Back at the base of the Scavenger Guild, In a dimly lit room, a woman sat alone.
"Well… he was definitely strange."
Marr leaned back in her chair, eyes half-lidded in thought. This was the first time her mind-controlling ability had failed so spectacularly. Instead of bending someone's will… she had simply pulled vorden into sleep.
How irritating.
She exhaled sharply. "Ugh… frustrating."
Her fingers tapped against the wooden table.
I wonder how the hunt is going.
A part of her just wished that Grazer just died with the hunt. She knew that this was the most foolish thing grazer could ever do. She knew well that he was not strong enough to deal with it. He was just an arrogant bastard, who thought so highly of himself. Everyone else was just toys to him.
Hours passed.
At last, the distant sounds of men echoed through. Marr rose and peered through the small window.
Grazer and his men were returning.
Her lips curled downward instantly. "Don't tell me he actually managed to kill that serpent…"
Her gaze quickly scanned the group.
There are many who missing, others had wounds and blood stains.
But she wasn't looking for the members of the scavenger guild. Rather vshe was looking for a particular person who caught her interest
It was Quinn
"So he was just another disposable pawn huh.."
A flicker of regret passed through her — brief and unwelcome.
Grazer strode inside and barked orders.
"Everyone outside! We're leaving this place. Our work here is done. We've procured what we could. Bring in those crystals We'll be awaiting our reward."
His eyes turned cold.
"And I'll be dealing with your lack of discipline. Subduing a few students shouldn't have caused this much trouble."
He paused.
"Gather up. We're moving now. We're going to meet those pale weirdos."
----
Quinn was moving faster then ever, His speed, his reflexes, his senses — everything had sharpened beyond reason. He tore across the plains as if the wind itself carried him. It was all thanks to his unusual evolution born from a strange ritual that failed to follow it course.
Quinn had felt the change immediately. because he his stats jumped from 40 to a 100. Though it was overwhelming, Quinn was finding a balance.
He didn't have a map, but he was navigating fairly well because of his dragon eyes skill in particular. Remembering the different energy signatures from before while he came down this path. Sometimes he did run in circles, but he managed to find the way back and run back along the approximate direction.
While he ran, he also came across with beasts, but it wasn't talk to handle as his raw strength was enough to kill them.
At his current strength, he was certain he could have taken down the serpent alone — without suffering serious damage
Then—
The System spoke suddenly it's familiarly manly voice echoing in his head.
Your body may contend against the strongest vampire leaders possible but you are seriously lacking on the proper use of your skills.
Seriously. A vampire with one hundred stat points and only Level 1 blood abilities? It's laughable, it's Pathetic.
Quinn clicked his tongue.
Now that your stats have increased, new tutorials have been unlocked. I suggest you review them. You might finally learn how to use your own power properly.
He smirked.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll look at them."
His eyes darkened.
"But first… I'm heading back to their base." I am going to take that bastards telekinesis and add it to my own.
It's time to become the punisher again. Quinn said with a smirk.
---
The Scavenger Guild moved across the desolate plains in grim procession, their leader walking at the front with rigid purpose.
Carts creaked behind them, heavy with packed crates and sealed boxes.
At the rear, Erin, Amy, Ray, Michael, and Sarah were dragged, their necks chained.
Marr carried Vorden over her shoulders, she chose to carry him since he was the unstable one.
Meeting the "pale weirdos," as Grazer had so casually called them, unsettled her in ways she couldn't explain. But orders were orders.
And Grazer did not tolerate hesitation. Yet She didn't feel good about this.
Suddenly, he raised a hand.
The entire procession halted.
They stood beneath the silver radiance of the moon, the plains stretching endlessly around them.
Then—
Figures emerged from the shadows.
Human in shape…
They wore black, form-fitting garments, their eyes hidden behind dark glasses despite the night. Every one of them was female. They moved in eerie silence, like smoke given flesh.
Then one lady moved ahead of all others.
Her posture alone declared her the leader.
Grazer swallowed, then stepped back. He motioned to his men.
The carts were opened.
With a heavy thud, a quintal of glowing crystals spilled onto the ground, bathing the field in pale light.
"Well," Grazer forced a grin, "here are your crystals. As promised."
The woman tilted her head slightly.
"Oh, we're sure about that," she replied, her voice soft — almost musical.
Well then, about my reward?
"Yeah ofcourse, how can I forget about your reward."
Then—
Grazer's breath stuttered. His body lifted slightly off the ground, invisible force crushing his lungs inward.
His eyes widened.
The pain came a second later.
He coughed — blood spilling from his mouth in thick, dark streams.
The woman inhaled slowly.
"Oh yes…" she whispered. "The scent of blood. It's intoxicating."
The remaining members of the Scavenger Guild stood frozen.
They watched.
Helpless.
Their leader — broken like a toy.
She smiled wider.
"Well… I suggest, you all should run."
A pause.
"Oh, actually… don't. You all smell far too delicious."
Julius screamed first.
"How dare you?!"
"Fight for your lives!" someone shouted.
They barely moved.
The next second, Julius felt the world tilt.
His vision blurred.
Then—
Darkness.
His head rolled across the ground, stopping near Marr's boots.
She stood there, horror etched across her face.
She hadn't even seen the woman move.
When Marr looked back at the leader, the sunglasses were gone.
In their place—
Eyes glowing a deep, luminous red.
And as she smiled, two long fangs extended from her mouth...