In the heart of Grendel Arsenal was an operations center overseeing missions across the Dawns borough of Ordo, the Slayer Capital. Securely in a room were a table of military officers and Slayers, all of whom who had survived the bombs the day prior. Tension thickened the air from the moment this briefing was called.

At the front of the meeting room was an electronic screen covering the entirety of a wall from edge-to-edge, highlighting the intel that was gained over the past days. The man at the head of the table, Colonel Caleb Gillespie of Task Force Duskhead, sat sideways in his chair, one side faced the laptop and the other facing the screen, waiting.

Waiting until the final person joined.

[USER: SERAPH]

Gillespie accepted Seraph immediately and entered a video call.

Seraph was sitting in a dim private room with peeling wallpaper behind her. The inadequate lightning made her appear several years older, making her exhaustion more pronounced. Yet her marble-like gaze was felt even through the computer screen, causing the people in Grendel Arsenal to shift and squirm.

“Seraph,” began Gillespie, tense, “will General Subramanian also be joining us today or is it just you?”

“Just me, Colonel. Do you hear me loud and clear?”

“As if you’re right here with us.” He fiddled with his laptop. “How’s the visuals? Anything blurry on your side of the city?”

“Crystal.”

“Perfect.” Gillespie tapped and scrolled through several files, plastering them on the large screen, some overlapping each other. “Since this operation got complicated quick, let’s begin with a timeline of events just so we’re on the same page. Is that okay with you, Seraph?”

Seraph nodded. “By all means.”

A graphic was displayed on the screen: a literal line with dots, marking significant events. Eight vertical, smaller lines divided the main timeline, each one labeled according to the days transpired in the Ordo Disaster.

“In order to explain the full story, we need to return to the very beginning of the outbreak: literally the first hours.” The first dot was highlighted: SYSTEM ARTICLES and relevant information was shown: documents and pictures. “System Articles, a item trading company out in Aurum Road. Three Baptists were caught here during the initial invasion with the addition of Roswell Kirk, the former Head Security Advisor there, who’s currently lending his services to my Task Force.

“They were rescued from an A-Rank monster by one…” The image of Carn was shown. “...Slayer known as Carn, Predator of Predators, real name Shiraishi Kosuke—the leader of the Apocalyptic group today. Born in Hokkaido, earned his license at the Amaterasu School, and moved to Ordo to apply to the Big Four and got rejected from each and every one, then settled to be a solo.”

“My recruiters told me that although Carn was a powerful telekinetic, he was ‘too neurotic’ to put it professionally,” Seraph commented, sighing. “Thank God we rejected him.”

“It was the best decision you made. According to anecdotal evidence, Carn was as bloodthirsty as a great white. In expeditions, he would go out of his way to challenge high-ranked threats and putting his team in jeopardy. That was only one source of conflict between them. There was even an incident where one member was killed. Investigation ruled it as an unfortunate fatality but several of the deceased's peers said Carn was responsible. But there was no evidence.

“They all said he was a walking rogue waiting to combust, and they were right. In System Articles, he killed the CEO and at least a hundred civilians, taking their vaulted depository for himself and creating his newly-founded rogue group. In his defiance against civil society, he had suffered vision damage due to resistance from Leona Ahn, a Baptist.”

The images depicted the aftermath of the slaughter perpetrated by Carn and his rogues. Some of the people present winced at the sight, including Alexander Shen.

The timeline continued to the third day, specifically when Task Force Duskhead was created and also plastering images of the Martials stationed in Grendel Arsenal: the Righteous Jin Tiehan, Blackviper, and the Five Distinct Journeys: Thunderstrike Hammer, blacksmithing; Yatsar, machining; Alma, scholars; Shinzo, healing; and Catalyst, alchemy.

Jin Tiehan, who was in the room, smiled when his picture was shown.

