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** short intermission **

"Good.. well it's nighttime and I apologize for the late showing. I know I said during the day, well.." Lily pointed at her bed while raising the camera. "You can see my man is knocked out, right? Haha, you know what we did."

She picked up the camera and showcased the man's face. "Look at that, he's drooling. All I did was send him a pic of some clothes I bought and asked if he liked it. He portal home that second. Haha!"

Lily walked back to the computer and put the camera back. "I'm not showing the outfit. He doesn't even let me outside in yoga pants. He definitely won't want me showing that outfit."

Lily waved her hand as she took a drink of water. "Okay, okay. Yesterday someone donated a fat stack to know the difference between superhuman and their community. So I have my college friend who is currently in Virginia and my gamer buddy who is in London. Say hi guys."

"Hey everybody, I am Zoe." A crystal clear voice came over the speaker.

"Sup, Brandon here." A lazy British accent had the chat sending hearts.

"So to start off, I am going to tell you about some of the good things in my valley. Added with clips. First up is the casino which just had a concert." Lily switched on the clip.

"Damn, we don't even have an entertainment district open. Even the pubs are closed." Brandon grumbled.

"Same here. Our city was small to begin with and when the mages took over. They didn't care one whit about common people." Zoe added in.

"Well, I am sorry for flexing. Just a little information, the grey wolves casino is run by shifters. It was built by a group of construction mages. They really did a great job. So what kind of building is also in you guys' towns?"

Brandon spread his hand, "everything is the same. They rebuilt the buildings. So nothing changes in London except the royal family is a group of mages. Warriors are second class citizens and we, common people, are third rate citizens."

Zoe showed a few clips of mages towers. "The council made these to guard against creatures and promote a higher mana ground. It gives food grown inside a better taste but that is it."

Lily giggled, "I think we have something similar. The first is a wizard tower but it's not a focus point to the city. That would be the power plant which increases the overall mana of the place. Well, a secret.." she leaned in close to the camera as she whispers. "These spires that surround the valley are actually made from dragon scales that were shedded. They emitted a special kind of energy that increased the growth of shifters."

"Okay, comparing communities is just leaving room for Lily to brag. Let's discuss the differences between evolvers?" Zoe said right away.

Brandon snorted, "I have people who want to rate towns. So let's do that."

Lily nodded and began playing a prepared clip showcasing different known towns.

"Starting from the first five are government best cities. The next will go into the three best cities of every state and the last is England's best cities."

"Well the first wouldn't be my ideal safe zone. Look at the people, they look oppressed." Zoe said.

Brandon nodded, "you can tell they are struggling even though 6 out of 10 animals are edible. But you can see that one of the common people only has a bowl of rice with no meat. It means that the government finds these people completely useless."

"Don't leave out how a lot of buildings were torn down to provide an easy to see spot between the wall and the actual homes of important people. All other useless personnel are in tents or stacked in buildings closer to the no man's land." Lily tosses in.

Zoe shook her head, "we don't even have to pay attention to the other two. I auto give them the lowest score possible. Corrupt governments are ten times more likely to fuck the people than some aboriginal group. This is just another example."

"I happen to agree. The shifters, at least, have a stable leadership who thinks about the wellbeing of all people." Lily bragged.

"Same with mages. It is easier to get things done if there is no strife holding things back." Brandon nodded along.

"I wish I could say the same but the mages here are dicks with a superiority complex. On top of that, they throw parties and use common women before throwing little gifts at them. Not enough to survive on but enjoy that they will definitely come back." Zoe complained.

"It's fair though. Without that bit of sustainability, those of you who aren't seeking work might starve to death. Then turn to animals that assault those who are trying to quench their hunger." Brandon boldly stated.

"So you are saying it is fair to exploit women?"

"Of course, this isn't the old world where they could get away with flashing their ties on streaming and making millions."

"Wow, I had no idea you were such a pig!"

"I am a pig because I believe a woman should do what she should eat?"

