Gary was carefully observing Bree as she moved. As one of the Kings or Queens—he didn’t really know the correct term; it was just that all leaders were given titles as the Kings.
Either way, he watched her because there was a chance in the future that there might be conflict. Although Gary had no intention or strong ambition to take over or rule the country or countries, the words that Harvor spoke did ring true in his mind.
Because of others' ambition and his desire to protect the people of his town, he might end up clashing against all of the Kings, including the Bree family or the Dark Guild.
Which was why he was sure of it, he could see the Zodiac member ready to fight, even lifting up his leg to deliver a powerful kick.
‘It was in the instant she touched him, his eyes changed, they no longer looked alive… and now of all things, he’s fighting against the other Zodiacs!’ Gary thought.
‘Is it some type of mind control? That can’t be it, right? What Altered or beast would have the power to do such a thing? That doesn’t sound like a beast power but more like some type of superpower out of a book!’
Whatever the case was, Gary couldn’t deny what he was seeing. Quickly and confidently, Bree was moving forward to the next Zodiac member, with Roy running by her side.
The Zodiac Vico had run ahead, thinking Roy had betrayed them. Little wings on the back of his leg made him run at an incredible speed.
Seeing this, Bree had a large smile on her face, but before Vico could move several steps forward, the back of his shirt was pulled, and then the rest of his body had been yanked back onto the ground as well.
“When did he get in here? I didn’t even see him,” Xin said. Her Altered form was fast, especially when she used her elemental ability along with her transformed state.
This was at a similar speed but was almost silent, and the person in the ring looked like they hadn’t transformed at all.
“That’s Stanley,” Jayden spoke up. “He’s not an AFC fighter, but he’s always by Harvor’s side. I’ve been watching the One Gang for a while, but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him make a move himself.”
For a second, Gary was thinking the tides were turning with having Daphne on their side, but the One Gang were proving even more ferocious.
“You fool, do you not think?” Stanley said as he pulled Vico up and let go. “If you just attack, then you will be falling right into the enemy’s hands.”
“He’s right,” Harvor said, stepping slightly forward. “Everyone, stop using your Altered forms.”
At that moment, there was a scorn on Daphne’s face. Gary also noticed that her heartbeat had changed slightly.
‘Did Harvor figure something out?’ Gary thought.
“What?” Harvor said, looking at Daphne. “Did you think I wouldn’t do research into others? That I was that arrogant?”
“To be honest, I am more amazed that the rumors were true. Honestly, I can’t take all the credit—it was Stanley that actually figured it out.”
Stanley pushed his glasses back onto his nose; there was almost a smug look when his name had been mentioned.
“The fact that you seem to be able to control animals, and that isn’t limited to Altereds. However, the control seems to disappear when the Altered is knocked out and they have reverted back to their human form.”
“So I thought, well, what if everyone just didn’t transform—wouldn’t they be fine then?”
“A power to control Altereds!” Park said in amazement. “No wonder she’s able to be the top in so many countries… isn’t that like the biggest cheat ever!”
Gary started to wonder if the powers they were talking about were similar to what Innu was able to do.
When Innu came back, he had some type of telekinesis power with his axes, allowing him to throw them and return them to his hand.
From the little conversation he had with Innu, it wasn’t something that all Altered Hunters could do, but a power that he had learned.
“This is why you’re so dangerous as well, Harvor,” Daphne said. “I was honestly hoping I would be able to get a few of you before you figured it out, but now I only have one by my side.”
“But I can see it on your faces. Even though none of you are able to use your Altered forms, you’re still confident that you’re going to win this fight.”
“Ha!” Harvor laughed. “You should know that we Altereds are the strongest without even having the need to transform. I could take you all on without even using my Altered form.”
“Exactly,” Daphne replied. “You are probably the most difficult person in the world for me, which is why I have decided to roll the dice and gamble on this one.”
“I’m going to gamble that he will be the one to take you out.”
It was only then that Gary noticed that Daphne was now standing next to him, and the person she was speaking about was him as well.
“Quit your yapping!” Ylva shouted. “I came here for a rumble, so are we going to do this or not!”
Stanley clicked his fingers, and everyone moved forward, no longer transformed. Gary and his new allies were ready, and the fight had begun.
A fist was thrown at Ylva’s face, and she quickly dodged it. Throwing a punch back, it hit the man known as Terrance and spun him in the air.
He landed on the canvas but had quickly got back on his feet.
“What are you doing, green boy!” Ylva said. “That one that’s standing there is left for you, he’s not going to let us escape, and you need to stop holding back.”
“You’re not going to win this fight the way you are. While they can’t transform, this is the perfect chance to go wild.”
Gary understood what Ylva was saying, even though she was from another pack, and he decided it was the perfect time after all.
[Full transformation]