Chapter 42: Under the Moonlight

Excerpts from Brief History of Xoth:

War Technologies and Tactics

Most current war technology and tactics are all derived from the Crimson Warriors who fought in the Dragon War. Before their arrival, most battles were fought with long range magic or bows, or by charging towards an enemy. The Crimson Warriors reinvented war for Xoth.

In terms of tactics, the Crimson Warriors introduced many techniques such as the Phalanx formation. This formation involved holding shields together to protect multiple soldiers from range attacks. This proved critical to the war effort as it helped protect squadrons of soldiers from Dragons' breath.

The Crimson Soldiers also delivered technology to Xoth. New weapons were created in order to defend against dragon attacks. These weapons and siege engines included ballistas, onagers, testudos, galleries and catapults. Eventually they created what became the prototype of the magic cannon which was quickly adopted by Demons.

Since the disappearance of the Crimson Warriors, these technologies have evolved very little.

Excerpts from Thunder's Recommendations Report

->Arm soldiers with CQC weapons

With our current technology, a basic gun's damage output (assuming pistol or shotgun) will quickly become outmatched by magic or a close-combat weapon. Arming our soldiers, and even law-enforcement officers, with melee weapons will be needed to defend against monsters and SYSTEM-enhanced individuals. Unlike a gun, the damage output of a melee weapon actually goes up as the user's Strength stat goes up.

->Elimination of dangerous species

One of the more controversial recommendations; there are many extremely dangerous species on Xoth that would pose a great threat to Human lives. These creatures are even despised by Xothicans and only exist because they do not have the capability to wipe out these species. These creatures include goblins, giant spiders, werewolves and vampires. They are devastating to the local environment and like to hunt Xothicans by choice. In order to protect the local wildlife and the population, these creatures will need to be wiped out.

VVVVVV

Sylmae sat on the wicker chair in the patio area enjoying a glass of lemonade in the summer sun. The breeze eased the heat and made the outside feel pleasant. Vivian was by the barbecue cooking hamburgers for lunch. She hummed a little tune while flipping the burgers.

"Those burgers are smelling good," Sylmae said.

"They sure are. We'll wake up Tom as soon as they are done. He's going to be glad to not have to cook for us for once."

"I don't know. He seems to enjoy cooking for us."

"You're missing the point of what I'm doing here."

Reia popped out of the slider door with a wide smile on her face.

"Girls," she called to Vivian and Sylmae in a hushed voice. "Girls. You have to see this."

"See what?" Vivian asked while turning down the flames.

"Just follow me and stay quiet," Reia replied.

Vivian and Sylmae followed Reia into the house and down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, Vi and Syl saw what Reia wanted them to see. Tom was sleeping on the couch with his left arm and leg hanging over the seat. On top of him was Tala who was sleeping with her head resting on his chest.

"Oh, my goddess, that is adorable," Vivian whispered.

"Did you get pictures?" Syl asked.

"Of course I got pictures," Reia replied.

Tala shifted her position and moved upwards on Tom's body. Her right ear started to flick due her dreams. One of her ears flicked at Tom's nose several times. Tom's nose twitched from the sensation. He reached up to scratch his nose. Tom's eyes opened and saw Tala sleeping on top of him. He wrapped his arms around Tala to hug her which woke her from her slumber. Tom looked over to the left and saw the others watching Tala and him.

"How long were you three planning to watch us?" he asked.

"Until we were completely satisfied by this scene," Vivian answered. "Seeing you two sleeping together was just too cute."

Tom chuckled. Tala was finally fully awake but still kept her head on Tom's chest.

"I smell food," Tala said.

"Cooking some hamburgers," Vivian said.

Quest: Under the Moonlight Difficulty A Giver Kara Time Limit 8 hours A pack of werewolves has appeared around Lake Kaindy, Kazakhstan. Capture or kill, so long as they are removed from the wild. Reward 1500 EXP

2 gold 50 silver

Random weapon

1500 fame Consequence For Failure The werewolf curse may become a permanent problem if it is not nipped in the bud

"Ah, geez," Tom mumbled. "Vivian, can we get those burgers to go?"

"We have a mission?" she asked.

"We have a mission."

"Of course it would be on our day off," Reia sighed. "What are we fighting?"

"Werewolves."

"Oh..." Vivian muttered.

"Oh?"

"They are... a problem."

"Tala, can you get up?" Tom asked.

"Yeah, sure," she said while quickly getting off of him.

"What are we looking at for werewolves?" Tom asked Vivian while he inputted the situation in the UNDF app.

"Well, they are extremely fast, strong, and fairly intelligent," Vivian replied. "I've never fought them but they are usually taken out as soon as possible because they can spread their curse fairly quickly."

"The bestiary said that a person can be cured from the curse, but that's about as in-depth it got."

"If a person is bit or scratched by a werewolf they will transform into a werewolf under the first full moon. You must cure them before they fully transform or they will remain a werewolf forever. It's not like those movies of yours where they turn back into their regular form in the day. You are a werewolf twenty-four-seven."

"How do you cure this lycanthropy?"

"You use either a Master level Purify, a high-grade anti-curse potion, or making them eat a large quantity of wolfsbane," Tala answered. "Like Vivian said, it has to be done before they fully transform."

