The next encounter with skeleton soldiers went much different. The others were fighting properly, this time leaving Silas at the rear guard. Just maintaining support. The melee Hunters got their guts back, they were attacking carefully. Dodging by taking a step back to get out of reach, raising their shield to bounce off the attacks. A larger improvement, this time Caroline was singing with her eyes closed, avoiding seeing everything.

Nora unleashed a spell that binds the the skeleton soldiers with a dark force. Giving the others a better chance at stopping it, Julie was shouting out orders. Making the Hunters think of what they were going to do next at every step. Her orders were more like short questions to get the Hunters thinking. Those that understood were able to fight, those that failed to understand got hurt as a result. Silas fired off a few shots to enemies that damaged them to keep them safe.

Two of the healers were working themselves to keep the others in good shape, Silas could see them struggling. They were trying to heal everyone's injuries all at once.

"Don't focus on healing every bit of injury. You can leave that to Caroline." The two healers took his words with the mana potion Silas provided. Silas put the gun away. This encounter was over, Silas could see the others being burned out and tired. They went a little deeper to find an open clearing where light was shining from above.

"Make sure to take your rations. We provided you guys with food for a reason. Don't underestimate eating food and resting, Hunters have died because they haven't been able to care for their stamina and mana. SIlas, you can handle the watch don't you?"

"Sure." Silas said as the others took their chance to eat, while Silas loaded another weapon. Then looking at Midnight Squall's weapon stats.

Midnight Squall

Weapon Coffin. (Holds weapons and is a weapon itsself)

The weapon that is named similar to Midnight Wind, but changed it to squall as a tribute to Joshua Gates.

Holds the other pair that completes the Gates Magnums.

Weapon damage list.

Gatling gun : 40

Cannon : 250

Sniper cannon : 500

Artillery : 5000

Micromissile : 200

Coffin swing : 100

The Coffin uses Weapon Charges. Do enough damage with weapons from the Gates set and you will gain access to Midnight Squall's weapon charges.

The weapons use charges. The higher the damage, the higher the charge. Except for Coffin Swing.

STATUS

Charging State : When weapon damage inflicted on enemies, Midnight Squall will make noise. A screech to inform you and its eyes will glow.

When weapon has been charged to fullest, the skeleton will begin to jitter.

Weapon Deployment : Weapons in the Gate Set can now be accessed completely, allowing for more weapons to be deployed from Midnight Squall. The Deployment can be sent at will. It is connected to your brain.

The Midnight Special : All weapons in the Gate set will now have a Midnight Prefix to it.

Thorn's Defense : Able to erect a barrier that consumes a charge, can be used to shield allies.

Madness's Call : When at maximum charge of 5. Extra charges will be converted to screeches that will buff allies and debuff enemies. Random buffs accordingly.

Call for the wind : Can materialize and dematerialize at any time. Weapons can be teleported through the gloves if you're too far.

Midnight : Like the darkness that comes at night, the midnight wind blows. After combat engagements, a wind will blow to confirm whether enemies are present. Like the midnight sky that is vast, you deal more damage in the cover of darkness or areas that have dark elementals. Defense decreased in light areas or places with light elemental attributes.

When HP is at 10% damage is increased by three fold.

Silas didn't think that the Midnight Prefix was bad, it just made him more vulnerable. Which was what Silas was right now. He was vulnerable but that vulnerability was something he liked. It was to remind him that he was still human despite his powers after all. Now he just needs to make sure he isn't careless.

The maximum charge is 5, but there's no clarity to how much damage Silas has to inflict against enemies to gain the charges. Putting the Magnums aside, Silas settled for a marksman rifle. 30 rounds of powerful bullets that do 50 damage per shot. This was easier to use and load compared to Gates Magnums. A lighter wait and the sights were tuned to what he wished. Silas was adjusting the stock of the rifle before anything else.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Caroline asked where Silas shook his head.

