Free Web NovelChapter 38: A Gathering of Monsters
Cher manipulated her wristwatch, and five strange towers materialised across the platform. They resembled metallic tubes anchored to the ground, each ending in a sleek cannon that slowly rotated as though searching for prey.
The moment they appeared, the cannons locked onto Lara.
FWOOSH!
The lasers shot forward. The attacks were too fast for anyone to react, but the wolves moved half a beat faster.
As though guided by an instinct beyond reason, they sensed the danger the instant the cannons targeted Lara. Furious howls erupted from their throats. Then five wolves rushed to shield her, forming a protective barrier around Lara against all the laser shots, while the remaining two lunged at the towers without hesitation.
The entire response of the wolves unfolded in an instant, leaving Lara no opportunity to issue commands. It did not feel as though the wolves were obeying her orders. It felt as though they were protecting someone precious to them, protecting their mother.
"Unbelievable..."
Darius was the first to speak.
He had moved earlier out of simple concern, but only now did he truly understand the significance of Cher’s words regarding Lara’s ability.
If taming monsters could create bonds like this... the implications were terrifying.
"At this point, that seven percent success rate is practically cheating."
Alfred shook his head. Unlike Silas and Darius, he understood far better just how monstrous such an ability could become.
Silas remained silent. Even without entering the Time Mind World, his mind instinctively analysed each of his teammates’ abilities, fitting them together in countless battle scenarios and searching for the most effective combinations.
’If only I could use the Time Mind World as freely as before...’
Lara continued demonstrating her ability while the group discussed its unique characteristics.
Then Cher casually dropped another bomb.
"She isn’t limited by the number of monsters she can tame once the ability succeeds."
Everyone froze.
"Of course," Cher continued, "it depends on how many crystals she possesses. Those seven wolves exhausted the White-grade crystal she used."
"Then what about maintaining them?" Silas asked. "Doesn’t that consume a lot of Mana?"
Cher chuckled.
"The cost is minimal. And even if she dismisses the ability, some of the connection remains. Those monsters won’t attack her. Sometimes, they’ll even instinctively protect her if they sense she’s in danger."
The more she explained, the more shaken the others became. Silas glanced at Lara, remembering how eccentric and harmless she had initially seemed.
Now, he wasn’t entirely certain she wasn’t a monster herself.
’Don’t tell me she wanted to tame that fierce monster back then...’
"And here I thought she was just another ordinary G-Enhancer," Darius muttered. "What would’ve happened if she’d been a Lisan Al-Gaia? Would the world revolve around her fingertips?"
Lara puffed out her chest proudly.
"Hahaha! If that happens, I’ll graciously allow you to serve me."
The demonstration ended with her words, as she felt bored and decided to stop. Under Cher’s wristwatch, the wolves dissolved into drifting particles of light, yet Silas noticed the lingering expressions on their faces before they vanished; longing. It felt as though they had lost something irreplaceable.
"Why don’t you show us your ability next?"
Cher turned toward Darius. And the latter inwardly sighed. Compared to prodigies like Lara, the gap between them felt impossible to ignore. His performance would have been considered exceptional almost anywhere else. Just not here.
Still, no one mocked or belittled him.
Even if disappointment lingered in his chest, he stepped forward and demonstrated his ability. Once he finished, Alfred quietly moved into the centre of the platform.
"Now it’s my turn."
He activated his ability. Overlapping scales emerged across the upper half of his body, covering him in dark armour.
Silas initially thought little of it. It was a solid defensive ability, nothing more. Then Cher’s expression changed, her eyes widened slightly.
"No way..." she whispered. "How do you have Dragon Scales? What kind of cores did you consume to obtain this?"
For the first time since meeting her, genuine shock appeared on Cher’s face. Silas immediately revised his assessment of Alfred’s ability.
"What cores?" Cher pressed.
Alfred hesitated.
For a brief moment, it seemed he was weighing whether to entrust people he had known for mere hours with the greatest secret of his life. Then the hesitation vanished.
"I don’t know," he answered evenly.
Cher narrowed her eyes.
"I know Dragon Scales when I see them. And I know they’re connected to what brought the Ashbornes down."
The mention of that extinct kingdom instantly skyrocketed Silas’ attention. Darius blinked before glancing between Silas, Cher, and Alfred.
"You do realise," he said slowly, "that our leader shares the Ashbornes’ name?"
Silas thought it was old news. But Cher and Lara turned, studying him for a moment. As for Alfred, he remained unmoved.
"Many people name their children after the Ashbornes," he replied calmly.
Darius shrugged. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
"Fair enough."
"Regardless," Cher said, returning to the original subject, "your ability isn’t random, and it certainly isn’t common."
"And?"
Alfred’s expression never changed. He resembled a sealed vault. No matter how hard Cher knocked, its secrets would remain buried.
"I think we should drop this matter for now."
Lara’s voice cut through the growing tension. She fixed her gaze on Cher.
"When our bond becomes stronger than blood, he’ll tell us everything willingly."
’Never.’
Alfred’s expression remained calm. Only the firmness in his eyes betrayed the unshakable resolve beneath.
After a few moments, Cher exhaled quietly. It was obvious that Alfred’s background wasn’t simple. And equally obvious that he had no intention of speaking about it.
"So... what now?"
Darius looked around awkwardly.
"I know I’m the only normal Enhancer among a team of real monsters, but are we just going to stand around staring at each other?"
Silence lingered for a moment before Cher smiled.
"Let’s hear it from our leader then."
This time, Silas had expected it. And he answered immediately.
"Can you summon those wolves again? And other monsters too?"
Cher grinned.
"Piece of cake."
Everyone understood his intention. They had seen each other’s abilities. Now they needed to learn how those abilities could fit together.
For the next several hours, Cher continuously summoned monsters for them to fight. Per Silas’ request, most were E-grade, though she occasionally introduced D-grade opponents.
Their first attempts at teamwork were disastrous. Lara instinctively stayed close to Cher. While Darius worked naturally alongside Silas.
Alfred preferred fighting alone.
Eventually, Silas halted the training and reorganised their formation, mirroring the strategy he had used during the admission test. Darius and Alfred formed the front line, Cher occupied the centre, while Lara remained behind them.
And Silas took the rear.
Cher possessed the greatest offensive potential within the team, while Lara needed time to experiment with her ability. Protecting her fell naturally to him.
Even then, he constantly adjusted their roles. Sometimes Cher fought alone at the front. Other times, Silas took that responsibility himself while Darius and Alfred guarded Lara from both sides.
Their teamwork remained rough around the edges. But beneath the chaos, everyone could sense the same thing: If they maintained this pace, they would improve rapidly.
By the time Silas finally called an end to the training, the sun had begun its descent. They boarded the shuttle exhausted. Despite the fatigue weighing down their bodies, a quiet sense of accomplishment settled over the group.
"I can’t wait to sleep," Darius said with a yawn.
The others nodded in agreement.
After disembarking from the shuttle, just as Silas and Darius prepared to bid the others farewell, Cher suddenly turned toward him.
Her expression had become serious.
"We need to talk."
She didn’t wait for a response. Without explaining herself, she turned and walked toward the cafeteria.
"Follow me."
