


    The words she heard lit a flame that she thought had already been extinguished. But she immediately realized that there were still embers left, the same ones that became an intense flame as soon as the fuel was thrown on them.


    Monique growled softly, all her instincts screaming to attack the enemy in front of her and protect her own dignity. Her claws began to scratch the wooden counter, leaving visible marks.


    ¡°Ohh, could that be why Gregory was looking for Nancy? Is he already preparing to end the partnership?? Hahaha, my apologies, dear, it seems I touched your wound.¡±


    With the sharp and deprecating laugh combined with the venomous words, Juliette managed to put Monique at the limit of her self-control. Monique¡¯s eyes were red with rage and she emanated a murderous aura. This was the point where she was about to lose control¡­


    Her thoughts were on how she would use her claws to slowly rip off Juliette''s face¡­ How she could slowly break the putrid secretary''s skull¡­ It would be so easy to rip out the fragile human''s windpipe and it would be satisfying to watch her bleed and suffocate to die slowly and in agony¡­


    Ahhh, it would be so easy¡­ So pleasurable¡­ Monique thought.


    ¡°Monique¡­¡± But just as these thoughts were about to take shape, Gregory''s serious voice reached her¡­


    ¡°!!!¡±


    It was like a cat falling into a bathtub, Monique immediately realized the situation she was in. Everyone around her was tense and looking at her, Juliette had an ironic smile on her face, the secretaries were standing back, some of them had their hands below the counter.


    She then regained control and quickly moved away from the counter. Turning to face Gregory, but lowering her head in shame of her act.


    ¡°Sigh¡­ My sincerest apologies for my partner Julie¡¯s behavior¡­ I ask that you do not report this officially, we have some serious problems and it would be difficult to deal with this other one.¡±


    With a sigh of disappointment, Gregory did not pay the slightest attention to Monique, she then stood still like a statue looking at the floor¡­ Her expression was pale with concern. In less than 24 hours she had made 2 very serious mistakes.


    Gregory walked past her and returned to the counter, lowering his head and sincerely apologizing to Juliette.


    ¡°This is not her fault, Gregory, this is your fault, and you know it very well. Hunters like you are too dangerous for a city like Efflium, where girls have no better options. Even if they are not good, they cling to the best option available with all their strength.¡± Assuming a professional posture, Juliette spoke in a serious tone as she adjusted herself in her chair.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be a good Hunter? Is that what you mean?¡±


    ¡°No, quite the opposite, you have a brilliant future ahead of you. I know this not because of your intelligence but because of the way Monique, an experienced S-Class Hound, clings to you desperately.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean, Julie.¡±


    ¡°Sigh The punishment for minor infractions within SHH is 2 hours on your knees. Give the order, Gregory.¡± With a sigh, Julie said this and got up from her chair.


    ¡°Monique.¡± Understanding the situation, Gregory turned around and called his companion.


    ¡°¡­¡± Without saying anything and still looking at the floor in shame, Monique turned around.


    ¡°2 hours on your knees, Monique¡­ A small price to pay. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°¡­ Yes, Gregory.¡±


    Kneeling slowly, Monique was feeling all the derogatory looks being thrown at her. Even so, she knelt on the floor of the hall and lowered her head¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s now 5:13 p.m., so she will stay here until 7:13 p.m. For now, let¡¯s settle these matters of yours in the office, Gregory.¡± After looking at the wall clock and checking the time, Juliette called Gregory and walked towards a door in a corner a little away from the counter.

 Chapter 13 – Vivian and Daira

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± After gently stroking Monique¡¯s hair, Gregory walked to the door where Juliette was waiting for him.


    As soon as they entered the door, a hallway with 10 other doors side by side was waiting for them. Juliette went ahead and walked to door number 8, which was a little further to the right. Again, Gregory followed her to the door and entered.


    Now, he was in a small room, similar to a psychologist¡¯s office. A sofa to lie down on, a large armchair, a bookshelf with books, an office desk, a small table on top of a shaggy rug.


    Even the smell in the air was clearly mixed with a relaxing fragrance. Making anyone who entered the room more relaxed.


    ¡°Sit down and make yourself comfortable, Gregory.¡± Saying that, Juliette went to the office desk and picked up a small notebook and a pen.


    ¡°Thank you. But I wanted to be brief, Julie. Is that okay?¡± Gregory spoke, after sitting on the couch.


    ¡°Soon in what sense?¡± Julie asked, after sitting on the armchair next to the couch.


    ¡°My punishment, of course. Monique disrespected the rules, but the situation is also my responsibility.¡±


    ¡°Ohh, I thought you wanted to solve your problems urgently. It seems I was wrong. Tsk-Tsk-Tsk¡± With a fake smile on her face, Julie began to write something in her notebook.


    ¡°Well¡­ Since I won¡¯t be punished, how about we get to the main topic?¡± Relaxing on the couch with a smile on his face, Gregory decided to joke around a bit.


    ¡°Come to think of it¡­ When was your last Testonitus donation? I don¡¯t remember, maybe 5 months ago??¡± Juliette spoke with a thoughtful expression, using the tip of the pen to rub her cheek.


    ¡°3 months. And I¡¯m on time¡­¡± Resuming his serious posture, Gregory quickly retorted the number.


    ¡°Ohh 3 months¡­ uhm, that¡¯s good¡­ It¡¯s still within 4 months. Very good¡­¡±


    While mumbling and nodding happily, Juliette began to write more and more things in her notebook. Each mumble was a whole sentence that she wrote.


    Seeing this, combined with Julie¡¯s cheerful expression, Gregory began to sweat and feel uncomfortable.


    ¡°Hey, Julie, you¡¯re not thinking what I think you are¡­ Are you?¡± Wiping the sweat from his hands on his pants, he hesitantly asked a vague question to Julie, who was still writing happily.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ If I remember correctly, you¡¯ll be getting your official Hunter¡¯s license next week, right?¡± She also answered vaguely but returned a rhetorical question to him.


    Gregory didn¡¯t need to answer, she already knew the answer to the question. Just as Gregory also already knew the answer to the question he asked. Which made him even more nervous, looking frantically at the clock on the wall and at the pen that kept drawing letters in the notebook. Julie, however, was completely uninterested in his reactions and continued frantically writing with a cheerful expression.


    ¡°Julie, don¡¯t do this, Julie¡­ Have mercy on me, Julie, please.¡± Desperate, Gregory knelt at Juliette¡¯s feet and begged her not to continue.


    ¡°It¡¯s done. 3 days of volunteer work at the Control and Rehabilitation Center for Parahumans (CCRP). Period.¡±


    ¡°¡­!!!!¡­¡± Shocked, Gregory sat in silence on the living room carpet.


    ¡°Very well¡­ Now we can solve your problem.¡±


    ____________________________________________________


    Clack-clack Swish


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    In the Entrance Hall, the audience was beginning to empty, leaving only a few Parahumans talking and others who entered and went straight to the corridor that led to the main building.


    The Hunters'' Service had just closed, so apart from the receptionists, there were only Parahumans.


    At this moment, two other Hounds entered through the main door, wearing reinforced military attire and carrying a few weapons and knives. The two were relatively small, but they exuded confidence.


    One of them had snow-white skin, with two 20cm long pointed horns the same color as her skin, looking as fragile as glass. Peculiar eyes with gray pupils and irises, and red hair made it look like she had a flaming torch on her head.


    "A measly 500 Eryons for a Level 2 Hunting mission. These military men are getting meaner by the day." The girl complained...


    Next to her, another woman was walking absent-mindedly. This woman had long green hair with brown streaks, which fell down her back in unruly, curly curls. Her skin, with a healthy pink tone, had marks and marks as if they were tattoos. Marks that resembled tree branches with leaves.


    But what really caught the eye was her F-cup bust¡­ Despite wearing a military uniform with a jacket and holsters, her breasts stood out splendidly. Her hips were also large, but they were overshadowed by such a marvel.


    ¡°Daira¡­ Are you listening to me, Daira?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, pay attention. We¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Ohh, we¡¯re here. That¡¯s great, Vivian, let¡¯s go upstairs because I want to take a shower.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll go upstairs later, look, it looks like someone¡¯s been looking for trouble¡­¡±


    Daira is a Dryad Parahuman, one of the best Magic-type Parahumans specializing in healing magic and magical buffs. Just the fact that she can buff other Magic-type Parahumans would already earn her a good reputation.


    But a Dual Specialty makes Diara in the top 10 of the Hounds Ranking. She¡¯s also the only Parahuman without an Attack specialty who¡¯s in the Top 10. All the other Parahumans in the Top 15 have either a Physical or Magical Attack specialization.


    Vivian, the woman next to Daira, is one such example. She¡¯s a Magic-type White Oni Parahuman specializing in Air Attack. She¡¯s currently number 7 in the ranking and pairs up with Daira to carry out missions.


    ¡°Layla, who¡¯s our guest?¡± After walking to the last counter, Vivian approached a blonde secretary with a stylish haircut and asked curiously.


    ¡°This is Monique Daryan, a Hound from the Academy and current partner of Gregory Gunn, the highest rated Aspirant of the last 5 years¡­¡± Awkwardly, the woman stopped typing on the computer and explained what she knew to Vivian.


    ¡°Ohhh, so she¡¯s the mutt I was looking for¡­¡± Suddenly, Vivian¡¯s attitude became toxic, and she started approaching Monique.


    ¡°And here we go¡­ Patricia, dear, can you update my account? My Neutritus stock is low and I need a better outfit.¡± Knowing what was about to happen, Daira stayed in her place and began to calmly talk to a secretary with red hair and glasses.


    ¡°Hey You¡­ Are you the unfortunate one who took my swords? Where are they?¡± Almost screaming in anger, Vivian stood in front of Monique and crossed her arms.


    ¡°??¡±


    Monique had no idea who the woman was, much less what she was talking about. But she found the way the woman was looking down on her irritating. It was as if she was being looked down upon, and this again irritated Monique in a peculiar way¡­


    ¡°The Pair of Wakizashis made of Metallopotamus Vorax Metal¡­ I was the one who ordered that Pair, it took 5 months to be ready and I had to save 1500 Eryons. But guess what? When I went there to pay for them, the Wretched Blacksmith had sold them¡­¡±


    The remorse and dissatisfaction were clearly heard in Vivian¡¯s voice. But everyone around her who was listening had expressions of boredom. It was only fair since they had heard the same speech dozens of times before.


    The only person in the room who had not yet heard this story was Monique, and even so, the expression she has is one of mockery and sarcasm.


    ¡°Humph, from what I know, my partner bought a pair of Wakizashis for 3000 Eryons. But I don¡¯t think the blacksmith had reserved them for anyone specific¡­¡±


    ¡°3000??!!!¡± Widening her eyes, Vivian began to do some quick calculations with her fingers. Calculating how much she would have earned if she had taken the swords and resold them.


    THUD


    ¡°DAMN¡­¡± Stamping her foot hard on the ground and screaming in regret and anger, Vivian found herself in a small fit of depression¡­


    Taking out the taxes and the costs of outsourcing the sale, she quickly calculated that she could have easily earned 1200 Eryons. 1200 Eryon would be more than enough for her to not worry about equipment and Neutritus for 3 months¡­


    And in 3 months she could save enough money to buy a few doses of Testonitus, which would serve to increase the latent potential of her Estronitus.


    In short, she had lost her chance to get closer to her first ascent.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t right¡­ I was robbed by you and your scoundrel partner and deceived by that low-class blacksmith. This can¡¯t go on like this¡­¡±


    ¡°Hehe, and what are you going to do?? Beat the Blacksmith until he makes you another pair for free? Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡± Laughing sarcastically, Monique mocked Vivian¡¯s situation, who was almost pulling her hair out in anger.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea¡­ But first, why don¡¯t you and I make your partner return what belongs to me?¡± She turned and faced Monique, when suddenly, Vivian¡¯s hair began to flutter and sway slightly and flames appeared on her fists.


    ¡°You have no idea what you¡¯re getting yourself into¡­¡± Facing Vivian¡¯s menacing gaze, Monique frowned and clenched her fists.

 Chapter 14 - Duel

    <div>


    ¡°So that¡¯s why she acted this way. She¡¯s still unstable¡­ But then again, that¡¯s your fault, Gregory. It¡¯s the Hunter¡¯s responsibility to monitor his Hounds¡¯ Estronitus levels.¡±


    ¡°I was careless¡­¡±


    Sitting on the couch, talking to Juliette who was sitting in the armchair with her notebook in her hand, Gregory explained in detail what had happened since the previous night. He also explained the reasons for Monique acting that way and what Freud had demanded as payment.


    ¡°No, you were irresponsible. Knowing the kind of relationship you two had, it was obvious that she wouldn¡¯t accept it easily. You confused work with romance, Gregory, which ended up confusing Monique too.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have any advice? Are you just going to judge me?¡±


    ¡°I could¡­ But you¡¯ve already done what was necessary. Of course, you should be careful so that this doesn¡¯t happen again with other Hounds that you¡¯ve temporarily hired. But I think you¡¯ve learned your lesson.¡±


    Standing up, Juliette went to the table and put away her notebook and pen. She then sat on the table and crossed her legs sensually, while lightly reprimanding Gregory''s careless behavior.


    ¡°Okay, okay¡­ Now let''s get to the most important matter, is there any Hound that fits the profile I mentioned?¡± Gregory said, avoiding looking at Juliette''s exposed legs, who was wearing only a pencil skirt without pantyhose.


    ¡°Let''s say so¡­ But it''s a very complicated mission, Gregory.¡±


    ¡°I also thought this mission would be complicated, Julie. That''s why I started thinking of some alternatives to make it easier, and one of them was to come here and talk to you¡­ I was hoping you would comply with my request.¡±


    ¡°It''s a Level 4 classified mission, Gregory, with Urgency status. A simple S-class Hound wouldn''t do it¡­¡± At this point, she picked up a kind of semi-transparent electronic screen, with which she began to search several Hound files.


    ¡°Monique is extremely well trained, Julie. She wouldn''t have any trouble executing the mission, but I need to go with her personally, so she doesn''t have the confidence to protect me and fight at the same time. With another Hound, be it a Buffer or an Attacker, we can execute the mission easily.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you''re right, but S-Class Hounds are difficult to deal with, Greg. They rarely pair up unless they have compelling reasons or a very strong friendship. Besides, this mission requires a very high payment.¡±


    ¡°Money isn''t the issue¡­¡± Confidently, Gregory got up from the couch and approached Juliette, near the table.


    ¡°I''m not talking about Money, Gregory¡­¡± Hearing Gregory''s confidence, Juliette looked at him with a mischievous smile before lowering her gaze discreetly¡­


    ¡°¡­ Testonitus??¡± Noticing Juliette''s glance, Gregory frowned and scratched his head in concern.


    ¡°Fresh and straight from the source¡­¡± Julie''s smile grew even more explicit as she was amused.


    ¡°I don''t know if I agree with that.¡±


    ¡°You are not in a position to bargain, Gregory. Besides, the mission requires urgency and secrecy, two extremely expensive aggravating factors. From what you said, Freud will only erase the footage after he completes the mission.¡± She said, gently poking Gregory¡¯s chest with her index finger.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Today is the 12th, you have until noon on the 15th to deliver the results. It is possible, but only if you reach an agreement with a Hound today and make arrangements to leave by noon tomorrow. You will need about 1 day to find the mission location and some time to rest.¡±


    ¡°If I had been more professional, this would not have happened¡­ I would not have had to go through this situation.¡± Taking heavy steps, Gregory walked over to the armchair and collapsed tiredly on it¡­


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    ¡°That is no longer the point, what is done is done.¡±


    Julie said, as she followed him closely to the armchair. Now without the electronic device, she sat on Gregory¡¯s lap and hugged his neck lovingly. Snuggling comfortably, she was supported by Gregory''s arms around her waist.


    ¡°No need to despair, dear, I already know who can accept the mission, but they will demand an almost extortionate payment¡­¡± She said, as she rested her head on Gregory''s shoulder.


    ¡°Heh, and why wouldn''t they¡­¡± Looking into space, worried and a little sad, Gregory replied sarcastically.


    ¡°Is the quality of your Testonitus still the same?¡±


    ¡°¡­ That''s personal, Julie. Even though we''re good friends-¡±


    Gregory was a little irritated that she wanted to know this right now, so he didn''t want to answer. But he was cut off before he could continue his complaint...


    ¡°Don''t you trust me?¡± She asked, pulling away a little and looking straight into his eyes.


    ¡°Sigh. S+.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh, you got better in less than a year? It¡¯s no surprise that Monique is so attached to you. House, food, clean clothes, brutal sex and luxury Testonitus¡­ I¡¯m jealous¡­ I want to live with you too.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± He was speechless, trying to understand if she was serious or not¡­


    ¡°Hahaha, let¡¯s settle this matter later. I want to see if they¡¯ve arrived yet.¡±


    She didn¡¯t explain anything else¡­ She just got up and walked to the living room door, where she waited until he got up so they could leave together.


    ________________________________________________


    ¡°And what am I getting into?? Just because you¡¯re big, you think you¡¯re strong, girl? A child raised in a greenhouse and fed with medicine and supplements to grow, thinks you know what it¡¯s like to fight to the death?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Clenching her fists in anger, Monique felt her claws about to pierce her own skin as she tried her best to control herself.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t even last 3 minutes in a fight against a real Mutanide. You play hunting with these docile Level 2 and 3 animals, but you would pee yourself in fear when you were facing a deadly Level 4 beast.¡±


    ¡°You look like a cockroach¡­¡± Faced with the insults, Monique couldn¡¯t keep quiet, so she spoke in a cold voice with her head lowered.


    ¡°What?¡± Caught off guard, Vivian was confused for a moment.


    ¡°I said you look like a cockroach. A disgusting and sneaky animal, disgusting and treacherous. A worm that takes advantage of the darkness to eat the leftovers left by others¡­¡±


    Responding in the same cold voice, Monique raised her head and stared at Vivian with hatred and disgust. She then slowly stood up and continued speaking:


    ¡°An annoying creature that makes everyone want to crush it under the sole of their shoes so they don¡¯t run the risk of having it running around freely¡­ You look like a cockroach, you shitty half-breed, and I feel the same urge to crush you right here and now¡­¡±


    With her height and robust physique, Monique¡¯s presence was intimidating and made Vivian seem fragile and delicate. Even their voices had very different tones, which made the scene even weirder for those watching.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡­ Let¡¯s go downstairs.¡±


    With a cold and frightening laugh, Vivian¡¯s eyes, previously gray, turned a completely red color. Her voice was calm and low, but her hair was starting to shine like real flames.


    ¡°Leyla, it¡¯s a duel.¡± Turning around, Vivian looked at the blonde secretary with a stylish haircut and said loudly.


    Everyone around became serious and tense for the second time¡­ But this time they started to act differently. One of the secretaries, a tall, dark-haired woman, picked up a small screen and started to look up some things.


    ¡°Room 12 is empty.¡± The tall, dark-haired secretary said to the blonde secretary who was next to Daira.


    ¡°Very well, Aria. I¡¯ll go to Manager Nora and explain the situation, you and Teresa accompany the two of them. Can you help Daira?¡± the blonde secretary, Leyla, asked.


    ¡°Of course¡­ I have no choice.¡± Daira replied, without enthusiasm.


    ¡°Thank you. In the meantime, Patricia¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± The red-haired secretary with glasses replied.


    ¡°You and Beatriz stay here and take care of everything. Explain the situation to Juliette when she gets back. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you understand, Beatriz?¡±


    ¡°Perfectly.¡± A woman with platinum blonde hair cut in a straight bob that highlighted her round face with delicate features, blue eyes and small lips answered. Her white skin, almost like porcelain, matched her small and delicate, but elegant body.


    ¡°Right¡­ Let¡¯s get to work.¡± After quickly organizing the functions, Leyla quickly grabbed her own electronic screen and walked quickly to the corridor that led directly to the main building.


    After Leyla left, Teresa, a secretary with long, straight, dark brown hair, came to Vivian and Monique to explain the situation.


    ¡°I have to warn you that the use of force within the perimeter of the Superintendence is strictly prohibited. Any act of physical violence is subject to serious punishment. Duels must be carried out within specific areas. Therefore, I ask that you remain calm and follow me calmly one at a time,¡± Teresa said.


    ¡°Miss Wynne, Miss Creer, follow me.¡± After Teresa finished, Aria quickly led Vivian and Daria to a corner of the Hall, where there were two elevators. The trio entered one of them and pressed the button to go down.


    ¡°Miss Daryan, follow me.¡± Teresa did the same with Monique and went to the elevator to go down to the underground floor.


    Finally, after they left, the atmosphere in the Entrance Hall returned to normal. With all the other secretaries preparing to finish their shifts and finishing the service of the people and Parahumans who were still there.

 Chapter 15 – In the elevator (1)

    ¡°So, they went downstairs¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes. Teresa and Aria are accompanying the two, while Leyla went to the manager Nora, she will probably send Mr. Caleb to referee.¡±


    Several minutes after Monique and Vivian had argued and were led to the dueling room, Juliette and Gregory arrived and returned to the counter.


    Performing her task calmly and elegantly, Beatriz, the secretary with platinum blonde hair cut in a straight bob, explained everything to the pair who did not understand the absence of so many people.


    ¡°For God''s sake, I leave for less than 30 minutes and when I come back I find chaos taking over everything. And why all this? Can you answer me, Gregory???¡±


    Raising her hand to her face, Juliette had a tired expression, but she was clearly angry. In the last 3 months there had been only 2 occurrences of rule breaking, but today alone there had been 2 occurrences of moderate severity.


    And all this caused by a single person¡­


    ¡°¡­¡± Gregory felt the weight of Juliette¡¯s judgmental gaze on him, and for the second time he felt like he was the one to blame for all the confusion¡­ Shame and confusion took over him.


    ¡°Sigh Where are the Wakizashis, Gregory?¡±


    ¡°They stayed at home¡­ But they were a birthday present I gave to Monique.¡± Hesitating to answer, Gregory was vague in his response.


    ¡°And??¡± Not caring about Gregory¡¯s explanations, Juliette was not willing to listen to his excuses.


    ¡°She liked them so much, to the point that she didn¡¯t even use them in combat. Isn¡¯t there another way to solve this?¡±


    ¡°Why are you making everything so complicated?? Just so you know, Darya and Vivian are the ones we have to convince to accept the mission. What do you think will happen after they practically kill each other down there?¡± Stressed, Juliette snapped.


    ¡°I have money¡­¡± Gregory said, clearly not confident in his answer.


    ¡°¡­ Are you kidding, Gregory?¡± Juliette''s cold gaze was like flaming arrows.


    "Hmm... Can I make a suggestion?" While the two were arguing, Patricia, the secretary with red hair and glasses, stood up from her chair and caught their attention.


    "That would be great, dear. I''m too stressed to think of anything."


    "Daria and Vivian have been taking on several riskier missions in the last 3 months. They''ve been consuming Neutritus in an exaggerated and somewhat reckless way too. What was the total expenditure, Beatriz?" Patricia said.


    "According to the statements from both accounts, they spent about 5,000 Eryons on medium-quality Neutritus Capsules. In addition, there were expenses on weapons that totaled almost 7,000 Eryons. There were several other suspicious expenses, but they are confidential." Beatriz calmly replied, accessing and reading the data on her computer screen.


    "They probably don''t have a shortage of money in their accounts. But I heard them talking about how their skills weren¡¯t improving¡­¡± Leaving it a little vague on purpose, Patricia commented on what she had heard.


    ¡°Ohhhh, that¡¯s great to hear, Patricia, very good. Did you understand what she meant, Gregory?¡± With a much more relieved and cheerful expression, Juliette immediately understood what Patricia wanted to imply.


    ¡°Clear as day¡­¡± Also happy to have found a solution, Gregory spoke with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Okay¡­ Very well, Patricia, reserve a table for 6¡­ 8¡­ 10. A table for 10 people at Dolce Vita for tonight. No matter the price, tonight is on Mr. Gunn.¡±


    ¡°Right now¡­¡± Patricia sat down in her chair happily and picked up her phone and started looking for the restaurant¡¯s number.


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    ¡°???!!¡± Caught off guard, Gregory looked at Juliette doubtfully.


    ¡°What is it? It¡¯s the least you could do to apologize for the trouble you caused the girls. Not to mention that my payment will be decided later.¡±


    ¡°But today is-¡±


    ¡°Shhhh, no complaints. If you were really in a hurry, you wouldn¡¯t have caused so much trouble.¡± Interrupting him, Juliette started walking towards the elevators.


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°No ¡®buts¡¯. You stay quiet and follow me.¡±


    Silenced again, Gregory had no choice but to stay quiet and enter the elevator.


    Klik Shhhk DumDumDumDummm Plimm


    After they entered, Juliette pressed the down button and the doors closed. The two of them remained silent until the doors closed and a soft melody began to play.


    Then, the elevator began to descend smoothly until Juliette went to the panel and pressed the emergency button¡­


    Clank Tk-tk-tk Thummmk


    The elevator stopped abruptly and the lights flashed a few times, the two of them were shaken hard. Juliette lost her balance and fell, but Gregory managed to stay on his feet with little difficulty.


    ¡°What was that? What did you press the button for?¡± Regaining his balance, he quickly helped Juliette up.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve decided what my payment is.¡±


    With Gregory''s help, she managed to get up, but she didn''t move away from him. On the contrary, she pushed herself against Gregory''s body and forced him against the elevator wall.


    She didn''t say anything else, but her hands hugged his neck and she began to kiss him violently as if she wanted to rip a piece off.


    Smuack Smack Smack


    "Right here, Julie. Couldn''t you wait?" In the midst of the wet kisses he was receiving, Gregory spoke when he realized that he wouldn''t stop with just kissing.


    "I can''t... I''m too wet to wait."


    She replied. In the midst of the kisses and sucking that she was spreading across his neck, she guided one of his hands under her skirt. There, Gregory felt that her panties were so soaked that the thick, viscous liquid began to run down her thighs.


    "Humph And why didn''t you tell me before, when we were in the office?" Taking his hand away, Gregory played a little with the liquid that was on his fingertips before putting it in his mouth and tasting it.


    Lissh Smack Smack


    ¡°There are cameras there. Nora is a pervert who loves collecting these types of videos, I don¡¯t want her blackmailing you.¡± She replied, after taking off Gregory¡¯s shirt and starting to suck and kiss practically the entire region of his chest.


    ¡°Hmm, I understand. But let¡¯s clear up a few things.¡± Realizing he had no other choice, Gregory decided to take charge of the situation.


    So, he grabbed her hair tightly and made her kneel...


    ¡°Mnhhg¡± Moaning, she stopped her desperate kisses after she was forced to kneel.


    ¡°It will be 15 minutes or until you cum, understood?¡±


    ¡°Uhumm¡± She was biting her lips to contain her desire, but nodded in agreement with difficulty.


    ¡°Very well¡­ Stand up, take off your skirt and lean over with your hands on the mirror.¡±


    After he let go, Juliette didn¡¯t hesitate to follow his orders quickly. Soon, she was only in her panties and leaning over looking at her own reflection in the mirror.


    ¡°Are you embarrassed?¡± Gregory spoke very close to her ear, while he gently hugged her and caressed her round, soft breasts.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you do it in another position?¡± Hiding her embarrassment, she closed her eyes to enjoy Gregory¡¯s caresses.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start.¡±


    Ignoring the question, Gregory moved away from Juliette a little and got on his knees behind her. The red lace panties were extravagant and probably quite expensive, but he didn¡¯t care about that.


    Wwhhhiiip


    He pulled hard and without delicacy, not caring whether or not he would tear the fragile fabric. What really matters to him is appreciating Juliette¡¯s fountain that gushed so much water that it made her panties heavy.


    So, when the panties came down, a tightly closed and shy flower was revealed. Despite being a little older, Julie was extremely well preserved, with a beautiful little pussy with tightly closed lips that would make younger women envious.


    Enjoying the sight, Gregory immediately began to lick the drops of honey that were falling. They had a tasteless, very different from Monique''s sweet and sour taste, but he did not deny the meal that was before him.


    Lick-lick Lick-lick Glop


    ¡°Mnhgg That''s it¡­ There, Right there. Ohhhh. Gnhhhh¡±


    Licking every drop until there was none left, he enjoyed Juliette''s moans, while making sure to suck up all the honey that was coming out. It was fun for him to hear the prolonged moan whenever he sucked and used his tongue to suck the little pearl and release it with a popping sound.


    Schlop Ffftch


    After he had sucked all the honey, he used one of his fingers to explore the inside of her pussy, which to his surprise was tighter than he thought. Even so, he delicately and skillfully began to explore her insides.


    ¡°Hummm¡± Monique didn¡¯t say anything, but her trembling legs and constant moans were more than enough signs.


    After the first finger was completely inside, he moved back and forth, slowly he managed to loosen her enough for him to insert the second finger.


    Lick-lick Slurp Slurp


    Calmly and unhurriedly, Gregory began to explore Juliette¡¯s insides while sucking on her pussy lips. Skillfully he licked and sucked on the outside to relax the insides, focusing mainly on the pearl at the top.

 Chapter 16 - In the elevator (2)

    ¡°Mnhhgg There, There¡­¡±


    With a little work and coordination, Juliette¡¯s moans indicated that he had finally found her sweet spot.


    Schlop Schlop Schlop Schlop


    He wasted no time and bent his fingertips to stimulate the spot more intensely. At the same time he made more abrupt movements with his fingers.


    ¡°Hhhhmmm Ohh ohh¡±


    The intensity of Juliette¡¯s moans increased rapidly, her legs began to tremble even more and her eyes were rolled back. Her senses were beginning to dull.


    But then Gregory suddenly stopped¡­


    ¡°????¡±


    Surprised and frightened by the pause, Juliette tried to look back, with difficulty, to identify the reason. But she was grabbed by the neck and forced back into position.


    ¡°15 minutes, Julie.¡± With a whisper in her ear, Gregory stood up and looked at her in the mirror.


    Without warning, Julie felt something big and thick slowly penetrate her pussy.


    ¡°Ahh Mnghh¡±


    ¡°Hold on, you¡¯ll get used to it soon.¡± Gregory warned, realizing that she was too tight for him to be able to push in all at once.


    Unfortunately, despite his efforts to relax her muscles, he felt that it was too little time and she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle his length. Her eyes were closed, moaning with a mixture of pain and pleasure.


    ¡°Do you want me to pull out?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ Hmm I can handle it. Mnnghh¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try¡­ We can try another day.¡±


    ¡°NO. I want it now.¡±


    Juliette was determined, even with the pain she didn¡¯t give up. She wanted to hold on and feel the pleasure that Gregory could provide.


    Seeing this, Gregory decided to try a little harder. He began to lick and kiss Juliette''s bare back and used his hands to grope and squeeze her voluminous breasts.


    "Relax." She said, after leaving a bite mark near her left shoulder.


    "Guhh" Even so, every inch that entered was a layer of accumulated pain.


    She was at the limit, Gregory knew that, so he intensified his caresses. Kissing and leaving several bite and suck marks on her back.


    With one hand he began to pinch her nipples and pull them one at a time, stretching them to the limit and then releasing them, he repeated this cycle several times. They always returned to their place after jiggling a little, showing that they were healthy and strong.


    With the other hand, he began to caress her pussy delicately. Opening the lips that hid the small pearl-shaped clitoris, he stimulated the pearl with gentle movements.


    But soon after he would let go and let his lips hide the pearl again, only then would he use 2 fingers to rub the area in sudden and constant rotating movements.


    ¡°Hmmmgh¡±


    Smack Smuack Lick-lick


    He continued his efforts, kissing, licking and sucking from the nape of Juliette¡¯s neck to her back. Caressing her breasts and masturbating her skillfully.


    ¡°Just a little more, Julie.¡±


    Luckily, his efforts took effect and he finally felt her relax enough for him to insert his entire length inside her pussy.


    ¡°nmnggh ohh Yeahh.¡±


    ¡°Ahh That¡¯s it, Julie. Huff Good girl.¡±


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    Relieved and happy to have managed to insert it all the way, he adjusted his posture and let out a deep moan. He was finally inside, but he waited a few seconds for her to get used to it, while he caressed her back and ass.


    ¡°Can I start?¡± With a few pats on her back, he asked permission to begin.


    ¡°How many minutes?¡± Breathing heavily, she was a little dizzy, but asked to know how much time was left.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, now it¡¯s until you cum¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s goooood Nnngghhh¡±


    Without waiting for her to finish, Gregory immediately began to move. With slow movements, he grabbed both of Julie¡¯s buttocks and spread her ass to make his work easier.


    He pulled his cock out of her pussy almost completely, only when only the head remained did he do the reverse movement.


    Calmly, he was in no hurry as he experienced the sensations that surrounded his length. Juliette was tight and squeezed him hard, each time he pulled his cock out she sucked it inside like a vacuum cleaner.


    ¡°Slowly¡­ Nhgg¡­ Slowly.¡±


    Gregory knew that this was just because she wasn¡¯t used to it yet, but for now this sensation was extremely pleasurable.


    On the other hand, whenever he pushed all the way in, he could clearly feel her cervix kissing the tip of his cock. But he measured the perfect length so that this wouldn''t happen and he wouldn''t hurt her.


    He felt her pussy start to get wetter and wetter, a great sign. So, he started to increase the speed.


    "Nmmgh, Slow down."


    "Not now."


    Ignoring her pleas, he continued to increase the speed. Soon, he felt that she had finally gotten used to it and was wet enough for him to make stronger movements...


    Ploc Ploc Ploc Ploc


    The sound of flesh slapping began to echo in the elevator.


    ¡°Mnn That¡¯s it, that¡¯s it.¡±


    The pain Juliette was feeling was completely overcome by pleasure. She moaned and rocked her hips awkwardly, but kept her hands on the mirror so as not to lose her balance.


    Meanwhile, Gregory moved at a steady pace, while using his hands to give her even more pleasure.


    He went back to pinching her nipples and pulling them. At the same time he also went back to masturbating her clitoris.


    Ploc Ploc Ploc


    ¡°Ohh¡­ Ohh¡­ Ohh.¡±


    That was enough to drown Juliette in strong and pleasurable sensations. Her body began to tremble and she lost the strength in her arms. Making her rest her face on the mirror.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s too early. Hold on.¡±


    Her arms were weak, but Gregory didn''t feel sorry for her, on the contrary, he was disappointed that she lasted so little time before losing her strength.


    He then stopped what he was doing with his hands and changed their places while keeping his hips moving constantly.


    Ploc Ploc Ploc Ploc


    He looked down, where the two were connected, and realized that the honey from Juliette''s vagina was wetting his entire cock and dripping onto the elevator floor.


    ¡°Huuum Huff¡±


    He then stopped his movements and used his thumb to pick up some of that viscous liquid. It was quick, Juliette didn''t even have time to catch her breath completely.


    Ploc Ploc


    ¡°?????¡± But to Juliette''s surprise, Gregory began to run his wet thumb over her other hole. Using the rest of the strength she had, even with her face glued to the mirror, she grabbed his hand and stopped him from continuing. ¡°Relax¡­ It won''t hurt¡­¡± ¡°No, not there.¡± Even though he tried to calm her down, she didn''t accept it and kept holding his hand.


    "Okay..."


    But then he gave up and pulled his hand away, the same hand that Juliette guided back to where it was originally, on her breasts.


    But Gregory didn''t like being stopped. In return, he took his penis out of her...


    "Hmm?"


    Without understanding, Juliette was surprised when Gregory turned her around to face him and held one of her legs with his arm.


    "Hmmgghh"


    He then thrust his penis back inside her in a sudden movement.


    Ploc Ploc Ploc Ploc


    Resuming the rhythm of his hips, Gregory was no longer satisfied and increased the speed and intensity of his movements.


    "Ohh. Ohh. Aaahnghh"


    The rhythm was beyond what Juliette was used to, she was feeling her vagina dilate and start to spasm. Sending impulses of pleasure throughout her body, and making her whole body tremble and lose strength.


    But Gregory didn''t give her a break... Seeing that she was unstable, he used his other hand to hold her neck and push her against the mirror.


    Ploc Ploc


    ¡°Ngghh Grrkk... nghhh..¡±


    She moaned loudly, even though she was suffocated, her moans of pleasure were clear. Her eyes were rolled back and she barely noticed that Gregory was looking intently at her, a little worried about whether she was enjoying it or not.


    Ploc Ploc


    Even so, he didn''t slow down, because even though she was suffocated, she moaned with a smile on her face and drool ran down her face until it fell on his hand. ¡°Ghhk¡­ khhk¡­ Huh¡­ huh¡­ ahh¡­¡±


    It wasn¡¯t long before she started to shake and moan in an irregular and strange way.


    Ploc Ploc Ploc Ploc


    She was cumming¡­ Gregory noticed it immediately, but continued his merciless movements while still holding her leg and neck.


    Ploc Ploc Ploc Ploc


    ¡°khhk Ohh Huuuuhh Mngghhgrr¡±


    Psssssshhhhh


    She squirted¡­ Gregory thought, with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Good girl¡­ Smack She lasted 9 minutes.¡± Kissing her on the lips, Gregory held Juliette in his arms.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Completely without strength, Juliette let Gregory cover the floor with her clothes and lay her there, with her head resting on his lap.


    ¡°You lasted longer than I thought, Julie. Was it good?¡±


    ¡°Too good. Monique is happy, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. I think so.¡±


    ¡°Can we do it again?¡±


    ¡°Another day. We have things to take care of, so you better recover soon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s easy to talk when you¡¯re not the one having spasms every 10 seconds.¡±


    There were no more words after that, Gregory began to caress Juliette¡¯s hair and face while she recovered. And she recovered her strength in silence lying on his lap with an extremely satisfied smile on her face.

 Chapter 17 - Rules

    The first underground floor is a large space dedicated to training, fights and disputes, among other purposes. The entire floor is equipped with modern facilities to accommodate various activities and divided into areas that meet all the needs of users, whether they are Parahumans or not.


    A large synthetic grass field occupies a significant part of the floor, allowing for group training, recreational games and combat simulations. Together with its movable partitions, it allows the space to be configured flexibly.


    It can be adapted to different needs, from collective exercises to specific disputes. And its synthetic grass is strong enough to withstand a small explosion without suffering damage.


    But when tournaments or more serious disputes, with an audience, need to be held in these facilities, a main arena was built for large-scale fights and events, located on the opposite side of the small field.


    This arena has a floor that can be adapted to different types of fighting, with options for arenas with water, sand, walls and rocks, ice, and fire torches, among many others. The entire arena can be remodeled according to the fight that will be held there.


    And for the public, there are bleachers and viewing platforms around the arena, allowing spectators to follow the fights up close. However, separating the arena and the bleachers is a type of transparent insulating protection.


    To meet other needs, there are changing rooms spread across the 4 corners of the floor. All are separated by gender and offer individual lockers to store your belongings.


    In addition, there are showers, ice baths and recovery areas in all the changing rooms, but there are also 2 other special stations that offer saunas and massage rooms, providing complete support to users after their training and fights.


    The entire floor is equipped with advanced monitoring and recording systems, except for the intimate areas. Cameras capture training and competitions, transmitting them to the upper floors or storing them for later analysis.


    Anyone can request these images, and it is also possible to buy special monitors that display real-time metrics, such as heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2 Max), calories burned, applied force, electromyography, stress levels, blood lactate levels, strontium levels, neutrophil levels, etc.


    All to help improve performance, strength, endurance, among other aspects, whether of Parahumans or Hunters. But the fact is that Hunters are not the priority, which is why the vast majority of equipment is intended for superhuman strength. A clear example is the lightest dumbbell weighing 15 kilos.


