Working together.

Maxwell's intense stare was fixed upon Dart, who casually occupied one of the chairs encircling the oval table, his legs crossed with an air of nonchalance. Silver, stationed at his side, remained her typical silent self, arms tightly wrapped around her chest as usual.

Maxwell's scrutiny of Dart persisted, and if one's gaze possessed the power to harm, Dart would have met his demise long ago.

Maxwell felt a jolt of surprise seeing Dart in this setting, as he hadn't anticipated encountering him alongside the mayor. Dart's presence had never crossed his mind, suggesting an unexpected connection between them or a previously undisclosed affiliation with the mayor.

Notably, Dart had received an invitation to the mayor's residence, a puzzling development that hinted at a deeper association between the two.

The mayor himself didn't overlook Maxwell's penetrating gaze.

"It appears introductions are unnecessary, as it seems you two are already acquainted," the mayor remarked, lifting a steaming mug of brown coffee to his lips and sipping from it.

"What are you doing here?" Maxwell strolled over and asked, gripping his fist so tightly that it turned crimson from the pressure.

"I was the one who invited him, any issue with that?" the mayor remarked, placing his cufflink on the table.

"But why?" Maxwell inquired, feeling perplexed.

"No, Maxwell, I ought to be inquiring why... What's happening in this city?!" the mayor exclaimed. Surprisingly, despite his advanced age, his voice eclipsed Maxwell's. Perhaps it was because Maxwell fell silent the moment he witnessed the mayor's outburst.

"What's occurring, how many lockdowns have we endured in just two weeks? Before long, people will perceive this city as insecure and begin relocating to other cities. You know the impact that could have on our revenue?" the mayor explained.

"I... I am still in the process of resolving things," Maxwell replied hesitantly.

"Sorting? How much time will it take? If more people in this city lose their lives because of these wild creatures, the citizens may consider relocating. Can't you see the urgency?" The mayor was anxious, which also concerned Maxwell.

"The upcoming election... It's approaching, and I can't allow my opponents to use this situation against me. We must take swift action," the mayor expressed his worry. Given the recent events during his tenure as mayor, he was certain he would lose the upcoming election to any of his rivals from the opposing party who could persuade the citizens with their words.

After taking a deep breath, the mayor turned to face Maxwell and stated, "I apologize, but I cannot allow this chaos to persist. Therefore, I am granting these two individuals the authority to assist you in either eliminating or capturing these creatures," the Mayor said.

"Wait... What?" Maxwell was surprised and bewildered by the mayor's statement, to the point where he struggled to grasp its meaning. When his brain finally comprehended the announcement, his heart rate accelerated as he seethed with anger.

Turning to Dart, he accused, "So, your intention is to monopolize this, and you want to handle it all by yourself!" Maxwell exclaimed.

"Enough!" thundered the mayor's voice, resonating through the air like a mighty thunderbolt, once again eclipsing the feeble echoes of Maxwell's words.

"That I have declared their authorization to assist does not in any way imply your exclusion from the proceedings," the mayor stated with utmost clarity.

Maxwell, bewildered by the mayor's statement, inquired, "What do you mean?"

The mayor, fixing his gaze upon Dart, responded, "It would be most advantageous for you to receive this information directly from the source."

Expressing a nonchalant appreciation, Dart addressed the assembly, saying, "I extend my gratitude for allowing his excellence to be heard," while Maxwell responded with a theatrical eye-roll.

"In response to your query regarding the contents of that video, I shall elucidate its nature and the potential catastrophic consequences it may inflict upon the populace," the mayor declared with unwavering resolve.

"That, as we currently know it, is infested by a parasite known as the mutant parasite, which has the peculiar ability to turn regular animals into fierce creatures. Although I'm uncertain about its effects on humans, based on what we've observed so far, it appears to incite a thirst for blood. You see, the first time this parasite was found in a city, it ultimately led to the city's destruction, and there's a high likelihood that this city may suffer a similar fate."

Upon hearing this, Maxwell's eyes widened as he glanced at Dart and then at the mayor. "Why didn't you share this information earlier? It could have prompted us to expand the search team!" Maxwell exclaimed. He couldn't fathom Dart's cruelty in withholding such crucial details.

It occurred to him that if he had been informed earlier, he could have doubled the search team, and by now, they might have been receiving updates on the situation.

"That's the dilemma, Maxwell... There's an aspect of the mutant parasite you're unaware of. It only triggers when the infected creature consumes food. This implies that the more a beast eats, not only does it grow in size but in strength as well. If any of your team members were sent after that young man without proper beast weaponry, their chances of surviving the encounter are exceedingly slim. That's why I kept the information from you; I feared you might act impulsively," Dart explained.

"While I might be confident in my ability to face the beast right now, equipped as I am, if the creature were to feast and grow stronger and larger, I'm afraid I'm not arrogant enough to assume victory," Dart added.

"Then, what's your plan?" Maxwell inquired.

"I'm planning an expedition to hunt down the creature with three participants: you, Silver, and me," Dart explained.

As the sky grew darker with the absence of the sun, stars began to twinkle like precious gems, yet their glow didn't provide sufficient light for the street.

---

Under one of the streetlights, a lengthy black van parked in front of a grand Golden Gate. Three individuals emerged from the van: Maxwell, Silver, and Dart.

Dart carried a sizable double-edged axe, Silver had a large great sword securely fastened to her back in its sheath, and Maxwell, upon closer inspection, revealed two brass knuckles on his fists.

"That's a nice brass knuckle the man gave you," Dart commented, gazing at Maxwell's hand. "Even now, I can sense a strong energy within it."

Maxwell could only examine the knuckles, wondering how it was supposed to provide him with an energy boost when he could hardly detect any difference.

"I understand you might be a bit perplexed because you don't feel anything," Dart reassured him. "This is your first time using a beast weapon, so the effects might not be apparent."

The brass knuckles were a special beast weapon that Maxwell received from the mayor when he agreed to join the operation with the two beast hunters. He hadn't yet discovered how to unleash its power.

It didn't concern him much because, in their current location, it was unlikely they would need to engage in a fight.

"Why did you even bring us to this place initially?" Dart eventually inquired, gazing upon the imposing Golden Gate before them.

"This mission offers a significant opportunity that might require us to end the boy's life to eliminate the threat. It's only fair to inform the family about the turmoil their child has caused and the potential consequences he faces." Maxwell clarified.

"Those individuals ought to shoulder some responsibility for this situation. If they had raised their child more effectively, the outcome might have been different." Dart responded. Maxwell wholeheartedly agreed with Dart's perspective.

To their surprise, the gate was open, which was quite unusual. However, they didn't have much time to dwell on it and proceeded inside. The compound was vast, featuring intricate garden mazes throughout the premises.

Before long, a lavish house made entirely of reflective glass came into view.

"What a display of luxury, and yet that boy chose to live on the streets." Maxwell couldn't help but comment.

"You know, appearances can be deceiving..." Dart attempted to add something but he abruptly halted in his tracks, his gaze fixed on something ahead.

At the staircase leading into the glass house stood an enormous, dark-furred cat, easily the size of three or four adults combined. The creature's mouth was smeared with blood, and the internal organs of a lifeless body sprawled on the floor.

Maxwell couldn't contain his terror and let out a scream, "No, no, no...!"

*****

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Don't forget to read my other book."My Zombie Game" I am currently re-editing the book. You can also follow and join the Discord channel, Instagram, and TikTok. Discord channel: https://discord.gg/gMXt7Uzu. Instagram: @Jeffweikeson. TikTok: @JWN234. Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know. Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me.