“Since the incident, Seraph had put out a notice about Carn and my men were put to the task. During this time we acquired the help of Roswell Kirk who I mentioned earlier and had the assistance of numerous Slayers, including some of the best trackers in the city. We apprehended Carn’s rogues, raided their hideouts, interrogated and put the fear of every known god in the damned world into them. But we could not find Carn. There were no clues nor information pertaining to his whereabouts.

“This bastard was harder to find than gold in a river. More than that. Our trackers said Carn’s elusion was downright impossible but I'm afraid impossible things happen everyday. Unfortunately we had to divert our resources from Carn as Task Force Duskhead was created, dealing with rogue incidents in general.

“Also on the third day, just so we cover all our bases, we had the Martials setting up shop here: the Righteous Jin Tiehan, Blackviper, and the Five Distinct Journeys as seen here on the screen.” Gillespie grabbed hold of a laser pointer, signaling to the specific images as necessary. “For the next few events, we do not have specific dates but general estimates thanks to the intel we gathered from Acumen—the C-Rank rogue that was apprehended during the ambush late last night. Or early this morning if you want to be pedantic."

“At some point after Operation Scorcher, where Pereyra and Tewfik were subjugated, one of the remaining Sungrazers approached Carn offering a partnership. He accepted, and in exchange they hid him from our eyes. This was when Carn went from a rogue destined for capital punishment to an Apocalyptic, to be hunted like a rat.”

From the third day to the sixth, the timeline brightened.

“Carn and the Comet began experimenting. Through some means currently undiscovered, they managed to imbue spatial distortions within objects—and eventually within people via indirect means like consumption—in order to bypass the universe spliters' limitations and allow for better coordinated attacks on the city. These are known as ‘object-bound distortions’, or OBDs.”

“Throughout the experimentation process, Carn remotely commanded his rogues: establishing recruitment drives, ordering large-scale robberies, and so on. My Duskheads apprehended a few cells but were ultimately unsuccessful at digging out the roots. We also believe that after Carn made contact with the Comet, the rogues—now Apocalyptics—became under the influence of mental magic, removing any inhibition they may have and turning them into emotionally-driven slaves. If they were made aware of the bigger picture. Which I doubt but this detail is unimportant.

“I’m afraid Carn only got more successful throughout the week because…” Colonel Gillespie stopped, took a good look around the room and sighed. “Let’s be frank here and admit that our situation is fucked. We are running out of supplies faster than our simulations suggested, we are running out of manpower, and I mean no disrespect to Seraph but not even she can maintain Ordo’s morale high enough to give us any breathing room.

“The Sungrazers are smart. They hurt and not kill, forcing us to spend more resources than we'd like. Because of that we're losing grip on social order by the hour, resulting in a handful of desperate people abandoning us. Only a few—we’re not at a point of total anarchy—but a few is worrisome. A few is enough for Carn to add to his ranks.

“That brings us to the sixth day.”

At least twenty images appeared on screen, of locations and people across the borough.

“On the sixth day, Dawns received an increase of distortions compared to the other boroughs; here, we discovered the existence of OBDs. A rifle here, a plate there, so on—only non-living things. This was most likely a test to gauge reactions, see where and how they could hit us. And how hard.

“Shortages were becoming commonplace throughout the city; using this fact then, distribution of the OBDs were conducted throughout the sixth and seventh day. Carn’s Apocalyptics established distribution centers with the same supplies they had stolen and converted into OBDs. The items fit for human consumption would, as we discovered, turn civilians into unwitting accomplices.

“And our people ate it up like candy and they dispersed all over the borough with a few remote cases outside our walls. And we were one step behind them. The Righteous Jin Tiehan was tasked with investigating the anomalous increase of distortions, setting the stage for day seven of the outbreak."

Finally day seven was illuminated, where the Dawn Baptists entered the picture. Gul and Alexander Shen glanced at each other.

“Guild Master Jin had asked Seraph for the Baptists’ aid in his investigation; she gave him Slayer Team Alba and Alumnus.”

The members of both teams were shown on the screen.