    On the other hand, in addition to open spaces, this floor also has 15 rooms of varying sizes, designed to accommodate both individual and small group training.


    Each room is equipped with mats, free weights, tatami mats, punching bags and multi-modal equipment, as well as soundproofing to ensure privacy and avoid interference.


    But 5 of them are particularly larger than the others, as they have a small arena measuring 10x6 meters. These are the private duel rooms, and can only be used with the proper permission and supervision of authorized personnel.


    And at this moment, in private room 12, 9 people are meeting. Among them, 3 new faces stand out¡­


    "Yawn... Oh, oh, why do these useless women decide to fight right when the working hours is almost over? Why don''t they go to a brothel and have fun?" At the edge of the arena stood a woman with electric blue hair that was loose and untidy, giving her a casual and rebellious air. Her long face, with soft features but sharp eyes did little to hide her expression of tiredness and boredom.


    Her deep brown, almost black skin had a healthy and flawless glow that only made her well-trained and muscular body, the result of years of dedication to the gym, stand out.


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    Voluminous and defined thighs, large and firm glutes, and a visible six-pack abdomen could not be hidden by the casual clothes, consisting of a Cropped Tank Top, oversized jacket, and Skinny High Waist Jeans Shaping Butt.


    ¡°Manager Nora, watch your language¡­ No one would think you were a Senior Manager if they heard these atrocities.¡±


    Behind her, sitting on the bench reserved for the audience, a peculiar Parahuman spoke, a woman with long, silvery hair like moonlight, slightly wavy. An oval and delicate face, with refined and harmonious features combined with eyes that are a penetrating glacial blue.


    As a Yuki-ona, her skin is incredibly pale with a natural glow that resembles ice under the light. In addition to having a slender and gracefully proportioned body that is almost completely hidden under the long navy blue dress with wide sleeves.


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn what people think. I just want to go home and train a little before bed¡­¡±


    Despite receiving a gentle warning, Nora was not at all happy to be here. Even though she didn¡¯t want to offend, she responded rudely, which made the woman not interfere anymore and sat elegantly in her place.


    Beside the elegant woman, sitting on the same bench, were also the 3 secretaries on the right side of the woman and on the left side was Darya.


    ¡°Saying that makes it seem like they¡¯re not the ones who need to have fun¡­¡± Aria commented in a low voice.


    ¡°What is it Aria?¡± Unfortunately, the comment did not go unnoticed by Nora, who turned and glared fiercely at Aria.


    ¡°Nothing, Manager!!!!! I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±


    ¡°Humph¡­ This time it¡¯ll go away.¡±


    After that, she looked back at the two women in the Arena. Vivian on the right side and Monique on the left.


    A waste of time¡­ That¡¯s what she thought as soon as she found out about their records. Vivian was absolutely superior in everything, Monique had no chance. Even Monique herself must have known that, which raises a pertinent question: why did she agree to duel?


    ¡°Let¡¯s get on with it. I¡¯ll dictate the rules, in case the kids here have forgotten¡­ The duel will continue until one of the parties gives up or becomes incapable of fighting. Any type of blow is allowed, but no killing, am I clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± x2


    ¡°Great. No weapons, armor or anything that alters the performance of either party. The Lady-¡±


    ¡°Miss¡­¡±


    ¡°Miss Frostwood is an expert in detection, so don¡¯t even think about using tricks. The duel will have a 15-minute time limit ¨C If the duel exceeds the time limit, it will be considered a draw. But to avoid this, we have the 5-second rule, that is, if you are inactive for more than 5 seconds of pause, we will immediately declare a draw or disqualify the culprit. Understood?


    ¡°Yes¡± x2


    ¡°Great, Oh, and talk? It won¡¯t happen. Everyone stay quiet and focus on the fight. Whoever opens their mouth and says something will be disqualified immediately. Okay??¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± x2


    ¡°Very well. Now that we are all understood, you will have the honor of being refereed by Mr. Caleb. The Lady-Miss Frostwood will intercede if there is any irregularity or the fight exceeds the time limit. Please, Mr. Caleb¡­ Apologies for interrupting your work.¡±


    ¡°Hoho, no problem at all, it¡¯s been a while since the last fun event. A duel is always interesting to watch, especially between two such interesting and promising girls¡­¡±


    Taking Nora¡¯s place on the side of the arena, a man dressed in a black suit thanked her and began to observe the two women.


    Dark brown hair with gray strands combed back gave him an air of sophistication. His wide chin with a well-groomed beard highlighted his light gray eyes full of intensity and marks of battle experience.


    But what draws the most attention to him is the impressive physique of a true bodybuilder. With broad shoulders, a voluminous chest, wide arms and very thick thighs. His body was so large that the suit he was wearing was stretched even though it was a size large.


    ¡°I hope you understand that Duels are not for killing each other, but for settling disputes. Therefore, girls, when the duel ends, so will your disputes. There will be no other duel regardless of the result of this one.¡±


    With a calm voice, he crossed his fingers and began to look each of them in the eye. His experience was more than enough to know that holding a grudge is not good.


    On the contrary, it is an evil that eats away at you from the inside out and blinds the best and kindest of men. For a Parahuman, holding a grudge is the same as voluntarily degenerating, running the risk of becoming a Fallen through one''s own fault...


    "I ask that you understand this and avoid holding on to grudges. I have lost many loved ones because of this... Many young boys and girls who had bright futures fell and I was unable to stop them. Don''t be like that... When this duel is over, everything will end with it and you will start over again... Ready?"


    "Yes..." x2...


    This time, the two''s response was hesitant. But their determination to duel was still there. The man looked at the two again, silently analyzing each of them. One of them was someone brilliant, like a wild flower growing among thorns. The other, someone focused and persistent, like a strong desert cactus¡­


    The outcome was already clear, but he didn¡¯t care, the smile on his face was one of genuine excitement and expectations.


    ¡°Then¡­ Fight.¡±

 Chapter 18 – Vivian vs Monique

    ¡°Then¡­ Fight.¡±


    As soon as the signal was given, the air became heavy and dense with a scorching heat taking over the entire room. This was Vivian¡¯s power, her hair shone like flames and her eyes became balls of fire.


    Fortunately, the heat was blocked from leaving the Arena by a sort of invisible barrier, erected by none other than the woman in blue, Miss Frostwood. Even so, the small audience had no time to worry about this, they were all silently observing the arena.


    Vivian, with her eyes burning with fire and incandescent hair, raised her hands, invoking her ability. With a firm and quick movement, she punched the ground, making the entire arena tremble before a gigantic wave of flames rose up.


    Like a tsunami of fire, that wave over 5 meters high swept everything around Vivian with violence. The sound of the wind being consumed became a dull roar, the flames took over the entire arena and soon reached Monique.


    SSSHhhwaaaaa


    Monique felt the massive heat that almost suffocated her, but her expression remained unshaken.


    She would not retreat.


    She moved as far away from the wave as possible until she reached the edge of the arena, patiently waiting for the best moment to make her move.


    The wave would become weaker the further away from its epicenter it was, that was a basic truth¡­


    So, delaying as much as possible, Monique crouched down to gain momentum and jumped against the wave of fire. Like someone diving, she used her claws and forearms to make her way through the flames.


    Her claws and forearms were naturally more resistant and had good thermal insulation. It was enough for the resistance of her massive body amplified by training to improve her natural defense to withstand the impact and intensity of the flames.


    ¡°Ooh, how clever.¡±


    ¡°Bold¡­¡±


    ¡°It seems like it won¡¯t be such a bad duel to watch¡­¡±


    It was a very peculiar feat. Caleb and Miss Frostwood let out words of surprise and admiration, while Nora¡¯s curiosity and expectations were revised.


    A wave of fire of this caliber would be enough to end a duel under these conditions. But Monique surprised them, a Physical Type resisting such a destructive point-blank attack from a Magical Type.


    Overcoming the obstacle, Monique felt the pain of her body being burned. But she advanced without fear, she managed to get close enough for her fists to reach Vivian.


    Each of her fists, scorched by the flames, had enough brute force to knock out her opponent. But Vivian, was no beginner, she expected hand-to-hand combat and was ready for it.


    Vivian was skillful in moving away just as Monique¡¯s fist was about to hit her stomach. Throwing herself back, with a sneer, she quickly conjured a jet of flames in her hands. The fire danced, sharp and relentless, frustrating Monique''s attempt to pursue and forcing her to dodge.


    Unfortunately, the jet of flames followed her movement...


    "Urrghhhhh What the Fuck..."


    The heat of the flames kissing her body was unbearably painful. Even though she managed to move away and dodge with agile, almost desperate movements, the damage had already been done.


    The burns on her skin made Monique feel like every second was an eternity. The flames did not cease. Vivian launched a sequence of flamethrowers, forcing Monique to retreat and move away, only to see the fire spreading like a flaming blanket across the entire arena.


    In the end, Vivian had burned practically the entire arena and even though Monique managed to dodge 90% of the attacks, she had to endure the rest of the attacks directly.


    Her clothes were burned, her hair singed, her entire skin was red and several places had serious burns. She was in tatters, panting and supporting herself on one knee.


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    Vivian, with a cold expression, observed Monique¡¯s decrepit condition, with his eyes still blazing like torches of fire. And she looked at Caleb¡­


    Caleb in turn looked at Monique, he had hoped that the duel would not go any further. But the sparkle in Monique''s eyes gave him the answer immediately.


    ¡°sigh She wants to continue. The fight continues.¡± With a displeased expression, he nodded negatively as he gave the signal for the duel to continue.


    ¡°Sigh¡± Rolling her eyes, Vivian found herself wishing Monique would just admit defeat.


    Since that wasn¡¯t going to happen, Vivian continued her attacks, releasing an incessant jet of flames that whipped across the arena as she relentlessly pursued Monique.


    "An enviable resistance... She could dominate a level 3 mutanid alone in battle, even a magical-type mutanid would be defeated. Who is her partner?¡± Mrs. Frostwood said.


    ¡°Gregory Gunn¡­¡± Leyla replied.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Did he train her? Or is it entirely her own merit?¡± Asking her own question, Darya kept her eyes focused on Monique the entire time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have that information¡­ The academy avoids sharing that information. But from the data, Monique had a significant increase in her tests after starting the partnership with Mr. Gunn.¡±


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡±


    The scene was pitiful, Monique ran from one side to the other, jumping, rolling, crouching and throwing herself in an almost desperate attempt to dodge the attacks.


    Even so, Monique was determined to continue fighting. Her eyes shone with fierce determination; this was not how she would go down. Even though I have no complaints or strong grudges against Vivian, since the previous day she has been feeling that she is no good, she failed as a Hound and started to feel weak, despicable and disposable.


    She wanted to prove herself... She wanted to fight to feel useful, strong, and trustworthy again. Even if she lost, if she could stand out it would be enough for her to prove herself to Gregory again.


    On the other hand, the more Monique desperately dodged, the more upset and bored Vivian became. She could have continued this attack for almost 20 minutes, and it hadn¡¯t even been 3 minutes since they started.


    However, it was already longer than she had assumed this duel would last. Monique was tough, agile, sneaky and annoying, Vivian couldn''t help but compare her to a cockroach, ironically.


    But Monique wasn''t just running away. She was learning the pattern. Vivian''s every move was meticulously observed, every burst of fire recorded, every pause between attacks calculated.


    She looked for an opening, a small flaw in the attack, a blind spot where she could strike. Until finally she understood... She found an opening.


    Making short movements, jumping from one side to the other she managed to momentarily destabilize the jet of flames. Forcing Vivian to pause. Which she took advantage of to quickly close the distance.


    Arriving in front of Vivian, Monique launched her attack.


    KLONK


    A punch that hit Vivian squarely in the chin.


    ¡°Ohhh. Not bad.¡±


    ¡°Very well¡­¡±


    ¡°Too bad she''s already worn out... If this punch had been with full force the duel would have been over.¡±


    Just as Nora had said, Monique''s punch was strong, making Vivian stagger back several steps, blood coming out of his mouth. But it wasn''t enough to knock her opponent out.


    Monique realized her mistake and quickly tried to continue her momentum, launching herself at Vivian to continue her offensive.


    Unfortunately, Vivian hadn''t been disoriented enough to lose track of her surroundings.


    Then, noticing Monique''s movement, Vivian gave a cold and disdainful smile. She mentally cursed herself for getting distracted and letting her guard down. A mistake that could have cost her the duel, and her life if it had been a real battle...


    So, throwing herself back and dodging Monique''s attack, Vivian decided to stop playing around and take this duel seriously.


    She frowned and looked at Monique seriously, and without wasting any time, she conjured a series of fireballs that spread through the air as if they were stars in a moonless sky.


    They circled around Vivian and protected her, forcing Monique to retreat and assess the situation. She needed to resume her defense and prepare to endure until she found an opening.


    But it was doubtful whether there would be time for that.


    The balls began to spin even faster, making a crackling sound as they increased their rotation, and they became smaller and more concentrated. Soon, the red fireballs the size of a basketball became blue fireballs the size of a tennis ball.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ it was interesting, but it seems the duel is over.¡± With enviable calm and tranquility, Darya stated.


    It was an indiscreet thing to say, but the truth is that she only said what everyone was thinking. Monique had no chance of fighting an attack of this magnitude. She had no armor, weapons, artifacts or anything like that.


    And against her, countless fireballs at extremely high temperatures were spinning restlessly, as if they were waiting for something.


    Snap!


    Then, with a snap of Vivian''s fingers, the sound of wind being pressed and heated, like a pressure cooker, echoed in the air as the balls shot towards Monique.


    She saw a shower of lights coming at her with undeniable speed and force. The heat was so intense that the air around her seemed to vibrate with a continuous SHHHHHH.


    ZAP! CRACK! BOOM!


    KABOOM


    The explosions of the fireballs lit up and shook the arena with a loud bang. Monique was quick to analyze her escape route, dodging as many blows as possible. But she was hit by several of them.


    "AAArrgghhhh"


    The impact was brutal, Monique screamed and groaned in pain, but she didn''t stop.


    She resisted.


    Each blow seemed to tear her skin, burning her clothes, but she didn''t give in.


    She didn''t want to give in.


    She continued to resist, despite the deep burns on her body, a snarl of fury on her lips.

 Chapter 19 - Vivian vs Monique (2)

    She continued to dodge bravely, with agility and intelligence she managed to dodge the vast majority of the attacks.


    But at this point, she was unable to calculate the attacks and try to find gaps. She was barely able to dodge and remain standing, if she faltered or got distracted she would be hit and have her stamina consumed even more, which would make her be hit by more attacks and so on.


    Booom Booom Booom Booom Booom Booom


    The clearest warning signs were the small explosions that were caused whenever one of the fireballs hit the ground.


    So, she continued to dodge as best she could, being hit only a few times. And when the attacks stopped, she was panting, on her knees and sounding all over her body.


    Her arms had serious burns, several round marks on her skin were charred. On her arms, back, stomach, shoulders, legs¡­ In all, more than 15 charred marks could be seen.


    Her hair was completely singed, a good part of it burned to the root. Her right cheek was grazed by a fireball and the flesh was exposed, a large blister beginning to form.


    She could barely stand¡­


    Vivian, hesitant to continue, looked at Caleb again.


    And Caleb looked at Monique, with pity and sadness clear in his eyes, mentally begging her to give up.


    But Monique, with great effort, stood up, looked at Caleb and gave him a signal. The same signal that made Caleb close his eyes and rub his face in distress¡­


    ¡°She wants to continue¡­ Fight.¡± The words were difficult for Caleb to pronounce, but as a referee he had to follow the rules.


    ¡°Sigh¡± Again, a heavy sigh came out of Vivian¡¯s mouth¡­ A real cockroach, she thought.


    With the same movement as before, Vivian conjured another round of fireballs and put on the same show as before. The red balls spun around her and were compressed until they turned blue.


    SNAP


    SHHHHHH


    ZAP!


    CRACK!


    BOOM!


    KABOOM


    The same scene happened¡­ Monique, already weakened and with blurred vision, tried to dodge as much as possible, but she was no longer able to dodge as effectively.


    Her mobility, vision and resistance were seriously impaired and several attacks hit her hard, leaving her even more vulnerable. Undermining her defenses and resistance to the limit, leaving her on the edge of what her body could handle.


    Booom Booom Booom Booom Booom Booom


    Several were dodged, but it got to a point where Monique could no longer dodge the attacks. Her mind went blank for a moment, she was still alive, of course, but the fight was being a one-sided massacre against her.


    She couldn''t do any damage to Vivian, but in her case, the remaining pieces of her clothes were as charred as her skin.


    It wasn''t a duel, it was a humiliation...


    This thought made Monique''s mind be taken over by hatred and frustration. Her body was on fire and her mind was a whirlwind of pain and revenge.


    It was at this moment that she decided to make her last move. A suicidal attack, all or nothing...


    ¡°WWAaaarhhhhh¡±


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    Blinded by hatred, Monique gave up her defense tactics and moved straight towards Vivian like a ferocious and uncontrollable bear. At that moment, everyone in the room realized that she was being dominated by instinct.


    She no longer thought, her anger, frustration and instinct became her strength. An immense force focused only on defeating Vivian, wanting the fire to be put out once and for all.


    But Vivian, much more experienced than Monique, had already prepared herself as soon as she noticed the uncontrolled attack coming towards her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Vivian whispered...


    When Monique got close enough, a wave of blue fire was launched towards her¡­


    chhhhhhhhh  crack-crack


    The scene was horrific, to say the least¡­ The wave of blue fire hit Monique at point-blank range and swallowed her whole.


    The impact was so strong that Monique was thrown back, her body thrown like a flaming puppet, falling heavily to the ground, and the wave of fire, unlike the previous one, did not lose strength, it continued to burn.


    No one saw Monique¡¯s figure for a few seconds, only a trail of fire took over the arena. But they could clearly hear the crackling of something being burned and fell the smell of flesh being charred¡­


    ¡°MISS FROSTWOOD-¡± Standing up in despair, Leyla looked at the woman beside her and then at the arena, she could only call out the name but could not form the sentence because of the shock of the scene.


    In fact, everyone in the scene had the same expression as Leyla. This attack should not have been allowed¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯s alive¡­ It¡¯s over, Caleb.¡± With a serious look, her voice was neutral, but she had a thoughtful expression as she looked seriously at the blue fire torch that continued to burn.


    ¡°Monique Daryan cannot continue, the winner is Vivian Wynne.¡± As soon as he received the confirmation, Caleb immediately announced the result of the duel.


    Snap


    With a snap of her fingers, Miss Frostwood extinguished all the fire in the arena and cooled the place.


    Vivian remained in the center of the arena, upright and without signs of fatigue, his eyes no longer shone, but there was a trail of blood coming out of his mouth.. Her hands rested casually at her sides, but her eyes were fixed on Monique¡¯s body that was lying on the floor of the arena just a few meters away.


    Monique¡¯s clothes were practically incinerated, leaving only rags of what would be her underwear, blouse and pants. Practically naked, her entire body was charred in a cruel and merciless manner.


    Her face was unrecognizable. She was barely breathing and anyone watching this scene would think she was dead. The smell was horrible.


    Her black skin was only colored by the strands of blood that began to run from several lacerations. There was no hair left on her head or on her forearms and legs.


    Vivian''s face showed a mixture of indifference, guilt and sadness. She stood there, silently staring at Monique''s body...


    Meanwhile, Caleb walked quickly towards Monique, with clear concern in his eyes. Followed closely by Nora, Darya and Frostwood.


    He reached her side and tried to confirm the situation, but unfortunately he could only crouch down next to her and check her breathing. And seeing that her breathing was steady, even with difficulty, he let out a grateful sigh.


    He knew that trying to move her carelessly would only cause more injuries, so he looked at Nora who was standing next to him and said:


    ¡°She is strong, but her injuries are very serious. We need to get her to the hospital as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°I have already called the medical team, they will arrive in a few minutes.¡± Nora replied.


    ¡°I can take care of first aid¡­ It will ease her pain.¡± Darya said, still with her curious and attentive gaze directed at Monique¡¯s body.


    ¡°Do it¡­ Don¡¯t worry, I will charge her irresponsible partner for your services.¡± Nora said, with a tone of reprimand and threat in her voice.


    ¡°Very well¡­¡±


    Darya approached soon after, with an analytical look she took a step forward and knelt next to Monique.


    In her mind, there was no surprise with the outcome of the fight, however, Monique¡¯s absurd resistance had caught her attention. She then took advantage of this moment to also examine Monique''s body more deeply...


    Without saying a word, Darya raised her hands, which began to glow with a soft, greenish light. The marks on her body, similar to tree branches, began to glow and take on color, almost as if they were alive.


    The room lit up slightly with the healing power emanating from her, but the silence was broken by the whispers of the three secretaries who were watching the fight.


    "That was humiliating. The difference in power is colossal." Said Patricia, the red-haired secretary with glasses, sitting in her chair and reflecting on what she had just witnessed.


    "What did it last, five minutes? She didn''t even touch Vivian properly." Aira, the tall, dark-haired secretary, continued.


    ¡°4 minutes and 47 seconds until Sir Caleb¡¯s announcement.¡± Leyla, standing and concerned about Monique¡¯s condition, looked at the watch on her wrist and confirmed the timer.


    ¡°Is this the difference between a Physical and a Magical Parahuman? Why is the disparity so great when they are both S-Class? Isn¡¯t that wrong?¡± Curious, Aira expressed her doubts.


    ¡°That¡¯s because-¡±


    Click


    But just as Leyla was about to answer her companion¡¯s questions, everyone¡¯s attention was diverted when the door was softly opened.


    Gregory entered with a serious expression, followed by Juliette, who seemed equally curious about the situation. The atmosphere, which was already tense, became even heavier with Gregory¡¯s presence.


    He took a few steps and stopped, his eyes scanning the room and observing the scene:


    Vivian standing in the center of the arena.


    Nora, Caleb and Lady Frostwood around Darya, with different expressions, from concern to curiosity.


    Finally, a charred body lying on the ground and Darya providing first aid.

 Chapter 20 - Clinic

    ¡°Deep Sigh The problems just keep getting worse¡­¡± Raising his hand to his face, he sighed in tiredness and disappointment¡­


    ¡°!!!!!!¡± x3


    The 3 secretaries tensed to the point of turning pale. Even though it wasn¡¯t his fault, it was a fact that the situation could take a tortuous turn if Gregory decided to cause trouble¡­


    As an exceptional student at the Academy, the Director held him in high regard, even giving him private lessons personally. Rumors circulated that the Director had him as the City¡¯s promise to win this year¡¯s State Tournament and participate in next year¡¯s National Tournament¡­


    This is Gregory Gunn. Reserved and rarely seen in public, but his fame spreads throughout the 3 Zones of the city.


    ¡°So you¡¯re this Hound¡¯s partner?¡± The first to speak was Nora, looking seriously at Gregory.


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡± He replied, as he approached Darya with long strides.


    ¡°Right¡­ Know that this was a duel agreed upon by both parties. Miss Wynne over there¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have no complaints. Even without my authorization, this was a fair duel, I understand.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that makes things easier. Your partner¡¯s condition is extremely serious, but know that she fought bravely until the end. Her stamina and work intelligence are far above average, a formidable warrior. I¡¯ve already called the medical team and they should be arriving soon, we will take all necessary care for her to recover completely.¡±


    Nora continued to patiently explain the situation, but Gregory wasn¡¯t paying attention to her words. He was staring at Monique¡¯s charred body, his expression growing heavier and darker with each step he took closer.


    ¡°She knew we had more urgent tasks, yet she chose to be irresponsible. She herself said not to take reckless measures, but here we are¡­ Hahaha, how ironic¡­¡± He knelt down next to Darya and spoke.


    You could feel the remorse and sadness consuming him from the inside out. He placed his hand on her face and tried to gently caress it, but stopped as soon as he felt her skin lacerate under his touch and start to bleed.


    ¡°How did it get to this point??¡± Juliette, who had moved towards the 3 secretaries, asked in a low voice.


    ¡°She suffered serious injuries several times, yet she remained standing and did not accept defeat. In the end, I think in a moment of madness, she made a suicidal move. Miss Wynne protected herself with a devastating attack that hit her at point-blank range. It will be better to review the images later¡­¡± Professionally, Leyla gave a brief summary of what had happened.


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    ¡°The girl¡¯s resistance to injuries is truly enviable, there is nothing to worry about. On the other hand, Juliette, you better take a shower as soon as possible¡­¡±


    Approaching them, Mrs. Frostwood elegantly spoke, with a small smile on her face as she advised Juliette to get rid of the suspicious smell that was impregnated on her body.


    ¡°!!!¡± Juliette¡¯s face immediately turned red, but fortunately the other 3 women didn¡¯t understand what it was about.


    ¡°Hehe, don¡¯t worry, only me and the two girls back there can clearly feel it. Even so, it¡¯s not subtle of you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Aria asked, not understanding what they were talking about as she couldn¡¯t smell anything different.


    ¡°Nothing¡­ You three can go upstairs to help Patricia and Beatriz close the system.¡±


    ¡°????¡± x3


    The two secretaries felt wronged for not finding out. They would have to deal with their curiosity as they reluctantly moved towards the exit.


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    And a few seconds after they left, 2 men and 2 human women dressed in white came in and started taking care of Monique. Placing her on a stretcher and rushing to take her to the structure dedicated to the Superintendence''s clinic.


    Gregory accompanied them all the way there. But he was prevented from entering the Intensive Care Unit. He could only wait outside while looking in the mirror in the room and watching the medical operation on Monique...


    __________________________________________


    The long but relatively narrow corridor was lit by white lights that seemed brighter than necessary, creating an aseptic but cold environment. There was no conversation, but the silence was frequently broken by the hurried footsteps of the doctors who came and went frequently.


    Gregory was sitting on a metal bench against the wall, his hands clasped and his gaze fixed on the floor. His hair was disheveled, his shirt was untidy and his eyes showed the fatigue of a mind in turmoil.


    The door next to the bench led to the room where Monique rested, finally stabilized after more than 3 hours of surgery and medical treatment. According to the doctors, she was doing very well even for a Parahuman, considering the injuries she suffered.


    And although she needed at least two weeks of complete rest, the doctors said she was recovering quickly and could recover before then. But none of that calmed Gregory, Monique was unconscious and had serious injuries all over her body, there was no good news¡­


    He could have left Monique at home¡­ He could have warned her not to cause trouble¡­ He could have been more serious when he spoke to Juliette¡­ He could have not had sex in the elevator...


    Tak Tak Tak Tak


    As he thought about what he could have done differently, the firm footsteps of boots against the tile floor interrupted his reverie.


    He looked up to see Juliette approaching, her face carrying an expression of concern and determination. Behind her came Caleb, with his impeccable posture but also visibly worried and dismayed.


    Coming to him, Juliette placed a hand on Gregory''s shoulder and asked gently: ¡°Gregory, how is Monique?¡±


    ¡°She''s fine, better than the doctors expected. But she is still unconscious and may take up to 2 weeks to be released.¡±


    ¡°And you¡­ How are you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not important.¡± As he said this, Gregory was blunt, and stood up from the bench.


    ¡°Right, this is Caleb Moreau, the General Supervisor of the Efflium SHH. Sir Caleb refereed the Duel¡­¡± She said, formally introducing Caleb.


    ¡°Gregory Gunn, right?¡± Caleb said, extending his hand. ¡°We didn¡¯t have time to formally introduce ourselves earlier due to circumstances, but I thought I should check on you and your partner.¡±


    Gregory hesitated for a moment, but accepted the handshake. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I can say about the situation¡­ But it¡¯s a pleasure to meet someone so important and famous. It must have been uncomfortable to watch such a one-sided duel.¡±


    ¡°No, on the contrary¡­ Your partner certainly caught my attention in a positive way, the training she received was clearly not to combat other Parahumans, but I could see the effectiveness of such a strategy against mutanids. If she had been equipped with the correct armor, she would have been victorious without a shadow of a doubt.¡±


    ¡°She is very disciplined, indeed, it is a striking characteristic. But I think that even equipped with armor, she would have been defeated. Her opponent has more experience, more skill, more attack power and more battle intelligence¡­ It was a humiliation, Sir Caleb, there are no arguments to defend her.¡±


    ¡°Maybe yes, maybe not¡­ But do not despise your Hound, she fought bravely and was brilliant. I know very few Hounds who would have performed so well in a duel under such unfavorable circumstances.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate the compliments, rest assured that I will pass them on to her as soon as she wakes up.¡±


    Caleb crossed his arms, watching Gregory. ¡°Well, today I just wanted to wish her and you the best. But I am one of the special guests for the graduation of the Hunters Military Academy. So, I hope to see you there, prepared and focused, in a week.¡± He gave a slight smile and waved before walking away, leaving Gregory and Juliette alone.


    After Caleb left, Gregory sat back down on the bench and Juliette sat next to him, silent.


    Gregory remained silent, thoughts racing through his mind. Juliette looked at him worriedly, but didn''t know what to say.


    Until finally Juliette remembered something important and broke the silence, her voice gentle but firm. "What about the mission Freud gave you? We still have to deal with that."


    Gregory rubbed his face with his hands, sighing deeply. "I know. 65 hours left, but I have no idea how to complete the mission without Monique. I don''t want to think about it right now..."


    "Have you given up on asking Vivian and Daira for help?" Juliette asked bluntly.


    Gregory hesitated, frowning. "I don''t know... I don''t blame either of them for what happened, but being around them now, after everything, is uncomfortable. Vivian didn''t do anything wrong, but..."


    "But you don''t want to face her after this," Juliette added, reading his thoughts. "I understand, but you know that this mission can''t be done alone. And the truth is that Vivian and Daira are the best options you have. They are skilled, and you will need strength and strategy."


    "I don''t know..."


    "This is no time for doubts, Gregory. In the end, it was all your fault, shouldn''t it also be your responsibility to solve everything?"


    "Do you have to throw it in my face, Julie?" he complained, looking hurt at Juliette next to him.


    But at that moment she stood up and shouted loudly. "I have to, of course I have to. Be a man, damn it, take responsibility."


    "!!!" Stunned, Gregory looked at her without reacting.


    "You''re going to get off your ass and solve your problems like a real man should."

 Chapter 21 – Dolce Vita (1)

    The dinner reservations at Dolce Vita have already been made. I''ll make some arrangements and make some phone calls to invite Daira and Vivian to join us. You''ll go home, take a shower, put on some appropriate clothes and come pick us up in front of SHH at 8:45 pm sharp.


    ¡°That''s what she said, but it''s already 9:13 pm and she hasn''t shown up¡­¡± Gregory said, impatiently looking at the entrance of SHH.


    Gregory was inside his black GTR with carbon details, reflecting the glow of the street lights. A luxury sports car with an aggressive and elegant design, black leather interior with red stitching matched the dashboard illuminated by a state-of-the-art digital interface.


    According to the digital clock on the console, waiting impatiently, Juliette was almost 30 minutes late. Which Gregory, as an extremely punctual and diligent guy, didn''t like.


    But it didn''t take more than a few minutes until Juliette left SHH, and was accompanied by Vivian and Daira.


    ¡°Finally,¡± he said, getting out of the car to wait for the three women to arrive at the car.


    Gregory wore a well-cut dark suit, with silver buttons and a black tie, adjusted to enhance his athletic silhouette. His polished leather shoes and a discreet watch completed the look.


    His hair was impeccably styled, and his calm expression, with attentive eyes on the three women who were impeccably dressed for dinner.


    Juliette wore a long wine-colored dress, fitted to the body, with a side slit that showed elegance without losing formality. Her hair was tied in a bun with a few loose strands, softening the look.


    Vivian opted for a dark blue satin dress with a moderate V-neckline and long sleeves, a discreet contrast to her usually confident personality. Her striking red hair was loose and wavy, standing out even more in the ensemble. Daira, on the other hand, brought a touch of boldness with an emerald green dress with thin straps, with gold embroidery details that highlighted her skin tone. Her hair, tied in a high ponytail, emphasized her striking features.


    ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late, Gregory,¡± Juliette said, with a guiltless smile.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied, but his eyes briefly passed over Vivian, who looked away. When he looked at Daira, she had a visible smile, looking at him with clear interest, but he didn¡¯t linger his gaze on her either.


    ¡°How are we?¡± Spinning around to show off her look, Juliette asked Gregory cheerfully.


    After giving her a gentle hug and a kiss, Gregory looked Juliette up and down in awe and said, ¡°You really don¡¯t disappoint in surprising me, Julie¡­¡±


    Juliette smiled in satisfaction. ¡°You don¡¯t look too bad yourself. Anyway, this is Miss Wynne¡­¡±


    Gregory extended his hand and briefly shook Vivian¡¯s hand and introduced himself. ¡°I¡¯m Gregory Gunn¡­¡± He said nothing more.


    ¡°Vivian Wynne.¡± Vivian was visibly uncomfortable, avoiding direct eye contact.


    Seeing that the situation was strange, Juliette quickly intervened: ¡°This is Miss Creer. She volunteered to perform first aid and relieve some of Monique¡¯s pain. Thanks to her, the medical team had an easy job since Monique was stabilized and sedated when they arrived.¡±


    ¡°Hehe¡­ It was no big deal, I did what I had to do.¡± Embarrassed, Daira subtly denied Juliette¡¯s compliments with a striking smile.


    ¡°I sincerely thank you, Miss Creer¡­ Healing abilities are extremely rare and precious, your efforts have been of great help to me and my partner. I don¡¯t even know how to thank you, I just think I could pay for your services.¡± As soon as he said that, Gregory took out his transparent cell phone.


    But seeing what Gregory was doing, Daira stepped forward and grabbed his hand, stopping him from continuing. ¡°Please don¡¯t do that or I¡¯ll be offended.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°I did it of my own free will. In the duel, Monique was¡­ impressive. You know, her resistance, her courage, her determination, everything about her was extraordinary. Even at such a clear disadvantage, she resisted and fought bravely. It was beautiful to watch¡­¡±


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°¡­¡± Gregory felt the genuine glow of admiration in Daira¡¯s eyes, but he also felt something strange when he was stared at by that gaze. He tried to let go of her hand, but Daira held on tightly and seemed unwilling to let go.


    Noticing that the situation had once again become awkward, Juliette interceded again.


    ¡°It was certainly beautiful¡­ But we can talk about it once we get to the restaurant. Shall we go?¡±


    _____________________________________


    Dolce Vita is a 3-star restaurant known for the sophistication of its decor and cuisine.


    The fa?ade boasts marble pillars and ornate glass doors, with the restaurant¡¯s logo in gold. Inside, a huge chandelier illuminates the entrance, reflecting off the polished black tiles on the floor.


    The tables are spread out spaciously, covered with impeccable white tablecloths, and flower arrangements decorate the space. Some are for couples and several others seat up to 6 people, but there are some special tables that are reserved for special occasions, reserved for entire families, seating up to 15 people.


    Upon entering, Gregory and the 3 women were warmly welcomed by the manager, who led them to a reserved area, where one of these special tables was set up.


    The group was led to a separate room, overlooking an outdoor garden lit by lights hanging from trees. The table was long, covered by an ivory tablecloth, and decorated with gold candlesticks and white flower arrangements.


    There, they met the rest of the group: Leyla, Patricia, Aria, Teresa and Beatriz, all elegantly dressed. Miss Lira Frostwood and Nora Churchill were also there, very well dressed, but much more relaxed than the others, clearly enjoying the night away from their routine.


    Leyla wore a silver dress made of shiny fabric that reflected the light softly. Patricia opted for a bright red dress with lace details. Aria wore a classic black dress with a striking necklace of green stones.


    Teresa chose a teal blue dress with a more modern design, with discreet cutouts. Beatriz wore a light pink silk dress with floral details. Miss Frostwood wore a black dress with gold embroidery, matching her imposing presence. And Nora wore an elegant white outfit, simple but refined.


    ¡°Gregory, this is Miss Lira Frostwood,¡± Juliette announced in a light tone, but with hidden intentions in her eyes.


    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Gregory replied, leaning in slightly to greet her. He wrapped her in a short, formal hug, placing a simple kiss on her cheek.


    ¡°Pleased... But I believe the pleasure here was all for Juliette,¡± Lira whispered in Gregory¡¯s ear, a mischievous smile curving her lips.


    ¡°???¡± Gregory recoiled in surprise. His expression was a mix of bewilderment and doubt as he gave Juliette a questioning look, as if asking for a silent explanation.


    ¡°Hohoho... I couldn¡¯t resist, Juliette,¡± Lira confessed mischievously, before grabbing Juliette by the arm and leading her to their seats at the table, leaving Gregory alone with his confusion.


    Before he could compose himself, a firm and direct voice cut through the air:


    ¡°You know, boy, no matter how I look at it, you seem very irresponsible for someone who is the Academy¡¯s Number 1 Aspirant.¡±


    Gregory turned to face the woman who had just spoken. ¡°You must be Senior Manager Churchill, correct?¡± he asked, adjusting his tone slightly to sound respectful, although his gaze did not hide his discomfort.


    ¡°Call me Nora,¡± she corrected, with a dismissive gesture. ¡°I hate formalities.¡±


    ¡°Very well, Nora,¡± Gregory replied, adopting a more relaxed tone. ¡°I completely agree with your opinion. How could someone who can¡¯t even manage or control his partner¡¯s behavior be Top 1, right?¡±


    ¡°No, no¡­¡± Nora shook her head, her expression serious. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. I read your file and your partner¡¯s. I saw your test results, your exams¡­ I even looked at your mission history. But honestly, what I found doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    Gregory arched an eyebrow. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything special about it. I did some above-average things, but nothing that I would consider extraordinary.¡±


    Nora leaned in slightly, her eyes fixed on him, as if trying to decipher every word. ¡°You managed to complete level 3 and 4 missions by yourself¡­ That¡¯s far from normal, kid. Especially when your partner is a physical-type Hound, specialized in resistance and defense. I simply can¡¯t imagine how you managed to kill a Stegobreaker and a Dilophovile.¡±


    ¡°Strategy and discipline,¡± Gregory replied without hesitation, the confidence evident in his voice. ¡°Of course, I have no direct merit in the fights. My role is to devise strategies, and Monique trusts my orders blindly. She executes them with rigid and ruthless precision.¡±


    For a moment, Nora remained silent, her eyes fixed on Gregory with an almost palpable intensity, as if she were unraveling every fragment of his personality.


    Her expression was impassive, but her eyes shone with a sharp curiosity that she made no effort to disguise.


    ¡°Strategy and discipline¡­ Interesting,¡± she murmured, her voice carrying a subtle tease. ¡°Perhaps you are less irresponsible than you first appear, after all.¡±


    She paused, as if pondering something. ¡°But that raises another question: why did your partner accept such an irrational duel without even consulting you? Is she¡­ an idiot? Or are you two fighting over your confession to Nancy Rosen?¡±


    Gregory felt a growing discomfort, his face hardening at the direct accusation. ¡°This is a personal matter...¡± He replied firmly, wanting to cut the conversation short, not allowing the subject to go any further.


    Nora smiled, but it was a smile without warmth, just the kind of smile of someone who sees something that intrigues them. ¡°I see...¡± That was all she said, but the way she said it made the word carry extra weight, as if she hadn¡¯t given up yet.


    Gregory, uncomfortable with the growing tension, tried to change his tone. ¡°Shall we sit down?¡± He asked, trying to reestablish some control in the conversation, his voice softer, but still with a firmness that left no room for further provocations.

 Chapter 22 – Dolce Vita (2)

    After the initial movement and greetings, the guests began to sit around the round table, adjusting themselves in the elegant chairs. The room was softly lit, with candles lit and soft music playing in the background, creating a comfortable and refined atmosphere.


