With focused determination, they readied themselves by donning the necessary equipment. Simultaneously, their eyes remained fixed on the captive beast, scouring for any subtle indications of potential weak points. While many among them had confronted Altered in the past, there was an undeniable disparity when it came to facing this new type of creature that had been presumed extinct mere minutes earlier. A distinct air of uncertainty hung in the atmosphere, underscoring the gravity of the situation and reflecting in their collective gaze.For those that lacked decent equipment, they were handed out basic Anti-Altered equipment of their choosing. One of the four-star hunters approached Innu, who had refused since he had his pair of red axes. The moment he took them out of the bag, they caught the attention of many Hunters, even those around Edvard. The weapons stood out conspicuously, defying the notion of being basic in any way, leaving everyone pondering the significant cost one wou
When Blake caught sight of the red axe, he was certain it belonged to Innu. Its familiarity was too uncanny to belong to anyone else. But the question that lingered in his mind was when exactly Innu had thrown it. Unbeknownst to him, there was actually yet another individual who had taken action simultaneously.With a firm grip on the axe, Innu tapped into its inherent energy, allowing it to surge through him. This time, however, he went a step further, infusing his own energy into the weapon. It mirrored the technique he had been diligently practising, the very same method that had allowed him to throw the axe and strike Midwak with precision.Innu took advantage of the fact that the beast was consumed by its bloodlust, fixated on the single unfortunate Hunter it was trying to devour. Its immobility only bolstered his confidence, as he became increasingly certain that he could seize this opportunity to strike it down. With his axe charged and brimming with energy, he hurled it forwar
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Innu asked, holding both axes in his hands and getting into a fighting stance. "Don't you think it's better if you just focus on getting the crystals like the original task was?"Rad chuckled, holding the spear in his hand. It wasn't the basic Anti-Altered equipment, where the spear would light up with a bit of electricity. This one, just like Innu's axes, looked like it was made from beasts.The spear itself was a faded white, almost like a bone colour, while having several parts that were wrapped in a brown, woolly-type material. The sharp end even looked more like a tooth, as the spear curled slightly."There's no time limit for this assessment," Rad answered. "As long as I'm still able to fight, it will be okay, and there's nothing against the rules of fighting against each other."Finishing his sentence, Rad placed the spear under his arm and pointed it forward. He then shifted his position forward. The spear cut the air, and Rad was able to da
Innu lifted his leg away from the examiner. He had somewhat expected that this might be the result. Although in a place like this, there seemed to be a plentiful number of Altered hunters, in truth, there weren't many that would be willing to take up the role, and losses in their members were a big hit to them.Innu could only hope that the fact he would follow through with this, that Rad would back off because if this were to happen again, and outside the Altered Hunters' protection, then the ending might have been a different story."These four-star Altered hunters are no joke," Innu thought. "He stopped my kick, and there was almost no give at all. I guess it's to be expected these guys are only a step down from Ashen, and I think he would have been able to do the same."I wonder if I stay in the Altered hunter group like this, would my strength be able to grow to the same level as theirs?"The hunter started to look after Rad, and after a few moments, he was back on his feet again
The final part of the third assessment had been revealed to the 22 Hunters that were currently there, and it wasn't what any of them expected, especially not Innu. After hearing the news, he immediately raised his hand to ask a question."I'm sorry, but when you say ‘work directly under the Altered Hunters’, what do you exactly mean by that?" Innu asked.Edvard responded, "It's precisely as it sounds. We have assessed that among all the new Hunters, you who have passed, possess the most remarkable talents to forge ahead. Once we’re done polishing your skills, you will become significant pillars within the Altered Hunter Association.”"Considering the significance of this endeavour, it would be imprudent to allow you to roam freely without guidance. The optimal approach is for us to provide you with direct guidance, enabling you to reach the pinnacle of your potential," Edvard emphasized.The others appeared content, considering it an honour to rise in the organisation, and most of the
In the small town of Slough, the Howlers gang was back to the constant developing they had been doing so far. They worked around the city, protected and helped the people, and improved their image with the locals.It was a plan set up by Kai, and it was working well. In some ways, the local people who lived in Slough were seeing the business tycoon known as Gary Dem and the Howlers Corporation as the ones who ran the city.The general standard of living had improved for all. Crime rates were down, and even employment as well as immigration from other towns were on the rise. These were all things that the Mayor had promised, but none of them were the result of the Mayor.For the core members of the Howlers, though, the mood was a little somber. For the first time in a while, all the core members were at the Wolf's Pool Club. Well, not all, as Gary had already left, and for some reason, Innu hadn't arrived even though he had been invited."What has that guy been doing these days?" Austi
Innu and Blake had both returned using the motorbike they had come on, while Edvard had followed on a motorcycle of his own, but it was in a chopper style rather than a sports bike like the one Blake used.Somewhere along the way, they had managed to lose Edvard as well, although it wasn't on purpose. It was just one moment Blake could see him in the wing mirror, and the next he wasn't there.When they landed in Slough, Blake had dropped Innu off at his house and invited him in while they put the bike away. In the meantime, Innu had a lot to say because there was a lot on his mind."What is going on? My head really hurts," Innu said, grabbing his head."It's the same for me as well. I'm still confused. Where did Edvard go? I mean, there are road signs to Slough and GPS. He couldn't have gotten lost, and he even said that he would be following me," Blake said. "Should I go back and try to find him? Should I report to the other hunters?"The whole situation was stressing out Blake, who
Inside the Wolf's pool club, Innu was finding it hard to make eye contact with the rest of his group. They were staring at him, and not in a pleasant way as if they had been waiting to see someone for a long time.It wasn't the same warm welcome they had given Gary."Come on, guys, I've been really busy," Innu stated, still looking up and looking away. For some reason, it was Marie's eyes that were the most fierce when looking at him."You could have given us a single text?" Marie replied, folding her arms. "We had no clue what you were doing. At least we knew exactly what Gary was doing."The tone of voice, Innu knew that he had somewhat hurt Marie by not keeping them in the loop, but honestly, he never expected to be away for so long, to go through so much. In a way, he was having his own journey."I'm sorry... I really am. You know, I see the Howlers as a second family. You guys have helped those I care about, helped me, and that's why I'm willing to do anything I can to help all o