"Eating too much makes you full and being too full means you can't move easily." Silas's answer was cold as ice but his priority was to see everything else. Silas pulled out a cigarette from his pack, the ones that he has hand rolled. Seems like he picked up Kael's habit. Not that it was a bad thing. The smell of the cigarettes had given a small buff to Silas, the Thorn's Blessing. It was granting a calm air, increasing will power to stop people from panicking too much.

The smell was that of roses that bloom in spring, yet the taste was as cold mints like winter's breath. The ashes fell like the leaves in autumn, fading away from the heat that came from summer. Silas felt like the Ancients of Seasons were standing behind him in this moment.

"How's everything over there, Bayran?"

"All is well, Lord. The Noir Dancer has been working well to gather companions by her side. Now the Venerator's Union chose to Chairwoman Maya Lee as the head of the Union itself. She controls everything and now, she's given more Venerators the option to work in different fields. There's no major threats and your Familiars from HDF have been joining in Spires as additional support for a fee. Including the Lions of Pride Rock who have taken pay to operate in larger Spires. Even Spire quests have had three factions face each other. Mistral, Black Jack and Ronin went to face on another in battle. Black Jack had won naturally. They took their pay and headed back for repairs. Iacus and Donovan are training Jensen Glenn. It seems that Jensen Glenn has an affinity for long swords as you suspected"

"Good. Who's been rolling the cigarettes?"

"It was General Leon. He seems to enjoy your cigars and noticed you picked up the smoking habit as well. As Servants, they have the right to ask us for aid at any given time. We've helped him roll it. How is it over there, Lord? Is it peaceful?"

"Yes. It is peaceful, how's Ashen Phoenix?"

"Ashen Phoenix seems to enjoying their rest at the 5th Bellwitch's workshop. Currently being finely tuned, Ferno is now helping the Ashen Phoenix. He's gotten stronger, strong enough to stop Lugasa's attacks. Your covenant ally, Fitz is working with Chairwoman Lee, acting as her attendant. As well making sure to clean up the evil ones that try to harm Aloris or the Union."Silas tapped his cigarette, watching the ash fade away.

"We hope to be of service to you in the future, Lord!" Barakas spoke up with her joyous tone.

"Of course. I'll bring you here when I need you. Get stronger then. One Winged Seraph?"

"Yo." A casual greeting but that was normal for One Winged.

"How's the affairs of the Heaven's and Hells?"

"Well since we've been restored as Etana's Emissaries, we've got more juice. The other Supreme Gods has seen what happened when they chose to mess with it. So no major trouble. Though the Demons and the angels are trying to test humanity in the spires, but so far... You could say there's enough fear that both sides would rather go to war with each other than attack your world."

"That's good to hear. How's the other Gods?"

"They're fine. They are currently watching you as per usual. Cold Cage's Supreme God has chosen to stay to observe Fitz." Silas felt movement ahead of him, it was definitely something.

"Alright. Looks like I got trouble." Silas flicked the cigarette ahead of him, seeing a large serpent that was made of bone. Silas fired off a few shots at the serpent which alerted the others that there was trouble coming. The serpent was able to dodge the bullets, it was slithering around them. There were smaller serpents move around.

"That's a Great Bone Serpent! Denver, tank the attack! Front line focus on fighting the bone serpents! Songstress! Get to singing! Rangers, Archers attack the Bone Serpent. Witch! We'll need some spells to damage them. No fire!" Silas kept his eyes on the great bone serpent. It was slithering all around them, its agility was not to be underestimated. Denver who carried a great shield was trying to stop the Great Bone Serpent's attacks. It was lunging and even used its ability 'Bone Poison' which was unleashing a breath of white powder.

'Bone Poison : Debuff target's strength by 25%.' Silas turned to see the others, they were struggling with the smaller serpents that were using the same attack. Caroline was trying to keep singing but her singing was stopped when a bone serpent struck her arm. It threw off her casting.

