Chapter 24

Darks could change or evolve into something else, cross-breed, or eat. Or... well, Turn. Giving rise to a new name and Rank was common practice for them. Hellgars were no different. Sometimes, their Rank and bodies would change without the name change due to their instability, or lacking supply of many things.

Rules about the status quo and changes were hard to come by, though Outside had its ways of rumors, stories, or nicknames, or some knowledge from the Walkers came up next. Knowing about them was essential, even if they were outcasts, or weaklings compared to true hunters.

William heard there was a lot more to them than Outside knew, whereas Walkers weren’t known to openly speak and make lessons about everything. Walkers knew what was up. The Federation knew even more! William was about to learn confidential details because he wasn't ready before. Now, he was.

Isn't it kind of insensible? William thought to himself ages ago. To know, but not to speak of it?

A huge head was Hellgar's normal Aspect, giving them a wide jaw, heavy forward-leaning strength, and incredible pushing power. Rows of five-inch tall teeth made ferocious tools and any bite could tear limbs, reaching bones.

Their Ranks were moderately small, so they were relatively weak and killable with firearms and sharp weapons. But their numbers could make up for it a lot since they often acted within groups, or straight up Hordes.

Aiming at weakness and limbs was recommended, or so William learned personally and from many people. He memorized a lot of effort from his history and ears of listening, or eyes watching. Dann was the same. They had to learn how to kill to survive and vice-versa. And they were kids.

What about Walkers? William knew those—even at Rank 1 or 2—could kill these beasts for breakfast, or in whole tides of hundreds at upper Ranks like 4 or 5.

With up to a dozen feet in height, even Hellgars could be as big as horses, but wider, capable of pouncing, or doing stealth if their Aspects were great, and bodies slender or quicker. They were hunters who could devour a human in a minute.

Dark Aspects described hideous features in most cases, giving physical ideas unnatural concepts. Hellgars could have spikes around their backs, head, and tails, tentacles coming out of their flesh, or their fur or scales would have weird coloration, effects, armor, or sharp properties. They could also have numerous eyes, as it was the most common Aspect of Corruption.

Some other common Aspects were universal, like some Dark Miasma, Dark Fog, or a way to touch on Corruption or similar energy as Walkers do. Some were elemental, manifestations in poison, flames, and so on.

Stronger Aspects were rare and often sights of Darks in the middle of evolving to a higher Dark, or seen at high-rank Darks as a whole. Complications rose in Rank, as well as power and capabilities, followed by much broader perspectives and desires. Loftiness was common. INtelect can follow.

The more special the Dark Aspects were, the stronger their powers were, and the rarer they became. It was related to their Ranks, similar to how Walkers had their own talents and perks, but those had incredible disadvantages caused by lower numbers of bodies to toss at their opposition.

Walkers had a guiding System and potent Skills and were much more tame in comparison to those monsters with no sense of reason. They were not that unhinged, but carefully brought up weapons in human forms, with possibilities and powers under their grasp. Their Emblems were their sole Aspect. It was their everything.

William recalled dozens of other Darks while he was chatting with Dann, imagining how to kill them, aim for weaknesses, or escape from their pursuit. Half an hour later, he excused his ass and gave his room a final goodbye.

***

On the first floor, Luke was napping as he promised to himself, sitting in a chair and almost falling off. A sudden vision and a dream about some Darks woke him up with shock, followed by huffing whispers and steps. Fearfully, and with a soft yelp, he almost punched approaching William, who was way too close to his chair.

William froze, already prepared to leave this place and Dann behind. There were no tears between them. Dann felt proud to let him go after his dutiful last lesson.

They promised to come back, tell new stories, and remember childish promises and their time together when they will have new things to tell. One day, when they would both accomplish something with their lives, of course.

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“You scared me, kid,” Luke said, hiding his embarrassment. “Don't approach any Walker who is dozing off. That is common sense. Remember it... or.. be prepared for pain. Sleep is luxury, don't you know that?” He complained like an old man without saying sorry.

He sized William, who was holding an old bag over his shoulder, and his complexion and Emblem seemed good. He looked ready.

“I have no such sense, mister Irwin,” William said in return, speaking far too politely in return to his previous lack of care or emotions. He was quite agitated and he realized his Emblem attacked him in his turbulent changes later. Normally, this much was worth a beating. Not anymore, he supposed.

“Nice bag. I guess orphans have it not so easy and are prepared to take off at any time, eh?”

