Chapter 14: *Improvement*
General Edwards stood tall atop the debris of the fallen Crimson Mauler, his eyes scanning the weary faces of the hunters around him. The victory had been hard-fought, and though the beast lay dead, the battle’s true cost was evident in the battered bodies and haunted expressions of the survivors. Edwards knew the council would soon swoop in, eager to claim the spoils for themselves. But he had other plans.
The Crimson Mauler’s meat was a treasure far greater than any trophy, it was a lifeline. General Edwards clenched his jaw, unwilling to let those who had risked everything walk away with nothing. The council would expect to take the majority, leaving scraps for the rest, but General Edwards had a loophole he intended to exploit: one of the "Hunter’s Tenets" required that loot from a shared hunt must be distributed among all participants. It was the only way to ensure these hunters, many of whom had nearly lost their homes, would receive more than empty recognition.
"Broadcast this to everyone in the city," Edwards commanded. Soon, the media began the live broadcast.
His voice boomed over the crowd. “To all who participated in this hunt: the meat of the Crimson Mauler will be shared equally among those who fought. Any hunter who brought down a Level 1, 2, or 3 beast will receive a portion of the Mauler’s meat.”
Murmurs spread through the hunters, disbelief giving way to hope. Edwards continued, explaining the benefits: “For the novices among us, the Mauler’s meat will strengthen your bodies, increase your Crystal Heart Core’s refinement of the Genetic Enhancer Mutagen, or GEM, and help you evolve faster. Those who do not need the meat may instead choose GEMs as their reward, valued at the equivalent of the meat you would have received.”
The hunters erupted in cheers, relief sweeping through the crowd. Edwards nodded to himself, satisfied. This would not only cover the damages sustained in the city but also strengthen their ranks for future battles ahead, and st the same time, those greedy members would still be ableto keep some meat by paying those who need COIN or GEMs. Soon, the message pinged on everyone’s "Hunter’s Watch," a detailed record of their contributions and the rewards they had earned.
Nix Grimwald’s watch buzzed. He glanced down at the numbers, barely processing them. 125 Level 1 beasts. 23 Level 2 beasts. His ranking put him in the top 100, enough to earn him a decent share of the Mauler’s meat, enough to feed his family and maybe even a bit extra to share. A hollow laugh escaped his lips as he thought about Granny Laurie and Roni, safe at the police station. They’d worry themselves sick if they saw him now. He wiped his forehead, spreading soil and old blood on his face. He attempted to smile, but it didn't reflect in his eyes.
His thoughts shifted to something deeper, more personal, the weight of what could have happened. If he hadn’t made it out of the battle alive, what would Granny Laurie have done? He could imagine her face, concern etched deep as she feared losing him. Maybe Roni, too, he was her only friend after all. When her parents went missing, she always relied on him to brighten her days. The thought of adding his death to their burdens was unbearable.
As Nix's legs started to give out, he finally made his way to the police station’s holding area. Families who had taken refuge during the battle were emerging, uncertain but hopeful now that the threat had passed. Among them were Granny Laurie and Roni, their faces drawn, eyes anxiously scanning the monitoring screen looking for a sign of Nix.
Laurie's face lit up with a mix of relief and worry when she saw him by the entrance door. “Nix, my grandson,” she whispered, rushing over to embrace him. The warmth of her hug provided some comfort to his frayed nerves, though he could feel the tremor in her hands. Roni stood nearby, her expression a blend of concern and relief.
Roni approached. “You’re alive,” she said, her eyes quickly taking in his battered form.
Nix forced a grin, waving off their concerns. “Just a scratch. I’ve had worse.”
But his voice betrayed him. The exhaustion clinging to him couldn’t be hidden, no matter how hard he tried to keep up the facade. Laurie stepped back, narrowing her eyes as she examined him. She could see through him, as she always did.
“You’re not fooling anyone, Nix,” she said softly. “You’ve been fighting for a day straight, and you’re not even healed from that last battle.”
“I’m fine, really,” he started, but his voice cracked, betraying the truth.
Laurie cupped his cheek, her expression a mixture of tenderness and firmness. “You’ve done enough, Nix.”
Roni's eyes reflected the concern she felt, her hands clenched tightly to her sides. “We were worried... You didn’t have to push yourself this hard.”
“I can't control it,” Nix said, his voice hoarse. “The battlefield is always changing, and some people needed help. If I didn’t go, it would’ve been worse for everyone.”
Laurie hugged him again, holding him tight. “I understand,” she whispered. “You did what you had to. You’ve done enough.”