VVVVVV

UNDF Advance Training Facility, Germany

A couple dozen soldiers were equipping their armour after the alarm went off at the base. Each of them were outfitted with an updated design of the HERC suits. This new suit is based on data retrieved from field testing of the original HERC suit and the BC500 Wyvern Armour.

One group of soldiers that stood out was Garza and her team. They were the most experience team of soldiers in terms of combating Xothican wildlife. Most of the soldiers in the facility were anxious as this would be the first time they would join Garza's and Thunder's group on a mission.

The soldiers quieted down when Thunder and his group appeared in the room. As usual, Thunder wore his white cloak that blocked his face with an impenetrable shadow. Everyone quickly finished putting their armour on and stood in a horizontal line in front of Thunder.

Before teleporting to the facility, Thunder was called by Commander Steele and notified of the new format of mission briefings. Unless, the creature was an immediate threat to population centres, Thunder was expected to follow this format.

"Evening, everyone," Thunder greeted. He picked up a nearby tablet and inputted some commands to start the briefing. The screen behind Tom lit up and an image of a werewolf from the bestiary. "This is the latest arrival. Werewolves. They have appeared around Lake Kaindy in Kazakhstan." An image of Lake Kaindy appeared on the screen behind Thunder. "The lake is a good distance away from the nearest population centre, but werewolves will eventually make its way there in order to expand their pack. We need to make sure that doesn't happen. Considering, their ability to spread their curse, we will be treating them like a biohazard and the Supreme Commander is ordering us to eliminate them. We don't want to risk having this spread. I will be teleporting us by the lake. I want Aurora and Sergeant Jones to do aerial Recon of the area and locate the pack. Once found, I want Aurora to agitate the pack to get them to follow her to an ambush we will set up. Are there any objections to this plan?"

None of the soldiers spoke up.

"Now, as a Specialist, my authority is on par with an adviser. If there are any concerns or criticisms of what I, or anyone on my team, say, we are willing to listen."

"It's a good plan," Garza said.

"Alright, formations for the ambush will be left to squad leaders," Tom continued. "Everyone stay safe and stay together. Wolves tend to go after the animal that has been separated from the herd."

VVVVVV

Lake Kaindy, Kazakhstan

Thunder and the soldiers appeared by the lakeside. The full moon hung up in the clear, star-filled sky. The moon's light made the water glow in a cloudy blue colour. The famous sunken forest stood tall out of the water and added to the lake's beauty. The lake was surrounded by rocky mountains and lush green forests.

"I can smell them," Pyre said.

"You can smell them?" Sam repeated.

"Beastkin have a strong sense of smell," Tempest said.

"I'm assuming the muskiest smell in the area is them," Pyre shyly explained.

"Yeah, that'll work," Terra said. "Werewolves smell like shit. At least from what I've heard."

"Pyre, can you give us a direction?" Garza asked.

The soldiers in the area watched as Pyre walked around while sniffing. It took her a moment before she moved in a specific direction. She stopped in place and took in a long sniff.

"That way," she said while pointing. "They're up-wind from us."

"We have our direction," Garza announced. "Terra, can you help the soldiers create cover?"

"Sure thing," she replied. Terra walked over to the other soldiers to create cover made from the surrounding dirt and rocks by using her Earth Manipulation skill.

"Jones, I need you and Aurora to scout that direction and find our wolves," Garza ordered.

Jones activated his arm device and his aerial drone jumped out of his backpack. He also pulled out a pair of night-vision goggles and handed them to Aurora.

"You're going to need this," he said to her as he handed her the goggles.

Aurora placed the goggles on and said, "Oh, these are nice."

"We'll let you know over the radio when we're prepared," Garza said. "For now, just find the werewolves." Under her breath, Garza sighed, "I never thought I would utter those words."

Aurora spread her wings and launched into the air and flew into the air. Jones' drone followed close behind her.

"Time to get to work," Terra said while cracking her knuckles. She flicked her fingers upwards. The ground erupted upwards into meter-high cover. Terra then created a five-meter high dirt platform for Sylmae and Li to use as a sniper perch.

"Everyone gather around," Thunder said. "Pyre and I will enchant your weapons to do more damage."

The soldiers presented their weapons to get either a fire or lightning element temporarily applied to their weapons.

Notice (Tom) Lightning Enchant has reached Master Level 1. Notice (Tala) Fire Enchant has reached Intermediate Level 3.

After receiving their enhancements, the soldiers took their places at the cover that Terra created. Tempest and Li quickly climbed up the perch and got into position. She applied Ice magic to Li's and her weapons.

Notice (Sylmae) Ice Enchant has reached Intermediate Level 4.

"I found them," Aurora said over the radio.

"How many?" Garza asked.

"Hmm... About a dozen. Kinda hard to tell with the trees in the way. They're currently feasting on some deer. Or what looks like deer. Are you all almost ready?"

Garza scanned the area before she answered, "Yes, we're in position. Bring the werewolves our way."

Aurora dismissively waved away Jones' drone. The werewolves below continued feasting on the deer. Each one looked alike. They were around three meters in height with dark gray fur with black tips to their tails and white faces. The blood from the deer stained the fur on their faces. Aurora quickly used her Identify skill before she got to work.

Werewolf Level 18 Rank B Health 1050/1050 Type Very Uncommon Cursed by lycanthropy, this poor soul is doomed to spend the rest of their lives as a feral beast that feasts on all living things. Resistances Physical 10% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire -15% Plant 0% Ice 20% Earth 0% Lightning 0% Water 0% Wind 0% Spirit 0% Light 0% Darkness 0%

Aurora took in a deep breath and then yelled, "Hey wolves!"