"You are a pig because you believe women are only good for selling their bodies."

"If you are against selling your body, then why do you stream in tank tops or clothes that emphasize your cleavage?"

"So you are saying I can't wear comfortable clothes during the summer?"

"I am saying that you are exploiting your body and using many excuses to cover the fact. Lily looks ten times better than you now and she is still in a Hoodie. She might have less than you under that Hoodie but for her self respect. She always tosses it on. Using her content to provide quality, not her body."

"Well, I am poor and can't afford to turn on the ac. So I'm not going to give myself a heat stroke."

"Right.. those women are poor, they aren't going to starve themselves to give you validation."

Zoe snarled, "Lily, what do you think?"

"She is in bed with her man. So I think she finds your logic dogshit like your game play."

Lily glanced over and laughed, "can you guys stop fighting?"

"No!" They both said at the same time.

Lonnie yawned and stretched. He rolled out of bed and walked over.

"First thing first, what makes people think exploiting women is a criminal thing? As a woman if you are only good for spreading your legs and popping out babies. Then what would be the reason that you don't do it? Just because skinny women are starving and trying to fight for equal opportunities with their voices instead of hands?" Lonnie pulled Lily into a kiss. "If all lily could do in this world was provide me with a good ass pussy, clean my house, and cook. Then I wouldn't see it as exploiting her advantages. I would see it as equal trade where I go out and get sunburnt while farming and she handles the important things. This is a mutually beneficial relationship."

Zoe snorted, "so you agree that women are only good for being on their backs?"

Lonnie raised his eyebrow. "My apologies, I was just talking to chat. I don't debate with stupid." He turned to Lily, "I'm going to make lunch. Do you want anything special, my love?"

Lily's eyes twinkled like diamonds in the moonlight. "No, anything will do."

"Lily, what do you think now that the sexists have responded?" Zoe added in while Brandon was laughing.

"Honestly, Lonnie is right. You can only exploit someone when they aren't willing to compromise to a beneficial solution. That's mostly during peacetime. We are at war and on the brink of losing. If you are legitimately not capable of working, then your body is the only valuable means you left yourself. Use it." Lily shrugged like this wasn't a big deal.

Zoe looked shocked, "as a woman, how can you tell other women to sell themselves?"

Lily laughed, "very easily. My brother is a shifter but he's very low on the totem pole. You might not know but there are levels to being a shifter. Meaning we were living in a cramped one bedroom with food bary enough to feed one person and I couldn't even stream as I do now. Let's not talk about what might happen if he eventually catches up because he won't."

Lily leaned forward, "when there are very few valuable talents. It's fine to play catch up but there were already 80 plus shifters when I came to this valley. Now there are over five hundred and growing. Being at the bottom then means that bottom is just going to get deeper, the walls more smoother, and the rope at the top going to seem super small."

"I don't get the point." Zoe interrupted.

"The point is, I would have starved if I didn't exploit what I have. I knew my body was the alpha type, I knew my house skills were enough to hook any man. So I found an opportunity and took it. Now, I live in a mansion and can get good dick when I want. Great food at my fingertips. I never have to worry about being thrown aside because I utilize my advantages and study more. Saying I'm a criminal for exploiting myself is only something someone with an excess amount of things could say. A privilege of the wealthy." Lily clicked a clip showing off the city as her chat roared with approval. A few trolls called her a gold digger.

Brandon nodded, "I agree. In order to get resources I needed to be a powerful mage. I hooked up with a rich woman and became her boy toy. Yet, I am now in a position where I can make risky decisions. Don't be a hypocrite and preach new age shit."

Lily sighed, "well Zoe killed my journalism spirit. So I am going to go play games in preparation for dinner."

** short intermission ends **

After knocking out dinner and enjoying the night with Lily, I spent the early morning studying ancient wuxia techniques.