But Nix knew deep down that it wasn’t truly over. There would always be more monsters, more battles, more risks. Even as he tried to smile and reassure his family, he understood that every fight chipped away a little more of who he used to be. And though this one victory had been earned, it carried with it a price that lingered far beyond the battlefield.
To lighten the mood, Nix told them about the reward and his share of the level 5 Alpha Class Crimson Mauler’s meat.
“Yeah, we saw it just a while ago, they broadcasted the results on civilian media,” Roni replied, her tone excited. “General Edwards is a nice guy.”
Nix nodded. He then suggested they should go home and try it out.
Nix glanced at his Hunter's Watch, which had just updated with the latest battlefield statistics. The numbers showed a dwindling threat: fewer than 20 Level 1 beasts and 7 Level 2 beasts remained.
"There are still a small number of these beasts out there, but I’m confident I can protect us if anything comes up."
Nix felt a surge of confidence. With his improved strength and the support of his friends, he knew he could defend his loved ones against level 2 and below evolved beasts.
Nix then looked at Roni and suggested she stay with them for two more days.
Roni asked her grandparents, and they readily agreed. Grandpa Harold joked, "Well, how can we say no? We’re getting a chance to eat some delicious food.”
Granny Rosario also offered to help them cook the meat.
Granny Laurie made the final decision, smiling warmly. “Well then, let’s go home,” she said, as if all the weight on her heart had finally eased.
With Roni and her family reassured by Nix’s confidence, they gathered their things and left the police station, excitement replacing the earlier tension.
*Back at the Mount Trashmore *
.
Upon arriving, they freshened up, their exhaustion momentarily lifted by the promise of a meal like none they’d ever had. Granny Laurie, Roni, and Roni’s grandparents, Rosalie and Harold Brith, bustled about the kitchen, cooking the prized meat.
The rich aroma filled the air, lifting their spirits as they prepared for a feast that few ever got to experience.
At the table, Granny Laurie was the first to take a bite, her face lighting up as the flavorful meat seemed to bring vitality back to her. Her white hair darkened slightly, and her features softened, almost glowing with renewed energy.
“Look at Granny Laurie!” Roni gasped. “The meat really works!”
Rosalie and Harold followed, each taking their share and feeling years melt away from their bodies. Harold chuckled, flexing his arms. “I haven’t felt this strong in ages!”
Roni took her portion, and the moment she swallowed, a rush of energy coursed through her. “Wow! This stuff is amazing,” she marveled, feeling a refreshing wave of strength wash over her.
Nix, though exhausted, focused on his "Genetic Mimeograph Fusion" before taking a bite. The taste was rich, and almost immediately, his body responded, though not in the way he expected. A wave of fatigue hit him, and before he could fight it, he slumped forward, unconscious.
The sudden collapse startled everyone. Roni rushed to his side. “Nix! Are you okay?”
Granny Laurie, calm but concerned, shook her head with a smile. “He’s fine. The poor boy just needs rest. That meat rejuvenated us all, but it’s also letting his body know it’s time to recover.”
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Roni’s grandparents helped carry Nix to his room. As he rested, the group returned to the table, their spirits buoyed by the knowledge that they were healthier now, and that their future, though still uncertain, was brighter than it had been in years.
As they ate, they spoke of the battle and the triumph that followed. Roni smiled softly, looking towards Nix’s room. “He’s amazing. He never stops, does he?”
Granny Laurie chuckled. “No, he doesn’t. But that’s what makes him who he is. And now, he can rest, knowing he’s done enough.”
The mood at the table lightened, the warmth of family and friendship wrapping around them. They knew there would be more challenges ahead, but for now, they had earned their peace. Together, they would face whatever came next.
.
A day later, Nix woke up and found himself lying in his room. His mind was hazy as he tried to piece together what had happened after he passed out. His confusion deepened when he felt an arm and a leg draped over his chest and leg. Slowly turning his head to the left, he discovered Roni sleeping beside him.
Smiling to himself, Nix couldn’t resist the opportunity. He carefully grabbed a strand of Roni's hair and began poking her nose, tickling her with her own hair. Roni stirred, slowly opening her eyes, then smiled as she saw Nix awake.
"I'm glad you're okay," she said with a sleepy grin. "You've been out for five days."
Nix’s eyes widened in shock. "What?!"
Roni giggled. "Heheh! Got you! You were only asleep for a day." She sat up slightly, still chuckling. "So, tell me , everything okay with you?"
Nix checked himself over, noting that his muscles felt different, harder, stronger even. But he kept his expression neutral, not wanting to reveal too much. He nodded. "Yeah, everything seems fine."