    Gregory marked his place before pulling out the chairs and helping all the women to sit down. A task that took a few minutes, but that positively surprised all the women at the table.


    Finally, taking his place, he exchanged subtle glances with Juliette and Daira, as they settled themselves to his right and left respectively. While the two were happy, Vivian, next to Daira, had a small blush on her face.


    Nora, who was sitting on the opposite side of Gregory, noticed this clearly, recording every detail in her mind with a subtle smile on her face.


    After everyone was seated, the waiter appeared next, ready to take their orders.


    ¡°To start, I¡¯ll have the Risotto ai Funghi Porcini,¡± Gregory said with a relaxed smile, his eyes skimming the menu before making his choice.


    But before he could close the menu, Daira¡¯s presence at his side became evident. She was sitting next to him, leaning slightly to the side, her shoulders touching his.


    Daira looked closely at the menu, her eyes moving with calculated precision, but the gesture was far from innocent. She positioned herself intimately, pressed against Gregory¡¯s body, her breathing so close that he could feel it, as if she were more interested in what he was choosing than in the menu itself.


    He tried to look at her face but his gaze was drawn to the deep cleavage that formed between Daira¡¯s enormous breasts. With a great deal of willpower, he managed to look away, and calmly waited for her to order.


    She noticed this movement, so with a discreet smile on her lips, Daira spoke softly, her voice soft and insinuating: ¡°I¡¯ll also like a Risotto ai Funghi Porcini, please. And two glasses of Chianti, isn¡¯t that right, Gregory?¡±


    She didn¡¯t move away, her words coming out with a tone that seemed more intimate than before. She noticed that Gregory, although he tried to maintain his composure, began to release pheromones into the air.


    The atmosphere became awkward, but soon Lira broke the awkward silence and said: ¡°Daira, dear, how about controlling your instincts a little? You¡¯re making our host uncomfortable.¡±


    ¡°Ohh, I¡¯m sorry. I got carried away.¡± She apologized, but the smile on her face made it clear that she wasn¡¯t sincere.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have an Osso Buco with polenta.¡± Vivian was the first to order.


    ¡°A classic Margherita Pizza, please.¡± Leyla was next.


    Juliette placed her order: Tagliatelle al Limone. Patr¨ªcia leaned towards the waiter, asking for Pappardelle al Cinghiale, while Aria was more daring, ordering a Cotoletta alla Milanese accompanied by a green salad.


    Teresa and Beatriz ordered a Pasta alla Norma and a Parmigiana di Melanzane, respectively. With a more relaxed look, Lira opted for a Lasagna alla Bolognese, and Nora ordered Ravioli di Zucca with butter and sage sauce.


    With their orders placed, the waiter left and closed the door to the private room. Soon, side conversations began, with the girls talking about work stuff.


    Gregory only randomly answered some silly questions. Until Juliette, with a soft smile, turned to Gregory and began talking in a more intimate tone about Lira.


    ¡°You must have heard about Lira Frostwood, right? She is considered the strongest Hound that Efflium has ever had, a true icon on the battlefield.¡±


    Gregory, curious, leaned forward slightly, his eyes shining with interest. ¡°How could you not know about her when she¡¯s on several magazine covers? But, in fact, I would love to know more about the legend of the famous ¡®White Death¡¯¡­¡±


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    The words ¡®White Death¡¯ sounded loaded with meaning, as if Gregory was trying to poke a beast.


    Which really had an effect, because as soon as the words were said, the temperature in the room suddenly froze. Everyone immediately looked at the person in charge.


    Lira, with a smile on her face and a cheerful expression, spoke calmly: ¡°hoho, Gregory, my dear, there are certain things that are not said in public. Especially if it concerns a lady¡¯s past¡­¡±


    She was smiling, but no one there believed her cheerful tone of voice, much less her smile.


    Realizing his mistake, and somewhat pleased with the outcome, Gregory immediately stood up and leaned forward to apologize. ¡°Forgive me, Miss Lyra, I was charmed by your kindness and forgot my manners. I beg you to forgive my mistake this one time¡­¡±


    With a genuine smile this time, Lira quickly waved him back to sit and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear, I¡¯m not a petty person. It¡¯s okay as long as you don¡¯t repeat this mistake.¡±


    After she said that, the temperature in the room began to heat up again. Gregory shifted in his chair, but continued to speak:


    ¡°I may seem impolite, but I¡¯ve heard about many of your hunts¡­ I was wondering, Miss Lira, can you tell us a few? I¡¯d love to hear these stories from someone who actually experienced them and not just someone who heard someone talk about them¡­¡± Gregory said, his tone curious and persuasive, as a slight smile appeared on his lips, but his eyes were fixed on her, attentive and serious.


    Lira looked at him for a moment, the smile that had previously played on her face gradually disappearing.


    She paused before answering, her voice now deeper and more melancholic. ¡°What¡¯s interesting about a silly hunt? They are all bloody, with sacrifices and losses marking each one of them.¡± She seemed distant, as if she were reliving those memories, her expression now more closed and thoughtful.


    Gregory, noticing the change in tone, tried to soften the conversation with an answer that sought to touch more on the essence of Lira¡¯s experience.


    "Experiences teach us a lot. Even if they are marked by sadness and loss, each lesson learned is important for the future. And I think no one in this city has more experience than you, Miss Lira.¡± He smiled with a touch of admiration in his eyes, without hiding the respect he felt for her.


    Lira raised an eyebrow and, with an amused but also slightly challenging smile, asked, turning her head slightly towards him: ¡°Are you calling me old, Gregory?¡±


    Gregory quickly corrected himself, a little surprised by the provocation, but with a confident and playful look. ¡°No, no, never. I meant that you are experienced¡­ I mean, you have participated in many hunts. You are not old, quite the opposite, you look so young and beautiful.¡±


    The last word was said with more intent, an attempt to further ease the tension in the conversation.


    Lira let out a low, teasing laugh, her eyes shining with a hint of amusement. ¡°Oh, are you hitting on me, dear?¡±


    Gregory¡¯s response was quick, the expression on his face more amused than nervous. ¡°Hahaha¡­ Please, Miss Lira, don¡¯t play games with me. Besides, I might fall in love with you if you keep teasing me.¡±


    He laughed, albeit a little nervously, trying to keep the conversation light. Lira leaned back a little in her chair, the mischievous smile never leaving her face.


    ¡°Hehe, very well, if you want to hear an old woman¡¯s stories so badly, I won¡¯t deny you that pleasure.¡± She said, the irony in her voice mixed with a hint of challenge, as if she was toying with him, enjoying the exchange.


    The side conversations died down, with only occasional murmurs, as Lira held everyone¡¯s attention with her stories.


    Lira began to tell of her hunts, narrating intense battles against formidable monsters. She spoke of when she went to Lornitum, a level 2 Fortress City, built on a rocky plain, famous for its precious mineral mines.


    There, she faced a Terradrake, a giant lizard Mutanid of the Magical Type ¨C Earth. A Mutanid that has the ability to open huge holes and create small mountains with its powers.


    As she slowly sipped the wine from her glass, she spoke of the Gigantomorph, a colossal Elephant Mutanid of the Physical Type that she faced in Zyrilium, a level 1 Fortress City, just like Efflium.


    But unlike Efflium, which is a commercial city, Zyrilium is a city focused on agriculture, surrounded by huge plantations of various types of crops. For this reason, the city is famous for hiring hunters and Hounds from other cities on a large scale.


    The Gigantomorph was drawn there for some unknown reason, but it was difficult to fight because it was so resistant that even the strongest weapons could only slightly injure it.


    She also faced the Compsorift in Quentrium, a level 4 Fortress city, located in a valley of mountains covered with forests of giant trees. Headquarters of the main forges of the continent and home to several famous figures.


    Lira had passed by there to escort and protect a shipment of weapons, but they were attacked by a gigantic horde of Compsorift.


    Compsorift are Mutanids similar to Ostrich, but three times as tall, of the Physical - Agility type. They always attack in packs, creating terrifying chaos, but this particular pack had more than 100 individuals.


    ¡°It was epic when at the end of the battle, I climbed onto the truck soaked in blood and watched the sunset shining over the ground covered in blood and bodies of those filthy beasts¡­¡± Lira said, in a nostalgic tone.

 Chapter 23 – Dolce Vita (3)

    The conversation continued, until she finally mentioned Kronoclaw, a Panther Mutanid of the Hybrid Type ¨C Light and stealth. Known for being relatively small, normally 5 meters tall and 8 meters long including the tail.


    ¡°It is, as they say, smaller than many but more lethal than all.¡± She said, in a sarcastic tone.


    She was in Vexlium, a coastal city famous for being a trade center on the continent.


    ¡°It was against this monster, codenamed 012, that I lost my first, third and last Hunter partner, as well as two fellow Hounds. One mistake, a small oversight by an ally, and everything turned into a nightmare. The victory was bitter, marked by irreparable losses. Physical, of course, but the deepest scars still pulse within my soul.¡±


    Lira pulled up the sleeve of her dress, revealing a scar that began on her left shoulder and extended toward her chest, disappearing beneath the fabric. The mark was barely visible to the untrained eye, but those who knew its origin could not help but feel the terrifying weight it carried.


    "The Kronoclaw we met there... He was not like the others. There was something wrong with him." Her voice deepened, almost a whisper. "Those eyes... They were not those of a simple mutanid. They glowed with a... evil way. He was not just a mindless, hungry, or savage monster. He was watching. Calculating. As if he knew exactly where and when to strike."


    She paused, her fingers instinctively tracing the line of the scar as her expression hardened. "Some said he was a reflection of the city of Vexlium itself¡ªshiny and prosperous on the outside, but full of hidden, cruel dangers on the inside. I''ll never forget the way he looked at me. As if telling me he knew it would be the team''s last mission."


    Lira smiled bitterly, her closed expression revealing a regret that time could not erase. "In the end, we managed to take him down, but at what cost? I lost my Hunter partner and two fellow Hounds that night. I decided right then and there that I would never face something like that again. That was my last level 6 mission. Five years later, I retired, and now here I am, almost nine years later, still being tormented by that beast. Hahaha."


    Her laugh was harsh, full of irony, but no one at the table dared to dismiss it. The silence that followed seemed to reflect the weight of Lira''s confession, melancholy spreading across the room like a shadow.


    It was then, at the perfect moment, that the waiter came in with the dishes. The delicious aroma of the meals invaded the room, cutting through the tension like a necessary relief.


    Everyone''s eyes turned to the food, and for a brief moment, the conversation was replaced by the sound of dishes being served and drinks being refilled.


    There were no words after that for a long time. Everyone tried and savored their dishes in silence, allowing the rich and well-crafted flavors to help dissipate the tension that hung in the room after Lira''s stories. Eyes met occasionally, but everyone seemed lost in thought, reflecting on the weight of the shared memories.


    Suddenly, Juliette placed her fork on her plate and stood up, drawing everyone''s attention. The soft sound of her chair scraping against the floor cut through the silence, and the mischievous smile on her face brought an unexpected contrast to the heavy atmosphere.


    "I think Caleb would say something right now, if he were here," she began, her voice carrying easily, but without losing its softness. ¡°¡®We should not mourn the deaths of our fallen comrades any more than we celebrate the lives of those who survived.¡¯¡±


    She raised her wine glass, inviting the others to do the same. Her eyes roamed the table, resting on Lira for a moment longer, filled with respect. ¡°Lira¡¯s stories are not only reminders of loss, but also a reminder that being here, alive, is a privilege. So thank you, Lira. Not only for sharing your memories, but for reminding us of the strength we have to carry on. To life, and to Lira, Our Living Legend.¡±


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    There was a brief pause before the others began to raise their glasses, following Juliette¡¯s gesture. Lira, though surprised, raised her glass with a small smile at the corner of her lips, her expression mixing genuine gratitude with a touch of her usual reserve.


    ¡°To life.¡± x10


    The toast was followed by a chorus of approving murmurs and the final break in the tension. The conversation at the table began to flow again, now with a lighter and warmer tone.


    __________________________


    Dinner continued until the early hours, with everyone allowing themselves to relax more with each glass of wine and dish shared. Conversations flowed freely, and laughter filled the space as the wine and food were consumed, breaking any remaining tension that had lingered.


    Leyla, Patricia, Aria, Beatriz and Teresa smiled and laughed as they enjoyed the exquisite dishes and expensive drinks, a luxury they could hardly enjoy for free. They chatted among themselves in a relaxed tone, but did not get involved in the conversations between Gregory and the other women.


    Nora, on the other hand, remained quiet for a long time, without actively participating in the conversations, but soon she completely gave herself over to the drinks. It didn''t take long for her to get happily drunk, letting out a few smiles and hugging Lira next to her, talking about how boring her own job was.


    Lira, on the other hand, enjoyed the drinks little, preferring to dedicate herself to trying each of the various dishes and desserts on the menu. But from time to time she engaged in some conversations, mainly asking specific questions about Monique and Gregory''s experiences.


    Juliette played the role of participating in these conversations, adding questions about the subject that Lira initially asked. Sometimes she would lighten the conversation with teasing or adding witty observations that kept the energy flowing among those present.


    Vivian, although clearly more comfortable than at the beginning, still remained a bit introspective. She limited herself to participating occasionally, but the slight smile on her lips indicated that she was, in a way, enjoying the moment.


    As for Daira, she was the one who surprised Gregory the most. The interaction between them unfolded more naturally, without isolating herself from the others, but still clearly standing out.


    As the night progressed, Daira showed genuine curiosity and interest in Gregory, asking questions about his life at the Academy, the challenges and tests he had gone through, about what his plans and goals were for the future.


    Gregory found himself caught up in the conversations and soon reciprocated the interest, asking about his healing abilities, the mechanics of his Buffs and even what his relationship with Vivian was like.


    There was a genuine exchange between the two, marked by subtle but noticeable physical contact. Every now and then she would touch his hand or he would touch hers.


    They would lean against each other as they shared a laugh. Gregory would even touch her hair and call it beautiful. He was also very curious about the marks she had all over her body and how they worked.


    These gestures hinted at a growing intimacy that did not go unnoticed. They were both clearly interested in getting to know each other better, and their interactions, although not continuous, happened frequently.


    They both quickly understood that intimacy was growing¡­ A kind of intimacy that only happens when something new and promising is beginning to blossom.


    And so the night went on and time passed without them noticing until someone knocked on the door and the door to the living room was opened. It was the restaurant manager who entered and bowed slightly before speaking in a respectful tone:


    "On behalf of Dolce Vita, I thank you for making yourself so welcome. However, I apologize for the necessary interruption, as we are unfortunately approaching closing time. We would like to thank you all immensely for being here this evening and hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed your experience with us."


    After finishing speaking, the manager bowed briefly before discreetly leaving, leaving the group with enough time to organize themselves and finish dinner calmly.


    While Gregory went to the reception to settle the bill, the women had enough time to pack their belongings and arrange their belongings before vacating the room and leaving the restaurant.


    Outside the restaurant, Leyla, Patricia, Aria, Beatriz and Teresa were the first to say goodbye to the group. Leyla, who had been drinking a little and remained sober, volunteered to drive, ensuring that everyone arrived home safely.


    But unlike them, the group that stayed behind didn''t say goodbye so quickly... Juliette and Daira flanked Gregory naturally, each of them holding onto one of his arms. Vivian, who was a little further away, looked at Daira without knowing what to really feel.


    Finally, Lira, holding Nora against her so she wouldn''t fall, watched the rest of the group carefully while she waited for the employee to bring her car. It was then that, with an enigmatic smile, she asked the question she had undoubtedly been saving for that moment:


    "How much would you charge for a dose of Testonitus, Gregory?"

 Chapter 24 – Proposal

    Gregory was completely taken by surprise by Lira¡¯s direct question. The atmosphere became momentarily awkward, as neither of them expected Lira to be so direct and forward when asking the price for having sex with Gregory.


    Juliette, with a disconcerted expression, was the first to speak up, trying to understand the situation. She frowned, looking from Gregory to Lira, before asking, in a slightly hesitant voice: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that from you, Lira.¡±


    Lira, with a mischievous smile, looked at Juliette and said: ¡°Honestly, I didn¡¯t expect it either. Maybe it¡¯s because of the wonderful night we had today or the fact that it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve tasted Testonitus. But neither of those reasons are enough¡­¡±


    Juliette leaned forward, trying to figure out if there was more to it than met the eye. ¡°Are you really serious or are you just having fun?¡± Juliette¡¯s tone reflected her confusion, still trying to understand Lira¡¯s intentions.


    But she was ignored by Lira, who stepped forward and stood very close to Gregory, without caring about the two other women beside him.


    "The pheromones you emit... are messing with my senses in a curious way. Normally, this wouldn''t be a problem and I would ignore it. But tonight it woke up something that was deeply dormant... So, I really want to have some fun, just enough to erase this feeling, it doesn''t hurt, right?"


    "Humph, and here I thought you only liked to go for walks, shop and go to saunas." Juliette commented sarcastically.


    "I prefer more... discreet fun, Juliette," Lira said with a provocative smile. "No risky adventures or dangerous situations. Unlike certain people, who can''t help but get involved in more daring and... intimate activities, especially at times and places that, let''s say, aren''t exactly appropriate." Her voice carried a clear provocation, and Lira''s gaze was direct, challenging, leaving the suggestion in the air.


    Juliette was visibly disconcerted. Her posture stiffened for a brief moment, but her expression remained composed, despite the discomfort that Lira''s provocation had caused.


    It was at this point that Gregory decided to intervene and replied respectfully but firmly: "I''m sorry, Miss Lira, but I don''t do that kind of thing. And, to be perfectly clear, I would never charge for something like that. For me, any interaction of this kind has to be more than a simple transaction."


    Lira didn''t seem intimidated. She leaned forward a little, a mischievous smile curving the corners of her lips. "That leaves more questions than answers, boy..."


    Her voice was soft, but the intensity behind the words didn''t go unnoticed. "I just need a shot. Nothing more. You can order whatever you want and after that I won''t bother you anymore."


    The silence dragged on for a few seconds, charged with an electric atmosphere.


    "I''m not interested in money, Miss Lira. But..." Gregory stood firm, his eyes meeting Lira''s with an intensity that showed his conviction. "How about another dinner? Just the two of us?"


    Lira hadn''t expected such a firm answer, but she seemed to understand his stance. She gave him a smile, half challenging, half amusedly curious. "Hmm... So you''re the type who only gets involved if there''s something more, huh?"


    "We could say that..." Gregory replied, keeping his cool but making it clear that he hadn''t given in.


    At that exact moment, Lira''s car arrived, interrupting the mood. Calmly, she helped Nora into the vehicle before approaching Gregory again, her posture full of unshakable confidence.


    "I like that," Lira commented, her voice full of amusement. "Very well, I''ll wait for another opportunity. But don''t keep me waiting, Gregory... you won''t like what might happen."


    Before he could answer, Lira got into the car and, with one last defiant look, drove away, making it clear that, although she hadn''t gotten what she wanted, the story was far from over.


    ¡°I think we should go too¡­¡± Juliette said, breaking the silence that followed.


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    Daira, still with an intimate posture and holding Gregory''s arm, replied in a soft, almost provocative tone: ¡°I thought there was a very important matter that Gregory wanted to discuss with us.¡±


    Gregory smiled, a little disconcerted by the sudden change in the mood. ¡°Time flew by and I didn''t even notice¡­ Are you willing to listen to me now?¡±


    Daira, with a cheeky look, took a step forward: ¡°I have a better proposal¡­ Why don''t we go to your house?¡±


    Gregory hesitated, his gaze wandering for a moment, considering what might happen, especially with Vivian still apparently upset due to the pair of Wakizashis and the presence of two unknown parahumans in her home. "I don''t know..." he said, weighing the consequences.


    "You don''t have to worry, Vivian may seem mean on the outside, but she''s as docile as a little hamster. And I promise we won''t cause any problems. Juliette will be there too..." Daira smiled, trying to ease any tension.


    Gregory looked at Juliette, seeking her opinion. "What do you think?"


    Juliette smiled back, her gaze serene and confident. "It''s fine, as long as you''re comfortable with it."


    Gregory then turned to Daira. "Is Miss Wynne comfortable with it?"


    Daira, with a cheerful expression, answered quickly: "Of course you are, isn''t it Vivian?"


    Vivian, without enthusiasm, answered without looking up from her glass. "Of course, of course... As long as it''s brief."


    ________________________________________


    On a normal day, the silence of a dense forest would be broken only by the soft sounds of leaves rustling in the wind and the songs of birds. But today, the sound of leaves crunching under heavy boots and human voices cut through the air, an unwelcome interruption to the natural balance.


    The day was already in full swing, with the bright, strong sun approaching its peak in the blue sky. The light was intense, but the ground was still protected, which kept the climate pleasantly humid for the forest dwellers.


    It was Vivian who broke the silence first, her voice thick with exasperation. ¡°You know¡­ when I told you to be brief, I didn¡¯t mean to detail what you wanted and drag us into a mission with less than a few hours of rest.¡±


    She, with her gray eyes and alert, made her way through the dense vegetation, dressed in her personalized military uniform. The ballistic helmet, in shades of camouflage green, was equipped with an augmented reality visor and night vision goggles folded on top.


    The protective shirt, although simple, was reinforced with several multifunctional gadgets: reinforced wrist guards, shoulder pads with attached pockets, a modular camouflage vest and a belt with compartments for the most diverse items. Her tactical gloves allowed total freedom for her fingers, essential for her to use her magic.


    Everything in her uniform was made of high-resistance material, capable of carrying everything from small explosives to cans of food organized precisely in the compartments. The tactical pants, fitted and reinforced at the thighs and knees, were made to withstand the wear and tear of the terrain, and the boots, although simple, did their job well.


    ¡°Honestly, I didn''t want to do it this way either¡­¡± Gregory said, visibly upset after hearing the same type of complaint all day.


    Right behind Vivian, Gregory kept the same pace while listening to Vivian grumbling. His uniform, similar to hers, had some notable differences: a large tactical backpack and the M16 rifle that he held tightly.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t want to, but you didn¡¯t hesitate to prepare everything¡ªsupplies, first aid kit, materials for research and sample analysis, containment measures¡­ everything we would need for this mission¡­ IN LESS THAN 5 HOURS.¡± Vivian spoke, her tone sarcastic and irritated.


    ¡°It¡¯s an urgent mission,¡± Gregory retorted in a heavier tone, his voice cutting through the air like a sharp blade, ¡°I have a little over 48 hours to complete it, or I face serious consequences. And if I didn¡¯t want to be here, I could have just refused the request.¡±


    Vivian stopped abruptly, her gray eyes burning with intensity. She turned in a quick movement, advancing towards Gregory, the weight of her presence carrying a palpable threat. ¡°Now, you¡­¡±


    Gregory didn¡¯t give in, his expression hardened, and he took a step forward, challenging her without a hint of hesitation. ¡°What is it?¡±


    The two stood face to face, eyes staring fiercely. The muffled sound of boots on the ground was replaced by the tense friction between helmets, a noise that overflowed with tension.


    Gregory, despite being taller, seemed to struggle to maintain his balance under the pressure. He felt Vivian''s strength, several times greater than his, and it was clear that she was winning. The heavy silence between them lasted only a moment, but it seemed eternal.


    Daira, who was right behind Gregory, could not take it anymore. "Will you stop this? We haven''t even been out for 3 hours and you''ve already argued more than 5 times!" Her exasperated voice cut through the tension in the air, forcing them to move away from each other.


    Vivian grumbled softly, an impatient sound leaving her lips. Without another word, she turned, continuing to make her way through the forest, leaving behind the aftermath of the exchange.


    ¡°Humph¡­ Lucky for you Daira is here,¡± she said, her voice full of disdain, as if she had already put a definitive mark on the confrontation.


    Gregory, still with adrenaline boiling in his veins, didn¡¯t let it go. ¡°It seems like you have the courage to do something,¡± he teased, with a subtle but challenging smile.


    Vivian, furious, stopped abruptly. ¡°YOU LITTLE...!¡± The scream exploded from her lungs like thunder, rage breaking any attempt at control. She turned quickly, glaring at Gregory with a fury that made her hair glow and levitate.

 Chapter 25 – Like Children

    This time, Vivian couldn¡¯t control herself. Fury took over her, and in an explosive movement, she lunged at Gregory, her muscles tensed like a rope about to snap.


    Gregory barely had time to react. With a quick, instinctive movement, he ripped the bag off his back and, with an effort, threw the rifle away before being grabbed around the waist with overwhelming force and thrown to the ground.


    THUD!


    The impact was heavy, the sound of Gregory¡¯s body hitting the earth echoing through the forest. The ground vibrated with the collision.


    Vivian wasted no time. She immobilized Gregory, pressing her knees against his arms, pinning his hands firmly to the ground. Her strength was overwhelming, and before Gregory could react, she began to squeeze his neck with her hands, her palms firm around his throat.


    With an almost desperate effort, Gregory used all the strength in his legs to push Vivian to the side, unbalancing her and managing to get her off of him.


    Quick as lightning, he grabbed one of her hands and tried to immobilize her with an armlock, but Vivian, with her enormous strength, neutralized the movement.


    She then won the contest of strength, pulling him against her and placing one of her feet on his stomach. With that, Vivian used her foot as leverage to spin him, throwing him on top of her.


    THUD!


    Gregory was thrown into the air and fell on his back with a dry thud on the ground, again. And, again, before he could get up, Vivian immobilized him. With a fluid movement, she applied a perfect headscissor, her legs coiling like a snake around his head.


    The grip was crushing, but Gregory, with a survival impulse, bit Vivian''s thigh unexpectedly.


    "Heeey!" She screamed, surprised.


    The bite wasn''t strong enough to hurt Vivian, but the act took her by surprise, causing her to let out a small cry of indignation. She loosened her grip, giving Gregory a chance to pull away.


    The two quickly stood up. Gregory was panting and sweaty, but with a provocative smile on his face. Vivian stood up without any sign of fatigue, but with an expression of someone who had suffered a serious offense.


    Vivian grumbled, indignant at the low blow: "You bastard... Don''t you know how to fight with dignity? Have you no shame?" She growled, anger in her eyes.


    Gregory, with a tired smile, replied: "The fight was never fair from the beginning. I''m human and you''re a Parahuman. The one who should be ashamed here is you."


    "Urrgh!" Vivian groaned in anger before charging at Gregory.


    They threw themselves back into the fight, a brutal dance of blows and counterblows, with Vivian always knocking Gregory down, but he finding some way to avoid the submission. She was stronger, faster, but she wasn''t shy about using low and sneaky blows.


    Daira, right behind, watched the scene with boredom, sitting on a nearby tree root. Since it was the third time the two had fought, she preferred to let them resolve their differences instead of separating them as she had done the other two times.


    Looking at her watch, she realized it was almost lunchtime. She then grabbed Gregory''s backpack, took out the food from it and the small portable stove to heat up the meal.


    ________________________


    The sun was already past noon, and the warm light reflected on the leaves of the surrounding trees, projecting shadows that danced as the breeze passed. The three had finished their meals after Gregory and Vivian had spent almost 20 minutes rolling around on the ground.


    Everything was ready for the next step of the mission, but the mood in the group was far from ideal. The tense silence hung like a heavy cloud, foreshadowing a storm that had been brewing for some time.


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    Gregory and Vivian, sitting on opposite sides, gave each other icy glares before looking at Daira. She was standing in the middle, like a physical and emotional barrier between them.


    Daira watched the two of them, her expression full of frustration. She was upset, disappointed, and deeply annoyed. They were both professionals, yet they seemed unable to overcome their mutual provocations.


    She sighed deeply, the heavy sound echoing between them. Crossing her arms, Daira shook her head with evident disgust on her expression. ¡°If I had known you were going to fight like two spoiled children, I would have brought you some candy to keep you quiet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because your partner only knows how to complain about everything. A bore who has no idea how annoying she is!¡± Gregory blurted, his voice full of genuine irritation, looking away as if trying to contain his growing frustration.


    Vivian arched an eyebrow, her face adorned with a sarcastic smile. ¡°Humph. And who was it that almost begged on their knees for help from this ¡®annoying¡¯ woman? Oh, that¡¯s right, you. It¡¯s quite funny to see the irony being created in front of me.¡±


    Gregory clenched his fists, his expression tense but his tone mocking. ¡°And I¡¯m starting to regret it¡­ If I had known it would be like this, I would have hired three A-Class Hounds through SHH. I bet the three of them would be much less annoying than you alone.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you go?! At least you save my time and patience.¡± Vivian immediately retorted, her voice defiant as her gray eyes drilled into Gregory as if she were willing to force a fight right there.


    ¡°Are you doubting me?¡± Gregory, standing up, answered seriously and his tone deepened.


    Daira exploded. ¡°Will you stop this??? FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!¡± Her voice cut through the air like a whip, enough to make both of them retreat slightly. She ran her hands through her hair, clearly frustrated, and raised her tone again. ¡°You two are acting like complete idiots!¡±


    She stepped forward, glancing sideways at Vivian with a stern gleam in her eyes. ¡°Vivian, don¡¯t you want to move up in the rankings? Isn¡¯t that part of our goal?¡±


    Vivian hesitated, the sarcasm fading from her face, replaced by visible discomfort. ¡°I do, but¡­¡± she began, but Daira interrupted firmly.


    ¡°¡®But¡¯ nothing. Gregory promised to help us with training for three months. He accepted our conditions, and on top of that, he¡¯ll even grant us a favor, as long as we do our job well. What exactly are you dissatisfied with?¡±


    Vivian opened her mouth to respond, but couldn¡¯t find the right words. Her silence served as her answer.


    Daira then turned to Gregory, her gaze sharp as a blade. ¡°And you, Gregory. How can I trust your leadership and strategies if you don¡¯t make the slightest effort to keep the team together? You look more like a common delinquent than an aspiring AMH graduate.¡±


    Gregory swallowed hard, but kept his gaze fixed on her. His hardened expression hid the twinge of embarrassment he felt. ¡°¡­This doesn¡¯t usually happen, Daira.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what usually happens,¡± she snapped without hesitation, approaching him and facing him head-on. ¡°What matters is now. What I¡¯m seeing right now is a disorganized team, and frankly, you¡¯re not convincing me. So I¡¯m going to ask you straight out: can I trust you from now on, Gregory?¡±


    He took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing a little. ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Daira nodded seriously, before turning to Vivian. ¡°And you, Vivian? Gregory was generous enough to accept our terms, and the rewards he offered are worth more than any mission we¡¯ve accepted in the last three months. Do you want to earn those rewards or not?¡±


    Vivian looked away for a moment, but finally answered, albeit reluctantly. ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Good. Then let¡¯s reset the game. The mission starts from here on out. Let''s be professional and get this done as quickly as possible. That''s what we all want, right?"


    "Yes," Gregory and Vivian said in unison, their voices filled with a mixture of determination and resentment.


    ___________________________________


    The forest surrounding the city of Efflium is a vast reservoir of invaluable natural resources. Flowers, herbs, fruits and a variety of mutant plants and trees could be found there ¡ª essential ingredients for the pharmaceutical and food industries, producing everything from miracle medicines to foods with healing properties and highly beneficial properties.


    However, this environment was also home to a dangerous and challenging fauna. Mutanids of various species inhabited the forest, and the need to exterminate them periodically was essential to ensure the security of the urban perimeter.


    However, since they entered the zone of high concentration of mutagenic agents, the scenario took a drastic turn.


    Before, they were surrounded by sturdy, imposing trees, whose thick, towering trunks stood like silent sentinels. Shrubs covered the forest floor and various types of plants could be seen. Greenery predominated and the sunlight made the environment cheerful and pleasant.


    Now, all of that seemed like a distant dream. The transformation of the environment was brutal and visceral. The trees that had once seemed like protective guardians became deformed and skeletal, their trunks blackened and twisted like hands in agony.


    The soil that had once been rich and fertile was now a black, sticky and repulsive layer, exuding a metallic and acidic odor. Thick vines and vines spread like spider webs, snaking in all directions, covering the trunks and the ground, as if the vegetation itself was trying to suffocate the space around it.


    Darkness dominated. Even with the sun overhead, the light seemed unable to penetrate the distorted canopies. It was as if the air was denser, heavier and suffocating.


    The silence was even more disturbing.

 Chapter 26 – Contacting the Enemy

    The forest grew denser and denser as they advanced. The thick, twisted tree trunks rose like pillars of an ancient, forgotten temple, their canopies forming a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight in shaky, greenish beams.


    The air, once merely cool, now carried a heavy humidity, impregnated with the pungent smell of wet earth, moss, and decaying vegetation. The cold crept in slowly, first as a slight chill on the skin, then becoming something more penetrating, icy dampness that clung to clothing and flesh, making each breath visible in small white puffs that soon dissipated into the growing silence.


    And the silence was absolute.


    The sounds of the forest seemed sucked into the shadows. There was no birdsong, no irritating buzzing of insects, not even the rustling of the wind. Only the muffled squelch of boots against the viscous mud, a wet, sticky sound that echoed in a surreal way, as if the forest itself were absorbing any trace of human presence.


    Gregory walked with a console with a built-in GPS, the display flashing with data about the mission. His eyes scanned the darkness between the trees, alert for any suspicious movement. ¡°Less than 200 meters to the location point. We are in the detection zone of the senses of mutant beasts of level 3 and above. Can you sense anything?¡±


    Daira, next to him, closed her eyes for a moment, her body emitting a faint glow as her markings gained color. After a few seconds, she frowned and shook her head. ¡°Nothing. The mutagens are interfering with my senses¡­ And your pheromones are unusually distracting.¡± Her voice had a tone of suppressed frustration.


    Vivian, who was slightly ahead, tried to use her own detection. His eyes flared with ethereal flames for a brief moment, only to go out shortly after. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find anything either.¡± His expression was irritated, but there was an underlying uneasiness.


    Gregory sighed, his eyes darting around. ¡°This sucks¡­ We¡¯re going to have to operate in the dark. On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is my pheromones distracting?¡±


    Daira stared at him for a moment, her eyes shining with a hint of unease. ¡°Seven.¡±


    Vivian, her back to him, remained rigidly turned toward the darkness of the forest. ¡°Nine.¡±


    Gregory nodded. ¡°Something is very wrong here¡­ We¡¯ll remain in a group until we make contact with our target. Depending on the situation, I¡¯ll take measures to avoid disrupting your combat. Turn on your radios and please don¡¯t try to ignore my pheromones. We could engage in combat at any moment, so we must be alert.¡± His voice lowered as he adjusted his night vision goggles and gripped his M16 firmly.


    Daira watched him rummage through his backpack and asked, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better if you stayed here? Going there is like putting yourself as live bait. As soon as we get close enough, the first thing they will feel will be your pheromones spreading Testonitus¡¯ signal through the air.¡±


    Gregory took some recon drones out of his backpack and activated them, looking at the control screen. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about that, but we need to resolve the situation with as little damage as possible. Besides, this is also a reconnaissance mission. As an expert, my job is to analyze the area and get as much information as possible.¡±


    Vivian moved away a little, making her way through the vegetation. ¡°I would say that¡¯s stupid and leave you here while we go there, but since you insist, we¡¯ll try. Just don¡¯t get in our way any further.¡±


    Gregory smirked. ¡°Thanks for the warning, I appreciate the concern¡­¡± His tone was sarcastic. Then he turned to Daira. ¡°Is she always like this?¡±


    Daira sighed. ¡°No¡­ But she¡¯s been more stressed lately. And yesterday was a rough day, even for me. I can¡¯t blame her.¡±


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    Gregory chuckled softly, zipping up his backpack and strapping it to his back in one practiced motion. ¡°I can tell she¡¯s not getting better.¡±


    Daira arched an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes at him. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    Gregory hesitated for a moment. Daira¡¯s sharp gaze fixed on him, waiting for an answer. But instead of answering, he just shook his head and let out a short sigh. ¡°Nothing¡­ Let¡¯s move on.¡±


    They walked through the forest in silence, their footsteps muffled by the damp ground covered in leaves and twisted roots. The cold seemed to deepen, curling around them like a silent warning. Dampness permeated their clothes and skin, making the air heavy, almost too dense to breathe.


    The beam of light filtering through the dense canopy wavered with the distorted shadows of the trees, creating the illusion of movement where there should be none.


    Then, suddenly, Vivian stopped.


    Gregory almost ran into her, but he stopped abruptly, his eyes following the direction in which she was looking. The forest ended abruptly less than 20 meters ahead, as if an invisible veil had cut through nature there, abruptly and relentlessly.


    They were standing at the edge of a wide and unexpected clearing. The open space stretched out ahead like a precise cut in the dense wall of trees, where the sun finally touched the ground unobstructed. It was almost 5 o''clock in the afternoon.


    The golden rays tinted the leaves with a warm tone, reverberating in small beams that looked like fingers of light touching the cold earth of the clearing. The sun, already low on the horizon, cast its light over the open area, bathing the clearing in a soft and almost ethereal aura.


    Where the shadow of the trees still stretched, the sun''s brightness created flecks of gold on the ground, making the grass and small plants shine as if they were adorned with jewels.


    The contrast was so stark that it took a moment for his eyes to adjust. The air here seemed lighter, drier, and the undergrowth shivered softly, as if alive in the golden light. In the center of the clearing, a perfectly round lake sat like a motionless mirror, reflecting the sky with unsettling precision.


    Its waters were so crystal clear that the bottom could be seen even from a distance, revealing a gradual slope that deepened to a dark blue in the center. But what made the scene truly unsettling was the absolute silence. No breeze broke the surface of the lake, not a single leaf floated adrift.


    Even the insects seemed absent, as if the environment itself were holding its breath.


    Then something moved.


    What at first glance seemed to be just a rock formation turned out to be a massive, motionless body, bathed in the sun like a predator satisfied after a hunt. But it was impossible to mistake it for any ordinary creature.


    The thing''s skin felt hard, almost calcified, and its breathing was slow, deep, as if every movement of its chest required effort.


    Gregory held his breath. Without exchanging a word, he, Vivian, and Daira instinctively ducked, sinking into the shadows of the forest.


    None of them dared cross the line between the protective gloom of the trees and the treacherous brightness of the clearing. This was not a place to enter unprepared.


    "Shit. What the hell is an Aligodon doing so far from the Mabhir Marshes?" Gregory exclaimed, visibly surprised, his mind trying to figure out the incongruity he was seeing. He knew that the situation was now much more complicated than he had imagined.


    "Shh, be quiet before it notices us!" Vivian whispered, her voice sharp and full of authority, as she firmly grabbed Gregory''s arm, warning him of the imminent danger.


    "Shit... you''re right." Gregory swallowed his tension and, with a determined look, crouched even lower, trying to minimize his profile. "Let''s get out of here and find a safer spot to observe from afar."


    He quickly removed the GPS device from his pocket and began to analyze the map, his nimble fingers sliding across the screen, searching for a more strategic area to position himself without being detected.


    The pressure was increasing by the second, and he knew that every move now needed to be perfect. Gregory quickly analyzed the map on the GPS and, with a sigh of relief, located an area of ??higher ground a few hundred meters away from where they were.


    The open and vulnerable clearing was dangerous terrain to move through, but the area he had found would provide a clear view and a strategic position for observation.


    "Let''s go around here," Gregory said quietly, pointing to the map and indicating the location to Vivian.


    They then retreated several meters along the trail they had made before Vivian began to blaze a new trail to the new location. They moved quickly, careful not to make any unnecessary noise as they slid through the dense trees and bushes.


    When they finally reached the ridge, they approached a large, moss-covered rock, nearly forgotten by time. The rock, with its jagged, shadowy surfaces, provided a perfect natural shelter.


