Free Web NovelChapter 107: Chapter 106 - New Mission
Point-of-View: Adelmira Hartley ƒreewebɳovel.com
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"Wow, is this for real?" I remarked in surprise and bewilderment.
"I was thinking the same thing...what is wrong with people?" Scoffed X, as she glanced at the screen.
It was the 24th of June today, a couple of days after the UN conference with that Neo guy from Harmony, and while that meeting had resulted in a lot of people’s views over Meta-Humans softening, the more religious people were absolutely furious, since he straight up said that religions are made up.
And today, a popular celebrity, who was also a devout Christian, had announced that he was opening up his private island as a defensive base against Dracula, after bashing Harmony for refusing to go after him.
Apparently, even the current pope and other important figures in the Vatican had moved to his island, and he was gathering weapons and stuff. Thousands of people had flocked to his island already, and the hashtag #HolyCrusade was trending.
"They’re all gonna die, aren’t they?" Said Petra dryly.
"Oh, yeah, that’s for sure," Nodded X in response.
"I kinda feel bad for them, you know. I mean, Dracula is going after religion because it was religious fanatics that attacked his home, right? I bet most of these people aren’t evil or fanatical, just devoutly religious and genuinely believe that they’re doing the right thing or whatever," I replied sympathetically.
"Yeah, well, they should just think for themselves instead of blindly adhering to religion," Argued X objectively.
"By the way, what happens to Eden now? Now that people are aware of the existence of Meta-Humans, taking over the world seems pretty impossible," Mused Petra.
"Yeah, based on my recent interactions with Trevor, it seems like the Eden higher ups are at a complete loss. After all, if they continue trying to brainwash world leaders and get caught, they could end up making enemies of the entire world. I think they’re already abandoning the countries in which they’d brainwashed leaders and had been controlling from the shadows. Meanwhile, not too much has changed for Harmony," X pointed out in response.
"I really hope someone who betrayed Eden and joined Chaos would hurry up and leak the locations of Eden’s hideouts, especially this one," I sighed wistfully.
"Somehow, I doubt it. That Anarchy person gave off the vibe that they want to have fun with this, so I don’t see them making any drastic moves like that this early," Replied X with a shake of her head.
Yeah, I guess it won’t be that convenient, huh. I suppose there’s no point in wondering about it and hoping baselessly. But I just can’t help but hope.
I then let out a sigh as I began absent-mindedly scrolling through social media...pretty much every single post I’m coming across is related to Meta-Humans.
During the recent UN conference, that Neo guy basically told them everything about Meta-Humans, including about the Meta-Orbs and us Outliers. So, naturally, people were talking about it.
A whole lot of people talking about how they wish they could get super powers too. Which is understandable, if I never came across the Aqua Meta-Orb, I’d probably want powers right now too.
"Hm? Hey, look, check this out," I remarked, showing the other two my screen.
It was a post from Anarchy’s account, a selfie with them and Dracula, who looked kinda annoyed, like he didn’t want to be in the picture. The photo was captioned...’we ’bout to go murder some crazies’...
"I have to admit, this Anarchy is a pretty entertaining person," Remarked Petra with an amused look on her face.
"Yeah, in a terrifying, ’could destroy the entire world’, kinda way," Responded X warily.
"Come on, that’s a bit of an exaggeration," I laughed it off.
"No, not really. They could easily provoke a country with nuclear weapons or something, just to give an example," She pointed out objectively.
"That’s, uh...kind of a scary thought..."
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Point-of-View: Aurora Pretorius
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"You want me to go to Hungary?" I remarked in response.
"Yeah, there’s a bit of tricky situation there," Replied Mike, before explaining, "There’s been an incident in a small rural village near a cavernous mountain range. There’s a deep forest between the village and the caves, which the locals believe is haunted and usually stay out of. However, they claimed that, a few days ago, they were attacked by mysterious assailants that came from the forest."
