The only good Wastelander was a dead Wastelander.

Lucian had enough experience with them to know that they were better off not existing. Never once did he run into one of the dregs of the Wasteland that was amiable or trustworthy. They always had diabolical schemes in mind and were quick to betray those who relied on them.

Lucian would kill these three. For the sake of humanity and for vengeance of those that had been infected with the drugs they created, he’d end them here.

[Demon Eat Demon]

Lucian felt his blood run cold as his emotions were extinguished. All that remained in his soul was the need to slaughter the wicked. The Inner Trait had enacted in him and given him the cold resolve to take life without mercy.

Just as he was about to transform into his [Angry Gremlin] form and initiate the fight, a tattoo of a tulip on the young Wastelander girl's neck caught his eye. It was Camelia's favorite flower, a painful reminder of his friend who had met an untimely end. Her memory flooded his mind, and he couldn't shake the vision of the sorrow in her eyes if she knew he was going to kill again. Camelia, who would have protected even devils for the sake of goodness, gave him pause. His expression softened, replaced by a pained expression. For her memory, he chose to spare them – at least for the time being.

“Hey, enough of that,” William called out to the arguing men while kneeling next to Penelope's unconscious body. “We're here to kill monsters, not each other. Save it for when we leave the Monster Gate.”

The Wastelanders stood their ground, their gazes locked with Lucian's, but he simply shrugged as [Demon Eat Demon] dissipated, and his senses returned to normal.

“Hey, Lucian was it? Come over here,” William beckoned. “I got something that might interest you.” The Wastelanders tried to follow along, but William waved them off. “It’s alright, boys. I just need to talk to Lucian.”

“We don’t need any others. We have a full group,” Dougy reminded him, able to plainly see William’s plans to add another member.

“Things just became serious. Hobgoblins are sub-bosses, which increases this gate’s difficulty. We need him.” As the Wastelander scoffed and turned around, Lucian approached William, who extended his hand, and they shook hands. William greeted, “I’m also a ‘Wall Hugger,’ friend.”

“We’re not friends,” Lucian retorted, having just as much distrust for those in New DC as he did for Wastelanders. He had grown up in the megacity, and no one had betrayed him more than his fellow New DC residents.

“Alright, bud. Ease up. I just wanted to talk business. We’re both men of New DC. What else moves us other than cold hard cash?” William's thick brows, situated above his droopy eyes, wiggled enticingly.

Lucian wanted to answer that he was motivated by the vengeance he sought for his deceased family and Gabriel, but deep down, he knew that money was a significant factor behind his decision to venture into a Wild Gate.

“Now we're getting somewhere,” William responded to Lucian's moment of hesitation with a smile. “I'm a mercenary from the ‘Wasted Souls’ company. This young lady,” he gestured towards Penelope, who lay unconscious, a swollen bump forming on her forehead where she had collided with the tree, “hired me for protection.” William pulled out his phone and deftly scrolled through it until he found a contract between himself and his charge, which he promptly showed to Lucian. “The amount listed here – I'm willing to split it with you if you join us as a temporary mercenary to help safeguard her.”

Before this, William had been unaware that Penelope had enlisted the help of Wastelanders for Scav training. She likely lacked the knowledge or experience to understand the reputation of such individuals. The rotund mercenary knew he needed additional support in case the situation took a turn for the worse, and witnessing Lucian's combat skills, he believed the young man to be the ideal reinforcement.

Lucian gulped in tense surprise seeing the numbers on the phone screen. The amount of money was what he needed to get back on his feet.

“You know what they say in New DC,” William encouraged, “‘Money in your face is one move away from money in your pocket.’ You’re move is to just say yes.”

Lucian side eyed him and responded, “They also say, ‘You either screw someone over or get screwed yourself.’”

William coughed awkwardly. “Uh, yea. That’s a more common New DC expression. But I stand by my word as a mercenary.”

