Chapter 7: "The Thunderclaw Gambit"

The Scarred Wastelands lived up to their name. The landscape was a jagged expanse of cracked earth, twisted trees, and jagged rocks, with the occasional skeleton of a long-dead monster bleaching in the sun. The air was thick with the scent of ozone and decay, and the distant rumble of thunder echoed across the horizon.

Jack walked alongside the Crimson Talons recruits, his hood pulled low and his eyes scanning the terrain. The group was a mix of seasoned adventurers and fresh faces, all armed to the teeth and buzzing with nervous energy. Garrick, the smug recruit from the guild hall, was at the front, loudly boasting about his past exploits.

"I once took down a Frostfang Wolf with my bare hands," Garrick said, puffing out his chest. "Tore its throat out before it even knew what hit it."

One of the recruits, a young woman with a bow slung over her shoulder, rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and I once wrestled a dragon. Can we focus on the mission?"

Garrick shot her a glare but said nothing. Jack smirked to himself. It seemed Garrick's charm was as effective as a wet match.

Kaela, the recruiter, walked at the front of the group, her crimson cloak billowing in the wind. She turned to address the recruits, her voice sharp and commanding.

"Listen up! The Thunderclaw Bear is no joke. It's fast, it's strong, and it's got a nasty habit of frying anyone who gets too close. Stick to the plan, and we might just make it out alive."

Jack activated the plug-in.

"Analyze the team," he muttered under his breath.

The plug-in responded.

**[Team Composition: 8 Members.]**

**[Skill Levels: Varied.]**

**[Threats: Garrick (Overconfidence), Kaela (Unknown Motives).]**

**[Recommendation: Monitor and Adapt.]]

Jack nodded. He'd need to keep an eye on Garrick and Kaela, but for now, he'd play along.

---

As the group moved deeper into the Wastelands, the terrain grew more treacherous. The ground was littered with jagged rocks and deep crevices, and the air grew heavier with the scent of ozone. Jack's plug-in pinged.

**[Warning: Hostile Detected.]**

**[Threat Level: Low.]]

Jack's eyes narrowed. He scanned the area, spotting a pack of **Ash Hounds**—dog-like creatures with smoldering fur and glowing red eyes—emerging from the shadows.

"Contacts!" Jack called out, his voice calm but firm.

The recruits turned, their weapons at the ready. Garrick, however, seemed more interested in showing off than actually helping.

"I've got this!" he shouted, charging forward with his sword raised.

The Ash Hounds lunged, their movements quick and unpredictable. Garrick swung his sword wildly, missing by a mile, and one of the hounds snapped at his leg, forcing him to stumble back.

"Need a hand?" Jack called out, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Garrick glared at him but didn't respond. Jack activated the plug-in.

"Analyze the Ash Hounds," he said quietly.

The plug-in responded.

**[Ash Hounds: Level 2 Monsters.]**

**[Weakness: Water-Based Attacks.]]

Jack glanced at the young woman with the bow. "Got any water arrows?"

She nodded, pulling an arrow from her quiver. The tip was encased in a small vial of blue liquid.

"Light it up," Jack said, stepping aside.

The woman fired, the arrow striking one of the hounds and releasing a burst of water. The creature howled in pain, its smoldering fur extinguished. The other hounds hesitated, giving the recruits the opening they needed.

Jack moved quickly, his dagger flashing as he struck at the hounds' weak points. He didn't need to show off—just enough to prove he wasn't dead weight.

When the dust settled, the hounds were dead, and the recruits were catching their breath. Garrick, however, was less than pleased.

"I had it under control," he muttered, brushing dirt off his armor.

"Sure you did," Jack said, his tone dry. "Next time, maybe try hitting the monster instead of the air."

The young woman with the bow chuckled, earning a glare from Garrick.

---

As the group pressed on, Jack activated the plug-in.

"Set a reminder," he said. "Don't let Garrick near anything important."

**[Reminder Set: Don't Let Garrick Near Anything Important.]**

**[Additional Note: Also, Don't Let Garrick Near Sharp Objects.]]

Jack smirked. "Noted."

---

The sun was beginning to set when the group finally reached their destination—a massive canyon, its walls scarred with claw marks and scorch marks. At the bottom of the canyon, surrounded by the remains of its previous meals, was the Thunderclaw Bear.

The creature was massive, its fur crackling with electricity and its eyes glowing with a fierce intelligence. It let out a low growl, the sound reverberating through the canyon.

Kaela turned to the recruits, her voice low. "Stick to the plan. We hit it hard and fast. And for the love of the gods, don't get hit by its lightning."

Jack activated the plug-in.

"Analyze the Thunderclaw Bear," he said quietly.

The plug-in responded.

**[Thunderclaw Bear: Level 8 Monster.]**

**[Abilities: Lightning Claws, Thunder Roar, Enhanced Durability.]**

**[Weakness: Grounded Attacks (Disrupts Electrical Charge).]**

**[Threat Level: Extreme.]]

Jack's eyes narrowed. This was going to be a challenge.

As the group prepared to attack, Jack activated the plug-in one last time.

"Set a reminder," he said. "Don't die."

**[Reminder Set: Don't Die.]**

**[Additional Note: Also, Try Not to Get Electrocuted.]]

Jack rolled his eyes. "Thanks, partner. Real helpful."