Chapter 1384: A New Meeting (Part 1)
Lupus was trying to settle as much as he could before the full moon arrived.
Though his pack didn’t suffer from forced transformations like some of the others, and they weren’t in a deteriorating state either, the full moon still acted as a crucial turning point, a marker. A symbolic reset. And for Lupus, it meant it was time to look ahead and decide how they would move forward once the night had passed.
Garlark had gone to retrieve him, and now Lupus was heading to the dining room. When he finally arrived, he pushed open the heavy wooden door and found three men already seated around the table.
They were dressed in sleek black attire, clothing that looked like leather armor from a bygone era, worn with an air of purpose and danger. It wasn’t the type of gear one stumbled across; it belonged to those who walked between shadows.
“It’s been a while since we last met,” Lupus said with a casual smile as he took a seat.
“The Dark Guild is always happy to extend its hand,” the man in the center replied, placing a hand over his chest and bowing respectfully before sitting down again.
“We received your request regarding the sourcing of more beast weapons,” the man continued. “We’ve brought with us what we could. Some of the items are unfinished, you’ll need to make the final adjustments yourselves.”
He gave a small nod toward the satchel at his feet, which held sealed cases, no doubt with dangerous tools inside.
“It’s a shame,” the man added, “that the old records speak of Werewolves once being legendary forgers. If your people could rediscover that knowledge and unite, we could create weapons of unimaginable power.”
“Indeed,” Lupus said, placing both hands on the table, his fingers slightly curled. “It’s a lost art for us now. I’ve experimented myself, and there are others among us who are better, but we lack the traditions, the secrets passed down through generations. Still, whatever we can learn and salvage, it’ll help shape the future.”
He paused briefly, then met the man’s gaze with intensity.
“I assume this isn’t just a courtesy visit, though. You’re here to ask about my decision, why I requested you not to attack the Howlers.”
Their relationship had always been a quiet one, shadowed and unspoken, built on favors and mutual goals. The Dark Guild rarely made unannounced visits, so the appearance of their leader in person meant something serious had changed.
“You’re right,” the man replied. “But I don’t question your decision.”
He leaned back, his tone light but firm.
“If anything, I’m pleased. This situation gives us an opportunity, to build something mutual, something real. Protection works better when it’s a two-way street.”
Lupus raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying someone’s been giving you trouble?”
The man let out a quiet laugh. “The better question is, when haven’t they?”
He looked down at the table briefly before continuing.
“The Settlement has always taken an interest in us. Even before they knew about our ties to you, they poked and prodded, trying to tear us apart. What makes it worse is they never use their full strength, just enough to keep us off balance.”
“This time, though… I think they might strike for real.”
Lupus didn’t hesitate. “If they do, we’ll back you. That was always part of the agreement. But tell me, do you really think the Dark Guild can handle an all-out assault?”
The man folded his hands calmly.
“If they came at us with everything they had, no. We wouldn’t stand a chance,” he said. “But… we’ve prepared a few surprises.”
As he spoke, a subtle surge of energy gathered around him, swirling like a contained storm. Even Lupus could feel it, dense, dangerous. The man clenched his fist, and the air shimmered for a moment.
Members of the Dark Guild didn’t rely on brute force or Altered power. They wielded Qi, an energy ancient and raw. It was how they managed to forge beast weapons. It was how they’d positioned themselves among the kings despite not being Altered themselves.
That, and their unpredictability, made others think twice before crossing them.
“You humans are the most annoying creatures I know,” Lupus said, smirking. “And I mean that in a good way.”
The man gave a quiet chuckle and twirled his finger in the air.
“We have a few more tricks waiting for them, just in case,” he said, raising his index finger and thumb. A blue spark crackled between them, pulsing with unnatural light.
“Have you been discovering more of them?” Lupus asked. “The ones with powers? The last person you passed along to us proved… quite useful.”
“They’re rarer than beast crystals or Altered right now,” the man replied, letting the spark fade. “And I imagine most of them, if they knew what they were, would hide it or keep it to themselves. Still… it makes you wonder why they’re popping up now, doesn’t it?”
His voice turned thoughtful.
“I always believed magic was a lost art. But this? This feels like something else entirely. A shift in the body, maybe. I’m not a scientist, but perhaps the folks at NIRV could piece it together. Regardless, I came here today to confirm something for myself, whether it’s true that you want to work with the Howlers.”
The man rose from his seat, his coat falling neatly into place.
“I think this alliance is best for all of us moving forward. Maybe now, with all of us together, we can finally break free from the hidden strings they’ve used to control everything.”
He gave a formal bow, as did the two men flanking him.
“I wish you luck. I’ll be watching closely on the night of the full moon.”
As the Dark Guild slipped away into the hallway’s shadow, Lupus sat alone in silence, tapping a finger on the wooden table.
A change… That’s what you always wanted, brother. Maybe this time, we can make it happen.
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