Reason why I was studying eastern techniques over the west is simple. We, westerners, rely on things like faith. Faith in magic to cast spells, faith in magic to send powerful abilities. There was no real science behind it because the mystery left us quaking in our boots. All because we have faith in a higher unexplainable existence.

Now those Asians, they have a semi-concrete system. Their abilities go through some system of meridians which is similar to my current system. I can follow this or replicate it through slow exposure.

I lifted my tired eyes from the monitors as two sets of foot falls entered my house. One of them was Edward, my so-called rival in love.

I so wanted to laugh when I saw Sabrina walking beside Edward. Her fine ass got her head in the clouds but I sent a message to her mother.

"Boss, about the techniques. How do we go about trying to train them? I read up on the idea behind it but not the way to train it. My people are also confused on this matter." Edward acted like he didn't just bring in my ex-future wife.

Jessica came in with a bottle of dragon fruit wine. Her eyes flickered to Sabrina but as a Dragon Mage. Her face didn't show what was hiding in her heart.

Jessica poured me a glass and sat the bottle in a champagne bucket. I couldn't keep the grin off my face as Edward studied the two.

"Honestly, I created a training tool based on my perspective. You can create skills based on that as a foundation. I plan to go train in the world today. You can send some of your smartest kids along."

Edward looked like he swallowed a lemon as he realized that the mother was the better product. Not only did she lose the age lines but her body was firmer in all the right places. Not to mention that she goes to the gym to train, so she is fit and not just fat.

"Okay, I will let them know." Edward hurried and rose up. He didn't even pay attention to Sabrina as he left.

Jessica gave me an odd look, "did you take his girl?"

I nodded while breaking into laughter. "I didn't. A girl he was chasing ran to me."

Jessica rolled her eyes, "if he hurts my girl, we are going to fall out."

I rolled my eyes, "I would like to see you try."

Jessica huffed but said nothing. I held out my hand and an almost red transparent axe. It should have been a deep red but a lot of chi was wasted in the process.

"Go pack your bag. You are coming with me this time." I said after dismissing the axe.

My nose caught the twins cooking in the kitchen. I wanted to bring one of them but their survival skills were shit. Not to mention their ability to learn easy as fuck spells. They were fucking disgraceful, yet they were good house pets.

I marched on past them and began packing my bags. Of course, Lily made it hard with her putting off that smell while sitting on top that barely covers her c cups and panties that really brought out the pale skin tone. Plus her natural red hair was thick and shiny. Those pink lips and grey eyes.. I just wanted to throw her down and eat her up.

Yet, she was playing a game with a serious face. So I had to show self restraint.

***

Jessica and I appeared in front of the dino portal with our gear. I wasn't really expecting a lot of people to self volunteer. Our community was coming together and who would want to train in a dangerous environment.

I talked shit with the guards, while waiting. Not even thirty minutes later, Tori group showed up at the same time as some dragon shifters under Eleanor. Not all dragons shifters were lolis but a vast majority of those who felt they could match me were. Which left a bad taste in my mouth just thinking about it.

When Tinashe and another fed showed up, I was surprised. They were below the standard for training. Edward's group showed up last and he nodded at me like we were buddy buddies. He had a new girl on his arm though.

He wouldn't throw away Sabrina but she definitely wasn't top of the list now.

Tinashe walked over with the other house cat. "This is my fiancee, Desiree. This is the king."

The dark ebony had a slim thick body but was more like a pear. It wasn't bad giving her a good look but I was slightly surprised that she wasn't white.

I held out my hand, "Hey, sweety. This is my woman, Jessica."

Jessica just curled her lip up but didn't deign to speak. I could probably guess why. Desiree smelled like a sweatshop like the first time I went to a strip club. Jessica owned a few strip clubs. However, when you straight compared women then the lighter brown Jessica was two notches above. For a woman who grew up from nothing, she gained an aura about herself that made you feel slightly inferior. Add it with her natural body advantages of being thick and slim. More to the thick side. The thickness didn't look off-putting but like a rare moment of fantasy.