"Good," Roni said, lying back down. "Stronger is always a plus, right?"
Nix got off the bed, deciding not to dwell too much on what had changed for now. "I'm going out to check on everyone," he said.
"Okay," Roni yawned, pulling the blanket back over her and drifting off to sleep once again.
After freshening up, Nix spent a little more time privately inspecting the strange changes that had taken place in his body. His curiosity spiked when he began focusing on his hair. Since consuming the Alpha Class Crimson Mauler's meat, something was different, something new. His hair still felt like normal hair, soft and flexible, but no matter how hard he pulled or twisted, it was unbreakable. Even more surprising, with just a bit of concentration, Nix could make it impossibly tough to bend, while still maintaining its natural look and feel.
How should I use this? he wondered, fascinated by the possibilities. Though the change was subtle, the potential it offered seemed immense. It wasn’t just that his hair was strong, he could control its toughness, shifting it from normal to unbreakable at will.
He thought back to his other abilities. No one knew his secret. To everyone else, it just seemed like he had telekinetic powers, manipulating things with his mind. In reality, it was his hair, often invisible and so thin that no one could notice it, doing all the work. And now, it seemed, this new power added another layer of strength to his already versatile arsenal. Now he just need to figure out how to create a technique for it and maximize its effectiveness in his battles.
Nix was still deep in thought when his Hunter's Watch vibrated, pulling him from his quiet experimentation. Glancing down at the screen, he saw that it was Jeff calling. He answered.
"What's up?"
"Hey, would you like to come with us?" Jeff asked, sounding eager. "We're going to hunt the last Level 2 evolved beast and its five Level 1 minions."
Nix considered it for a second. Given his recent improvements, it should be safe enough. "Sure, I’ll join you."
After hanging up, Nix geared up and hopped onto Scootie, his trusty ride, heading toward the nearest train station. When he arrived, Jeff, Liam, and Prabh were already there, waiting for him. They greeted each other, immediately starting to share stories about the effects of consuming the Alpha Class Crimson Mauler's meat.
"Man," Liam said, wide-eyed, "I heard only the wealthy eat meat like that once a month, but because of that meat, I awakened my abilities. Prabh was also surprised and excitement "oh what is it, quickly tell us, what is your ability?. Liam proudly explained his ability. It's called [Blood Manipulation] and then explained its functions and the techniques he combined it with. Everyone was happy and congratulated him. Liam felt proud and lucky as this ability have a lot of potential. Now their Team Misfits are stronger and soon, their group would be able to hunt higher level beasts.
As they continued talking, Jeff shifted the conversation to their hunt. "Alright, let's get down to business. We've got a Level 2 evolved beast and its minions to take down. Let's plan this out properly."
Nix listened as they mapped out the strategy, all the while keeping his recent discoveries to himself. There would be time to test his newfound abilities later. For now, he focused on the hunt ahead.
..
The group trudged through the dense foliage, following the trail of the Level 2 evolved beast. Prabh, seated atop her large wombat companion Ollie, was focused as she scanned the area. Liam walked beside them, occasionally glancing at the massive creature carrying Prabh.
“Man, I have to admit,” Liam grinned, “Ollie is pretty cool. You look like a ranger, Prabh.”
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54033032972_d133947b98_m.jpg]
Prabh smirked down at him, giving Ollie a gentle pat. “He’s not exactly built for stealth, but he’s got his uses.”
Ollie, a Level 1 evolved beast, wasn’t known for its keen sense of smell, but its tracking skills were still valuable. Prabh directed him to follow faint scents and signs left by the beast they were hunting, all while maintaining a steady pace. The wombat's thick, durable hide made it a reliable companion in these hunts, and Ollie's sense of direction was almost unerring.
Nearly an hour passed, and Ollie finally stopped, his body tensing as he sniffed the air. Prabh leaned forward, scanning the area as the group came to a halt. Jeff, sensing something, crept forward slightly. His sharp eyes spotted it, a hulking creature, much larger than they had anticipated. A massive Giant Snapping Turtle, its shell covered in thick, rock-like protrusions, and it was not alone. Four smaller, lizard-like beasts surrounded it, but one of them stood out, a minion that had clearly evolved to Level 2.
Jeff turned to the group, signaling for them to back away. “Hold on. It’s evolved,” he whispered. “That thing is a Level 3 now.”
Everyone’s eyes widened. A Level 3 beast wasn’t part of the plan. It was considerably more dangerous, but from the looks of it, it was a defensive type. If they managed the situation carefully, they might be able to take it down. But even more troubling was the evolved Level 2 Steelhide Raptor minion now under its command.
