Chapter 1357: A Way To Get Better? The group was quickly exploring the manor, enjoying every inch of its luxuries. When Kai had said that the servants were completely at their service, he truly hadn’t been exaggerating. If they wanted food, it was prepared fresh for them. If they needed a bath, it would be run in advance to their liking. There were even attendants who would gladly demonstrate how to operate some of the advanced training equipment and machinery scattered throughout the estate. It was, in short, a paradise. And because of just how vast the manor was, it was also why Kai had to remind everyone, firmly, about the real reason they were here. A sharp message came through on their phones: [We are not here to play fun and games! I know you’re all excited, but you are here to prepare. If I see anyone slacking off, I’m kicking you out. First and last warning.] Even though they couldn’t physically see Kai, they could all feel his fury radiating through that text. The message had everyone nervously glancing around, half-expecting Kai to appear out of nowhere at any moment. Reluctantly, they began getting to work as quickly as they could. People grouped up naturally, pairing off with those who could help them train, and scattered into different parts of the estate. Crawley, for one, was training outside. Given that he was a bird-like Altered, he needed the open space to stretch his wings and move freely. Inside the manor were several reinforced combat rooms available for use, but most of the group opted to remain outdoors. After all, none of them particularly wanted to risk damaging the lavish interior. Fortunately, the estate offered plenty of options. There were large open fields and a variety of terrains on each side. One area had a stretch of hard concrete flooring. Another offered vast fields of soft grass. There was even a muddy, gritty zone designed for more rugged training. And off to one side sat a sandy, hilly section that looked like it had originally been built for dirt biking, perfect for adding a bit of fun once their training was done. “Alright,” Gary said, standing in one of the wooded sections of the manor grounds, speaking to Marie and Olivia. “I’ve called the others from all over. They’ll be arriving tomorrow to help us out.” “Ah, you mean like Izzy and Ian?” Marie asked. “Right. Apollo too. He’s out of town right now, but apparently, he’s coming with Ice. The two of them were off doing something, who knows what, and even Elijah said he’d show up.” Gary grinned. “He said he’d be bringing Kanu, Sadie, and Frank!” “The White Rose members?” Olivia said, her brow furrowing. “I don’t think that’s the best idea. And… weren’t they having their own troubles? I heard they were pretty close to being disbanded.” “Last I heard, major funding was pulled by several governments,” Kai explained. “Because of the current negative image surrounding Altered Hunters, and all the protests that followed.” “They’re nearly nonexistent now. Which means… they need somewhere to go, and they need to make money somehow. Right? Maybe we can get those Altered to join us. They had some strong members.” Kai shrugged. “Anyway, Kanu’s retired. As for the others… well, it looks like they’re close to handing in their resignations anyway.” The White Rose was hanging by a thread. It wouldn’t have been a surprise if they had already been completely abandoned by their original organization and were now operating independently, just a private group doing what they could, driven purely by their own will. The world barely had a need for the White Rose anymore, or for the interference of Altered Hunters in general. Meanwhile, out in the open training fields, where there were basketball and tennis courts not too far off, Gary, Innu, Kevin, and Xin were gathered together. Gary had taken off his earring and transformed it into the great Warhammer, a weapon gifted to him by the Dark Guild. “You know,” Gary began, inspecting the weapon, “after learning that the Dark Guild was working with Lupus… I was wondering if this weapon itself might be a trap. But I think it’s safe to use.” “Is that why you haven’t used it until now?” Xin asked. Gary shook his head. “It’s not that. Most of my forms so far don’t really sync with this weapon. The Ash Lycan form and the Dragon form I use, they each have their own skill sets. They work best on their own.” 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺 He frowned thoughtfully. “I just couldn’t think of a way to properly utilize a hammer while in those forms.” “Then why are you trying to learn how to use it now?” Innu asked. “If you really don’t want to use it, you can give it to me. I love using beast weapons.” Innu grinned and extended his hand, attempting to lift the Warhammer using his telekinesis powers. But the weapon didn’t budge, not even a little, as Gary held it firmly in place. “Singy won’t even let me hold it,” Innu said, rolling onto his back in mock defeat. Gary chuckled. “Well, both of those forms eat up a lot of energy. I’ve been fighting a lot of dangerous people lately… but there were those like the Ironfangs too. They were incredibly strong because of their equipment.” He tightened his grip on the Warhammer. “If I learn to use this thing properly, then even in my regular Werewolf form, I’ll be strong. Maybe strong enough to rival my other forms.” He glanced at the others. “Each form comes with its own disadvantages. It’s good to have some versatility.” Gary swung the Warhammer experimentally, and even with his strength, the weapon nearly dragged him off balance. “It still feels a little awkward to use,” he admitted. “I’ve been training with it and getting better, but that’s why I called you, Innu. I was hoping you might have some ideas while I practice with Xin.” “Oh! I have an idea!” Kevin said, raising his hand enthusiastically. “Are you going to teach him how to use your powers?” Kevin’s eyes sparkled. “I mean, think about it. A Werewolf with telekinesis powers too? That’d make him even stronger.” Innu had been lying on the ground this whole time. Now, he finally sat up and looked at Gary. “Can you… even learn my powers?” Innu asked, holding out his own hands, glancing at them in curiosity. *** For updates on MWS and future works, please follow me on my social media below: Instagram: jksmanga *Patreon: jksmanga When news about MVS, MWS, or any other series comes out, you’ll see it there first. 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