In Wolven society, [Samurai] are considered the pinnacle of martial capability. It is the class most prided by the species and the one nearly all combatants strive to become. The general class process is usually [Swordsman], into [Swift Swordsman], and then finally [Samurai]. During this training process, it is not uncommon for these men and women to join the [Guard], eventually becoming [Elite Guards] once the job levels to the advanced stage.

  But, the moment they gain their [Samurai] class, their life completely changes. They are immediately recognized as nobility and earn the right to not only join a noble house, but also join the Inquisition. Such immutable benefits require years of dedication not only to the sword, but to the willingness to take risks for levels.

  It is precisely this reason why Yuto was initially confident in asking the [Elite Guard] to join him on the mission. Such a dangerous mission will almost absolutely reward a level, if not even two so long as they survive.

  Now though, Yuto feels regret while approaching the battlefield with his brother. At Elder Nings feet lie seven dead [Elite Guards]. Their corpses float slightly above the water, tainting it the color of their blood. Only three [Elite Guards] are left standing alongside Boriss, Nepenthes, and Auranta. Other than the [Air Mage], they look to have taken quite a beating.

  “I’ll create an opening, make sure to take it,” Jiro announces. He then rushes at Elder Ning, Yuto following right behind.

  Elder Ning notices this as an eye shifts its focus from Nepenthes to them. A slight distraction that the Phytonid capitolates. Like a mantis, she dashes forward, her scythes sparking violently on Ning’s metallic fur. Ning reacts with a swipe of his own claw, but Nepenthes retracts into safety. Ning steps to follow, only for a blade of wind to strike him back from above. Boriss and the [Elite Guard] take the opportunity to slide their weapons across Ning’s tendons. Such strikes from runed swords would normally sever limbs on any other Fenrimorph, but Ning’s metallic fur resists, turning what should be an amputation into a flesh wound.

  Ning falls, but as he does, his arm rakes on a retreating [Elite Guard], grasping and crushing the man's skull.

  “Jiro!” Yuto warns, but his warning comes too late. With a flick of Nings arm, the Fenrimorph throws the [Elite Guards] corpse at Jiro, slamming his brother back.

  Grimacing, Yuto continues his rush, Odachi poised and skill ready. All he needs to do is get close enough to end it.

  Unfortunately, Ning’s regeneration is extraordinary. The Fenrimorph stands back up and turns its head. Its mouth opens to reveal numerous metal needle-like fur.

  Nepenthes reacts quickly, grasping Nings head and tilting it to the side. A bang sounds out from Ning’s mouth, followed by several distant trees shattering in the direction.

  Ning slashes his arm at Nepenthes, crushing the [Druids] barklike skin and sending the Phytonid flying.

  Ning returns its attention to Yuto several meters before Yuto is in range.

  All six of Nings eyes focus on the odachi with a wariness rarely perceived by a Fenrimorph. It is said that though the mind is gone once the infection completes, strong memories and feelings can still linger and manifest even after the soul passes.

  Ning jumps, a wave forming with the movement as the Fenrimorph attempts to create distance from Yuto.

  A smart move normally, but not when the sky is another's domain.

  Looking up, Yuto watches as Auranta raises her hands above her head while her wings flutter rapidly. The wind becomes a physical manifestation of force, converging above her. As Ning reaches the apex of his height, the [Wind Mage] unleashed her spell.

  The wind howls as a hurricane manifests above Ning. The cyclone of wind descends down upon the Fenrimorph like a twirling spear. Ning reacts by throwing out his arm to meet the spell. The spell makes contact, shredding his arm and smashing the Fenrimorph violently back down to earth.

  “Yuto, keep moving!” His older brother rushes past in the direction of Ning.

  His words shock Yuto back into reality. Impressive as the spell was, it may not have been strong enough to end Ning.

  Yuto rushes after his brother. When they near where Ning fell, Yuto finds his brother's instincts correct.

  Ning stands up from a crater, one arm shredded down to the bone alongside minor cuts across its body. To anyone else, such damage would be lethal. To a Fenrimorph, it is merely a minor inconvenience.

  The brothers approach Ning with Jiro taking the lead and Yuto close behind. Ning turns to them, all six eyes staring in abject animosity. Ning’s mouth opens to once again reveal numerous metal needles.

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  “I’ll handle its breath! Get behind me.” His brother yells..

  Ning breathes in, then out with an explosion.

  At the same time, his brother swings his katana.

  

  innumerable needles meet a thousand ghostly blades. The area in front of Jiro turns into a violent mass of piercing and cutting as each and every projectile heading at them is intercepted.

  As soon as his brother's skill ends, Yuto rushes past. He reaches Ning at the same time as the Fenrimorph realizes his breath failed. It raises its paw and swipes at Yuto.