    They crouched behind it, the space providing cover and camouflage from the outside world, the afternoon light dissipating into a dark, safe blanket.

 Chapter 27 - Aligodon

    Properly hidden, Gregory settled down, removing his backpack from his back with a quick and efficient movement. With the same precision, he unzipped it, carefully taking out his equipment.


    First, he pulled out a pair of observation binoculars, adjusting them to capture the distant image of the monster that was still moving through the clearing. Then, with an almost mechanical gesture, he removed an image recording device, adjusting it with the same attention, ensuring that every detail was captured clearly.


    Vivian, at his side, kept her eyes fixed on the clearing, observing every movement with almost supernatural precision, her sharp senses on constant alert. The sound of the forest seemed muffled, with the soft wind and the rustling of the leaves, but, deep down, the deep and heavy silence indicated that tension was present.


    There, on the shores of the lake, resting peacefully like a king in his domain, a monster was sunbathing.


    An Aligodon, a massive creature, a predator that exudes pure lethality and strength. Its body, approximately 12 meters long, is covered in thick, resistant skin, of a blue-gray tone, marked by deep grooves, like juxtaposed plates.


    Its enormous head sported an open mouth, revealing three rows of teeth curved inwards, ready to tear apart anything that dared to approach. Its legs were astonishingly thick and elongated, evoking a terrestrial lizard with hypertrophied musculature.


    Its claws are not only sharp, but release a venom that paralyzes and corrodes the flesh of its victims, making them even more vulnerable to attack. Its skin also has the ability to change color, which makes it capable of camouflaging itself in the environment, making it almost invisible. On its snout, two parallel rows of elongated scales rose like horns, each row growing in size as it approached the tip.


    The creature is a monstrous beast with several abilities that make it an unbeatable predator. It can regenerate quickly, healing its wounds as it feeds on its prey, which makes it extremely difficult to defeat in a group fight.


    Its vision is adapted to darkness, allowing it to see clearly even on the darkest nights. But two overlapping membranes vertically increase the monster''s ocular power, as one of them filters part of the Light during the day and the other prevents its vision from becoming blurred when it is submerged.


    The creature also has a terrifying roar that generates a pressure wave capable of disorienting or knocking down its enemies. In addition, its ability to detect vibrations in the ground and water allows it to perceive movements even when it cannot see, making it an extremely efficient hunter.


    In moments of great danger, the creature can release a destructive breath, exhaling a flammable gas that creates an explosion of fire, devastating everything around it. Finally, its skin is nearly impenetrable to common weapons, requiring extraordinary strength or magic to cause it real damage.


    Vivian broke the silence, her voice sharp as blades and filled with sharp irony, a glint of frustration in every word. ¡°Oh, how lucky we are¡­ A level 4 Aligodon. I swore this mission was level 4 too, Mr. ¡®I know everything¡¯. But with a beast like that, it¡¯s at least a level 5 mission, right?¡±


    ¡°A nice surprise indeed. That complicates things, no doubt.¡± Daira commented with the calm of someone who has already gotten used to the unexpected, cleaning a nearby rock and settling down in a relaxed manner, as if the situation were just another afternoon in the field.


    Gregory didn¡¯t look away from the binoculars. The tone in his voice was pure calculated provocation. ¡°What? Are you scared now? I thought you were strong enough not to tremble in the face of a threat of this magnitude.¡±


    Vivian growled, something low and incomprehensible, her arms crossed betraying her displeasure. Daira kept her posture firm, her eyes alert, more focused on the mission than on the provocations. ¡°What is the exact situation, Gregory? Is the signal coming from here or not?¡±


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    Gregory adjusted the focus of the binoculars, studying every detail of the landscape ahead. ¡°The GPS still points to the lake¡­ Exactly to its center. Which is strange, since this lake doesn¡¯t even appear on the map. Besides, the mutagen counter is at maximum level, and I suspect the lake is the source¡­¡± He took out the binoculars and began typing quickly on the device, the numbers and codes flashing on the screen. ¡°Something is gathering and attracting mutagens at the exact point indicated by the GPS.¡±


    Daira, now with a tone of concern mixed with curiosity, asked: ¡°What could it be? A Hydrolithite deposit? Or perhaps a Luminescent Pulsaria?¡±


    ¡°I highly doubt it¡­¡± Gregory replied without hesitation, still typing. ¡°This lake must have been formed recently. And since we didn¡¯t encounter any other mutant beasts along the way, it¡¯s very likely that this Aligodon took over the area for itself, driving out the other creatures.¡±


    Vivian let out a sigh, a mixture of frustration and disbelief as she expressed her confusion. ¡°But why would it take over a lake lost in the middle of nowhere, and even more so a small lake? And drive out the food from its territory¡­ That doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not here to feed.¡± Gregory offered her the binoculars, a serious look on his face. ¡°Take a look at that shore, on the other side of the lake.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need that¡­¡± Vivian replied, but her eyes immediately fixed on the spot he indicated. ¡°Damn¡­¡± She cursed, her eyes wide with surprise and concern.


    On the other side of the lake, dozens of small shapes moved among the bushes. Aligodon hatchlings. More than fifty of them, ranging in size from 50 centimeters to one meter, were scattered around the place. Some were resting, while others fought among themselves, vying for space and attention.


    ¡°It seems that a female came to take care of her young here. According to previous studies, Aligodons tend to move away from their natural habitats to reproduce, often heading to nearby forests. This is normal, what is not normal is for them to move so far from their Habitat. Efflium is very far from the Mabhir Marshes. They shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    ¡°Something must have attracted them here¡­¡± Daira said thoughtfully.


    ¡°Yes¡­ Probably the same thing that is causing this anomaly in the lake¡­¡±


    ¡°But what now? What are we going to do? We don¡¯t stand a chance against an adult Aligodon.¡± Vivian asked, her voice filled with a mixture of bewilderment and uncertainty, her eyes fixed on the scene ahead, unable to hide the concern that now dominated her expression.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need reinforcements, and fast.¡± Gregory stood up, his expression now grave and focused. He pointed a special camera at the lake. ¡°I think the longer we let this go by, the worse the situation will get¡­¡±


    Daira, unperturbed, sat cross-legged, observing the situation with a watchful and analytical gaze. After a few seconds of silence, she blurted out a bitter reality:


    ¡°This is yet another problem we will have to face. As far as I remember, of all the Top 15, only Vivian and I were in Efflium until last night. All the others are out on missions and have no plans to return.¡±


    Gregory shrugged, as if the situation were no obstacle at all. ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter now. I¡¯ll make a call and classify this mission as Ex-Level, with maximum urgency.¡±


    ¡°Can you do that?¡± Vivian asked, her voice thick with skepticism.


    ¡°The situation is not common, so the procedures will not be either. Besides, a Level 4 Mutant Beast is reproducing about 10 km from the city. That is more than enough to mobilize a special squad. First, I''ll call a friend and then SHH to report what happened-"


    Gregory began to explain, but was interrupted by a visibly impatient Vivian.


    "Okay, okay, I get it... I don''t want to hear about all this bureaucracy. I''m not paid for this. Do what needs to be done as quickly as possible. And since we''re here, we''ll also help, of course, with a significant increase in our rewards." Vivian cut in, her tone firm and determined. She looked at Gregory with implacable seriousness.


    "More??" Gregory exclaimed, surprised, his face beginning to contort with an expression of near panic.


    "Of course... it''s an Ex Mission, as you said yourself. Besides, I''m sure the rewards you''ll receive will be several times greater than what you''re going to give us." Vivian replied, pointing out the facts as she approached Daira and whispered something in her ear.


    "... Do you agree with this... extortion, Daira?" Gregory asked, his eyes narrowing as he watched the two exchange words.


    ¡°I trust we¡¯re not just talking about money here, right? With your network of contacts, you¡¯ll have no trouble providing what Vivian wants. As for me, I¡¯ll want a much more valuable favor. But please rest assured that you won¡¯t regret trusting our services.¡± Daira replied with a sly, greedy smile, her tone cheerful, as if she were enjoying the situation.

 Chapter 28 – Objectives

    "... This makes me scratch my head, Daira. You know what might happen when Monique wakes up, don''t you?" Gregory spoke with an air of confusion and a bit of apprehension, his gaze wavering.


    "I know, of course. But I believe this is your problem, right? After all, you were the one who hired us and accepted the deal." Daira replied, her tone calm and cheerful, as she crossed her legs again with a mischievous smile.


    "... Okay..." Gregory sighed, giving up, thinking better about the situation. "But please, don''t overdo it..."


    "We won''t ask for more than we deserve, you can be sure." Vivian said with a sharp smile, approaching Gregory and shaking his hand, sealing the deal.


    "Now, Daira, keep an eye on the situation. If there is any suspicious movement or interaction while I''m not here, please record everything." Gregory said, handing the camera and other equipment to her. ¡°Record or write it down, in as much detail as possible.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Daira replied, grabbing the equipment and standing up quickly.


    ¡°You and I will move away to a safe place where I can use the phone and make the necessary calls. These mutagenic agents are interfering with the signal.¡± Gregory gestured to Vivian.


    ¡°Sure, just point the way.¡± Vivian replied, her voice impatient.


    ¡°We¡¯ll come back the same way.¡± Gregory stated.


    ¡°Then do the honors.¡± Vivian replied sarcastically, crossing her arms.


    ______________________________


    When Gregory made the call, the city of Efflium plunged into true operational chaos. The word ¡°EX-Level Mission¡± was not used lightly. This type of classification meant an immediate risk to the region¡¯s security, and every second lost increased the chances of an irreversible disaster.


    SHH went into action instantly, but the problem was the shortage of qualified personnel in the nearby areas. Most of the high-level agents were involved in complex missions, trapped in blackout zones or simply too far away for a quick response.


    SHH''s internal records showed a worrying scenario: there was no available team in Efflium with the level needed to deal with the threat.


    The solution came through the SHH Shared Database, a system that interconnected all superintendencies across the continent. This network allowed cities to exchange information about available agents, equipment and pending favors between branches and, most importantly, facilitated the tracking of qualified agents.


    But accessing this resource came at a high cost¡ªEfflium would have to pay a significant price to request reinforcements so urgently.


    A frantic rush began at the SHH offices in Efflium. Encrypted messages were sent to neighboring cities, summoning high-level Hounds and Hunters. Each request was accompanied by promises of generous compensation: money, access to rare equipment, strategic favors and even priority in future operations.


    Hours passed as Hounds were located and their terms were negotiated. Six individuals were finally assembled, abandoning ongoing missions to answer the call.


    Some of them were hundreds of kilometers away, requiring a massive logistical operation to bring them in time. To mobilize the six agents in record time, Efflium organized a transport operation worthy of a silent war.


    High-speed military jets and stealth fighters were deployed to pick up each of them at the closest points, cutting through the sky in meticulously planned trajectories to avoid wasting time.


    Upon arrival in Efflium, there was no time for rest. As soon as they landed, they were immediately taken directly to a meeting room inside the Foreign Operations Command Center.


    There, they received a full briefing on the mission, gathering all the information that Gregory had sent to the city.


    The data pointed to the presence of a female Aligodon with cubs, a Level 4 Beast, a lethal predator in its own right. But the biggest problem wasn¡¯t just the creature¡ªsome unknown phenomenon was gathering mutagenic agents in the region in an uncontrolled and unexplained manner.


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    The mission had been classified as EX, a level reserved for high-risk threats with unknown variables. The real danger was still hidden, and underestimating the situation could mean a fatal mistake.


    The strategy was straightforward, but its execution would require precision, coordination, and extreme caution. Once they reunited with Gregory¡¯s team, both units would have to quickly organize to deal with the Aligodon and investigate the source of the phenomenon in the lake.


    The first step was to prevent the Aligodon from interfering with the investigation. To do this, the Hounds would be in charge of luring the creature as far away from the critical area as possible. They would use bait, sound devices and calculated attacks to guide it to a more remote area, where they could keep it occupied or, if necessary, kill it.


    One of the Hunters would accompany the Hounds, providing tactical support and coordinating strategies in case the creature became unpredictable. The movement had to be quick and efficient, as there was no set time for this task.


    While the Aligodon was distracted, the other two Hunters would be tasked with conducting a complete analysis of the lake, using radiation counters, electromagnetic sensors, biochemical sensors, environmental scanners and underwater drones to map the area and identify the source of the disturbance.


    The primary objective was to determine whether the phenomenon was directly linked to the Aligodon or if it was caused by another unknown source.


    With this objective determined, the secondary objective would be to determine whether eliminating the Aligodon could destabilize the area or worsen the anomaly.


    Only after a careful analysis would the team make the decision to eliminate the Aligodon or not. If the predator and its offspring were considered a risk factor for the containment of the phenomenon, the order for total extermination would be authorized.


    If the Aligodon was considered fundamental to the phenomenon, the entire team would focus its efforts on containing the creature. All means were authorized as long as they did not threaten the stability of the phenomenon.


    With the Aligodon eliminated or contained, the Hunters would have to deepen the investigation, collecting biological samples, environmental data and records of the mutagenic activity in the lake.


    All information should be sent as quickly as possible to the Command Center, where specialists would analyze the material in real time. Until the researchers were able to determine the true nature of the phenomenon and what measures should be taken, the team would remain on standby, protecting the area against possible attacks by other mutant beasts.


    Depending on the complexity of the anomaly, the analysis process could take hours or even days, requiring maximum vigilance and endurance from field agents.


    With instructions given and the plan outlined, the team was flown to the infiltration point. A stealth helicopter transported them in the darkness, moving like a shadow over the forest canopy. Flying low, dodging radar, and avoiding predictable trajectories, the aircraft finally reached a strategic point two miles from the target.


    But something was wrong.


    From above, thermal sensors picked up abnormal variations. The ground below seemed to pulse, and the faint glow of mutagenic particles spread beyond what had been recorded hours earlier. The contaminated zone had expanded. Slowly but relentlessly, the forest was transforming.


    Dropped about a mile from the target, six agents jumped from the helicopter, rappelling down to the forest floor below. The darkness was profound, and the silence unsettling.


    The support group lined up at the entrance to the Mutagen Zone, feeling the weight of the atmosphere around them. The air was thick, as if saturated with something invisible, a suffocating presence that made every breath sound strange and metallic.


    The vegetation just ahead was a twisted shadow of what it should have been: misshapen leaves with jagged edges and a strange sheen under the light of night vision goggles; gnarled trunks looked wounded, as if something was eating them away from the inside out.


    ¡°That smells like shit...¡± one of the Hunters grumbled, moving a little ahead of the group to get a closer look at the place.


    The man was a stocky dark-skinned man with an impeccably groomed beard and goatee. His expression remained impassive, professional, as his eyes scanned the surroundings for signs of danger.


    Nearly six feet tall, his presence was imposing, his tactical vest molded to his broad torso, muscles firm even under the reinforced clothing. On his back, a bulky backpack pressed against his shoulders, but he didn''t seem the least bit uncomfortable.


    His attire was standard: helmet, reinforced vest, heavy-duty boots, tactical pants, utility belts, and a few holsters scattered throughout his uniform. His rifle rested firmly against his chest, attached to the tactical belt, and several secondary weapons were distributed in holsters along his body.


    "Aline, can you feel anything in front of you?" he asked, his voice firm but controlled.


    Two steps behind, a female figure moved with the fluid grace of a predator. Tall, with long, wavy red hair, sharp eyes, and long ears that pricked up slightly as she listened to her surroundings.


    Her deep purple skin contrasted with the dark military garb that molded her well-defined curves. But there was nothing soft about her presence¡ªher body was built for hunting and combat. The Vulkanirium-enhanced combat gloves hinted at her specialty: brute strength and critical agility.


    ¡°Besides the horrible smell and decrepit sight?¡± She replied in a neutral tone, but with a hint of sarcasm.

 Chapter 29 - Evolution

    ¡°Nothing. My hearing should pick up some movement, some sign of life, but everything is silent. As if there were... a barrier around this place.¡± Aline murmured, frowning.


    The purple-skinned woman kept her posture tense, her sharp eyes analyzing every detail of the vegetation ahead. The landscape was a twisted shadow of what it should have been: deformed leaves, with jagged edges and a strange glow under the light of the night vision goggles; gnarled trunks looked wounded, as if something was corroding them from the inside out.


    Behind them, another voice rose, full of concern.


    ¡°The level of mutagenic agents is far above what is allowed for normal operations. My skin is itching just being here... Will SHH''s supplies of Effilium be enough to keep us stable in these conditions? I don''t want to run out of Neutritus in the middle of this strange zone, much less degenerate from too much Estronitus.¡±


    The owner of the doubt was Zara, a short Felinus, but with a striking presence. Her body was a perfect fusion between human and feline: a long, fluffy tail moving restlessly, sharp claws instinctively brushing against her reinforced gloves, and triangular ears that involuntarily trembled with every sound around.


    Her hair, a vibrant orange, reflected the tone of the fur on her tail and ears. The reinforced military uniform she wore was identical to the others, except for one distinctive detail: the gloves had Anilite jewels embedded in them, pulsating slightly with energy with each movement.


    Beside her, an imposing presence: a Taurinus with a robust structure and massive physique. Horns slightly inclined forward, bovine ears and tail moving calmly, and a stoic expression that exuded firmness and protection.


    Her military attire was even more reinforced than the others, with extra plates strategically distributed. On her back, a huge Titanite shield rested, secured by thick safety straps, almost as big as she was. Without saying a word, she crossed her arms, but her gaze carefully assessed the terrain. The fine line between caution and distrust was etched in her eyes.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem, Zara...¡±


    The answer came from a man who, unlike most, seemed unaffected by the oppressive atmosphere of the place. Natan was slightly taller than Zara, an Asian man with a compact build and alert eyes. Adjusting the strap of his backpack, he checked the data on a high-tech GPS, much more sophisticated than the standard model. Several electronic devices hung from his belt, emitting luminous symbols while constantly transmitting information.


    ¡°SHH and the Effilium Operations Center have assured us that our companion at Ground Zero, Midshipman Gregory Gunn, has sufficient capacity to maintain stability for everyone. The supplies were calculated to last six days, of course, as long as none of you reach critical levels of Estronitus or suffer serious injuries that require emergency treatment.¡± He replied without taking his eyes off the GPS display.


    ¡°Humph, in theory every plan is perfect, Natan, but everyone here knows that rarely does everything go as planned.¡± A voice rose next to him, full of restrained sarcasm.


    Louise, a woman dressed in full military gear, had the lower part of her face covered by a tactical mask, hiding any emotion. A long sword rested at her waist, an unusual weapon for missions of this type, but clearly not merely decorative.


    Their contrast was striking: coal-black skin, snow-white hair and elongated ears, betraying their ancestry.


    ¡°Any unforeseen event that threatens the plan will be evaluated by the person in charge within the zone: Aspirant Gunn. If the plan works, great. If not, he will make the necessary decisions.¡± Natan replied, unfazed by Louise¡¯s disdainful tone.


    ¡°He¡¯s a rookie, barely two years of field missions under his belt. How can we trust him?¡± Louise countered, echoing everyone¡¯s latent doubt.


    ¡°We came here looking for rewards, Louise, not more responsibilities. We did the job, got our pay, and went home, nothing more. Questioning the decisions of the Control Center or SHH is not part of the contract.¡±


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    For the first time, Natan raised his head, giving Louise a tense, serious look. His voice remained calm, but there was a weight in the way he said each word.


    Louise, however, did not give up. ¡°What about our safety, Natan? It¡¯s a basic rule to entrust leadership to someone qualified. A bad choice can put the entire group at risk.¡± Her voice, although firm, carried a hint of hesitation.


    Natan sighed, but did not lose his composure. ¡°If Aspirant Gunn is not capable of leading, he will be removed and replaced. In that case, Hunter Barnes would not object if I took command, am I correct?¡± He turned to Drake, waiting for his answer.


    The robust dark-haired man smiled at the corner of his mouth, showing no concern. ¡°Make yourself at home. Leading is not my thing.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± Natan nodded. ¡°I appreciate your confidence.¡±


    ¡°Now, we have discussed enough. Have you managed to collect the necessary data?¡± Drake changed the focus of the conversation, showing some urgency.


    ¡°The signal from our objective remains active and without direct interference, but other points are suffering some kind of distortion. We have not been able to contact Aspirant Gunn inside the Zone, and he cannot reach us while we are outside. However, so far, there is no evidence of lethal radiation or mutagenic agents beyond those expected. We will have more information as soon as we enter.¡±


    ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing left to wait for.¡± Drake concluded.


    ¡°I agree. The physical Hounds will lead the way, Zara will follow right behind, and Louise will bring up the rear. Is that okay?¡±


    Drake just shrugged. ¡°As long as we get there quickly and can set up camp before moving forward, that¡¯s fine by me.¡±


    ¡°Perfect. Ladies, shall we go?¡± Natan glanced at the others, waiting for any objections.


    No one objected. In silence, the group continued through the forest, cutting their way toward the sign. Each step inside that distorted environment was accompanied by an uncomfortable chill¡ªthe kind of sensation that alerted any survival instinct.


    ____________________________________


    Meanwhile, at ground zero, Gregory, Vivian, and Daira were hiding in their makeshift camp, waiting for the situation to unfold.


    About fifty meters from the observation point, they had set up a tent sturdy enough to withstand the hostile climate of the forest. Made of a synthetic material for thermal and acoustic insulation, it prevented any light from escaping and reduced sound transmission to a minimum, ensuring that they remained undetected.


    The interior was simple but functional. There were three folding mattresses arranged in a semicircle around a small portable battery-powered lamp, whose flickering light cast soft shadows on the walls of the tent. There was no fire¡ªthe heat came only from the thermal blankets and the proximity of the bodies.


    The night outside was silent and cold, a deceptive calm. Fortunately, the Aligodons also seemed to be resting, with no signs of aggressive movement. The only sign that anything was out of the ordinary was the glow that filtered through the small window of the tent: a bluish, pulsating light, intense enough to penetrate the fabric and cast a faint reflection inside, as if trying to claim the darkness of the forest.


    In the heart of the lake, submerged almost 15 meters deep, a second aligodon rested in absolute stillness. However, unlike its companion on the lakeshore, this one was an even larger monstrosity, more ferocious in appearance, like an underwater shadow about to awaken.


    Its bright blue skin emitted a light so intense that it seemed like a submerged lighthouse, illuminating the waters of the lake and breaking through the darkness of the lake for hundreds of meters around with a hypnotic and frightening radiance. Bubbles erupted from its nostrils with a muffled sound, slowly rising to the surface.


    But, upon reaching the surface of the lake, these bubbles released a dense and heavy vapor, which slowly spread, creating a thick fog over the calm waters. The fog seemed alive, as if the very essence of the creature was spreading throughout the surroundings, impregnating the air with a sense of oppression and imminent danger.


    Despite its apparent immobility, the water around the aligodon''s body pulsed in unnatural movements, as if invisible waves were emanating from its massive body, sending vibrations that seemed to reverberate to the depths. This is a very rare phenomenon, a harbinger of something much more fearsome.


    This process, known to many but witnessed by very few, was a sign that the beast was in a state of metamorphosis, in fact, an evolution. Even the surrounding environment seemed to understand this phenomenon, as there was a kind of silence, almost as if an anticipation of a destructive force about to be released.


    An unmistakable sign of extreme danger, as if the lake itself was warning of the approaching terror.


    ¡°Deep sigh¡± Vivian bit into a cereal bar with an irritated expression¡­


    ¡°Do you want anything?¡± Gregory, sitting with his back supported by his backpack, scribbled information on his electronic device, reanalyzing the collected data.


    ¡°Every hour I spend in this place, I think that this mission is coming out too cheap, no matter how much you pay us¡­¡± Vivian complained between chewing, her voice laden with sarcasm.

 Chapter 30 - Rest

    Gregory sighed without taking his eyes off the screen. ¡°Say what you will, but there was no way I could have guessed that a Mutant Beast would choose such a strange place to undergo evolution.¡±


    Vivian snorted, settling back into the mattress. ¡°Uh-huh, sure. But excuses don¡¯t pay the bills, buddy. And the mission level has gone up twice since we entered this damn forest... What about our deal?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to discuss that, Vivian,¡± Daira intervened before Gregory could respond. Her tone was calm, but full of authority. ¡°Let¡¯s relax and rest as much as we can. I¡¯m sure we won¡¯t have time for that in the next few hours.¡±


    The silence hung for a moment. Gregory finally looked away from the screen and looked at the two of them.


    ¡°I agree with Daira. The support team sent their location and will arrive shortly. After we meet, we¡¯ll decide how to proceed. The original plan certainly won¡¯t be useful now.¡±


    ¡°In other words, we won¡¯t abandon the mission, even if the level is too high for a small team,¡± Vivian concluded with an acidic tone, stretching on the mattress before turning to the side.


    Gregory didn¡¯t answer immediately. His eyes returned to the screen, analyzing the latest records of the creature resting at the bottom of the lake.


    ¡°I have no choice,¡± he said finally. ¡°That Aligodon can end its evolution process at any moment. And, as we know, it will seek a nearby food source. A Level 5 Mutant Beast is a risk to Efflium¡¯s defenses.¡±


    ¡°In other words, we have to deal with this as quickly as possible.¡± Daira nodded slowly.


    ¡°Exactly. We have no choice¡­¡± Gregory sighed, putting down the device and running his hand over his face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for putting you in this situation, Daira.¡±


    Daira, who was still chewing, stopped for a moment. Her eyes met his, and she placed her hand gently on Gregory¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°It really is an uncomfortable situation that I would avoid at all costs,¡± Daira said bluntly. ¡°But, as you said, we have no choice now that we are here. I don¡¯t blame you, I¡¯m sure that wasn¡¯t your intention.¡±


    Gregory nodded, his expression filled with weariness. ¡°And it wasn¡¯t. As annoying as she may be, I wouldn¡¯t take that risk. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll do my best to get us out of this situation masterfully.¡±


    Daira raised her eyebrows slightly, but didn¡¯t comment. Her mind seemed to wander through distant thoughts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Gregory continued, his tone firmer. ¡°The promised rewards will be increased exponentially. That¡¯s the least I can do.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Daira murmured, before adjusting her mattress and lying down.


    The silence in the tent dragged on like a thick fog, a silence interrupted only by the soft sound of the wind hitting the canvas walls. Gregory, with his attentive and precise gaze, looked at Vivian and Daira for a moment, before calmly standing up and starting to do some tests.


    He carefully checked the Estronitus levels, taking a small needle and collecting a blood sample from both of them, as a routine and careful gesture. The drop was collected directly into a specialized device.


    With a detailed and focused look, Gregory analyzed the results while taking out some other medical equipment. One to measure temperature, another to measure blood pressure, another to collect sweat and a few others. Each movement was meticulously calculated, unhurried, as if he had done this countless times, as he had in fact done.


    After the tests were done, he took out a medicine bottle containing numerous red capsules in the shape of teardrop-sized drops. More precisely, these were Neutritus capsules, of which he delicately took one and gave one to Vivian and another to Daira.


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    After making sure they had both taken it, he checked their transmission bracelets, adjusting the parameters and calibrating the frequencies. The sound of precise clicks filled the space as he made the necessary adjustments, analyzing the tension on Daira and Vivian''s faces with an attention that seemed to read every nuance of discomfort in their bodies.


    "Have you checked the weapons yet?" he asked with a lightness that only disguised the seriousness behind the question. "Let me take a look at them, it doesn''t hurt to check." He paused and observed the two. "Do you need more food or water? What about the cold? Are you feeling okay with the environment?"


    Vivian rolled her eyes, an almost automatic movement, but not completely devoid of a slight frustration. She crossed her arms and let out a sigh.


    "For God''s sake... Do you see children here?"


    Gregory, without losing his composure, shrugged with a slight crooked smile. His voice was calm, as always, but there was a hint of unchanging seriousness.


    ¡°They¡¯re not children, Vivian, but it¡¯s my responsibility to make sure you¡¯re in good condition. Since I don¡¯t have access to your medical records or combat histories, I can only ask you directly or check in person.¡±


    He approached Daira, noticing her slightly tense posture, and lightly touched her shoulder, checking if she was comfortable.


    ¡°Do you need anything, Daira?¡± He pulled a small portable monitor from his bag and, with delicate movements, ¡°I can¡¯t leave you unattended since your healing powers will be of utmost importance¡­ Let me know if you need anything.¡±


    Gregory then stepped back a little, taking out some cereal bars of different flavors from a bag and offering them, with an attentive look. ¡°Are you still hungry? These are new, with different flavors, it might be a good change, right?¡±


    He paused, observing their reactions, as if trying to discern the slightest sign of tiredness or need. ¡°Forgive me if I¡¯m exaggerating, but I¡¯d rather be careful than negligent.¡±


    He also adjusted their water supplies, making sure they both had enough, never asking directly, but checking their bottles and making the calculations with precision.


    Gregory¡¯s every gesture, every word, seemed imbued with a careful calm. He was there not just as a leader or superior, but as a guardian, attentive to even the smallest details, concerned with every aspect of their physical and emotional well-being.


    His care was not imposed, but genuine, a responsibility he assumed without question.


    Vivian gave him a suspicious look. ¡°To me, it looks like you¡¯re about to sing us a lullaby to sleep.¡±


    Gregory chuckled softly and fixed her with an amused look. ¡°If you need me, I¡¯m willing.¡±


    ¡°Humph¡­¡±


    She said nothing, just turned away, pulling the blanket over her body. Gregory shook his head, clearing away distractions, and turned his attention back to his equipment. He cleaned the weapons with surgical precision, rearranged the supplies, and made sure everything was exactly where it should be.


    His movements were meticulous, almost mechanical, each gesture executed with absolute efficiency, without wasting time or energy.


    Daira, still awake, watched him in silence. Her eyes followed each action with a mixture of curiosity and something close to admiration.


    "Are you always like this?" She broke the silence when Gregory was already finishing the process.


    "Like what?" He answered without raising his head, keeping his focus on what he was doing.


    "I don''t know how to explain it¡­" Daira hesitated, searching for the right words. "Careful, meticulous¡­ Attentive. Do you always worry about these details when you''re on a mission?"


    Gregory paused briefly before answering.


    "Yes¡­ I think so."


    He continued to buckle one of the supply compartments, but his mind seemed to wander for a moment.


    "Normally, I''m in charge of all the logistics and preparation for the mission. But I also take care of more personal aspects when it comes to Monique."


    Daira tilted her head slightly.


    "Personal care? You mean monitoring Estronitus levels and stuff?"


    "That''s right. But I like to keep tabs on everything¡ªlogistics, route, territory analysis, enemy assessment, combat plan, health, food, hygiene¡­ even emotional support. Monique just needs to follow the plan."


    Daira arched an eyebrow in surprise.


    "Isn''t that a bit¡­ excessive?"


    Gregory looked up at her for the first time, his expression impassive.


    "No. Not at all."


    There was an unwavering firmness in his voice.


    "My entire methodology is based on absolute trust. It''s not enough to follow orders; she needs to trust me without hesitation. If I tell her to advance straight into the enemy''s mouth, she must go. If I tell her to retreat, she retreats."


    Daira crossed her arms, still absorbing the idea.


    "And how is that level of trust built? Isn''t it something that only develops in real combat situations?"


    Gregory let out a dry laugh.


    "That''s complete nonsense. These extreme experiences are important, of course, but they''re not enough to generate blind trust. I''ve been through life-or-death situations with Monique countless times... and if it depended solely on that, I would never have gained her absolute trust."


    A new voice cut through the conversation. "Could it be that this is just your own insecurity in disguise?" Still lying down, Vivian didn''t move, but her voice sounded full of disdain.


    Gregory didn''t even bother looking at her. "Maybe... But now is not the time for that kind of discussion." The sharp sound of a beep interrupted the moment. He quickly checked his GPS.

 Chapter 31 – Level 7

    Daira raised her head when she heard the brief sound of the electronic beep.


    "The support team?" Her voice was low but attentive.


    Gregory was already checking the communicator. His cold, analytical gaze fixed on the screen for a second before answering.


    "Yes. They''re waiting at the rendezvous point. I''ll go find them."


    He stood up without hesitation, his gestures precise and economical as if he had repeated this ritual countless times. In a fluid movement, he began to equip himself, adjusting each buckle firmly, testing the safety of the holsters and feeling the familiar weight of the blades attached to his belt.


    His expression was serious, controlled, filled with a determination that left no room for doubt or hesitation. Around him, tension hung in the air like an invisible specter.


    A subtle weight in the atmosphere, an almost imperceptible tightness in the chest. Everyone was tired, exhausted by the day full of surprises and the uncertainty that was growing, but they didn''t let it show.


    "I''ll go with you."


    Daira was already standing up, her gaze determined. But Gregory didn''t even need to look at her to make his position clear.


    "No." His voice was sharp, leaving no room for argument. "You two stay here and continue resting."


    Daira frowned, irritated by the curt order, but Gregory didn''t give her time for protests.


    "The support team will set up camp as soon as we arrive. It''s now 8:27 p.m. We don''t stand a chance against an Aligodon at night, so we wait until dawn to begin the mission. Understood?"


    The annoyance was written on her face at the same time. It made sense, it was a logical order. But the way he imposed it, firm and unquestionable, made something inside her twist in indignation.


    The forest was dangerous enough¡ªdark, treacherous, full of unseen threats¡ªbut letting him go alone to meet an unknown team, including Hounds whose temperament and loyalty were uncertain, seemed like an even greater risk.


    "Okay¡­"


    Gregory didn''t waste time with more words. He finished securing the equipment, took one last look at the two of them, and left the tent.


    Daira stood there, her instinct screaming at her to stop, to insist, but she held herself back. She took a deep breath, holding the words in her throat, and let out a heavy sigh, forcing herself to accept. Even though she was reluctant, she couldn''t create an argument here. Still, her eyes followed his every move, attentive, as if they could record every detail before he disappeared into the darkness of the night.


    ______________________________________


    Some time later, Gregory had already found the support team and led them to the strategic observation point. Their elevated position gave them a privileged view of the clearing ahead, where the lake stretched like a natural lamp of neon-blue light.


    The translucent water shone brightly, reflecting a hypnotic spectrum that spread among the distorted shadows of the forest. The glow was strong enough to illuminate the entire clearing, dyeing the tree trunks and surrounding vegetation with a spectral glow.


    Each leaf trembled in the anomalous brightness, creating an unsettling play of light. But it was not the moon that illuminated the scene. Something was pulsing at the bottom of the lake. A colossal creature rested in the depths, and from its veins radiated an intense glow, a ghostly glow that crossed the waters and projected itself like a spectral beacon.


    The light not only enveloped the lake in sinister tones, but also cast vibrant reflections beyond the shore. It was impossible to ignore the source of that illumination.


    The gigantic submerged Aligodon lay quietly in the heart of the lake, seemingly asleep, but the threat its presence posed was evident. The pulses of light that ran through its body traced irregular patterns along its massive scales, as if raw energy were accumulating, growing, overflowing.


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    That monster wasn''t just there, inert.


    It was changing.


    And they all noticed it.


    The team''s expressions grew somber. The tension was thick, almost palpable.


    The two Hunters looked at each other, apprehensive. They had recognized the magnitude of the problem before them and, without exchanging a word, began to evaluate ways to free themselves from that responsibility before it was too late.


    The Hounds, on the other hand, showed no hesitation, but they also did not rush. They were fighters on a mission, and the prerogative to act did not fall to them at that moment. As always, they awaited orders from their superiors.


    And, in this case, the one in charge of the mission was Gregory.


    When they realized that there would be no immediate decision, the Hounds simply accepted the wait and began to follow their instructions to set up camp. Silence dominated the environment, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the soft sound of illuminated water.


    At the bottom of the lake, the light continued to pulse.


    ¡°A level 4 Aligodon¡­ A level 4 Aligodon evolving to level 5¡­ And dozens of offspring comparable to level 1 Mutant Beasts¡­ What a beautiful family, hahaha.¡±


    Drake said the comment in a low voice, a sharp sarcasm coloring his words. His gaze remained fixed on the shining lake, an amused, almost cynical expression playing on his face, but his body was tense, betraying the uneasiness he was trying to mask.


    ¡°I agree that the situation is more complicated than advertised.¡±


    ¡°Complicated?¡± Nathan huffed, his frustration evident. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t call it complicated¡­ I would call it a complete level change. This mission should be at least class 6. And once that monster completes its evolution¡­ We¡¯re dealing with a class 7.¡± His voice, previously filled with irritation, became deeper at the end of the sentence.


    Gregory, who had remained silent until then, tried to intervene. ¡°I was already considering this mission as level 7 since I identified the second Aligodon¡­ That means two levels above what was mentioned in the meeting.¡± His attempt to justify the situation came out hesitant, as if he were cornered, and the answer came quickly.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Natan crossed his arms, resolute. ¡°And that¡¯s why I¡¯m out. I didn¡¯t accept a mission of this level, and I refuse to risk my life and that of my partner for a mistake in judgment. Barnes?¡±


    ¡°I completely agree.¡± Drake shrugged, but his tone of voice lost any trace of amusement. ¡°Continuing here would be pure suicide.¡±


    They both agreed. For them, the mission had become a nightmare from which they wanted to escape before it was too late.


    But then¡­


    ¡°What if I told you I have a plan?¡±


    Gregory threw his cards on the table.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Natan arched an eyebrow.


    ¡°A plan, kid?¡± Drake narrowed his eyes curiously. ¡°Do you know what you¡¯re saying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not just throwing words to the wind.¡± Gregory stood firm. ¡°I¡¯ve studied all the available data on the Aligodons. I know their weaknesses, their limitations¡­ With this information, I was able to draw up an efficient kill plan. And, luckily, we have everything we need to ensure the success of the mission.¡±


    Drake tilted his head slightly, intrigued. ¡°Oh? That¡¯s what I want to hear.¡± N


    athan grumbled impatiently. ¡°Barnes? Are you really considering this? This is crazy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, indeed.¡± Drake gave a wry smile, but his gaze never left Gregory. ¡°But we¡¯re under contract, remember? If we abandon the mission, the fine we¡¯ll have to pay will be a nightmare¡­ On the other hand, if this plan is merely reasonable, and we manage to complete a level 7 mission¡­¡±


    He let the sentence trail off, but the meaning was obvious. Instant promotion. Elite Hunters. But Nathan didn¡¯t give in.


    ¡°It¡¯s not worth the risk, Barnes. The chances are very low.¡±


    ¡°I guarantee a 60% chance of success.¡± Gregory spoke immediately.


    The silence that followed was heavy.


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense.¡± Natan raised his voice for a moment, but quickly controlled himself. He was not a rookie to let himself be carried away by emotions. ¡°This is a level 7 mission, not an Academy simulation.¡±


    But Drake¡­ Drake was interested.


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan, kid?¡±


    ¡°Barnes?¡± Natan looked at his companion, as if he had just been betrayed. But his look was ignored.


    Drake approached, putting an arm around Natan¡¯s shoulders and speaking in an almost casual tone, but his eyes were sharp.


    ¡°Speak, kid. You have my attention.¡±


    Gregory took a deep breath and began.


    ¡°I¡¯ve read all of your profiles. Although this is not a balanced group between offense and defense, it is a team built for endurance and speed. My partners complement this formation perfectly, covering the lack of offensive power and ensuring everyone¡¯s safety.¡±


    He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.