Yet, the darker ebony had a big nose with a piercing. She had a kind of hood attitude about her with the long nails and bootie shorts. Just comparing clothing, Jessica was more business casual in a loose brown pants and button up. She had on slippers but I knew she had a spell that could make her lightweight. So that her feet wouldn't support all her weight.

They both were fit with heart shaped asses. Yet, Jessica still was top notched in comparison.

Tinashe gave Jessica a kind of provoking look but if she wanted to compete in thuggish behavior, she didn't have what it took. Jessica is someone I put stock to rise no matter where she was. Whereas, Tinashe was a greenhouse plant.

It's why I gave her a rare dragon potion versus just normal magic potion.

"Okay, everybody let's go in."

When we arrived inside, I pulled Jessica to an area. We dropped out our bags and began digging the foundation of our hut with barely dense black and blue chi shovels.

The others looked at us and picked out their own areas. Only Tinashe and the dragons hover close by me. Tinashe because she was not close to the level of manifesting her chi.

When me and Jessica took a break, we noticed the others had enough members to do shifts. They might be angled for a group home.

I turned to Tinashe who was watching me while flirting with her girl. Frowning, I look at Jessica. Huge difference. Jessica was genuinely practicing her mana method while the other was on vacation.

The Dragons led by Eleanor were separated by differences in opinion. You could tell which group approved of her because it was mostly all women. The other was all men with their wives.

I stood up and got back to work. By the time the sun had started to set, Jessica and I were cutting down trees. Well, I cut them down and she prepared them.

It was like Edward was competing with me as his girl was a mage and working in coordination with him. He was also building a solo hut. So when me and Jessica started putting runes upon the logs, he and his girl were cutting it to properly fit like a solid log cabin.

Tori group was first to finish, followed by me and Edward. Then the male squad of dragon shifters.

I knew I was physically as well as mentally tired as I pulled out an air bag and let Jessica blow it up with magic before we both collapsed.

Tinashe and her mate stood on the steps like they had hoped they could come in.

"You didn't bring a tent? How savage of yourself. Sleeping out in the wild like that." Jessica told them in such a tired tone that made it seem like she was joking.

Desiree grabbed Tinashe's arm, "let's ask one of the other groups."

Tinashe shook her head, "they won't take us without asking for something. I'm not going to whore myself out."

"I'm not sleeping on the ground. So let's just leave. We don't have to train like this."

"Yeah, we don't but who will hire us if we don't get stronger? No offense but I'm tired of hearing other people's arguments."

"It's not like we can't go to a different city or something or work at the casino. We are two hot women."

Jessica snorted, "Edward and Jake don't accept shifters working the floor and those in top positions are smarter than you. Just go spread your legs like a good bitch. Not like you haven't done it before."

Desiree snapped her fingers, "bitch who are you talking to like that. Do you think I won't beat your fat ass?"

Jessica slowly stood up as a black flame serpent circled her. "Oh, you thought this was going to be a street fight."

Tinashe held her girlfriend back as they backed up.

Laughing, I watched the drama unfold. "Let's talk reasonably, eh."

Jessica snorted and dropped back down, pulling out a sleeping bag from one of her duffel bags.

Tinashe had finished talking to her upset girlfriend. Then she turned those pretty brown eyes to me. "So I know I made a mistake in planning but tell me how to fix it."

I started pulling out my own sleeping bag. "Easy, so far I am disappointed and understand why the government is losing so much ground. Your discipline is shit. You flirted with her the whole time everybody else was training. You still failed to gain any sense of purpose and now you showcase the ability of someone easily exploited."

"How were we supposed to know?" Desiree said like a typical freeloader.

I smiled and pulled off my shirt. "Tinashe, how much do you love your fiancee?"

Tinashe frowned, "what is that supposed to mean?"