“Fine. I’ll agree. Wasted Souls may not be respected by other Anointed, but at least they’re known to keep to their agreements.” Lucian reluctantly acquiesced. He had done his fair share of research on mercenaries and had even worked under them in the past as an MHS worker. There was a clear contrast between Mercenary Anointed and Wardens. Mercenaries were infamous for their willingness to take on any job, whether for good or ill, which was why no self-respecting Warden held them in a decent light.

“That’s what I like to hear…wait. What do you mean the other Anointed don’t respect us?” Lucian shrugged and began to walk away to dress the monster corpses, William still speaking, “No, really. What do they say about us…?”

William spent time watching over Penelope while Lucian brought out his Gatetech tools. Lucian transformed into a blur of movement, his Gatetech cutter's gears whirring as he disassembled the goblin remains. Goblin skin, bone, and muscle were sent scattering like shavings from a chainsaw cutting through a log.

“Jesus…!” Xavier sputtered, watching the best MHS Skinner at work, “He’s a tornado!”

“Those tools were actually meant for something?” Dougy exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock. He bit his lip, feeling a pang of jealousy surging through him. It seemed deeply unfair that these valuable monster materials were going to just one person. He couldn't help but stare enviously at Lucian, gaze narrowing. If only he could have a fraction of what was now in Lucian's possession, it could mean a world of difference for his own plans.

Xavier, standing beside Dougy, was also fixated on Lucian. The young man had unwittingly become a significant obstacle to the carefully laid plans Xavier had in place. However, the Wastelander wasn't about to give up easily. He believed that every problem had a solution. His tattoo-covered face broke into a sinister, malicious smile. In his mind, the most effective solutions often involved violence.

Shadows of the rolling clouds moved over Two Tap as she stood in the grass, her metal mouth agape, watching Lucian with a sense of awe. His practiced movements were mesmerizing in her drugged-up state.

Lucian carefully tied up the monster materials, stuffing the skins, teeth, and bones into the gym bag he had acquired from Sammy’s boss's black Chevy. He cast a grateful glance at the lifeless remains of the goblins, even though these same kinds of creatures had nearly torn him apart when he first arrived in the Monster Gate.

[Goblin Bash] was what he had had inadvertently gained from these monsters.

[Goblin Bash] – His first ever Skill and a Skill that could use Aura. It was, essentially, an enhanced punch, a delivery system for explosive Aura power. When combined with [Angry Gremlin], his punches became akin to wrecking balls, capable of devastating force. Memories of that initial gate encounter washed over him: goblins swarming him, their relentless assault pushing him to unlock this invaluable Skill, effectively saving his life.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

The Master System materialized before him as he sought to inspect his singular “Magic Art.” The description read: “Magic Art – [Mimicry of the Wild]: Magic of the Beast Mimic used to copy monster abilities.” Unfortunately for Lucian, the description provided no clues on how he could copy monster abilities, whether through observation or mimicry. The mechanics of how it worked remained a mystery.

“[Beast Mimic]: A class that copies the abilities of monsters. This is a special class gained only by eating the Sacred Fruit of monsters.”

He read his class description and was again unable to gain any clue as to how to be a [Beast Mimic]. He already knew the Sacred Fruit must’ve been what he and the other MHS workers ate to become Anointed. The only mystery was how to utilize the class and actually copy monster abilities on command.

“Sir,” William called over to Lucian respectfully, “Penelope is awake. We’re about to get a move on.”

Dead leaves crackled under their feet as they made headway along the damp soil of the forest. The howling wind rustled through the towering pines, carrying with it the musky scent of the wild. In the distance, the obnoxious sounds of monsters carried on without end.

“What do you mean I knocked myself out?” Penelope's loud voice pierced the air. William had been trying to explain what had happened, but his young client couldn't accept it.