    ¡°If we can lure the weakest Aligodon away, we can eliminate it quickly enough before the second one completes its evolution.¡±


    ¡°Hm¡­ Yes, we all knew that already.¡± Drake crossed his arms. ¡°Continue.¡±


    Gregory took a slow breath.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the plan¡­¡±


    __________________________________


    Whooosssh


    It was dawn. The first rays of sunlight pierced the dense canopy of the forest, but they brought neither warmth nor comfort. The light seemed fragmented, distorted, as if reality itself in this place was unstable.


    Mist crept across the ground, twisting in patterns that seemed to have a life of their own, whispering inaudible secrets to the wind. The air carried a thick, metallic smell, a silent warning that this forest did not follow the rules of the natural world.


    Creeak Crack  Crack  Crack  Grooooan


    Until the tranquility was torn apart by the crash of trees being felled and the crack of wood being brutally twisted and broken.

 Chapter 32 – Hunt (1)

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    A tree was ripped from the ground with a sharp crack, its twisted trunk snapping like fragile bone. Then another, and another. The noise began in the distance, a muffled echo in the heart of the forest, but quickly grew in intensity.


    The noise grew louder, reverberating like a raging storm, as something colossal swept through the vegetation without mercy. The ground shook. The air vibrated. Something monstrous was coming. Branches snapped with dry snaps, colossal trunks fell like twigs, and the ground shook under the weight of something colossal advancing without mercy.


    "WOOHOOOOO!!"


    Suddenly, even amidst the terrifying noises, a scream tore through the forest like the euphoric scream of a skydiver on the height of adrenaline in freefall, a wild explosion of pure euphoria amidst the chaos.


    Three figures shot through the distorted landscape, fast as arrows, cutting through the mist and treacherous shadows of that anomalous forest.


    Aline led the way, a black blur gliding between the trees that seemed to twist and try to grab her. Her eyes shone with excitement and absolute focus, her body moved with an inhuman fluidity, as if she were dancing on the edge between life and death.


    Right behind, Rebecca, the imposing Taurinus, advanced like thunder. Her firm footsteps emitted a vibration that traveled through the ground, each step a brutal impact that made the terrain pulse in protest. Her muscles were tense, her lungs burned, but her expression was serious and focused, she did not intend to lose focus even with her hormones pulsing through her veins.


    The third was Louise, a swift shadow gliding between the distorted beams of light. Her white hair contrasted with her coal-black skin, a ghost of absolute speed. Her body moved with surgical precision, without hesitation, without waste. If there was such a thing as elegance in hell, Louise personified it.


    And then, a roar.


    GGRRrhhhhhhh


    A primal, guttural sound filled with fury and raw power reverberated through the forest, crushing the remaining silence.


    The trees snapped like toothpicks, flung skyward as if a hurricane had ripped them apart.


    He was right behind.


    The Aligodon


    The colossal beast tore through the forest like a living storm, felling trees, crushing rocks, and dispelling the darkness with the pulsing glow of its opaline skin. Its taut muscles moved with monstrous precision, and its claws, long and sharp as guillotine blades, scarred the earth in its relentless fury.


    But most terrifying? It wasn¡¯t just advancing¡ªit was hunting. And, worse, she kept up with them, even with all the obstacles in her path.


    The mutagenic agent zone, which at night stretched for about two kilometers, had shrunk with the sunrise to less than half a mile. The three Hounds had already left this area some time ago, advancing at high speed in an attempt to increase the distance between themselves and the mutant beast.


    "Hound Aline, are you listening? What''s the situation?"


    Aline was running in front of the group when Gregory''s voice reverberated through the communication point in her ear, cutting through the tense silence of the race.


    "You''re listening, hahaha... We''re keeping a controlled pace, but Rebecca is having trouble keeping up. The Aligodon may catch up with us soon. How much longer to the rendezvous point?"


    She answered between quick breaths, her tone firm, but filled with barely contained euphoria.


    The three women listened to the conversation, but it was clear that Aline was the only one so carefree and relaxed. Rebecca gritted her teeth. She knew she was the weak link, but that had already been foreseen by Gregory, who had ordered a pace that would avoid her extreme exhaustion.


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    "There are nine hundred meters to go," Gregory replied. "But you are slightly off course. Correct by twenty degrees to the right. Understand?"


    "Understood. How is our reception? Rebecca and Louise need their equipment as soon as we engage in close combat."


    "Everything is ready for you. Just keep up the pace and avoid unnecessary exhaustion." A brief silence followed before Gregory called out, "Rebecca."


    "Yes, sir." His voice was a little more breathless than Aline''s, but full of determination.


    "As soon as we reach the rendezvous point, you will be given a cocktail of Neutritus, Energetics, and brain and physical stimulants. I know this is an abusive order, but I need you to do this for the good of the mission¡­ I will formally apologize later, but for now, this is an order. Understand?"


    "Yes, sir."


    The answer came without hesitation. Rebecca didn''t like the idea, but she knew she had no choice.


    "Thank you. I''ll wait for you to start the second part of the plan. May God bless us."


    The transmission ended. The three continued their escape, guiding the Aligodon far away from the lake.


    ________________________________


    Meanwhile, about four kilometers east of the lake where the Aligodon was originally located, a huge rock wall rose above the trees, stretching for hundreds of meters.


    At the edge of this formation, Gregory, Drake, Vivian, Daira and Zara watched the horizon, attentive to the trail of destruction that advanced through the forest. Trees fell like dominoes.


    A cloud of dust and debris rose with each impact of the Aligodon against the ground. It was impossible to see the culprit of the destruction, much less the 3 hounds it was chasing.


    "You know, as much as I agreed with this plan, I have to say... This is the most insane thing I''ve ever agreed to do." Drake lowered the binoculars and sighed, adjusting his posture.


    Gregory smirked and raised an eyebrow. "So you''re saying you''re scared and want to give up now? I think it''s a little late for that."


    "Hahaha" Drake let out a dry laugh. "Scared? No way. This is going to be a story I''ll tell everyone for the rest of my life."


    "Hehe" Gregory laughed too. "I''m feeling the same way, but first, we have to get out of this alive. Then we''ll celebrate in Efflium. On my own, of course." "I can already smell barbecue... "


    The two laughed and exchanged a firm handshake, like old friends.


    Vivian rolled her eyes, but didn''t say anything. Daira, on the other hand, gave a discreet smile. Zara, the orange-haired Catinus, just frowned, confused by the relaxed atmosphere in the middle of such a dangerous situation.


    GGGrrrrhhhhhhhhh


    Interrupting the friendly atmosphere, the Aligodon''s guttural roar tore through the air, reverberating through the rocks and making the sound even more terrifying.


    Gregory turned to Vivian and Zara. "It''s time. Let''s act as agreed. All right?"


    "Yes, sir." The two answered in unison, with a professional posture and determined looks.


    He then looked at Daira. "Stay ready, but don''t put yourself in danger. Got it?"


    Daira smiled, relaxed. "Alright."


    Gregory nodded and then took a deep breath. "Barnes, let''s get started."


    Without waiting for an answer, he ran to the edge of the wall and threw himself down, rappelling down.


    On the opposite side, Barnes advanced to a higher point, where his favorite weapon was located... A Thanatos P907 semi-automatic anti-material rifle, which he nicknamed Black Death.


    A state-of-the-art anti-material rifle, developed to eliminate highly resistant targets at long range and with extremely high accuracy.


    Built with Titanite, the same material that Rebecca''s shield and most of the Hunters'' and Hounds'' defense equipment were made of. An almost perfect material. Its structure is ultra-light, very resistant and capable of dissipating heat in a few moments depending on the environment.


    With a length of 158 cm and weighing around 5.8 kg thanks to the ultra-light and ultra-resistant material, the Thanatos P907 uses .50 HYP (Hyper-Penetrator Explosive) caliber ammunition. This is made of a special compound, capable of piercing any known armor before detonating with devastating force.


    The speed of each projectile reaches 1,500 m/s and has an effective range of 3,000 meters. In addition, despite being a semi-automatic or High Power Single Shot, it has a cartridge with 20 standard shots and 30 shots in the extended version.


    It has an Energy Vortex Recoil Cancellation that allows the user to fire bursts with precision. In addition to a multi-function system that uses the noise muffling system as a weapon cooling system.


    A weapon worthy of Barnes'' entire 5 months'' salary... That''s why he takes great care of this weapon that has guaranteed him the success of several missions.


    "Come on, baby, it''s just another day of hunting..." Gently smoothing the weapon, Barnes covered himself with a camouflage cape and lay down to better handle the rifle.


    His task was very simple: to make a precise and well-timed shot.


    His success would guarantee the success of the mission much sooner than planned.


    If he missed, he would be practically useless for the rest of this stage of the plan. Since even with the power of his weapon, the most the projectiles would cause the Aligodon would be a sensation comparable to a grown man being stung by a bee.


    "One shot... Just one..."

 Chapter 33 – Hunt (2)

    While Drake was adjusting his aim for the Aligodon, Gregory had already rappelled down the wall and was advancing through the dense forest towards his target.


    The uneven terrain and vegetation made it difficult to move, and the extra weight he was carrying made everything even more challenging¡ªhe was carrying Rebecca''s huge shield, Louise''s longsword, as well as a compact backpack and other essential equipment.


    Still, he didn''t stop. His boots sank into the ground damp with morning dew and occasionally slipped a little, but he quickly recovered without losing his balance, demonstrating his technique and showing off his training.


    He ran as fast as he could, dodging roots and low branches as he quickly approached the three Hounds that were in the monster''s path. When the GPS indicated that he was about 100 meters away from them, he finally slowed down, dropped his sword and shield on the ground with a dull thud, and activated the radio.


    ¡°I¡¯m close to you, keep moving. Ten seconds until contact. Aline, I¡¯m counting on you to buy some time. Okay?¡± His voice was firm but urgent, as his eyes scanned the forest in search of one of them amid the trees that made it difficult to see.


    The radio remained silent, but Gregory could tell from the GPS that Aline had stopped, while the other two signals continued to move quickly in their direction. At the same time, the sound of the Aligodon advancing through the forest ceased for a few seconds, as if the creature was hesitating or reacting to something.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Rebecca and Louise emerged from the dense vegetation, panting but in one piece.


    ¡°From 0 to 10, how are you?¡± Gregory asked, concern evident in his tone.


    ¡°9.5,¡± Louise replied without hesitation, as she grabbed her sword and began to put on the protective gear that was in Gregory¡¯s backpack.


    ¡°9,¡± Rebecca said, repeating her companion¡¯s gesture, adjusting her protections with mechanical precision.


    ¡°Great... Louise, please take this.¡± Gregory took a thermos from his backpack and handed it to her. ¡°It¡¯s an energizing cocktail. It will help you recover from mental and physical fatigue.¡±


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Louise thanked him as she received the bottle, a little embarrassed and clearly suspicious of the contents.


    But as soon as she took a small sip to taste the contents, her gaze changed. The drink was smooth, with a strong and mild passion fruit flavor that took her by surprise. But the biggest surprise was not the flavor, but the refreshing sensation that began in her mouth and quickly spread throughout her body.


    Before she realized it, she had already drunk the entire contents of the bottle, and it didn¡¯t take long for her entire body to be fully recovered and with energy to spare. Her veins were pulsing and her brain was frantic¡­


    ¡°Is there more?¡± She asked, now embarrassed, but clearly wanting to taste more of that miraculous liquid, holding the empty bottle with an expression undecided between guilt and desire.


    Gregory let out a nasal laugh. He knew this would happen, which is why he had a stock of almost 10 liters of this special energizer. A special formula he created with the help of some friends. But unfortunately...


    ¡°The dose cannot exceed 300 ml at a time... Sorry.¡±


    Louise pouted in frustration, but soon looked away when he pulled out another thermos and turned to Rebecca.


    ¡°Rebecca, this is the cocktail we agreed on...¡± He started to speak, but before he could finish, his own sense of guilt made him simply hold out the bottle to her.


    Rebecca took the container without saying anything immediately, analyzing it in silence. The thick liquid moved inside, reminding her of a highly concentrated vitamin.


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    She didn¡¯t look at Gregory, but she felt his gaze on her¡ªnot demanding, but understanding. They both knew what that meant. Drinking that mixture wasn¡¯t just about recovering energy. It was about accepting, without turning back, the responsibility that fell on her shoulders.


    She looked up and met Gregory¡¯s eyes. No words were spoken, but in that instant, the understanding was there: she would be the most important piece of this plan.


    Without further hesitation, Rebecca unscrewed the cap and brought the bottle to her lips, swallowing the liquid in large gulps. The thick texture reminded her of a banana smoothie, but the flavor was an intriguing mix of avocado with a sweet and striking hint of mango. The taste was unexpected, but surprisingly pleasant.


    When she finished, Rebecca put the bottle down, licking her lips to capture the last traces of the flavor. She knew it would take a toll on her body later, but she didn''t hesitate. The decision had already been made.


    Gregory took the empty bottle from her hands and, without saying anything, put it in his bag. Now, with everyone equipped and ready, he turned to the two of them and assumed a firm tone.


    ¡°As planned, okay? If anything unexpected happens, let me know immediately and I¡¯ll reorganize the strategy. No unnecessary risks and, above all, don¡¯t do anything without my permission. Do we understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the two replied in unison, without hesitation.


    There were no more words. With a short nod, Rebecca and Louise walked away, quickly returning to where the Aligodon and Aline were. Gregory, in turn, turned on his heel and shot back towards the wall, the weight of the equipment on his back now seeming even greater.


    ___________________________


    Plack Plack!


    The Aligodon¡¯s armor wasn¡¯t merely decorative¡­ Despite its attractive coloring, that leather was a natural armor of absurd resistance.


    Aline had already suspected this, but she was sure the moment she struck the creature¡¯s side with all her strength.


    ¡°Shit¡­¡±


    The impact reverberated through her arm as if she had punched a granite mountain. Pain exploded in her fingers, shooting up her forearm, but there was no time to hesitate.


    The Aligodon moved.


    Agile. Precise. Deadly.


    Even for its colossal size, the creature was incredibly coordinated. Its muscular legs supported its weight with ease, and its long tail served as a counterbalance for complex maneuvers. In an instant, the monster spun with almost unreal fluidity and opened its jaws in a lunge straight for Aline.


    Absurd speed.


    She saw the teeth approaching, barbs of bone ready to pierce and grip her flesh. Instinct screamed louder. Aline threw herself upward and escaped by the skin of her teeth, landing on the beast''s back.


    Now mounted on the mutant Beast, her heart hammered in her chest.


    What the hell was I going to do now?


    Her blows were not enough. The Aligodon''s hide was a wall. Thinking quickly, she ran along the creature''s back, aiming for its eyes¡ªthe only visible vulnerable spot.


    But the Aligodon was clever.


    Before Aline could attack, the beast twisted its body, writhing violently. The movement was so abrupt that she lost her balance and was forced to jump to the ground.


    The landing was abrupt, and before she could even recover, the monster was on top of her again.


    Another lunge.


    Another last-second dodge.


    Aline escaped by spinning to the side, but made a fatal mistake: she backed away.


    The Aligodon saw the opening.


    With incomprehensible speed, it spun on its hind legs and lashed out with its tail like a whip.


    The impact was brutal.


    Aline was ripped from the ground, thrown like a rag doll. The landscape blurred until her body collided violently with a tree. The impact broke the trunk with a loud crack, and she was thrown further into the forest, rolling across the ground covered in leaves and roots.


    Darkness took over her and her body settled on the forest floor¡­


    On the other hand, the Aligodon was clearly upset and angry that its prey had been thrown away and hid in the forest. It opened and closed its mouth forcefully, creating a terrifying cracking sound, and in addition, it began to whip its tail against the ground, creating a cloud of dust around it.


    It was angry, and made the decision to get rid of these trees that were in its way, but it also decided that it would not waste any more time breaking them one by one.


    Then, after momentarily calming down, a light blue glow began to pulse on the Aligodon''s snout. The glow was concentrated in the two parallel rows of sharp scales that shimmered with a strange energy, oscillating from a soft blue to a deep navy blue, like a storm gathering on the horizon.


    The glow intensified even more before suddenly disappearing¡­


    Crack


    Then, with a sharp snap of its jaws, the creature opened them wide.


    A beam of pure energy exploded from its mouth. A beam of pure energy that destroyed and disintegrated absolutely everything it touched¡­ Trees, animals, and even the air were burned to nothing¡­


    However, the attack was very strange and terrifying¡­ This was not an attack to sweep through the forest for hundreds of meters. The Aligodon did not want that.


    Instead, with a precise and calculated movement, the beam swept the surroundings in a perfect and complete circle around the Aligodon¡­ A devastating attack, obliterating everything above fifty centimeters from the ground.

 Chapter 34 – Hunt (3)

    The entire forest, within a radius of a hundred meters around the creature, simply ceased to exist. Only smoking stumps and untouched undergrowth remained. And that is what terrified even the souls of those watching this scene.


    It was a perfectly controlled attack.


    By pure luck, Aline was lying on the ground when she opened her eyes and saw the energy beam cutting through the air right above her, consuming everything in its path.


    Her heart raced.


    She jumped to her feet, her muscles locked in terror, her wide eyes scanning the desolate landscape around her. But nothing was worse than staring at the creature in front of her.


    The Aligodon watched her with empty eyes. Cold.


    As if that had been the easiest thing in the world.


    ¡°This bastard is toying with me¡­ Son of a whore¡­¡±


    Aline spat the words between clenched teeth, standing up with anger boiling in her chest. But there was no time for indignation.


    The light blue glow began to pulse again on the sharp scales of the Aligodon''s snout.


    She froze for a second when she noticed this detail.


    The beast was going to attack again.


    The creature''s eyes were fixed on her, and Aline felt the weight of her own vulnerability. But if he thought she would simply stand still and wait for the end, he was very wrong.


    "Oh no, it won''t be the way you want it, you piece of trash."


    Her body was already moving before she even finished her sentence.


    With an explosive momentum, she shot straight at the beast, jumping between the tree stumps and using them to gain momentum and leap forward. Every fiber of her being screamed that it was suicide, but her mind knew the truth: standing still was certain death.


    Unfortunately, she didn''t reach her goal in time, the Aligodon was faster and soon the glow intensified and peaked before suddenly disappearing. Then¡­


    Crack


    Again, with a dry snap of its jaws, the creature opened them to their maximum, releasing the beam of pure energy.


    The glow was frightening, even closer and coming towards her¡­ Aline felt death approaching, even tasting that beam of energy in her mouth¡­


    But fortunately, the moment the beam of energy exploded outwards, Aline was already too close. And with a lot of willpower and skills trained for years, Aline managed to execute a miraculous movement.


    Relying on her reflexes, she stepped on a log and threw herself to the side, throwing her body down towards the ground so that she could throw herself on it quickly¡­ It was by a hair''s breadth that she was not hit.


    She felt the vacuum created by the attack as the blast passed a few centimeters from her body.


    But the attack did not stop just because she managed to dodge it initially¡­ The beast turned its head to follow her, keeping the attack continuous. Aline didn''t need to realize that before she rolled on the ground and ran at full speed.


    She ran away from the attack, but at the same time, she approached the Aligodon with a clear strategy in her mind: The closer she got, the harder it would be for the beast to use this attack. That''s why she continued to dodge the attack while also approaching the beast with great effort...


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    Meanwhile, the lightning cut through the forest floor like a voracious blade, digging a colossal trench¡ªthree meters deep, two meters wide¡ª, reducing everything in its path to dust and emptiness. The sound was deafening. An incessant thunder that made her bones vibrate.


    But the worst thing was the cold. There was no heat in the attack.


    On the contrary, the air around her seemed to die, drained of any trace of life. Aline felt her skin crawl, a chill crawling down her spine as she ran, dodging absolute destruction by the skin of her teeth. Fortunately, Aline managed to sneak fast enough to avoid being caught by the beam as she approached one of the creature''s blind spots, narrowly escaping the destructive beam.


    The Aligodon, in turn, remained still in its place while maintaining the energy beam ¡ª its own power restricted it. It had no freedom to move abruptly or quickly while firing the attack.


    In fact, the most it could do was simple, slow movements. Just like when it obliterated the surrounding forest, it executed the movement slowly, only being able to make small adjustments in direction if necessary.


    And this fact cost it a great advantage on the battlefield¡­


    Aline reached its flank, taking advantage of this gap in its attack. And prepared a blow with all her strength, aiming the sharp scales at the Beast''s snout¡­


    The intention was to be an exploratory strike, much more a gamble by Aline than an actual plan to cause significant damage to the Aligodon. But if she won the bet, the return would be very beneficial.


    Unfortunately, the Aligodon had no intention of receiving this blow, so it immediately interrupted the energy beam. The navy blue glow on its sharp scales dissipated, and its jaw closed with a dry snap.


    Aline felt the icy aftermath of the attack abruptly ceasing in the air and was certain that she had made the right call. This would be a super effective blow.


    But before she could touch those scales with her gauntlet, the beast jumped.


    To Aline''s disbelief, she saw the beast make a surreal and unbelievable movement... An almost supernatural movement for a being of that size.


    At 12 meters long and almost 2 meters tall, the Aligodon propelled its colossal body upwards and backwards, jumping almost two meters into the air and advancing more than seven meters in a single movement.


    The Aligodon¡¯s dense muscles and sturdy legs are not mere supports for its weight, but true pillars of strength. Unlike many massive creatures that crawl or rely on inertia to move, the Aligodon moves with precision and power¡ªa beast of compact muscle, designed for both speed and brutality.


    Aline watched in disbelief as the creature landed with a surprisingly subtle impact for its size, absorbing the force of the jump with deftness.


    And the worst? The Aligodon landed directly in front of her, completely destroying the efforts she had made to get to the beast¡¯s blind spot. She was stared into the beast¡¯s blank, sinister eyes as a sense of injustice washed over her.


    ¡°What the hell¡­ Fuck it, man. How does this bastard move like that?¡± Aline protested, frowning with a confused and clearly offended expression. Aline had no time for further protests.


    Grrrhhh


    The Aligodon advanced on her with frightening speed, its half-open jaws ready to tear her apart without hesitation. The muffled sound of its heavy footsteps mixed with the rustling of the earth being torn apart by its claws.


    Aline quickly threw herself to the ground, seeking shelter in a tree stump that provided her with light protection, distracting the Aligodon. But she did not wait for the creature''s next move; she fled from there, crawling along the ground.


    KRRRAAAK-THUD!


    At the same time, she heard the sound of the tree stump being crunched and mercilessly ripped from the ground.


    Certain that she had narrowly escaped, Aline got up and ran to a safe distance, which she managed to do in time for the Aligodon''s tail to pass so close to her that the air pressure was enough to ruffle her hair and bother her long ears.


    Lucky? Maybe, but that doesn''t matter to Aline at the moment, since the Aligodon didn''t stop its attacks. After lashing out with its tail, the beast adjusted its body and jumped again, but this time towards her, it wanted to crush her with its weight.


    Aline had no choice, she turned her body and ran to get out of the impact zone quickly.


    Unfortunately, she was out of time. All she could do was take a leap of faith and throw herself as far away as possible, which saved her from receiving a potentially lethal blow, but didn''t save her from losing her balance and rolling across the ground until she hit another tree stump.


    ¡°Ufffrhgggmmm¡± She felt all the air in her lungs leave her when she received the sudden blow to her back.


    The dust that rose gave her a few seconds, but she couldn''t take advantage of it to run away while she was catching her breath.


    And not even the Aligodon had any intention of stopping its attacks¡­ It took advantage of the fact that she was at its side to whip her with its tail.


    Creeeaaak


    Luckily or unluckily, the tree trunk protected her from receiving the blow directly. Even so, the blow was so strong that she was thrown against the ground and dragged for almost 3 meters as soon as the tail hit the Stump and tore it out by the roots.


    Dirt, dead leaves, roots and small plants rubbed against Aline''s face and hurt her skin. The protective equipment was dirty, but it did its job and didn''t tear anyway, preventing her from receiving greater damage.

 Chapter 35 – Hunt (4)

    Aline knew it would be like this. A Level 4 Beast was not something an S-Class Hound could face alone. But she was not here to win ¡ª she was here to fulfill her role in the plan. It was all part of the plan...


    ¡°Damn you...¡± she spat the words through her teeth along with a mouthful of blood, standing up with a sudden movement, her body throbbing with the pain of the impact.


    The Aligodon had its back to her. But not out of distraction. Slowly, as if savoring the moment, it began to turn. Its empty, opaque eyes met hers, filled with predatory sadism.


    He didn¡¯t need to rush. He wanted Aline to feel it. He wanted her to understand how insignificant and pathetic she was before him.


    He would kill, of course. But without haste. Without blind fury. Just the cold pleasure of crushing something fragile under his overwhelming strength.


    Aline clenched her fists, her teeth grinding together.


    ¡°I¡¯ll charge you double for this, do you hear me?!¡± she shouted to the sky, her voice thick with defiance and frustration.


    The sound of static hissed in her ear.


    ¡°Understood¡­ But please, just hold on a little longer¡­¡± Gregory¡¯s voice sounded firm, albeit muffled by interference, through the listening point in Aline¡¯s left ear, the other having been lost in combat.


    She exhaled heavily, forcing a crooked smile. ¡°Humph Just a little longer. It¡¯s easy to talk from there¡­¡±


    After the pause was over, the Aligodon shot forward, its powerful hind legs propelling it like a projectile. Aline sucked in air between her teeth and jumped to the side, but this time, the creature anticipated her move. In the middle of the jump, the Aligodon twisted its body in the air, spinning to follow Aline''s trajectory, which worked, but Aline thought quickly and kicked the beast''s snout hard, using it as a springboard to throw herself even further.


    The Aligodon felt its prey escape, but as soon as it touched the ground, it turned its body on its front paws, adjusted its direction and jumped again towards Aline, its claws digging grooves in the ground as it tried to grab her in the middle of its escape.


    Aline was surprised by the movement, so she ran even faster, but it wasn''t enough, the Aligodon would catch up to her.


    The creature''s giant jaw was more than enough to swallow her whole, and its teeth were clearly razors that would easily shred skin, flesh and bones. She felt another shiver as an even stronger adrenaline rush affected her body...


    She saw the world go into slow motion, deciding then to stop running away and jump up. And so she did¡­


    She used a tree stump that was in front of her as a step to launch herself into the air and do a Backflip as high as possible.


    ¡­ 2¡­ 4¡­ 6¡­ 8 meters.


    Even the Aligodon was left speechless when it grabbed the air and saw its prey jump so high right in front of it. It only reacted when it realized that it was flying towards its back. That''s when it opened its mouth towards the sky and waited for its snack to fall.


    Aline realized this, she had no options to change her trajectory in the air. But she was not a novice, she had already trained and executed this movement several times and knew about this disadvantage. So, as soon as she jumped, she unsheathed her two tactical knives, each with a blade almost 30 centimeters long and with a handle modified to fit her gauntlet.


    When the Aligodon opened its mouth and Aline reached the peak of her jump, it was the perfect opportunity for her to throw one of her knives directly at the beast''s throat.


    The Aligodon was not afraid of the blades, they would hardly cause damage to its tough flesh and it trusted in that. Unfortunately, the blades were made of Vulkarion, the same material that covered Aline''s gauntlet.


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    A grayish metal with reddish veins that glow slightly under extreme heat. Known for achieving a sharpness as good as or even better than glass and also known for absorbing various types of energy, gaining density according to the amount of energy absorbed and then slowly releasing it in the form of heat.


    Grhuwaaaarhh


    It was an effective blow, when the blade penetrated its throat, the Aligodon''s roar was a thunder of fury and pain. Its body convulsed and groaned in pain as the blade made of Vulkarion cut through the less rigid flesh inside its throat.


    He was forced to close his jaw as a natural reflex due to the pain. Aline took this opportunity to plunge the other knife straight into the Aligodon''s back¡­


    GRRRHHHHH


    The beast roared even louder¡­ A guttural and sinister sound that reverberated throughout Aline''s body as she clung to the knife''s handle amidst the brusque and ferocious movements the beast made to free itself from the knife in its back.


    Without success¡­ Even though she suffered a little and had great difficulty holding on, the blade was fixed enough to serve as support so that Aline wouldn''t be thrown away.


    Without success... Even though she was suffering a little and had a lot of difficulty holding on, the blade was fixed enough to serve as support so that Aline wouldn''t be thrown away.


    Aline felt every spasm of the beast through the knife stuck in her back. The vibration ran through her arms like a shock, threatening to tear her away. But she clenched her teeth and held on tight, her muscles screaming under the brutal tension.


    Aline continued to hold on, but not for long. Something was wrong. She felt instinct scream in her mind before she even understood why. Soon the answer came...


    The Aligodon''s snout began to glow...


    Up until this point, Aline hadn''t worried, the problem was that the glow didn''t just stay on the sharp scales of its snout, now this cold glow spread, running like a fuse along two rows of less aggressive scales, which ran from the snout to the tip of the Aligodon''s tail.


    The glow grew rapidly, pulsing in an intense blue. Along with the glow came an abrupt, intense cold that dropped the temperature around it. The first sign was the breath becoming visible, releasing thick clouds of vapor that slowly dissipated in the increasingly dense air.


    ¡°Shit¡­¡± Aline didn¡¯t hesitate. She dropped the knife and leapt away, breaking into a desperate run, but as soon as her feet touched the ground, she felt another change.


    The cold seemed to press down on everything around her, making every movement heavier, stiffer. Beneath her feet, the ground cracked subtly, and then came the treacherous glow¡ªa thin layer of ice spreading rapidly across the earth, swallowing the vegetation and coating the fallen leaves with a crystalline film.


    But now was not the time to be distracted, Aline put even more strength into her feet and ran at top speed away. She didn¡¯t know how far she had run, but she hoped it had been enough.


    A ball of icy blue energy formed around the Aligodon, as if the air itself had been frozen. Soon, this beautiful and deadly phenomenon took on new proportions, expanding rapidly and sweeping away everything around it, expanding at an overwhelming speed.


    From afar, there was no sound other than a low, sinister crackling. Furthermore, there was no light being emitted intensely, what there was was only a soft cyan-blue glow that any normal person could admire.


    However, as soon as that ball of energy reached a critical mass, the explosion came.


    SSSHWWwooooosshhhh BOOOOOMMMMMMMM


    That sphere collapsed in on itself and generated a shockwave that traveled almost a kilometer followed by the disturbing noise of the explosion that brought with it frightening consequences.


    At the epicenter, everything was swept away within a radius of 30 meters, nothing remained but the frozen ground.


    But in the distance, the ground instantly crystallized, trees cracked as their sap froze from the inside out, exploding into razor-sharp splinters. The air itself felt brittle, forming fractals of ice suspended for a brief moment before falling like shattered glass.


    Snow began to fall and the ground froze to the point of forming a layer of ice nearly 10 centimeters thick. It seemed as if the entire forest within a radius of nearly 500 meters was in the midst of a harsh winter¡­


    Aline survived, but the cost was a bit too high¡­


    Even though she tried to get as far away as possible and fortunately managed to get out of the area of ??the initial energy sphere, the secondary icy explosion reached her and she was forced to use her gauntlets as a shield to absorb most of the explosion''s energy.


    Lying on the ground to reduce the area of ??contact and her fists together in front of her head to protect as much of her body as possible from the explosion, Aline felt the cold penetrate her skin like invisible knives, burning.


    Her limbs became rigid, her back froze right after her clothes, her ears began to necrotize at the tips.


    She felt a merciless sleep, but it was a sleep that she knew would be fatal.


    The gauntlets absorbed much of the energy charge of the explosion. Still, the thermal shock was relentless. Her lips were numb, her fingers barely responded, and the burning in her lungs only increased.


    She survived, but she was almost unable to fight and if she slept now she would never wake up again¡­

 Chapter 36 – Hunt (5)

    ¡°Aline, can you hear me?... Can you hear me?... Shhh Answer, Aline, if you can hear... Shhhhh No answer. Rebecca, I''m counting on you. Louise, find Aline and bring her to Daira.¡±


    Aline lay inert on the ground, her body almost completely frozen. The only point of warmth came from her hands, where the gauntlets slowly dissipated the accumulated energy, emanating a heat that fought against the ice that formed around her.


    She heard everything through the communicator, but the voices sounded distant, distorted, as if they were being whispered through a dense fog. Her mind wavered between consciousness and emptiness.


    GrrGrrrrGrrrr...


    The Aligodon''s guttural sound echoed across the frozen landscape, blending into the oppressive silence. Her panting breath betrayed her fatigue, but that did not mean weakness.


    He had burned some of his energy to release the attack, but level 4 beasts were no ordinary creatures. His body would begin to recover in minutes, regenerating the damage and restoring his strength as if nothing had happened.


    The knife at his throat? Swallowed.


    The blade stuck in his back? Reduced to dust.


    He remained there, intact, sniffing the air, his eyes scanning the environment in search of the prey that dared to challenge his existence. It was not difficult to find it.


    The residual heat from the gauntlets melted the snow around Aline''s body, creating a small area of ??contrast in the vast white desert.


    Clack Clack


    The teeth clashed loudly, referencing an early taste of the meal. He knew the hunt was over.


    Unhurriedly, he began to walk towards her.


    Aline was defenseless, in fact, she had no idea of ??her own state and was barely conscious¡­


    "HEEEEYYYY!"


    Fortunately, just as the Aligodon began to move towards Aline, something caught its attention.


    Louise''s voice cut through the freezing air like a cry of defiance. She emerged from the edge of the devastated forest and shot off at full speed, her figure cutting through the snow as she ran with her longsword unsheathed, the steel glinting in the cold light.


    Her speed was nowhere near comparable to Aline''s, but that hardly mattered. She aimed directly at the beast''s snout, seeking to pierce an eye or at least force it to retreat.


    The Aligodon, with its eyes fixed on its previous prey, suddenly turned at the cry, its reptilian eyes fixated on the new threat. An intruder. An annoying prey that dared to get in its way. Its predatory instinct made it stop and prepare for a new attack.


    It then turned its massive body and, with a guttural roar, advanced with surprising speed, muscles rippling beneath its scaly skin.


    Louise managed to attract its attention, but had to brake abruptly when the beast''s jaws opened and lunged at her in a swift, deadly strike. She halted her advance and leapt to the side, her feet sliding on the ice of the frozen forest as the Aligodon''s bite grazed her, the air cut by the impact of its teeth.


    However, what the Aligodon did not notice was a shadow that moved silently through its blind spot. On the other side, through the edge of its field of vision, Rebecca was already approaching silently, using the creature''s blind spot to her advantage.


    With a powerful leap and relatively high for a robust Parahuman like her, Rebecca launched herself at the Aligodon. Her muscles tensed with the force of the movement, and she used the impact of her body to plant her enormous shield with devastating force against the joint of the beast''s left hind leg.


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    The sound of the impact was dull, but the pain was immediate for the creature.


    Grrrrrhhhh!


    Even a rock cracks with a strong blow in the right place. And fortunately, there are some places that are much more fragile than others.


    The roar of pain reverberated across the snowy plain. The force of the blow slightly dislocated the beast''s joint, which contorted violently, whipping the air with its massive body. The surrounding snow was thrown in all directions, creating a momentary white storm.


    Desperate to free itself from the attacker on its back, the Aligodon began to struggle frantically, shaking from side to side, like a force of nature out of control.


    Rebecca landed with a hard impact, her boot sinking into the frozen ground as she pushed herself away from the Aligodon. Her hands were a little numb from the recoil of the blow with the shield, but there was no time for rest.


    She stepped back and began circling the beast, her gaze sweeping the chaotic, snow-white field, searching for Louise. As soon as she found her, her voice boomed in an urgent command:


    ¡°Go! I¡¯ll hold him off!¡±


    Without waiting for a response, Rebecca lunged forward again, muscles tensed, shield raised like a battering ram. A precise leap, and then¡ª


    CRACK!


    The impact resounded like a muffled thunder as the shield met the Aligodon''s reinforced skull. But the creature did not retreat. It merely turned its face slowly, as if irritated by a fly that dared to challenge it.


    However, this blow was enough to shake the creature out of its previous lethargic state. The beast forgot the pain and, with a hungry look, directed all its fury at Rebecca.


    "That''s it, now it''s me and you, baby..."


    As if it had understood, the Aligodon advanced on her, and she spun on her heels and threw herself to the side, escaping a voracious bite that made the air whistle beside her, its jaws closing millimeters from her leg.


    Rebecca did not have time to recover before the creature''s brutal claws reached her.


    She was by far the slowest of the three... But she was not defenseless. To protect herself, she planted her shield in the ground and knelt down. Clink Thud


    The blow hit the shield hard, forcing Rebecca to her limit to resist the impact. Fortunately, she managed to do so, she withstood the attack, surprising even the Aligodon, who stood still, not understanding what had happened¡­


    But that didn''t last. Because soon the Aligodon resumed its attack and launched a bite at Rebecca, who was forced to abandon her post and run away.


    With the opening created by Rebecca, Louise rushed towards Aline, sliding on her knees on the snow next to her companion''s inert body. Her heart hammered in her chest as her eyes quickly analyzed the scene.


    "Damn... He was right..."


    Her whisper escaped between clenched teeth. With light fingers, she pressed two fingers against Aline''s neck, feeling the weak but present pulse. Relief and urgency mixed in her chest.


    She grabbed Aline''s shoulder and turned her face, revealing her pale expression and her eyelashes covered in fine particles of ice. But her eyes were half-open. She was conscious.


    "That cocktail really works wonders... Haha..."


    The short laugh came out more like a sigh. Without wasting any more time, Louise straightened her posture, slipped an arm under Aline''s legs and lifted her in a single movement, throwing her over her shoulders.


    The beast behind them roared, the sound vibrating in the air like muffled thunder. Rebecca was still keeping him busy¡ªbut for how long?


    "Come on, passengers, board the Louise Express! Immediate departure to ''anywhere away from this shit''!"


    Louise planted her feet, kicked off, and sprinted toward Gregory and company¡¯s location, her rapid breath condensing in the biting cold. Her boots kicked up the snow as she ran, each step a challenge against the extra weight and the adrenaline pounding through her veins. Time was running out, and Rebecca needed help.


    ___________________________


    At the top of the imposing wall, Gregory was immersed in a technology island, surrounded by a series of monitors whose screens pulsed with real-time images of Rebecca¡¯s fight with the Aligodon, every angle captured with precision.


    The room around him was completely silent, but the tension was palpable, hanging in the air as his fingers slid quickly across the keyboard, analyzing data with an almost obsessive concentration. His gaze, fixed, never wavering for a second.


    ¡°Any reaction there, Miles?¡± Gregory''s voice cut through the silence, his tone grave and measured, while his eyes never left the screen, absorbing every detail of the combat.


    The answer came, calm and serious, over the radio. "Nothing... The cubs are still huddled at the edge of the lake, with no sign of movement from the main target. Everything is proceeding as planned."


    Gregory did not seem satisfied and frowned with a bit of doubt and uneasiness, but he maintained his composure. He took a deep breath, almost as if absorbing the tension that was building. "Very well... The third phase of the plan begins in 5 minutes. Prepare to act. Any changes, any movement, notify me immediately. I do not want any surprises."


    "Understood." Nathan¡¯s voice was firm, but there was a slight tension present, as if he also felt the weight of expectation that came with the order.


    Gregory stood up with a quick movement, the slight tension in his shoulders reflecting the urgency that enveloped him. His footsteps echoed in a calculated manner as he turned to face the three Hounds on Standby.


    They were prepared, but Gregory knew that for everything to go well, nothing could get out of hand. The tension in the air increased with each passing second.

 Chapter 37 – Hunt (6)

    ¡°I hope you¡¯ve had enough time to understand our target¡­¡± Gregory swept the group with a sharp gaze before continuing. ¡°Are you ready?¡± His voice was firm, making it clear that there was no room for hesitation.