The werewolf pack looked up at Aurora in time to get attacked by the Wind Blade magic. A mixture of whimpers and howls echoed throughout the area.

"You want more wolfies?" Aurora flew lower to make sure the wolves would pursue her. She saw several of the wolves cut down trees with their claws in frustration. Aurora said over the radio, "I have their attention and they are pissed."

"Bring them our way," Garza said back to her.

Aurora flew just above the forest. She kept attacking the werewolf pack with Wind Blades to damage them and cut down any trees they tried to climb to get to her.

"I'm coming in fast. The werewolves are right below me."

"We see you," Thunder said. "Everyone get ready!"

The UNDF soldiers watched the tree-line with bated breath. They watched as Aurora flew in their direction. Already they heard the snarls and howls of the werewolves. The trees swayed to the sides as the werewolves approached the ambush.

Aurora flew over the ambush line and landed behind the soldiers. The werewolves burst out of the forest to be met with the line of soldiers. Terra unleashed her War Cry to buff everyone's damage and Stamina.

The soldiers fired upon the surprised werewolves. Thunder and his team joined the soldiers in their attacks by using their long range magics and weapons. The werewolves tried to charge towards the front line but the constant barrage of bullets kept them at bay.

"Don't let any of them flee!" Tom roared. He fired off a Lightning Strike which stunned one of the werewolves.

The fight was one sided as the werewolves were unable to get in close to attack or able to escape the kill zone.

"Cease fire!" Garza called out. "Cease fire!"

The squads in the area followed her order and stopped their attack. The trees in the immediate area were torn to shreds and in front of them were the mutilated bodies of the werewolves. Seeing what they accomplished the soldiers broke out in cheers.

"It's not over yet!" Thunder yelled.

Those words stopped the soldiers' premature celebration.

"Pyre can you get a scent?"

"I'm on it," she replied.

"Aurora, I need you up in the air. I don't want anything sneaking up on us."

"Gotcha." Aurora spread out her wings and flew up into the air.

"Do we have a scent, Pyre?"

"I-I don't," she admitted. "I can only smell the bodies before us."

"Terra, is it possible for werewolves to hide their scent?"

The Dwarf rubbed her chin in deep thought before she replied, "Naturally, no. There are ways to hide a scent. Covering yourself in something that suppresses or overpowers the smell, or..."

"Or?"

"Submerging yourself in water," Terra pointed towards the lake.

Thunder looked towards the lakes and saw bubbles in the water.

"The lake!"

Two figures burst out of the water to the shock of everyone. The large creatures reached thirty feet in the area before they landed on the ground. The water in their fur splattered onto the ground.

Werewolf (Alpha Male) Level 30 Rank B Health 2750/2750 Type Rare Cursed by lycanthropy, this poor soul is doomed to spend the rest of their lives as a feral beast that feasts on all living things. This old beast has grown in strength over the years and eventually became the alpha of its own pack. Resistances Physical 15% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire -10% Plant 0% Ice 25% Earth 0% Lightning 0% Water 0% Wind 0% Spirit 0% Light 0% Darkness 0% Werewolf (Alpha Female) Level 29 Rank B Health 2150/2150 Type Rare Cursed by lycanthropy, this poor soul is doomed to spend the rest of their lives as a feral beast that feasts on all living things. This old beast has grown in strength over the years and eventually became the alpha of its own pack. Resistances Physical 15% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire -10% Plant 0% Ice 25% Earth 0% Lightning 0% Water 0% Wind 0% Spirit 0% Light 0% Darkness 0%

Both werewolves were larger than the others and sported differently coloured fur. The male had gray fur all over its body and had three large scars across its face left from a previous battle. The female was completely black and had bright red eyes that seemingly glowed in the dark.

The two werewolves immediately howled. Their voices shook everyone at their core. Once their howl ended, everyone in the area felt themselves unable to move.

Warning You have been inflicted with the debuff "Terror". You cannot move for four minutes. All stats suffer a 20% decrease while you are inflicted with Terror.

Aurora fell to the ground after her wings froze in place. She groaned from the impact. Every soldier in the area went into a panic as they found themselves unable to move.

The two werewolves charged forward. The male took Garza in its maw and bite down on her right shoulder. Garza let out a blood-curdling scream that did nothing to help everyone's mental state. The werewolf picked her up and tossed her to the side.

The female backslapped several UNDF soldiers and sent them over their dirt cover. The female then clawed Sam down the front, tearing her armour and cutting her chest. It then grabbed another soldier by the head and crushed it into mush.

'Come on, move,' Thunder screamed in his head.

The two werewolves quickly moved towards the sniper perch while tossing every soldier in their path.

'Move! Move! Move!'

Thunder heard the sound of glass shattering, signifying the activation of his Unbreakable skill activating. He found himself able to move. The two werewolves started to climb up the perch. Thunder ran forward a couple steps and held up his hand.

"Fireball!"

Thunder's fireball flew from his hand and hit the male werewolf in the back. The attack caused him to lose his grip and fall from the perch. The female reached the top and lifted its hand to attack Tempest, but another fireball impacted its side and sent it over the side. The werewolf slashed twice in reaction to the attack and cut Li in his side. The second fireball attack didn't come from Thunder. He scanned the area and saw Pyre with her staff aimed in the direction of the werewolves.