“No,” she denied, shaking her head and causing her pigtails to whip back and forth. “It must've been that Hobgoblin. That monster must've used a dirty goblin Skill and taken me by surprise.” Her brown eyes looked away as her cheeks burned red. “There's no way I would defeat my own self by running into a tree…”

William nodded along, his chagrin evident. He struggled to find the right words to persuade Penelope, knowing that convincing her would be a formidable challenge.

“And who’s the good looking guy,” Penelope asked, pointing a finger directly at Lucian’s mop-haired head.

“Uh, I’m Lucian,” Lucian answered warily, gently pushing her finger away from his nose, “I was there during the Hobgoblin fight.”

“I don’t trust good looking men. They’re scumbags!” Her words prompted Dougy and Xavier to start snickering while Two Tap remained looking ahead in a drug-fueled daze, unaware. “I bet you mess around with a lot of girls.”

“I used to work twelve and fourteen hour shifts. I never really had the time to mess around…” Lucian quieted when he thought of “Her.” But she didn’t count. Lucian was sure she didn’t count. No, he wouldn’t label her in such a favorable light as ever being “his girl.”

“You’re thinking of girls now,” chided Penelope, shaking her head while making a disapproving "tsk tsk" sound, “I can tell!”

“Okay, Penelope,” William interjected, “That’s enough.”

“Yea, Penny,” Lucian added with impatience, “Calm down.”

“My name is Penelope after my grandmother! You get my name right,” Penelope snapped with indignation. Beside Lucian, Dougy and Xavier had to slow down from laughing too hard.

“Think of the money,” William urged Lucian, noting the angry veins protruding from the young man’s neck and attempting to calm him with the promise of payment later.

“And look at your clothes.” Penelope was relentless. “Gym clothes and a tool belt? Were you going to build a gym in this forest?”

Dougy and Xavier couldn’t take it any longer, falling to the ground and clutching their stomachs as they laughed without end. Two Tap's smiling expression remained unchanged when she joined her fellow Wastelanders and sat on the ground next to them.

Lucian looked down at Penelope from his nose, his brows furrowed. Penelope kept her eyes locked with his, her lips pursed, ready to counter what he would say when a goblin abruptly fell from a tree between them. The creature fell on its head and it appeared to be in a daze because of it. The creature had failed in a surprise attack, falling out of its hiding place before it could do anything.

“Quick, Penelope,” William said with enthusiasm, “Attack that goblin! It’s your chance to beat one up on your own.”

Penelope nodded resolutely.

Dougy frowned seeing William still trying to take the lead and shouted, “Ms. Penelope, I’m the one teaching you,” and he shoved her out of the way to grab hold of the goblin. It squirmed in his arms and began to cut into his skin as it scratched in retaliation.

[Metal Man] – Dougy’s Skill which allowed him to become covered in metal. It was an invaluable Skill for a defensive type Anointed such as himself.

With metal skin, the goblin’s nails no longer affected him. He held out the goblin like a stuffed animal to Penelope and urged, “Go ahead, Ms. Penelope. Kill it.”

“She needs to learn how to use her Combat Art, not get a free kill…” William sighed.

“Shut up,” Dougy spat in response, “I’m teaching. You’re guarding.”

“Here I go,” Penelope cheered and wound up a punch like a windmill before launching it and landing a punch onto the goblin. It became unconscious on impact. “I…I did it!” She turned to William with bubbly excitement. “I did it, William! I’m becoming like you so quickly.”

Her enthusiasm couldn’t be denied. William had no choice but to smile and nod, not having the heart to rain on her parade.

While Penelope was looking away, Dougy snapped the goblin’s neck to kill it.

“Lesson one, complete!” Dougy declared and tossed the green corpse aside. Beside him, Two Tap began clapping. The Wastelander then put an arm around Penelope. “This is just the beginning, Ms. Penelope. Soon, you’ll be killing Hobgoblins by yourself.”

“You stink,” Penelope grumbled, grimacing as she went out from under his rancid armpit. “But I like what I’m hearing.” She then enthused, “Could I tackle Wild Gates by myself?”

