“Those are the howls are Saber Wolves.” Greg finished his drink as he stood up, towering over everyone in height. His sandy blonde short hair and light amber eyes were gleaming in excitement. “Rather face those than Undead any day!” He cried out.

“You said it, partner!” Tendo slapped Greg as he stood up as well laughing. Greg glared at the smaller elf beside him.

“You might not make it alive much longer.” Greg growled at him as he cowered away.

“Peace mate! Just a joke!” Tendo tried to beg for his life, he turned a serious face at Rex. “How did you get away with it against a Dragoness and I get almost beaten to death by this dwarf?” He whispered towards Rex as Jo-Lene also glared his way.

“I’m just an old Captain, it’s part of my charm. You can only learn it with age kid.” Rex patted Tendo’s head and ruffled it as he would to a toddler. Greg belted out a loud belly laugh while Jo-Lene was pointing and laughing mockingly at Tendo. He tried to brush Rex’s hand off his head, but he couldn’t budge it. He yelped as Rex increased his grip strength to tighten around his skull. “I’m fed up with trouble makers at the moment, so please behave.”

“AAAAAAAA!!” A chilling banshee cry erupted from Betty’s mouth as her eyes inked over into pure darkness. Her clothes were glowing, but the colors slowly changed into a darker color as they shattered and shifted into a darker design. Bloodied skeleton wings broke out of her back, as her features shifted into something horrifying to look at.

“Banshee!” Jo-Lene yelled while throwing up an icy barrier behind it. Greg roared out in a blinding light while shifting into some sort of panther beast-man form with light flowing around it. “Greg, fetch!” She pulled something from a small dark open space by her waist and flung it above the monster.

The banshee threw her hands forwards summoning a magic circle, casting out a spreading blood shield. Before it got too large, a loud bang echoed out as a deep blue glowing bullet hit the center of the circle. It spun faster and faster while absorbing the spreading shield. In a few seconds, it glowed as bright as it could, before exploding into a magical shock wave shattering the circle stopping the shield.

“Not on my ship bitch.” Rex lowered his rifle as Greg grabbed the item with his large paw-like hand, charging his glowing bright golden-white magic into it. A bright golden spear formed in his hand, which he threw at the banshee.

“Betty!” Benni cried out as the spear pierced through the creature. The golden-white light slowly crept up the body as the creature shrieked out in pain.

“Don’t worry little one, that’s just a way to purify them while destroying the evil core in one go.” Tendo was watching the spectacle like it wasn’t his first time. “Plus with Greg’s specialty of his, she should be healed up beyond potion means. He claims a side effect of his healing is to make the target regress in bodily age a bit.” Tendo snorted at this.

“No wonder Aunt Lene looks so good still.” Jo-Leanna pouted while watching the banshee shatter to reveal her friend underneath. “I sort of jealous, my healing skill only refreshes my targets.” She sighed as she pulled out a cloth while walking forwards to cloth a now nude non-glowing figure on the floor.

“Don’t move.” Greg growled while holding the heads of the two remaining people at the table. Jo-Leanna slammed the table with her hands while having her dragon magic leak out.

“What did you do?” Her growling voice was laced with magic, while her eyes showed killing intent. The two just shivered while remaining silent. “Greg.” He smashed their heads against the table, hard enough to smash their nose in. A wave of healing power fixed them up again. “Feel like talking?” They still stayed silent, but the fear was evident.

“This will wake too long. You can heal them yes?” Rex walked over to sit at the table making Jo-Lene move over. Greg nodded when Rex asked him a question. “Good! Would you be a dear and get me a sharp knife?” He turned to a shocked Dragoness who could only stare at him.

“Here you are Captain, my aunt is a mage who doesn’t focus on weapons.” Jo-Leanna took one of her many knives and handed it to him. She turned a victorious smirk to her aunt who could only wince.

“Thank you, now then.” Rex pointed a knife at the men, moving it back and forth between the two. “Since I only need a name, and I bet you both know it, I only need one of you.” He watched as they both exchange a small glance. He slammed the knife into one of their hands. “You seem to be in a better position than your fellow here.”

“Here Captain.” Jo-Leanna handed out another knife, Rex took it with a nod to her. He looked along the stunning artful blade. It was well made and well maintained. He slammed it into the arm of the already pinned victim. After receiving another knife, he turned to brush it against the other untouched man.

“You seem to be in a disposable spot, which means you will die no matter what. But!” He slammed the knife into the other man’s other hand nailing it down to the table while staring at the fearful pawn. “I’m such a nice guy, I’ll let you have a painless death for just a name. Or would you rather me skin you alive, heal you up, gut you like a fish, heal you up, and do this for years to come?” Rex’s eyes were void of emotion, only a deep madness was staring at this poor fool.

“Duke Herndon!” The pawn shouted out in fear of a living hell, he smiled when Rex lifted his rifle to place it between his eyes. “Malcolm Cult.” Tears rolled down his eyes as the bullet ended his life. His body dissolved into a light ball as he was magically looted.