"H-How?" he muttered.

"Terror impedes movement, but it doesn't stop someone from casting magic," she quickly explained. Pyre still shivered from the aftereffects of Terror. "I used Dispel to free myself."

"Can you use it on others?"

"Can you keep the werewolves distracted?"

"Definitely."

"I'll free Aurora, Tempest and Terra. We need to end this before any of the soldiers become werewolves."

That thought made Thunder gulp. Those two werewolves definitely injured some of the soldiers in the area. If they don't take them down soon, they could be facing a lot more werewolves.

Thunder held his sword out and slid his index and middle finger across the side while he said, "Fireball." The sword glowed with an orange energy.

The two werewolves rolled on the ground to put out the fire that stuck to their fur.

"Hey wolf!" Thunder yelled.

The two werewolves managed to smother out the fire and got back on their feet. They looked at Thunder who was waving at them. The two wolves growled and started to charge towards Thunder on all fours.

"That's it. Come on."

The werewolves leaped at Thunder. He vanished, before their leap attack could reach him, and reappeared behind them. The two werewolves collided with each other and tumbled across the ground.

"Smart, but not smart enough," Thunder muttered. He slashed forward with his sword and yelled, "Surge Strike!"

A fiery attack flung forward and struck both monsters in the back and caused them to scream. The werewolves turned around and had their teeth bared as much as they could while growling.

The ground beneath their feet suddenly sunk downwards. It then quickly closed up around their legs. The two werewolves struggled to pull their legs out. Terra, Tempest, Aurora and Pyre came up beside Thunder.

"Are you all alright?"

"We're fine now," Tempest replied. She aimed with her bow. "Let's finish these beasts off."

The male werewolf managed to pull its right paw out of the ground. Tempest unleashed her arrow and it struck through its free paw and nailed it to the ground.

"Paralyze, Paralyze," Pyre casted on both werewolves.

"Group Slow," Tempest followed with.

Combining the effects of the two spell allowed the Paralyze spell to last two times longer than it usually would. With the two werewolves further incapacitated, Tempest then proceeded to unleash arrows upon the male and female werewolves.

"Wind Blade!" Aurora called out.

"Lightning Strike!" Thunder quickly followed with.

The two spells combined together and formed a cloud above the werewolves. Lightning jumped across the clouds and thunder rumbled. The werewolves looked up to only be blasted by a massive bolt of lightning. The female was dead but the male was still conscious.

The two werewolves' fur were charred and smoke came off of their bodies. Terra stepped forward with hammer in hand. She extended the weapon and said, "Pyre. Light it up."

Pyre held her staff up to Terra's hammer and said, "Fire Enchant."

Terra grinned as she dashed forward with her hammer. As she approached the male, she swung her hammer with all her might. The hammer connected with the wolf's head and splattered it into mush.

Congratulations You have completed the quest Under The Moonlight.

"Now it's over," Thunder sighed.

Some of the soldiers started to scream in pain. The full moon started their transformation.

"Shit, they're turning," Terra yelled.

"Quickly gather every soldier that's turning," Thunder ordered his companions. "I'll purify them. The wounded will have to wait."

They wasted no time in locating and carrying every soldier they found infected. Each of the soldiers' eyes were the first to change in their transformations. Their limbs jerked around as they changed shape and girth.

The transforming soldiers we gathered in front of Thunder. They totaled as eight, including Garza's team. Thunder right away held up his hand and chanted, "Purify."

Thunder repeated the process on each of the cursed soldiers. In each occasion, the soldier stopped twitching and screaming and immediately passed out from the stress.

Notice Purify has reached Master Level 4.

"That was too close," Tempest sighed in relief. "Any longer and we would have had to face another pack of werewolves."

"We still have more to do," Aurora reminded. "We have to heal the others."

"You four go ahead, I'll heal these soldiers and check their stats to make sure they're fine."

The four nodded and went to the other wounded. Thunder stood in front of Garza who was covered in half of her armour.

"Identify." Thunder glanced at her screen and muttered in disbelief, "Oh my god..."

VVVVVV

UNDF Advance Training Facility, Germany

Garza groaned as she regained consciousness. The first thing she noticed was she was in a hospital bed and wore a hospital gown. Her vision was fuzzy but it slowly cleared up to let her know someone was sitting next to her bed.

"Wha..." she groaned.

"Keep lying down." Garza recognized the voice as Sylmae's. "You've been through a lot so you shouldn't push yourself."

Remembering what happened before she blacked out she quickly asked, "My team..."

"They are alive and well," Sylmae answered. "Sadly we did suffer some casualties. Tom is currently in a debrief with Command."

With her vision restored, Garza noticed that the room looked different from a usual hospital bed. The equipment in the room resembled lab equipment more than medical.

"Where am I?" Garza asked. "This doesn't look like a normal hospital room."

"We are back at headquarters and in a specialized hospital room."

"Why?"

"Well, like your fellow squadmates, you were all bit or scratched by the werewolves. Tom managed to cure you all before you all turned into permanent werewolves, however there have been some side effects."

"Side effects?"

"That's where we have the good news, bad news, part of this conversation."

Garza sighed while rubbing her temple. "What's the bad news?"

"Well, as I said before, Tom managed to cure you before you turned permanently."