"What the hell is a D-Ranked Monster doing in an F-Dungeon!?" Denver shouted as he was pushed back a couple of times from the lunge attacks.

"Caroline!" Silas fired at the bone serpent, Nora helped Caroline up.

'Minor Poison : Health loss at 1% per second for 30 seconds.'

"Shit!" A serpent leaped over at Hardin's face, Silas managed to take the blow instead. Firing off more shots. The bone serpents were beginning to circle all around them, the defensive line was breaking. Silas thought of the katana, where it flew to his side. Silas stayed within the darkness, as he leaped to a position where he could see the targets. Marking them all with his eye.Seeing the blue lines on the Serpents.

'Katana skill : The Second Movement, Azure Tide activated. Mana Cost : 50. Targets are marked by visual.' Silas took a step, he needed to arm the attack. Imbuing mana into it, Silas drew the blade forward. The explosions shattered all of the bone serpents. Freeing everyone else, Julie readied her rifle. Firing at great bone serpent that began to slither, giving off a hiss and glare at the Hunters.

'Pressure : Asserting its aura against enemies, the weaker the enemies. The greater the effect. Leaves Hunters in a state of Stagger and prone to damage.'

Silas was caught in the pressure, but he was going to break the assertive pressure that was building from it. Silas took the other pistol, firing the Gates Magnum to the great bone serpent's head. The pressure broke off, but some of the other Hunters were affected. The bones were slowly chipping from the 'Pierce' status effect.

Silas ran the trigger until the great bone serpent had taken some damage, roaring as it backed away into the ruins. Silas fell on his back, gasping for air. The weight and the recoil of the magnums were causing his elbow and shoulders to ache.

"Everyone alright?" Julie checked in, she had given the others some potion.

"We managed to drive it off... This is too much. We'll need to call another team to handle it." Julie informed, seeing the damage inflicted by the Hunters. Then seeing more great bone serpents returning. A crystal appeared in front of Silas.

A summon crystal of Ferno the Indomitable.

Summons Ferno the Indomitable for an area of affect attack.

Restores health.

Restores Mana.

Cures all ailments.

Cost to summon attack :100 HP and 100 Mana.

Once used Summoner will be staggered.

Ferno : I can't do much to help you :(

Silas grabbed the crystal then looked at the oncoming great bone serpents. Downing a potion to restore his mana.

"Ferno the Indomitable!" Silas crushed the crystal, as giant black wings began to cover the area. The temple's environment changed into an open field of a withered plain. The plants, the trees had died. Skeletal remains were all over the area. They heard a loud whistling coming from above. The skies turned dark as a black phoenix landed by Silas's side. Craning downwards to allow Silas to touch his beak. Then trilling with joy, rubbing its beak on Silas's hands.

"Can you take care of them?" Ferno squawked with excitement, spreading its wings that summoned black spears that rained down from the skies. Piercing through the great bone serpents bodies, leaving wide holes in them. A pair of sabers appeared by Silas's side, where he grabbed it.

Ferno's Sabers.

The sabers that signify the pact between summoner and Ferno.

The Black Phoenix of Strength, the last of its kind.

The pair of sabers are part of Ferno's swords when Ferno's in the human form.

To summon Ferno's human form, there would be a need for higher stats as the mana pool required is 500 at a minimum.

ATK : 380. (Weapon will grow along with the summoner's stats)

Status

The Indomitable : Blocks and parries are guaranteed to stop enemy attacks regardless of level. Has a 10% chance to stagger enemy attacks.

The Black Flames : Chance of inflicting black flames upon blocks. 5%. Leaves a HP burn of 2% proportionate to health. 10 second duration.

Pact of flames : Black flames that touch the Summoner will heal either HP or MP. Randomized amount.

The Pact's Bane : Attacks with this weapon will chip HP at 10% with each strike. Blocks are not affected by this.