Today’s the 26th of June, and Mike had called Inoka and I to inform us of the details of a new mission that we’d been assigned to.
"Okay, what does that have to do with us?" I inquired curiously.
"I’m getting to that. According to what they reported, two days ago, the townspeople, about five of them, gathered makeshift weapons like shovels and pitchforks and went into the forest, until they got to the caves, saw a group of people and ambushed them. They reported it to the authorities, who reported it to the government, who contacted Harmony to investigate whether this had anything to do with Monsters or Demi-Humans," Explained Mike, before adding, "The higher ups doubted that to be the case, but ordered Neo to humor them anyway, just in case. And...what he came across in the caves, was a pack of Werewolves."
"Woah, for real!?" Exclaimed Inoka with a look of intrigue.
"Yup. Neo tried talking to them, but the talks quickly broke down and they attacked him, so he retreated. But he did manage to speak to them a bit, and when he asked them whether they attacked the village, not only did they deny it, they got furious, claiming that they’d been the ones who had been attacked unprovoked.
Here’s where it gets complicated...Werewolves have a special ability known as Hypnosis, they use that ability to keep people away from where they live, and these Werewolves have that ability. So it doesn’t make sense that the people from the village were able to find them in the first place," Remarked Mike with a grimace.
"Hey, about Werewolves...I know that Vampires drink human blood just like in fiction, but what about Werewolves? Do they, like, eat people and stuff?" Inquired Inoka curiously.
"No, they don’t, and that’s another reason why this story doesn’t quite add up. Werewolves are carnivores, but they aren’t interested in human meat, they typically prey on small animals. In fact, a lot of Werewolf packs now live in modern society, some of them are even acquainted with Harmony.
And despite the fact that they’re carnivores, they’re a naturally docile and peaceful race, except when they’re seriously angered. Because they live in packs, they’re fiercely loyal to each other. Pretty much the only way to incur the wrath of a Werewolf pack is to kill one of them...and according to Neo, two Werewolf children were killed two days ago," Surmised Mike with a grimace.
"So, in other words, one side is lying," Colcluded Inoka.
"Yup, sure seems to be the case. Anyway, the ones assigned to this mission are the two of you, Liling and another Category 0 you haven’t met yet," He informed us.
Really...?
"Uh...is that really a good idea? I can’t really go all-out if someone I’m not used to fighting with is around," I spoke up with a frown.
"Well, ideally, there won’t be any fighting, the idea is to resolve this peacefully," Explained Mike in response.
"Yeah, I highly doubt it’d work out so easily that way. Also, you said Neo will be dropping us off, so does that mean he’s part of the team too?" Asked Inoka.
"Nope. Since his attempt at talking to the Werewolves went badly, the higher ups decided that it’d be better to exclude him."
"That still doesn’t address my concern...I can’t fight at full power with a stranger around," I remarked, before inquiring, "How strong are Werewolves, anyway?"
"Hm, let me think...from what I know, at strongest, I’d say that they’re about twice as strong as a typical Category 0. And on average, I’d say...they’re about Category 0 level. So you holding back should be fine," Shrugged Mike in response.
Wow, what an irresponsible reply...
"Fine, whatever," I sighed, giving up.
"Anyway, why am I a part of this?" Asked Inoka curiously.
"For your healing ability, in case things get ugly. Gaining some experience with using it in real combat will be valuable. Liling’s included to cover for you, as a more experienced Light Skill user," Answered Mike in response.
"Okay, I guess that makes sense."
"Is that everything we need to know?" I asked him.
"Yup, that about covers it," Nodded Mike in reply.
"Cool, so what time do we leave?" Responded Inoka, stretching his arms up.
"Uh, let’s see," Responded Mike, glancing at his phone, "Oh, it’s almost time. Neo will be showing up with Liling and the other Category 0 any minute n-...oh, here they are now."
I glanced back, following Mike’s gaze, to see a portal opening behind us...
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