"But..."

"Well, when someone is cured in the middle of changing, they all suffer the same sign of the change. Specifically, the eyes."

"The eyes?"

Sylmae grabbed a mirror off of a nearby bedside table and passed it to Garza. Garza looked into the mirror and was surprised to see her hazel-coloured iris and the white of her eyes had changed to a cloudy gray. Her eyes resembled that of a wolf's.

"I'm sorry about your eyes," Sylmae apologized. "I don't know what your people's views are concerning your eyes, but on Xoth having eyes like this is almost as bad as having eyes like mine."

"People on Xoth hate your eyes?"

"Heterochromia, as your people called it, is considered an omen on my world. A really bad omen."

"That's a shame." Garza looked in the mirror again. "I think these eyes look awesome. My husband will be shocked to see them at first, but I'm sure he'll like them too."

"I didn't know you were married."

"Eight years and two kids. I just store my ring for safe-keeping when I'm on missions."

"Ring?"

"My wedding ring? The sign that I'm married to someone."

"Oh! On Xoth we have sigils on our dominant hand. One for each person we're married to."

"Ah... I see. You see your self going through that with Tom and your friends?"

Sylmae froze in place when she heard the comment.

Garza laughed. "Please... Everyone in the UNDF knows. The reason why it hasn't gone public is because everyone here has been helped by you guys one way or another. They respect you all too much to put you into that position. Regardless of any of our opinions about this kind of relationship, we've adopted a 'none of our business' approach."

"I- We appreciate it."

"Be careful, though. It won't stay secret forever and the public is going to react to this for many different reasons like your different races and the polyamory. People are already losing their collective shit over Tom's recommendation of legalizing polygamy."

"R-Right."

"Well, enough about solemn topics. My eyes were apparently the bad news and it turned out quite the opposite. So what's the good news?"

"It's actually two bits of good news. One is a result from the other. Your superiors are offering you a commission and a promotion to Captain. Your other team members will also be given commissions and promotions."

"Really? But why?"

"That is the other good news. While thinking of yourself, say or think the word, 'Status'."

"Status?" Garza muttered.

Status Name Laura Garza Level 1 Experience 0/100 Class - Race Human (Ex-Werewolf) Alignment Good Currency American $54,120.40 Title UNDF Lieutenant, Ex-Werewolf, Advance Military Training, Vaccinated Buffs UNDF Lieutenant Can command everyone below your rank and all non-commissioned officers Ex-Werewolf Strength, Endurance, Agility and Vitality increase by 10% under a full moon Advance Military Training All non-magical combat skills start out at Intermediate, 20% increase to experience gained for non-magical combat skills Debuffs Ex-Werewolf Strength, Endurance, Agility and Vitality decrease by 10% under a new moon, 50% under a lunar eclipse Health 150 Health Regeneration/min 1.2 Mana 120 Mana Regeneration/min 1.2 Stamina 160 Stamina Regeneration/min 1.1 Fame 0 Infamy 0 Strength 15 Intelligence 12 Wisdom 12 Perception 14 Endurance 16 Vitality 12 Agility 11 Luck 13 Unallocated Points 0 Resistances Physical 0% Disease/Toxin 20% Fire 0% Plant 0% Ice 0% Earth 0% Lightning 0% Water 0% Wind 0% Spirit 0% Light 0% Darkness 0% Skills Identify Beginner Level 1 Small Arms Specialist Intermediate Level 1 Stealth Intermediate Level 1 Light Weapons Specialist Intermediate Level 1 Dagger Skill Intermediate Level 1 Tactician Intermediate Level 1 Notice You have received military training that has been perfected over thousands of years. By completely this training, you have been given the title "Advance Military Training". By earning this title, all non-magical combat skills will start at Intermediate level. Notice You were infected by a werewolf. Luckily, you were cured before you could fully transform. By briefly being infected, you have been given the title "Ex-Werewolf". By earning this title, your Strength, Endurance, Agility and Vitality will increase by 10% under a full moon. The bad news is that these stats will decrease by 10% under a new moon and 50% under a lunar eclipse.

"Holy shit!" Garza yelled. "I'm SYSTEM-enhanced!"

"It seems like that was the other side-effect of being infected by a werewolf. When you were changing, the magic of it connected your to the SYSTEM. You, your team and several other soldiers managed to get connected. When Command found out about this, they suggested using the the werewolf corpses to infect more people. That plan was quickly scrapped since werewolf corpses can't infect people. For the time being, you are all game changers. It is inevitable that there are going to be multiple events that will occur at the same time. With your help and the help of the others, we'll be able to handle them."

"That's great news."

"There's more. Tom will be teaching you and your people the magical skills Heal, Fireball and Purify."

"He can do that?"

"Yes, but it is limited."

Sylmae downplayed the significance of Tom's Teacher skill. In a private conversation with her girlfriends, Tom explained the importance of keeping some of their abilities hidden. He was concerned about enemies that they do not know they have yet so keeping their strongest skills hidden to keep as a trump card.

At the same time, Tom's Teacher ability is too important not to use for the soldiers who have joined the SYSTEM. At minimum, they lied about the capabilities of his Teacher skill. Three skills would be enough to get the soldiers capable enough to fight against most creatures that will come their way.