    Zara exchanged a quick glance with Vivian before answering, uncertainty clouding her expression. ¡°And¡­ what are the chances of this actually working?¡± Her voice was low, a little hesitant, as if she didn¡¯t want to seem pessimistic.


    Gregory let out a soft sigh, not looking away. ¡°You just need to do what you do best: use your most effective attacks. Fortunately, your elements are the perfect combination for this fight¡ªfire and water. The Aligodon may be resilient, but nothing is indestructible.¡± He paused briefly, letting the words settle before continuing. ¡°Rebecca, Louise, and Barnes will keep the beast occupied. Your job is to make sure it doesn¡¯t live to see noon.¡±


    Vivian huffed and crossed her arms, her expression thick with skepticism. ¡°That¡¯s dangerous optimism¡­ What if this thing decides we¡¯re the priority target?¡±


    Gregory finally moved, his steady footsteps echoing as he approached. ¡°Stick to the plan and don¡¯t act on your own.¡± His voice grew quieter, but still heavy. ¡°I¡¯ll be watching and coordinating everything. You just need to follow orders. Understood?¡±


    Zara swallowed hard and nodded quickly. ¡°Y-Yes. Understood.¡±


    Gregory then stopped in front of Vivian, his presence dominating the space between them. ¡°Understood, Hound Wynne?¡± His tone was unquestionable.


    Vivian held his gaze for a moment before turning away in annoyance. ¡°Understood, Hunter Gunn.¡± She answered reluctantly, but she answered.


    Gregory didn¡¯t pull away immediately. His eyes remained fixed on her, assessing, calculating. He knew the kind of person Vivian was¡ªimpulsive, stubborn, someone who didn¡¯t take orders lightly. And that was dangerous. If she questioned an order in the middle of combat, the whole plan could go down the drain.


    For a brief moment, he considered removing her from the mission. But the reality was cruel¡ªwithout Vivian, the chances of success plummeted to zero. The risk margin was daunting, but he had no choice.


    Vivian noticed the intense gaze and shifted uncomfortably.


    The tense air was broken by the sound of ropes pulling. Everyone¡¯s attention turned to Louise, who emerged at the top of the wall, carrying Aline on her shoulders.


    ¡°She needs immediate treatment.¡± Louise¡¯s voice was firm but urgent as she moved to where Daira sat a little way off. Carefully, she laid Aline on the ground.


    Daira wasted no time. As soon as Aline touched the surface, her hands were on her, her eyes glowing with energy.


    The entire group gathered together, watching in silence as Daira began the treatment. The weight of the mission still hung in the air, but now, there was a new element in their midst¡ªa grim reminder of what was at stake.


    ¡°The ears have necrotized, and the body temperature is still dangerously low.¡± Daira¡¯s voice was firm, but there was a shadow of concern in her eyes. Her hands continued to move with precision as she channeled her power.


    ¡°Fortunately, the Cocktail is taking effect. Norepinephrine and adrenaline are still being released, stabilizing vital functions.¡±


    A collective sigh of relief passed through the group. For a moment, the tension in the air seemed to ease, but no one dared to relax completely.


    Gregory watched the scene for a few more seconds before stepping back and speaking firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He gestured for the girls to move away, leaving Daira to focus on the treatment.


    Once they were a safe distance away, he turned his attention to Louise. His gaze quickly scanned her body, analyzing everything from her posture to the details of her equipment. ¡°And you? How are you?¡±


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    ¡°In perfect condition.¡± The answer came without hesitation, firm as ever.


    Gregory nodded, satisfied, and without wasting time, he pulled up one of the screens, where an aerial view of the battlefield was projected. He enlarged the image and pointed to two red markings on opposite ends. ¡°I¡¯m going to need you to take Zara and Vivian to these points. Record their locations carefully.¡±


    Louise inclined her head, memorizing every detail. ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Once they¡¯re in position, we¡¯ll begin the third phase of the plan.¡± Her voice was precise, without room for doubt.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She confirmed, without taking her eyes off the screen.


    ¡°Very well. Take this.¡± Gregory bent down and pulled a small backpack from the floor, opening it to reveal its contents. Inside, ten thermoses rested in padded compartments. The liquid inside them was unmistakable.


    Louise didn''t even need to ask. Her gaze narrowed as she recognized the Cocktail.


    Gregory handed her the backpack. ¡°Distribute them as soon as you reach your posts on the battlefield¡ªthree for Vivian, three for Zara, two for Rebecca, and two for you. I¡¯ll let you know when to take them to avoid overdose.¡±


    She nodded, slinging the strap over her shoulder without question.


    Gregory then turned his focus back to the main screen. He zoomed in on the image, now showing Rebecca¡¯s brutal fight with the Aligodon up close. The monster advanced, each movement charged with raw power.


    Rebecca dodged and counterattacked without hesitation, but it was clear that the creature would not give in easily.


    ¡°Always aim for the snout,¡± he ordered, without taking his eyes off the screen. ¡°And don¡¯t exhaust yourself with the first few attacks. This beast will require patience.¡± His tone became lower, but still heavy.


    ¡°I¡¯m watching everything. If anything happens, call for instructions., Understood?¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± x3


    This time, the response was unanimous and immediate.


    Gregory nodded slightly. ¡°You can go.¡±


    Without another word, the three of them moved, each carrying with them the tension of what was to come.


    _____________________________________


    Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Rebecca advanced with a fierce momentum, launching herself at the Aligodon with the intention of crushing it with the force of her attack. At least that was the intention¡­


    Because the beast, with unexpected speed, used a tree stump as a fulcrum, turning its body brutally and whipping Rebecca with its tail.


    Rebecca was not prepared for this. When she realized it, the creature¡¯s gigantic tail was already cutting through the air in her direction, occupying her field of vision with the speed of lightning. She barely had time to raise her shield to protect herself, receiving an impact of overwhelming force.


    The Titanite shield did its job, absorbing and deflecting much of the energy of the blow, but the residual force and weight of the tail was enough to throw Rebecca backwards. She hit the ground with a loud crash, the impact dragging her on her back for several meters, until she stopped, gasping for breath.


    Grrgwww


    Soon, there was a guttural sound followed by the shadow of a monstrous jaw projecting against Rebecca. Before she could react, the Aligodon''s mouth was already on her.


    Without thinking, Rebecca quickly turned and crawled, seeking shelter behind a thick tree stump right next to her. For a mere fraction of a second, she felt a relief deep in her soul, as if she were in an indestructible shelter.


    It was then that she felt a vibration that started in the stump and projected to the ground. The beast''s jaw closed with brutal pressure around the stump, and the earth shook under the force of the jaw.


    Before Rebecca could process it, the creature ripped the stump from the ground and threw it away like a toy, at the same time throwing Rebecca backwards.


    Taking advantage of this gap created by the Aligodon''s action, she got up and ran, even though she hadn''t fully recovered, her breathing heavy and her heart hammering against her chest. She didn''t look back as she ran, adrenaline taking over every fiber of her body.


    However, when she felt a little further away, with the hope of being safe, she realized that the Aligodon didn''t chase her. It stood still, its gaze focused on her, and then...


    "Damn it..." Rebecca cursed when she noticed that the Aligodon''s snout began to glow with blue energy. A feeling of imminent danger ran down Rebecca''s spine.


    She recognized the trap in a mental snap. Without hesitation, she reversed her movement and began to run closer to the creature while circling it, trying to get into its blind spot, while advancing enough to hinder the monster''s mobility.


    And she almost managed to get close to her objective... However, the Aligodon was no fool.


    With a surprising movement for its size, it leapt to the side with disconcerting lightness and quickly turned its body, keeping Rebecca in front of its field of vision.


    Rebecca gritted her teeth, feeling the weight of frustration. The beast was learning, refining its attacks with each movement. It was as if it were anticipating her every move, adapting to each attempt to attack or escape.


    With each attempt to escape to the side, the Aligodon would spin on its hind legs and sweep the field with its tail, creating a storm of destruction.


    When she tried to jump over it, it would leap upward or raise its neck to intercept her.


    When she tried to move away, the energy of the lightning would build up, and she knew she would be the target of a deadly blow.


    When she approached, it would attack without mercy, its tail and jaw becoming lethal weapons.


    And now, the moment she tried to enter its blind spot, the beast had once again adapted and created a new strategy¡­

 Chapter 38 – Hunt (7)

    At first, Rebecca had some control, managing to dodge many of the attacks. But as the fight progressed, the Aligodon''s attacks became more precise, more calculated.


    Every move seemed to be an exact counter to her every action. And even with the help of the Titanite shield, which still absorbed a good portion of the blows, the damage accumulated, draining her energy and breaking her rhythm.


    The battle, once a clash of impulse and aggression, had now turned into a cruel game of endurance. And to Rebecca''s despair, she could no longer keep up. She felt the weight of the battle on her shoulders. Each labored breath was a reminder that she couldn¡¯t maintain this pace for much longer.


    Then, the critical moment arrived.


    When Rebecca tried to approach the Aligodon again to escape the range of its energy beam, she was caught off guard when it interrupted the attack and, with brutal speed, leaped toward her.


    The movement wasn¡¯t particularly fast, but the break in pattern took Rebecca by surprise and left her unable to react. She barely had time to respond when the beast lunged at her. If it weren¡¯t for her sharp reflexes, she would have been crushed.


    She threw herself to the side, narrowly dodging the fatal impact.


    It was like a repeat of the previous scene, but this time, the Aligodon didn¡¯t limit itself to attacking with its mouth and prepared something even more cruel. It raised its massive claw and slashed through the air in a deadly motion, aiming for Rebecca with fury.


    Instinctively, Rebecca raised the Titanite shield. The black metal gleamed as the beast struck, and she braced for the impact, but she wasn¡¯t prepared for what came next.


    It was a trap.


    Before she could comprehend what was happening, a beam of energy struck the ground beside her, concentrating into an explosion so violent that Rebecca¡¯s vision was consumed by a blinding flash, nearly burning her retinas and forcing her to shut her eyes tightly.


    After the flash, the energy explosion generated a shockwave that launched Rebecca high into the air and far away, out of control, along with the shield, which did nothing to soften the violence of the blow.


    She was hurled across the battlefield, flying uncontrollably until she was slammed into a tree at the edge of the field, which splintered on impact. The collision was brutal¡ªa deafening sound of wood cracking, followed by the muffled cry of her body being crushed.


    ¡°Urrrghhhh¡­¡± The air was brutally forced from her lungs before she fell heavily to the ground.


    Pain quickly spread through her body, but luckily, she was alive and conscious. Her reflexes and the shield had saved her, but she was in a deplorable state.


    Rebecca was still alive and conscious thanks to her quick reflexes with the shield and the well-trained resilience of her body. Even so, her vision was blurry, and pain coursed through every fiber of her being. Most concerning were her ribs, which indicated that some had been fractured.


    She forced herself to stand, even though her legs were trembling and her breathing was labored. Limping, she made an exhausting effort to get back up and move toward the battlefield. Each step was a struggle against her exhausted body and the relentless pain consuming her.


    But the Aligodon didn¡¯t seem to care about Rebecca¡¯s condition. To it, she was just another meal standing in the way of its true prey. Without hesitation, it unleashed a burst of energy toward her, the beam shining with lethal intensity.


    Rebecca didn¡¯t have the strength to run; her heavy, aching muscles barely responded to her brain¡¯s commands. She had only one option left: to trust the shield that had saved her so far.


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    With a desperate effort, she planted the Titanite shield into the ground, leaned against it, and waited for the inevitable impact.


    The energy beam approached with blinding speed, and when it hit the shield, a spectacle unfolded¡­


    THHOMPP!


    The sound was deafening. A thunderous roar echoed across the battlefield, reverberating through the ground.


    But Rebecca¡¯s shield remained standing, protecting her like a reliable companion against the energy blast.


    The Aligodon was surprised. It had deliberately removed the freezing effect of the attack because it didn¡¯t want to disintegrate its meal. Even so, the force of the blow was more than enough to crush stones easily¡­


    Yet, it was as if the energy had met an invisible barrier. The force of the impact made the air around them vibrate, and the energy wave spread out in multiple directions, like a jet of water colliding with an iron bar.


    Clearly, the shield didn¡¯t absorb the impact but deflected it in a supernatural manner, creating a veil of pure energy that dissipated into the air, so efficiently that Rebecca managed to withstand the residual impact even in her terrible condition.


    The redirected energy spread through the air, not dispersing even after forming a veil with a radius of over 30 meters. It created a dazzling and deadly spectacle of lights.


    Titanite, the material of Rebecca¡¯s shield, is a black metal with golden veins that shimmer faintly when heated. It¡¯s a durable, lightweight, and stable material, but it¡¯s difficult to shape and rare to find. A noble and expensive material.


    But its main characteristic makes it worth the price¡­ The ability to deflect almost all forms of energy¡ªwhether thermal, kinetic, or even sonic¡ªwith impressive efficiency. This shield isn¡¯t just a defense; it¡¯s practically a mobile fortress, deflecting the force of attacks directed at it with mastery.


    But, as with everything in life, Titanite also has a limit.


    Titanite had an incredibly high limit, but it was still a limit. Rebecca¡¯s shield, deflecting the concentrated energy beam of the Aligodon, was being pushed to its extreme. With every second under that brutal pressure, its deflection efficiency decreased, and the inevitable approached.


    The kinetic energy began to accumulate first. The crushing impact forced Rebecca backward, her feet dragging across the ground, even with her boots firmly planted. Then came the heat.


    The shield began to heat up alarmingly, the golden veins pulsing like arteries about to burst. Rebecca noticed this¡ªand knew it was a terrible sign. But there was no escape.


    All that remained was to pray that the shield would hold.


    Zumm¡­ zumm¡­ zumm¡­


    A subtle vibration ran through the shield, traveling up Rebecca¡¯s arm like a static shock, spreading through her body. The hum grew more intense, oscillating in the air like the prelude to something about to collapse.


    Zuummm¡­ zuuummm¡­


    Then came the pain. The pressure, the heat, the strain. It was as if she were holding a piece of incandescent metal with her bare hands.


    Tssschhhhhhh


    The sweat evaporated before it could even drip from her skin. She could barely breathe. The shield radiated heat as if it were melting, even though the energy from the beam was cold¡ªcold and lethal.


    ¡°AAAAHHHHHHHHH!¡±


    She screamed, closing her eyes tightly, feeling despair crawl up her spine.


    ZUUUUMMMMMMMMM!


    The vibration reached a deafening peak, reverberating inside her skull like a bell being hammered. The air around her shimmered.


    ZZZIIIIIIIMM!


    Then, in a moment of pure tension, the hum changed. It became sharp. Almost cutting.


    The Titanite had reached its limit.


    Rebecca felt despair take over, but there was no time to hesitate. If this was her end, let it at least be with honor¡­


    But just as she was about to lower the shield, something unexpected happened.


    BOOOOM!


    A deafening explosion tore through the air, accompanied by an overwhelming wave of heat. The energy beam veered sharply, shooting upward at a diagonal angle before dissipating completely.


    Gasping, Rebecca looked up over the shield¡ªand froze. Where the Aligodon had been, there was now a massive blue fireball, crackling with overwhelming fury and consuming everything around it.


    The flames licked the ground, melting stones and turning vegetation to ash. Just a few seconds were enough to evaporate the moisture in the air, drying even the mist.


    The heat was so intense that it could be felt even from the edges of the forest, forcing Rebecca to squint.


    Grrrhhgghhhh!


    The Aligodon roared in agony, thrashing violently. Its body contorted in irregular spasms as it tried, in vain, to free itself from the flames consuming every inch of its scaly skin.


    Even so, its natural armor was resilient enough to minimize the damage. In a few moments, its sharp eyes scanned the battlefield for the source of the attack.


    Then, about 70 meters away, it spotted a thin jet of incandescent flames coming straight from Vivian.


    There, standing unprotected, Vivian manipulated the thin jet of flames to travel the entire distance and accumulate precisely on the Aligodon¡¯s body.

 Chapter 39 – Hunt (8)

    Without hesitation, as soon as it identified the new threat, the Aligodon turned its body with a sharp motion and charged in Vivian¡¯s direction.


    But it was at that exact moment that a second attack hit it from a blind spot.


    TTTCHHSSSSSSWHHHH!


    A jet of icy water collided with its body at high pressure, instantly extinguishing the fire that had been roasting its rigid scales.


    GGGRRRAHHHWWWW!


    The sudden change in temperature triggered a devastating thermal shock. The pain spread like an electric current through its skin and deep into its muscles.


    In the midst of its charge, its body betrayed it. Its limbs stiffened, its muscles contracted uncontrollably, and its legs gave out. The impact with the ground was brutal, and it slid, dragging itself across the terrain before being seized by violent cramps and spasms that shook its massive frame.


    Taking advantage of this opening, Louise reached Rebecca¡¯s side and, without hesitation, lifted her, supporting her over her shoulder before sprinting away from the battlefield. Their destination was the wall, where Daira would be ready to treat the warrior¡¯s injuries.


    ¡°Come on¡­ You can¡¯t fall now,¡± Louise said.


    As she ran, her eyes constantly darted between Rebecca and the fight, assessing the situation. Time was critical. The longer it took to go and return, the greater the risk of leaving Vivian and Zara alone against the Aligodon. It was a dangerous game, and every second counted.


    On the battlefield, the beast had already partially recovered and managed to get back on its feet. But the time it took to recompose itself was enough for Vivian to escape into the forest, disappearing among the shadows of the trees.


    Without its original prey in sight, the Aligodon roared in frustration before turning its attention to another threat. The jet of cold water continued to hit it, irritating it with every second. Losing patience, it turned its body and located the source of the attack.


    Zara.


    She was more than 50 meters away¡ªfar, but not far enough to be safe. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her lungs seemed to tighten as the Aligodon turned its attention to her.


    RWWAAHHHHH


    The beast¡¯s deafening roar reverberated through her body, but this wasn¡¯t an ordinary roar¡­ This was one of the Aligodon¡¯s intimidation tactics, where it concentrated and increased the frequency of the sound to create a temporary paralysis effect on its prey.


    Normally, an S-Class Hound wouldn¡¯t be affected by this roar. Unfortunately, Zara was a newly promoted Hound and hadn¡¯t experienced such an attack before. At that moment, her survival instinct failed. Her legs locked. Fear gripped her like an invisible predator.


    ¡°Get out of there, Zara, run¡­¡± Gregory¡¯s voice exploded in her ears through the comms, filled with urgency. ¡°ZARA!¡±


    But she couldn¡¯t move. In fact, she could barely breathe and maintain the water jet.


    Meanwhile, the Aligodon advanced with some difficulty, both because of the water jet obstructing its vision and the previous injuries that were still healing, but step by step it closed the distance, moving faster and faster.


    Terror shot up Zara¡¯s spine like a cold shock, leaving her unable to react properly.


    ¡°Vivian, help her!¡±


    The same voice sounded again, but this time, the order wasn¡¯t for her.


    ¡°Damn it, damn it, damn it¡­ move, move!!¡± Zara¡¯s mind screamed, but her body didn¡¯t obey.


    ¡°Heeeyyy!¡±


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    The shout cut through the battlefield, followed by the fierce roar of a blue flame. Without hesitation, Vivian had reentered the fight.


    The shout echoed seconds before a new jet of fire, this time blue, exploded against the Aligodon¡¯s side.


    Grrrhhhh


    The new thermal shock momentarily paralyzed the monster, which let out a roar of rage shortly after. Vivian had repositioned herself and, from a new strategic point, launched another attack, forcing the creature to divide its attention.


    ______________________________________


    ¡°Zara, get out of there!¡± Gregory¡¯s voice came through firmly on the radio as his eyes remained fixed on the screen, analyzing the situation on the battlefield.


    From the images, he saw Zara pivot on her heels and sprint for cover the moment the Aligodon was momentarily paralyzed.


    ¡°Vivian, focus on distractions. You don¡¯t need to cause more direct damage; just disorient it!¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± came the quick, unwavering reply.


    Gregory watched the immediate change in strategy. Vivian ceased the jet of flames and conjured a massive fireball above her head. In an instant, she launched it at the monster.


    The incandescent sphere cut through the air, hitting the Aligodon just as it regained its senses and prepared to attack. There was no explosion. The flames spread on impact, burning the area like a living torch. The effect was immediate¡ªthe Aligodon roared, thrashing furiously as it tried to rid itself of the irritating fire.


    ¡°Good job, Vivian. Keep distracting it,¡± Gregory said, keeping his eyes on the GPS. Louise was already approaching, carrying Rebecca. ¡°Louise should be here any second.¡±


    ¡°Great, but this won¡¯t last forever,¡± Vivian¡¯s voice came through, laced with impatience. ¡°Find a better solution. I can¡¯t hold it for much longer.¡±


    On the screen, Gregory saw Vivian conjure another fireball¡ªlarger, more intense, a threatening red glow pulsing in her hands.


    He activated the radio again. ¡°Zara, are you hearing me?¡±


    ¡°¡­I am,¡± Zara¡¯s voice sounded hesitant, almost weak.


    Gregory noticed the instability in her response and softened his tone. ¡°How are you holding up?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s much stronger than expected¡­¡± Her breathing was irregular. ¡°This Aligodon has an overwhelming presence. Far beyond what I can handle mentally. With just one roar, it shattered my mental defenses like they were nothing.¡±


    Gregory frowned. ¡°What does that mean, Zara? You¡¯re an S-Class Hound. You should be able to withstand this kind of attack.¡±


    A brief silence followed before she replied, reluctantly, ¡°¡­My mental defenses are below average.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me! And you¡¯re only saying this now?!¡± Vivian exploded over the radio, her voice filled with indignation.


    ¡°Not now, Vivian!¡± Gregory cut her off without hesitation. ¡°Focus on your task.¡± He then completely changed the subject. There was no time for reprimands¡ªonly adapting the plan remained. ¡°Can you still fight, Zara?¡±


    Zara didn¡¯t hesitate this time. ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s already identified my weakness. It¡¯s going to focus everything on me.¡±


    Gregory showed no reaction. ¡°That¡¯s not your problem. Just follow orders.¡± He paused and adjusted the strategy. ¡°We¡¯ll change your role. Instead of prolonged attacks, focus on sudden, powerful strikes. Can you do that?¡±


    A dry laugh escaped Zara. ¡°That¡¯s what I do best¡­ But like I said, it already knows my weakness.¡±


    ¡°Attack and retreat. That¡¯s all. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Good¡­ You have five seconds to launch the first attack.¡±


    Without another word, Gregory cut the communication and turned his attention back to the battlefield.


    Vivian was overwhelmed. Her attacks no longer had the same effect, and the Aligodon advanced relentlessly.


    Each fireball Vivian launched grew in size, but the Aligodon adapted at a frightening speed. With each new blow it took, it received less damage and extinguished the flames faster, constantly advancing toward its prey.


    Vivian retreated immediately after launching her attack, forcing the creature to stop its advance and divert its attention to the flames licking its robust skin.


    At this moment, just after extinguishing another fireball with a brief blue glow from its snout, the creature stopped. Its gaze swept the battlefield, searching for the hunter who kept fleeing, as she had done many times before.


    This time, however, something was wrong.


    A strange sensation ran through its instincts, a primal alert that made its body tense.


    It suddenly raised its head¡ª


    SHHHWAAAAAAHHHH!


    Its instincts were right, but its reaction was a fraction too slow.


    From the sky, a colossal column of water spun at high speed, a dense and brutally cold whirlpool, plummeting like a liquid spear from above. The vortex cut through the air with terrifying force, swirling fiercely until its tip struck the Aligodon¡¯s torso head-on, driving into it like an icy stake of pure pressure.


    At the exact moment of impact, the contact between the extremes provoked a violent reaction. The monster¡¯s scalding skin¡ªoverloaded by Vivian¡¯s relentless fire attacks¡ªhissed furiously, and steam rose with a deafening whistle. The brutally low temperature of the whirlpool collided with the heat accumulated in its body, creating a devastating thermal shock.


    The creature tensed in an uncontrolled spasm. Its muscles stiffened, its mind was seized by immediate numbness, and in a critical blow, the predator became immobile. The colossal weight of the water pressed relentlessly against its body, forcing it into the ground and sinking it into an ever-deepening pit of mud.


    SHHHHHHH


    Tons of liquid continued to pour down on it, crushing it without mercy. With each second, more and more water enveloped it, expanding its area of contact and consuming it without a chance of recovery.

 Chapter 40 – Trust

    The attack was a dazzling spectacle for those watching from a distance¡ªalmost like a fierce dance of nature, where water and earth touched in perfect harmony. However, for those close enough to see the details, the reality was far more terrifying.


    The attack wasn¡¯t just beautiful; it was brutal, prolonged, and merciless, a strike designed to destroy.


    The violence of the impact turned the clearing into a chaotic swamp. The once-firm ground became a soaked, unstable mass, cracking and giving way under the weight of the attack. In the central area, where the impact was focused, the scene was even more devastating.


    The entire ground had been torn apart, diluted, and thrown away, leaving behind a small lake of muddy, deep, and turbulent water.


    The Aligodon, a creature of near-absolute dominance moments before, could no longer be seen. Its massive body had been mercilessly punished, sinking more than eight meters into the ground, dragged and buried under thick layers of dense mud and dark water.


    What was once an unstoppable monster was now buried in a temporary grave, suffocated by the crushing weight of the very environment it had dominated until then.


    Zara, aware that she had done her part, disappeared into the forest as soon as the attack ended. Vivian also retreated, quickly moving to hide¡ªbut not without hesitating for a moment.


    Her eyes were fixed on the pit where the Aligodon had fallen, her expression filled with evident internal conflict. A desire pulsed within her, the urge to keep attacking, to ensure the enemy would never rise again.


    But she knew that wasn¡¯t the strategy, which left her deeply frustrated¡­


    Gregory watched everything in silence through his screens, which clearly showed Vivian¡¯s hesitation to him.


    ¡°¡­¡± But he said nothing.


    His eyes scanned the battlefield with attention. The situation was becoming more complicated than he had anticipated. The Aligodon was more resilient and adaptable than expected. He couldn¡¯t let the fight drag on. He needed to end the battle as quickly as possible¡ªbefore an unforeseen event or circumstance slipped out of his control.


    ¡°They¡¯re almost here.¡±


    Behind him, Daira broke the silence, pointing to the ropes tied to the edge of the wall. They swayed slightly¡ªthe unmistakable sign that Louise was climbing up.


    ¡°Finally.¡± Gregory stood up, but as he glanced back at the screens, his expression hardened. On the monitor, the Aligodon was emerging from the hole, wounded but far from defeated.


    GRRRRWWAAAAHGGGGG


    Its roar echoed through the clearing, filled with fury and resistance. But this time, it wasn¡¯t unscathed¡­


    Its skin, once impenetrable like a living fortress, now showed deep cracks, remnants of the thermal massacre it had endured. The extreme heat from Vivian¡¯s flames, followed by the impact of the icy whirlpool, had pushed its body to brutal limits.


    ¡°The wounds are superficial, but its defense has been compromised. From now on, attacks will be much more effective.¡± Gregory announced over the radio after analyzing the images, his voice filled with animosity and expectation.


    ¡°Well done, girls. A few more hits, and it won¡¯t be able to protect itself anymore¡­ It¡¯s up to you, Vivian and Zara. Keep attacking, but remember, with caution.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Zara replied immediately.


    ¡°We could finish it off with a strong enough critical hit. Why not do that now?¡± Vivian asked impatiently.


    Gregory shot a sharp look at the screens before responding. ¡°Because we have no guarantees. You don¡¯t have the time or synchronization for that, much less the necessary help or buffs. If you waste your strongest attacks now without guarantees and it survives? That would increase the risk of it escaping and regrouping with its partner, or worse, it entering a state of fury and killing you both.¡±


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    There was a heavy silence before Vivian responded. Her voice lost its impatience and took on a lower, more dangerous tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we can kill it here and now, Hunter Gunn.¡±


    Gregory felt a sudden discomfort with her choice of words. Certainty. Vivian wasn¡¯t just confident¡ªshe spoke as someone who saw an inevitable path, an absolute outcome. There was something in her tone that sent chills down his spine, as if they were about to cross an invisible line.


    ¡°But I¡¯m not. And I¡¯m the leader here.¡± He replied sharply. ¡°Do as I say and continue with the cadenced firepower. Understood, Hound Wynne?¡± His tone became firmer, a command with no room for debate.


    For a moment, Vivian remained silent. Then, almost mechanically, she replied: ¡°...Okay.¡±


    She left her hiding spot in the forest and resumed her attacks, maintaining the pace ordered by Gregory. He watched intently through the screens and confirmed that she wasn¡¯t defying orders and was keeping her firepower cadence.


    But he knew she wasn¡¯t following orders out of discipline¡ªit was something else.


    And that made him even more uneasy.


    After that, Gregory stood up and turned his gaze to Louise. She was standing next to Daira, who remained kneeling, providing first aid to Rebecca, still lying on the ground.


    He approached the three and, without preamble, asked: ¡°How are you holding up?¡±


    Louise lifted her chin, steady as ever. ¡°In perfect condition, don¡¯t worry. I can take on my next task without issues.¡± Her response came without hesitation, filled with conviction.


    Gregory exhaled lightly through his nose, as if that relief were fleeting. ¡°Thank you¡­ But I apologize in advance. What I¡¯m about to ask of you isn¡¯t just difficult¡ªit¡¯s complicated on a level I don¡¯t even like to admit.¡± His voice carried an unusual weight, and at the end of the sentence, he lowered his head for a moment.


    Louise raised an eyebrow and let out a small nasal laugh. ¡°Heh¡­ And what, in this mission, isn¡¯t complicated?¡± She gave a half-smile before continuing. ¡°Don¡¯t feel guilty. Giving orders is a Hunter¡¯s right.¡±


    Gregory crossed his arms and looked away toward the distant battlefield. ¡°With every bonus comes a burden¡­¡± His voice was low, almost to himself. ¡°In this case, for every order a Hunter gives, they must take full responsibility for the consequences. Whether it¡¯s the mission¡¯s failure¡­ or even the death of their comrades and subordinates.¡±


    Louise narrowed her eyes. ¡°Are you afraid?¡± Her question was serious, with no trace of provocation.


    Gregory was silent for a moment before sighing. ¡°Afraid? Maybe¡­¡± He finally replied, his expression sharpening. ¡°The plan is solid, and under my leadership, I know I can lead us to success.¡±


    Then, he turned to Louise, looking her directly in the eyes. His voice took on a firmer, more calculated tone.


    ¡°But what worries me¡­ is whether you¡¯re capable of following my orders.¡± He narrowed his eyes, weighing each word. ¡°Because I don¡¯t know if you trust me enough to follow them blindly.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Louise immediately understood what he was getting at. Her gaze became more attentive, her body preparing for what was to come.


    ¡°Your task is simple, Louise.¡± Gregory began, his voice maintaining a calculated firmness. "You need to cut the main artery that pumps blood to the Merlinian glands in the Aligodon¡¯s snout.¡±


    ¡°!?!!¡±


    The shock was instant. Even for someone as experienced as Louise, the mission sounded absurd.


    Gregory continued without hesitation. ¡°Rebecca will be crucial for this task. With Vivian and Zara¡¯s help, she¡¯ll pry open the Aligodon¡¯s mouth and buy enough time for you to act. She¡¯s already aware of the plan and has agreed to create the necessary opening.¡±


    He then picked up a small portable screen and, after a few quick commands, displayed a detailed three-dimensional model of the Aligodon. The image automatically adjusted to show the creature with its mouth open.


    Gregory zoomed in on the crucial area. ¡°Here.¡± He pointed to the exact spot. ¡°This is where the artery branches, in the equivalent of our palate, right between the eyes. This area is extremely resilient¡ªordinary blades won¡¯t be able to pierce the skin, much less the bone plate protecting the structure.¡±


    He slid his fingers across the screen, adjusting the view. ¡°That¡¯s why you need to aim a few centimeters forward, where the branches are still close but less protected. This is the only vulnerable point.¡±


    Louise furrowed her brow, absorbing every detail. But in the end, she let out a sigh of disbelief. ¡°This is insane¡­¡±


    Gregory held her gaze. ¡°I know.¡± His voice was calm but carried undeniable weight. ¡°But without this, killing the Aligodon without casualties will be nearly impossible. And if it escapes, the consequences will be even worse.¡±


    ¡°...¡± Louise didn¡¯t respond immediately, but her silence wasn¡¯t hesitation. Her gaze carried understanding¡ªshe knew exactly what her role was.


    Gregory continued, his tone balancing seriousness and confidence. ¡°Rebecca will fully recover. Daira won¡¯t limit her power in the treatment, so once that happens, the four of us¡ªRebecca, Daira, you, and I¡ªwill head to the battlefield to initiate the next step.¡± He paused briefly before concluding, his eyes fixed on hers. ¡°Can I count on you, Louise? Can you trust me?¡±


    This time, it wasn¡¯t an order. His voice carried a different tone, something between a request and an appeal.


    Louise straightened her shoulders, her expression becoming firm. ¡°I trust you, Hunter Gunn. Just as you can trust me.¡± Her response came without hesitation, filled with resolve.

 Chapter 41 – Hunt (10)

    Time passed, and the battlefield no longer resembled what it once was. Now, it was a scene of absolute destruction and wear. Mud craters spread everywhere, the result of Zara¡¯s severe attacks, which reshaped the ground with each brutal assault. In contrast, patches of charred earth and still-smoldering embers bore witness to the fiery fury of Vivian¡¯s strikes. The ground was a chaos of textures and colors¡ªnow soaked and sunken, now dry and scorched by flames.


    This devastation wasn¡¯t concentrated in a single spot. The Aligodon had moved incessantly, leaving a trail of chaos as it tried to capture Vivian, who kept it occupied with speed and precision. Zara, despite her offensive power, couldn¡¯t withstand the beast¡¯s mental attacks, making Vivian the only one capable of holding the front line in distraction. The result was a battlefield marked by their constant pursuit¡ªevery hole, every burn mark, evidence of the cat-and-mouse game unfolding.


    And at the center of this chaos, the Aligodon, once a walking fortress, showed irreversible signs of wear. Its bright blue scales had lost their vigor, now tinged with gray, soot, and blood. Some had already fallen, others hung precariously, exposing raw, pulsating flesh. Its body, once impenetrable, was now a mosaic of cracks, burns, and lacerations.


    But even so, it hadn¡¯t given up. It roared, exhausted and enraged, moving erratically in an attempt to catch its prey. Pain and stress had pushed it to the limit, but that only made the final moment even more unpredictable.


    Yet, it still hadn¡¯t given up. Every fiber of its body cried out for revenge, every wound on its skin fueled its fury even more. It roared, exhausted and maddened, moving erratically in an attempt to capture its prey.


    Whenever its eyes, red with hatred and pain, found Vivian, its response was immediate¡ªa flash of energy concentrated in its snout, ready to unleash a devastating beam in her direction.


    However, the moment the magic began to take shape, a dry crack tore through the air. From a safe spot hundreds of meters away, Drake pulled the trigger of his Black Death with surgical precision.


    The bullet, though incapable of completely piercing the hardened, robust skin of a Level 4 Mutant Beast, found its way to vulnerable points. Always the same target: the snout, near the eyes¡ªa sensitive spot where pain radiated intensely through the Aligodon¡¯s skull.


    The effect was immediate. The creature let out a sharp grunt, and its concentration shattered like smoke in the wind. The energy beam never fully formed. The pattern repeated¡ªevery time the Aligodon tried to gather magic to attack Vivian, Drake¡¯s precise shot forced it to retreat, hesitate, and lose time.


    It tried to be faster, tried to anticipate, but its tired body couldn¡¯t keep up with its fury. The time needed to channel the attack was more than enough for Drake to aim and fire again, perpetuating the beast¡¯s frustration.


    Each failed attempt made the Aligodon more erratic, more uncontrolled. Its charges became desperate, its roars overflowing with rage and despair. But the cycle didn¡¯t break. It couldn¡¯t reach Vivian. It couldn¡¯t conjure its magic. And, little by little, the inevitable approached.


    For the Aligodon, only one option remained: to move and hunt its prey¡ªor at least try. Its muscles, still full of vigor, trembled with each step, not from exhaustion, but from the growing tension of the battle. Its gaze, though clouded by pain and the succession of attacks it had endured, still carried the wild determination of a cornered predator, ready to strike at the slightest opportunity.


    But no one on the battlefield was fooled. The Aligodon was far from a defeated enemy. Its strength was still immense, its resilience something out of the ordinary, and even under constant fire, it remained standing, fierce and lethal. Its heavy breathing made the air vibrate, and its movements, though erratic, still carried absolute destructive power.


    Gregory knew this better than anyone. Hidden in the nearby forest, he watched every second of the fight through his spy drone screens. His eyes scanned the real-time data, analyzing patterns, anticipating reactions, and, above all, ensuring no one took unnecessary risks.


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    ¡°We¡¯re at the beginning of the end, girls. Stay calm and patient.¡± His voice came through firmly on the comms, a clear warning to Vivian and Zara.


    He wasn¡¯t just observing; he was coordinating. At every moment, he instructed both on when to act and where to attack, ensuring their movements were synchronized, without one interfering with the other. Vivian could be agile and explosive, and Zara had considerable destructive power, but without strategy, even the best hunters could become prey.


    Behind him, Rebecca, Louise, and Daira watched the screen in silence, tension hanging in the air as they awaited the next orders.


    Rebecca clenched her fists, her tense muscles betraying the unease she tried to contain. Louise, though maintaining a rigid posture, couldn¡¯t hide the intensity in her gaze¡ªfocused, attentive, absorbing every detail of the Aligodon¡¯s movements. Daira, always a step ahead, prepared her support magic, ready to act at the right moment without hesitation.


    The battle was far from over. And Gregory knew the most dangerous moment was yet to come.


    ¡°Miles, any changes in the situation out there?¡± He asked over the radio, his eyes still glued to the screen, analyzing the spy drone data.


    ¡°Nothing. No movement or strange phenomena¡­ It¡¯s all too quiet¡­¡± Natan¡¯s voice came through the channel, filled with apprehension and a clear tone of suspicion.


    Gregory nodded, thoughtful. The calm before the storm.


    ¡°I agree, it¡¯s too quiet. But for now, it works in our favor. Let¡¯s initiate the next part of the plan, and if everything goes as expected, we¡¯ll finish our job without surprises. Stay alert and report any suspicious movement immediately.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Barnes, you there?¡±


    ¡°Here. Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Rebecca and Louise will be on the field soon. I know you have experience, but I need to stress: watch out for friendly fire. Their movements will be unpredictable and too fast for precise calculations.¡±


    Barnes sighed over the radio. ¡°I know, Gunn. I¡¯ve dealt with this kind of situation before. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Good. Over and out.¡±


    Gregory then turned to the three Hounds, his eyes calmly passing over each one, evaluating their expressions, trying to decipher what was going through their minds.


    Louise was tense, her face filled with seriousness. She understood her role in the plan and sought some kind of confidence or encouragement from him.


    Rebecca, on the other hand, seemed completely serene. Her injuries had been treated by Daira, and now she was flawless, as if she had never fought. Her gaze showed a calculated disinterest¡ªshe didn¡¯t seem worried, but she also didn¡¯t look away from him.


    Daira, however, stood out from the other two. Relaxed, casual, a small presumptuous smile playing on her lips. Her gaze fixed on him revealed a peculiar interest, as if she were enjoying the unfolding situation. It was as if she were evaluating Gregory, liking what she saw¡ªhis leadership, his ability to make decisions under pressure, his constant presence on the battlefield through his orders and instructions.


