Chapter 1352: Running Away? It was a first for Gary. During all his battles, he had always been the one fighting an uphill struggle. Needing to pull something out of nowhere, scraping by on instinct, luck, and whatever power he could muster. Having to dig deep, beyond his limits, just to protect those around him, or to defend whatever it was that needed shielding, someone, something close to him. This time, it was no different in that respect. He had transformed, believing that Xin and Kai could very well be in danger. That they needed him. But what was different, what he had never experienced before, not like this, was the enemy retreating. They were fleeing from the scene. It was such an unexpected outcome that Gary had no idea what to do. Should he chase them? See if Unzoku had truly been weakened? Maybe try to track him, follow his trail and find out where he was going? What if he left the business unfinished now? What would that mean for the future? Would Unzoku come back? Would he strike again when they were vulnerable? Should Gary rest instead? Regroup? Prepare for whatever was next? None of these thoughts truly entered his mind though, not right away, because he was too stunned by it all. He remained in place, frozen in confusion, until he could feel the energy fading from his own body. His limbs began to feel heavier. His wings lost their strength. He started to descend from the sky, slowly at first, then faster, faster still, as his power gave out. Looking downward, Gary could see the trees approaching fast. The wind was rushing past him. But below, two familiar figures were sprinting toward his falling form. Xin and Kai. They had seen him. As his energy faded, his wings began retracting back into his body. The glow from his transformation dimmed. He was falling rapidly now, his strength leaving him. Kai didn’t hesitate. Running at full speed, he leapt into the air, transforming mid-jump into his wolf form. He caught Gary right onto his back just in time, intercepting his fall. Kai skidded across the ground on all fours, letting the impact glide them along the dirt. In a smooth motion, he transformed back into his human form, wrapping his arms around Gary to keep his body from tumbling off. “I got you, man. Don’t worry,” Kai said, breathing heavily. Gary slowly lifted his head, barely conscious. He could see Xin running toward them just moments later, arriving with concern in her eyes. She stopped, staring at the two boys tangled in what looked like an awkward, protective embrace. “Well, don’t you two look cozy,” Xin said, raising an eyebrow. “And here I thought you only had eyes for me.” Kai immediately dropped Gary onto the ground and cleared his throat. But then he realized Gary’s body was limp, just laying there, unmoving. “Crap,” he muttered, quickly stooping down again. He hooked Gary’s arm over his shoulder to support him. “What was that thing? Who was that?” Kai asked, more serious now. “It’s a lot to explain,” Gary replied weakly. “We need to go somewhere safe. But don’t head to the Pool Club. He can find us there.” “Somewhere safe… but not where the others are. Got it.” Kai nodded. He somewhat understood what Gary meant. That place wasn’t an option. Not anymore. He transformed back into his wolf form. Xin helped gently position Gary’s limp body on top of him. Once Gary was balanced securely, the two took off together, Kai leading the way and Xin close behind. They didn’t go far. Just far enough. They decided to move a bit closer to the city, but still remain in part of the forest. A shaded area, quiet and secluded. Not too deep, but not too exposed either. It was the best option for now. Gary was still alert enough to think it through. He was worried that if Unzoku had a change of heart, if he decided to attack the others instead, they needed to be within reach. He also had a theory. Unzoku likely couldn’t track Altered. Only Werewolves. Which meant heading back to the others could’ve revealed their hiding place. “Alright,” Kai said, slowing to a stop. “I think we’re in a safe spot. That monster ran away anyway, so I don’t think it’s coming back anytime soon. “But Gary, you need to explain yourself. What was that thing? You transformed straight into your Dragon form, and not just that, that thing is still alive. I guess that’s why you met him alone. You knew his strength, didn’t you?” Gary nodded slowly. His breaths were shallow but steady now. “I had a feeling that this person, whatever he is, was really dangerous. And I was right,” Gary said. “If I hadn’t used the Dragon form, I don’t think I’d be here right now.” Kai looked down at him, more curious than ever. “As for why he ran away…” Gary continued. “I have a pretty good idea about that, too. The good thing is, no one knows there’s a short time limit on this form. No one knows about the aftereffects, either.” Kai nodded again. His mind was racing. But what Gary was saying made sense. It was a powerful deterrent. Anyone watching would think Gary could hold that form for as long as he wanted. That he could overpower anything. Such a powerful transformation, it made sense that even someone strong would hesitate to fight him. Kai had thought it was a little strange for an enemy to retreat so quickly. But if he had been in the same situation, if he knew the opponent might crush him, he probably would’ve run too. Still… there was something Gary wasn’t revealing. Something about the form. Gary hadn’t told them that he could only use it two more times. That this incredible ability, this trump card, had a limit. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮 It had saved him before. It had changed the tide of battle again and again. But it wasn’t something he could waste. He had to be careful. Strategic. Yet every time, something had come up. A reason. A fight he couldn’t afford to lose. This time… that reason had been bigger than most. “I think we have a large issue on our hands,” Gary finally said, his voice grave. “One that might be even bigger than the problem with Lupus.” Kai gulped. His worst fears were beginning to take shape. “Bigger than the vampires?” he asked. Gary gave a small nod. He didn’t even need to say it twice. “That thing… whatever it was… it said it was the first Werewolf in existence. It called itself our god. He called himself Unzoku. “And it was the being we made a deal with during the ritual.” ***** *** For updates for MWS and future works, please follow me on my social media below. Instagram: Jksmanga P.a.t.r.e.o.n: jksmanga When news of MVS, MWS or any other series comes out, you will be able to see it there first, and you can reach out to me. If I’m not too busy, I tend to reply.