"Also, Tom wanted to give you something," Sylmae said as she held out her hand. A bluish-silver dagger appeared in it. "This was a reward for that werewolf quest. A blue silver dagger. It's a fairly basic dagger, but should be more effective of a weapon than most close-combat weapons on Earth. Though, like with our other weapons, some scientists will want to do some analysis of the metal."

Garza picked up the knife. It was well balanced and had a good weight to it. She slid it against her thumb nail to check its sharpness. "This is really sharp. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Well, I should be heading back." Sylmae reached into a bag near her feet and pulled out a book. She passed it over to Garza. "In the meantime, I would suggest brushing up on this SYSTEM guide that Tom put out. It really helps."

VVVVVV

Draig Estate, Wales

Rikkard and Aamir were crouched near a tree. Several dozen soldiers were placed behind other trees and bushed. The number of soldiers there was overkill for the operation, but since the death of so many lieutenants in Phoenix, Rika wasn't willing to risk anymore failures, especially with their souls on the line.

"Look at that mansion," Aamir said in disgust.

The mansion before them had several floors to it and stretched across about at least a hundred and fifty meters. The front of the mansion was lit up with dozens of lights. Two armed guards patrolled the front of the building.

"He's the richest man in the world," Rikkard stated. "Of course he would show off his excessive wealth like this."

"How should we approach this situation?" Aamir asked.

"Initial Recon just shows the front guards along with several individuals inside. Draig currently resides in his office. I have an operative ready to cut the power."

"Do it," Aamir ordered.

"Cut the power," Rikkard said into the radio.

The lights in the area went out and drowned the area in darkness. Aamir gestured a hand wave towards the mansion. The hidden soldiers rushed towards the mansion.

One of the guards briskly jogged towards a nearby shed to check the power. He was greeted at the door with a knife to the throat from the operative inside. The sound of the man's body got the attention of the other guard which opened him up to have his throat slit by Aamir.

"Guards are down," he said over the radio. "Kill everyone inside except Draig. We are taking him alive."

The Phoenix operatives faced no resistance while inside the mansion. The workers inside were unaware there was anything wrong. They were quickly eliminated as the terrorists proceeded through the mansion.

Eventually, Aamir came across Draig's office. He kicked down the door and found Lucas Draig sitting calmly at his desk. Aamir held his hand up ready to attack Draig with magic if he resist. Not enough to kill him, but to injury him enough to prevent possibility of escape.

"Lucas Draig. We are taking you hostage. We know about your business with Mordiggian."

Lucas tapped his fingers on his desk several times before he replied, "So Phoenix knows."

"I'm sure you were looking for a way to keep your power after the merger," Aamir said in disgust. "Seems typical of a capitalist like you."

"Are you really in a position to pass judgment?" Draig asked. "Your group was offered power by Mordiggian as well. Difference is that I was smart enough to know what I was getting into."

"You want to die?" Aamir yelled. "You're coming with us as a hostage so we can force Mordiggian to free us from the Agony."

"Free you?" Draig chuckled as he placed a ring on his left ring finger. The ring glowed brightly. "It seems you have been greatly misinformed."

Outside, Rikkard waited along with a squad of his personal Recon soldiers. Aamir should not have taken so long to get one civilian. Rikkard had one hand placed on his sheathed dagger.

Screams emanated from the mansion. Rikkard instantly recognized it as Aamir.

"Aamir?" Rikkard muttered.

Gunfire went off inside followed by more screams. Rikkard brought up his radio and screamed into it, "What's going on in there? There shouldn't be any resistance!"

Someone tried to reply back but only the sound of gunfire and screams came in through the radio. The fight inside the mansion lasted minutes before the sounds died down.

The front doors of the mansion opened up to reveal a dark figure. The person casually walked towards Rikkard's position. Upon walking out under the moonlight, the figure started to glow in a light blue light.

"What the hell...?" Rikkard muttered. He looked to his remaining operatives and signaled them. "Move in, but don't shoot. We don't know if that's Draig or not."

Rikkard and his group moved towards the man with their weapons drawn.

"Stop where you are!" Rikkard ordered the man. He had his assault rifle drawn on the man.

The man continued walking towards them. Every step he took, the man made a clanking sound. Rikkard was able to see the man more clearly as he got closer. He was dressed in full body armour. A small red cloak hung off of his right shoulder.

"What the fuck... Stay where you are!"

The man vanished from their sight. The men with Rikkard suddenly grunted. Rikkard looked towards them and saw blood coming out of their mouths. The operatives then fell to the ground with their bodies cut in two.

The armoured man then reappeared right in front of Rikkard. Seeing his operatives effortlessly killed and seeing the man in front of him shocked Rikkard enough to not react right away.

The armoured man made a slight jerk with his right arm and Rikkard felt a sharp pain in his stomach. He looked down and saw that the man had stabbed him through the stomach with a sword. The sword was a thin doubled-edge sword with a cross guard and a round pommel. Dragons were carved into the guard and pommel.

"H-How...?" Rikkard choked.

The armoured man didn't reply to his question. He lifted Rikkard off of his feet and said, "Absorb."

The sword lit up in a blue light and energy of the same colour started to suck into it from Rikkard's body. Rikkard screamed as his body's energy was stolen by the sword. His body quickly shriveled into a dried husk and then disintegrated into dust.

The armoured man flicked his sword to clean it of the blood that remained on it and then sheathed it. The man's armour changed into light and jumped off of his body to reveal him as Lucas Draig. The light then went back into the ring on his left hand. His sword stayed on his waist.