    He took a deep breath.


    ¡°Let¡¯s finish this quickly, girls.¡± His tone was firm, determined. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you.¡±


    _______________________________


    On the battlefield, the attacks alternated without mercy. First, voracious flames enveloped the Aligodon, its scales crackling under the intense heat as it writhed, trying to free itself from the blaze.


    Then, a torrent of water plummeted from the sky, hitting it with brutal force, crushing its heavy body against the ground and stealing the air from its lungs. The cycle repeated¡ªfire burning, water suffocating¡ªkeeping it trapped in a cruel dance of pain and frustration.


    It roared, shaking its head, its claws tearing through the muddy ground as it tried to regain control of the situation. But every time it got back up, another strike came. The hatred in its eyes only grew. It was a predator, a machine of destruction.


    How could they treat it like a toy? Like hyenas provoking a wounded lion, nipping at it, fleeing before it could crush them.


    Emerging from the last lake formed by a whirlpool that had beaten it into the ground, the Aligodon panted. Its body trembled¡ªnot from exhaustion, but from pure, incandescent fury. It no longer had the energy to roar, only lifting its head, its eyes thirsty for revenge, searching for its prey.


    Vivian.


    She stood there, fearless, her body enveloped in a flaming aura. In her hands, a sphere of fire grew larger and larger, beating like a living heart about to explode.


    The Aligodon didn''t think twice. It launched itself forward in powerful sprints, propelling itself with small jumps to close the distance between them. If it caught her, it would tear her apart. It would tear her flesh, crush her bones, taste her hot blood¡ª


    BOOOOMMM!


    The fireball shot toward it. The impact was brutal. The shock of the explosion reverberated across the field, engulfing the Aligodon in a wave of heat and destruction. For an instant, the creature''s vision was filled with an orange and gold glow, while the roar of the explosion drowned out all other sounds.

 Chapter 42 - Hunt (11)

    The Aligodon was hit by another thermal shock, its body protesting in agony, but its brutal resistance kept it standing. It ignored the pain and kept moving forward¡ªor at least it tried to. The minimal delay imposed by the impact was enough to seal its fate.


    ¡°Maximum power, Vivian!! No need to hold back.¡±


    Gregory¡¯s firm voice echoed through the communicator, a clear and precise command.


    Vivian was already smiling before Gregory had even finished speaking. Her eyes shone with anticipation, reflecting the dancing flames in front of her. Heat and cold mixed feelings, the battle was at its peak, and she loved every second of it.


    Without hesitation, her fingers closed in a precise gesture, concentrating incandescent energy. The air around her trembled, distorted by the absurd temperature that accumulated in her hands.


    The Aligodon hadn¡¯t expected the battle to change, so as soon as it emerged from the flames and focused on Vivian again, its vision was filled with an entirely new kind of flaming inferno. This time, it wasn¡¯t a single, weak fireball like every time before.


    Fssssshhh! SSWWWHHHAAAAA


    Thin jets of blue flame tore through the air, hitting it squarely in the snout.


    The heat was unbearable, far more intense than anything it had ever endured. The Aligodon roared in despair, its primal instincts screaming that this was too dangerous for it to face.


    Its body shuddered, paralyzed by the searing pain that seemed to melt its scales. It tried to resist, but the intensity of this fire was different¡ªit didn¡¯t just burn, it devoured.


    It spun around quickly, its massive tail rising like a makeshift shield. The impact muffled part of the attack, protecting its most vulnerable areas. But it was too late. The throbbing pain filled his body, and Vivian¡¯s flames, cunning and merciless, spread through his damaged defenses, cooking him from the inside out.


    The Aligodon groaned, pain mingling with frustration. He was being cornered, manipulated, forced to react instead of act. And this was unacceptable.


    The fury within him reached a new level. Hatred pulsed through every fiber of his being, boiling in his blood like a corrosive poison. He had to destroy something¡ªanything!


    Then his sharp scales began to glow. At first a faint, pulsing glow, but then it intensified, spreading rapidly across his snout and making those sharp scales look like stones of pure oxygen. Something was about to happen. Something devastating.


    The tension was almost palpable. The battlefield seemed to hold its breath as the critical moment came. The heat from Vivian''s flames still danced in the air, contrasting with the freezing aura that was beginning to spread through the Aligodon''s body.


    Then¡ª


    A crack.


    Not thunder. Not a roar. Something sharp, fast, precise.


    ZUUUUMMM!


    The sound tore through the atmosphere like an invisible blade, a death knell that no one had expected at that moment.


    The impact came before comprehension. The Aligodon''s head jerked slightly to the side, as if an invisible hammer had tried to crush it. It was a brutal blow¡ªand yet it was not enough to cause severe damage.


    The bullet from Drake''s Black Death, a projectile designed to pierce even the toughest metal alloys, found resistance in the creature''s thick hide. It did not pierce. It merely left a deep groove in the hardened skin, dissipating some of the energy contained in the growing glow of its scales.


    The glow faded. The bullet was enough to break the Aligodon''s concentration and halt its attack.


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    But then¡­ the fury returned, worse than before.


    THOMP! THOMP! THOMP!


    The massive tail began to slam violently against the ground, compacting the earth under its colossal weight. He no longer cared about the blue flames that burned his skin, he did not care about the pain. His reasoning began to fade, giving way to a more primitive and destructive instinct.


    Then, the air around him changed.


    The scorching heat was replaced by a biting, icy breeze. The atmospheric pressure seemed to compress around the creature.


    And then, again¡ª


    ZUUUMMM!


    Another shot.


    This time, the bullet hit the growing glow on the Aligodon''s snout. But whatever should have stopped its energy buildup¡­ failed.


    The glow continued.


    ZUUMMM! ZUUMMM! ZUUMMM!


    Three shots in quick succession, each hitting critical points¡ªthe snout, the eyes, the forehead. But none of this stopped the phenomenon from advancing.


    On the contrary¡­


    The Aligodon¡¯s eyes began to glow brightly, a deep, icy blue, almost ethereal. The freezing glow spread rapidly, traveling along the rows of raised scales that ran from its snout to the tip of its tail. The air around it crackled with a sudden drop in temperature, and the imminent threat became clear.


    Gregory¡¯s voice came over the radio, cold and calculated, cutting through the tension of the moment:


    ¡°Here comes the attack. Get ready. Zara, get into hiding. Vivian, try to keep him busy while you retreat. Remember, the point of no return is when the energy ball is completely formed. Do not cease the attack until the last moment.¡±


    At this point, Gregory was already in a makeshift shelter, a tight, dark hole just over four meters deep. The space was too small for four people, and the smell of damp earth mixed with the sweat and rapid breathing of Rebecca, Daira, Louise and Gregory who were crammed inside.


    None of the girls said anything. They just waited. Listened. After all, they would soon be in action¡­


    Above them, the battlefield was still in full tension. The intense crackling of Vivian¡¯s jets of fire and flames spread while occasional tremors caused grains of earth to break loose from the roof of the makeshift bunker. The ground around it seemed to pulse with the fury of the combat.


    In addition to this hole, seven others had been hastily dug in the forest surrounding the battlefield by Zara and Vivian as they took turns attacking the Aligodon. They were not sophisticated¡ªfar from it.


    But right now, they were a great protection against the devastating attack that was to come¡­ Gregory was counting on them to avoid wasting precious energy from his Hounds¡­


    Outside, Vivian continued her retreat. Her flames lit up the frigid air as she backed away, jets of fire dancing around the Aligodon, preventing it from advancing. Then, she noticed it.


    The first sign.


    The cold crept across the battlefield like an invisible shadow, transforming everything around it. The ground that had once been ravaged by flames began to darken, a thin layer of ice spreading like webs over the cracked earth.


    The air, which had once shimmered with the heat of the fire, became thick and opaque, sucking the color from its surroundings. The twisted vegetation, already struggling to survive, froze in an instant, leaves shattering like fragile glass.


    She saw all this, but felt nothing. Her body remained warm, protected by the searing heat of its flames, as if the cold tried to invade her and was immediately repelled.


    Still, the warning was clear.


    She kept up her pace, her steps firm and quick, keeping the jets of fire between her and the beast. The nearest bunker was already within reach. Now, all that was left was to wait for the second signal.


    And then came the second signal.


    The glow.


    For an instant, it seemed just a flicker, a discreet pulsation, as if the Aligodon''s energy was adjusting. But then, suddenly, the light exploded in intensity. The blue glow that had previously run beneath its scales became almost blinding, growing aggressively, like an LED overcoming the soft glow of a regular bulb.


    Snow began to fall on the battlefield, falling in thin, treacherous flakes, like cold ash heralding impending disaster.


    The wind died down.


    The air grew dense, almost still, as if the world itself were holding its breath. And then, Vivian noticed¡ªher flames, once fierce and uncontrollable, flickered more feebly, as if something were draining them of their intensity. The heat around her no longer roared; it struggled to exist.


    It was now or never.


    At that moment, Vivian stopped the jets of flame and raised her arms, focusing her energy. Above her, a sphere of blue fire began to form, growing rapidly until it was nearly ten feet in diameter. The heat it emanated was intense, so fierce that it seemed to defy the icy cold the Aligodon spread across the battlefield. But Vivian had no interest in a contest of endurance¡ªshe wanted to end this once and for all.


    With a swift movement, she hurled the incandescent sphere at the creature. The projectile sliced ??through the air, its flames crackling as it advanced. The distance Vivian had subtly created while retreating meant that the fireball took a little longer to reach its target, giving the Aligodon enough time to react.


    But it didn¡¯t move.


    It didn¡¯t try to dodge, it didn¡¯t show any intention of dodging. On the contrary¡ªit remained still, as if willing itself to be hit.


    And then, at the instant of impact¡­ nothing.


    The fireball didn¡¯t explode. It didn¡¯t tear flesh, it didn¡¯t spread heat. It simply disappeared. Sucked in.


    Erased. As if it had never existed.

 Chapter 43 – Hunt (12)

    Vivian¡¯s eyes widened, her heart racing for a moment. What the hell had happened?


    That¡¯s when she saw it.


    A shield of bluish energy was revealed around the Aligodon, an icy layer that seemed to solidify the very air around it. The heat had been consumed, absorbed, eradicated effortlessly. And then, before she could react, that translucent shield thickened, darkening into an opaque navy blue that swallowed the entire creature in a cocoon of pure imminent destruction.


    Vivian¡¯s blood froze in her veins. Gregory¡¯s scream tore through the silence like a deadly warning.


    ¡°RUN AWAY!!!!¡± The words echoed in her ear, and Vivian, with instinctive precision, turned and shot with all the strength in her body, running at an unbeatable speed towards her bunker. The sound of her breathing mixed with the tumult of her racing heart.


    Behind her, the sphere expanded, an uncontrollable force, a mass of pure destruction that spread with breathtaking speed. Swallowing everything around it with voracity, extending and growing with each passing second, taking over the landscape and threatening to consume even Vivian.


    But Vivian was faster, agile enough to reach her hiding place and take shelter in its safety, breathing a sigh of relief in the light darkness.


    Outside, a sepulchral silence took over the battlefield. There was no sound, except for the low, macabre whisper that emanated from that sphere about to collapse.


    The light was not intense, as if the universe itself had gone quiet, but a soft blue-cyan hue illuminated the scene in an ethereal, almost hypnotic way, as if it were the calm before the storm.


    And then, a hellish and frightening noise.


    SSSHWWwooooosshhhh BOOOOOMMMMMMMM


    The sphere, finally reaching its critical mass, imploded with unbelievable violence, releasing a shockwave that tore across the landscape like a raging beast. The sound of the explosion was deafening, a deep roar that seemed to tear the earth itself apart, followed by a reverberation that traveled for miles, bringing with it a carnage that defied comprehension.


    The battlefield was transformed into a plain of destruction. The explosion was even more devastating than the previous one, a boom that tore out roots and trunks, instantly turning vegetation into ice dust.


    Trees within a radius of 100 meters were frozen and pulverized in fractions of a second. Those further away were ripped from the ground and thrown far away, swept away by the overwhelming force. The icy wind swept everything in front of it, like a plague of ice, leaving a trail of death and desolation.


    But the horror didn¡¯t stop there. In the distance, the ground crystallized, the cold touch of the explosion turning the earth into glass, as delicate as a macabre work of art. Trees cracked, their frozen sap exploding from the inside out, releasing razor-sharp shards.


    The air seemed frozen, brittle, forming fractal patterns of ice that floated briefly before shattering to the ground, like glass shattering under a deadly blow.


    __________________________________


    On the battlefield, after the devastating explosion, only a deathly silence remained. The already chaotic terrain had expanded brutally, transformed into a barren landscape of ice and ash. The surrounding forest was nothing but a white graveyard¡ªtrees petrified by the extreme cold, their trunks brittle as glass, frozen the instant the blast consumed them.


    The Aligodon stood motionless in the heart of the devastated battlefield, surrounded by a desert of ice and ash. The silence that hung in the air was almost absolute, broken only by the faint rustle of crystallized fragments falling from the dead trees. His thick breath turned to white mist as it touched the frozen air.


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    His massive body, covered in scars and still-open wounds, resisted firmly, as if pain were an irrelevant concept to a beast of that magnitude. He sniffed the air again, his piercing eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement. His instinct screamed that his prey was still there, hidden in the pale landscape. Every muscle in him was prepared, every fiber of his body eager for a new attack. His roar echoed like thunder among the icy ruins:


    GRRRWWGAAHHHGGgg!


    The challenge echoed for miles, a warning and a summons at the same time. If his prey was still alive, it would have no choice but to reveal itself. The Aligodon was no fool. It would wait. All it took was a sound. A smell. A mistake. Then, it happened. Something moved.


    A shadow burst from the ground in a swift leap, like a predator ambushing its prey¡ªbut this time, the threat was against him. His gaze instantly fixed on the rising figure. He knew it before. That damned shield.


    The monster''s patience snapped.


    With a brutal twist, it dug its claws into the frozen ground and lunged forward. The explosion of force caused the ground to crack beneath its paws, sending snow and debris flying around.


    The melee erupted into a storm of fury and killing instinct. The Aligodon advanced like a crazed predator, its colossal jaws snapping shut with each failed attempt to devour its prey. Rebecca was quick, agile as lightning, dodging the creature¡¯s brutal blows while keeping its attention focused on her. Each dodge was a deadly dance between life and death¡ªone mistake, and she would be crushed.


    Just as the clash began, Louise and Daira emerged from the shadows. They separated without hesitation, moving like seasoned hunters: Louise ran straight toward the Aligodon, while Daira crept stealthily toward Zara¡¯s hiding place.


    The monster¡¯s wild eyes caught the movement. Her instincts screamed that Daira was the weakest prey, and her body reacted before her mind could process it. But just as he began to move, a sharp flash slid through the air.


    SHHK!


    Louise¡¯s blade passed through one of the Aligodon¡¯s open wounds, reopening the cut with a precise strike. The effect was mild¡ªa graze irritating for a creature of its size, but enough to give it pause.


    The monster let out a low growl, its head snapping toward Louise with growing fury. It wasn¡¯t pain it felt, but the annoyance of a persistent insect. Still, that tiny interruption was all Rebecca needed to keep its attention.


    As Daira entered the hideout and positioned herself beside Zara, she raised the radio to her lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    The answer came almost immediately, Gregory¡¯s steady voice ringing through the radio.


    ¡°Very well... For now, just stay on standby. Prepare the second dose of the cocktail to take as soon as I give the order.¡±


    The silence lasted only a moment before another voice appeared, full of irritation and impatience.


    ¡°It would be much more efficient if we helped them... This way, we are only wasting time. This could have been over already if we had gone all out from the beginning...¡± Vivian protested, her frustration spilling over into her tone.


    Gregory did not hesitate to answer, his voice sharp as a blade.


    ¡°If we had done that, we would either be dead or, at best, crippled and on the verge of death. Or do you really think you could compete in power and resistance against that ice blast? If so, say so now and save us time and effort.¡±


    The silence that followed was heavy. Vivian did not respond, but everyone could imagine the expression on her face.


    Gregory let out a short sigh, satisfied with the lack of response.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought¡­ Now, await my orders.¡±


    The transmission ended, leaving only tension in the air.


    ____________________________________________


    The Aligodon moved like an absolute predator¡ªits paws crushed the frozen ground, its thick, injured muscles tensing with each step. Its eyes glowed with a cruel gleam as they fixed on Louise, who held her sword tightly.


    Rebecca spun around the creature, her feet sliding over the crystallized surface. Her shield rose like a wall between the monster and Louise, diverting its attention.


    With a fatal blow, the creature tried to crush them both with a swipe of its paw. Rebecca, who chose not to dodge, used her shield to absorb the impact, which worked very well, but she was still dragged back by the blow.


    It was the space Louise needed.


    She advanced like a blade, her sword describing a sure arc. The blade glided exactly over the open wound, tearing with some difficulty the creature¡¯s flesh. Violet blood sprayed into the frozen air.


    The Aligodon snarled in fury, its eyes filled with hatred as its tail twisted like a whip, slashing the air with force. Louise, with impressive agility, leapt away, but Rebecca was struck by the violence of the tail and was thrown away, her body crashing to the ground with a crash.


    The monster, without hesitation, launched itself at Rebecca, its enormous jaws open, ready to devour her.


    However, Louise did not hesitate and, with a shout of command, ran towards the Aligodon. With a sure blow, she hit the open wound in the monster''s side, cutting deeper.

 Chapter 44 – Hunt (13)

    GGRRWHWWWHHH


    The Aligodon let out another grunt of pain, its jaw snapping shut. The creature lost focus, turning to Louise, furious, while Rebecca stood up, staggering but determined, resuming her fighting stance.


    The Aligodon, with its killer instinct renewed, began to advance, jumping from side to side with surprising speed for a monster of its size. It delivered devastating blows with its tail, each whip moving so fast that it cracked the ground, while its paws with sharp claws cut the air. The monster''s jaw bit into the void, trying to hit the two warriors. The battlefield transformed into a place of rapid movements and savage blows.


    Rebecca, with her shield in hand, defended herself skillfully, each impact of its tail and paws making the shield tremble, but she did not retreat. Meanwhile, Louise moved with impressive agility, dodging each fatal attack and taking advantage of the gaps in the monster''s defenses. The Aligodon was enraged, but little did it know that it was only a matter of time before it made a fatal mistake.


    Rebecca, ever alert, diverted the monster away from Louise, causing the Aligodon to focus on her while Louise attacked at every opportunity. Blow after blow, the Aligodon grew more irritated, its attacks more erratic, and the fight became more and more a game of attrition.


    Rebecca''s role was to draw attention and be the target, her shield serving to cushion the devastating blows while Louise, more agile and precise, delivered surgical strikes that further irritated the monster. It began to lose control, its rage blinding it. The wounds increased, and with them, the opportunity for an imminent victory.


    The fight continued for several minutes, dragging on for what seemed like an eternity, but for the warriors and the monster, it was just the blink of an eye. Five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen, twenty minutes passed while the Aligodon, with its maniacal eyes, tirelessly searched for an opening, an opportunity to end the battle once and for all.


    The monster was enraged. With each dodge by Louise, with each block by Rebecca, it felt the weight of irritation growing inside it. Its gaze was a mixture of pure fury and frustration. It was possible to feel the pressure in each movement, as if the air around it was about to shatter.


    Each movement of the Aligodon, now, was more savage, more blind. Its instinct to kill surpassed reason, and the injuries accumulated throughout the battle only fueled its rage.


    Louise, with her agility, continued to dodge and attack, striking the creature whenever an opening appeared. Rebecca, in turn, used her shield skillfully, absorbing the impact of the tail, claws and bites, while using every gap to launch quick and calculated attacks.


    However, there was something even more annoying to the Aligodon than them: Drake. With his precision weapon, the sniper did not pause, shooting perfectly, hitting the creature''s head at the exact moment the light accumulated on the sharp scales of its snout.


    With each shot, the Aligodon lost the necessary focus and concentration, which prevented it from launching its energy blast. The attack it so desired to perform, its preferred weapon, was out of reach.


    It was not having enough time to generate the necessary energy and at the same time deal with Louise and Rebecca''s guerrillas.


    And this irritated him deeply.


    Gregory, with his strategic skill, kept everything under control. His cold and precise coordination guided the team, always maintaining the perfect rhythm to push the Aligodon to the limit. He knew the creature was close to breaking point.


    ¡°Rebecca, the time has come. Execute the plan.¡± Gregory¡¯s voice sounded clear and cold in Rebecca¡¯s ear, the exact order she had been waiting for since she returned to the battlefield.


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    ¡°Understood¡­¡± She murmured, the answer coming from her lips almost automatically. Her fingers gripped the shield tightly, the tension in the air reflected in her determined and implacable expression. The expression on her face was a mix of unwavering courage and absolute focus.


    She looked up, fixing her eyes on the Aligodon in front of her¡ªa colossal monster, hungry and furious. Rebecca¡¯s gaze was that of a warrior about to face her destiny. And, without hesitation, she shot towards the creature with all her speed, as if the world around her no longer existed.


    At the same moment, Gregory¡¯s voice sounded again in Louise¡¯s ear, a confirmation that everything was about to happen.


    ¡°Get ready, Louise. We¡¯re counting on you.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Louise¡¯s response was firm, like an automatic reflex. She knew what to do. She knew what was at stake. Wasting no time, she moved around the creature, keeping her distance but aligning her movement with Rebecca¡¯s.


    What followed would be engraved in the memory of all who witnessed this confrontation as an act worthy of the gods.


    The Aligodon, with a roar of fury, opened its immense mouth, its jaws parting like the doors of the abyss, and with a brutal movement, advanced, trying to swallow Rebecca in a single act of blind fury, as if it wanted to devour the very essence of life.


    But, instead of retreating, as anyone would do, she advanced, immersed in an unbreakable fervor. She surrendered herself to the beast, not with fear, but with the certainty of the destiny she had chosen, her agility and willpower like armor forged in the heavens.


    She shrank back, agile as nature itself, finding the ideal space for movement, and, at the exact moment the monstrous mouth enveloped her, she adjusted herself with precision inside the creature''s mouth. The shield was positioned against the base of the jaw, preventing the approaching destruction.


    The Aligodon, realizing that something was deeply wrong, reacted with the ferocity of an animal dominated by instinct.


    "Grrwoooaaahh!!"


    A beastly scream, filled with pure fury, tore through the air as it gathered all its strength to crush the intruder. It tried, unsuccessfully, to close its jaw in a deadly blow.


    Rebecca''s shield, pressed by a colossal force, creaked and trembled under the pressure. Every inch seemed like an unsustainable test of resistance. But, no matter how much the shield was forced, its solid structure made of Titanite held firm, preventing the monstrous mouth from closing.


    This gap was more than enough for Louise to throw herself into the beast''s mouth. And then, with her blade raised and with deadly precision, she struck the exact spot Gregory had indicated earlier.


    slash


    The sound of steel cutting flesh sounded soft, indicating that she had managed to pierce the skin of the Aligodon''s palate.


    But the creature''s tough, almost impenetrable flesh closed around the blade and prevented the blade from advancing any further. The sword penetrated only a few centimeters, not even close enough to pierce the creature''s internal muscles, but enough to enrage it even more.


    GGGRWWRooaaahh


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡± Louise grunted, but her determination did not waver. She continued to push, her strength concentrated in the hands that held the sword''s hilt, seeking to penetrate even further into the monstrous flesh.


    Rebecca, with her shield already beginning to give way under the insane pressure, did not hesitate. Dropping the shield that was already creaking with pain, she joined Louise, their hands joining forces to push the blade even deeper.


    GrwwAhhh!


    The Aligodon, in a wild and uncontrolled reaction, began to writhe, its tail slamming violently against the ground, its claws trying in vain to reach its mouth and pull the two women out of its interior. The effort was desperate, and the creature gasped, grunted, and shook its head as if it were trying to get rid of an unbearable pain.


    The Aligodon, maddened by the pain and the unexpected resistance, tried several times to slam its head against the ground with an enormous force, as if it wanted to crush everything around it. Its jaw remained clamped, while it writhed brutally, trying to throw its captors away.


    In a frenzy of fury, he used his tongue in a grotesque way, trying to push the two out of his mouth, but even with all his strength, he could not expel them. Each movement seemed only to increase his agony, while the two warriors remained firmly gripped to the sword, defying the creature with unshakable courage.


    The beast roared in a primal scream, reverberating across the battlefield, while its fight became increasingly desperate and out of control.


    GGGRWWRooaaahh


    But nothing worked.


    Rebecca and Louise, unfazed by their mission, clung to the sword, pushing with all their strength, feeling the resistance of the flesh breaking little by little, until a deep sound echoed.


    Crunchh


    It was the answer they had been waiting for. The sword, which seemed to be embedded in stone, suddenly came out with unexpected force, piercing the Aligodon''s flesh as if it had just broken through an impenetrable barrier.

 Chapter 45 – Caution

    Crunck!


    The blade tore through the thick layers of muscle and veins, cutting off the creature¡¯s blood flow and only stopping when it hit the solid bone that supported its monstrous jaw.


    ¡°HellYEEAAHHH!¡±


    ¡°WE DID IT!¡±


    The words echoed across the battlefield, an explosion of triumph. Louise and Rebecca, their hearts racing and their palms sweating, exchanged looks of pure satisfaction. Their bodies still trembled from the tension, but the feeling of success made their faces light up with a deep smile of relief.


    But that moment of triumph was brief, like a glimpse of light before the darkness.


    Suddenly, a guttural and distorted scream cut through the air.


    GGWRRRWWAAHHAHHHHHHHH!


    The sound was so deep that it reverberated through the bones and flesh of both women, making their bodies vibrate. The creature, completely out of its mind, let out a roar of pure pain and rage, like an animal that finds itself on the verge of death but still fights with all its might to survive.


    At that moment, Rebecca''s shield, already marked by the insane pressure, began to emit a terrible sound. A metallic boom that seemed to pierce the air, announcing what was about to happen. And soon after, intense waves of heat began to emanate from the surface of the shield, as if the energy inside it was about to explode.


    The two, now aware of what was about to happen, felt the gravity of the situation tightening like an immense pressure. They knew they could not wait to see it up close.


    ________________________________________


    "Understood." Vivian''s answer came firm and brief. From her hiding place, she was already moving, preparing to strike her blow. "You two, take the cocktail now. Daira, as soon as possible, apply the buff to Zara. As soon as you are ready, Zara, start the attack. I will go to the field to get Rebecca and Louise. Follow the plan."


    "Understood."


    Without hesitation, Gregory left his hiding place and emerged onto the battlefield. The air vibrated with the heat of Vivian''s flames, which were already beginning to envelop the Aligodon. The creature, disoriented and consumed by pain, struggled to maintain control of its own instincts, feeling its Merlinian gland slowly giving way.


    In the distance, Rebecca and Louise advanced towards him, dodging the beast''s blind and furious blows. When they finally reached him, Gregory barely waited before inspecting them.


    "Are you okay?"


    Without ceremony, he began to assess them, running his firm hands over their arms and ribs, looking for serious injuries. Blood dripped from deep cuts on Rebecca¡¯s arms, and her hands were covered in bruises and dirt. Louise wasn¡¯t in much better shape.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine. They¡¯re just superficial wounds,¡± Rebecca replied, but her voice betrayed a hint of discomfort. Gregory¡¯s sudden touch made her flinch for a moment, embarrassed. But at the same time, there was a strange comfort in his unwavering concern.


    Gregory, however, wasn¡¯t convinced. His experienced eyes caught something beyond her words.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here first.¡±


    With no room for argument, he led them to another shelter. As soon as they were inside, Gregory pulled some medicine and a bottle of cocktail from his bag, handing them to Rebecca.


    ¡°Take this.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it. I¡¯m fine¡­¡± She tried to refuse, her voice reduced to a hesitant whisper.


    But before she could react, Gregory had already moved his hand inside her vest.


    ¡°!¡±


    The shock paralyzed her for a moment, as did Louise, who watched the scene with wide eyes. Gregory, however, maintained the same firm and determined expression, his fingers pressing on Rebecca''s side until they found what they were looking for.


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    "¡ª!"


    A muffled moan escaped her lips when he pressed a rib near her breast. Her breath hitched for a second, and her fingers closed tightly around the fabric of her own pants.


    Louise was even more surprised to see her flinch, clenching her teeth to contain the pain.


    Gregory, in turn, did not look away. He brought his face close to hers, his eyes fixed on hers, cold and analytical.


    "Are you really okay?"


    The tone of his voice was low, but it carried a clear challenge.


    Rebecca felt the weight of the question. Running away now would be admitting weakness. But lying... was not an option.


    "No, sir."


    His answer came almost in a whisper. Her face was hot, and she looked away, unable to sustain that intense contact. Gregory just nodded, satisfied.


    "Good girl."


    Without ceremony, he began to remove her equipment, leaving her in only her pants and a cotton blouse. With precise and careful movements, he cleaned the cuts, applied anesthetic adhesives to the bruises and began to suture the most serious wounds. His fingers, steady and experienced, worked with the delicacy of someone who had done this countless times before.


    Rebecca wanted to say something. She wanted to protest, to claim that she didn''t need so much attention. But for some reason, she just remained silent, feeling the heat of his hands against her wounded skin.


    This time, she wouldn''t resist.


    ___________________________________


    The Aligodon roared in despair, its massive body contorting as blue flames enveloped its scaly skin. Vivian''s fire was cold and cruel, heating the keratin layers with jets of burning flame. The beast spun around, trying to put out the flames, but each movement only made its situation worse.


    In the midst of its frenzy, the monster managed to free itself from Rebecca''s shield, which had previously been clamped between its jaws. With a sudden movement and a strangled roar, it spat out the object, which was thrown to the ground with a crash. The shield, once solid and imposing, was now completely twisted, its structure crumpled and deformed by the creature''s enormous strength.


    But despite this small victory, her situation only worsened. The flames were relentless, and her flesh burned in increasing pain. Her movements became increasingly erratic¡ªher paws were wobbling, her breathing was heavy and irregular.


    This wouldn¡¯t normally happen, Vivian knew, yet when the creature tried to move forward, its paws faltered. With each movement, muscles burned, flesh throbbed under the merciless heat.


    It was clear that something was different, and Vivian knew what it was¡­


    More than just superficial burns, Vivian¡¯s attacks were destroying something essential: the Aligodon¡¯s merlin glands. Louise¡¯s sword had severed the arteries that fed these glands, cutting off the blood flow that kept them in perfect condition.


    These structures are the core of their ability to manipulate magic, a refined biological system that allowed the mutant beasts to channel and shape their magical energy.


    Some creatures had several of these glands spread throughout their bodies, allowing for a balanced distribution of power. Others, like the Aligodon, relied on a small but extremely powerful number of these glands, making them vulnerable to targeted attacks.


    Now, without this vital support, they were slowly withering and wasting away, like organs dying inside the beast''s body. The blue flames consumed the surrounding flesh, burning away the remnants of magical energy that still tried to circulate.


    Without these glands, the beast''s body collapsed. It was like ripping out a warrior''s heart and still expecting him to keep fighting. The lack of this magical flow triggered a type of arcane anemia, an internal collapse that drained his strength and imposed an extreme debuff.


    His physical resistance plummeted, his defense became fragile, and his rationality began to crumble. The instinct to fight gave way to pure desperation, and that was exactly what began to happen.


    The monster roared once more, a sound of pure agony that echoed across the battlefield. Its tail lashed the ground, cracking the earth in an act of fury. But it was useless. The fire gave it no respite.


    And then, everything changed.


    A massive shadow cast itself over the beast. The next instant, a colossal pillar of water came crashing down from the sky.


    Vivian ceased her attack just as the pillar of water came crashing down on the Aligodon. Its blue fire gradually died down, the last few flames dancing through the air before dissipating completely. The beast¡¯s doom was already sealed.


    Unlike the previous whirlwinds, this torrent was dense, cold, and relentless¡ªnot just a flood, but a crushing force of pure pressure and ice. Zara, strengthened by Daira¡¯s buff, had concentrated her magic to a level far beyond her usual. The water that had fallen on the Aligodon was not just a blow, it was an execution.


    The impact shattered rocks, cracked the ground, and dragged debris as the monster''s body was pressed against the earth. Its skin, already weakened by Vivian''s flames, cracked and tore under the thermal shock. Parts of its armor crumbled, cracks spread across its scales, and dark blood mixed with the torrent.


    The impact of the pillar of water was so brutal that the ground gave way under the pressure, creating a huge crater in the center of the battlefield. Rocks were torn out, the earth sank, and fragments of mud and debris were thrown in every direction. The crushing force of the torrent had not only subdued the Aligodon, but transformed the very terrain around it.


    While the mist was still rising and the monster lay immobilized at the bottom of the crater, Vivian had already left the battlefield. Her steps were quick and precise as she headed towards the hiding place where Daira was located.


    She needed to catch her breath and, more importantly, receive a buff before initiating the final attack.

 Chapter 46 – Massage

    In the hideout, seismic waves shook the environment, but were ignored with an almost disconcerting coldness by the three occupants, who were immersed in a situation charged with emotional tension, where each second seemed to weigh more than the tremors that surrounded them.


    Gregory, sitting with his feet stretched out, was completely focused as he applied an ointment to Rebecca''s back, his movements gentle and meticulous.


    She lay on her stomach, her head resting gently in his lap, her body relaxing under his constant and careful touch. The cold ointment touched her soft skin, the gentle chill contrasting with the heat that still resonated with the tension of the recent combat.


    Without a blouse or bra, Rebecca felt a closeness to Gregory in a way that could not be ignored and that she did not remember having felt with anyone else, not even Zara, her partner of years. Gregory''s touch was gentle, almost as if he were treating someone much more important to him than a Hound he had met only a few hours ago...


    He slid his hands over her skin with a delicacy that made her sigh involuntarily, a feeling of care that enveloped her like a cozy blanket. The warmth of his hands contrasted with the coldness of the ointment, creating a mixture of sensations that made her feel a strange mix of comfort and vulnerability.


    There was something intimate in the way Gregory moved, as if words were unnecessary, and the way he cared for her was filled with a connection that the two had not yet fully recognized. Her breathing became calmer as he carefully treated the bruises on her back, and even in silence, she felt the protection and affection in his gestures.


    Rebecca closed her eyes and relaxed, trusting herself to Gregory''s care, feeling her face heat up. At the same time, a slight tightness in her heart warned her that this was dangerous, which she chose to ignore.


    Time passed, Gregory didn''t stop for a moment and his eyes never left Rebecca''s back, as if each movement was an extra care, not only for the wound, but for her.


    "Are you okay? Do you feel anything?" He asked softly, his voice low and soft like a whisper, as if each word was an extra involvement, a security that he wanted to give her without rushing.


    Rebecca, feeling her entire body warm inside with such a simple and careful gesture, opened her eyes for a moment and looked at him. Shyness enveloped her, but the closeness between them seemed to erase any distance she usually had. She gave a slight smile and answered in a soft, almost imperceptible tone: "I am fine... just a little tickling."


    Gregory smiled, but continued his work, not rushing, not interrupting that silent moment. Time seemed suspended, and inside, the two were involved in something more than just wounds and bandages.


    Louise, who was next to him, couldn''t help but watch the scene with a mixture of deep interest and shame. Her eyes were fixed on Gregory, completely absorbed, and the slight gleam of envy in her gaze was almost palpable. She was so absorbed in the interaction between them that she didn''t even realize she was drooling, her mouth half open.


    "Gunn... are you listening?"


    But interrupting the situation, Natan''s voice echoed through the radio inside the hideout.


    "Can you get the radio for me, Louise?" Saying this, Gregory continued with the same calm as always, his movements precise as he treated Rebecca''s back.


    He didn''t take his eyes off what he was doing, but something in his perception made him quickly look away. When he fixed his eyes on Louise, her expression didn''t go unnoticed. The gleam of envy was clear, almost tangible, in her gaze fixed on him, and Gregory noticed the way she seemed to absorb every detail of the interaction between him and Rebecca.


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    Without pausing what he was doing, Gregory used one of his free hands to reach for Louise. His touch was soft, unexpectedly intimate.


    He caressed one of her ears with his fingertips, then he caressed her face over the mask with his hand and then moved down to her neck, gently and softly.


    But suddenly, Gregory grabbed Louise''s neck with unexpected skill, a movement so precise and dominant, as if it were that of a passionate lover.


    The gesture made Louise''s body shiver, a shiver running up her spine as she held her breath. Her eyes locked with his, and her mind blurred, as if the rest of the world had disappeared, leaving only the growing heat between them.


    Louise''s skin began to respond to his touch, warming intensely and almost instinctively, as if that gesture were something natural, something she had never known she wanted until that moment. It was a touch that disarmed her, that awakened something deep within her, something she didn''t know she was so close to feeling.


    "I''ll take care of you soon... If you want..." His voice was low, full of a silent promise, while his smile was relaxed but full of intention.


    Louise, without hesitation, nodded desperately, as if it were a response she could not control. She approached him instinctively, ignoring his hand on her neck, her eyes fixed on his with increasing intensity. Her face was now so close to his that the heat of their bodies seemed to intertwine in the space between them.


    When she got even closer, almost as if she couldn''t control herself, he gave her a slight smile and, with a swift and sure movement, he tightened his grip on Louise''s neck, an unexpected but controlled action, enough to push her away from his immediate proximity.


    It wasn''t an aggressive gesture, but rather a firm one, as if he wanted to reaffirm his authority, but also to understand her limits. He kept her there, the distance justified by a touch that was simultaneously gentle and dominant.


    "Not now, Louise." His voice came out low and almost whispered, but with a tone of gentle authority.


    He watched her, his eyes fixed on hers, making it clear that this moment of closeness needed to be controlled. She shivered slightly at the gesture, her eyes dilating as the feeling of dominance hung in the air.


    At the same time, Rebecca felt a knot tighten in her stomach as she watched the interaction between Gregory and Louise. There was something in the way he touched Louise''s skin, that possessive and gentle touch, that bothered her in a way she couldn''t exactly explain.


    It was as if she were suddenly a spectator of something very intimate and private. She tried to ignore it, but the feeling of betrayal, however subtle, was inevitable. The urge to stand up and stop it consumed her for a moment.


    But before she could make any move, Gregory, with his sharp perception, noticed the tension in Rebecca without even looking directly at her. Then, with a swift and calculated gesture, he used one of his hands to gently push Louise away, as if he were silently telling her to wait a moment. His gesture was swift and calculated.


    With his other hand, he slowly stroked Rebecca''s hair, sinking his fingers into it and tenderly smoothing her sensitive scalp. The contact was direct, tender and slow, a comforting pressure, like a silent reminder that she was still his priority in that space.


    "Who let you get up?" His voice was low, but with undeniable authority. He left no room for her to react impulsively.


    Instead, with an almost instinctive skill, he made her lie down again with the same gentleness with which he had begun to treat her wounds. It was a careful but firm gesture, as if he had complete control of the situation.


    He kept his hands on her for a moment, stabilizing her posture, before returning his attention to Louise, but this time with more caution, as if he had made a subtle adjustment to his posture so as not to cause her further discomfort.


    As the tension in the air intensified, Nathan''s voice, full of concern and urgency, echoed through the radio: "Gunn, are you listening?" He found himself increasingly disconcerted, unsure of what was happening to Gregory who had not yet responded.


    Gregory, as calm as ever, addressed Louise in a tender and soft voice, as if the scene around him was not affecting his concentration. "Get the radio for me, Louise..."


    She blinked a few times, as if waking from a trance, and for a moment she was paralyzed. Quickly, she composed herself, grabbed the radio, and held it close to Gregory, her hand shaking slightly.