“Bag? I don't have much. I can be happy to be alive. Thank you for asking, mister Irwin. And yes. I guess you've read my reports, but...” William tried to look for Miss Anderson, but couldn't find her. It wasn't that big of a deal. He hugged her and promised what he wanted.

“Whatever, you have the guts of a kid anyway, so let's leave,” Luke shook his head, got up, and recalled a small mistake that he had made a while ago.

Walking out of the building, the sun was bright and warm. The five-story building had numerous trees and bushes everywhere, giving children some freedom, even if it meant less place for businesses and buildings. This orphanage could afford it; it was in the suburbs of Camp Roshwell, where William spent the past two years working, living, and realizing many things that he couldn't do earlier.

Living in this camp wasn't so bad; it was recommended to him due to his age and he got accepted to the orphanage due to Dann's persuasion. There were great work opportunities on the farms, and this camp was among the best in this part of the world.

It was almost like a city, with stable buildings, and many collections of small rectangular districts between farms, or factories. Wood wasn't as evident material. Most construction had sturdy materials that were hard to come by, which spoke of this camp's history, protection, and connections.

William had seen settlements and camps made of clay and mud. Bricks were considered luxurious, while wood was a popular material that could last long enough, without being a pain in the ass to process, make, or find. Things like steel and rocks were rather heavy, thus rarer.

The sturdiest camp's buildings had cement thick bricks for a lot of residential buildings. The orphanage was one such place, followed by most factories, and bunkers weren't even that obvious as they were under the ground, hidden and well protected.

With a population of many thousands of people, camp Roshwell was the biggest camp in Canadian borders, far from the ocean by a couple of thousand miles. Further, there was the Federation, safe from the land and built in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

William was surprised when he came to this camp for the first time. They paid a lot of attention to the internal structure, people, businesses, and factories, and everyone had some job to do, giving something back to this camp, and creating permanent solutions or work opportunities.

It was like the old world. A normal city, almost, if it wouldn't be for large watchtowers in the outskirts, cannons, and hundreds of guards and soldiers patrolling at all times. Guns were seen a lot; William knew at least five factories were creating them.

It was a clever place thanks to its connection and deep roots to the Federation, so the business was booming and the land around this camp was fertile and rich. It needed at least this much to make it worth it, and numerous Walkers were always present here, acting as overseers, protectors, and greater soldiers. William saw them a few times in the past two years. They were kind of reclusive, always training or working beyond the walls.

The camp took many refugees from Outside, giving them work, food, and a place to sleep. It was almost idyllic, but work was never-ending. There was also a hierarchy, for a better sense of humanity and civility, and protection.

Luke didn't care much for this camp. He walked to the street, aiming his steps at a motorcycle hidden behind a bush, waiting for him in its glory.

“Are we leaving on this? Where?” William asked, glancing for others, but nobody was around.

“Let's talk on the go. I can speak, and you will listen, how about it?” Luke offered as he uncovered his military-grade motorcycle in good condition and style. It was fairly big, sturdy, and green in color. Some rust was in some plates, but it added some character.

William approached it and immediately exclaimed in excitement. He had rarely seen this kind of work. “A bike such as this is rare to see around here. Isn't it expensive because of gas?” William asked with honest excitement as if he was in no hurry or stressed.

In truth, he had seen many impressive things used by the military over the years, but those times usually held different circumstances. Like when his former homes or settlements broke because of Darks, or when they hunted him personally. At such times, caring about some sightseeing of these works of art was a laughable idea, so he couldn't see them closely.

Fleeing for his life, not caring about some vehicles or the Walkers was usually a good idea, right behind the safety of their ranks, or eyes.

“This bike?” Luke said, sounding confused. “This is nothing much but my toy. Walkers could afford it. Federation has so many more, but they are so little for some. Frankly, they aren't that good. Walkers can move faster. Also, so little space is here, so I had to keep the helicopter outside of the camp and take this for a ride. It is a rare opportunity to use it like this. Now, hop behind my back and either hold my back or handles behind you. It's time to move on.”

Luke grabbed a black leather jacket, wore it across his uniform, and started the engine. Wild noises spread when the plates and motorcycle began to tremble after Luke pushed a lever. William realized Luke was showing off, but some words couldn't escape his ears.

“Helicopter?” William mumbled and recalled the last time he had seen a helicopter. He couldn't figure out the reason for traveling by air, but... this was the Federation Luke was talking about.