Lucas pulled his cellphone out of his pocket and dialed a number. It rang a couple times before the person on the other end picked up.

"Tep. My home was just attacked by Phoenix including two SYSTEM-enhanced."

"..."

"Phoenix will likely try to get more of their people enhanced with most of their lieutenants dead. At this point, they have served their purpose. It's time to purge them. Leak all information about their organization to all Intelligence agencies. They'll take care of them for us. And send someone to clean this mess."

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Character Stats:

Thomas Everett

Spoiler: Spoiler Status Name Thomas "Tom" Everett Level 28 Experience 35154/37849 Class Magic Blade Race Human Alignment Good Currency Canadian $10,589,148.21 Xoth 0 platinum 8 gold 21 silver 30 copper Title Clever One, Determined, Giant Slayer, Vaccinated, One Of The First, Sole Survivor, Agent of Kara, Generous Healer, Interpreter, Selfless Lover, Human Anatomy, Survivalist, Lobbyist, Voice of Humanity, UNDF Specialist Buffs Agent of Kara 2x experience Bestiary of Xoth +10% damage towards the creatures of Xoth Human Anatomy +10% damage towards Humans, 50% increase to experience gained for Heal and Purify Lobbyist +10% increase chance of persuading a politician Voice of Humanity Positive aura towards anyone (with a moral alignment of neutral or good) you first meet UNDF Specialist Have high-ranking authority within the UNDF military Debuffs Voice of Humanity Positive aura will irritate individuals with an evil alignment that you first meet Health 1420 Health Regeneration/min 12.1(3.8x) Mana 1330 Mana Regeneration/min 14.2(3.6x) Stamina 1320 Stamina Regeneration/min 10.0 Fame 6050 Infamy 0 Strength 142 Intelligence 133 Wisdom 142 Perception 80 Endurance 132 Vitality 121 Agility 100 Luck 104 Unallocated Points 0 Resistances Physical 53% Disease/Toxin 96% Fire 53% Plant 53% Ice 53% Earth 53% Lightning 53% Water 53% Wind 53% Spirit 53% Light 53% Darkness 53% Skills Identify Master Level 2 Persuasion Master Level 3 Language Comprehension Master Level 10 Book Learning Master Level 10 Teacher Beginner Level 6 Nonchalant Master Level 10 Lightning Strike Master Level 1 Lightning Enchant Master Level 1 Lightning Shield Intermediate Level 6 Heal Master Level 4 Purify Master Level 4 Melee Weapon Specialist Intermediate Level 8 Disguise Master Level 1 Prayer Master Level 10 Hero's Call Master Level 10 Fast Travel Master Level 10 Loot Collector Intermediate Level 5 Magical Repair Master Level 2 Tactician Master Level 1 Cook Master Level 3 Trap Master Intermediate Level 5 Unbreakable Intermediate Level 7 Fireball Intermediate Level 8 Fire Enchant Intermediate Level 2 Bow Skill Beginner Level 10 Surge Strike Intermediate Level 10 Enhanced Body Intermediate Level 8 Enhanced Mind Intermediate Level 8 Chain Lightning Beginner Level 8 Group Heal Intermediate Level 7 Enhanced Spells Intermediate Level 8 Enhanced Resistance Intermediate Level 9 SM Transfer Master Level 10 Computer Skill Master Level 1 Massage Intermediate Level 10 Lover Master Level 1 Mixed Martial Artist Intermediate Level 8 Small Arms Specialist Intermediate Level 4 Light Weapons Specialist Intermediate Level 6 Stealth Intermediate Level 3 Lottery Beginner Level 8 Enhanced Dodge Intermediate Level 3

Reia Zyer

Spoiler: Spoiler Status Name Reia Zyer Level 27 Experience 31069/32912 Class Lancer Race Naga Alignment Good Currency Canadian $0.00 Xoth 0 platinum 7 gold 99 silver 14 copper Title Unknown, Giant Slayer, Determined, Life Saver, UNDF Specialist Buffs UNDF Specialist Have high-ranking authority within the UNDF military Debuffs - - Health 1640 Health Regeneration/min 11.2(2.2x) Mana 500 Mana Regeneration/min 4.9 Stamina 1100 Stamina Regeneration/min 12.1 Fame 6050 Infamy 0 Strength 164 Intelligence 50 Wisdom 49 Perception 57 Endurance 110 Vitality 112 Agility 121 Luck 100 Unallocated Points 0 Resistances Physical 29% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire 31% Plant 31% Ice 31% Earth 31% Lightning 31% Water 31% Wind 31% Spirit 31% Light 31% Darkness 66% Skills Identify Intermediate Level 9 Weapon Repair Intermediate Level 6 Armour Repair Intermediate Level 3 Weapon Crafting Beginner Level 9 Armour Crafting Beginner Level 10 Accessory Crafting Intermediate Level 1 Spear Skill Master Level 2 Clothing Reform Master Level 4 Ice Spike Intermediate Level 3 Wind Shield Intermediate Level 7 Wind Blade Master Level 2 Heal Master Level 1 Club Skill Beginner Level 6 Sword Skill Beginner Level 10 Persuasion Intermediate Level 9 Power Strike Intermediate Level 7 Enhanced Resistance Intermediate Level 4 Group Heal Intermediate Level 2 Flurry Intermediate Level 2 Spiral Thrust Beginner Level 10 Enhanced Dodge Intermediate Level 5 Language Comprehension Master Level 10 Purify Intermediate Level 4 Enhanced Regeneration Beginner Level 9 Roulette Beginner Level 1