“So helpful!” Rex unequipped the rifle as it slung back around onto his back. He pulled out the dagger pinning the remaining guy’s arm. “So, you remain after I got what they need, right?” He turned to confirm with Jo-Lene, she just dumbfoundedly nodded. “Oh wait, I still don’t know why that girl had such a thing in her, is that why she was so annoying?” Began to stab the man’s fingers, making him scream out.

“Why are you only cutting off a little bit? Wouldn’t the whole thing be easier?” Greg was glancing over the screaming guy’s head at Rex’s torture.

“You could, but when I was taught this, we had no access to such convent healing magic or magic in general. Heal him up please.” Rex removed all the daggers as Greg healed up the man, his fingers regrowing. Without warning, Rex slammed the daggers through the arm bones pinning him once again to the table. “So with the advantage of being able to inflict any painful blow without the worry of killing him just opens up so many opportunities.” Rex jabbed the knife into the man’s throat, stopping him from screaming out.

“Healing magic might work some miracles, yet be careful of the damage you’re doing, tier 3 and below are still just mortals with powers, fragile.” Greg yanked the knife out while healing up the dying man. “You become more study in the next range of tiers, and near indestructible above that.” He squeezed the man’s shoulders as they shattered, then healed up with light.

“She was a distraction!” The tortured man finally broke. “The Duke wanted to weaken the ArchDuke before the battle-ARGH!!” His body burst into dark flames, Greg jumped back avoiding them. Rex just blinked while watching the fireworks, they died down as a husk smacked onto the table.

“See, if you talk about something off-topic while delivering pain, it speeds things up.” Rex was watching the reactions of the close group, they seemed prepared for it and weren’t surprised by anything. “Why does it feel like everyone here already knew about this?”

“Master Marvin knew, which was why I was assigned to watch over her. It turns out someone in the family was corrupted into betraying them.” Jo-Leanna was done checking on Betty, she looked completely different than he had inspected. The magic of the banshee had destroyed the concealing treasures, making her true form show. “Please allow me to settle her in the infirmary Captain.” Jo-Leanna bowed to Rex.

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“Get her dressed up and strapped down to a bed. I don’t want her waking up causing me more trouble.” Rex just sighed out and he held his head, what did he get himself into here. “Why do you guys have anti banshee gear in the first place?” He glanced around to the strong trio.

“If you are adventuring into Fields, anti Undead measures are a must, otherwise you’re just asking to be added to their ranks.” Tendo walked up the burnt-out husk, he held out a hand creating a fire arrow. “Seems like you don’t have the basics of an Adventurer down, might want to study up.” He jabbed it into the corpse, burning all the remains into nothing but ash that just faded away.

“First day with magic, so I say I’m doing alright for myself.” Rex turned to see a lot of characters trying to blend into the background, avoiding his gaze. “Everyone go get suited up with a weapon, looks like we have to survive as a group or die, your choice. Either go get a weapon and meet me in the courtyard in 10, or go hide shivering in a dark room waiting to die a gruesome death.” He clapped his hands to get them moving. “Move it, people!”

“You know most of them will die right?” Jo-Lene leaned up against the table while watching a messy group of survivors rush to get hold of something. “Even with the Anomaly cleared, the Field still holds Tier 5 monsters within it. It may be a Tier 3 now, but those few elites will trouble us.” She listened to another howl as the room emptied out. “I know we said we would help, but I don’t think a bunch of tier 3’s will make a difference.”

“We had trouble with the tier 3 swarms, yet even with the beasts helping us thin them out, we lost half our group just getting here.” Greg had let the glowing cat-like part of himself fade away, he sat down across from Rex. “How do you plan to have a tier 1 such as yourself survive a week to escape this place?” He gave Rex a hard stare. Tendo sat next to Greg to stare at him as well.

“Um, Captain?” Benni appeared holding a golden screen. “I have something for you from the system, sir.” She held it out with both hands while doing a 90-degree bow. “Happy Birthday sir!” The small golden screen held a picture of a cake on it, with the word, gift under it. Rex just smiled at it, the first screen in a long time that didn’t make him want to drown a computer.

“I had long forgotten about those, how did you know?” Rex was pleasantly surprised at this event. Benni straightened up after a bit and accepted the gift for him, the golden screen turning into a ball of bright golden light before washing over the bracelet.

“The System alerted me, sir!” Benni saluted him. “Congratulations on turning 4,200 today, Captain!” She gave him a big smile while holding up a sign with the number on it.

“I know I’m old, but seriously? When did I pass that third millennium.” Rex started to stare up at the ceiling trying to recall old memories of his actual age. “I still look good for my age at least.” He gave up trying to figure it out, and just accepted the fact.

“Benni! Are you serious!? He’s older than the Master?” Jo-Lene grabbed the fairy trying to get answers out of her, Benni was shaken into a tizzy.