“The Slayers engaged in training for the day before winding down for supper. At approximately six-forty-seven, the bombings began.” Gillespie paused, taking a moment to grab a sip of water from a small bottle. “Well, you know this part. Dawns became more of a wasteland.

“Forty-three thousand fatalities.” Images of bodies. “Infrastructure ruined.” Power stations, refugee centers, schools, redirection sites. “Loss of manpower and key personnel.” For this, he gave the table a second to reflect on who they themselves lost.

“Yes, we are dealing with an apocalypse here, ladies and gentlemen. Dealt by the slimy hands of a psychopath and a being that doesn’t belong to our plane of existence—“

Seraph interrupted, “Colonel.”

He cleared his throat, tugging on his collar, slightly red in the face. “Right, I apologize for losing my temper briefly.”

Gillespie cleared his throat several more times before continuing. “I was speaking about the Slayers. When the bombing was under wraps, the investigation team had unknowingly pegged SS Goods as one of these distribution stations. Coincidentally enough, my Duskheads had pegged the same location because we spotted confirmed rogues present. Both were unaware of the true nature of the location.

“Our teams had an unexpected encounter and almost right away ascertained the other’s purpose, concluding this: the cause of the bombing was a result of Apocalyptics working with the Kreutz Sungrazers.

“Immediately, Guild Master Jin and Gul teleported our prisoners back here while the remaining forces collected and transported the contaminated goods. And that was when Carn’s Apocalyptics ambushed them: a few dozen rogues with moderately-ranked constructs, firing down upon our convoy, dealing us five fatalities. Thanks to Blackviper’s support, we were able to achieve fire superiority and neutralize the enemy. And, well…”

A short clip was played. It was Alexander beating Acumen while he was on the ground, motionless, the open lot littered with nine corpses and thick splatters of blood and gore.

“Seraph still hasn’t answered where she found this man.”

The table quietly laughed among themselves.

Alexander replied with humor, “I’m not at liberty to discuss that.”

“Of course. Moving on, we captured a couple survivors including Acumen—much to everyone’s surprise. Seraph, General Subramanian, and the President were informed of the existence of Apocalyptics. Promptly they gave us the authority and designations we needed to move ahead with this operation. We’re all clear.”

A red bar appeared alongside pictures of the prisoners.

[THREAT LEVEL DESIGNATION: APOCALYPTIC]

“We extracted what little intel we could from the Apocs. Once they ran empty, we disposed of them.”

The same pictures grayed. It was standard protocol to ‘remove’ Apocalyptics after critical intelligence was extracted from them.

“We expanded our surveillance and brought all hands on deck to take these—kindly excuse my language—motherfuckers down. Most importantly, from HSOC, we have Graylord teams from Alpha Squadron who will neutralize the Apocalyptics and take Carn in. Alive, but as broken as we want.”

“Since then, our swords and rifles have been preparing for this moment: to destroy, to kill, to obliterate. And they want blood. Any questions before I move on?”

Around the table, questions were asked and answered promptly by the Colonel or the other personnel present, like Jin Tiehan or Seraph. Once everyone exhausted their questions, the actual briefing could finally begin.

Colonel Gillespie opened a panel embedded within the table, pressed a few buttons, and the entire surface had a faint blue holographic glow before suddenly condensing. Gears whirred and at the table’s center, two plates receded to reveal a screen, projecting a 3D visual of the area of operations.

Data was also being sent to the front screen for cross-reference.

The visual in question was a building that was about forty stories tall, fitted on the intersection of 3st Street and Romulus Avenue in Lower Dawns, labeled “Gnosis Facilities”.

Gillespie began, “Acumen told us that they have taken over Gnosis Facilities and used it as their main base of operations. An estimated fifty-plus Apocalyptics are present within the target building, including Carn. There are no civilians.”

Beside Gnosis Facilities were about fifty red figures ordered in rows of five. At the top of the stack was a bigger, more potent figure, representing Carn.

