Chapter 1428: Claws and Command Claws and Command One of the battlegrounds where the Howlers clashed with the Lupus group was nestled in a forested section of the park. Although the entire park itself stretched far and wide, this particular forested area was relatively small in comparison. Still, it had been chosen with purpose, it offered just enough cover for strategic planning and ambush. For the Howlers, the forest granted the perfect terrain to gain the high ground, setting up concealed positions in the trees and rigging large tarps across branches to hide dangerous traps meant for unsuspecting werewolves. Some traps were deceptively simple, nothing but massive, camouflaged pits filled to the brim with Anti-Altered equipment and rows of sharpened blades waiting below. They might have looked primitive, even outdated, but that was exactly why they worked. Because the best traps weren’t about sophistication, they were about surprise. As the confident Lupus werewolves entered the forest, relying on their sharp noses and sensitive ears, they remained blissfully unaware of the danger that had already been laid out for them. They didn’t know what waited beneath their feet or above their heads until it was far too late. Even the trees had been rigged with specialized devices that would activate the moment a werewolf tried to scale them, launching spears, snapping wires, or worse. Despite the overwhelming strength of the enemy, the Howlers’ tactics and preparation were paying off. The infamous White Rose unit was holding the line well, until the tide began to shift. From a high branch in the distance, two figures landed, Sadie and Frank. Perched like hawks, they scanned the chaos below. Their eyes locked onto a particular sight: a lean, muscular werewolf with an iron mask covering its face, currently going head-to-head with Kanu. Most of the werewolves they had encountered so far relied on sheer brutality, lunging, biting, clawing, and overwhelming opponents with raw power. But this one… this one moved differently. “This guy’s not like the others,” Frank muttered. “Do we help him?” he asked. Sadie’s gaze remained sharp, focused. “Right now, others need us more.” With that, she kicked off from the branch with such force that it cracked beneath her. Her body twisted mid-air, wings spread, and moments later she crashed into a werewolf climbing one of the nearby trees, knocking it off balance and protecting one of their fellow Howlers. Both she and Frank had become far more active. With Kanu now locked in battle against the Iron-Masked Werewolf, more enemies were slipping through the traps and overwhelming the rest of their team. The masked werewolf was fast, alarmingly so. Its claws slashed through the air, delivering two sharp swipes at Kanu. The veteran Altered blocked just in time, and saw his chance. With a mighty roar, Kanu swung downward with his massive clawed hand. But the werewolf was ready. It raised a single arm and, shockingly, blocked the powerful blow with ease. Then, with a counter-punch, it drove its fist deep into Kanu’s stomach. A shockwave rippled through Kanu’s body, the sheer impact causing his muscles to tremble. He was flung backward, crashing hard against the earth. The iron-masked figure stepped forward to finish the job, but Kanu reacted quickly. Opening his mouth, he unleashed a sharp jet of water that blasted into the werewolf’s chest. The unexpected force startled the creature, forcing it to stagger backward. The stream of water was strong, just as powerful as a punch from a trained fighter, slamming directly into its face. ‘I can’t even remember the last time I had to use the elemental powers of my Altered form,’ Kanu thought, still panting. ‘That alone tells me how dangerous this opponent is.’ Could this be one of the Ironfangs, the elite fighters they had been warned about? Maybe the iron mask wasn’t just for show. Maybe it was enhancing his strength somehow. Kanu could tell, this werewolf was strong. Strong enough to block his full-powered swing with a single arm. Not many Altered could do that. But it wasn’t just the strength that was concerning. It was the technique. This werewolf knew how to fight, he could block and counter in one smooth motion, showing both experience and confidence. Even though they had only clashed for a short time, Kanu felt a sinking realization settle in his gut. He might be facing someone better than him. Kanu had seen his fair share of battles. As a member of White Rose, he had fought against some of the toughest opponents the world had to offer. But as he rose through the ranks, those front-line fights had become fewer and farther between. And now… it felt like that gap in experience was catching up to him. ‘Just how much experience does this guy have?!’ The masked werewolf rushed forward again, leaping into the air and launching a devastating flying kick. Kanu raised both arms to block it, the sheer force pushing him backward. As he stumbled, something gripped his leg. The werewolf had already landed, crouched low, and yanked hard, pulling Kanu off his feet and slamming him to the ground. “Get away from him!” Elijah roared. Charging in, his arm morphed into solid rock as he threw a punch aimed straight at the werewolf. But the blow never landed. In a blur of motion, the werewolf grabbed Elijah’s arm mid-swing. Then, with its free claw, it swiped upward, tearing Elijah’s arm clean off. Blood splattered in the air, the gruesome scene freezing time for a moment. But Elijah didn’t go down, he quickly transformed the severed stump into hardened rock, sealing the wound and stopping the bleeding. Even so, the shock on his face said everything. He stared in disbelief at his own arm lying on the ground. Before anyone could react, multiple jets of water came flying past Elijah, striking toward the werewolf. Despite the sudden barrage, the creature twisted and dodged, narrowly avoiding every stream. Elijah moved to strike again, but before he could, Kanu reached out and shoved him away, throwing him behind with brute strength. Elijah flew across the ground, and the punch meant for the werewolf ended up slamming into Kanu’s own chest instead. The impact was brutal. Cracks formed in his toughened exterior, and blood poured from his mouth. Still, Kanu held on. Opening his mouth once more, he summoned every ounce of power left in him. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢 A steady stream of red water shot forward like a pressurized torrent, hammering into the werewolf and pushing him back until he crashed violently into the base of a thick tree. As the creature slumped, Kanu’s body trembled. Blood trickled from both corners of his mouth. “Everyone… retreat,” Kanu ordered through gritted teeth, barely able to stand. “Head to the location. Now!” **** Stay Updated For the latest on My Werewolf System and upcoming series, be sure to follow me on: Instagram: @jksmanga *Patreon: jksmanga You’ll get the first look at new chapters, behind-the-scenes updates, and a chance to reach out directly. I do my best to reply whenever I can!