The Fanged Wolves (2)

"… It's only a Grade 2 zone."

Hearing Otto's words, Evan fell into deep thought as he leaned back on the wooden chair supporting his weight.

The forbidden wilds encompassed all the territory outside the three cities, which were humanity's last stand against the deluges of never-ending monsters.

Each part of the forbidden wilds was divided into different zones, with each zone's danger graded from 1 to 5.

With 1 being the least dangerous and 5 being an absolutely forbidden zone with a 100% chance of death.

All of Earth's major seas and oceans were classified as forbidden zones by the five monarchs, because of the terrors prowling in the black, gloomy depths underwater.

The military had previously sent exploration teams to explore the ocean and the other water bodies, but all those who explored never came back with their lifeless corpses nowhere to be found.

'Grade 2 zones are within the range of the ability for rank 2's and rank 3's to handle. I don't know about the other's strengths, but they all should be within rank 2, with a large possibility of Otto being a rank 3. I should be fine if I'm careful enough.'

Looking at Otto, who began speaking again, Evan secretly swore to himself to keep an eye out just in case something peculiar happened.

He had a nagging feeling that something suspicious was brewing beneath the layer of the military posting the mission.

Although he wanted to trust humans a bit more. That was after he determined whether they intended to harm him in the future or get in his way.

Not relaxing in the slightest, making sure he had his guard raised to react in a second lest something untoward happen, Evan returned his focus to Otto as he began listening seriously.

"Zone C is only about 50 kilometres away from the last line of defence we as humans have against the monsters and zombies, the city of Ashville. The Military, which has requested this mission, would like us to hunt a certain number of monsters and to kill as many zombies as we can, should we see one."

Taking a breath, Otto continued in a serious voice.

"I know that you guys have the strength to handle an expected situation should it arrive, with the sole exception being you, Evan. This is only our second ever official hunt as a group, so I would like to issue some reminders before we set off. First, never ever, ever go hunting for monsters and zombies at night. This was a lesson we humans learned through the price of the blood of fellow humans, who failed to see the light of day after committing this mistake. Second, we will divide the spoils of a hunt with whoever has the largest amount of contributions towards the kill, as this is the fairest possible way to prevent any infighting in a desolate place with only ourselves for company. Last, if I see anyone endangering the safety of our squad, I will kill you! Although we are all mercenaries banding together to complete our own selfish goals, the safety of the squad comes first, understand?"

Nodding along with the other members of the Fanged Wolves, Evan cleared his throat as he asked a question.

"What is my role in the hunts going to be?"

The only reason Evan asked this question was that he didn't want to waste this opportunity to gain strength by not putting his life on the line.

Although he doesn't mind the squad members underestimating him, as that could prove useful in the future should 'that' type of situation arise. That didn't mean he wanted to feel useless and just some baggage dragging them down.

"When fighting against rank 2 monsters that form a pack, you will kill off the weaker ones and make sure that they don't escape. As for zombies, if you're confident enough, go for the kill."

"Ok."

Standing up, Otto lifted his silver hammer off the ground as he spoke in a solemn voice.

"Let the hunt begin!"

***

Standing in an opulent room, two figures were staring at each other as silence reigned over the space.

One's gaze was sharp, the other languid and clear as a lake with no ripples.

This showdown continued for half a minute until the figure that was dressed in a black suit spoke in a sharp tone.

"Andre, why did you give away that martial art for free?"

Opposite the figure, Andre, clad in some white robes, answered nonchalantly, paying no heed to the pressure the figure opposite him was exuding, almost as if it didn't exist.

"Oh that, I just saw a good seedling and helped them out because I wanted to."

"Why didn't you inform the board members before making such a decision? You know, some members of the board hold that martial art in high regard."

"Why would I inform those corrupt good for nothings who are more interested in lining their own pockets than pooling their strength together to help humanity, only acting when forced to?"

Andre replied as his eyes narrowed imperceptibly, something that would've gone unnoticeable, if not for the other party's high level.

Feeling a chill crawling down his spine after seeing Andre's eyes narrowing, the figure in black gritted his teeth as he spat.

"You think you're able to make that decision by yourself, incurring no punishment? Think again, the board has sent me to deliver your punishment."

Smirking inwardly, he expected how Andre would react to this set of news, only to doubt his ears a moment later.

"You? A bug like you thinks he may deliver my punishment. You people from the Fletcher family seem to have gotten more brazen with the passage of time."

Andre snorted and raised his hand. All the while, the figure opposite him froze in place as the aura coming out of Andre's body made him unable to move.

He stood paralysed in fear, legs trembling like jelly.

As Andre raised his hand, a crimson hue similar to the complexion of blood sprang from his body, covering his whole arm as he clenched his fingers into a fist.

Instantly, the crimson hue contracted, turning into a blood-red fist as Andre punched out towards the figure dressed in black.

Seeing the attack flying towards him, the figure's instincts were screaming for him to evade, stating mortal danger was inching ever closer toward him.

Unfortunately, to his dismay, the figure found his body refusing to budge, as it stayed rooted to the spot.

Pupils dilating, with veins protruding from his face looking like they might burst at any second, the blood-red fist crashed into the figure's chest as it sent him flying.

Crash!

Crashing through the wall, the figure's rag-doll-like body continued in the distance, ending up somewhere unknown.

"Too weak… truly."

Seeing this sight, Andre muttered to himself as he scoffed inwardly at the gall of the Fletcher Family.

'One more reason to get rid of your pathetic existences then, eh?'

***

In a flying aircraft, a lean and haggard figure wearing a dragon mask sat down cross-legged in the centre of the room as he gazed intently at his watch.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in."

Signalling for the other party to come in, the figure moved his gaze towards the door.

Entering the door, a member of the military wearing a dark green uniform briskly walked toward the seated figure.

"Your package has arrived."

As this was a flight prepared by the military, the figure on the floor respectfully nodded his head as he watched the soldier leave the room.

'Has it finally arrived?'