“Reconnaissance has confirmed movement of at least that much but they did not confirm if Carn is in there. This is our best shot as any. The window of opportunity is closing so we need to act now.”

Seraph joined the conversation, “We have troops cordoning off the streets surrounding Gnosis. I have put the entire borough on alert for high enemy activity, but they do not know the true nature of this operation.”

Gnosis Facilities was surrounded by a yellow square perimeter that represented the cordon.

Seraph continued, “Because of the bombings, we must expect OBDs or regular distortions themselves to open up and disrupt the operation. Alpha Team…”

Within the yellow perimeter, green figures and vehicles scattered, moving throughout the cordoned area and taking positions on the streets and on rooftops. This was reminiscent of Operation Scorcher. Portraits appeared.

Among Alpha Team was the members of Dawn Baptists (excluding Alexander Shen) led by Gul, a large Duskhead force including Roswell Kirk, Slayer Teams stationed within Grendel Arsenal, and the Five Distinct Journeys.

“...Will be on the ground providing security and combating the distortions if they come. If the threat becomes too great to readily handle, we can pull in forces from outside the cordon. It won’t be an issue.”

Milkor stepped towards the table, the attention returning to Gnosis Facilities. Green figures surrounded the building and a gray transparent box enveloped it. “Demesne specialist operators in Delta Team will establish a [Ratcage] around Gnosis with a security detachment, protecting them and ensuring none of the rats escape.”

Simultaneously, two separate teams entered Gnosis Facilities. One through the underground entrance and the other via the rooftop.

“Once the [Ratcage] is activated, Bravo Team will infiltrate through the underground entrance while air-SMVs touch Charlie down on the roof. There, both teams will conduct a thorough extermination mission and reconvene in the middle, where—God willing—we have already identified and pinched the Predator. He should not be able to escape the [Ratcage]. If he does, we will know.”

Bravo through Delta mostly consisted of Graylord operators, easily totaling over forty.

Bravo Team had Blackviper and Milkor in its roster, while Charlie contained the Righteous Jin Tiehan and Alexander Shen.

Seraph took over once again, “Our primary mission is twofold: eliminate the Apocalyptics and identify and capture Carn. He has intelligence on the remaining Kreutz Sungrazers that cannot be emphasized enough.

“He must be taken alive, but you can hurt him as much as you want.”

***

As everyone left the meeting room, Colonel Gillespie stayed and looked over the simulation one last time. Seraph was still in the call, watching him intently.

“Is there anything wrong, Colonel?”

Gillespie eyed Charlie Team in particular, frowning, holding a hand over his mouth in deep thought. After contemplating for a few seconds, he told her, “Speak to me as the commander of your strike force, Seraph. As much as I appreciate your Baptist’s work, are you sure he’s able to handle this mission? He was a civilian little more than a week ago.”

“Alexander?” Seraph knew the answer already. She monitored his actions throughout the past week and was amazed at how fast he grew into a capable, strong leader who led by example. This was the future EX-Rank Slayer. “Yes, I’m certain. I won’t lie and say I didn’t have reservations in the beginning, but everyone in my strike force have proven themselves capable and more.

“Him most of all. Because…”

The simulation was updated with new information. Gillespie watched as something changed with Charlie Team, right underneath the picture of Alexander Shen, who will be under the command of Righteous Jin Tiehan throughout Operation Wolf Prowl.

[CODENAME: Alexander Shen]

[UPDATING…]

[CODENAME: Conqueror]