Once they were a safe distance away, Jeff gathered everyone. “Alright, that turtle’s too tough for a head-on assault. But it’s slow. I’m not saying we have to bail, but it’s definitely not the fight we planned for. Thoughts?”
Prabh looked at Ollie, and then at Jeff. “We can still take them. It’s a defensive type. Slow, lumbering, If things go south, we can always retreat.”
Liam chimed in, excitement in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m game. Besides, we can pick off the minions first, then all of us can focus on that big one together.”
Nix nodded in agreement. “It’s risky, but I think we can handle it. We just need to be smart.”
Jeff mulled it over, then nodded decisively. “Alright. Here’s the plan: I’ll focus on the Level 3 turtle and keep it busy. Prabh, you and Ollie assist Liam in taking down the Level 1 beasts. Nix, you’ll handle the Level 2 minion one-on-one.”
Jeff pulled out his Hunter Watch, marking their escape routes and rendezvous points on the map. “Once the lower-level beasts are dealt with, we’ll converge on the turtle and finish it as a team. Stay sharp, and don’t take unnecessary risks. If things go sideways, we retreat, understood?”
Everyone nodded. With the plan set, they slowly proceeded back toward the beasts, setting traps along the way to gain an edge. They moved with precision, Jeff directing them with silent signals as they set up their ambush.
The beasts remained unaware of the hunters creeping toward them. Once everyone was in position, Jeff gave the signal.
---
The attack began with a thunderous crack as Jeff unleashed a powerful Bull Charge, slamming into the side of the Level 3 turtle with enough force to rattle its shell. The creature roared in response, spinning around to face him, but Jeff had already activated his [Steel Form], his body gleaming as it turned to steel, raising his durability to the next level. He slammed his Sledge-Hammer named "Kindness" into the turtle’s snapping maw, preventing it from getting a grip on him.
Meanwhile, Prabh and Liam dashed toward the Level 1 minions. Liam, using his superior speed, activated Scorpion Tail, forming a sharp, crimson whip of blood behind him. He lashed it out, severing the leg of one of the lizards before darting forward to dodge a counterattack. Prabh provided cover with Ollie, who charged forward with surprising agility for his size, using his weight to knock one of the lizard-like creatures off balance. She directed Ollie to ram into another, sending it crashing into a tree before raining bullets on its location.
While the others were engaged in their battles, Nix squared off against the Level 2 Steelhide Raptor. The beast quickly charged at him, claws outstretched, but Nix was ready. He leaped back, narrowly dodging its swipe, and focused on his strategy. Nix used his [Radar Sense ] to predict and outmaneuver the beast, landing calculated blows with his trusty *Morning Wood*, the level 2 Steelhide Raptor is a speed build so he used [Phantom Hands] technique and keeping it at bay. The creature’s speed made it very difficult to land a significant strike, but Nix was patient, he then decided to use his hair forming [Spear] technique while applying the fortification ability he gained from the Crimson Mauler, waiting for the right moment.
The beast lunged at him again, and this time Nix sidestepped, and unleashed his hair form [Spear] as his counter move, thrusting the spears into its side. It let out a pained roar, but it wasn’t enough to bring it down. The level 2 Steelhide Raptor spun around, slashing wildly, forcing Nix to leap back to create some distance. He was happy that his new [Fortification] ability transformed his hair forming technique [Spear] and made it very sharp. Nix continued to study its movements, while holding his *Morning Wood*, looking for an opening.
..
Back with the others, Liam had just finished taking down another of the Level 1 beasts, his Blood Manipulation allowing him to harden the blood on his blades into jagged, deadly edges. Prabh and Ollie were handling the last of the minions when Jeff shouted from the distance, “Focus on finishing them off! The turtle’s tougher than I thought!”
Jeff had managed to hold the turtle at bay, using his immense strength and Shield Bash to deflect its powerful strikes. However, the turtle's hide was nearly impenetrable. His Big Bang hammer rattled the turtle’s shell, but the beast barely seemed phased.
With one last burst of speed, Nix dodged a final attack from the Level 2 Steelhide Raptor and delivered a decisive blow from a distance, by holding it down with his [Phantom Hands] then driving his hair forming technique [Spear] deep into its chest. The beast let out a final howl before collapsing to the ground, defeated.
Now, with all of the lower-level minions dispatched, the group regrouped, surrounding the turtle as Jeff continued to occupy it. It was time to face the main threat as a team.
“Alright,” Jeff called out, breathing heavily. “Let’s end this!”