“Please don’t break my assistant Lene, she is my important screen blocker.” Rex called out as Benni collapsed into light particles traveling back into the bracelet’s safety. “We just have to adapt on the move.” He stood up from the table, he saw Docket and a few others washing dishes in the back. “You staying behind Docket?”

“Had enough fighting for a lifetime Captian, you might be older than me, but I’m still hoping to live to see my first 500!” Docket called out while holding a knife. “I’ll have something special made for your victory feast.” He went back to cutting up something green.

“A nice steak dinner with a good drink will do nicely.” Rex strode outside while the trio followed after him. “Damnit, which way was the exit now.” The hallways all looked the same to him.

“How do you get lost in your own Castle?” Tendo was chuckling while glancing around. “It's that way, then the second door on the right.” Rex just walked in the direction he was given.

“Only got it recently, didn’t even know it could turn into this.” Rex just sighed as he exited the hallway into the grassy field. A group of mismatched outfitted people was standing around chatting while various howls were ringing through the air.

“Hey look, live bait.” Tendo pointed at the stirring group, which got some hot heads riled up. “You got one decent fella out of the bunch, but the rest will likely die within the first few moments.” His attitude changed from flippant to serious rather quickly. “All I see is a bunch of meat shields and some wannabe mages.”

“Who are you supposed to be peasant?” Greeny, who Rex hadn’t seen in a while stepped up to Tendo, like a child trying to fight an adult. He got flicked in the forehead.

“Back in line kid, before you embarrass your Captain.” Tendo sent him back with a red welt while Greeny was holding in an outburst. Linus just unclenched his fists while nodding at him. “You sure we should do this time boss?” He turned to look at Jo-Lene unsure about their chances.

“We only survived in the first place because we came here, so why not ride it out?” She just smiled looking at Rex, while touching the shallow scar on her cheek. “Plus we don’t have a ride out of here even if we survived.” She sighed remembering how they ended up in this situation.

“Don’t forget battling basics, that pathway is the perfect choke point to hold with our lower numbers.” Greg headed for the stairs up to the tower. “I’ll go survey the current situation.” Rex pointed at Rubee, who held her spear tightly.

“Rubee, go up and join him. I want you to learn from him.” Left with the rest of the armed survivors, Rex just held his face while sighing heavily. “I see that most of you use some sort of sword, try your best to hold the monster in front of you. You don’t need to kill them, just hold them in position. If they get past you, we all die. Simple right?” Most of the swordsmen nodded along. Only Blonde and Greeny looked upset at his words. “Smith!”

“Yes sir!” Smith jumped into the center, snapping to military attention. “Ready to serve Captain!” He saluted Rex while giving the dead battle spirit of the others a little spark.

“Good man!” Rex liked how he was ready at any moment. “Get the swords set up as our sides, we will have our main attraction take center stage.” Jo-Lene brought a heavy hand down on Rex’s shoulders, nearly sending him to the ground.

“It’s impolite to not ask a lady first, before involving her in your plans.” Her smile was wide as it was dangerous.

“I would really appreciate being helped by such a generous beauty such as yourself.” Rex laid on the thick compliments, for he knew she wasn’t prepared for such a reply. She just turned in a puff while walking off. “Next, mages! Talk to Smith about your abilities, and we’ll put you somewhere in the middle or backline. Get them set up before the pathway quickly. You three stay here, move it!” Smith saluted once more before yelling at the group to move.

“Captain.” Linus nodded to Rex, while still in his guardian roll behind Greeny.

“Linus. Good job keeping him out of trouble, keep up the good work.” Rex overlooked the boy glaring daggers in his direction. “Blondie! Proper introduces are needed now, who are you and what are you good at?” Rex stared directly at Greeny while talking just to make him fume a bit more, he was fun to tease.

“Pressior Marrow! Apprentice Knight of-” He stopped when Rex held up a hand, giving him a warning. “I use a magic greatsword with a bit of earth element magic, sir.” Pressior quickly shortened his wording.

“Do you focus on offense or defense more?” Rex looked the tall well built blonde elf up and down. He was built to be a knight, if he wore full armor, he could be one of those display knights Rex mused.

“Defense sir, I am not that quick, just strong.” He held back his usual long-winded speech. Rex just nodded with his eyes closed.

“How about you shorty, it’s your turn, don’t mess it up.” Rex looked at Greeny, smiling in anticipation. Unfortunately, Greeny bit back his anger enough to answer him properly.

“Matthias, offensive saber style with wind elements.” He crossed his arms while pouting. Rex lost his interest to tease him further.

“Alright, you two will be our mid-line defenders. Your job is to make sure whatever happens to slip by the front doesn’t get to the rear. Since all we have is a crappy frontline, we need a buffer for our backline fighters to shine.” Rex pointed at Linus. “Linus my guy, protect Matty like you’re supposed to, but also make sure nothing gets by you.” Linus nodded his confirmation. “Let’s get this party started boys!” Rex turned to head up to the tower’s top.

“We’re all doomed aren’t we?” Tendo whispered to Greg as they headed after Rex.

“Got a better idea?” Greg replied while heading up the stairs.