  Unfortunately, it's too late.

  “

  A thousand blades slash around Yuto with the full force and might of the Odachi in his palms. As the first blade reaches Ning, the weapon slices into the metal fur and keeps going, severing through flesh and bone with insurmountable ease. Nings arm turns into mincemeat, followed by his elbows, forearm, and then the skill reaches Nings body. By the end of the skill, what's left of the Fenrimorph is something a butcher would struggle to tell you.

  Even after the skill, Yuto continues holding the Odachi, staring at his teacher's remains as they bloody the water. Only when his brother's arm finds its way on his shoulder does Yuto break out of his focus.

  “Good job,” Jiro says. He removes his arm and sheathes his katana. Then he bows forward. “Master Ning, may you rest in peace.”

  Yuto realizes what his brother is doing and does the same.

  “Master Ning, may you rest in peace,” Yuto says as gratefully as he can.

  “Technically, he’s resting in pieces. But, hey, you do you.”

  Yuto and Jiro both turn to the voice. What they find is a kitten swimming above the water with an oddly thicker coat.

  “Quasi?” Yuto asks, unsure.

  “In the adorable flesh. By the way, that’s a really nice sword.”

  _____________________________________________________________________

  “It’s very nice. I don’t suppose you’d be willing to give it up to me as a reward?”

  Jiro frowns down at me. “For what? Where were you while we risked our lives to fig-” Yuto elbows Jiro in the side.

  “What my brother is trying to say is that belongs to our late master. Giving such a thing away is akin to spitting upon his grave.”

  I pout, but only for a moment. “Sounds reasonable,” I tell Yuto. I shift my focus on his one-armed brother. “I was busy doing important stuff. As soon as I was done I rushed her, but it seems like you both finished up nicely.”

  “No help from you.” Jiro comments, only to get a glare from Yuto.

  “Hey, don’t blame me. I left my crew with you and I did rush here after almost blowing myself up.”

  “Again?”

  I shift my head up and see Auranta flutter down without her mask, fully displaying her insectoid features.

  “Matriarch, though your regeneration is impressive, I should stress that you should avoid relying on it so haphazardly.” Nepenthes approaches. The Phytonid looks like she’d taken several beatings that should have killed her multiple times over, but she continues to stand as though her indented chest is only but a flesh wound.

  “Comrade fluffy is fine. He is like furry cockroach after chernobyl. Mother kill and kill, but little bugs never die.”

  I can't help but snort at the approaching Russian. “Thank you Boriss for the compliment… I think. Anyway, what’s the situation right now?”

  My question goes unanswered as a roar shakes not only the air, but the surrounding water and my body. Every eye turns to the source. What we all see is the largest Fenrimorph I’ve ever seen. Fourteen massive horns extend from a head more akin to a dinosaur than a wolf. It stands four meters tall and is covered in thick plated scales. Six glowing eyes stare at us through what looks like a thick transparent film while a long spiked tail waves menacingly behind it.

  “Fourteen horns already?” Jiro exclaims. “That’s far too fast.”

  “What's too fast? I’m guessing that's the alpha?” I ask.

  “It is,” Jiro nods with a grimace. “And it shouldn’t have so many horns so early in the infection. I don’t think we can kill it- even the inquisition might not be able to if it continues growing.”

  “We must try or at the very least delay,” Yuto unsheathes and points it at the monstrosity. “If we allow the alpha to roam freely, it will find the convoy and kill everyone.”

  I stare at the monstrous alpha as it approaches and feel the vibrations through the water with every step. It is heavy, powerful, and ultimately a perfect opportunity to level.

  “Yuto, how about I make a deal with you.”

  Yuto raises an eyebrow.

  “I don’t believe making deals right now is appropriate.” Jiro interrupts.

  “What is the deal, honorable Quasi?” Yuto ignores his brother.

  “Simple. If I kill the alpha, you will join my crew for, say, five years at the minimum”

  “What dishonorable nonsense are you spouting?” Jiro growls. “This is a six Kaeru Fenrimorph. Even the inquisition’s [Samurai] would strug-”

  “-I accept.” Yuto interrupts his brother.

  “Yuto,” Jiro exclaims in surprise.

  “Brother, you trampled on my honor before. If I must serve to regain it, then I will.” Yuto looks at me. “End the alpha and my blade is yours.”

  I chuckle and grin.

  “Perfect. Now find a seat and get ready for the show.”

  I swim away from them and crawl up on a nearby log. I shake away the water. I grin at the crowd before returning my attention to the approaching alpha.

  With a mental command, I call up my skill.

  “It’s kaiju time!”