Sylmae Lyvan

Spoiler: Spoiler Status Name Sylmae "Syl" Lyvan Level 25 Experience 21834/24886 Class Archer Race Elf Alignment Good Currency Canadian $0.00 Xoth 0 platinum 6 gold 79 silver 71 copper Title Unknown, Determined, UNDF Specialist Buffs UNDF Specialist Have high-ranking authority within the UNDF military Debuffs - - Health 590 Health Regeneration/min 5.2 Mana 650 Mana Regeneration/min 5.4 Stamina 1040 Stamina Regeneration/min 12.8 Fame 2150 Infamy 0 Strength 59 Intelligence 65 Wisdom 54 Perception 129 Endurance 104 Vitality 52 Agility 128 Luck 113 Unallocated Points 0 Resistances Physical 21% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire 22% Plant 22% Ice 22% Earth 22% Lightning 22% Water 22% Wind 22% Spirit 22% Light 22% Darkness 57% Skills Identify Intermediate Level 8 Language Comprehension Master Level 10 Bow Skill Intermediate Level 7 Ice Spike Intermediate Level 3 Ice Enchant Intermediate Level 5 Ice Shield Beginner Level 7 Heal Intermediate Level 9 Slow Master Level 1 Group Slow Beginner Level 10 Purify Intermediate Level 1 Enhanced Dodge Intermediate Level 2 Roulette Beginner Level 6 Enhanced Vision Beginner Level 8 Enhanced Resistance Beginner Level 6 Focus Beginner Level 5

Tala Mau

Spoiler: Spoiler Status Name Tala Mau Level 25 Experience 21834/24886 Class Elementalist Race Beastkin (Feline) Alignment Good Currency Canadian $0.00 Xoth 0 platinum 5 gold 62 silver 87 copper Title Unknown, Book Enthusiast, Determined, UNDF Specialist Buffs UNDF Specialist Have high-ranking authority within the UNDF military Debuffs - - Health 540 Health Regeneration/min 6.4 Mana 1840 Mana Regeneration/min 16.4 (3.1x) Stamina 450 Stamina Regeneration/min 4.5 Fame 2150 Infamy 0 Strength 54 Intelligence 184 Wisdom 164 Perception 59 Endurance 45 Vitality 64 Agility 45 Luck 104 Unallocated Points 0 Resistances Physical 15% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire 15% Plant 15% Ice 15% Earth 15% Lightning 15% Water 15% Wind 15% Spirit 15% Light 15% Darkness 50% Skills Identify Intermediate Level 7 Language Comprehension Master Level 10 Fireball Intermediate Level 10 Fire Barrier Beginner Level 8 Fire Enchant Intermediate Level 4 Fire Shield Intermediate Level 5 Flamethrower Beginner Level 9 Heal Master Level 1 Group Heal Intermediate Level 6 Purify Intermediate Level 6 Ice Spike Intermediate Level 1 Wind Blade Beginner Level 7 Lightning Strike Beginner Level 6 Water Blast Intermediate Level 2 Rock Throw Beginner Level 7 Enchantment Intermediate Level 2 Alchemy Beginner Level 6 Invisible Intermediate Level 5 Bubble Shield Beginner Level 10 Dispel Intermediate Level 4 Enhanced Spells Intermediate Level 4 Enhanced Mind Intermediate Level 2 Roulette Beginner Level 6 Dual Cast Beginner Level 6 Paralyze Beginner Level 5

Vivian Terrabane

Spoiler: Spoiler Status Name Vivian "Vi" Terrabane Level 25 Experience 24179/24886 Class Barbarian Race Dwarf Alignment Good Currency Canadian $0.00 Xoth 0 platinum 29 gold 18 silver 93 copper Title Unknown, Determined, Giant Slayer, Explorer, Lone Adventurer, UNDF Specialist Adventurer Guild Rank 6 Buffs UNDF Specialist Have high-ranking authority within the UNDF military Debuffs - - Health 1350 Health Regeneration/min 10.3 (1.9x) Mana 460 Mana Regeneration/min 4.0 Stamina 1100 Stamina Regeneration/min 5.7 Fame 900 Infamy 0 Strength 135 Intelligence 46 Wisdom 40 Perception 63 Endurance 110 Vitality 103 Agility 57 Luck 86 Unallocated Points 0 Resistances Physical 24% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire 27% Plant 27% Ice 27% Earth 27% Lightning 27% Water 27% Wind 27% Spirit 27% Light 27% Darkness 62% Skills Identify Master Level 1 Language Comprehension Master Level 10 Hammer Skill Master Level 1 Rock Throw Intermediate Level 9 Earth Enchant Intermediate Level 8 Earth Shield Intermediate Level 5 Earth Manipulation Intermediate Level 4 Heal Intermediate Level 8 Purify Intermediate Level 2 Club Skill Beginner Level 6 Sword Skill Beginner Level 3 Erupt Beginner Level 9 Power Strike Intermediate Level 1 War Cry Beginner Level 8 Enhanced Resistance Beginner Level 10 Enhanced Regeneration Beginner Level 9 Persuasion Beginner Level 7