"I have no desire to hand hold you but to provide you with the environment to change your position. To provide your nanny with the knowledge she can use on her own people. Yet, your future wife is basically bad for you. I hope sex is good for you." I toss over a tent to her. "When you can pass fifty percent, we can talk more."

Before Desiree could mouth off, Tinashe slapped her hand over that loudmouth mouth. "Yes sir."

Tinashe snatched up the tent and left.

Come morning, most of us were up and training. Jessica was jogging around the open field, while the rest of us were up logging the trunks and filling in the dirt.

The late risers like Eleanor look well rested. It was not surprising that Tinashe or Desiree was getting up.

I turned to tori as I took my break, "what do you think?"

Tori wiped sweat off her brow with a towel. "I can feel my chi getting denser as I practice. The number of swings or times I need to dig is shorter. As a training exercise, it's great but as an attack, I'm confused."

"Sounds good. It went how I thought." I patted her shoulder. "Send out a group using my method to hunt and compare using chi over the hands to the chi consolidate weapons."

Tori nodded as she left. I dragged Jessica off to hunt a big boy so I could eat and recover my energy. Honestly, there was a difference that was platible. The chi arrows easily pierce the large tri horn that Jessica controlled with tree roots. Of course, she got to ride a dragon as I brought the large prey back.

Tori and her group came back with a bunch of little raptors. I could tell that their group faltered upon seeing prey due to the tears on their clothes.

Edward as my rival hunted something big and didn't do half bad. Bagging bull like creature. The other dragons did well, they were a good tori group. Bagging small prey.

Tinashe and Desiree looked like they definitely weren't going to go try their luck when they compared the wounds to the different groups.

You could see from the wounds on the big bull. They went from single slice wounds to claws and bites on the ankles and knees.

I didn't even need to know that the raptors tore into the tori group. The flesh and fur of the bears was evident.

The female lolis attack with bows which was evident but later claws and teeth. Dragons had an advantage in both chi reserves and size over most prey. Sadly, female dragons are slim and most of these girls are vegans. Or anti-violences. Some were a little too girly and while I called them lolis. It was just an overall term to say skinny girls with no ass and small to no breast.

The males showed a savageness that was surprising. They completely kill their prey with consolidated chi. One or two strikes max.

I sighed and helped Jessica set up a grill out of wood. I pulled a wood log over and enjoyed Jessica cooking. Honestly, if you saw her now and not at any time before. You might have a misconception. The girl sold dope as a child, she rose in her gang. Took over in her twenties while pregnant and then expanded to the point that nobody but a few knew she was a huge drug kingpin.

Her urban survival skills are exceptional and her jungle skills? Are proving to be equally shocking.

Desiree had walked to Edward and I noticed the way he looked at me with a winning smile. He took the stripper into his log cabin and I shook my head.

Tinashe had a bomb look but she came over to me and Jessica handed her a plate. "What do you think?"

Tinashe frowned around her food. "What do you mean?"

"This is the second day and while I can see a bit of your improvements. I know she distracted you a lot. However, I just want you to know that you are at the lowest level of shifters in my community. To the point, I am going to ship you useless shifters to the government and allow them to do as they please?" I gave her a fangy smirk as I grabbed another steak.

Jessica left the ribs simmering as she went to train. Tinashe was forcing her steak. She took a deep breath.

"Why is it a bad thing to assist the government?"

"I'm glad you think so. You and your girlfriend can leave and prepare to get ship to your death."

"I don't understand why there needs to be such a division between strong and weak."

I raised an eyebrow, "you don't watch the news? You don't hear some of the new people talking about how cruel the new world is? Yeah, you should head back."

Tinashe frowned and she was going to speak but I was tired of hearing her speak. She focused way too hard on trying to be a government agent over a human.

"There isn't anything you can say to me. You have shown me such disappointment and didn't improve. The world is going to change to the strong rules. The government is already on the fringed three months into this new world. You are disillusioned to think otherwise."

I stopped talking and just ate the rest of the food then went to pile up more logs.