We reached a small, abandoned coal mine in West Virginia within a forest. Due to an explosion that occurred in the nineteen hundreds, no one dared to come here.

  Using Gun-wo's report, the Mothman was last seen in the old coal house, while the Skinwalkers were in the forest.

  Our supervisor, Gun-wo faces us all, "Listen up kids, this is our first official mission as a team. I want you to know that I won't be overly strict with any of you. From tomorrow onwards I will be fulfilling my role as the supervisor and critically evaluating each of your performances. I cannot intervene, so you must depend on one another. You will be assessed in three categories: teamwork, kills, and tactics, with each category offering up to three stars. Happy hunting fellow hunters." he explained, making a gesture with his hands which caused a black fog to appear, covering the entire outside area.

  "Whatever happens, don't run away." He said as he walked out of the fog.

  I stood there in confusion, "What the hell is this?" I asked.

  Ren approached the fog and pressed his hand against it. "This is a barrier spell known as Whisper in the Fog. It can trap monsters ranging from A-rank to R-rank. The best part is that any destruction occurring inside will not be visible once the fog disappears." he explained.

  How fascinating, "I see, I am kind of relieved to hear that. Well, where should we start looking-" just then we heard something coming from behind a tree.

  "Come forth!" I summoned my sword as I looked in the direction of the monster.

  The three of us stood close together, vigilant for any sign of movement. "Should we split up?" Gabrielle asked.

  "No, the three of us should attack it together as soon as we locate it." Ren stated.

  It was faint, but I could see a deer staring at us from the distance, "Guys, there's a deer." I said, about to move closer when Gabrielle grabbed my robe.

  "Wait, let me test something." She said walking in front of me in the direction of the deer.

  Her body radiated a bright red aura as she began to juggle the ball in the air, saying, "Utility mode: Striker." With those words, she tapped the ball into the air, vanishing forward, and then delivered a kick that sent the ball soaring like a rocket toward the deer.

  I actually thought Gabrielle killed that deer, "That is a bit harsh." I said only seconds later the monster in question transformed into the skinwalker.

  It released a loud scream and multiple started to appear.

  Gabrielle clapped her hands and the ball reappeared at her feet. "I will handle them." she declared. With another strong kick, she blasted the ball towards one of them and I noticed she had been using her fingers to change the course of the ball to attack the others.

  She took out five skinwalkers in a matter of seconds, "Incredible." I said, looking amazed at her skills.

  Gabrielle flips hair out of her face and confidentially smiles, "Of course I am." Which made Ren roll his eyes.

  "Guys, it seems like there's more coming out of hiding." Multiple deers who were hiding behind a tree made us aware of their presence.

  Ren moved next to Gabrielle and opened his right palm towards the sky, "Ascend." Then suddenly a bolt of lightning struck his hand, to which a dagger green dagger was formed.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Ren turned to me and asked, "Xavier, are you okay with attacking the Mothman?"

  "Why me, aren't you guys more suited for that role?" I asked.

  "It's because we can't really predicate what that spirit can do. Depending on the type of demon Lezian is, we might die if we don't satisfy it. You are also stronger in terms of physical strength so you will have an easier time inside."

  He is right, I never truly used Lezian at all and I'm sure how they will react towards it. They haven't been going on a rampage like before but for how long will it last.

  I tried my hair into a short ponytail and looked towards the house, "I understand your concerns. I honestly wish I had more time to prepare for this mission but sadly I don't. So I will try and use the skills I have at my disposal to slay the beast." I declared.

  Before I was about to move, I felt Ren tracing something on my back, "Do your best. I don't want the only other person I consider a friend to die. NOW GO HUNT!"

  Without wasting time, I bolted towards the house after hearing Ren's signal. And I was faster than usual, did he do something to me.

  As I approached the house, I dolphin dive through the broken window and landed perfect on the floor. Looking left and right for any signs of that creature.

  There was a soft muffled noise coming from the basement and I quickly went to investigate. When I got there, I saw the beast sleeping soundly.

  While countless naked women were being held captive in their cages.

  Upon seeing me, I glimmer of hope arrived on their faces.

  Releasing them wouldn't be wise right now, first I need to draw them away.

  I was about to step down till it came to me, "This is far too easy." The captive behavior was just not of people but of animals.

  Immediately I felt Lezian came out and blocked the sneak attack from above, "Crafty little pest." I spun around and performed a roundhouse which had enough force to send it flying through the basement wall and to the living room.

  I looked back the girls weren't there. So it appears I fell for an illusion.

  I walked slowly towards it, remembering my Sergeant's words from five years ago, "If you don't behave, a monster will eat you." I paused, allowing Lezian to wrap around me.

  "You can't do that because you lack motivation. Perhaps this encounter will make you realize that there are far more dangerous monsters out there." I said with a condescending smile.

  The beast let out a roar, regaining its footing, and lunged at me.

  Lezian went and intervened in the Mothman attacks. Given that they had more arms compared to Mothman. It was unprepared for the onslaught of punches.

  After overwhelming it, Lezian tossed it towards me where I used the opportunity to dash towards it and bash my knee against its face.

  Following up I slashed its right hand and left arm off then left it on one leg. The Mothman dropped to its knees growling like a wounded animal.

  I placed my sword in its sheath and cracked my knuckles while breathing in and out.

  Lezian held the creature tightly, "Beat the bad monster, Xavier." They said.

  My eyes were laser-focused, and I delivered a barrage of punches to the beast's face until I felt satisfied. After the final right hook against the jaw, Lezian picked it up by the head and tossed it through the window.

  Lezian wrapped herself around my body and said, "You don't need anyone else besides us. Let's finish it together."

  I felt oddly comfortable with them wrapping themselves around my body, "Yeah." I unsheathed my sword and walked towards the wall.

  Once I reached it, Lezian punched most of the front wall to the ground.

  The Mothman attempted to flee, but its efforts were pointless.

  I was already behind it with my blade positioned to slice its head off. With a swift motion, I sliced its head off.

  Far up ahead Ren and Gabrielle came running towards us, "XAVIER! ARE YOU OKAY!" Shouted Ren.

  I showed the pair a thumbs up with a bright smile shouting, "OUR MISSION WAS A SUCCESS!"

  The two pairs began to celebrate after our first successful hunt.

  As the fog lifted, Gun-wo approached us, clapping his hands. "Excellent work, everyone. I have learned much about each of you and have tallied your points. Additionally, I've been authorized to assign new ranks that truly reflect your talents." he announced.

  He materialized before Gabrielle and announced, "You have accumulated a total of nine points, and your new rank is B."

  Overwhelmed, Gabrielle began to weep tears of joy.

  He stepped in front of Ren and declared, "You scored seven points. You'll remain a C rank." Ren was disappointed, leaving him vulnerable to Gabrielle's merciless teasing.

  I was the last one.

  Gun-wo chose to walk towards me, stopping right in front of me. "You scored a perfect ten... however, I simply don't like outsiders. You are an E-rank." he said with one irritating smile.