For the third time that strange voice echoed through Zoe’s head, though this is the first time she was able to really focus on it. She had listened to a few reports yesterday from across the world. When Bob spoke, he spoke to the entire planet simultaneously in each person’s native language. It was a feat of technological achievement that modern science couldn’t begin to explain.

They waited. Zoe imagined that the change would happen immediately. As the minutes went by the horror movie scene with thousands of monsters charging towards a single point just didn’t happen. Were they part of the lucky ones? There had to be hundreds of animals in the surrounding countryside, not counting the birds in the sky. She turned to Benji to speak but was interrupted by a loud thudding sound from outside the house. Lu Bu opened the door and stepped out onto the front porch followed by Miami and Fitt. The rest of the group walked out behind them and Zoe reluctantly followed.

Around the edge of the property was a massive wall made of a gray stone streaked here and there with blue, green and orange. Along the wall were massive wooden structures which must have been the ballista that Benji was talking about. Again the thudding sound happened, this time much louder. She turned to look across the grass towards the single metal gate and the source of the noise. A massive bird with copper colored feathers was bashing its head against the gate. It noticed the group of people and squawked at them. The sound was loud enough to cause Zoe to cover her ears.

“The wall and gate should be fine but we can’t just let that thing batter away forever. The noise is going to attract others to us.” Benji had turned to speak to the group.

“Can we even handle that thing by ourselves?” Isabel cracked her knuckles as she spoke.

Benji turned to stare at the giant bird for a moment before speaking. “We’ll have to work together but we can beat it. With Lu Bu and Miami holding its attention we'll be able to take it down.”

“I’ll be able to help as well.” Zoe wanted to be part of the conversation but regretted speaking up.

“Absolutely.” Benji smiled at her. “Your vocal skills are a big part of this. You’ll be able to increase our natural regeneration and increase the damage that Copper Pheasant takes.”

Benji went over the battle plan. Once Lu Bu and Miami were in place, Benji would raise the gate, allowing the giant pheasant to charge inside. The gate would be closed once it was inside. At that point Zoe was supposed to use Harsh Mistress to weaken the bird and then use Calming Voice to increase their natural regeneration while Lu Bu and Miami moved to assault the pheasant. Benji would stand in the back ready to heal injuries as they appeared. Duncan would contribute wherever he saw fit. Fitt wouldn't interfere unless the beast got out of control.

"Mom and Alex, I can't force you but it's probably best if you two don't fight until we know how tough they are."

The pair nodded to Benji but didn't speak.

“One last thing." Benji said. "We need to form a party.” Zoe had a blank look on her face before a screen popped up in front of her.

A Party is a group of humans that have agreed to interact with each other against a common enemy. In a party you share experience gained for certain actions and are able to see a visual representation of your fellow party member’s health.

Benji Ferrell has invited you to join a party. Do you accept?

Zoe selected yes and a set of semi-transparent bars appeared in the top left corner of her vision. She saw her own name at the top with seven names underneath. Beside each name was a bright red bar.

Lu Bu took a few steps forward, stuck his halberd into the ground and unhooked his bow. He grabbed three arrows from his quiver before placing the quiver on the ground. He turned and spoke to Benji.

“My lord, I will fire arrows at the beast as it charges. Please refrain from helping until Miami and I have it under control. At that point follow the plan you explained.”

Benji nodded. Lu Bu took one arrow and took aim towards the gate while Miami drew his sword. Benji waved his hand and the gate clattered as it rose up into the wall. The pheasant squawked once more and began lumbering towards them, quickly closing the distance. Lu Bu’s hands moved quickly, firing three arrows in rapid succession before dropping the bow behind him. The first hit the bird in its right eye causing the bird to scream in pain. The second struck deep into its chest. Bright red blood dripped from the wound. The final arrow hit the bird’s right leg causing it stumble slightly but it squawked its rage and increased its speed. Lu Bu grabbed his crescent halberd and moved to flank it from the left while Miami moved to the right. As Benji walked forward, Zoe hurried to walk beside him.

As Lu Bu charged within a few meters of the bird he twirled his halberd above his head before striking at the bird’s thick right leg. The great bird stumbled again and did its best to peck at Lu Bu as he dashed out of the way of its vicious beak. Miami used the distraction to run around behind the bird and began to swipe away at its unprotected backside, tearing away great tufts of feathers with every strike. Zoe was stunned for a moment before remembering her role.

“You’re a stupid bird and I hate you!”

You weakened a Mutated Copper Pheasant. You gain 10 experience. (100/100)

A black haze washed over the pheasant. A red bar appeared at the top of her vision, showing the pheasants current health.

“Don’t worry, everyone. We can do this!”

She felt embarrassed about her choice of words but it seemed to do the trick, the familiar glow washed over the group. The status bars in the corner of her vision updated to show a small icon of a green cross under their names.

The bird struggled to its feet, attempting to peck at Miami. The armored man jumped backwards a few feet out of range of the bird. Lu Bu took advantage and swung heavy strikes at its right leg, leaving a deep gash near the hip joint. The bird tried to turn back causing the flesh to tear away. The bird collapsed its right leg twisting at an odd angle beneath it. Zoe could smell the metallic tinge of blood in the air making her wretch. Lu Bu moved around to the front of the now dying bird and to Zoe’s surprise he gave the bird a slight bow. He pulled back his halberd before stabbing it deep into the pheasant’s chest, piercing its heart. The bird thrashed with its only good leg but to no avail. With a twist of the shaft, he pulled the halberd from its chest causing a gush of blood to spill out, staining its copper feathers. Miami walked around and took one swing at the neck of the great beast, causing its head to drop to the ground. As blood gushed from its neck, another screen popped up in front of Zoe.

Your party killed a Mutated Copper Pheasant. You gain 100 exp. (200/100)

Zoe stumbled away from the scene and doubled over, dry heaving. Thankfully she hadn’t eaten in a while so nothing came up. As she stood trying to collect herself she felt something cold touch her shoulder. She looked to see Benji offering her a bottle of water. She gave him a weak smile and took the bottle. After rinsing her mouth out she walked back over to the corpse. Benji handed a bottle of water and a pair of rags to Lu Bu and Miami so they could clean their weapons. Benji reached down and placed his hand on the corpse, which disappeared into his backpack. After manipulating the air in front of him the blood from the pheasant sunk into the ground, taking the horrible smell with it.

“Great job, everyone. That went much smoother than I anticipated.” As Benji spoke he handed a few packets of jerky to his retainers who gratefully accepted them. “I think we should move inside before we attract anything else.”

Benji swiped at the air in front of him and a second later a heavy wooden doors appeared on the inner portion of the entrance, blocking the view into the forest beyond. Benji turned and followed his mother who had begun walking towards the house. Lu Bu reclaimed his bow and quiver and began walking the inner grounds. Zoe stood watching the spot where the bird died before something tugged on her shirt. She turned to see the strange boy Fitt smiling up at her.

"Dangerous. Safer inside."

The boy grabbed her hand and walked with her towards the mansion.