Asher quickly updating Sarah on the captain's request and their decision to tackle the challenge at the police station. As he recounted the details, her expression turned from curiosity to worried. "So we're- I mean, you're , heading into the heart of danger, then?" she questioned.

Asher responded, "Yes, but it's crucial. If we can get that device working, we might be able to reach out for reinforcements or at least gain a better understanding of the situations."

Sarah sighed, running her fingers through her damp hair. "I get it. But promise me you'll be careful, okay? We've come this far together."

Liam interjected, "We'll have each other's backs, like always."

Asher and Liam, leaving Sarah in the company of the elderly couple, stealthily made their way back to the corner overlooking the police station. The menacing pack of wolves remained, their eerie presence casting a shadow over the area. Asher took a moment, silently counting. "Twenty," he whispered to Liam.

Liam frowned, eyes darting around as he assessed the situation. "They're all clustered together. That could work to our advantage," he observed.

Asher nodded, formulating a plan. "Here's what I'm thinking. We use my guardian as bait. It's designed to handle a lot of damage, and it'll draw their attention. We've successfully employed this strategy before. I doubt these wolves possess abilities similar to the zombified warden's, where they could simply resist the taunt."

Liam caught on immediately, "And while they're distracted, I'll use my explosive shot. With them grouped together, the damage should be significant."

Asher continued, "Exactly. The blast should take out a good number of them. Any that remain, my guardian will handle. "

Liam loaded his weapon, a grim determination on his face. "A foolproof strategy with minimal risk—this is our best shot."

Asher placed a reassuring hand on Liam's shoulder. "Together, we can do this. Ready?"

Liam nodded, "Always."

With their strategy in place, the duo got to work. As Asher's guardian advanced, an unexpected feature caught Asher's attention. The moment the guardian activated the provoke skill, its icon illuminated on the LED visor, signaling its deployment [https://i.imgur.com/Jh70ESi.png [https://i.imgur.com/Jh70ESi.png] ]. "Oh! That's a handy visual cue," Asher thought appreciatively. "I'm impressed."

As the wolves converged on the guardian, Liam took aim, waiting for the perfect moment. When the wolves were tightly packed around the guardian, he unleashed his explosive shot, sending a powerful blast towards the creatures. The explosion lit up the area, and when the smoke cleared, only a few dazed wolves remained, the remaining one's were swiftly dealt with by Asher's guardian using its Shield Throw skill. Just as before, the skill's icon lit up on the LED visor, providing a clear indication of its activation [ https://i.imgur.com/YnMd0hl.png [https://i.imgur.com/YnMd0hl.png] ].

You have participated in the elimination of 'Bladeback Howler'. Experience point earned have been divided by the amount of participants(2). You have earned 300 EXP!(20) EXP (320/600)

The duo exchanged a relieved glance, knowing they had cleared a significant obstacle, but also aware that the challenges inside the portal awaited them.

As they entered the precinct, they were met with an expected sight. Near the gated entrance where police vehicles typically stationed stood a massive blue portal, its rotation exuding a sinister aura. Oddly, even though Asher and Liam recognized that both portals had the same recommended level of entry, they instinctively felt that the dangers lurking within this blue portal far surpassed those of the white one they had previously encountered.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

https://i.imgur.com/ZPAGXCz.png [https://i.imgur.com/ZPAGXCz.png]

"Why is this portal blue, not white like the other one?" Liam mused aloud.

Asher contemplated for a moment, then replied, "If we consider things systematically, just as skills and items have various ranks, portals might be categorized similarly. The white portal is probably a base level, while this blue one is likely a step up in difficulty. We should brace ourselves for heightened challenges within."

Liam looked at the blue portal, anxiety evident in his eyes. "If it's a step up in difficulty, we should be even more prepared."

Asher nodded in agreement.

Gathering their resolve, the duo stepped into the portal. A rush of sensations enveloped them, disorienting their senses. When they finally regained their bearings, they found themselves standing under a vast night sky, the moon's radiant glow illuminating their surroundings.

You have entered 'Lunarstone Canyon'.

The landscape was both awe-inspiring and desolate. They were in the midst of a sprawling canyon, surrounded by an endless expanse of rocks and stones. The formations varied, with some resembling peculiar altars. Strikingly, there was no sign of vegetation—no trees, no shrubs, just the cold, hard stone underfoot and the majestic night sky overhead.

The air, though clear, carried a hint of metallic scent, perhaps due to the rich mineral deposits in the canyon walls. Every so often, a gentle breeze would carry soft, melodic waves, as if the canyon itself was communicating.

Above, the night sky was a canvas of stars, more brilliant and numerous than any they had seen before. The moon, large and luminous, dominated the center, casting a gentle glow on everything below. This moonlight gave the ground a subtle shimmer. On the moon's surface, you could see dark patches, which were its craters. A few wispy clouds drifted by, occasionally passing over the moon and dimming its light momentarily. Overall, the scene was serene and captivating. Something you would not expect from a place filled with bloodthirsty beasts.

"Beautiful," Liam remarked. A cool breeze rustled his ginger hair, and the radiant moonlight enveloped him, instilling a deep sense of tranquility.

Asher, standing beside Liam, took a deep breath, absorbing the crisp air and the peaceful ambiance. "It's moments like these that make you forget the dangers we're surrounded by, even if just for a moment."

Liam nodded, "True. But we can't let our guard down. This place, as mesmerizing as it is, is still unfamiliar territory."

The duo continued their track, guided by the moon's glow. The path ahead was carved between towering rock formations, leading them to unknown places. As they walked, the echoes of their footsteps were the only sound, amplifying the solitude of the place.

Suddenly, a faint growl broke the silence. It grew louder and numerous, turning into a rhythmic chant that seemed to emanate from the depths of the canyon. Asher and Liam exchanged glances, both sensing that they were drawing closer to something significant.

The path opened up to a large clearing, at the center of which stood a monolithic stone structure. The monolith that stood before them was imposing, rising from the ground like a sentinel of ancient times. Its surface was smooth, yet on closer inspection, four distinct designs became visible. Each design depicted the head of a wolf, but every representation was unique.

The first wolf, positioned at the base of the monolith, had a fierce and aggressive demeanor. Its eyes were wide, and its snarling teeth gave it an aura of raw power. Above it, the second wolf had a more serene expression, with eyes half-closed, as if in meditation or deep thought. It conveyed wisdom and introspection.

The third wolf, to the side, was depicted in mid-howl, its snout raised to an unseen moon, suggesting communication or a call to the wild. Opposite the third, the final wolf was distinctively robust. Its form was broad and muscular, exuding a sense of strength and endurance. The posture suggested it could bear immense weight, reminiscent of carrying the moon on its back.

To Asher and Liam's surprise, they saw shadowy figures moving in sync around the monolith. Among them were five bladed-back howlers, and a wolf that looked like it stepped right out of the first design on the stone.

This wolf was strong and sleek. It had a muscular body that showed it was both fast and powerful. Its fur was bright, with colors of red, orange, and a touch of gold. It looked like it had been set on fire.

The wolf's eyes were bright and determined, like glowing coals. It had a sharp nose and its ears stood up straight. On its back, there was a blade-like ridge that looked as if it was made from hot lava, highlighting its fiery nature.

https://i.imgur.com/NvMQVAg.png [https://i.imgur.com/NvMQVAg.png]