    "Listening. What happened, Miles?" Gregory asked, his voice now steady and controlled despite the escalating situation.


    Natan''s answer came quickly.


    "Our friend here seems to be waking up..." Nathan''s voice held an unmistakable tension. "The mutagen levels are fluctuating, and the glow is starting to fade. The hatchlings have also gone into the water¡ªall of them. Whatever it is, you''d better hurry out there."

 Chapter 47 – Frenzy (1)

    There was urgency in her words, genuine concern. But Gregory showed no surprise. He had expected this¡ªif anything, it was taking longer than he had anticipated.


    "Don''t worry, Miles. We''re almost done here. If anything happens again, let me know immediately. But I''m pretty sure we''ll sort it out before then. Either way, be careful and back off if you feel the situation is becoming too dangerous. Got it?"


    "Got it. I''m hanging up," Nathan replied.


    The communication was cut off, and Louise replaced the radio next to Gregory''s other devices.


    He turned his attention back to Rebecca, his eyes intent as he slid his fingers over her scarred skin. Unhurriedly, he spread the ointment all over the bruises that stained her back and ribs, his touches precise and gentle, as if he wanted to erase the pain with his own hands.


    When he was done, he didn''t stop. Instead, he skimmed his thumbs masterfully down her neck, down to her shoulders, massaging firmly and carefully to ease the accumulated tension.


    Every now and then, his fingers would move up to her head, smoothing her hair with the same tenderness with which he stroked her shiny white horns, as if he were admiring them. With each touch, Rebecca''s body responded, relaxing even more under his care.


    But he didn''t stop there. He ran his thumbs down her spine in a slow, calculated movement, making his way from her neck to the base of her tail. He moved up and down, repeating the movement several times, sometimes deepening the touch, sometimes making it almost ethereal. Every now and then, his fingers would slide a little further, gently caressing her plump buttocks with skills that seemed instinctive.


    Rebecca said nothing. On the contrary, she gave herself completely to the moment, feeling each touch as a silent invitation to surrender to that unexpected pleasure. In a discreet gesture, she unbuttoned her pants, allowing Gregory easier access to her skin without having to ask.


    After long minutes dedicated to every detail of her body, exploring every tension with firm and enveloping touches, he gradually slowed his pace, as if he were savoring the last moments of contact.


    His thumbs traced a lazy path down her spine once more, moving up and down, exploring each muscle with almost hypnotic precision. His fingers slid one last time along the base of her spine, making her shiver with his warm and deliberate touch.


    But before she could lose herself in the sensation again, he stopped. In the same calm and enveloping voice as before, he murmured: ¡°We¡¯ll continue later¡­ I promise. But right now, we don¡¯t have any more time.¡±


    The heat of promise in his tone made her body throb in anticipation, but frustration quickly set in when she realized he wouldn¡¯t change his mind. Rebecca opened her eyes slowly, still numb from the massage, and when she sat down, her expression was filled with a mixture of disappointment and unfulfilled desire.


    Her bare breasts moved slightly with her deep breath, and her military pants, still unbuttoned and unzipped, betrayed how surrendered she was to his touch. She crossed her arms beneath her bust, further highlighting her curves, and gave Gregory an intense look, hoping he would reconsider.


    But he just smiled calmly, as if he were completely in control¡ªand perhaps he was.


    "For now, you''re going to rest, Rebecca." His voice was firm, but filled with genuine care. "Your injuries aren''t serious, but they''re not minor either. Besides, your Estronitus levels are too high for you to return to combat for now."


    With that, he took her clothes and began to help her get dressed again, with the same patience and naturalness of someone caring for something precious. As if she were fragile¡ªsomething she clearly wasn¡¯t, but at that moment, he insisted on treating her that way.


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    Rebecca, however, was uncooperative. Every movement was slow, reluctant, as if getting dressed was a punishment. Her frustrated gaze didn¡¯t hide her dissatisfaction. She acted like a sullen child, upset but lacking the courage to confront him directly.


    Louise, observing everything closely, immediately realized why. As soon as Gregory mentioned the Estronitus levels, it made perfect sense. Rebecca wasn¡¯t just upset¡ªshe was being forced to hold back something her body and instincts were screaming at her to do.


    Gregory, on the other hand, remained impassive. He buttoned her pants with precision and calm so that she wouldn¡¯t feel uncomfortable. His fingers gently brushed the exposed skin of her waist before pulling her blouse over her head, sliding it over her arms and torso, covering her skin little by little.


    He chose not to put her bra on, knowing that the pressure of the garment would press against one of the most sensitive bruises on her ribs. It was a simple gesture, but so careful that it made Rebecca bite her lip, feeling even more frustrated.


    She took a deep breath, her muscles tensing in an internal battle between reason and overwhelming desire. But it was useless.


    Tension was building in her body like a storm about to break through the heavens, frustration and desire mixing in an uncontrollable whirlwind. The way Gregory touched her¡ªwith patience, control, and that almost cruel gentleness¡ªonly stirred something primitive inside her even more.


    And then, when he finished dressing her and slid his hands in one last touch over her exposed shoulders, she broke.


    Without hesitation, Rebecca grabbed Gregory by the collar and pulled him to her with brute force, their bodies pressing together without giving him a chance to resist. Her eyes were cloudy and she stared at him with an almost wild desire, a fire burning behind her blurred vision.


    Her breathing was labored, each deep sigh exuding heat, her skin burning against Gregory''s. She smelled him eagerly, panting and with her dry throat tightening as she swallowed the saliva that formed in her mouth in anticipation.


    Gregory, in turn, didn''t even try to push her away ¡ª not that he could. Even injured and worn out, she was still bigger, stronger and absurdly more resilient than him. Gregory knew that. He knew this kind of situation well. When Louise moved to intervene, he simply raised his hand, a calm and controlled gesture, stopping her.


    His eyes remained calm, filled with the same patient affection as always, as if he already knew exactly what to do. Which in fact he did, since he had already been through this countless times with Monique.


    Rebecca¡¯s wild gaze met his for a brief instant, an electric spark pulsing between them before she took his lips in hunger and desperation. Her mouth molded itself to his with a mixture of brutality and adoration, sucking and licking his lips until he gave in, allowing her hot, demanding tongue to enter.


    ¡°Mnnggg¡±


    As soon as she invaded his mouth, a hoarse moan escaped her throat¡ªthe taste of his saliva was addictive, thick and absurdly sweet. Her body shivered at the intense flavor, as if an electric shock ran down her spine. That was the trigger.


    Instincts devoured the last vestiges of rationality, reducing everything to a primitive, uncontrollable pulse. Rebecca pressed her body against his with an almost desperate force, her hands digging into his shoulders, fingers digging into his flesh as if to imprint her presence there. They slid down his chest with wild urgency, each touch an affirmation of possession, of need.


    She wanted more than just to feel him¡ªshe wanted to mark him, to imprint herself on him, to make him hers in a way that transcended all logic. With a sudden, determined movement, she grabbed him and forced him to lie down against the cold floor of the hideout. The soft thud echoed in the silence of the place, but Rebecca barely noticed it.


    His breathing was labored, almost hoarse, and his eyes shone with an intensity that mixed frustration and a desire so overwhelming that it seemed to consume her from the inside. Without hesitation, she mounted him, her firm thighs holding him in place with a strength that left no room for resistance.


    Her hands explored his chest, feeling the rigidity of the muscles beneath the fabric of his shirt, until, in an impulsive and impatient gesture, her hands closed on the fabric and tore it easily, as if it were paper. The sound of the fabric giving way echoed in the air, followed by the heavy silence, broken only by Rebecca''s intense, panting breath.


    Without wasting a moment, Rebecca leaned forward, her lips finding Gregory¡¯s neck with a mixture of greed and devotion. Her tongue slid over the warm skin, exploring every curve, every pulse, as if she were savoring something precious.


    She licked and sucked with an intensity that mixed hunger and possessiveness, leaving marks that spoke of a desire that could not be contained. His taste was salty, hot, intoxicating¡ªa meal that she devoured greedily, as if it were the first and last time.


    Her lips moved slowly but purposefully down to his shoulders, where she nibbled lightly before sucking firmly, as if to extract something that only he could give. Every movement was calculated, every touch charged with intention.


    All the while, her hands held him still, her fingers pressing his wrists to the floor with a strength that left no doubt¡ªhe was hers, and she would not allow him to escape.

 Chapter 48 – Frenzy (2)

    Rebecca continued her descent, her lips now exploring Gregory¡¯s chest, where the taut skin and rigid muscles seemed to invite her to go deeper. Her breath was hot against him, and each touch of her tongue was like a flame that burned through the resistance, leaving him at the mercy of a desire that could not be denied.


    Her lips and tongue continued to descend, exploring every inch of his body with a mixture of curiosity and desire. She passed over his belly, where the taut skin trembled under her touch, and her lips left soft, almost hypnotic marks, until they reached Gregory¡¯s waist.


    There, she hesitated for a brief moment, as if she was aware of what she was about to do¡ªand what it meant.


    With somewhat clumsy but determined movements, Rebecca unbuttoned his pants, her fingers trembling slightly as she worked the buttons before lowering them and then his underwear.


    Her breathing was fast, almost panting, and her eyes shone with a mixture of joy and anticipation.


    ¡°!!!¡±


    When she finally got what she wanted, there was a pause filled with tension, a moment when the air around her seemed to stop, as if the entire world were holding its breath along with her.


    Rebecca stared at Gregory¡¯s member, which rose before her like a silent affirmation of the desire that united them. His scent, intense and primitive, invaded her senses, making her even more euphoric, as if each particle of that fragrance pushed her beyond the limits of reason.


    Her heart accelerated, and a moist heat spread through her body, feeding the voracity that was already consuming her. Without hesitation, she brought her lips to him, completely enveloping him with her mouth in a quick and almost desperate movement. The sensation was new, but that did not stop her ¡ª on the contrary, it only increased her determination.


    She sucked him with an almost childish intensity, as if she were tasting a forbidden sweet, moving her head up and down irregularly, without rhythm or technique. Her hands gripped his thighs, as if she needed something to anchor herself while she lost herself in that act.


    Gregory, for his part, remained calm, watching her with an almost serene patience. His eyes followed her every movement, noticing her inexperience, but also the raw and sincere dedication that came from a place beyond reason. He didn''t resist, didn''t interfere ¡ª he just let himself go, surrendering himself to that mixture of desire and vulnerability.


    Louise remained silent, motionless, as if any movement or sound could break that moment. Her body exuded heat, and her clothes clung to her skin, damp with sweat and something else ¡ª something she didn''t want to name. His eyes were fixed on Rebecca, who moved with an almost animalistic voracity, without technique, but with a dedication that was impossible to ignore.


    Rebecca''s hands explored Gregory''s thighs, alternating between gentle caresses and scratches that left red marks on the skin. Her tail swung in sync with her hips, rising and falling in an irregular but intentional rhythm.


    ___________________________________


    Glup. Glup. Glup.


    The wet sound of Rebecca''s throat echoed in the room, accompanied by the strong and clumsy suction she applied. It was clear that she had no experience, but she made up for it with an intensity that almost seemed desperate.


    Gregory, for his part, had already stood up and leaned against the wall, his eyes half-closed as he watched Rebecca with a mixture of patience and restrained pleasure. One of his hands rested gently on her head, smoothing her hair in gestures that seemed at once encouraging and comforting. Urghh.


    Every now and then, Rebecca would hurt him unintentionally¡ªher teeth would scrape where they shouldn¡¯t, or her nails would dig deep into his thighs, leaving small trails of blood. Gregory didn¡¯t complain. He knew it wasn¡¯t her fault; it was just the reflection of a raw, uncontrollable passion. However, even in the midst of that surrender, a part of him was already signaling that it was time to stop. They still had a mission, and time was running out.


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    ¡°Rebecca¡­¡± Gregory called her name, his voice firm but filled with restrained urgency.


    His hands closed tighter in her hair, pulling her back with a gesture that was not violent, but decisive. He didn¡¯t want to hurt her, but he knew it was the only way to get her attention at that moment.


    Rebecca, however, resisted. Not even the force he applied was enough to stop her completely. She continued moving her head up and down, her mouth and tongue still enveloping him with a voracity that seemed insatiable.


    She continued to move up and down, her eyes closed as she moaned softly. Every now and then, a few drops of the precious liquid she loved so much would escape from the tip of his penis, and she would devour them with an almost childish pleasure, moaning and trembling each time as if it were the first.


    Stopping was the last thing she wanted.


    "Rebecca, are you listening?" Gregory insisted, increasing the pressure on her hair. Still, there was no response.


    He rolled his eyes in frustration and looked at Louise who was on the other side of the hiding place trying not to attract attention. The scene he saw surprised him: Louise had one hand inside her pants and the other under her bra, her fingers moving with an urgency that left no doubt about what she was doing.


    Gregory didn''t find this behavior funny or surprising, he was actually impressed by the fact that she was trying to resist her own impulses so actively. But this was also a bad sign, it meant that it was only a matter of time before she gave in too. With a resigned smile, he suggested: "Do you want to go to Natan?"


    For him, it was the most logical and effective solution, after all, even if he wanted to do something to help her, he was busy at the moment. Natan was Louise''s partner and could help her relieve the tension that the high levels of Estronitus were causing in her body and mind.


    However, Louise''s reaction was immediate and unexpected. She grimaced with deep disappointment and sadness, turning her back and removing her hands from where they were. "I don''t want to..." she replied, her voice full of frustration that Gregory couldn''t decipher.


    "Your levels are too high, Louise. You need to solve this, and Natan is your partner..." he tried to argue.


    But he was interrupted by her, who spoke loudly and clearly: "Temporary partner."


    "???" Gregory frowned, even more confused.


    "Natan is just my temporary partner. He doesn''t help me with my Estronitus Levels, I take this shit here." Louise¡¯s voice was thick with frustration and anger, each word coming out like a blow.


    She pulled a packet of Neutritus capsules from a pocket in her vest, holding them up for a moment for Gregory to see. The packet gleamed in the dim light of the hideout, the high-grade capsules clearly visible through the clear plastic. They were very expensive, but worth the price: extremely effective at controlling Estronitus levels, with minimal side effects.


    ¡°I see¡­ I¡¯m sorry I misunderstood. I thought you needed help¡­¡± Gregory replied, after all he had thought she was interested in lowering her levels with a dose of Testonitus.


    ¡°Humph¡­ I can control myself very well, I don¡¯t need your concern about that¡­¡± She snapped, dismissing his excuses.


    ¡°If a Hound¡¯s Estronitus levels are high, it¡¯s the Hunter¡¯s problem to deal with. If you¡¯d rather take the Neutritus, I don¡¯t judge you.¡± He continued.


    ¡°Who would?!!!¡± With her voice altered and her discomfort and indignation clear, Louise almost screamed.


    With a sudden gesture, she threw the package out of its hiding place. The sound of the capsules hitting the floor echoed in the silence, followed by the noise of them scattering. Louise took a deep breath, as if she was trying to control herself, but anger and remorse overflowed in her words.


    "No matter what anyone says, this tastes rotten, even though it''s high-grade. I hate taking it, and yet I have to because I get sick every time I try to sleep with a guy. I feel disgusted, nauseous and have a high fever just from coming into contact with saliva. I hate it, I hate it..." Her voice broke at the end, revealing a vulnerability that she rarely allowed others to see.


    She continued, now calmer, but still with a bitter tone: "Just smelling the pheromones makes me feel dizzy, that''s why I wear this mask. And even with it, in a small space like this, I would still suffer from nausea and would have to make a great effort not to vomit,"


    ¡°?!!? Are you uncomfortable with me here, Louise? Ursghhh Why didn''t you say so before? I would have taken steps to help you. Why suffer unnecessarily??¡± Hearing her words, Gregory immediately tried to stand up, but forgot that he was immobilized by Rebecca. Even so, he continued to express his concern.


    ¡°Why, you ask¡­ I would love to know too.¡±


    For the first time since they met, Louise lowered the mask covering her face and turned to Gregory, revealing fine, delicate features.

 Chapter 49 – Frenzy (3)

    Her lips were thin, as was her nose, and her charcoal-colored skin further highlighted the bright red of her tongue and the pearly white of her teeth, which shone whenever she spoke. Her yellowish, almost golden eyes shone with a unique intensity, contrasting with the smoothness of her skin.


    "The truth is that this doesn''t happen to you..." She said, almost in a whisper, before inhaling deeply the air of the hiding place. "On the contrary, your pheromones smell good... So good that they stir deep desires that I forgot existed and make me question my ability to control myself."


    For a brief moment, she seemed to look at him like a tiger looks at its prey, her eyes shining with a mix of intense desire and latent hunger. But, almost immediately, she looked away and put the mask back on, as if she was trying to protect herself from herself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Rebecca was at fault for giving in to her instincts. I¡¯m pretty sure that if I were in her shoes, I would have given in much sooner...¡±


    ¡°I understand¡­ I ended up touching a sensitive spot. But understand my confusion, since I didn¡¯t know about your condition beyond what you revealed when we talked last night...¡± Gregory replied, his tone lower now, filled with guilt. He knew he had made a mistake with her, even if unintentionally.


    ¡°As I said before, I don¡¯t need your concern...¡± She replied, resigned and with a tired voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s not concern, Louise, I said I would take care of you later, and I keep my promises. I will do whatever it takes to take care of you and keep you comfortable and healthy. You decide what you want, I won¡¯t ask questions if it¡¯s reasonable.¡± His voice was affectionate as he made his promise.


    Louise, listening to everything, showed no visible reaction. Gregory couldn''t even look her in the eyes to know how she was reacting, which made him a little wary and doubtful...


    "But in exchange, can you wait until after the girls eliminate the Aligodon? I need to coordinate the operation, and the crucial moment is coming..." With an almost pleading voice Gregory continued...


    But Louise didn''t seem convinced, when she turned to face him and saw Rebecca still there, busy with her own needs, her face contorted into an expression of deep discontent.


    "She also had to wait, and here we are... Why do I have to wait? Is she better than me? Does she deserve this more than I do? Or did you deceive and deceive me on purpose to make me look like a fool?" Louise''s words came out in a whirlwind, each one more loaded with bitterness and anger than the last.


    Gregory felt the weight of her accusations, but he also realized that Louise''s conclusions were becoming increasingly wild and dangerous. His voice, previously restrained, now brimmed with pent-up frustration, and he knew he needed to act before the situation got completely out of hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s not her fault for giving in to her instincts, Louise, you said something like that yourself. I¡¯m just helping her recover, that¡¯s my directive, to take care of you and control the Estronitus if the need arises.¡± Gregory spoke calmly, but he soon realized that Louise was not happy with his answer, as she had a sour expression on her face¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s just a job, Louise¡­ It could be different if she could resist and wait until later. And it won¡¯t be a job if you decide to wait¡­¡± At this point, Gregory lowered his voice and looked into her eyes¡­ Making it clear that


    ¡°I will take care of you not as a job that must be done, but as a personal thank you for your dedication and commitment to this mission. I will take care of you with all the affection and desire at the highest level¡­¡± His voice was warm, full of insinuations and promises that made Louise¡¯s mind fill with forbidden thoughts¡­


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    ¡°However, I will also take care of you if you decide to ignore my request. But look closely¡­¡± At this point, he stuck out his tongue and let a little saliva accumulate on the tip. As the drop formed and fell on his own chest, both he and Louise saw the moment Rebecca''s eyes sparkled before she stopped what she was doing and immediately licked that drop with boundless voracity, like someone drinking water after 3 days in the desert.


    ¡°In this state, she is nothing more than a person without will, guided only by desire and instincts¡­ I don''t like this and I don''t know if she deserves more than my pity for¡ª Urgghh!¡±


    Before he could continue, Gregory was abruptly interrupted by Rebecca, who dug her nails into his thighs with such brutal force that they pierced the skin and reached the muscles.


    "!!!" Louise couldn''t take it anymore. The silent frustration that had been building up for so long, combined with the high levels of stronitus and the repressed desire, exploded into a murderous intent. She drew one of her knives, ready to intervene, her eyes shining with a fury that Gregory had never seen in her before.


    "Stop..." Gregory tried to stop her, waving his hand, but it was too late.


    Louise was already close enough to be felt as a threat by Rebecca''s senses. The woman immediately stopped her actions, raised her head and fixed Louise with a look filled with deadly hatred and frustration. The air between the two became heavy, charged with a tension that promised to explode at any moment.


    Louise knew she should retreat ¡ª Rebecca, being a Taurinus, had an extremely protective nature towards what she considered hers. And in this case, Gregory was clearly her focus. Fortunately, Rebecca would only attack if she felt threatened, but Louise was not willing to give in.


    Her mind screamed to get Rebecca away from Gregory, even if it meant a fight she wasn''t sure she could win. She stood there, motionless, Rebecca staring at her as she gripped the hilt of the knife so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her thoughts swirled around the possibility of a fight, the consequences, the risks...


    But before she could make a decision, Gregory quickly intervened.


    "Come back here..." Ignoring the throbbing pain in his thighs, he roughly pulled Rebecca back by her horns.


    Rebecca resisted at first, her muscles tensing and a low growl escaping her throat as Gregory pulled her back by her horns. But, almost as if acknowledging his authority, she soon gave in, allowing him to guide her back.


    Gregory held her firmly against his chest, but Rebecca didn''t stay passive for long. Almost immediately, her lips and tongue found his skin, licking and sucking with an aggressiveness that left red, wet marks in their wake.


    And She didn''t stop there. Her movements were almost frantic, as if she were trying to make up for the brief moment of interruption. Her mouth moved down his body, exploring every inch with a mixture of desire and possessiveness. When she finally reached his penis, there was no hesitation.


    She enveloped him with her lips, moving with an intensity that was at once clumsy and voracious, as if she were trying to assert her dominance over him once and for all.


    Meanwhile, Gregory turned to Louise, and he spoke in a serious, almost reprimanding voice: "If you don''t wait, you''ll be treated the same way she was... Do you understand?"


    Louise kept her gaze fixed on him, but soon her eyes shifted to Rebecca, who continued to move her head up and down voraciously, an expression of satisfaction etched on her face.


    She then returned to her corner and sat down, trying her best to control herself as the wet, rhythmic sound echoed in the hiding place.


    ______________________________


    On the battlefield, Vivian ran in the opposite direction to the center, where the Aligodon was being crushed against the ground once again. She had lost count of how many times she had repeated the cycle: attack, retreat, wait, and attack again. Fatigue was beginning to set in her muscles, but the determination in her eyes remained intact.


    She knew she had to end this soon¡ªthe Aligodon was clearly on the verge of collapse. Its defenses were in ruins, its resistance at its limit, and the loss of its magical barrier had left it vulnerable. All thanks to the constant, alternating attacks of fire and water, which had sapped its strength relentlessly.


    Vivian was almost certain that, with a stronger attack, she and Zara could incapacitate the creature once and for all. The only thing left to do was decide which of the Hounds would have the honor of delivering the final blow. As she pondered how she would execute the attack, if she were given permission, Gregory''s voice echoed in her ear through the communicator.


    "Vivian, are you listening?"


    "You''re listening..." she replied, turning just as a pillar of water reached its maximum force, rising like a liquid tower over the battlefield.


    "We will execute the final step. You have permission to strike him down..." Gregory''s voice was calm, but charged with authority.

 Chapter 50 – Final Step (1)

    "Really?" Vivian''s face immediately lit up, and a wide smile appeared on her face, a mix of relief and excitement.


    "Yes. But make sure not to underestimate the enemy. He''s weakened, but he''s still a level 4 mutant beast. Got it?"


    "Understood."


    "Very well. Go to Daira to receive a new buff and take another dose of the Cocktail. I''ll authorize Zara to increase the power and lethality of the attacks as well. Wait for my orders to begin."


    As soon as the communication ended, Vivian wasted no time. She took off at a run, her feet pounding the ground as she ran toward the hiding place where Daira was positioned. Each step brought her closer to the decisive moment, and the anticipation of the final confrontation made her heart race.


    _____________________


    "Zara?"


    Gregory''s voice sounded through her communicator at the exact moment she maintained control of the water pillar, pressing the Aligodon against the ground. The attack was at its peak, the creature being crushed with increasing force. Even hearing the call, Zara did not lose focus¡ªshe knew that any mistake at that moment could give the monster a chance to recover.


    "One moment, sir..." She answered, her voice full of effort. With a precise movement, she increased the speed of the pressure, ending the attack earlier than usual. The Aligodon was already on the verge of collapse, so there was no need to prolong it any longer. Only after that did she begin to retreat slowly, releasing some of the tension that held her body.


    "Zara listening, sir."


    "How are you? Are your reserves okay? Are your Estronitus levels still under control? Do you need anything?"


    Gregory was direct, but his tone betrayed a slight concern.


    "My reserves are half full, but my resistance is still high." She took a deep breath. "As for the Estronitus... they''re a little above normal, but nothing to worry about."


    "Understood. We''re wrapping up. Vivian is already preparing to use lethal force, and you have authorization as well, but conserve energy. The elimination is her job. Save yourself for a better recovery later. Got it?"


    "Yes, sir."


    "Good. You can use the water threads without restriction. I''ll let you know when Vivian is ready to take over."


    Zara hesitated for a moment before asking, her voice trailing off.


    "Sir... Can I ask you a question?"


    "Of course."


    She bit her lip. "Is Rebecca okay? Is she with you?"


    The silence that followed was short but charged.


    "Yes, she is." Gregory replied, his voice more vague than usual.


    Zara sighed. "Hmm... So, I believe her Estronitus levels are too high, sir. And Rebecca..." She hesitated before continuing. "She has a very low resistance to her own instincts. Be careful."


    Gregory let out a short laugh. "Heh, that explains a lot. Uhhgg"


    Suddenly, Gregory let out an unnatural groan...


    "Sir, what''s wrong?" Zara asked worriedly.


    "Hahaha, nothing. I''m just training Rebecca a little in motor coordination, but she''s worse than I imagined. Every now and then she makes a mistake and ends up hurting me... Umngh"


    "Is everything really okay, Sir? What kind of training is this?"


    "It''s a new training, Zara... Also, I appreciate your concern and know that I''ll keep an eye on Rebecca so she doesn''t cause any problems. I''ll stay close to her to notice any strange signs..."


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    "The Neutritus capsules are in her vest, in case you need them."


    "Don''t worry about it. Leave Rebecca with me and focus on your task, okay?" He said, his voice taking on a softer, almost comforting tone.


    Zara smiled, a little relieved. "Deal."


    "I''m hanging up."


    As soon as the communication ended, Zara turned her attention back to the battlefield. The Aligodon was crawling out of the pit formed by the pillar of water, its movements slow and unsteady.


    The creature was unrecognizable.


    Blood dripped from every part of its body, staining the soaked ground. Scales had been torn off, exposing raw flesh and open wounds. Burns covered its skin, some areas completely charred. Its tail was broken and grotesquely twisted, two legs useless, almost half of its teeth knocked out, and blood was pouring from its mouth as it tried to breathe.


    Zara felt a flash of pity.


    But she crushed it without hesitation.


    It was her or him.


    Her gaze turned cold as she assumed her attack stance. She took a deep breath and began to move, her steps fluid as a dance. Around her, spheres of water began to form, floating in the air.


    Nine drops, each the size of a soccer ball.


    At first, they looked like ordinary water, but when Zara performed a new movement, the bubbles began to vibrate. Their liquid bodies compressed violently, reducing themselves to the size of golf balls. The pressure built up inside them was monstrous.


    Then, she fired the first shot.


    ZUMMMM!


    The water was ejected through an opening as thin as a strand of hair, moving at an absurd speed. The projectile broke the sound barrier instantly, reaching Mach 2 at the moment of firing.


    BOOM!


    The impact was brutal. The jet of water pierced the Aligodon''s body and came out the other side, leaving a clean hole before the creature''s muscles could react and try to close the wound.


    Without giving the monster time to react, Zara fired the second one.


    ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM!


    She didn''t stop.


    The shots continued, piercing the creature''s flesh without mercy.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    The boom of the shots echoed across the battlefield, the deafening noise making Zara''s ears throb. But she didn''t retreat until she had used up all nine water bullets.


    GRRRRWWWWAAAAHHHHH!!


    The Aligodon''s scream was a mix of agony and despair. It no longer had the strength to fight back, but the pain was intense enough to make it writhe uncontrollably.


    But it had no rest.


    ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM! ZUMMMM!


    The execution continued.


    ______________________________


    "Daira? Are you listening?"


    Gregory''s voice echoed through the communicator, interrupting the silence of the hiding place where Daira was resting. She was sitting in a meditation position, her eyes closed, trying to recover some energy after using a lot of energy for her last task.


    Despite the interruption, she did not open her eyes, responding calmly: "You can speak, Vivian."


    "Has Vivian left there yet? Did she take the cocktail?" Gregory asked, his voice firm, but with a slight urgency behind it.


    ¡°Yes, she took it before receiving my maximum buff, just as you instructed,¡± Daira replied quickly, but Gregory¡¯s unusual tone made her frown. Something was off. ¡°Why are you contacting me and not her? Did something happen?¡±


    There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, as if Gregory was choosing his words carefully. ¡°No, no¡­ I just wanted to make sure. But since you brought it up¡­ Can you come over here? I¡¯ll need your help¡­¡± His voice wavered at the end, carrying a hesitation that Daira wasn¡¯t used to hearing.


    She didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡±


    Daira jumped to her feet, abandoning her meditation and leaving her hiding place with quick steps. Her body moved with the agility of someone accustomed to running toward danger, but her mind was alert, trying to decipher what could have made Gregory so hesitant.


    As she advanced across the battlefield, her gaze caught Zara in the distance, finishing her attack with surgical precision. The jets of water cut through the air with a sharp sound, hitting the Aligodon with devastating force. Vivian, for her part, moved strategically, looking for the best position for the final attack that Gregory would soon authorize.


    Daira could stop to better analyze the situation, but she completely trusted Gregory''s judgment. The fact that they were about to take down a Level 4 Beast without serious casualties was proof enough that his strategy had been impeccable. The only mistake might have been allowing Aline to exploit the Aligodon''s abilities alone¡ªa mistake that abruptly took her out of the battle.


    But then again, it could have been worse... It could have been all of them.


    With that in mind, Daira reached Gregory''s hiding place and entered without hesitation. What she didn''t expect was to be immediately hit by a dense, overwhelming scent.


    "My God..."


    The air was permeated with an intense mix of male, female, and Testonitus pheromones. The peculiar fragrance hit her senses like a blow, awakening something primal in her mind. A sudden heat surged in her stomach and spread like liquid fire throughout her body, setting her skin ablaze and stirring desires she didn''t even want to acknowledge at this moment.


    Daira looked at the scene in front of her, her eyes scanning the room with a mixture of concern and sarcasm. Gregory was sitting on the floor, surrounded by his communication and monitoring devices, while Rebecca, the Taurinus, lay beside him, gripping his waist with a rather possessive force.


    Her face was peaceful, a joyful expression plastered on it, as if she were in a pleasant dream. Despite her imposing size¡ªalmost seven feet tall and a robust body that surpassed even Monique''s¡ªshe seemed almost fragile at that moment, like a child holding a precious toy.


    On the opposite side, Louise lay in the fetal position, trembling and mumbling incomprehensible words. Her eyes were open but empty, as if she were trapped in a trance. Daira didn''t need any explanations to understand what was happening. The scent of Gregory''s pheromones still lingered in the air, and the effect on the Hounds was evident.

 Chapter 51 – Final Step (2)

    ¡°I thought this would happen sooner or later,¡± Daira began, her voice dripping with sarcasm and a hint of provocation, ¡°but I didn¡¯t know it would happen at the most important moment of the battle¡­ Don¡¯t you feel guilty for causing so much suffering by deliberately spreading your pheromones around?¡±


    Gregory ignored the taunts, remaining calm. His eyes turned to the backpack Daira was carrying.


    ¡°Do you have the cocktails? Help Louise drink one of them, she has an unusual condition and goes into a trance whenever her Estronitus levels are too high¡­¡± he ordered, his voice firm but without losing its serenity.


    ¡°Yes, Sir,¡± Daira replied, her tone clearly sarcastic. She knelt beside Louise, opening the backpack and removing one of the thermoses. Carefully, she removed Louise¡¯s mask, revealing a pale and sweaty face. Louise couldn¡¯t resist, her murmurs continuing low and incoherent.


    ¡°Resist. Later. Wait. Better. Promise¡­¡± The words escaped Louise¡¯s lips in a fragile whisper, as if she were trying to convince herself of something.


    Daira sighed, feeling a pang of pity for her colleague. While trying to make Louise drink the cocktail, she threw more acidic words at Gregory:


    ¡°I thought it was your job to not let us get to this point¡­¡±


    Gregory didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°It is,¡± he replied, as he looked at Rebecca¡¯s calm face. ¡°But, as you can see, I¡¯m trapped here. Besides, Louise is not in danger.¡±


    He had already tried to free himself from Rebecca¡¯s grip several times, but even unconscious, her strength was impressive. Her arms, thick and muscular, held him with a firmness that he couldn¡¯t overcome, even using all his strength.


    And, even if he wanted to get up to help Louise, Rebecca¡¯s size and weight made it impossible. She was a living wall, and he was trapped under her protection¡ªor her possession.


    ¡°You seem very calm for someone in this situation,¡± Daira observed, as she held the thermos out to Louise.


    Gregory shrugged, smoothing Rebecca¡¯s hair with one hand as he spoke:


    ¡°I¡¯m used to it. Monique always does this¡­ It¡¯s a sign that she¡¯s satisfied, while also protecting me.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know she could protect you while she¡¯s asleep. And since when has she become so attached to you?¡±


    Daira asked, her voice thick with curiosity and doubt, as she struggled to get Louise to drink the cocktail. Louise¡¯s resistance was almost desperate, her incoherent mumblings continuing as she tried to pull away from the thermos.


    Gregory, sitting on the floor with Rebecca clutching his waist, looked at Daira with a small smile on his face.


    ¡°Come over here and try to attack me¡­¡± he suggested, his voice calm, but with a hint of challenge.


    Daira hesitated for a moment, but seeing that she was not succeeding in getting Louise to drink the cocktail, she decided to follow Gregory''s suggestion. She stood up and took about four small steps towards her.


    Step. Step.


    Just as she was about to take the last step, she saw Rebecca''s eyes suddenly open. The Taurinus stood up quickly, her horns pointed directly at Daira, and charged at her with impressive speed.


    Daira was about to jump back, instinctively preparing to defend herself, but it was at this moment that Gregory''s voice echoed loud and firm:


    ¡°Quiet.¡±


    In that same instant, Rebecca stopped. Her body froze in place, not moving another inch. Daira stood still, watching as Rebecca''s cloudy eyes became clear, her expression changing from solemn to confused and bewildered.


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    Rebecca looked like someone who had just been woken up in the middle of a classroom by the teacher. She looked around, trying to understand what was happening, her breathing heavy and irregular.


    ¡°Calm down. I¡¯m here, don¡¯t worry¡­¡±


    Gregory spoke in a soft and gentle voice, hugging Rebecca and transmitting a sense of peace and tranquility. He patted her on the back a few times, calming her down as if she were a frightened child.


    Daira remained silent, watching the scene with a mixture of surprise and admiration. She didn¡¯t know what to say. Gregory, after calming Rebecca down, made her sit in a corner of the hiding place, where she waited quietly, still with a confused expression, but calmer.


    Then Gregory approached Daira and took the cocktail from her hands. He knelt next to Louise, who was still lying in the fetal position, trembling and mumbling. Gently, he tried to make Louise drink the liquid, but she resisted, turning her face away and closing her mouth.


    Gregory didn¡¯t give up. To Daira''s surprise, he put the cocktail in his own mouth and, with a quick movement, kissed Louise, forcing her to swallow the contents.


    After the first sip, Louise began to come out of her trance, but for some reason she continued to drink the liquid from Gregory''s mouth with a voracity that resembled that of a frenzied Hound. Her eyes were closed, her hands clutching his face as if she were afraid he would pull away.


    Fortunately, this didn''t last long. Gregory grabbed Louise''s neck and pushed her back, breaking the kiss. Louise sat down, her expression a mixture of sadness, confusion and guilt. Gregory whispered a few words in her ear, and Louise, still shaking, sat in a corner, staying there with a thoughtful and anxious expression.


    "Thank you for coming, Daira, it helped a lot. Now I can do my work in peace..."


    Gregory returned to Rebecca''s side, who immediately lay down next to him and hugged him again, as if she needed that closeness to feel safe.


    Daira stood still, watching the scene in silence. Gregory turned his attention back to the equipment screens, giving Vivian and Zara instructions on how to complete the mission. His voice was calm and controlled, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.


    ____________________________


    ¡°Vivian, are you listening?¡±


    Gregory¡¯s voice echoed in Vivian¡¯s ear, breaking her concentration. She was positioned in what she thought would be the ideal spot to execute her most powerful attack. In front of her, a few meters away, the Aligodon lay on the ground, desperately trying to recover after taking hundreds of precise water shots from Zara. Its breathing was heavy and irregular, and blood was dripping from multiple open wounds on its body.


    To Vivian¡¯s left, Zara prepared for the next burst of gunfire, her movements fluid and precise as water bubbles formed around her. The sound of the previous shots still echoed in the air, a constant reminder of the intensity of the battle. Vivian answered Gregory''s call, her voice filled with impatience and adrenaline:


    ¡°Listen¡­ I''m ready. When are we going to end this?¡±


    She felt the energy pulsing through her body, her hands itching to release the accumulated tension. The idea of ??finally delivering the final blow to the creature filled her with an almost uncontrollable excitement.


    Gregory, however, seemed less enthusiastic. His voice was filled with sarcasm and a slight tone of challenge:


    ¡°Do you already know how you''re going to end this? I hope you don''t think about using the Flame Tide or your Concentrated Blue Jets.¡±


    Vivian frowned, irritated at having her plans unmasked so easily.


    ¡°So what? With Daira''s Buff, I can fry him from the inside out without any difficulty¡­¡±


    Gregory didn''t let it slide. His rebuke was harsh and direct:


    ¡°At what cost? I¡¯m sure that for that to happen, you¡¯ll need to spend more than half of your reserves at once. Even with Daira¡¯s Buff, that¡¯s enough to take you out of combat immediately. Stop being irresponsible and remember the team¡¯s main objective, we can¡¯t take unnecessary risks.¡±


    Gregory¡¯s words hit Vivian like a punch in the stomach. She had gotten carried away by her excitement, completely forgetting the main objective of the plan: to eliminate the Aligodon with the greatest efficiency and the least amount of wear and tear possible. The team needed to be as healthy and prepared as possible for the next and most difficult challenge¡ªthe Aligodon that was about to reach level 5 in the lake.


    ¡°Do you understand, Vivian?¡± Gregory¡¯s voice was firm, almost stern.


    ¡°Yes, Sir¡­¡± Vivian replied, her voice low and discouraged. The rebuke left her bewildered and a little hurt.


    Gregory seemed to realize the impact of his words. He paused briefly before continuing, this time in a softer, more comforting tone:


    ¡°¡­ I apologize for the harsh words, but please be aware that this is an important task and should not be carried out carelessly. Can I trust you, Vivian?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m qualified for this.¡± Vivian hesitated, her confidence shaken.


    Gregory didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Of course you are. In fact, you are more than qualified. You just need the correct instructions, and that is my job. Do you trust me? If so, just listen to what I have to say and complete the task masterfully, do you understand?¡±


    Vivian took a deep breath, feeling some of the weight on her shoulders lift.


    ¡°Understood¡­¡±