"HOWLER!!!!" A voice cried.
Guild members reached out to provide aid. This is what they live for. The thrill of battle.
CRASH!
One of the buildings next to the guild hall collapsed. Stones and glass crashing on to the cobblestone. Merchants and customers scattering. The streets that were once consumed by laughter and smiles is now overflowing with screams.
Desmond stood by himself inside the guild hall. He could hear the footsteps of the howler. Each step feels like an earthquake.
[System Notice]
New quest Available: Join the battle
Quest Objective: Defeat the Howler
Quest Reward: 5,000 RP
He knows the RP would be useful.
[Are you going to let people suffer because you're scared?]
His legs were shaking. His chest pounding like his heart had been replaced with a jackhammer.
"Move damn it." Desmond thought pounding his fist against his legs.
A mangled body came flying through the roof. The body just barely missed Desmond. The woman's crashed against the stairs. Her arms were gone. Her face torn to shreds.
His eyes were locked on the body. That's when he came face to face with the creature terrorizing the city. Firey red fur, eyes a piercing yellow color, in terms of size it had to be at least 12 feet. It has 4 tails. Each tail has an opening. When the monster howls the sound is amplified by the tails.
The howler lunged at him. It's claw grazing his face. Blood flowing from the cut. Before he could recover the howler attacked again. All he could do was dodge.
"Desmond duck!" A voice called from behind him.
A stone spear came flying. He was shocked to find Omega behind him. Standing next to her another woman with blue skin and green eyes.
The other woman's attacks were familiar. Blades came flying when she whistled.
"She's one of the people that tried to kill me." Desmond said to himself making a mental note.
"Orbit." Desmond called four orbs appearing before him.
[Desmond don't forget about your ability Commander.]
The howler launched a barrage of attacks. Omega and the other woman were do what they could. The howler bounced between them. It is surprisingly quick for its size. Anytime Omega and her companion launched a counter offensive it was quickly halted. When the howler used its howl, all magic attacks aim at the beast were block by a barrier.
[Desmond use your damn ability. Stop just standing there because once that beast kills them, you're next.]
"Okay damn it! Commander!"
Omega and her companion started glowing a bright green color. Their moves were more fluid. Their attacks seemed more powerful.
The howler turned its focus to Omega. She had backed herself into a corner unknowingly.
"Stone Blast!" Desmond shouted
Shards of stone were fired from Orbit. The attack knocked the howler to the ground. The beast sprang back its feet. In the blink of an eye, it was on top of Desmond. Desmond was pinned down. The beast snarled saliva fell from its mouth. Desmond tried to wiggle himself free.
The howler jumped back to avoid an attack from Omega's friend. Those same two daggers that tried to kill him just saved his life.
Omega launched an attack. Six stone spears pierced the howler. The attack only caused shallow wounds.
"Shadow Bind!" A familiar said.
The howler was locked in place.
"Shadow Pierce!"
Spikes emerged from the howler's shadow piercing its skin. Desmond's eyes scanned the guild building. Just outside the building was the old man he had helped.
"Don't just stand there finish it damn it!" The old man yelled
Desmond along with Omega and her friend launched a unified attack. The beast shrieked. Its blue blood falling onto the floor. The smell was horrendous.
His body was starting to shut down. His eyelids felt like they weighed 800 pounds. The room was spinning. His head swimming. He's about to lose consciousness again. There is no way he can collapse here. Not around Omega and the mysterious, blue-skinned woman. He turned for the stairs. His foot made contact with the bottom step. Everything went black. The last thing he remembers is hearing the system's voice.
[System Notice]
Quest: Complete
Reward: 5,000RP
He woke up by himself on the stairs. The moons of Galedor were shining brightly. Romdar and Jynx emerged from the shadows. Romdar extended his hand to help Desmond to his feet.
Romdar went to address the guild members.
"Listen up!" Romdar said his tone commanding. The rowdy crowd fell silent as they prepared for their leader to speak.
"Today was a hard-fought battle. There were unimaginable casualties. Mothers, brothers, sisters, friends were loss today. Our streets were covered in blood. A pack of howlers breached the city walls. But with the help of all guild members, we sent them son of bitches to the afterlife." Romdar said raising his arm.
The crowd erupted into a loud cheer. Their arms were pounding the air. Their voices reaching the ears of the gods. Some of the guild members had tears streaming down their faces. They embraced each other. The prayed for their fallen. Songs were sung. Drinks were poured. A hard-fought battle turned into a celebration of life.
The sight made Desmond's heart swell. There was a warmth in the air. The guild truly seems like one big family. They fought together without hesitation and now here they stand lifting each other's spirits in a time of mourning.
Around everyone else Desmond wore a brave face. On the inside he was still trembling. He had been in fights obviously. But this encounter was the first time he had actually fought for his life.
Howler blood stained his clothes. The smell infiltrated his nostrils yet again.
"You're going to have to burn those clothes now." Someone said for behind him.
He turned his head to find Omega and the blue-skinned lady. The woman with the blue skin introduced herself.
"Somi is my name."
"Let me guess trying to kill people is your game" Desmond said.
"Now...Now no need to be snarky." Omega added.
"Yeah, that wasn't personal it was just business" Somi said.
"I'm glad my life is just business to you two."
Desmond turned to walk away. He felt hands on her his shoulders. Omega and Somi pulled him back.
"Listen I don't care about the past." Somi said her nails digging into his skin.
"You helped out us of bind. So, we want to return the favor."
"Oh yeah, you can start by letting me go" Desmond countered.
Omega and Somi removed their hands. Desmond moved his shoulders in a circular motion.
"Look Desmond we aren't the only ones that are coming after you. Your stepmom hired members of the Crimson Order to end you. They are members at the school. Truth is there is nowhere you can hide. If you want to survive you need allies and strength." Somi stated her eyes scanning Desmond.
"Allies huh? Let me guess you guys are offering your services. After she threaten me earlier today and both of you tried to kill me yesterday." Desmond retorted.
"Again, with bringing up the past." Omega said.
"Look you are going to need allies and right now you can accept our offer or going in alone. But I will tell you this if you go in alone, you will be bled out like a wild boar before the week's end."
He wanted to counter but the words got stuck in his throat. Even though he hates to admit it he is short on allies.
[Desmond the women are speaking truth. They are hiding something, but they are truthful about wanting to help.]
He thought about it for a minute. He isn't one to let things to go unanswered.
"Okay I'll accept the help on one condition. You have to tell me what you are hiding from me."
Omega and Somi's faces went white. They shot each other a quick glance. Somi opens her to speak. Omega cut her off.
"Truth is when we failed to kill you your stepmother put a bounty on us to cover her tracks. She only hired the others because we failed."
Desmond rubbed his chin.
"So, self-preservation is their motive. That makes sense, I guess. The enemy of my enemy is my friend" Desmond thought himself.