Silas grabbed Ferno's blade as the remaining two great bone serpents began their assault on him. Silas used the sabers to protect himself from the relentless onslaught of the two great bone serpents. They were lunging at him one by one, trying to keep Silas on the defensive which was good as the two of them had caught the black flames. Backing away from attacking Silas.

When the two great bone serpents went after the Hunters. Ferno unleashed its black flame that began to burn them completely. Leaving nothing but dust, then whistling to its win. Silas headed over, where Ferno chirped at Silas, then cuddling him.

"Hey that tickles." Ferno then turned to heal the other Hunters.

"All better?" Ferno spoke with the youthful voice. Whereby Caroline looked at Ferno who rubbed its beak over her hand.

"Yes.. Thank.. Thank you. Who.. Who are you?"

"People call me Ferno the Indomitable! I'm a Black Phoenix! Though I'm not as big as my ancestor! Anyway!"

"Bye bye master. I hope you call me again if you need help!" Ferno gently bit SIlas's hand, a play bite that Ferno had done for Joshua in the past. Ferno vanished as the environment returned back to the ruined temple. Silas fell to his knees, it seemed that his mana had reached 0 and that he had reached his limit.

"Silas!" That was the last thing he heard. Wearing the gear of the Lord of Thorns.This gave Silas a chance to visit Jensen, who was training diligently with Iacus and Donovan. Jensen was struggling but he made a lot of progress, judging by the scars and injuries he had suffered. Jensen was now fighting on par with Donovan, and even able to catch Iacus's daggers.

"Iacus, Donovan. Stay by his side to train him for now."

"As you command, Lord." Silas woke up, he wasn't at his house. He was elsewhere.

"Ah. You're awake." Ericson smiled.

"Sorry I made you worry grandpa."

"The Hunter that came with you was apologizing because of the dangerous situation that needed you to use your power... Also because of that." Silas turned to see Ferno perched on the table. Just tilting its head to look at Bigby who was doing homework. Bigby was looking like he had a tough time, Ferno then hopped over to Bigby's lap. Bigby's heartbeat was slowly calming down. Jensen appeared.

"Oh. Grandpa.. Silas?"

"Hey Jensen. It's been a long time. So you're carrying a long sword now?"

"Yeah. I found this blade in a practice quest... Silas... What... What happened to you?"

"It's a... A very long story. I'll tell you about it over dinner." Silas said as they all had dinner together. After dinner he explained what had happened. From start to finish about being brought elsewhere and that he had to survive there for years.

"I'm glad you're alive. Thanks for saving me back then."

"I wasn't sure if you would recognize me, Jensen." Jensen chuckled.

"At least we're all back together. That's what matters... I heard you were making waves at the Association. People have been talking about a highly skilled newbie that took on a Decaying Minotaur."

"Iacus, Donovan." The two appeared, kneeling by Silas's side.

"Your orders, Lord?"

"Join Jensen in his missions as Familiars. Continue his training."

"Of course, Lord. It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Iacus, I am the Wise of Darkness."

"Hi. I'm Donovan, the Guardian." The two introduced.

"I'm Ferno!" Ferno spoke as he perched on Silas's head. Where Silas offered some of the meat that Ericson had made.

"Master are you going to stay here from now on? This house feels nice!" Ferno spoke up, where Silas stroked his beak.

"There's space for you at home and for those two as well. Your room is untouched. Are you going to stay here from now on?"

"If you don't mind."

"Yay! Big brother's back!" Bigby said, watching Ferno hop in front of Bigby.

"Hi." Ferno tweeted as he rubbed his beak on Bigby's hand. The sight of it was nice, but staying in this house? It was a warm feeling, something that Joshua Gates had yearned for a long time. Even with his familiars, Silas could see the emptiness in Joshua's eyes and that emptiness. Led to Silas, slowly but surely such feelings were being manifested bit by bit, but at the very least something was going right.

"We'll be on guard duty for the house then.