“No…” William tried to intrude but was quieted by a look from Dougy.

“The fatso’s right,” Dougy said, turning back to Penelope. “You’ll need a good team behind you like mine.” He gestured with confidence toward Xavier behind him, who was picking his nose, and Two Tap, who was lost in a daze, staring at her own hands in wonder.

Lucian let out a dismissive snort, earning quick dirty looks from Dougy and Xavier.

“Just focus on training,” William advised Penelope. “What comes after will come after. Don’t worry too much about the future's problems, kid. Just focus on the present.” He felt a bit odd, as he had offered the same advice to his sister once upon a time. Penelope really did remind him of her.

“Shut it, fatty,” Dougy interrupted before returning his attention to his student. “Penelope, let’s start hunting!”

Two hours later.

“I’m tired!” Penelope whined for the sixth time in the last forty minutes. “My feet hurt, and the goblins are too quick to hit.”

Dougy was red from stress and strain. He had been trying to train Penelope, but she lacked perseverance and would always quit when things became difficult. When the goblins they came across got out of a certain range, she would just let them go, complaining about running too much. If the goblins managed to land a blow on her, she would lose her temper and call on William to help her.

The part that gave Dougy the most ire was her incessant complaining. She never stopped. She needed to be carried. She needed water because she forgot to bring her own. She wanted others to finish her training for her. Not a moment went by that she didn’t use to tell others about what irked her.

“Why doesn’t she shut up?” Xavier whispered to himself. He had been talking to himself for a while, unable to speak his gripes aloud since Dougy was trying to protect Penelope’s feelings, knowing she was the one who would pay them.

“What if she doesn’t know how to shut up…?” Xavier posed another question to himself. Dougy could see the mohawk Wastelander was beginning to break down mentally.

“Let’s go outside the gate for a little bit,” Penelope continued relentlessly, “It’s too windy in here for training.”

“There are monsters that broke out of their gates outside,” William argued. “It’ll be best if we stayed in this gate where monsters have predictable levels of strength.”

William seemed to have Buddha-like patience in comparison to the others. Lucian left some time ago to hunt on his own, not willing to wait for Penelope to progress.

“Look, another goblin!” William shouted, pointing at a pair of eyes staring out from a bush, “This is your chance, Penelope!”

“It’s going to be too quick like the last ones,” Penelope whined, stamping in place, already knowing she was going to be embarrassed by yet another goblin dodging her attacks easily. She saw no point in trying anymore.

A blade flew in a metallic streak and landed on the goblin’s leg. A bestial shriek erupted from the stout monster as it was struck. It tried to get away but tripped over its own incapacitated and injured leg.

“Now it can’t outmaneuver you!” William encouraged, then advised, “But don’t let its injury fool you. Goblins remain crafty at all times.”

“I don’t want to kill it,” Penelope pouted and crossed her arms. “You were the one to defeat it. You might as well kill it yourself.”

“But Penelope, this is all a part of your training…”

“You griping, lazy bitch,” a low growling voice cursed.

“W-what did you call me?” Penelope bristled, turning to see Dougy glaring at her.

The Wastelander hissed, “Why the fuck are you even out here if you can’t even finish off an injured goblin? You complain and complain but you don’t even try to get better at this. You’re beyond useless!”

Penelope’s smooth young face reddened like a pomegranate.

“I’m paying you to train me…!” she countered.

“You’re paying us to babysit you, you useless Wall Hugger!” Dougy shouted. Xavier was at Dougy’s shoulder, throwing his own vicious gaze at Penelope. Two Tap was dancing circles around the fallen goblin, lost in her own world.

“Maybe we need an advance on that payment…” Xavier more so demanded rather than suggested.

William stood at attention, his hands discreetly falling upon the daggers on his belt. His eyes darted in different directions in search, a slight furrow forming on his brow.

“Where is that Lucian when you need him?” He grumbled under his breath.