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Chapter Sixteen: The Gathering of Powers

"Howl, work your magic on calming them down," Rowan ordered, rubbing his temples as he wrestled with thoughts.

Facing multiple purgers at once was an insurmountable challenge. Gaige might have the strength to survive, but the rest of the group lacked the power to confront even a single purger with their current abilities.

Rowan continued massaging his temples, pondering how they could endure this impending ordeal.

"Did the spirit give any indication of how long this hunt will last?" Rowan inquired.

"No," Gaige replied.

"How generous of her to leave us in suspense," Rowan quipped with a wry smile.

With Howl's group now calmed, they looked to Rowan with hope, eager for him to devise a plan to save them.

Rowan sighed, understanding their anxiety. Their one advantage lay in Gaige's divine powers, sealed onto parchment paper for convenient access to healing spells. However, healing wouldn't be of much use if they died.

He mustered his composure, addressing the group once more. "First, we have a month to prepare. I hope that's enough."

"Actually, it's precisely 28 days, thirteen hours, and 45 minutes," Minka corrected. She urged them to utilize the angel's precise timing information to their advantage.

"Alright, Minka, you'll be our timekeeper," Rowan conceded.

Rowan shifted his attention to everyone, his voice filled with gravitas. "Now, let's share our powers and capabilities. Gaige, if you're uncomfortable revealing yours, you don't have to. Just promise not to abandon us."

All eyes turned to Gaige, waiting for his response. He hadn't committed to the group yet, and despite the camaraderie, they feared he might decide to go it alone.

"At the very least, we need your shield," Rowan added, hoping Gaige would consider protecting someone he'd just met.

For Gaige, Rowan's words implied a front-line role as a shield.

Gaige demonstrated the sturdiness of his shield, revealing how he could grant control of it to others. He also showcased the strength of his aura, leaving the group with the expectation that he would be their frontline protector.

"I'll stay," Gaige declared.

The group cheered briefly at Gaige's decision, but their elation was tempered by his refusal to reveal his powers.

With Gaige's commitment secured, they proceeded with the sharing of abilities.

"I'll begin," Rowan said, rising to his feet. "I still have my system, but I've lost combat and stealth skills. My health, strength, and vitality are now average."

Minka inquired about his knife skills, which remained intact, making it the only skill he could use for combat.

Minka then shared her abilities. "I can still conceal this building from purgers' detection, though they'll notice us if they enter. I retain tracking skills, but they're limited to our immediate area."

"Any other useful aspects to your system?" Rowan asked.

"None, just these abilities," Minka replied.

Rowan motioned for Strazz to speak.

"I can still release poisonous fog and smoke, but controlling it is more challenging, and we might be at risk of poisoning ourselves," Strazz explained.

Howl followed, saying, "I can still run fast and efficiently, and my group can craft weapons as long as we have materials. However, my group specializes in the backline and isn't adept at combat."

Andy added, "I've lost everything, except my large physique and stealth abilities."

Gaige listened intently to everyone's skills. He believed that they weren't a hopeless group. He had an idea but struggled to convey it due to his language barrier.

Instead, Gaige simply said, "Tell me about the purgers," gathering more information to finalize his plan before sharing it with the group.

"You want to know what we've learned about purgers?" Andy clarified.

"Yes," Gaige replied.

"Well, the one thing all purgers have in common is that they're psychopaths," Andy explained.