“He will overcome any threat no matter the magnitude.”

~~~

The air-SMVs were like Yatsar’s, able to carry a large number of troops with the additional bonus of possessing superior magical defenses. They looked like bladeless helicopters created by and for Graylord operators. The exact details of these SMVs were classified for obvious reasons. But Alexander was amazed by how they moved: silent and swift, yet striking like shooting stars across the night sky.

Gnosis Facilities was in viewing distance, now, absent of light. He was wearing a headset plus custom-made glasses. Because Slayers and non-systemic personnel were closely working together, the Slayer System couldn’t be relied on for effective communication; as a result, this headset was made to facilitate that.

Alexander listened through the comms, watched as they were automatically subtitled on the lens.

[Conqueror!] exclaimed Jin Tiehan as they both stood on one side of the airborne SMV. [Are you prepared to exterminate some rats as they call it?]

“I am, and speak English for this!” reminded Alexander, watching four other similar SMVs circle the target building, including theirs, waiting for Delta Team to do their thing.

“I almost forgot!” Jin Tiehan replied, showing a smile that had none of the artificialness as seen before. “I'm excited for this!”

“This your first time hunting Apocs?”

“It is! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, do you not realize? One that I refuse to pass up! I—”

One of the SMVs had their invisible magical barrier appear.

“This is Barnhouse,” said the pilot over the comms, “I’m taking small-arm fire from the roof. Eastern side. Three rats—scratch that, four present. They know we’re coming.”

The Graylord SMVs were built to take the worst beatings imaginable. Some ballistic fire would be like throwing rocks at Kosmos, basically. The Apocalyptics did not have the means to take down SMVs; they’d only be wasting their ammo and making themselves an easier kill.

Jin Tiehan chuckled at the display of foolishness below in absolute superiority, delighting himself in the power difference and was absolutely buzzing in energy. This was a rare sight, Alexander knew, seeing the Perfected Cultivator that little recognized him as. Perhaps only Blackviper and his father had seen this side of him.

A few bullets cracked against their SMV’s barrier.

“Look at them, Conqueror. Look at their indulgence that comes after tasting an infinitesimal amount of the strength that we wield. They shepard a false definition of power, and we will correct them through an exhibition as quick as their descent.”

Alexander shrugged, not even bothering to figure out how to respond to that. “I guess we fucking are!”

Before Jin Tiehan could reply, someone on the comms exclaimed something that couldn’t be caught but the contents became apparent in the second after. Gnosis Facilities, all at once, was shrouded in an opaque gray shell that bubbled at the surface, like the surface of a volcano with roving magma.

Alexander gulped, thinking he’d be entering that but his trepidation was cured in the moment after.

When the shell blinked out of existence, and Gnosis Facilities returned to normal.

But that wasn’t the case.

[Skill Activation: Graylord Operations - Ratcage]

Milkor had explained the [Ratcage] to him, Graylord’s special demesne for operations when the targets were in structures like these.

“We call it the ‘[Ratcage]’ because of the conditions we inflict on the rats as we refer to them. First is the anti-magick field…”

Within Gnosis Facilities, whatever constructs or any items containing magical components were disabled.

“Second is the blindness.”

The four Apocalyptics on the roof stopped firing, reaching out and trying to locate each other through touch.

“Third is the cage.”

No matter what the Apocalyptics could do, it was impossible to leave the [Ratcage]. It’d be like running straight into an unbreakable brick wall.

“And finally, their heartbeats.”

Alexander blinked and saw fifty-plus moving red dots in his vision, each one presenting a beating heart—in other words, living people—scurrying around inside the building. He could pick out the exact number of people on each floor.

The [Ratcage] was an impenetrable demesne that inflicted blindness, disabled all magic (even high-rankers’ magic like Carn’s telekinesis), and showcased the location of all unregistered entities inside through their heartbeats. That meant Carn’s Apocalyptics.

All registered entities, then, were not affected by the [Ratcage] at all. So that meant the good guys.

“We worship the [Ratcage] because it makes our lives simple. We gave it a prayer: ‘You can’t bite, you can’t see, you can’t escape and you can’t hide. You will wait and you will die.’

“It is Hell for them, Conqueror, and we are their devils. A perfect place, then, for the [Silver-Eyed Demon], yes?”

The SMVs converged on the roof. The four Apocalyptics were shot down on their approach.

The pilot for Alexander’s and Jin Tiehan’s SMV was heard: “Good exterminating! For the domestics on this flight, enjoy your field trip!”