“What?” Taylor asks his phone, annoyed. He was cuddling in bed with Sylvie, enjoying what little free time had these days when he received a phone call.

“Taylor, my boy. Like always, I've been sent as a messenger from the association. They want you to contact Hanz. After they heard about the Naturalists thing, they immediately decided on genocide. They're working together with other supernatural organizations and the hunt has fully begun.” Johan says, not sounding entirely pleased with the situation.

Taylor sighs. “And? What do you want from me? If you’re asking me to join, I’ll have to pass. It was fine when they were mindless beasts, but it just happens to be another cultivation method and I’m starting to think it’s completely valid, considering the rest of the bullshit the supernatural world has been up to. And apparently the will of the world agrees. You should know, I’m not really one to argue with that fucker.” He responds without a care.

Johan also sighs. “Yes, I understand where you’re coming from. I’ve also refused to join the hunt. But this isn’t about that; the association wants you to convince Hanz to release the Naturalists under his protection.” He explains.

Taylor stops to process the words before bursting out into laughter. “And why the fuck would I do that?” He asks, amused. Taylor had no intention to get any more involved in this than he already was.

Johan lets out a chuckle. “I'm just the messenger, Taylor. I don’t care what you do. I’ll relay your answer to the association.” He says, letting the matter settle there.

Taylor lets out a chuckle. Oh, Johan. Always so amiable. He thinks with a smile. “Out of curiosity, why is Hanz continuing to protect the Naturalists?” He asks, wondering what reason Hanz decided on.

“Why do you think?” Johan asks, sounding amused. “He doesn’t want to strangle the baby in its cradle. He wants to fight it when its grown. Honestly, I think he’s embarrassed that this is what the supernatural world decided on. I think your dad said it best; if you’re going to burn, burn like a man.” He says before letting out a laugh.

Taylor smiles. “Awesome.” He says, genuinely happy. “You know what; fuck it. I wasn't going to get involved in this, but now I think I will. I’m going to join the resistance. Fuck the height and fuck heaven. The wheel has to turn right?” He says, deciding on the matter.

“Are you serious?” Johan asks, surprised.

Taylor shrugs. “Yeah, fuck it. Why not? It’s a tribulation, right? Might as well challenge myself.” He says, amused.

Johan lets out a laugh. “Well, Taylor. I’m sure you know that you’re one of the vanguards of this little episode. I’m obligated to join your rebellion. If a tribulation is for anything, it’s to establish a new order. And I get the feeling… Never mind. Just sit tight and relax, Taylor. Let me get things organized. Another war is coming. And this time, we’ll be the underdogs.” He says before laughing aloud once again.